Letter to Editor
26/04/2025
To,
The Editor,
JOURNEY LINE Newspaper
Subject: An Appeal to Stand by the People of Kashmir
Sir,
I write this letter not out of any vested interest, nor in an attempt to be politically correct. My only motivation is to share my personal experience and to appeal to the conscience of my fellow countrymen regarding the situation in Kashmir.
Having spent 14 days in Kashmir last year, I feel compelled to say, with folded hands, that we must not desert the people of Kashmir or leave "our Kashmir" alone in these trying times. I assure you all that I am ready and willing to return to Kashmir, and I promise myself that I will do so at the earliest opportunity.
It is crucial to understand that the very aim of Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks is to reignite fear among tourists and disrupt the return of peace. I know it is easier said than done, but I sincerely urge everyone to refrain from reducing this issue to a Hindu-Muslim divide. This is not a communal problem; it is about gaining control over Kashmir through proxies of the Pakistani military.
Let us not forget that thousands of Hindu tourists have been protected by local Muslims in Kashmir. I have personally experienced the unmatched hospitality and warmth of the Kashmiri people, and I can say with full honesty that the culture of 'Kashmiriyat' is unique and precious. Let us work to preserve this 'Kashmiriyat' and resist the urge to criticize the local population due to the actions of a few.
Our real adversary is the military establishment across the border, not the ordinary people of Kashmir. I am aware that my words may invite criticism, but I must emphasize: do not judge the entire population by the misdeeds of a few. After all, when the 26/11 attacks happened in Mumbai, no one blamed the entire city. In the same way, let us not paint all Kashmiris with the same brush.
The Government of India has painstakingly built the confidence of the local Kashmiri population, brick by brick. We must not allow this trust to be eroded, lest we inadvertently play into the hands of those who wish to destabilize Kashmir.
For the first time, we have seen shops across the entire state closed in solidarity with the victims of violence - a clear sign of unity and compassion among the people. This is our Kashmir, my Kashmir, and I urge everyone to have faith and stand by its people in their hour of need.
Let us safeguard the spirit of Kashmiriyat and avoid criticism of the local population. Our unity is our strength.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Bashir Ahmed Khan
Ex Addl. Advocate General,
J&K High Court
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