Kashmir, located in the Himalayan mountains, to the north-west of India, is much touted as the "Switzerland of the East" with its beautiful valleys and lakes backdropped against the snowy peaks of the Himalayan range. During the British reign, it served as their retreat during the hot summers. Eventually, it became a popular tourist destination with many flocking and roaming around its verdant valleys, beautiful gardens and staying on houseboats bobbing gently on the serene Dal Lake.
About 12 million people live in Kashmir, of which about 70% are Muslims. The rest includes the Hindus, Sikhs and the Buddhists. Most of the Kashmiri people work on farms and in cottage industries making carpets, shawls and rugs.
The independence of India from the British in 1947 resulted in the country being proportioned between Pakistan and India. And this was the cause of chaos and much bloodshed for years to come. In the last 11 years or so, Kashmir, the Paradise on Earth, descended to a hellish place as the militants started their war against Indian rule. Allegedly, supported by Pakistan, the militants initiated rampant bombings and killings. The Indian army was quick to retaliate with its own range of blood-letting.
And the losers were the Kashmiri people. The tourists disappeared in no time, the houseboats were empty, the economy floundered and the locals lost many of their kins to the bombings and indiscrimate killings. Blood flowed in the streets whenever bombs exploded in crowded markets. All this, while both warring sides executed their mayhem, masterminded by ruthless chiefs who live in peace far from this hellish scene.
It is time to return peace to the people of Kashmir; it is time to allow the young Kashmiri children to enjoy their childhood for what it should be; it is time for parents not to worry about their brood exploding into pieces on their way home; it is time for tourists to return and turn this valley once again to a much sought place to visit.
And let's hope that the Kashmiri people will no longer allow their homeland to be hijacked by crafty and shifty militants and politicians for their own selfish aims. And about time for both opposing sides to lay off their hands from this beautiful mountainous paradise.
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