Editorial: A Tough Test for Liberal Politics and Leadership by Dr. Sagheer Khan

Don’t take it easy, let us know that the sky has been moving for years… Then humans emerge from the veil of dust. For a long time, intellectuals have considered Azad Kashmir as a political school, where the environment and its developed characters are familiar with the subtleties of politics and ideas.

However, for the last one or two years, politics and movements have become so prominent that even political thinkers would be wary of these two years. One such movement is the Public Action Committee, which was launched to address public problems and rights.

The demand for cheap electricity and subsidies on flour has been raised for a long period of time. Recently, nationalist parties like NSF and NEP, under the platform of the People’s Forum, have been part of this movement. The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, led by Sagheer Khan Advocate, has also gained significant public support and has achieved some initial success.

The Public Action Committee called upon all sections of the people with their voice. The movement of the Public Action Committee was related to people’s needs and rights, but during this time, the idea of restoring their identity among the Kashmiri people emerged so strongly that it gained popularity everywhere. Upon closer inspection, we can see that the idea of Kashmirism, i.e., identity, was not the goal of this movement, but rather a by-product of the Awami Action Committee’s struggle and the Awami Movement.

The accomplishments and matters related to these movements can be easily found. Similarly, some actions of the leadership of the Action Committee may be questioned. However, overall, it must be acknowledged that the people did get some economic relief from this movement, while the element of Kashmirism was born in them with full intensity.

It must be remembered that the Public Action Committee is merely an expression of public needs and rights, not a promoter of a singular viewpoint. Therefore, it should work within its own limits, keeping in mind the expectations and criticisms of its supporters. Action Committee should seriously consider its limitations and capacity.

It is crucial now that the Action Committee, by maintaining its existence, receives public trust, which may provide them with new morale and ideas. The leaders must realize their responsibilities and understand the situation, showing more wisdom and understanding than before in order to achieve both temporary and lasting success. Politics and time change quickly.

The leaders of the Action Committee must adopt extremely responsible behavior; otherwise, they will realize that there is no permanent place for them in politics. Members from different political ideologies and parties are included in this movement. The generous support and tireless efforts of freedom-loving organizations and their affiliates are also significant factor in this regard.

In fact, there is serious concern regarding both sides that should be addressed. The Public Action Committee, born out of the strong wave of self-identification, has a responsibility. Liberal politics and leadership have the duty to use their influence positively for ideology and movement. Surely, they will be attracted to it.

The government’s infamous and black law has given birth to a new movement, which started from Rawalakot. The government tried to suppress the protest through force, but failed. Initially, police were unable to stop the protest, then arrests were made, but to no effect. The government pulled out all the stops, but the protest continued.

On November 22, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Hajira, and Thorar saw thousands of people participating in protests. Despite the police brutality, people protested with fervor. The situation tests liberal leadership and politics. They must appreciate the trust of the people and remain in tune with their passions and courage. Differences and debates must be set aside, and they must avoid selfishness, ego, and unnecessary divisions. At the same time, they should avoid engaging in false philosophies or adventurism, and instead focus on the ground realities and the public’s beliefs.

Liberal politics and leadership should follow the path of moral peace and dignity. This is the path that will lead them to their destination. If the Public Action Committee and the libertarian leadership come to a mutual understanding and support each other for their goals, much can be facilitated. A “natural unity among the oppressed” could emerge. If past mistakes are acknowledged and corrected through practical thought and forgiveness, it could lead to a unified front, which would definitely prove beneficial.

The ongoing public action committee should reject the “everything is fine” mindset and engage in the process of “improvement through consultation.” It would be commendable to witness libertarian politics and leadership adopting a prudent approach, understanding that the recognition they’ve received is a severe test for them. They must build the movement on the foundation of wise thinking and a broad vision.

When people’s dreams are crushed, the consequences are painful. Leaders must be aware of the time, and the intervention methods of powerful circles, which makes their responsibility relatively higher. The space created for their thinking should not be wasted.

They should proceed prudently and the leaders of both movements must realize that they are not in competition under the influence of some unseen process. Such a race has a deep chasm.

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