As India celebrates its 73rd Independence Day, Jammu and Kashmir – no longer a state – is in an unprecedented 11th day of a communications blackout. A Central decision to scrape its special status has given rise to heightened military presence in the region. That, coupled with reports of rampant detentions of youth by security forces and widespread anger in the Valley, has enforced the belief among many mainlanders that Jammu and Kashmir’s sufferings are deep. The following poem is a reflection of the relentless anxiety, pain and hardship the region has gone through and continues to, even today.
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A mother sings a lullaby.
In the moonlight
stars sparkle
over the Jhelum.
A father walks outside
to lock the gate.
And looks across the bund
on to the silent river,
black as night.
Footsteps in the dark
Stomp, crush
Tar and leaves
Dry as paper.
Where are they headed?
He wonders
and hurries back inside.
The night becomes darker.
Even stars hide
as boots approach.
They march.
Through the town,
Boy soldiers
Toy soldiers.
Wielding guns and grenades
and
their swagger.
Rap. Tap. Rap. Tap
The teachers house
His father’s house
The doctor’s house
His mother’s house.
His brother’s house
A traitor’s house.
Wind carries over the dark river.
And rustles through
the still of night.
His silent scream
reaches their ears.
Whose side are you on?
Speak!
The country waits.
Our leader waits.
Blood will flow
on our side and theirs.
The poem first appeared on Maya Mirchandani’s website. Read the original here.
