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Meenakshi Vaccher, 23
Kashmiri refugee




Photo: Sondeep Shankar/Saab Press

August 15, 2003

'Yes I have a dream -- to go back to Kashmir'

I came to this crowded refugee camp in South Delhi as a 10 year old. I belong to Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir.

I have a Master's degree in Commerce and want to see India as a modern nation. India must be on top. If India fails, we will fail.

My family has big problems. I need to solve them. For that I need a very good job. My father has high fever today, but still he is working. It is a daily struggle for my parents to provide for us.

Once I am able to help my family, I want to help my community. Here in the camp we are not selfish, we think of each other whenever we take a decision.

For people like us there cannot be specific targets in life, and no great dreams. Life is hell here in the camp. But, yes I have a dream -- to go back to Kashmir. I have a lot of memories from my childhood. I miss Kashmir.

It is true that we are victims of terrorism, but terrorism will end if poverty can be eradicated. Terrorists are mercenaries. When poverty ends, people will have jobs and automatically these mercenaries will find a better means of life.

As told to Josy Joseph

   
'I have never thought of begging'

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