On August 12th, 2019 When Kashmir Valley was under lockdown, the then Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh hosted a lunch for 150 Kashmiri students studying in universities and colleges across the state to celebrate Eid with them. Normal life was hit following heavy security deployment and restrictions on the movement of people. He told students that normalcy would return to Kashmir soon, we can’t replace your families, but you consider us as your family too and my state Punjab as your second home. He assured students of safety and security in Punjab. The students in response to the then chief minister said they too considered Punjab their second home where they always felt safe. We have seen that Punjabis have a big heart, so is the case with you.
The invitation from the then Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for lunch at the Punjab Bhavan made it an occasion to cherish and feel at home. Captain Amarinder told the students that though he had not been to Kashmir for a long time due to his quite busy political schedule, but he considered the Valley his second home. He said it was his heartfelt desire to share the happiness of this festival with the students. This gesture by Captain was widely appreciated by many as it sent a message of communal harmony and tolerance. He has consistently spoken out in support of Kashmiri students, as a Chief Minister even as today when he is not holding any power in the state, but his heart for Kashmiri is still open. He always condemned violence against students studying in the state and always set examples of communal harmony.
In February 2019 Kashmiri students were attacked in Punjab’s Dera Bassi, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, Tangori, Banur, and other areas, he not only condemned the attacks on Kashmiri students and urged people to maintain peace and communal harmony, but directed the police to take strict action against those involved in the attacks. Soon after the attacks, he said he would not tolerate any attempt to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the state by targeting Kashmiri students, and that he will take strict action against those who engage in such activities. As a Chief Minister, he always took steps to reach out to the community and reassure them of their safety in the state. Post pulwama backlash in February, he met personally with delegations of Kashmiri students who were subjected to violence and harassment in various parts of India and assured them of his government’s support and complete protection.
In any case, the issue of violence against Kashmiri students is a serious concern and needs to be addressed through effective law enforcement and measures to promote communal harmony and tolerance, so did Amarinder. In August 2019, a message went viral on social media that a Kashmiri student was on his deathbed and suffering from cancer. He could not reach out to his family in Bandipora district in Jammu and Kashmir because of a communication blackout in the valley. I was informed by a journalist friend and he requested intervention as the student was known to him and hailing from his locality. I took up the Matter with Amarinders’ Media Advisor Raveen Thukral who informed the then CM about the issue. Thukral is the person, who introduced me to Patiala Royal Scion years back. The former chief minister not only helped the student to get admitted to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, but also assured of financial help, if required.
Timely intervention by Amarinder Singh saved the life of a Kashmiri student suffering from cancer. He without taking time directed PGI authorities in Chandigarh to provide the best possible support and I will pay its expenses. He became a savior that time for ailing student and a saviour is no less than the messiah. Soon after, I posted a gratitude tweet to him for intervention, Captain took to Twitter and responded that I am really happy to have been able to help. I see all Kashmiri students as part of our family and want all of you to look at Punjab as your second home. I and my government are always there for you. It was heartening to see that Captain Amarinder Singh’s intervention helped save the life of a Kashmiri student suffering from cancer. It is crucial for leaders to prioritize humanitarian issues and work towards providing support to those in need, especially during times of crisis. Captain Amarinder’s timely action and willingness to personally intervene to help him show his commitment to humanitarian values, helping those in distress, regardless of their background, caste, race, religion, or origin.
Another important incident I remember is of COVID-19 Lockdown, when the country was under strict lockdown. I was informed by another journalist friend from South Kashmir that his brother along with other two young boys from Kashmiri were there for skill development training under the PMKVY Scheme and due to the lockdown, they were stranded there. He requested personal intervention as their families were anxious. The Problem was that all three boys were deaf and dumb (differently able) and were from Anantnag and Kulgam district. Their families told me they have no idea whether their wards will be back or not as they haven’t been able to find any way to bring them back. The problem is they cannot speak or hear. They requested to take issue with the government. Soon after this, I brought the issue to the Chief minister’s notice and requested for intervention and their evacuation on humanitarian grounds. While responding to the request, he assured help and later his media advisor informed Captain Sb that he had spoken to DGP Dinkar Gupta and directed him to facilitate the process on an urgent and immediate basis.
On the very same day, I was informed that all three deaf and dumb stranded in Mohali left for J&K in a special vehicle along with police officials on the directions of the then CM. Later their families paid heartfelt thanks and gratitude for help. It’s always great and heartwarming to see when a leader prioritizes humanitarian concerns above everything else and acts swiftly to help those in need. His gesture shows that he values every life, irrespective of their background or circumstances. The main message here is the importance of compassion and empathy in leadership. His swift action and intervention on humanitarian grounds helped these students return home safely to their families. In times of crisis, leaders must step up and provide support and assistance to vulnerable communities, and this is exactly what Captain Amarinder Singh did in this situation.
Similarly, Kashmiri students were harassed over fees, and attendance in private universities and colleges in the same year. I tweeted the issue and brought it to the notice of his Media Advisor who remains with him most of the time. He intervened at 11:00 midnight and responded to the tweet and assured that Kashmiri students would not be allowed to be harassed for a delay in payment of fees or attendance shortage resulting from the recent developments in the valley. Not only this, the next day a formal by the Punjab government was issued directing Universities and colleges to follow orders and guidelines strictly. Not only this, he even assisted thousands of Kashmiri students, laborers, and businessmen during the COVID-19 lockdown. By providing free-of-cost buses to help them, he ensured that they reached their home state in a free manner. By this, he showed that he cared about their well-being and that they were not alone during this challenging time. He established helplines and assistance numbers for Kashmiri students in Punjab and ensured that nobody was harassed and harmed.
His swift action to address the issue and ensure that no student would suffer as a result is a testament to his leadership and commitment to the welfare of the Kashmiri students. The leaders should always be approachable and responsive to the concerns of their constituents, particularly in times of crisis or hardship. His intervention helped to alleviate the stress and uncertainty faced by thousands of Kashmiri students and allowed them to focus on their studies and their future. His leadership style serves as a model for others, and his commitment to the welfare of the students of Kashmir is an inspiration to all.
Captain has very much empathy with Kashmiri students. He has expressed his concern over harassment incidents and taken appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security during his tenure as Chief Minister. This is the reason that Kashmiri students like me have so much regard and respect for him irrespective of his ideology and politics. It is important to promote a culture of inclusivity and tolerance to foster social harmony and cohesion amid hate, prejudice, toxicity, and discrimination against the Kashmiri community in mainland India. By assuring the Kashmiri students that Punjab is their home and treating them as family, he sent a message of empathy and concern towards Kashmir, which can go a long way in building trust and goodwill. Other leaders across party lines should respond in the same way as the captain did. With this, they can create a sense of trust and confidence among Kashmiri, which can lead to better communication and understanding in the long run & the root causes of conflict or issues, alienation and can take steps to address these issues in a meaningful way. Treating Kashmiri students as their family, he sends a powerful message of solidarity and support. It could help in building trust and confidence among them and can help them feel more secure and included in Indian society.
His efforts in building trust of Kashmiri speak volumes about his statesmanship, credibility, Charisma, character, and brilliance as a leader. His willingness to stand up for what is right and speak out against discrimination and intolerance showcases his integrity and his unwavering dedication to the principles of fairness and equity. At times, he goes beyond his party lines and political affiliations and has set an example of how political leaders can rise above partisan politics to serve the greater good. His leadership has been widely appreciated by Kashmiris in the state. Kashmiri students remember and always thank him for his commitment to upholding the values of inclusivity, tolerance, peace, harmony and prosperity.
Significant Impact on my Life
As a student Activist from Kashmir, his leadership and contributions have made a significant impact in my life and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide others for years to come it is a testament to his leadership and commitment to uplifting and empowering others. I hold him in high regard and respect for his leadership and contributions, irrespective of political and ideological differences. As a student activist from Kashmir, I always took and raised issues with him to ensure that they were fairly investigated and addressed in a logical and fair manner. Captain Amarinder Singh’s willingness to engage with me as an ordinary student activist and to take my concerns seriously is a reflection of his leadership and commitment to serving the people. This kind of accessibility and responsiveness is crucial for leaders, particularly those in positions of power and authority.
With these efforts, Captain taught us one thing, humanity should always come above political differences & his actions towards helping me and other Kashmiri students in distress, despite the political differences, is a testament to his commitment to serving the people and promoting the values of compassion and empathy. His outspokenness and forthrightness have made him a beloved leader among many communities, including Kashmiris. His ability to speak his mind and heart out has won him admiration and respect, as it shows that he is not afraid to take a stand on issues that matter to him and his constituents.
In today’s political climate, where political correctness and diplomacy often reign supreme, Captain Amarinder Singh’s outspokenness is a refreshing reminder of the importance of authenticity and honesty in leadership. It is true that Captain Amarinder Singh is known for his straightforward and no-nonsense approach to politics. He is seen as a leader with strong willpower and determination to get things done. This is because he has a reputation for being a man of integrity and grit, who stands by his principles and is not swayed by external pressures or political expediency.
Although he is not holding any rein of power today, but it is important to recognize and appreciate his contributions towards promoting education, equality, and inclusivity, harmony. We join in wishing Captain Amarinder Singh, a long and healthy life, and hope that his legacy of service and compassion continues to inspire future generations of leaders. May his commitment towards promoting humanity and uplifting those in need always serve as an inspiration for all of us.
Nasir Khuehami is the National Convenor of J&K Students Association. He can be reached out at Khuehamiayaan@gmail.com. He tweets @Nasirkhuehami.
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