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Identity Card is Identity of Kashmiris

By Fayaz Wani

As Indian security personnel deployed in the restive Kashmir Valley have intensified their combing and search operations in the wake of approaching Indian Independence Day, Identity Cards earn added importance.

The identity card is the identity of the Kashmiri people in their homeland. Without carrying an identity card, they are bound to land in prison or a detention centre.

A youth from North Kashmir, who was frisked by a para-military soldier in Lal Chowk, said, "I am studying in Kashmir University and the University has issued a card to me. I never forget to carry my identity card. I know if I miss it someday, I would land in the lock-up", he said.

Indian security personnel deployed in every nook and corner to prevent militants from carrying out attacks on India's Independence Day conduct random frisking of people in the summer capital and other parts of the Valley. After thoroughly searching the person, the soldiers demand an identity card and after proper screening of the identity card, the person is allowed to move ahead. "In case a person fails to show an identity card, there is no certainty that he would reach home back in the evening", an elderly person, Abdul Rehman said.

A retired teacher, Ghulam Hassan said that it is strange that Kashmiris have to produce identity cards to prove their identity in their own home land. "It is unfortunate and shameful for the people of Kashmir. When the question mark looms on the identity of a Kashmiri in his homeland, the fate of Kashmiri people putting up in different parts of India, can only be imagined", he added.

Sensing the importance of carrying identity cards, parents in Kashmir have adjusted to the new situation and make sure that their wards carry the identity cards with them, before leaving their home. "My parents remind me about the identity card when I am about to leave home for my work place. Several times, I had forgotten the card in my room but my parents reminded me and saved me from facing the ugly situation", said a banker, Riyaz Ahmad.

"One can forget to eat in Kashmir, but not forget carrying his identity card", said another youth, Javaid Ahmad. "I have grown up in the turmoil and now before leaving my residence for my college, I make it sure that I carry the identity card".

An Indian para-military soldier, who was frisking and checking identity cards of people in the summer capital, Srinagar told Newsblaze, "I have got clear cut instructions from my superiors to check the identity cards of people. Checking identity cards of people ensures that the movement of foreign militants is restricted and they are not allowed a free run".

He said whenever he feels something dubious in identity card, he holds back the person and after thorough investigations, either that person is let-off or retained for further questioning. "Checking identity cards of people is a must to prevent militants from moving freely", he added.

The checking of Kashmiri identity cards by Indian soldiers has been repeatedly criticized by the separatist and pro-Indian groups. Terming it "humiliation for the Kashmiris", the Kashmiri groups demand that the practice be done away with. But despite their reservations and observations, the checking of identity cards of a Kashmiri to prove his identity in his own homeland carries on unabated.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.