Ravi Nitesh
Hoisting of flag is related to nation's pride however establishing peace and harmony among the people is the national duty.
Flag hoisting at Lal Chowk seems to be a political motivated decision rather than patriotic. Flag hoisting may create dissatisfaction and may result in violence.
January 26 is the occasion where anywhere in India people, individual groups and party hoist the flag. J&K is annexed to India under a special status and enjoys a special position in Indian Constitution. The deployment of forces is there to prevent the law and order situation. Some are raising voice for autonomy; some questions its legal status as an integral part of India. The people of the State are not satisfied and on many occasions they have expressed it. In the given situation, the need is to establish peace. This was the intention of sending interlocutors to the state. They have been sent to formulate strategies, discuss the people’s demands and to ensure that the people of state are enjoying the same freedom as the people in other state of India do.
At the same time if some political groups are playing partisan politics and raising slogans to hoist tricolour at Lal Chowk, is nothing but foolishness.
It is true that flag hoisting will take place at many places in Srinagar, so what if it doesn’t happen at Lal Chowk, Is it necessary to hoist the flag at Lal Chowk? Can't we avoid this issue for the general good of the people and to maintain the public law and order besides not undone the good work done by interlocutors?
At CNN IBN General V P Malik words: "BJP should call off tiranga yatra. Let’s stop inciting violence. Patriotism isn't about a political yatra to unfurl a tricolor at Lal Chowk but standing at sub-zero temperature at Siachen."
Patriotism never comes by hoisting flag; instead the respect for the feelings of others is more important and humanistic. If any group wants to show its patriotism, then it should study the difficulties of people living in Kashmir, these people should offer voluntary services to develop the state on modern lines.
Author resides in New Delhi and is a petroleum engineer, social activist, and blogger. He tweets at www.twitter.com/ravinitesh.
(http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/politics-or-pride-5675.aspx)
