Occupation

A short conversation

By: Kashoo Tawseef

Have you ever felt, or tried to feel how it is like, to be living in occupation. How is it to be occupied? Ask someone who has experienced occupation. I had a chance to sit with a friend of mine, David (name changed) for a cup of tea, who has lived most of his life under occupation. He answered me some unanswered questions and explained the real meaning of occupation. Here are some excerpts of our conversation:

Me: Hi, Good to see you after long time.

Occupation

David: Same here, it has been ages since our last meeting. 

Me: So explain me what’s occupation?

David: I will explain you with a simple example; it is like someone entering your house without your permission, and claims that from now on, I will be living in your house.

Me: How do you feel living under occupation?

David: Suffocated, traumatised, stressed, mentally depressed. 

Me: Can you reconcile with occupier?

David: Never, it is like, how can you reconcile with thief who has done burglary in your house. 

Me: Can you ever negotiate with occupier?

David: Never ever, even if occupier puts golden paint on your house still your soul will not accept him.

Me: Can you ever change you feelings towards occupier?

David: Never, occupiers’ presence will be troublesome for your whole life till you are alive. 

Me: What are the results of occupation?

David: Death and Devastation, particularly human loss. 

Me: What is the way forward once you are occupied?

David: Occupation is always illegal and illegal is illegal. Only way forward is, occupier leaves and occupation end. 

Me: Thanks for your time, David. 

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