Shah Faesal's resignation: Hope or fallacious ?

"To protest unabated killings in Kashmir.
...marginalization and invisiblization of 200 million Muslims...
...insidious attacks on special identity of J&K
...subversion of public institutions"
and a complementary thanking note.

With these words and gesture the topper of 2009 batch IAS, Dr Shah Faesal resigned from his post this evening.

This was a much anticipated step given his  tweets against central government which created some controversy ('Rapistan' remark) & which also called for an enquiry upon him.

Anyway, everyone has the right to choose the endeavour for one's life. Leaving the beauraucracy, it is now being anticipated that he is likely to join JK-NC(National Conference).

Currently a fellow at Havard Kennedy School (on govt.funds), he has served various departments in J&K including PDD & Education.

This resignation gave rise to lot of questions and speculations among common public. The facebook post had Kashmir centric remarks. Mixed views are coming right after he made his decision public. There is strong indignation to be felt against right wing groups mentioned under the umbrella term of 'Hindutva' in today's FB post.
How much genuine & how much  illegitimate, is the BIG question. People will take sides & let them do that.

Through this blog I don't desire to do that. I  would rather explore certain questions that people of the state have for Dr Faiesal.

Dear Shah Faesal,

There was a time when you became a household name in J&K in 2010. I guess you've become one once again.

Very good if intellectuals like you are joining politics. But what is this 'marginalised muslims' remark ?

You say your fight is against hypernationlist right-wing,  but then are you trying to woo a vote bank too ? On religious grounds ?

I would've loved it if you have talked about the whole nation or atleast whole of J&K.
You see intolerance in mainland India & so you'll contest election in Kashmir.
How is that gonna help reduce that intolerance ?

Don't you see any intolerance in Kashmir ? What happened there in 90's, how the loud speakers of some mosques spill hatred in the region.. Will you address these once you enter this political game ?

You talked about public institutions, will you take steps to fix institutions of J&K like JK-PSC & JK-Police?
After all the actions of these remain under question all the time.

Will you ensure a feeling of equality among minorities of J&K (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians etc) ? Among the people of Jammu & Ladakh ? Or will you be another Kashmiri politician & lose your pan-India scope of conduct ?

Though you forgot to mention all these things in your today's resignation post. But okay, its a big crucial day for you. I hope you won't forget these issueswhen you are in action.

Also, you talked about the special identity of J&K. I think no body alone has the right to decide about this. Like every other issue it needs to be debated as well. I hope you won't be against this idea. Are you ? After all you are talking about muted voices and freedom of thought.

How will you bring change by joining the same system that you quit(in a different role though) ?
You were there to change the system, has system changed you instead ?

All the things you've listed in your post today, have happened during the reign of NC too. So how will the scenario change if you join it ?

This intolerance, chaos, communal animosity, marginalization... Have you seen only this picture of India during the past decade of your service ?
How would you justify that you are not guided by personal vested interests ?

Only you can answer these questions and everyone will be looking forward to you for these. And we'll see that in coming months.

As a permanent citizen of J&K(under 35A)  , I'd love to see you doing good for whole of the state and humanity in general.
I hope you won't be the same old types. We expect something new from you. Don't get lost in the mud.

We have had enough of corrupt snollygosters, don't be one.

But,whether you are starting this new inning with an Agenda or Propaganda(because political parties do a lot here), only time can tell.

Wish you all the best for new venture.

©MANJUL JAGOTRA

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