By Dr. Tauqeer Gilani
In the wake of our successful public movement, it is crucial for everyone, particularly the leaders of this movement, to play their positive roles in improving the current situation. Winning is not as challenging as digesting the victory.
Movement leaders must grasp a simple concept: as the English proverb goes, “All is well that ends well.” To identify and address any mistakes, a grand meeting should be convened. Such a gathering is as essential now as it was during the movement.
Communicate to the public what they want to hear: talk about your success, life, happiness, identity, maintaining unity, reconciling with the police, reforming institutions, restoring power and authority, respect and dignity, healthcare, employment, self-reliance, and self-sufficiency.
The public is happy. They feel dignified and proud. Their once-bowed heads are now held high, with smiles on their faces. Congratulations pour from their lips like rain. Roses flutter in the air. Mothers’ worried faces now radiate joy, and they take pride in their brave children. Innocent children, shouting slogans and playing joyfully, are planting seeds of memorable moments in this historic scene. University students are preparing theses on the public movement.
The public embraces you warmly, kissing your cheeks and hugging you. They witness the downfall of hypocrites, dishonest individuals, and corrupt criminals, reinforcing their belief in the truth of the struggle. They feel a lightness in their hearts, taking pride in their identity.
Through social media, the people see, hear, and read praise for their distinct identity and historic struggle from the conscious and oppressed citizens of neighboring countries. They feel brave, determined, and capable of leadership. Phrases like “Kashmiris have won the war against oppressors” or “The people of Jammu Kashmir have defeated the tyrants” enchant them. The defeated forces cannot bear the public’s success. In their hasty retreat, they stained the people’s vibrant robes with blood, making them even more vivid and shining.
The public also mourns our collective loss. They grieve the martyrdom of young children, the martyrdom of a brave police officer, and the injuries sustained by soldiers and peaceful citizens. They are concerned about the unlawful detention of many of our brave leaders and the false charges against them.
Remember, with the approval of the movement’s demands, we have reached the logical conclusion of this movement. The approval of demands is not the end; the end is the lasting, profound, and extremely positive effects of this movement on the overall society.
This will be the change that history will record as making this movement greater and will declare the oppressed, divided, and sorrowful people of this region, who have been victims of political, social, and economic oppression for centuries, as people of a new renaissance era.
During the movement, decision-making power rested with the committee rather than the public. Now, refrain from making poor and unwise statements in public and discuss such matters within the committee. Tarnishing the public’s victory is childish and reflects a lack of wisdom in leadership.
In the present era, the demands and effects of public movements are political. All our movement’s demands and battles are political. By dismissing the political aspect, you undermine the public’s happiness and mock their grief. Do not sour the public’s mood. The political narrative of the movement will be shaped by those who have been shaping it from the beginning. Credit the public for their success and let them decide which leader deserves credit for what.
Leaders of this grand public movement must remember that they now need to further educate the public on the positive outcomes of this movement. Everyone must work where they are. Trader leaders should discuss the importance of unity among traders and the success it brings. Lawyer leaders should talk about the role of lawyers in the movement within bar councils. Students should discuss the role of students and the youth in the public movement. Civil society members should emphasize the importance of civil society’s role. Journalists should provide unbiased analyses and constructive critiques at various stages of the public movement. Volunteers serving during the movement should strive to make their associations or committees more impactful. Action committees should compile lists of public issues and work in an organized manner.
We appeal to the victorious public to approach responsible officials in their state institutions without hesitation, demand improvement, and point out shortcomings in the performance of professional duties. Avoid individual actions, conflicts, and entanglements in streets and squares. Do not assist the defeated criminal mafia in reorganizing. Increase your awareness of your basic rights and, through this victory, lay the foundation for a new era of peace, unity, justice, and freedom of thought and action in your region.
Your brother and companion in this inspiring and historic public struggle,
Dr. Tauqeer Gilani
