The UNSEEN...

Do you know how paradise looks?

What would you answer? 

You may say it is the most beautiful place. A place where there is abundance of everything. A place where there is unending light. Where only happiness prevails. A place we would all run and go to. You may say that paradise is a place as white as snow. 

I'd say the paradise is RED!

"We are thinking about different places" you may argue. 

But, I know you thought of Kashmir; the moment you read the word Paradise.

The truth is, the place and people have seen things that you and I may have not even imagined possible in a heavenly place. 

It is the most beautiful place with the worst incidents of violence. It is where people encountered scarcity of food, shelter, education and health. It's a place where darkness of fear ruled the air. It is where deaths of kin could not be grieved (murders and killings happened so frequently). 

It is a place where rightful residents were driven away to live in camps deserted by the system, the government, the country, by people like you and I. It is a place that is red, soaked with the blood of those who started and built their lives there. 

I watched Kashmir Files last night. Things I viewed on the large screen in front of me, were Unseen, Unheard and Untold. We have always known that situation in Kashmir has been very challenging. People make daily efforts to lead a normal life while the Armed forces have tried to maintain peace and order. What new could there be that we do not know? I thought while heading towards the screen. The facts, the truth and the real history has jolted my soul in an unthinkable way. 

Two main reasons why I recommend watching it.

• To know about the genuine problems that beset the valley. 
• To witness stellar performances by Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty and fine storytelling by director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri.

Kashmir has always been on India's map. However, it never existed in the policies of the government, or the minds and hearts of Indians per se. Why just Kashmir? I have seen so many north east Indians scattering to different parts of the country looking for a better life. They are treated just the same way, like outsiders.

We are the most diversified country in every manner that one can imagine. Yet, we fail to embrace and accept those who are as much a part of India as you and I. Why do we turn a blind eye towards our people? Just because they look different or talk differently or dress differently? 

We are welcomed wholeheartedly and with so much warmth as tourists in these very places. But they are humiliated, discriminated and typecasted (exact opposite way).

Isn't this a form of suppression?

Isn't this murder of the Rights mentioned in the Indian Constitution? 

I'd say this is a silent and non violent form of torture. One that such people go through everyday. I can not put enough in words here but if you ever meet a Kashmiri, a North Indian, you will have a better picture.

So let us all pledge to be unbiased towards every Indian irrespective of their place, language or culture. Let us strive to be an all inclusive India. Let us welcome every Indian with open arms and extend a helping hand. Let us discourage harrasment. Let us not repulse our betheren anymore. Let us be seen as one country worldwide and that will be depict our unity!

The life we have is not just a gift. It's a blessing! Let's not make it a curse for anyone else.

CHEERS!

GOD BLESS!! 

CHS