THE Shia community taking out Muharram procession in Srinagar after a gap of more than three decades comes as a fresh pointer of the situation improving in Kashmir Valley since the abrogation of Article 370. The administration has been right in attributing credit for this improvement to the people of Kashmir, who are consciously making efforts to create atmosphere conducive to openness. The significance of Shia community taking out Muharram procession can be understood from the fact that this community felt that they were the victims of Sunni majoritarianism, especially since the terrorism became more proclaimed in Kashmir Valley in 1990s. Sectarian violence is not new to Shias and Sunnis the world over. May it be Iraq, where militias from both the groups vied for control after the US action against Saddam Hussein, or Pakistan or Kashmir Valley. With regard to Kashmir, however, radicalisation impacted the Sunnis more than it did in case of the Shias. As a result, radicals among Sunnis treat Shias as ‘supporters of India’ and often accuse them of not being vocal in favour Kashmir secessionism, which has been sponsored by Pakistan. This dimension of religious rivarly weighed upon the Shia community in Kashmir Valley.

 

To save themselves from the ire of radicals among Sunnis, who constituted most of the Pakistan-backed terrorists, the Shias also resorted to protests and demonstrations but in a ‘friendly manner’. For this, the terrorists even branded many of the Shia community members as ‘informers for Indian forces’. Despite all this, the Shias stayed on. Demographically they are represented better in areas like Budgam and some urban settings, but the Sunnis dominate the rural parts. Still, the Shias have been the co-operative ones as far as developmental initiatives are concerned. However, for the fear of sectarian violence, they were unable to take out Muharram procession for more than three decades. Against this backdrop, it is indeed a positive step that the establishment has allowed them to take out Muharram procession. Obviously, since the security forces cannot let the guard down, adequate security arrangements were made. But, this particular development since the abrogation of Article 370 brings to fore non-religious dimension of the New Kashmir story too. The Shias taking out Muharram procession indicates that the situation is returning to normalcy to the extent that diverse religious groups can observe important occasions. This also brings to fore the collaborative bond between the administration and the people of Kashmir. Though this is the fresh pointer of improving situation in Kashmir Valley, some more indications of positivity building up have been there. For instance, massive push to infrastructure development since abrogation of Article 370 has exposed the quarters who have been putting unnecessary fears in the minds of people. There is a renewed boost to tourism, trade, cultural exchange, education, employment generation. The impact of all these is becoming visible. More and more people are realising the benefits of development in improving the standard of living.

 

The more recent development of opening of cinema halls after several years also will play its role in due course of time. The sky has never been so clear over Kashmir Valley. Of course, in days to come, the aspirations of people in Kashmir are going to grow. They will seek more opportunities. With the kind of positivity around, they will look out for making their mark in various domains -- from Government service to sports to films to literature to science and technology. India awaits their positive contributions to realise national objectives. The Shias are very much a part of this rising Kashmir, just as Sunnis, and all other communities including the Kashmiri Pandits. Their coming together for constructive causes will, indeed, change the perception about Kashmir Valley from being a disturbed area to a developing paradise. For, harmony among various groups is the biggest weapon to defeat the radicals and terrorists. Of course, the Government of India is actively creating conducive atmosphere in this regard. Indians of all ilk are wholeheartedly with the New Kashmir. They are waiting for more such positive pointers.