A controversial cartoon has emerged, causing only an uproar amongst those sharing the cartoon on social media websites. There have been no protests nor conflicts regarding the cartoon otherwise.
The cartoon depicts Kashmiri Pandits as scapegoats. A Mufti Sayeed is also shown welcoming them to ‘come back and stay with all of us’, while a bearded Muslim figure is seen standing in front with a leering smile and a meat cleaver held in his hands behind his back. This atrocious portrayal shows a racist depiction of Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits. It purposely amalgamates the cultural difference to hypothesize the ranking of Kashmiri Muslims within communal troops of Muslim distinction. In addition, the cartoon signifies the stereotypes Kashmiri Muslims are subjected to; the kind of vilification that they have to deal with when there are discussions about the dispute over Kashmir and the primitive political history, rights and existence of Kashmiris.
The past two generations of Kashmiris have been living in dire demeanours. While the Kashmiri Muslims have now grown up in the most marshal atmosphere on Earth, having witnessed one of the most barbarous vengeance crusades where thousands were killed, abused, imprisoned, mutilated, raped or subjected to enforced exodus.
On the other hand, the second generation Kashmiri Pandits have also been subjected to immorality. They also grew up with the feeling of being in exclusion, while being forced to leave their homes. It goes without saying that the controversy regarding the returns of Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir has recently been a part of political games between political parties. However, the diffraction between these two communities is still very apparent and also seems unfeasible to mend.
