Opinion | 15 August Independence Day Special: Then vs Now, The Changing Face of Kashmir

In our Kashmiri language, there is a saying, “Roud taaf ch asaan har kun jai,” which means that every part receives its share of rain and sunshine. Here, the rain represents the darker chapters of Kashmir’s history, marked by terrorism, violence, extremism, and the educational and economic losses that followed. The sunshine represents the rays of transformation that Kashmir has witnessed over the years, including improved roads, railways, security, connectivity, and tourism. One of the major chapters that still remains less discussed is the changing story of national days. The way these days were observed before 2019 is markedly different from how they are experienced today, both emotionally and from a security perspective, and the change is truly mesmerizing. As 15 August, the Independence Day of our country, approaches, I can feel a new breeze in the air of Kashmir, with a never seen before passion for national days and a bright expression of patriotism. Every street, road, and public space seems to be draped in the three beautiful colours we proudly call the Tiranga, our national tricolour.

Having witnessed passing of more than 20 Independence Days throughout my life, seeing the way 15 August is celebrated in Kashmir today compels me to narrate the story of our Independence Day through two different periods: then and now. The contrast is striking, not just in how the day is celebrated, but in the emotions, atmosphere, public participation, and sense of pride surrounding it.

Years ago, the atmosphere surrounding 15 August in Kashmir was vastly different. The day, which is meant to be a celebration of independence, was often overshadowed by tension and fear. There was always an underlying concern that a terror attack might take place or that those participating in Independence Day celebrations could become targets of threats, intimidation or terror violence. Security would be heavily tightened to prevent any untoward incident, while shutdowns, business closures and restrictions often became associated with the day. People would even fear that they might be targeted simply for raising the Tiranga outside their homes. Streets, walls, cars and shops rarely displayed the national flag openly, largely because of the fear created by terrorism. Public participation remained extremely limited, to the extent that 15 August sometimes seemed to pass under a cloud of mourning rather than celebration. Communication networks were also often suspended as part of security measure. Earlier, posters were put up on streets and outside shops warning that anyone who celebrated or participated in National Day celebrations would be held responsible for their own life.Many people would hesitate even to post about Independence Day celebrations on social media or put a Tiranga-themed display picture on their profiles because of the fear of threats or repercussions. Government institutions and educational institutions would observe the day, but celebrations were often modest and largely confined to formal ceremonies. Cultural programmes, rallies and wider nationwide Independence Day campaigns were rarely visible on the streets of Kashmir. The day was therefore often marked more by security, uncertainty and fear than by public celebration. I remember that when I was in school, we would unfurl the Tricolour, sing the national anthem and hold a small programme to mark the occasion. Similar modest ceremonies would take place in other institutions across the Valley. They were sincere celebrations, but they were largely confined within the walls of our institutions, while the wider streets of Kashmir remained comparatively silent.

Today, the story has changed. Kashmir has received its share of sunshine, and the transformation is visible in the way 15 August is celebrated across the Valley. The day is now marked by patriotism, public participation and a sense of pride in the transformation and development Kashmir has witnessed over the past few years. Businesses no longer remain shut, and the fear that once surrounded the possibility of a terror attack during national celebrations is not there. From one end of Kashmir to the other, the Tricolour can be seen flying proudly in the hands of children, on car windows, outside shops and across busy markets. The saffron, white and green of the Tiranga have become a familiar sight across the Valley. Internet and communication networks function normally, while schools and other institutions organise large Independence Day programmes with cultural performances, patriotic songs, rallies and flag-hoisting ceremonies. Towns across Kashmir also witness large bike rallies and other public events to mark the occasion. The participation of people has grown year after year, with local residents, business owners, traders, children and elders coming together under one flag to celebrate the day with happiness and pride. Now, those threatening posters are no longer seen anywhere. Social media has also become an important part of these celebrations. People freely post about Independence Day, put Tiranga-themed display pictures on their profiles and openly express their patriotism and love for the country. For me, one of the most striking changes is hearing patriotic songs being played loudly from ordinary homes, something that would have been difficult to imagine years ago. The change is not limited to official ceremonies anymore; it has entered the streets, markets, homes, schools and digital spaces of Kashmir. What once seemed unimaginable has become part of everyday reality. Today, when I came out into the market, I saw shops selling Tiranga themed items and felt an emotion that was absent in previous times. That is how different 15 August feels in Kashmir today. This is a new chapter in Kashmir’s story, and one that I pray to remain for generations to come and forever.

This is the Kashmir we live in today, and this is the Kashmir we yearned for: a Kashmir free from terrorism, violence and fear, a Kashmir that celebrates national days just like Maharashtra or Delhi. This is what was snatched from Kashmiris for decades and what we were deprived of. Today, when I opened X app, A Kashmiri user had posted about Independence Day,

‘No one can ignore this change. Before the abrogation of Article 370, many people would have considered it impossible that your son would wake up at 5 a.m., come to you, and say “Baba, today we have a Tiranga rally at school. I need a flag because I have to go early.” When children are taught good values, patriotism, discipline, and respect, they naturally learn and follow the same’. It may sound ordinary, but for a Kashmiri, it means something much bigger. It means the freedom to celebrate, raise the Tiranga, sing patriotic songs and openly express patriotism without fear.

zeeshanshaguftabhat@gmail.com.