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Journalism of Courage
After opposing the music concert of Zubin Mehta on political grounds,the civil society of Kashmir has decided to host a parallel concert in Srinagar on September 7 – the day Mehta is set to enthrall around 1,500 guests at Srinagars Shalimar Garden.
We believe that Mehtas Ehsas-e-Kashmir is aimed at obfuscating the ground realities of the Valley. Our event will project the reality of Kashmir, said Khurram Parvez,the convener of the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS). There will be huge international (media) presence in Kashmir and we want this opportunity to highlight the reality of Kashmir. This (concert) will be a tribute to the resilience and struggle of Kashmirs people.
The coalition has planned the concert on the day Mehta will be performing in Srinagar. The parallel event is called Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir (The reality of Kashmir),named to show its opposition to Mehtas Ehsas-e-Kashmir.
Until you know the reality of Kashmir,how will you feel it? Parvez said. We feel that the other event,which is promoted by the government of India,is an attempt to whitewash the crimes of the Indian state. We want to show the world our real pain that Zubin Mehta concert is trying to conceal.
Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir will be held at Srinagars Municipal Park at noon. There will be a large number of poets,singers and artistes. We are also planning a photo-exhibition that will showcase the 23 years of suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Parvez said.
He,however,did not name the artists participating in the concert,fearing that the state government would harass them.
