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| Clash between obscurantism and modernity discernible in suppressed valley | | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | May 23
A new controversy and confrontation is brewing in the Kashmir valley. This time it is not between the separatists and the administration or between the hardliners and the moderates. But the confrontation surfacing in the suppressed atmosphere of the valley has been between the obscurantist and the liberals. Despite the talks of boycott calls being given by the orthodox and obscurantist sections of the secessionists as well as some Islamic fundamentalist militant groups, against any sort of cultural activity in Kashmir, the constituency of music, art and culture lovers is growing fast among the youth in Kashmir. Even though the obscurantist and hardliner like Ali Shaw Geelani, Aishya Andrabi and even Chairman of United Jehad Council of militants Syed Salahuddin, who is headquartered in Pak occupied Kashmir, have sharply criticized the visit to Kashmir of Pakistani Rock Band Junoon, a large number of youth in the valley are eagerly waiting to avail of the opportunity to listen to the Soofiana music to be played by the visiting Pak Rock Band group.
The visit of the Pakistani musicians for performance in the Kashmir University synchronizes with the five day visit of President of India to the state. The secessionists and hardliners who have upped their ante against any bonhomie between India and Pakistan are interpreting the visit of the Pakistani music group to Kashmir being aimed at diverting the attention of Kashmiris from the ongoing movement for libration as well as corrupting the minds of the youth by imbibing in them liking and love for western types of music and culture. The more extremist and obscurantist even describe performance of any sort of music or any show associated with culture as anti Islamic. The UJC Chairman Salahuddin has even asked the Pakistan government to desist from sending the cultural group to Kashmir, on the plea that India would exploit their presence and performance in Kashmir as a proof that people at large are reconciled with the status quo over Kashmir. Particularly with heads of various SAARC nations visiting the valley these days, who will be entertained by the Pakistani music group will tantamount to recognition of the present constitutional status of J&K as part of India. Acting in tandem with Salahuddin, Sayeed Ali Shaw Geelani has taken still harder line and has given call for shut down of Kashmir valley on the occasion of the visit of President of India, Pratibha Patil, who is scheduled to address a gathering in the Kashmir University campus, where will also be given the performance by the Pakistani Junoon group. The presence of Heads of some SAARC countries on the occasion particularly irks Geelani, who complains that even the visit of these dignitaries, who otherwise subscribe to the theory of Kashmir being a disputed territory, to be exploited by the government of India of their recognition of Kashmir's present status under India.
Nevertheless the visit and performance of the Pakistani Rock Band Junoon is being considered a great event and a rare opportunity by the Kashmiri youth and particularly the lovers of music and dance among the youth as well as the elderly persons. In an allied development a very good response received by the Zee talent hunt for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, with over a thousand aspirants participating in the selection process held at Srinagar recently, demonstrates the craze among the Kashmiri youth to hunt for new avenues of making their careers in the fields, which are a taboo in the conservative society of Kashmir. It were not only a large number of boys who came forward to appear and participate in the selection process but the presence of some girls quite encouraged the organizers of the talent search program. Many youth in Kashmir hold Qazi Toseer, who was selected earlier as the final winner in the Gurukul competition organized by Sony TV channel and who has made a mark in the world of music and art in the country, as their icon and would like to follow his footsteps.
Notwithstanding a concerted campaign and movement launched by the orthodox and extremist among the secessionists in Kashmir against modernity in any form in Kashmir, with some groups even prescribing the dress code for the girls and invariably imposing ban on beauty parlours, videos, cyber cafes, with a good number of girls becoming victims of the crude attacks by those trying to enforce orthodox way of living on the society, the craze for all types of modernity is growing fast in the valley. Although in view of the fear of reprisal from the fundamentalists no loud voice against their authoritarian way to impose their will on the others is being raised, yet an under current of resentment and resistance against keeping the Kashmiris clinging to the medieval ages and blocking all the paths for their progress, is simmering among a large number of youth. |
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