The memory of those who wield power may be short, but the collective memory of a subjugated people is remarkably long. Time’s greatest tragedy is not simply that it changes, it is that it strips away disguises and reveals people for who they truly are and when history turns once more, today’s foremen may still hold the whip in their hands, but the fear that once gave that whip its power may no longer remain.
It feels as though the entire city is living under a prolonged siege, one that extends beyond roads and checkpoints to encompass everyday life, the psychological well being of its residents, and their collective memory.
An organized propaganda campaign is being run against the ongoing people’s movement in Pakistani administered Jammu Kashmir. The state, its media, and its hired social media voices are trying to turn a mass political struggle into a question of disorder, violence, and chaos, because they cannot answer the real questions raised by the people.
In Rawalakot, despite firing, arrests, raids, blackouts, hunger, fear, and the full weight of state repression, people are still sitting, still holding their ground, and still refusing to bow! The task now is to stand with this resolve, deepen the movement, fight chauvinism, reject adventurism, contest every useful field of struggle, and stand firmly with the people against the whole machinery of repression. JKNSF calls on all progressives, leftists, trade unions, student groups, academics, and workers’ organizations within Pakistan, as well as the international working class, to raise their voice, build solidarity, and stand with the people of Jammu Kashmir!