A familiar scenario yesterday played out in Srinagar when two opposing political figures went head-to-head about the future of Urdu in the recruitment processes, both of whom had microphones and reporters present to help amplify their messages. On one side was PDP leader Iltija Mufti, who conducted a sit-in protest in Srinagar and accused the NC-led Government of “attacking the language, identity and cultural heritage” through claims of removing Urdu from the syllabus for Tehsildar examinations. On the other side was Nasir Aslam, a senior NC leader and advisor to the Chief Minister, who discounted claims as premature, misleading and political in nature. Amidst the slogans being hurled and the sound bites being taken, it appeared that the actual facts were of very little importance to either side.
According to Wani, the department in question had simply issued a public notification for the purpose of allowing the public to voice any type of objection it may have about something before a final decision is made; something that is done as a matter of course in any democratic process. “There has been no notification issued that would give any indication that Urdu is being removed from the syllabus or from our recruitment process,” he stated and challenged anyone who believes they have such a document to supply it. He also added that Urdu is an essential part of the operation of revenue administration, particularly for officers who need to be able to read, as well as interpret, legal documents.
It remains to be seen if Wani’s claim holds true, and thus whether the debate is valid, but this did not deter Iltija Mufti from saying, among other things, that Urdu was being “erased,” that the NC “attacked” it, and that “bigger politics” were involved. Her protest, with party members and media present, made good visuals; but was she too quick to be upset?
The Urdu language needs its protectors to help it out verbally rather than getting riled up over nothing and protesting about everything under the sun. Furthermore, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir needs leaders who communicate with the general public so there is less avoidable confusion… instead of relying on politicians to deny any controversy or issue without making sure they are truly correct.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir have had enough real-life problems like, unemployment and other things; therefore creating a language war between them over nothing is excessive. Politicians should quit using language for personal gain and use it instead for strengthening and improving the governance process.
