Off-spinner Parvez Rasool on Sunday
became the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India in a
One-Day International when he took the field against Bangladesh in the
series-opener! This calls for a reality check on how much the rest of the nation
been receptive to the call of "Inclusiveness" when it comes to the
region the talented cricketer represents.
(Copyright: AP)
Before the celebrations/hype begin,
let's look at some socio-political-historical-sports’ facts first,
- When was the Instrument of Accession
signed? About 65 years ago!
- Since when Indian Cricket team
playing tests? About 83 years!
- In terms of share, representation of
J&K in all sports? Probably, 0.0001%
- How many regions have so far been
represented by the Indian Cricket team? All but one (till yesterday)! Which
One? Our beloved J&K!
Also,
-Everyday, scores of youth are
implicated falsely on terror-related charges.
-They are picked up, locked in a jail,
beaten, tortured and (mostly!) killed in custody. Their bodies are never to be
found. (All because of a draconian law in the region - Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), giving the
army a free hand to do whatever they want, with impunity)
- In the lieu of investigation, their
kin and kith (including the other sex) too get dragged into hell!
Despite all this crap, we say Kashmir's
an Integral part of the nation! The valley has got used to bloodshed only
because the centre hasn't been proactive in understanding the real needs of the
region. Until, we make them a party to our success by giving them the right
amount (say, on a pro rata basis) of opportunities (like the lucky Rasool), the
kashmir issue will never be solved.
Last but not the least, actions speak
louder than words. So rather than shedding crocodile tears and making some
empty promises, our leaders should work for the welfare of the neglected region
and its people. Besides repealing AFSPA, imparting skills to the youth and
giving them a Rasool-like "representing India" opportunity, can work
wonders. It's great that Rasool got a chance but it has taken a lot of time (enough
to alienate some brothers and sisters). So, to make amends the numbers need to
be substantive. Just one won't count! At least, not for long.
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