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Journalism of Courage
If Kashmir is paradise, Dachigam 8212; a forest reserve on the outskirts of Srinagar 8212; is the Garden of Eden. The fact that it is exclusive and that it used to be Mrs Indira Gandhi8217;s favourite getaway makes it even more alluring. I could have presented a more detailed description, had I seen it. Well I almost did!
Serving in J038;K in the midst of militancy came with its own challenges and it was indeed not easy to enjoy the paradise on earth. Once Farooq Abdullah 8212; then CM of J038;K 8212; was guest at an air force function. His charming demeanour put us ladies at ease and a few unrestrained ones told him how security restrictions were curtailing their sightseeing expeditions. Abdullah at once regretted the plight of us poor princesses in the ivory tower. He took us through a vivid narrative of Dachigam. 8220;In fact come over this Sunday. Be my guests,8221; he said.
As that fateful Sunday wore on, the husbands teased us relentlessly. Suddenly, after 4 pm, the Guard Room called the Boss about a huge parcel of food sent by the CM. Evidently, the CM was waiting for us at Dachigam. Since we hadn8217;t turned up, he was irritated enough to pack off the food meant for us to the air force station.
The air force station got into a frenzy. The wives were livid at a lost opportunity. The bachelors at the mess were delirious at the sight of a delectable Kashmiri feast. The PRO was wildly scouring the gardens for the most enchanting flowers while nervously leafing through a thesaurus for the most apologetic words and, well, the boss was on the phone saying, 8220;Yes, Chief Minister.8221;
