Shri Manoj Sinha releases the third book by KZINE Editor-in-Chief Mr. Bashir Assad titled Kashmir: The War Of Narratives
The straightforward articulation by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on August 21 about the new realities of Kashmir made national headlines. The Hon’ble LG was speaking at the launch of the third book by Mr Bashir Assad, Editor-in-Chief KZINE, titled Kashmir: The War Of Narratives. Addressing the audience at the book launch organized at India International Centre, Shri Sinha said, “If Pakistan attempts to shut down Kashmir using the force of the gun, then what is wrong if we use the stick to counter it?”
There is now a fine line that is operational in J&K about what is acceptable in the interest of the people, and what is not acceptable. “I believe this should be very clear that this is the fine line and nobody is allowed to cross it. Till the time I am there, this will stay. There will be no compromise,” the Hon’ble LG said
Mr. Altaf Bukhari, President of the J&K Apni Party, also attended the book launch event. The Hon’ble LG said that there is now a fine line that is operational in J&K about what is acceptable in the interest of the people, and what is not acceptable. “I believe this should be very clear that this is the fine line and nobody is allowed to cross it. Till the time I am there, this will stay. There will be no compromise,” he emphasized.
The Hon’ble LG added that globally, there is an attempt to create false and damaging narratives regarding Kashmir by some self-proclaimed experts. “We need to get out of these misconceptions. We need to focus on what is good for the people and how their lives can be made better,” said the Hob’ble LG. “The youth must not look towards only the state as a job-provider. They must become entrepreneurs and create employment for all,” he said. The Hon’ble LG also focused upon women’s entrepreneurship, and on creating the workforce required by the industry.
‘I Wish The Book Is A Bestseller’
“We are lagging behind our adversaries in creating a narrative which can reach the common masses. That is where we have failed. That is one of the areas we have to focus on”Regarding the book by Mr Bashir Assad, the Hon’ble LG said that the book highlights how misconceptions are spread and how people are misled. The book reveals the working of the propaganda machinery which is set upon damaging Kashmir. “Kashmir also has a large number of people who want to work hard. They want to change the destiny of Kashmir.” The Hon’ble LG congratulated Mr Assad for his third book. “Mr Assad is part of the tribe of journalists whose feet and ears are rooted to the ground. People must read what he has written. I wish that the book is a bestseller,” said the Hon’ble LG.
We Need To Create Popular Narrative For Common Masses
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Assad said that we are lagging behind our adversaries in creating a narrative which can reach the common masses. “That is where we have failed. That is one of the areas we have to focus on,” said Mr Assad.
Mr Assad appreciated the work being done by the Hon’ble LG for the welfare of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. “The Hon’ble LG is doing a commendable job. For the first time, historical things are happening in Kashmir. But minds have been poisoned here. People go about their normal, daily routines. They participate in the activities they want to. But if someone comes to them with a camera, their instant response is: Jenab, kitna zulm hai! You are doing everything you want to, but in the mind, these words have stuck. We need to examine what we need to do to change the mindset in Kashmir. I have tried to address this challenge we face and suggest solutions. I hope that we can have a roadmap to deal with this problem in our collective psyche,” said Mr Assad.
Empower The Women
Ms Ambreen Zaidi, noted columnist and the Founder of an organisation called The Changemakers, spoke of her work in Kashmir with widows of the soldiers of Kashmir region. She said that during her work and visits she realised that mothers are the driving force of the society. Ms Zaidi highlighted that the government must invest more in the mothers of Kashmir to lead the society in the right direction.
“We should empower women and make them aware of the red flags. If any mother finds her child getting into unusual activities, she can caution the child. Mothers can make children aware of the immense opportunities available in education. They can make them aware of national and international scholarships, business and entrepreneurship models supported by the government and also various competitive exams. In this way, mothers can empower the children to play a big role in nation building and not take up the path of terror,” she said. In a lighter vein, Ms Zaidi urged Mr Bashir Assad that his fourth book must focus on Madr-e-Kashmir. Ms Zaidi also moderated the book launch event. The book was released by Hon’ble LG Shri Manoj Sinha, Mr Altaf Bukhari, Ms Ambreen Zaidi, Ms Renu Kaul, owner of Vitasta Publications and Mr Bashir Assad
