Peerzada Arshad Hamid

Srinagar

It is quite heartening for me that so many people visit my blog “kashmirnews” on rediff and have something to say. My previous post - sewerage workers in Srinagar- was an effort to highlight the plight of people involved in the in human job. Their pathetic work conditions and the risks involved in making our cities worth living. In every city of India the condition of sewerage workers is quite similar.

The aim of the post was to make policy makers empathise with their problems. There is need for government to reframe civic policies. More so, I identified an issue for the concerned NGO’s to build pressure on the government for required change.

Let’s see things in a practical way as they exist. I don’t believe in rosy language and rhetoric. Some people have been critical to me for I have mentioned people from lower caste are usually involved in the job of cleaning drains. I personally do not believe in caste barriers. To make readers understand I used word lower caste because this is how these people are known in every Indian state. 

Anyways, our debate over casteism is not a solution to their problems. Nor is it going to make any difference to them. Instead we should be vocal and more concerned about how to change their living standards. Once their economic condition improves, their living standard and outlook changes, caste barrier will automatically cease to impede. 

Sick minds

I was totally taken unawares by the mudslinging by some fellows through their vicious responses. Having totally ignored the subject, they thought it appropriate to display their sick mentality. Their venom against Muslims and theories of division on communal is quite unjustified.

They can never be the friends of India or its flourishing democracy. Better they should have understood the theme of the subject.

Tail piece

I appreciate the voices that have shown concern to the problem and offered their support. Their spirit and due acknowledgement will make me present the real picture of Kashmir on the blog. If you think there are issues that need to be written upon, please let me know?