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.§A mother sings a lullaby.In the moonlightstars sparkleover the Jhelum.A father walks outsideto lock the gate.And looks across the bundon to the silent river,black as night.Footsteps in the darkStomp, crushTar and leavesDry as paper.Where are they headed?He wondersand hurries back inside.The night becomes darker.Even stars hideas boots approach.They march.Through the town,Boy soldiersToy soldiers.Wielding guns and grenadesandtheir swagger.Rap. Tap. Rap. TapThe teachers houseHis father’s houseThe doctor’s houseHis mother’s house.His brother’s houseA traitor’s house.Wind carries over the dark river.And rustles throughthe still of night.His silent screamreaches their ears.Whose side are you on?Speak!The country waits.Our leader waits.Blood will flowon our side and theirs.The poem first appeared on Maya Mirchandani’s website. Read the original here.
