Into
the Heart of Kashmir
When I was told that I will be joining a psychosocial rehabilitation in Srinagar,Kashmir in 2006, I was anxious and thrilled at the same time.It was Kashmir,a contested Himalayan region between India and Pakistan.I became more motivated to join the trip when we were told we might get the chance to meet Parvez Imroz,a controversial human rights lawyer whom I have always wanted to meet him up close.
It was already winter when I arrived in Kashmir.It was my first winter
experience so I felt giddy with excitement.However,the cold weather which was
beginning to creep into my body was overpowered by a frightening incidence.Every inch of my body felt like it was tied into knots when a lady soldier
aimed her gun at me for the simple reason that I moved to get my passport while waiting for my
entry pass.
It was almost sunset when I got out of the airport.I immediately forgot the
frightening incident because I was captivated by the sun setting
in the Himalayan mountain range, reflecting in the Dal Lake.The scene was so
beautiful that I forgot where I was,for a moment.
However,on my
fourth day in Kashmir,I was feeling a bit disappointed because we still have
not met with Mr.Imroz. When my colleagues and I were taken for a
short drive in the city,I was again hopeful.True enough,we were brought in a
house and found Mr.Imroz waiting for us.He graciously answered all our questions but one comment stuck in my mind,"Have you seen the lake? It's the heart of Kashmir".
Needless
to say,we got our much-awaited tour in the heart of
Kashmir,the Dal Lake,with its majestic feast of water lilies,birds with the winter breeze caressing my face.This was forever imbedded in my heart and memory.
I do not know why I like the place.Perhaps because of its mysterious and beautiful landscape that encompasses the Himalayan mountain range.It was winter but I don't feel cold.And I'm thankful that I came to Kashmir.
