One has heard and read from childhood: there cannot be smoke without fire.Both are true of seize and exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in J&K in the past and that of citizens of Mariupol and Kyiv for Now almost a month.
A territory that was not only resided in but also owned by native people i.e. Kashmiri Pandits and Ukraineans repectively, has been on fire,is on fire and attack by Cruise missiles,newly developed weapons and lurking danger of a possible chemical or nuclear attack.
2) Stregth or resistance power of Kashmiri Pandits was judged and taken care of unknowingly by the militia opposed to them gradually or suddenly in some cases.In respect of Ukraine, locals knew their” cousins” from Russia in advance.Yet they allowed women and children to take refuge elsewhere, maximum being in Poland ,as on date.
But most determined men stayed back to give a fight. They were joined by thousands of ex-patriate Ukraineans.
From physically stopping attackers, to throwing patrol bombs, to erecting tank barricades, now to Guerilla warfare.
Enter Chchenya: Will it Herald a new turn ?
3) Available video evidence(may or may not be reliable) shows entry of Islam following mercenaries from Chechnya,on the side of Russia. Majority are reported to be under the guidance of notorious Sheikh Mansur Gang, who being inhuman and ruthless could be considered War Veterans, much ahead of earlier modus operandi of Suicide Bombing.While they appear to be hand in glove with Russian Army in surrounding Kyiv ,Kherson and Mariupol, a couple of them are now surprisingly taking side of Ukrainens.Their outfit appears distinct from that of armies of two warring nations.
Seize of Leningrad
4) Ongoing seize of port city of Mariupol and almost Encirclement of Kyiv could be compared to inhuman and atrocious 872 days of seize of Leningrad(re christened St.Petersburg) ,the second largest city of Russia and always European in its planning, landscape and look.
I carry vivid personal memories of July -Aug.1996 of this amazing city and Vyberg , located close to Finland border.
5) As per inputs culled out from Google, the former capital of Russia, recorded death of one million people and Red Army defenders during 872 days of seize by the German Army. Soon all highways and railway lines were cut off.A narrow supply line through Lake Ladoga was made available.When severe winter showed minus 40 degree Fahrenheit temperature, daily ration of citizens was reduced to only 125 gems of bread and people were compelled to burn books and furniture to stay warm. Soon animals and pets began to be consumed and people had no option but to boil leather to produce edible jelly.
Even grass and weeds had to be cooked at a particular stage. On top of it, hold your breath, unbelievable stories of Cannibalising the dead were heard(sic).
To keep track of it or with a view to contain it ,Police had to create a Special division.
Starvation deaths in bitter cold conditions are reported to have claimed 600,000 lives.
With the onset of Summer in 1943, some supply chain was possible through Lake Ladoga. After testing the unique endurance of city dwellers,Germans began their Retreat and ultimately seize was lifted on 27th January 1944.
Lines of comparison
6) Seize of Leningrad was mainly the handiwork of foot soldiers,backed by tanks and other war worthy vehicles.Air support was taken only in the beginning to set fire to a large Warehouse having food grains.
On the contrary, in the present case it is all -army, air force, latest Cruise and super sonic missiles and Submarines on the standby in regard to Mariupol.
Coming to civic conditions and availability of food,water, gas and electricity, both situations appear identical. People,in a way, held captives so far, cannot perhaps have unlimited patience and perseverance akin to that of people of Leningrad.
Ironically, an Ukrainean grand mother,who managed to live through the seize of Leningrad from Sept.1941 to 27th January 1944 by the Germans died only recently during the ongoing seize of one of Ukrainean cities by the Russians.
Putting The Clock Back ?
7) While the bouts of sufferings of Kashmiri Pandits are coming to the fore more from 2015 onwards, and for the first time a daring movie called Kashmir File,directed by dare devil Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, seems to have given a
fresh Filip to the process, it remains to be seen whether the Kashmiri Pandits may return to reoccupy houses, now being vacated in Srinagar and parts of Jammu region.
8) In respect of Ukraineans, however, it may take months if not years probably to revert even if UNO succeeds or warrying nations reach a compromise soon.
But shedding of crocodile tears by NATO, and a sort of lip service by the President Joe Biden and P.M. Boris Johnson may not stand a chance.
Tailpiece-
9) Just concluded Dance of Ukraine festival held at London raising £ 1,20,000 in aid of war victims of Ukraine may make little sense, in addition to some concerts or drives by many international celebrities elsewhere.
Graceful Ballet performances by dancers of Ukraine, a few European countries, Brazil, Argentina and U.S.A. is likely to soothen ruffled feathers but lost lives and devastated cities may not make a comeback.
About the Author : Dr. Aaloc Srivastav, Ex CS , Sikkim is a Senior Retd Bureaucrat and passionate about writing on his favourite subjects . The views shared by the author are his personal.
