Video Editor: Kunal Mehra
Video Producer: Aastha Gulati
My name is Abdul Manan Bhat. I’m a PhD scholar at the University of Pennsylvania. My parents live in Kashmir. While Kashmir has gone through some tough times in history, with the abrogation of Article 370 it feels like Kashmir has been exiled from itself. Recent events, like the communication blackout, have confined Kashmiris to their homes.
I haven’t been able to speak to my parents for a few days now, and I know many such Kashmiris are facing the same fate.
Since there’s been no news from Kashmir, I thought a poetic response from a Kashmiri who can’t reach his parents is befitting. My poem is titled ‘Yaqeen’ or belief, because there is belief that this is not the end.
I dedicate this poem to Kashmiris, who have been rendered prisoners in their own houses, and to Kashmir, which has been exiled from itself.
(All 'My Report' branded stories are submitted by citizen journalists to The Quint. Though The Quint inquires into the claims/allegations from all parties before publishing, the report and the views expressed above are the citizen journalist's own. The Quint neither endorses, nor is responsible for the same.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)