In what was billed as a show of patriotic fervor, the ‘Meri Maati, Mera Desh’ campaign launched with much fanfare across Doda district of Chenab Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. The grand Tiranga Rally, held at the Sports Stadium Doda, saw Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan and Senior Superintendent of Police Abdul Qayyum leading the event. An ostensibly large audience, predominantly composed of school students and government employees, bore witness to the spectacle. Similar rallies were organised in all sub divisions viz Thathri, Bhalessa etc.
Under the guise of a collaborative effort between District Administration Doda, educational institutions, and government departments, the event aimed to resonate with nationalistic sentiments. Thousands of school children, some local residents, and officials took part in the rally, which was only amplified by the inclusion of scouts from various security forces, the Jammu and Kashmir Police Band, and the Bagpiper Group. The streets were awash with vibrant tricolours as students donned colorful attire and waved flags, while a group of bikers showcased their patriotism through eye-catching flag-themed vehicle designs.
The rally, traversing prominent areas like Dessa Chowk, Clock Tower, Old Bus Stand, and Bharath Road, culminated at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School Doda. Amidst fervent patriotic chants, participants took the Panch Pran Pledges to reaffirm their allegiance to the nation, overseen by none other than the Deputy Commissioner himself.
However, amidst the orchestrated spectacle, a voice of dissent emerged from former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. Taking to social media platform 𝕏, she shared contrasting images of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru amidst a sea of enthusiastic Kashmiris in 1949, juxtaposed with the incumbent Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha surrounded by a heavy contingent of security personnel in 2023. The stark visual comparison subtly underlines a narrative of the evolving state of affairs in the region.
Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru with the tiranga standing tall amongst a sea of enthusiastic Kashmiris at Lal chowk Srinagar circa 1949. LG administration carrying the same national flag surrounded by a posse of security personnel in 2023. pic.twitter.com/Of3ujqGbhx
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) August 13, 2023
While the campaign sought to showcase unity and patriotism, the question arises as to whether such elaborate displays truly represent the ground reality. The selective involvement of certain groups and individuals in the rally brings into question the inclusivity of the event. Moreover, the contrasting portrayal of historical and contemporary leadership in the region, as highlighted by Mufti’s social media post, raises pertinent concerns about the changing dynamics in the area.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times