Sir,
To collect public amnesia around the memory of partition, to commemorate it during its 70th anniversary falling on 15 August 2017, preparations need to be made, particularly in J&K where the wounds inflicted by it have not yet healed and their pain persists for the reasons resonating each day almost everywhere. While speaking to persons affected by partition, I get the sense that the historical stories of our un-pleasant past may be lost forever. Personal witness account of it will lend an insight into an event of great historical significance that caused irreparable damage to millions including us, who are left behind to feel the pain. Those who crossed the borders with their loved ones perishing on the way and somehow reached new abode, or those who were left/stayed behind, the memories of separation have not yet faded away. Many will have distinct tales to share with, if approached. It can best be done by institutions. In the short interval left to 15 August, my appeal through media is that every effort must be made at all intellectual and media levels to memorise the events of partition with a view to preserve it as a compendium for posterity. Lot of academic effort is needed across the state to tell the story of painful partition in the true perspective basically aiming to promote love and prevent hate from spreading anymore. Same must be encouraged in POJK diplomatically because the pain of partition are alike on both sides of the LoC.
Refugees of West Pakistan have yet not been settled in J&K honourably and are seen agitating every now and then. Lot of crocodile tears have been shed for them. Internally displaced persons, as result of and consequent to partition, continue suffering and the plight of those living on the LoC needs no description.
Universities of J&K can organize academic, artistic and community efforts to memorise and revisit the 1947 partition through series of guest lectures, discussions, sessions, screening of collected oral histories, as well as other activities. Same must be done by other institutions. Every effort must be made to revisit memory of partition through the people who are above 75 to seek their views on this sensitive event of the history. Jammu in considered a right place to take a lead in this sphere, Kashmir presently mired in militancy.
Yours etc….
Col J P Singh
Gandhinagar, Jammu.
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