EPILOGUE MAY 2009

Epilogueb e c a u s e t h e r e i s m o r e t o k n o w

Jammu and Kashmir’s Monthly Magazine

NowTellingThe J&K Stories

RNI : JKENG/2007/26070 ISSN 0974-5653

Jammu, May 1, 2009 / Vol 3 / Issue 5 || Price Rs. 30 || Postal Registration No. JK-350/2009-11 || www.epilogue.in

LS ELECTIONS 2009Separatists Swear by India

VIEW POINTBalancing Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh

Abdul Rauf Mir

Anil Dhar

Choudhary Ilyas

Ejaz Ahmed Khan

Ershad Mahmud

Ezabir Ali

Gul Wani

Sardar Amjad Yousuf

Tahir Aziz

Tashi Gyalson

Uzera Shah

Zafar Choudhary

Assortment of Ideas

Jammu andKashmirMoving Forward

Economic Reconstruction Agency under the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank has launched several schemes to augment the water supply in Srinagar city. The various schemes with a cumulative storage capacity of 39 MGD include Rangil water supply scheme, Nishat-Doodhganga water supply scheme and Nishat-Dalbund water supply scheme which will cater to the drinking water needs of the population of about 10,93,995 souls of Srinagar city.

Scope of Works Total Storage Capacity Population to be benefitted (souls)

Rangil water supply Scheme 10MGD 294000

Nishat Doodhganga water supply Scheme 21.5 MGD 614132

Nishat Dalbund water supply Scheme 7.5MGD 185863

Areas to be benefitted

Khulmulla, Zakura, Owantabavan, Bakshipora,Tengpora, Muj-Gund, Parimpora, Lawayopora, Shalteng, Colonies on Right and Left side. National Highway, Left side of National highway Bypass (Bemina, Muminabad, Firdousabad, Tengpora(left), Right side of National highway Bypass(Hamdania colony, Khumani colony (partly), Nundreshi Colony, JVC)


Jawahar Nagar, Kralpora, Natipora, Rambagh, Nowgam, Rajbagh, Gulshan Nagar, Gogji Bagh, Solina, Chanapora Colony, Budshah Nagar, Allochi Bagh Part, Bagh-e-Mehtab, Tulsi Bagh, Wazir Bagh, Lal Mandi, Hazuri Bagh, Amira Kadal, Shivpora, Rajbagh and Magarmal Bagh, Lal Chowk, Maisuma, Abiguzar, Kral Sangri, Karapora, Brein, Patnta Chowk, Sonwar, Buchwara, Gupkar Road, Ram Munshi Bagh, Athwajan, Mahraja Bazar, Sari Payeen, Lal Mandi, Jawaharnagar (partly), Basant Bagh, Bar Bar Shah.


Saida Kadal Bridge, Zinsha Masjid, Rainawari Chowk, Soorateng Chowk, Shiraz Chowk, Nowhatta, Naidyaar, Hasibhat, Chowdary Bagh.

Epilogue Ø 1 × May 2009

B R I D G I N G T H E I N F O R M A T I O N D I V I D E

F O R T H E M O N T H O F M A Y 2 0 0 9

Taking J&K Closer to WorldBringing World Closer to J&K


29Volume : 3, Number : 5

ISSN : 0974-5653

RNI : JKENG/2007/26070

www.epilogue.in

The present issue is a summit of

ideas originating from all regions of

J&K. Writers decided to share their

opinions at a workshop they

attended together at Bangkok in

ending March.

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Nov. 2008

ELECTIONS: CHALLENGE 2008 e have brought out three issues on assembly elections 2008 and the November Wissue was first in the series. Elections were being held in the backdrop of a worst

separatist and communal agitation in state. With a commentary on the prevailing political and security atmosphere, the November issue carried a complete backgrounder on the past elections.

Dec. 2008

HUNG ASSEMBLY n the middle of elections our small team of staffers along with some 30 volunteers Itraveled across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir to gauge the public

mood. The conclusion was that there will be a hung assembly with NC as largest party, PDP second and Congress third. Looking at the pages of our December issue one can see all parties have come up with same number of seats as we had predicted except the BJP.

Jan. 2009

Feb. 2009

Mar. 2009

Apr. 2009

MANDATE : collectors issue, the special number on our second anniversary came as fastest Apossible, yet professionally correct work, on J&K elections. Result were declare

on December 28 and our issue carrying complete elections analysis and elections trends at constituency level was out before the government was sworn I.

AGENDA FOR OMAR GOVERNMENT :he coalition government of National Conference and the Congress headed by TOmar Abdullah Omar Abdullah took over on January 5 but it did not declare a

shared agenda. Epilogue's February issue put together opinions of well meaning people from across the country setting out an agenda for Omar Abdullah government

CONNECTING J&K

onnectivity is a major issue in J&K and people in many areas taunt the Cgovernment saying that roads were laid in remote areas only because they close to borders. Our March issue looked at the connectivity via roads, rail and air to bring to the fore the missing links.

TREADING FAILURE

s world watches keenly the new unfolding developments in Pakistan, our AConsulting Editor D Suba Chandran travelled to the troubled country to bring fresh perspectives for our readers in April Issue.


www.epilogue.in

Editor Zafar Iqbal Choudhary

Consulting EditorD. Suba Chandran

Associate EditorsIrm Amin BaigTsewang Rigzin

Art EditorKeshav Sharma

Research OfficerRaman Sharma

Mailing AddressPO Box 50, HO Gandhi Nagar, Jammu

Phones & emailOffice : +91 191 2493136Editorial: +91 94191 80762Administration: +91 94190 [email protected]@[email protected]

Edited, Printed, Published and Owned by Zafar Iqbal Choudhary. Published from : Ibadat House, Madrasa Lane, Near Graveyard, Bathindi Top, Jammu, J&K - 180012 and Printed at : DEE DEE Reprographix, 3 Aikta Ashram, New Rehari Jammu (J&K)

Disputes, if any, subject to jurisdiction of courts and competitive tribunals in Jammu only.

RNI : JKENJ/2007/26070ISN : 00974-5653Price : Rs 30

CONTENTS

Prologue 5

Note Book7 Essential Entries 6

OpinionTaliban Terror 10B. Raman

LS Elections 2009Hanging around same issues 12Maulvi v/s Abdullah : Action Replay 12By India, these separatists Swear 14Ladakh's smallest and 15highest polling stationsPolitics : from streets to ballots we 16must tolerate the change of heartsSushma Mahajan

War on TerrorNew Af-Pak Strategy : 48Old Wine in a New BottleM Shamsur Rabb Khan

View PointJammu, Kashmir, Ladakh 51In Quest of Regional BalanceSahil Showkat

ColumnRecollecting Marrah’s Liberation 54‘...I forgot what fear is’Manisha Sobhrajani

Special StoriesMust See in Jammu 56Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani MuseumA. K. Khanna

Stories of ChangeFinancing Transport Sector 59Sajjad Bazaz

LadakhUnemployment on the Rise 61Tsewang Rigzin

MediaThe Kashmir Jigsaw 62Sevanti Ninan

IN FOCUSJ&K Moving Forward

J&K Moving Forward18 ...but there are Wheels within WheelsZafar Choudhary

Revisiting General Musharaf’s Ideas26Formulations on Jammu and Kashmir

A New Hope29

Keeping hopes alive for Kashmir settlement30

Images of Kashmir in Pir Pangal Region32

Peace via voiceless people;35A Northern Areas Perspective

Remember Past only to Focus on Future38

Peace in South Asia :39Kashmir can be Bridge between India, Pak

Unheard Traumatized Voices41Let’s pray no more Khatoons, Naseemas and Shafiqa are added to painful history ofKashmir

Kashmir Conflict and its Impact43

Sufferers must play their roles45

A frame work for conflict24 Resolution in KashmirTahir Aziz

Dr. Gul Mohammad Wani

Anil Dhar

Ershad Mahmud

Abdul Rauf Mir

Ejaz Ahmed Khan

Tashi Galyson

Sardar Amjad Yousaf Khan

Ezabir Ali

Ilyas Choudhary

Uzera Shah


Assortment of Ideas

Jammu and

KashmirMoving Forward

Jammu and

KashmirMoving Forward

Epiloguebecause there is more to know

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L

From the EditorRP O O G U E

t is often said that the solution of Peoples want many things more but that legend has it, the difficulties in coming

Kashmir issue should better be does not mean that governments are to terms with each other's perceptions

left to the people of Jammu and ready to settle down for anything or did not last for more than 30 minutes.

Kashmir alone. But is there any every thing for peace. While Towards the end of workshop each Iidea of what the people of Jammu understanding these limitations in view participant appeared eager to go home,

and Kashmir want. This can be known of the geo-political realities that shaped e x p a n d t h e c o n s t i t u e n c y o f

only when they have the opportunities up in the six decades after partition reconciliation and have lines of divide

to meet and talk. While there are there has to be an initiative driven by blurred –as soon as possible.

b a r bed ba r r i e r s a nd l im i t ed the people to guide the governments. Unfortunately the situation is not as

opportunities of contacts between two With regional differences running deep simple as that but it can be made one.

sides of the divide, the channels of into blood of the people such initiatives The workshop was in a close room.

communication are not so free even on and the desired common approaches Participants are back home and coming

t he e i t he r s i de s . The re a re are often difficult but not impossible. across obv ious d i f f icu l t ies in

psychological barriers. Differences Many of us had heard that when two implementing ideas they conceived and

within the regions are fast widening and natives of J&K, one belonging to Indian agreed upon with their colleagues in

there are no attempts to bridge them side and other from Pakistani side are Bangkok. But there is no question of the

up. Perhaps this suits the official allowed to sit together for half an hour urge slowing down. The present issue of

establishment but this can't bring any it takes a maximum of 30 minutes for Epilogue is a reflection of that strong

peace. Peace, it is again said, is too them to conclude that there is conflict urge of cooperation and friendship as

important an end to be left to the at all. At a small scale this phenomenon participants of the workshop drawn

governments alone to achieve. There has been seen after launch of the trans- from all parts of Jammu and Kashmir (on

has to be an initiative by the people to Kashmir-LoC bus service. Many myths both sides of LoC) have made a

guide a way to their destiny. Here again fell and realities took over the thinking. beginning by contributing their articles

is an important question. Can It was a similar experiment at a recent to this special issue. This is just a

governments, in New Delhi and workshop on Kashmir organized by a beginning. In coming months and years

Islamabad, leave the destiny of Jammu London based institute Conciliation the magazine will go on to expand and

and Kashmir to the people alone? No. Resources at Bangkok. The beauty was strengthen this constituency of forward

There has to be an official conflict that participants were picked up from looking people to inspire those who are still

resolution and reconciliation process in all regions of state on both sides of LoC caught in the web of a flawed history.

place but necessarily supplemented and with a 'scientific balance' of regions, Meanwhile, my thanks are due to the

guided by aspirations of the peoples. sub-regions, faiths, cultures to Conciliation Resources for such a

Peoples on both sides of the Line of accommodate as many identities as meaningful exercise of bringing Jammu

Control had always wanted to meet possible in J&K. there were absolutely and Kashmir together –though a small part

each other but a communication link no lectures at all. Participants were of it. I am sure this constituency grows.

(bus services) was established only made to interact with each other in a

when the governments agreed for that. proper framework of interaction. As the

Feedback :

[email protected]

J&K : Simple in 30 Minutes

Zafar Choudhary


N O T E B O O K

7 Essential Stories


here is good news for Jammu and The census has been conducted in The census was initiated to identify TKashmir - an increase in the collaboration with the Wildlife threats to the species and formulate a

population of the endangered stag Institute of India, Dehradun, and the strategy to save them. The hangul is

called hangul. According to a census Wildlife Trust of India, New Delhi. characterised by impressive spreading Hangul is an endangered species of conducted by the state wildlife antlers of the adult male and its rich deer found in Jammu and Kashmir, department, the estimated population brownish red coat. Female hangul do mainly in the Dachigam National Park is now between 201 and 234, compared not have antlers. and adjoining areas. The estimated population is now to 117 and 199 in March 2008.

industrialists had also added salt everal reasons debase the state S to the wounds of Industrialists.economy mainly includes “Industries could only survive setback in tourism due to terror when Govt, offers incentive to it threats and apprehension of as man power, raw material and Taliban presence in valley. The almost everything has to be local handicraft industry like; imported from outside the state”, Paper Mache, Carpet Weaving, said industrialist and president Namda Sazi, Wooden Crafts and industries association Jammu Anil other technical trade have been Suri. He said that goods ones worst affected by the non-deliver are not getting expected availability of sales outlets, latest package causing disappointment technology, marketing scenario, to the industrialists.packing problems and many more. Initiating trade across LOC with People prefer to leave all these not proper homework to facilitate trades choice to do something new

industrialists with the banking and the currency provisions of which they could earn livelihood smoothly. finally turned out as a mockery. “Govt. does not show keen Not only this but the industrial sector of the entire state has interest to back state industries as exported goods could not reached to halt as industrial policies lack, loan facilities, fetch adequate returns” said president chamber of subsidies electricity and outside state investors. Besides 90% commerce and industries (CCI) Ram Sahai.of manpower is unskilled and the skilled staff is being Transport industries which are directly dependent upon the imported from other states on high rates.Tourism Sector has suffered a lot last year due to two Fruit industry is also suffering for one or the other reason months long agitation. The Apprehension of Taliban every year. Militancy and Regional clashes forced fruit presence in Valley force Tourists to cancel their bookings, growers to suffer huge losses and the people dealing with which cause serious concern to transport operators, the trade are highly disappointed, cold storage facilities, hoteliers and other allied traders. Govt. has to do a lot to road connectivity, agents who lack marketing skills and develop confidence among all the sectors involved in neglect by the Govt. to extend helping hands to fruit Business and trade as already it (Govt.) is under the growers.influence of Code of Conduct and did nothing for the last Special Economic Zone (SEZ) remains the only way out to more then four months. People Expect that young Chief save these industries. The Direct marketing at National and Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah will open Pandora box soon after International markets could also provide sign of relief to the the electioneering ends on May 16th, provide Sign of relief business cadre of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Govt. of India for which they waited a lot.taking back its promises announced earlier in favour of

ECONOMY

Crafts, industries crying for help

WILDLIFE

Endangered stag population on the rise

Manali, Mulden, Pang he ambitious and strategically crucial project to link T and Jarapa.mountain-locked Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir The rail link is with the rest of the country by train has moved a step closer crucial for the to fructification with the Railways finalising the feasibility country's defence report in this regard.security. India has The first rail link is proposed to be between Leh and been beefing up Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh and six passenger trains and infrastructure along nine goods trains are planned on the 498 km-long section.

"The feasibility report of Leh-Bilaspur rail link project is the Chinese border

almost ready and it will be submitted to Railway Ministry in Ladakh region and

shortly for scrutiny. After the scrutiny, the report would be has reopened several

sent to the Planning Commission before being sent to forward landing

Parliament for final approval," said a senior Railway Ministry bases to ensure

official involved with the feasibility study. faster supply lines The project is strategically crucial as it is part of India's for troops posted in efforts to improve infrastructure in the border region difficult terrain.It is considering that China has already built a rail link to Tibet. estimated to cost China has also improved connectivity with Pakistan via the about Rs 45 crore per Karakoram highway which runs close to the Indian border. km to construct the The proposed Leh rail project came up for discussion at the rail line in the Army Commanders' Conference here recently in the context section. There would of improving supply lines along the border like China has also be provisions for done. attending to any According to the study, the Leh-Bilaspur project, which is accident along the estimated to cost about Rs 22,000 crore, 6,000 passengers route.are expected to travel daily in the section, once the line is Two sites have been proposed along the 498-km long route operational. for setting up facilities for accident relief trains.On the freight front, the feasibility report has taken into Trains are expected to run at 65 km per hour in the section, account the possibility of carrying 3.92 million tonnes -- according to the study.mostly food grains, steel, sugar, oil, iron and cement -- in a Beside troop movement, the rail link would give a boost to year. tourism in the area.However, only two passenger trains are The proposed Leh-Bilaspur rail project will have 20 stations expected to run during the winter since the mountainous including Chhibbrin, Sundar Nagar, Bhangrotu, Mandi, Kullu, area sees heavy snowfall in the season, said the study.


CONNECTING J&K

Rs 22,000 Cr rail project for Leh

between 201 and to an official statement. great significance as this is the only "The increase in population is being 234, compared to survivor of the red deer group in the attributed to the effective measures 117 and 199 in Indian subcontinent. The species is which include protection and control March 2008. The placed under Schedule I in the Jammu on poaching taken by the department, male-female ratio and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, b e s i d e s t h e i n v o l v e m e n t o f and female-fawn 1978, and the Indian Wildlife independent volunteers, researchers, ratio have also (Protection) Act, 1972. It is also listed students and NGOs," the statement shown an upward in on the International Trade in said. swing in the current Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Conservation of this species assumes census, according Fauna (CITES).

N O T E B O O K7 Essential Stories


n Asian regional seminar at Leh, has aims to share this information with the water is needed, water will not be Awarned of adverse effects of people from Central and South Asia, to there, there will be drought. Even the

climate change in cold regions. The improve livelihood for people from UNDP report and reports of other global

four-day seminar was organised by the Hindukush, Himalayas and Pamir," said agencies say that the Himalayan

G r o u p E n e r g i e s Re n e w a b l e , Vincent Stuffer, Country Director, glaciers will shrink in the next 50 to 60

Environment Solidarities, a recognized GERES, India. years if we keep polluting the The objective of the seminar was to share internat ional French NGO, in environment," Dr. Balaji, District Forest strategies, expertise and field partnership with the European Union, Officer, Leh and a participant at the experience on energy and climate change G T Z ( t h e G e r m a n Te c h n i c a l seminar.issues to formulate a series of concrete Global warming could wipe out large Cooperation), ADEME (the French recommendations in terms of policy and areas of glaciers in the Himalayas and Environment and Energy Management methodology and to initiate a community surrounding highlands, threatening Agency), and the Foundation Ensemble.

It was attended by representatives from of practice among the key players of the livelihoods across much of Asia.Ladakh is geographically important India, Afghanistan, China, Tibet, region. Scientists predict that at the because, when the glaciers start Tajikistan and Bhutan. The conference present rate glaciers in the Himalayas melting areas such as these would be focused on i s sues concern ing will shrink within the next 50 to 60 years.

"Ladakh region has many glaciers and first affected. Mountain areas are adaptation strategy choices, which they are feeding many of our rivers like particularly affected by climate change have become important for people the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. If as relatively small changes in living in mountains areas.

"Its important because these glaciers these glaciers melt due to climate temperatures have severe impact on

will melt within 20 years, and people's change during summer seasons, there water supply, agriculture-based

livelihood will collapse. This seminar could be unexpected floods. And when livelihood and infrastructure.

n the initiative of Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) social works and activism. This year the awards were OYouth wing, under its newly elected president Mr. conferred among one individual and two societies. Among

Tsewang Thinles, a grand celebration of the 118th Birth them are Lama Sangha Sena, President Mahabodhi Society,

Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Leh for his contributions for the people of Ladakh specially

was held at the historic Leh Pologround on April 14 to pay the underprivileged ones through various humanitarian

homage to the Architect of the Indian Constitution. projects, the Lamdon Social Welfare Society for having With enthusiasm and devotion thousands of people and a excelled in education for the last nearly three decades and galaxy of prominent personalities including the heads of the Ladakh Vision Group for producing feature films based different religious and social organizations, the on relevant and prevailing social issues such as preservation intelligentsia, members of LBA and students of various and promotion of cultural values, eradication of social evils, institutions took part in the Ambedkar Jayanti and paid rich and helping poor and needy people. tribute to Babasaheb by offering white scarf khatak to his MC Bhagat, District Superintending Engineer Leh who is also

portrait. the President of Ambedkar Foundation J&K State was the Speakers on the occasion highlighted the role of Dr. chief guest on the occasion while the President LBA, Mr. Ambedkar to bring about reforms to uplift the weaker Lobzang Rinchen was the guest of honor. sections in India who were suffering from caste It is pertinent to mention here that Ambedkar was born into

discrimination. a poor untouchable family of Hindu community in 1891. LBA has constituted Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Awards to be Having spent his whole life fighting against social conferred to organizations and individuals having excelled in discrimination, Ambedkar 1950s converted his faith into contributing towards betterment of the society through Buddhism.

ENVIRONMENT

Climate change warning from Ladakh

REPORTS FROM LADAKH

Ambedkar remembered in Leh



pening the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks Ocase in court, special public prosecutor Ujwal

Nikam said there was a clear indication that the

strike was a criminal conspiracy hatched in

Pakistan with the help of experts, aimed at

capturing Jammu and Kashmir.Nikam said before designated court judge M L

Tahilyani that the attack was launched under a

criminal conspiracy to wage a war against the

country and weaken it economically by targetting

the financial capital.Nikam said that the findings were based on

confessional statement of Mohammad Ajmal Amir

Kasab, the lone Pakistani terrorist captured during

the attack, recorded by additional chief

metropolitan magistrate, and the investigations

conducted in the case. Nikam said that Kasab's confession clearly shows

that that the attack was absolutely impossible

without involvement of some trained

professionals.''According to Kasab's confessional statement, he

and the nine other terrorist, who were killed

during the attacks, had first undergone arms

training, including handling of AK-47, for 21 days.Then they had again undergone a 15-day arms

training at Muradabad hills in Pakistan by Abu

Hamza, which also included ways of deceiving the

intelligence agencies. In September 2008, during

ramzan, they were taken to Karachi by rail and a

Hakeem (Muslim physician) trained them on sea

transportation, maps, Global positioning system

and also how to misguide the Navy officials,'' Mr

Nikam said.He said, ''They were trained about rocket

launchers and satellite phones. The whole training

was done to make them ''Jihadis''. During their

training in Karachi, an unknown person came to

oversee the preparations and Rehman Lakhvi

introduced him as Major General, but did not

disclose his name. The terrorists were also told

that the people training them were the Major

General's men.'’

TERRORISM

Mumbai attack planned to capture Kashmir?

irst day in top chamber of civil secretariat, on January 9 when the Fyoungest Chief Minister Omar Abdullah talked about his '100-day'

model to set tone for governance in next 69 months, his plain, crisp and

sweet talk was highly appreciated by his bureaucrat audience but the 100-

day model still remain an illusion as the National Conference-Congress

coalition completes three months in office. Widely respected and read London based Sunday Observer has noted that

39 years old Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister has a vision though he has

had only 100 days in office. When Omar Abdullah moved into office of

Chief Minister there was very little to doubt about his experience as he

was a Union Minister ten years ago but the difference millions, particularly

youth, had hoped is yet to show though hopes are still intact as its been

just 100 days. Jammu and Kashmir is a difficult state to keep the promises and translate

the visions, the one like Omar has, but there are few things which need to

come from top and percolate down to bottom. Vision and agenda is one

such thing which the leadership sets and team follows. In his first meeting with the administrative secretaries on January 9, Omar

Abdullah told them “to formulate agenda for the first 100 days of the

coalition Government to set the tone for the governance for the six years

of its tenure”. Bureaucracy in Jammu and Kashmir is quite obedient and

faithful to the political leadership but talk in the secretariat next day was

audible: “if bureaucrats had to set agenda in 100 days to be followed for

next six years then they were doing it well in the Governor's

administration”.This is nothing to dispute the Sunday Observer's opinion that Omar

Abdullah has a vision but if he had wanted to put in place in 100 days a

model of governance for next six years then Jammu and Kashmir probably

lacks the climate for such an experiment. Administrative secretaries are

still sifting through the previous files to formulate a plan which they or

their predecessors did years back. A handout issued by the National Conference has today listed a dozen odd

projects –like Srinagar airport and the Kashmir rail-line –to underscore

efficient governance of the coalition but understandably some of these

projects were initiated during the times of previous generation. Omar

could have done wonders but if the operational conditions were out of

Jammu and Kashmir. The first and foremost spoiler in the way of Omar translating his vision was

apparently an uncomfortable alliance with an arrogant partner and wide

gaps between party and the government. Chief Minister's first month in

office (or out of office) went off in generating appreciation of people and

places in the new system and the second month got consumed up in

managing the Rajya Sabha elections. The third month saw huge politics of

Legislative Council elections and then came the Lok Sabha elections which

currently have the dust kicking in the air. The National Conference

handout rightly puts it: “and this is just a beginning…”

GOVERNANCE

Omar's 100 days lackluster


AT L I B A N T E R R O R

Opinion


“The heavily-forested Kupwara is not the 30 well-trained terrorists-cum-insurgents sprawling urban Mumbai. Encounters from the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) within forests have nothing in common into J&K. This group, which has been with encounters with terrorists described as a "Taliban group" to entrenched inside urban buildings and distinguish it from the earlier infiltrators going on a shooting spree in crowded who belonged to the Lashkar-e-Toiba public places in a big city such as Mumbai. (LET), is well-trained and has shown a But there are disconcerting similarities capability to keep our security forces between what happened in Mumbai engaged in conventional style battles. between November 26 and 29, 2008, and between what has happened during the If the media reports of the way the new last five days in the Kupwara area-- infiltrators are fighting are to be believed, simultaneous, well-orchestrated attacks what we are seeing is reminiscent of the on multiple targets, whether static or infiltration of a re-trained and better-moving army patrols, a skilful use of hand- trained Neo Taliban of Mulla Mohammad held weapons and gadgets such as GPS Omar into Afghanistan in 2003. The re-systems, suicidal and not suicide trained Neo Taliban showed a remarkable terrorism, strike, stay and fight tactics capability for mixing conventional style instead of the hit and vanish tactics and an stand and fight battles and suicide or ability to keep the encounters with the suicidal terrorism. The US-led NATO forces security forces going for a long time in in Afghanistan are still struggling to order to make an impact on the local grapple with the re-trained Neo Taliban population and the international infiltrators from their sanctuaries in community through dramatic media Pakistan.reports."

The use of the word Taliban in describing -- Extract from my article dated March the new batch of infiltrators into Northern 25, 2009, From Mumbai To Kupwara J&K can be confusing. The Pakistani media

refer to the anti-India terrorist

organisations, which consist largely of hile the Government of Dr Punjabis and Punjabi-speaking Kashmiris Manmohan Singh has maintained (Mirpuris) from Pakistan-Occupied Wits usual silence on what has been Kashmir (POK), as the Punjabi Taliban and going on in Northern Jammu & Kashmir to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), (Kupwara, Uri and Baramulla areas), there which consists largely of Pashtuns, as the have been worrisome reports in the media

about the infiltration of one more group of Pashtun Taliban. The TTP consists largely

B. RAMAN Author is Additional Secretary (retd), Cabinet Secretariat, Govt. of India, and, presently, Director, Institute For Topical Studies, Chennai

The 'Taliban' Infiltration

The goal would be to strengthen those experts close to Obama who have been saying that a solution to the so-called Kashmir problem should be the starting point of any effective fight against terrorism emanating from the Pakistani territory


of the Mehsud and Wazir sub-tribes of the Pashtuns. Next to

the Punjabis, who constitute about 75 per cent of the Pakistan

Army, the Pashtuns constitute the second largest number in

the Army-- about 20 per cent. They are recruited from both the

North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) and the Federally-

Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)-- with the Mehsuds and the

Wazirs constituting the largest single group of Pashtun tribals

recruited into the Army from the FATA.

When the Pakistan Army tried to annex J&K after Pakistan

became independent in 1947, it first sent into J&K Mehsud and

Wazir tribals who projected themselves as local Kashmiris.

Initially, the Pakistan Army totally denied any responsibility

for their depredations, but ultimately it accepted that the

tribal infiltrators were from the army. These infiltrators

managed to occupy some parts of J&K which were constituted

into the POK.

As a reward for their services, many of these Mehsuds and

Wazirs were allowed to settle down in the POK after their

retirement from the Army. When Ayub Khan wanted to occupy

J&K in 1965, he again sent the Mehsuds and the Wazirs into J&K

and tried to project them as indigenous Kashmiris. If Lal

Bahadur Shastri, the then Indian Prime Minister, had not

retaliated by ordering the Indian Army to enter the Lahore

area thereby creating panic in the Pakistani army, these tribals

from the Pakistani Army posing as indigenous Kashmiris would

have probably occupied Jammu and even Srinagar. After the

war was over, Ayub Khan had these Mehsuds and Wazirs from

the Pakistan Army re-settled in POK. During the military

confrontation between India and Pakistan after the foiled

terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament on December 13,

2001, Pervez Musharraf used to say that there were 150,000

ex-service-men re-settled in the POK, who would put up a

fierce resistance to any forays by the Indian Army into the

POK. These ex-servicemen largely consist of Punjabis,

Mehsuds and Wazirs.

Against this background, the new group of infiltrators into

J&K could be either members of the so-called Punjabi Taliban

or members from the families of Mehsud and Wazir re-settlers

in the POK who are being referred to by the locals as the

Taliban, meaning the Pashtun Taliban. In the past--in 1947-48

and in 1965-- the infiltration of the tribals was a prelude to a

regular invasion by the Pakistan Army. This time, the objective

of the infiltration seems to be to strengthen the claims of

some non-governmental and governmental experts close to

the administration of President Barack Obama, who have been

saying that a solution to the so-called Kashmir problem should

be the starting point of any effective fight against terrorism

emanating from the Pakistani territory by the Pakistan Army.

yed Moinullah Khan, a Pakistan-based militant who was Sarrested by the Indian Army, disclosed that militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir have no links with the Taliban. “People of Taliban are in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They don't come to this side. Each outfit a has separate training centre of their own. Nobody belongs to Taliban in this, they have their own training centre and setup and those organisations, which work in Kashmir have their own setup. These setups in Kashmir have nothing to do with the Taliban and they don't work along with the Taliban," Syed claimed.Syed, Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, was brought before the media for the first time.Shah confessed how he received imparted intense training before infiltrating into India from the Gurez Sector along with 30 others. "I was trained in a jungle in a place called Mansehra in Jammu and Kashmir. There is a place named Sunar in the border area of Kashmir and we entered via that route. In totality there were people belonging to four terrorist organisations, who infiltrated Kashmir, including Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and PPR," Shah said. When asked about the motive behind him becoming a terrorist, Syed said, "Kashmiris come to Pakistan and claim that they are being illtreated, they are not given passports, the Indian Army has captured their houses and that they are misrespected. So they tell us to come along with weapons and we come here in the name of jihad. This is my motive behind becoming a terrorist." However, he added that on arriving he saw there was no kind of disrespect towards Muslims. "On arriving here, I realised that people are involved in their own work and I did not see any kind of restrictions in the lives of Kashmiris. Everyone is living their lives in full freedom and is doing their own work. There is no need of jihad as such over here," Shah said.Shah informed there was not a set target or mission for any outfit."There was not set target or mission given to us. We were just sent to attack. It depends from the commanders as to where they send us and for what; we have no say in it. We have three types of training. One is for 21 days, one is for 30 days and the third one lasts for 3 months." Syed also informed that he had met the Hizbul Mujhahideen commander."The commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, who came to Gurez Sector, to talk about jihad, from that time onwards I, wanted to get into this. I met that person and took the address of the training centre and landed myself there. The one who becomes a commander is the person who spends almost 4-5 years in the area," Syed added.

TERRORISM

Captured ultra takes Taliban buzz out

AT L I B A N T E R R O R

Opinion

LESL E C T I O N S 2 0 0 9

Campaign Trail


h e n S h e i k h M o h a m m a d WAbdullah bulldozed his political opponents with the Indira-Abdullah accord in 1975, his Plebiscite Front rebel Sofi Mohammad Akbar vanished into oblivion in hometown Sopore and the Jamaat-e-Islami veteran Syed Ali Shah Geelani had already neutralised his own image of a revolutionary leader by participating in the dubiously held Assembly elections of 1972, Shia Muslim cleric Maulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari had little competition to grab the opportunity of emerging as Sher-e-Kashmir's arch rival in Kashmir's political landscape. Over two other competitors---Shameem Ahmed Shameem and Abdul Gani Lone---Ansari had the advantage of hailing from the core of Central Kashmir as also being the spiritual leader of a sizable votebank. Thus, he qualified well for an attack by Sheikh's cubs while filing his nomination papers as an Independent candidate against Begum Akbar Jehan in February 1977.Maulvi had remained a Member of Legislative Council since 1973 but he shot into veritable prominence when National Conference (NC) jihadis roughed him up and snatched away his Qarraquli on occasion of filing his nomination for Srinagar-Budgam in the Lok Sabha elections of March 1977. Then widely circulated Srinagar Times carried one of Bashir Ahmed Bashir's popular cartoons on Ansari's headgear next day. In a few days, Ansari put up a 30,000-strong show on the spacious Gole Bagh---where High Court and Legislature Complexes came up years later---in front of the Civil Secretariat. He slammed Kashmir 's legendary political icon with his loud roar and gave his widely revered spouse a tough fight. Still, he had to be content with just 87,000 votes

BATTLE FIELD SRINAGAR

Maulvi v/s aising the same issues in almost the achieve it,' senior National Conference Rsame pitch in their election leader Ali Mohammed Sagar said at an

campaigns, the National Conference and election meeting here.But PDP president Mehbooba Mufti holds the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are the National Conference responsible for busy accusing each other of deceiving the invocation of the AFSPA in the state, the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The rival parties are promising greater which has since 1989 been battling devolution of powers to the state terrorism which has left over 47,000 through the autonomy slogan of the people dead.

'It is the National Conference which in National Conference and the self-rule the very first place got the AFSPA to slogan of the PDP.

'They have copied our autonomy Kashmir. Now they are talking of its document and are now calling it self- repeal to deceive the voters,' Mehbooba rule which is meant to deceive the Mufti told an election meeting of her people,' says Farooq Abdullah, the party in Anantnag.

The India-Pakistan peace process is National Conference president and another issue which tops the election former chief minister, who is contesting campaign of the two parties in the from Srinagar.

Abdullah's long time political rival Mufti valley.'In our rule, there was a general sense of Mohammed Sayeed, the PDP patron, security among the people. The cross-unequivocally criticises him.

'He (Abdullah) passed the autonomy border bus was started and the India-resolution in the state assembly and Pakistan peace process began to ease then allowed it to be trashed by the tensions between the two neighbours,' central government in 2000. The Mehbooba Mufti said.

The National Conference counters by National Conference has never been saying very few people even today use serious while fighting for the rights of the cross-border bus service to the people here,' Sayeed said at a rally in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered south Kashmir's Anantnag district, a Kashmir and the pace of cross-border strong bastion of his party.

Voters feel confused, says the editor of a trade between the two parts of Kashmir leading daily newspaper here. has not picked up at all.'They are confusing the voters on all 'How many people have actually used fronts. But what the voter does would be the bus or traded goods across the known only after the results are out,' he border? These still remain photo said, not wishing to be identified. opportunities which the PDP wants to The rival parties also speak of encash,' said a senior National withdrawal of armed forces from the Conference leader here.populated areas and repeal of the Armed Both parties are promising roads, Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), but healthcare, employment and economic continue to blame each other for having packages to boost the valley's shattered done nothing concrete towards economy.

'They (National Conference) didn't do it achieving this.'We got an army camp removed from then, they shall not do it now,' said Mufti Bomai village near Sopore town within Sayeed.

'How much did he do during his tenure?' less than a month of coming to power. pat comes the retort from the National The PDP always made emotive issues of Conference's south Kashmir candidate army withdrawal from populated areas, Mirza Mehboob Beg.but actually did nothing on the ground to

DISCOURSE

Hanging around same issues


Nobody had an inkling of the split when Even as NC lost some segments in the against Begum's whopping 2.10 Lakh.Ansari made another dramatic Assembly elections in 2002 and later Alongwith all of his ilk---Maulana turnaround and returned to his much PDP's Tariq Hameed Qarra dealt it the Masoodi, Ghulam Mohiuddin Qarra, abused detractor Mufti Sayeed's camp first major blow in Batmaloo in 2004-05, Mirwaiz Farooq, Abdul Gani Lone etc in 2005. He resigned as NC's MLA and it has swept the polls fully in the etc---Ansari joined Murarji Desai's contested the by-elections in 1996 but Assembly elections of 2008 in Srinagar ruling Janata Party next month. At the lost to Farooq Abdullah's brother, Dr and lost only three of the 15 segments.end of an electrifying campaign in the

In 1998, Congress candidate Aga Syed Mustafa Kamal. In 2008, he, however, Assembly elections of June 1977, only Mehdi (also an influential Shia leader) managed his victory from the same two of JP candidates---Lone in secured only 74,000 against Omar segment by defeating NC's Abdul Handwara and the Mirwaiz-nominee Abdullah's 1,45,000 votes. In 1999, then Rashid Shaheen. Abdul Rashid Kabuli---were returned

Even as nobody from NC removed Independent Mehboba Mufti got just in the Valley as NC swept the polls. It Ansari's Qarraqulli in ensuing polls his 18,000 votes in Srinagar-Budgam was obviously in recognition of his election fighting came full circle after against Omar Abdullah's 55,000. And defeating Ansari in Pattan that Sheikh 32 years in April 2009 when, for the first notwithstanding its loss of power in Abdullah inducted Abdul Rashid time, he jumped into the arena to 2002 Assembly elections, NC's Omar Shaheen as a junior Minister in his directly take on Sheikh Abdullah's son, Abdullah trounced PDP's Ghulam Nabi government. Farooq Abdullah. Still suffering the jolt Lone Hanjoora with a margin of 23,000 As his vengeance refused to die down, of the defeat of the Assembly elections votes. Ansari successfully uprooted the NC

With the big fight unfolding between of 2008, PDP and Mufti are obviously candidate and romped home in Pattan Farooq Abdullah and Maulvi Iftikhar, banking on Ansari's sectarian base in in the Assembly elections of 1983. In both have certain advantage in the Srinagar-Budgam in the current Lok league with his former patrons in current elections. PDP has managed to Sabha elections. Congress---notably Mufti Mohammad

The Central Kashmir constituency of get back its estranged Shia leader, Aga Sayeed--- he played a key role in Srinagar-Budgam-Ganderbal has been Syed Mehmood, who has functioned as engineering a split in NC, dismissing NC's invincible bastion whether in a Minister in Dr Abdullah's government Farooq Abdullah as Chief Minister and power or in opposition. While Dr Farooq for two terms, last fortnight. However, getting Ghulam Mohammad Shah Abdullah scored his first victory here given his second successive defeat in installed as head of the government in when nobody stood against him in the Budgam, his base is no match to that of July 1984. Lok Sabha elections of 1980, NC's Abdul the NC MLA Aga Ruhulla who has been In the backdrop of Rajiv-Farooq Rasheed Kabuli slammed a crushing returned for his second term with a Accord, Ansari made a dramatic defeat on then Chief Minister Ghulam massive vote of nearly 20,000. Both somersault and outsmarted all in the Mohammad Shah's son, Muzaffar Shah, have influence of varied proportions in state politics in becoming Farooq in 1984. With all available resources, five other segments of Shia base in Abdullah 's bosom fr iend. This Shah got a paltry 61,000 votes against Srinagar-Budgam. association showed spectacular Kabuli's 2,64,000. Again in 1989, NC's Even as Ansari is resilience in surviving M o h a m m a d S h a f i B h a t w e n t expected to get the all kinds of hostile uncontested. lion's share of Shia weather. Even as In 1996, Ghulam Mohammad Mir v o t e , P D P c a n Ansari won as an Magami, a Shia leader from Budgam obviously find an Opposition Congress district, managed a victory over JD's a d v a n t a g e i n candidate in Pattan in Farooq Andrabi with a margin of less nothing less than a 1996, Farooq Abdullah than 2,000 votes, thanks to a sectarian turnout of around inducted him as a divide in the low turnout polling. His 20 to 25 percent as Minister in his Cabinet. real advantage was NC's absence from a sectarian divide In 2002 he was once the Lok Sabha elections. Thereafter, could benefit it again returned from NC's Omar Abdullah has continuously o n l y i n t h a t Pattan, though NC lost retained this all-important seat for his situation. the power to Mufti's party in 1998, 1999 and 2004 elections. - AHMED ALI FAYYAZPDP.

Abdullah: Action Replay

LESL E C T I O N S 2 0 0 9Campaign Trail


percent people participated in the in the last over two decades include hampions of 'Azadi' in yesteryears, C Assembly elections in J&K---71% in Maulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, Sajjad Gani Lone and Ghulam Jammu and 51% in Kashmir valley. Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Nizam-ud-din Rasool Shah alias Imran Rahi, are among Sajjad's own sister, advocate Shabnam Bhat, Abdul Haq Khan, late Bilal Lodhi 13 candidates of different political Lone, as also a senior ideologue in the (all PDP), Mohammad Akbar Lone (NC) affiliations in fray in the North Kashmir PC, Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rasheed, and former Forest Minister Ghulam Lok Sabha constituency of Baramulla-contested the Assembly elections from Mohi-ud-din Sofi. Sofi was among over Kupwara while swearing by God to Kupwara and Langet segments a dozen members of PC who had uphold India's sovereignty and integrity. respectively. Even as Ms Lone lost to contested Assembly elections of 2002 Chairman of a faction of late Abdul Gani the NC candidate, Mir Saifullah, and came to be widely known as Lone's mainstream-turned-separatist Engineer Rasheed defeated all of his Sajjad's “proxy candidates”. Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Conference

It was Sofi's and his other colleagues' rivals including NC's incumbent, (PC), Sajjad Lone, took oath in the participation in the elections that Sharief-ud-din Shariq, and PDP's name of God for bearing true faith in caused the first split in Hurriyat in former MLA, Mohammad Sultan the Constitution of India and upholding 2003 when hardliner Syed Ali Shah Panditpuri. the sovereignty and integrity of this

Those who have earlier deserted late Geelani took a tough stand and sought country. After PC's 19-year-long struggle Mr Lone's PC and become MLAs or MLCs PC's ouster from the amalgam. for Kashmir's 'Azadi' (freedom from

India) and seven years after his father's

assassination over the speculations of

his participation in the Assembly

elections of 2002, Sajjad Lone has

finally stood up as a candidate in the

Indian Parliamentary elections in

Jammu & Kashmir.

In a news conference on April 11th,

Sajjad had announced his participation

in the elections with his argument that

Kashmir's separatist leadership could

not afford to continue as a slave of its

ostrich-like stand on the democratic

exercise in which majority of the

Kashmiris had participated by choice.

He had, nevertheless, sought to justify

it as “a change in strategy” and claimed

that his ideology (of Azadi) was not

going to change. Interestingly, Sajjad

had outsmarted all of the Kashmiri

separatist leaders and taken the lead

role in running the anti-election

campaign in an attempt to ensure “total

boycott” to the Assembly elections in

October-December 2008.

However, in total rejection of the

separatist leadership's call, nearly 61

CHANGE OF STRATEGY ?

By India, these Separatists Swear



he 4- Ladakh Parliamentary constituency, comprising of TLeh and Kargil districts, is going to poll in the last

phase of Lak Saba elections on May 13th 2009. A total of

1,52,391 voters would exercise their franchise in the

forthcoming Lok Saba Election in Ladakh of which 74,475

are male voters, 73,922 are female voters and 3,924 service

voters.

According to the Returning Officer, 4-Ladakh Parliamentary

Constituency, Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu, 239 Polling stations

have been set up in Leh district while as 237 Polling stations

established for Kargil district. Polling Station No: 157-

Chuchot Gongma having 1324 voters is the largest polling

stations and Polling station No: 171 Thukjey Gonpa having

only 6 voters is the smallest polling station of Ladakh

Parliamentary Constituency. The Polling Station No: 181-

Anlay Fu situated at a height of 15,000 ft above sea level is

the highest polling station of this constituency.

The Kargil Assembly segment has 57,105 voters with 28,629

male, 28,476 female voters and 348 service voters.

Likewise, the Zanskar Assembly Segment has 20,397 voters

including 10,258 male voters, 10,139 female voters and 259

service voters.

Similarly, Leh Assembly Segment has 62,504 voters including

30,281 male voters, 29,566 female voters and 2657 service

voters. The Nubra Segment has total of 12,373 voters which

include 5,909 male voters, 5,804 female voters and 660

service voters.

For Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency 158 Polling

Stations set up in Kargil, 79 Polling Stations in Zanskar,

183 Polling Stations in Leh and 56 Polling Stations in

Nubra segment.

Sources say that 7 Polling Stations in Karigl Segment

would be covered through Helicopter service, 7 Polling

Stations in Zanskar segment and 6 Polling Stations in Leh

segment would be provided Helicopter service to lift

Polling Staff and Polling Materials. In case of non

clearance of Kargil Padum road, Elections materials and

Polling staff for 49 Polling Stations of Zanskar segment

would be airlifted. From Kargil, likewise in the case of

non clearance of road another 6 Polling Stations of Leh

segment would also be provided Helicopter service.

ELECTIONS 2009

Ladakh's smallest and highest polling stations

Creation of the Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar factions in

Hurriyat was the result of this particular development.

A prominent constituent of the separatist conglomerate,

Hurriyat Conference, since 1993, PC has been struggling

for J&K's separation from India and creation of an

Independent, sovereign state. Al-Barq came to be known

as PC's “guerrilla wing” in 1990 as most of its cadres had

been late Mr Lone's associates.

Even after Sajjad has jumped into the election

bandwagon and his turnaround has evoked bitter

reaction from several militant and separatist political

groups, his elder brother, Bilal Gani Lone, is continuing

as Chairman of the PC faction which has been a Hurriyat

(Mirwaiz faction) constituent since 2003.

Those who filed their nomination papers in Baramulla

today, included Ghulam Rasool Shah alias Imran Rahi of

J&K Awami National Conference (ANC), who had

operated as a senior commander with Hizbul Mujahideen

for several years before his historic meeting with then

Home Minister of India, S B Chauhan, in March 1996. A

resident of Diver Anderbug village of Lolab valley in

Kupwara district, Rahi was functioning as Hizbul

Mujahideen's “Deputy Chief” when he had initiated a

dialogue process with the Goverenment of India

alongwith nine other militant leaders, notably late Bilal

Lodhi (then Chief Commander of Al-Barq), Firdaus

Sayeed alias Babar Baddar (then Chief Commander of

Muslim Janbaz Force) and a Muslim Mujahideen leader,

late Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone.

Rahi had later participated in the Assembly elections of

2002 from his home segment of Kupwara but got only 366

out of 34,093 valid votes polled in the constituency.

Firdaus Sayeed was inducted as MLC when he joined Dr

Farooq Abdullah's NC. However, he has not remained

associated with any party politics after his term ended

several years back. - AHMED ALI FAYYAZ


Even after Sajjad has jumped into the election bandwagon and his turnaround has evoked bitter reaction from several militant and separatist political groups, his elder brother, Bilal Gani Lone, is continuing as Chairman of the PC faction which has been a Hurriyat (Mirwaiz faction) constituent since 2003.


Masoodi, Afzal Haq, Ghulam Qadir and hen Peoples Conference Mir from Pulwama. According to Ali leader Sajjad Lone, son of W Mohammad Naik, only question of widely respected moderate boycotting or contesting elections was separate late Abdul Ghani Lone filed whether the party members should take nomination papers for Baramulla-oath of Indian Constitution or not. The Kupwara Lok Sabha segments, it was plea in favour of contesting the like politics of streets, ultimately, elections, in words of Ali Mohammad coming to the politics of ballot. After-Naik was that the party leadership reactions should never be, in any way, a should not hesitate taking oath or reflection of the pattern followed by allegiance to the Indian Constitution co- separatists and others including the considering the historical fact that the Centre and the State Government leadership –Mohammad Afzal Beg –when during the days of Plebiscite Front did not hesitate to take the oath of (1955-1975). It was a group led by Ali allegiance to the Maharaja during days Mohammad Naik –the general secretary of diarchic system, then, why to of the Plebiscite Front, Kh. Mubarak hesitate to do the same few years later? Shah, Haji Subhan, Ghulam Mohd. Bhat

who broke away from the party and The Plebiscite Front leadership in fact, successfully contested the state had condemned the contesting of assembly elections of 1967. Ali Mohd. elect ions as 'contrary to the Naik and Ghulam Mohd. Bhat were the fundamental principle of the Front' and members of working committee of the had 'exhorted those who had any idea of Plebiscite Front. The total number of entering the election arena, to revise the expelled group was 40 (members) their decision and keep away from and the leader of the expelled group elections. It was only by boycotting the had expressed hope of the revision in elections that Indian Government. be the stand of rank and file of the made to understand that Kashmiris Plebiscite Front vis-a- vis elections. demanded an urgent solution to the' Others breaking away from the party future status of Kashmir'. But were Abdul Rashid Kabli, Shabbir

SUSHMA MAHAJANAuthor is a Research Scholar at University of Jammu

Politics: from streets to ballots We must tolerate the change of hearts

Separatist leader Sajjad Lone's participation in the ensuing Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament) elections in

Jammu and Kashmir may have raised many eyebrows but it should be seen as a welcome step towards

better way of understanding and achieving goals. The political space Sajjad will get after the results,

would be the right democratic platform to express his voice. He would be able to represent his 'class

of nation' and see the compatibility of his dreams in the Indian setting.

LESL E C T I O N S 2 0 0 9

Opinion


apprehending more cracks in the party contests were held, the congress plight the Congress supported

arising out of the 'once for all' attitude secured 61.5 percent, the Front 27.2 candidate had to face at the hands of

on the part of the leadership and after percent and others three percent. In the Plebiscite Front supported- Shamim

being convinced of the futility of the uncontested seats numbering 2309, Ahmad Shamim-as independent

boycotting the elections, the Plebiscite the Congress got 73.9 %; the Front 23.9 candidate during Parliamentary

Front decided to contest the elections % and others 2.3% elections a year ago. The nomination

to 'prove to the world how popular the papers filed by the supporters of the

Plebiscite Front was in Kashmir' It may Plebiscite Front were rejected on the When Indira Gandhi dissolved

be noted that it was after the collapse ground that they were 'anti-national'. Parliament in December 1970 and called

of the civil authority in Pakistan that But the 'expelled group' of the for elections in March 1971. Sheikh

Beg announced at a press conference in Plebiscite Front had six nominees in Mohd.Abdullah decided to stand and

Srinagar that the Plebiscite Front would the field. A few candidates enjoying advised the Plebiscite Front to contest

reconsider its decision to boycott the support of the Plebiscite Front the elections. When he was about to

elections if dates were extended by contested the elections. This included leave New Delhi for Srinagar on 8

three months in 1969. But the election Mirza Arif Beg; a close relation of the January 1971, a bomb was allegedly

commission turned down the request. President of the outlawed Front, Afzal

'An election within the framework of the Beg, Mufti Mehraj-ud- din and aged

Constitution', pointed out the Syed Afzal Jalali. Even the party was

commission in its reply to Beg, r e p o r t e d t o h a v e s t r e t c h e d

'cannot be used as a device to subvert clandestine support to the Jamaat-e-

that constitution. A candidate who Islami candidates. The fact, however,

has made and subscribed an oath of cannot be denied that the local papers

allegiance to the constitution to had carried last minute appeals from

uphold the sovereignty and integrity Mirza Mohd Afzal Beg and Ghulam Mohd

of India, and the party by whom he Shah for 'non-involvement in the

h a s b e e n s e t u p , c a n n o t elections which went unheeded

constitutionally, legally and morally Although, the Plebiscite Front could

say or do anything in the course of an not participate formally in any of the

election campaign and propagate elections the state conducted, its discovered on his plane and the flight which may tend to disrupt the massive victory in the civic polls gave was cancelled. The next day, he and sovereignty and integrity. It was legitimacy o the stand of the Front that Afzal Beg were served orders however, on June 14, 1969 that the it had stronghold over the minds of prohibiting them from entering Jammu Plebiscite Front declared formally Kashmiri people.and Kashmir. Then the Plebiscite Front that it would take part in elections. was declared unlawful; many of its In the subsequent presidential poll of The political space Sajjad will get after members were arrested and offices August 1969, the Front members took the results, would be the right were closed. To make doubly sure, the a different stand and announced democratic platform to express his State Assembly passed a law declaring their decision to participate in the voice. He would be able to represent his that members of the Front could not elections. But, the Front sought to 'class of nation' and see the stand for elections. With no opposition introduce extraneous issues and compatibility of his dreams in the Indian in the field, the Congress did well in raised religious slogans to disrupt the setting. The amalgam of Hurriyat Kashmir, helping Indira Gandhi to gain a age-old unity of villages whereby Conference including both 'the two-thirds majority in Parliament The several Front leaders and supporters moderates' and 'the extremists' and the ban on his entering Kashmir was lifted in sought to intimidate their opponents political representatives of different June, well after the elections were through violence and rowdyism. And the streams should learn to tolerate his step over. The Congress government did not results show that the Front lost heavily in the right direction. Violence is never want to take risk considering the bad to the Congress. Of 2361 seats for which a tool to resolve any issue.

The political space Sajjad will

get after the results, would be

the right democratic platform

to express his voice. He would

be able to represent his 'class of

nation' and see the

compatibility of his dreams in

the Indian setting.

LESL E C T I O N S 2 0 0 9Opinion


Towards lasting peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir, it is very important to move

forward and keep moving on. But which way to move is the most important question.

The official establishment often gets complacent by leaving things around status quo as

the best possible way of moving (in fact, not moving, at all) forward. This approach has

proved most perilous. There is a fresh and live example which strongly suggests all the

reasons for concerted, serious and sustained engagement on Kashmir. In 2007 and till

early 2008, Jammu and Kashmir appeared close to any of the most peaceful,

progressing and politically stable places in India or anywhere else –militant violence

lowest in 20 years, senior separatists and Pakistan's leadership talking of creative and

out-of-box solutions, dozens of second rung separatists formally joining the

mainstream ranks in view of upcoming assembly elections, lakhs of domestic and

foreign tourists overcrowding the hotels and meadows of Valley, chieftains of Indian

industry rushing in huge investment proposals –with all these developments, the

Kashmir policy desks (wherever they are) had enough reasons to have the course of

bilateral dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad nearly abandoned or slowed down

and those elements in Kashmir (and elsewhere) who believe there is a conflict,

isolated. The peaceful and promising political environment in Jammu and Kashmir

literally suggested a lull before the storm. But it all crumbled at the spur of a moment. A

small and completely misunderstood administrative order on a piece of land (for a

Hindu shrine) had the State on fire as much as the United Nations Secretary General

remarked: “we are watching the situation with concern”. (For years all diplomatic

energies are pumped in to prevent such statements.) The distance between New Delhi

and Kashmir appeared longest of the history and the gulf between Srinagar and Jammu,

perhaps, widest ever. Keen observers of Kashmir expressed their fears, in newspaper

columns and TV debates, of Valley slipping out of (Indian) hands and Jammu replaying

holocaust of 1947. As a 'deeply concerned' Prime Minister Manmohan Singh rushed in

an all-party team of top Indian political leaders to pacify the situation (which they were

not able to) there was a sudden realisation that conflict in Jammu and Kashmir was

much more serious than viewed at from policy desks. Moving forward is therefore most

important for peace in South Asian region and effectively tacking the scourge of

terrorism also.

ZAFAR CHOUDHARY

J&K Moving Forward …but there are Wheels within Wheels

J&K Moving ForwardSA S O R T E D I D E A S


dangerous proportions. Civil society Jammu and Ladakh (on Indian side) and t wont be an overstatement to say engagements have not brought any Pakistan administered Kashmir and that Kashmir conflict is today one of I significant results for two reasons: the Federally Administered Northern Areas the most complex living conflicts in civil society institutions are not very (on Pakistani side). Over past six the world. And what makes it more vibrant in J&K and wherever they are, decades aspirations and identities have dangerous is the official conflict the engagements and discourses are shaped in a definite manner and resolution mechanism which overlooks sub-regional specific while the fact is adopted rigidity. The state response and a range of dimensions while engaging in that Jammu and Kashmir is a mosaic of approaches too have remained one aspect. As a result the offshoots of multi-cultures and multi-aspirations different to individual areas on both the main problem keep on assuming

where differences in sides. What can be seen as an important

o p i n i o n s a n d aspect of the dangerous complexity of

aspirations run deep Kashmir issue is the fact that there are

into blood. Taking a at least five sets of well shaped up

ringside view shows opinions and aspirants and may be five

Jammu and Kashmir a times more loosely knit stands –all rigid

large homogenous and driven by own reasons. Kashmir

mass embroiled in a conflict is not limited to the Kashmir

historical conflict. At Valley alone. There is no way of looking

a closer look one gets at the conflict by seeing just one or two

to see a multitude of of the five regions in isolation. It is the

conflicts within the question of ultimate destiny of all five

region. regions; the level of sufferings in one

region may though be more or lesser

than the other. Looking at Kashmir

issue only in context

of partition of India For arriving at an understanding of

and related events Kashmir issue so as move for a course

from 1947 to 1952 of reconciliation it is important to

will not serve as any know the dominant aspirations. This is

g u i d e t o t h e the most difficult part. There may be

understanding of some elements of shared interests

issues in the present between Kashmir Valley on Indian side

environment. At the and Pakistan administered Kashmir on

time of division, the other side but this is not what the

there was a princely other three regions –Jammu, Ladakh

State comprised of a n d FA N A – a g r e e w i t h . A n y

several sub-regions majoritarian solution based on the

hav ing l i t t l e i n dominant aspirations in any particular

common with each region will find resistance from the

other but strongly others. Things can be easily

knit together under understood on the Pakistani side but

Maharaja's autocratic there is a dangerously complex sub-

and sole authority. regional scenario on the Indian side

Post-division, these which is largely dealt with in this

regions shaped into article to understand deep running

five –Kashmir Valley, differences between three regions.

Kashmir issue: Any definitions

J&K Moving Forward

SA S O R T E D I D E A S


Perceptions and Sensitivities

Issues and Engagements

What should be the exact framework of not resist interrupting him as they

seeking a resolution of the Kashmir lodged a strong protest with the

issue? Should it (the formula and Speaker. “This is not Kashmir Assembly.

solution) come from New Delhi and Why is the Minister obsessed with ourism is one of the mainstays of Islamabad or the people of Jammu and Kashmir? He should properly name the Jammu and Kashmir economy Kashmir? India and Pakistan deciding state as Jammu and Kashmir”, Tand a majority of tourists are the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir in lamented the members. “I correct

actually pilgrims (visiting two leading one of their ongoing closed door myself, honourable Spaeaker”, said a Hindu shrines of the country) who break meetings can never resolve anything. Of taken aback Baig as he continued his off to the hills and slopes after paying course it has to be worked out by New speech with an added emphasis on obeisance at the shrines. Months of Delhi and Islamabad but a way forward 'Jammu' while referring to Jammu and summers see an increased influx of has to come from the people of Jammu Kashmir State. A little later in the hour, tourists as lakhs from the Indian and Kashmir. And a solution coming from a member from Nobra constituency, mainland head towards Jammu and Jammu and Kashmir can be a 'Jammu sitting in the last row, invited Baig's Kashmir to escape the summer heats. It Formula', a 'Kashmir Formula' or a attention to Ladakh. Seven years down has often been seen in the months of 'Ladakh Formula' as in the given regional the line, Baig is found getting extra-June and July when temperature in differences it cant be a formula for cautious while talking about Kashmir or Jammu is usually between 42 and 46 resolving Jammu and Kashmir which is Kashmir issue. Now he always says the Degrees Celsius and in Valley it is well endorsed by any significant number of State of 'Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh'. below 30 Degrees Celsius the tourists people in all regions. People in three Differences between three regions of take out warmer clothes as they reach regions of the State (on India side) do the state on Indian side of Line of closer to Jammu knowing little that not look at anything with the same Control are much deeper than this. Jammu in this season is as hot as any angle. Jammu and Kashmir is perhaps a classic other part of Indian mainland is. This is case of wheels within the wheels. how Jammu and Kashmir is known to a

In November 2002, a new government in majority beyond its boundaries.

Jammu and Kashmir headed by Mufti Geography and whether apart, people

Mohammad Sayeed convened first outside have very little knowledge of the

session of the legislative assembly. emotional diversities. A peep inside tells

Muzaffar Hussain, the new Minister for a different story. Two years back when hen Prime Minister Manmohan Law and Parliamentary Affairs, grabbed first shopping mall came up in Jammu, it S i n g h c o n v e n e d t h i r d all attention of legislators and press Wroundtable conference on was named as 'Kashmir Square'. The idea

with his eloquent speeches laced with Jammu and Kashmir (first two were held was to attract a part of the average daily

deep sense of history and vision. In an in 2006) on April 24, 2007 to discuss the influx of around 30,000 pilgrim tourists atmosphere of pin-drop silence in the recommendations of the Working

who come to visit the Mata Vaishno Devi Groups constituted by him, the House, Legislators would love to listen

Shrine. Around same time a first ethnic separatists and many others trashed the to Baig with rapt attention and end up Kashmiri restaurant came up in the whole exercise. They had a reason to do convinced with his arguments 'for the

so. The people who sat with the Prime town which was named as Kashir moment'. Such was the prowess of Law

Minister around the roundtable were all Lounge. Last year when Amarnath land Minister's oratory skills backed with those who, more or less, endorse New row agitation broke out, the Kashmir knowledge. That was Baig's first Delhi's view point on Kashmir. There was

Square owner had to rename his mall as experience in legislative assembly. An no voice from those who have

'City Square' and the Kashmir Lounge has reservations with the present system Oxford graduate, Baig was until then a been renamed as 'Jammu and Kashmir and have sought to challenge the same leading a lawyer at the Supreme Court Lounge'. Movement is still on for on various grounds. The exercise

of India. As he would often refer to the without participation of separatists can changing name of 'Radio Kashmir', the

approaches of Nehru and Patel (Sardar be described as incomplete but not official broadcaster and the last thing Vallabh Bhai, first Indian Home Minister) meaningless. Interesting were the view

named after Kashmir where Jammu is to underline sensitivity of Kashmir points when recommendations of four

not there as prefix. of the five working groups made public. issue, few members from Jammu could

J&K Moving Forward



"Eyewash", this is the one word most of The External dimension involves the three distinct regions clearly identified the Kashmir experts and the people who engagement between New Delhi and and separated on the basis of have reservation with the system used Islamabad, inter alia Pakistan's geography, topography, demography, to describe voluminous reports.

diplomatic offensive, export of the culture, language and aspirations. The

elements of terrorism into Jammu and most unique region in this state -Ladakh They are right in doing so. The most Kashmir, covert as well as overt political has never been at ease with Kashmir and important of the five working groups support to separatist sentiments in therefore a demand for separation from studying the Center-State relations is Valley, lobbying in Islamic world etc. Jammu and Kashmir and independent yet to submit its report to the Prime status of Union Territory has been there Minister. The four working groups which since 1947. The movement for The Federal dimension, which is often have finalised the reports have nothing separation from Jammu and Kashmir described as international dimension as specific in their recommendations state and creation of a Union Territory situation actually prevailing within which can become part of the larger reached a all time high in 2002, when Jammu and Kashmir is grossly ignored, Kashmir solution. There is nothing at all Leh units of all political parties were is about the spirit of the instrument of which can satisfy, even by a smaller unanimously dissolved and the local accession, autonomous status of the extent, the separatists or Pakistan on leadership cutt ing across the state of Jammu and Kashmir, provisions Kashmir resolution. A document which ideological and party affiliation formed of the Article 370 of the Constitution of does not address the larger political the Ladakh Union Territory Front India, Delhi Agreement of 1952 and issue is often trashed. However, seen (LUTF). The LUTF candidates won Indira Sheikh Agreement of 1974/75. with the eye of a common man, the assembly elections unopposed and working groups, perhaps, have been the uncontested as there was complete The th i rd, most cr i t ica l and first ever organised study to understand unanimity for the creation of Union continuously ignored aspect of the the prevailing issues which concern the Territory. In a bid to arrest the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir is its majority in Jammu and Kashmir. Even sentiment of separation from Jammu internal dimension. In fact the peoples though many of the issues have not been and Kashmir, the state government, in are continuously in conflict among dealt with deeply and implementation consultat ion with New Delh i , themselves and with the state. of the recommendations still can be empowered the Ladakh Autonomous seen with doubt (as recommendations Hill Development Council (LAHDC) to of many empowered groups are still the extent that LAHDC Chief Executive gathering dust) an analysis of the has more financial powers than the smaller but serious problems have for Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. A the first time taken shape of an official t will be no exaggeration to say that classic case of a "State within a State". document for consideration at the the regional conflict within Jammu The J&K CM has authority of sanctioning highest level. Iand Kashmir is far more serious than a project or contingency to the upper

the level of conflict between state and limit of Rs two crores. But that too has

the centre. Even after the State of to be ratified by the cabinet when it

Jammu and Kashmir is granted greater meets next. However, the LAHDC chief

autonomy as advocated by the largest has the powers to sanction a project of

political party of the state -the National Rs five crore without any administrative he problem in Jammu and

Conference or Self Rule as demanded by approval from the state government. Kashmir has often been described

the Peoples Democratic Party the With this huge empowerment and Tas the one with two dimensions: conflict will not end. Rather, settling political concession it was thought that internal and external. Having the power conflict between New Delhi the sentiment of separation from the understood that the conflict involving and Srinagar will bring to the fore the state has been arrested. Interestingly Kashmir is live and present, now is underlying conflicts among the regions the LAHDC administration and the LUTF perhaps the time to understand that it is and sub regions. leadership says that empowerment of a three dimensional issue: With

the LAHDC is the first step towards External, Federal and Internal creation of Union Territory for Ladakh. dimensions. Jammu and Kashmir is comprised of

Regional and sub-regional unrest

Alternative Understanding

J&K Moving Forward



This throws an important question on creation of Chenab Valley Autonomous Therefore, there has to be a different

the regional and sub-regional conflict. Hill Development Council. The twin treatment for different identities.

Ladakh region again is comprised of two frontier districts of Rajouri and Poonch

distinct areas identified as two too have been campaigning for separate The kind of identity crisis and ethnic

different districts and administered by development council as the fruits of conflict that prevails in Jammu and

two different authorities. LAHDC-Leh i n f r a s t ruc tu re and i ndu s t r i a l Kashmir is arguable nowhere else in the

country. There are five major cultural and LAHDC-Kargil. It is only the Budhist development are concentrated around

and linguistic identities in the state -dominated Leh district which is the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar Kashmiri Muslims, Hindu Dogras, Gujjar spearheading the demand for Union alone. As already explained above, if Muslims, Pahari Muslims, Kashmiri Territory. The Shia Muslim dominated three distinct regions of the state do not Pandits and Budhists. In a population of Kargil district has been opposing this find a common ground with each other, ten millions, the Kashmiri speaking vehemently. Both districts together the conflict can never find a resolution. Muslims constitute less than one third. constitute the Himalayan cold desert of Ironically in the political description at Ladakh, they remain isolated from rest national and international level every of the country for nearly eight months a one belonging to Jammu and Kashmir is year due to hostile whether and described as a 'Kashmiri'. In this

geographical conditions but people backdrop there is a strong movement or understanding Jammu and from each entity do not see each other for identity across the state, as people Kashmir the identities and eye to eye for their differences on the in Jammu and Ladakh refuse to identify Faspirations will have to be Union Territory status. their interests and aspirations with

understood first. The discourse of Kashmir alone. Then there is a serious

separatist politics exists only in parts of The third distinct region and country's identity conflict between Gujjars and Kashmir valley while the state extends gateway to Jammu and Kashmir -the Paharis of Jammu region and two to vast regions of Jammu and Ladakh as Jammu region comprising six districts districts of Kashmir Valley -Baramulla well. Issues and aspirations in Jammu has always opposed autonomy and is and Kupwara. Caste based and ethnic and Ladakh regions have never been the now protesting against the demand of conflict has become an order of the day same as those in Kashmir Valley. self rule. In this region, for several in these areas. The list of identity

decades there has been campaign

against autonomy and a demand for

abrogation of Article 370 of the

constitution of India through which

Jammu and Kashmir enjoys special

powers in the Indian Union. However,

since mid 1990s, voices are being raised

in Jammu region for a separate

statehood. A Jharkhand type of

movement is taking shape here with the

formation of parties and groups like

Jammu Mukti Morcha, Jammu and

Kashmir Nationalist Front and Jammu

Statehood Front. The BJP and its allied

groups are fully supporting such

movements.

The conflict at the sub-regional level is

too sharp. Cutting across the political

and ideological differences, there is a

strong movement in Doda district for

Identity and Cultural Conflict

J&K Moving Forward



conflict here is not exhaustive as there and Kashmir is the centralisation of of greater autonomy, which means

are other smaller conflicts also. powers and administrative authority. devolution of more powers from New

While Srinagar's unease with New Delhi Delhi to Srinagar as a means of conflict

over more autonomy has been an resolution. But if conflict has to be Different ethnic and cultural groups in evident "struggle" for fifty years but resolved honestly, this power, or the Jammu and Kashmir have their own little is known about the quantum of existing powers, need to travel to the definite identities and aspirations. The power the State shares with the people. people in regions and sub-regions from separatist sentiment, that now has not In fact, the majority in Jammu and Srinagar. If power remains concentrated only the national but also international Kashmir has no role at all in the in few hands, as it is today, the conflicts concerns, prevails among a particular development process. will never be resolved. cultural and linguistic group that does

not make the majority. With a focus on

this particular sentiment, the At present, Jammu and Kashmir

aspirations of the majority are not only p r e s e n t s t h e w o r s t c a s e o f

completely ignored but they are also extermination of grassroots institutions espite al l the historical not recognised and identified. This of governance. For example, the differences and conflicts of trend has a potential for alienation Panchayats were dissolved in 1977 as Dopinion, there are strong basis among those who form the mainstream the government wanted to empower for moving forward. The framework of groups and such alienation is now them through a constitutional moving forward has to be evolved like showing. Thus, there is an imminent amendment and therefore fresh climbing a ladder. Instead of jumping to need of making a detailed account of all elections were proposed to be held. the top for an eventual fall down, the ethnic, cultural and linguistic identities That process could not take place for need is to make well defined steps from in Jammu and Kashmir, discuss their next 24 years. It was in 2000-2001 that the bottom. The first step can be issues and aspirations. Recognition of National Conference government initiation of dialogue at the regional different identities will help understand headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah level and resolution of those smaller the core issues and can actually simplify conducted the Panchayat elections. It is issues which do not have to be the process of conflict resolution. important to note here that the despite necessarily put to final resolution of

state-wide violence, killing of over a Kashmir issue. Dialogue between hundred political activists and chopping Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Ladakh off the ears and noses of eight women regions in first phase and the Pakistan who were contesting the elections, the administered Kashmir and Northen Panchayat polls held after a staggering Areas in the subsequent phase is gap of 24 years saw massive public important for treating Jammu and participation. Such huge public Kashmir as a single entity with shared

lienation of masses from the par t i c ipat ion and enthus ia sm aspirations. Until these distinct regions mainstream system has its roots underlined the urges and aspirations for draw closer, settle their differences and Aalways in the denia l of restoration of powers to the people agree to operate as equal partners,

democratic rights. A denial of right to through grassroots democratic there will never be a stable basis upon franchise to some in Kashmir valley institutions of governance. Ironically, which relations with rest of India, or on makes the protest audible at however, seven years down the line, the other side of the Line of Control, can be international level. But looking deeper, Panchayats were never formally satisfactorily tackled. More than it is it comes out that the State has no constituted and powers were never required between New Delhi and mechanism at all for involving people in devolved to the democratically elected Islamabad; there is an urgent need of a a democratic decision making process. bodies. This can be seen as derailment sustainable dialogue between all five There is a big distance between the of democracy and has created deep regions of Jammu and Kashmir. To begin State and the people. Left unattended, alienation among the masses. with, there should a multi-level this accumulating dissidence can initiative of interactions between three rupture for the worst. The mainstream political leadership in regions on Indian side of Line of Control

Jammu and Kashmir, from time to time, to generate some tolerance and A major cause of discontent in Jammu has underlined the need of restoration regional understanding of aspirations.

Moving Forwards

Denial of Powers

to People at

Grassroots

J&K Moving Forward



processes are the principles that are ike many other protracted equally applicable to Kashmiris and the conflicts in the world, the conflict L governments of India and Pakistan.in Kashmir has taken almost every possible dimension. The long history as

An inclusive framework: well as the ethnic, linguistic, religious

The stakeholders in Kashmir – broadly and geographical diversity of the

the people of Jammu and Kashmir and stakeholders living in various regions of

the states of India and Pakistan - are yet the disputed territory make it difficult

to articulate a broader framework that to comprehensively capture the

accommodates divers i f ied and complexity of the Kashmir issue. From

competing claims. In other words there a conflict resolution point of view,

is a need in Kashmir for a common moral however, there are certain bigger

vision. This does not mean that all aspects that are fundamental to the

should agree on one particular political contemporary analysis of Kashmir and

solution, rather it means that the therefore must form the basis of any

process of achieving differing political framework of peacebuilding in this

aspirations in Kashmir should be region. For the reasons of brevity, this

inclusive and democratic, where article briefly outlines some of these

diverse groups feel that they have equal aspects below:

opportunities for achieving their

desired goals.Noviolence as a political tool:

All stakeholders must realize that the

Non-zero-sum understanding: use of violence has not worked in

People of Jammu and Kashmir need to Kashmir. It has in fact brought more

realize that in order to achieve their miseries. The only way forward in

political aspirations they need the resolving Kashmir is through a non-

support of the people of India and violent approach. Until and unless the

Pakistan. In other words the resolution protagonists completely reject violence

of the Kashmir issue should not be seen as a political tool, any hope for peace

at the expense of the interests of the will remain elusive. The rejection of

Indians and Pakistanis. It should be a violence and pursuing political goals

win-win for all.through peaceful negotiations and

TAHIR AZIZAuthor is a consultant with conciliation Resources based in London. He originally belongs to Pakistan administered Kashmir.

A framework for Conflict Resolution in Kashmir

The Kashmir situation deserves consistent and concerted engagement to gradually contain and ultimately eradicate the cycle of the political violence perpetrated by the state authorities and the militants. Building peace in Kashmir will enhance regional stability and help address the conditions that incubate terrorism.



Faith in internally-driven change: to gradually contain and ultimately conflict. In other words, the

eradicate the cycle of the political stakeholders will need to get This is by far the most important aspect

violence perpetrated by the state empowered with a vision of making the that needs constant emphasis. It is a

authorities and the militants. Building change possible. Nothing can be more wide held perception among Kashmiris

peace in Kashmir will enhance regional relevant to capturing this vision than that the situation will only change when

stability and help address the the civil society in Kashmir. Pakistan and India will change it or when

conditions that incubate terrorism. the world powers (especially the U.S.)

The above mentioned principles seem will facilitate this change. While the

easy on paper but their practical importance of all these actors cannot be

achievement is a gigantic task. overlooked, the truth is that more than

However, the overall situation basically a n y b o d y e l s e K a s h m i r i s a r e

fundamentally relevant to their

situation and hence it is they who need

to have the confidence of initiating and

leading a change to their problems.

But this understanding of public peace

activism is not meant here to undermine

the primacy of the official peace

process between India and Pakistan; it

must be seen in the spirit of

complementing these official talks.

The insights from contemporary peace

processes show that sustainable peace

can only be achieved through involving

wide sections of society, thus

broadening public stake in the peace

process. This is because, quite often,

when the agreements transpire after

the official peace negotiations, that

mostly take place in a secret and

closed-door environment, the public

masses watch in a daze of disbelief as

they learn of the concessions their

leaders have made which they, the

constituency, will be obliged to fulfil.

While the leadership is highly involved points to one thing: without a broader in the creation of shared space vision and without change in people's (sometimes having years of confidential hearts and minds, peace is not possible talks to adjust to the idea of in Kashmir. Fundamental change in the cooperation with “the enemy”), the approach of all stakeholders (the people are expected to shift Kashmiris, Pakistanis and Indians) is instantaneously from a mentality of necessary to incrementally achieve defensive victim to peace-loving peace in Kashmir. There is no simple citizen. magic that can make the whole

situation change and bring about a The Kashmir situation deserves political settlement to the Kashmir consistent and concerted engagement

The insights from contemporary peace processes show that sustainable peace can only be achieved through involving wide sections of society, thus broadening public stake in the peace process. This is because, quite often, when the agreements transpire after the official peace negotiations, that mostly take place in a secret and closed-door environment, the public masses watch in a daze of disbelief as they learn of the concessions their leaders have made which they, the constituency, will be obliged to fulfil.

Now

Telling

The J&K Stories


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J&K Moving Forward



Pakistan feels insecure but why the his year's theme at 8th India larger India does so. Prof. Stephen Today Conclave was “Challenges T Cohen – widely respected expert on of Change”. General Musharaff South-Asia argues that the world's most former President of Pakistan, in his intractable disputes are psychologically dinner keynote address spoke on “The paired minority conflicts. It is only for LOC must be torn down like the Berlin this reason that earlier on in a seminar wall”. He believed that 21st century is on South-Asia in the University of the century for Asia but the question is Kashmir; I had argued that South – Asia can we South-Asians be part of it? He needs to be looked at more as region of attributed his pessimism to continued regions rather than as a region of states. India-Pakistan hostility. He felt Regions are more natural and confident that we moderates must historically more deeply planted. The guide the events and not allow state–centric paradigm with excessive extremists to create obstacles in the obsession with national interest has way of peace. We have to head for a vandalized the social and economic life solution on Kashmir. I had given a of the people of sub-continent in formula which could form the basis for particular and that of South–Asia in moving forward and taking it towards a general. solution. It is in this sense that a need is

felt to revisit his formulations after

General Musharaf's formulations on General Musharaff has vacated the

Kashmir need to be studied in the political scene in Pakistan. Needless to proper context of global architecture of mention all conflict resolution power evolved in the aftermath of 9/11. formulations in any part of the world It also needs to be analyzed in the are contextual and grounded in existing context of changing power dynamics in realities. The Jammu and Kashmir South Asia. The formulations also constitutes no political exception. evolved in a bilateral context. The W h e n d o g s f r o m d i f f e r e n t composite dialogue began and back neighborhoods meet they smell each channel diplomacy was in operation. In others tail. India and Pakistan have April 2005 Delhi summit declared peace done it so often in the post-partition process as irreversible. Further the era. One of the great puzzles of India – unilateral cease fire was declared on Pakistan relations is not why smaller

Dr. GUL MOHAMMAD WANIAuthor is a Political Scientist teaching in the department of Political Science University of Kashmir

Revisiting General Musharaf's Ideas

Formulations on Jammu and Kashmir


General Musharaf's formulations on Kashmir need to be studied in the proper context of global architecture of power evolved in the aftermath of 9/11. It also needs to be analyzed in the context of changing power dynamics in South Asia.


the line of control. In a way these Minister also endorsed it when he stated As per estimates provided by Gautam

formulations were also the by–products that a strong Pakistan is in India's Navalkha sometime back there are: 66

of Indian states inflexibility purely interest. For India the only way to bns of RR, 56 bns of BSF, 50 bns of CRPF,

because of the fact that India has never engage Pakistan and to emerge as a 30 bns of CPMF, 5 bns of Ladakh Scouts,

suffered defeat on the Jammu and major regional power is to consolidate 15 bns of J&K Light Infantry, 25 bns of

Kashmir issue. This notwithstanding the the region and emerge from it. Deeper J&K Rifles, 7 bns of Territorial Army, 1

fact that Indian state's moral position is engagement with Pakistan is a political bn of Ikhwanis, 64,000 JKAP, 23,000

seriously compromised on Kashmir. In a investment for India. Lately Stephen SPOs, 25,000 Home Guards and 200

fundamental way Khan Gaffar Khan's set Cohen has advised India to liberate Village Defence Members. The socio-

of questions raised earlier after India's itself both from Kashmir as well as economic implications of the huge

independence are as provoking today as Pakistan in order to stake claim for a presence of the state too have been

these were then. He wanted to know as regional power status. This has become examined by experts and government

to “whether Indian leadership has important for another reason also as far authorities. Officially 681,839 Kanals of

fulfilled all the promises it made to the as China's observer status in the South land have been occupied by security

people of Kashmir and also whether Asian regional Co-operation framework forces, out of which 3,10,184 Kanals are

people of Kashmir have abided by the is concerned. Be it noted that China's un-authorized. In view of the fact that

promises they made to India”. trade with SAARC countries is more than de-militarization is a very sensitive

that of India. issue and very important from the point

of view of human security certain In the immediate analysis what had sensible suggestions have emanated prompted General Musharaf to put forth The above context does provide a wider which should factor into any decision the set of formulations on Kashmir is to perspective in which one can examine taken on it. First, de-militarization as look for an explanation both within and four components of General Musharaff's an issue should not be politicized by without South Asia. South Asia and more formulation i.e., de-militarization; groups and political parties. Second, particularly indo-Pak equation is a self-rule; porous borders and joint independent voices like that of strategic microcosm of clash of management.Mubashir Hassan and Kuldeep Nayer, emotions. In the contemporary world that India and Pakistan need to reduce order the western world displays a De-militarization will take the army to the trust deficit should also be taken culture of fear, the Arab and Muslim the 1989 position i.e., back to the into account. More importantly civilian world are trapped in a culture of barracks. General Musharaf believed spaces having no militant presence humiliation and much of Asia displays a that the military should be out, security need to be immediately vacated. Half a culture of hope. In its approximation to should be done by the people and dozen innocent people having fallen to South Asia one can suggest only one military should be garrisoned in a few the bullets of CRPF or police men in change—a culture of fear and arrogance places. He also claimed that de-recent weeks at Bomai and Haigam that the Indian state displays in its militarization can be done by steps. suggest that AFSPA needs to be scraped dealings with Kashmir. Having said all Earlier he talked of some good image and accountability of forces ensured. this I have no intention to join the projection in a few districts of the The Omar Abdullah government needs category of prophets of doom. There is valley. Some political groups within to fulfill the promise of strengthening an articulate yet small section of people Kashmir ranging from main-stream to the State Human Rights Commission. in India's security and strategic the separatists have over a period of establishment which believes in time taken strong position on excessive

meaningful engagement with Pakistan. Self-rule:presence of security forces in Kashmir. They argue that ignoring Pakistan is Self-rule too like de-militarization is It also becomes clear if we only look at neither desirable nor feasible. No subjected to many interpretations and the disproportionate presence of forces country can really be great if its explanations in and outside the state. on the ground which of course is an issue backwater is in mess. Pakistan has General Musharaf claimed that while not of consensus but subject to varied proved to be a bold bulwark for the autonomy creates confusion self-rule assessments. There are round about 45 defence of India from the North West means people will govern themselves. brigades of army which means from time to time. Even the Prime He said let the people on both sides anywhere between 160,000 to 180,000.

SA S O R T E D I D E A SJ&K Moving Forward


meet and debate. The Indian position is where it is associated with assertions of one can safely conclude that greater

that self-rule will be considered when or qualifications of state sovereignty. people to people contacts and porous

Pakistan presents it in a format. Within Many conflicts in the world are borders need to be given preference till

the J&K state the National Conference themselves about the demand for and peace constituencies in all parts are

claims that self-rule is akin to its resistance to self-rule. Though self-rule expanded and people develop a vested

greater autonomy formulation. The is the way-out that would eliminate the interest in peace. Porous borders and

Peoples Democratic Party which sources of ethnic, territorial conflicts more confidence building measures are

recently presented its report on self- entrenched into notions of sovereignty necessary in view of the fact that

rule feels that Art. 370 as adopted in yet the challenge is how successfully historically Indo-Pak relations have

1949 is self-rule in essence. It also talks sovereignty is fudged, diffused and been quite accident prone. Musharraf

of a grand reconciliation between India fragmented. It is only for this reason that claimed in his speech that during his

and Pakistan on issues of self-rule. Prof. A.G.Noorani claims that, “experience time the trade list of importable items

Abdul Gani Bhat of Hurriyat Conference has amply demonstrated the futility of a to Pakistan increased from 200 to 1400

(M) says that “we interpret the proposal New Delhi-Srinagar accord without a which had equal beneficial impact. He

in the context of sentiments that are prior India-Pakistan accord on it. also believed that sincerity, flexibility

fast changing”. He said that and boldness are needed to improve the

“Kashmiries will have their own prime environment. He hoped that India has to The joint management mechanism is Minister, President, Supreme Court and show magnanimity and humility as the ultimately dependent upon how much Election Commission”. Needless to major power in the region. Let no one distance India and Pakistan are able to mention that both autonomy and self- ignore the sane words of Charles travel together. Unless trust deficit is rule are most sought after and resisted Darwin: it is not the strongest species not transformed into trust surplus the devices for conflict resolution world that survive the most intelligent but the chances of a grand reconciliation are over. Self-rule becomes contentious most responsive to change.minimal. It is only for this reason that


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he valley of Kashmir which was for larger people to people contact, and described as the “High School of Hindu larger interaction been the civil societies and TScience” by eminent Islamic Scholar, Al primarily the youth.

Beruni, in early eleventh century & of which a Time has come to move forward. A renowned linguistic expert & writer, Sir multipronged strategy based on innovative George Grierson writes that “from this valley

have issued masterpieces of history, planning and broad based execution is romance, philosophy & fable”, and also most required at present. The winds of change eloquent teachers of Saivism & Sufisism”. have made their impact. People of Jammu Today it is known as the valley of turmoil and and Kashmir especially the separatist has been so for nearly two decades now. elements have begun realizing the futility of

protracted violence and indifference. The It is a pathetic perversity of history that the recent happening in Pakistan is an eye-opener descendants of the ancient architects of the for one and all, especially for those who have Kashmir 's universally acknowledged been abdicating peace and advocating multifarious glory are today witnessing the violence for the last two decades. disintegration and dematerialization of their own century's old inheritance & ethos some of What people of Jammu and Kashmir need them the destruction of their own roots in today is economical freedom and not political their soil of ancestors. independence. The Govt. both at the Centre

and the State and moreover the Govt. of India The turmoil in the valley has engulfed the and Pakistan need to take a lead in promoting whole state and even the part of it on the infrastructure investment and economic other side of the divide. Kashmiris in general development.have felt alienated, the Pandits uprooted and the people of Jammu discriminated. Even In a recently concluded international their bretheren on the other side of the line workshop for conflict resolution in Jammu are aggrieved. All this has resulted by what and Kashmir, held at Bangkok and attended by has been happening between India and

a cross section of civil society of Jammu and Pakistan from the bloody days of partition and

Kashmir on both sides of the divide, it was felt continues even today, only changing the

that return of peace and conflict resolution in patterns with the changing times.

Kashmir is of utmost importance.

Even though the people of the state in all On a broader scale it was felt that any action walks of life yearn for peace, yet it is a little to bolster democracy in Kashmir would also far away. The people of Jammu and Kashmir help to undercut the rationale of unrest in on the Pakistan side also want more Kashmir and thereby help to rid Pakistan of interaction and exchanges in trade, cultural the incubus of religion-based terrorism.activities and people to people contact.

The civil society in the sub-continent should The positions of the Govt. at every level have make significant contributions to the process been dismal. No attempt has been made to of restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir and end the mental distances between the people ultimately help the Govt. of India and and the communities, physically living apart. Pakistan to find a lasting solution to their No sincere attempt, by the Govt. has ever

been made to create a congenial environment conflict over Kashmir.

ANIL DHARAuthor is a Kashmiri Pandit Political and Social Activist now based at Jammu

A New Hope



solution of Kashmir problem. Both the he Mumbai carnage reversed the ruling and major opposition parties of 5-year old composite dialogue T Jammu and Kashmir used every process between India and occasion to impress upon New Delhi to Pakistan. Conversely, the Bus Service resume the stalled talks with Pakistan between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad over Kashmir. and the trade route across the Line of

Control (LoC) have not only been intact

but also making some progress. The mainstream parties also realized Amazingly, local authorities decided to that without addressing the broader open Poonch-Rawalakot route for two dispute over the future status of Jammu days a week instead of once a week and Kashmir lasting peace and stability recently. Despite the lack of adequate could not be achieved. This political trade facilities this move has the consciousness bridged the ideological potential to double the ongoing trade gulf between separatists and the between two parts of the divided mainstream parties to a greater extent. Jammu &Kashmir state.

In past, both Islamabad and New Delhi

used to suspend progress on Jammu and

Kashmir whenever any tension rose. The

inhabitants across the 740 km long LoC

had invariably been worst victim of this

rivalry. Fortunately, this time it remains

largely peaceful. Isolated events of

skirmishes along LoC were not allowed

to spawn constant occurring. Islamabad

and New Delhi deserve credit for

showing remarkable restraint even

during the height of hostility.

The last year state elections in the

Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir

also underlined the significance for the

ERSHAD MAHMUD Author is Islamabad based security analyst and hails from the Poonch district of the Pakistan administered Kashmir. He can be reached at : [email protected]

Keeping hopes alive for Kashmir settlement

Despite height of tourism between India and Pakistan, a key confidence building measure - Cross-LoC bus and truck service - in intact. While New Delhi and Islamabad deserve credit for restraint, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have strongly conveyed that they would like to continue their efforts for peace and cooperation.



The widespread desire to seek early people were being killed he could not Afghanistan. Kashmir has been linked

solution of the conflict is considered as resume the dialogue process between with other conflicts in the region

a positive sign to restart triangular two countries. particularly with the Afghanistan and

negotiations between New Delhi and terrorism at large.

Islamabad, Delhi and separatists and Some observers believe that after finally between Islamabad and Kashmiri elections the Indian government may A number of negative and positive stakeholders. restart peace process and particularly developments are taking place in the

refocus to expand the scope of region in tandem. The robust people-to-

On the other side, the ongoing national confidence building measures in Jammu people contacts and other socio-

elections in India also lured major and Kashmir. However, the increasing political ties between Pakistan and

contestants particularly the Congress diatribe against the 'dubious' role of Indian had created a large constituency

and BJP to adopt a tough line about Pakistan's secret services in 'war on and to some extent had transformed the

Pakistan to grab Hindu extremists' vote terror' and Washington's ever-increasing traditional discourse over Pak-India

bank. The competitive Indian politics thickness with New Delhi offset relations from zero sum game to

scuttled the progress achieved during Pakistan's security establishment. cooperative mode in recent years. In

the last five years. In the 2004 Indian wake of the Mumbai attacks the peace

national elections both Congress and lobby has been marginalized and hawks

BJP were championing India-Pakistan took the centre stage at the two side of

harmony and cordial relations but now Wahga border.

their election's flagship is to fight

against terrorism or Pakistan. It is time for this lobby (people-to-

people) to come up with new ideas and

Relations with the Pakistan also figures redirect the Pakistan-India relations

in the Indian political parties' election immediately after the Indian national

manifestoes. The key opposition party elections. A section of the media and

BJP says that if it gets power it will several political actors had done a great

resume peace talks with Pakistan only deal of damage to the peace process. It

after Islamabad dismantles the can be undone with the greater civil

'terrorist infrastructure' on its soil. society intervention and the positive

Without that there can be no media role.

comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan.

The BJP leadership has persistently Fortunately, both India and Pakistan had Additionally, the India Afghanistan been accusing the ruling alliance and arrived a broader understanding over proximity and Washington' complicity particularly the Congress for being soft Kashmir settlement and had already with it also sent negative signals to on Pakistan and making unnecessary garnered the support inside Jammu and Islamabad. concessions to Islamabad.The ruling Kashmir. Besides, both the governments

Congress party also appears tough have proposed a number of positive Traditionally, the Kashmir issue had towards Pakistan. It demands that steps for building cooperation between been the bone of contention between Pakistan has to come up clean on two countries. The bus service and the two neighboring countries but now a Mumbai before the resumption of Pak- opening trade routes are the bench marks number of other issues have come in the India peace process. Recently Pakistan's of the positive forward movement. way and rather have taken the center foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Further, institutional cooperation stage. The alleged Indian support for offered the resumption of peace between two parts of Jammu and Baloch insurgency and terrorist process with India but the later declined Kashmir was also envisaged and, in fact, networks in Pakistan's tribal areas has the offer and said that until Mumbai some good news was around the corner pitted both the countries against each attackers were not brought to justice but tragic attacks of Mumbia seized the other. It also has put a dampner on India would not restart the dialogue. opportunity. Now, Srinagar and Pakistan-US relations and has the Likewise, Indian Prime Minister Muzaffarabad can again try to capitalize potential to wrest the stability of Manmohan Singh also said that if his on these available avenues.

It is time for this lobby (people-to-people) to come up with new ideas and redirect the Pakistan-India relations immediately after the Indian national elections. A section of the media and several political actors had done a great deal of damage to the peace process. It can be undone with the greater civil society intervention and the positive media role.

J&K Moving Forward



ew people living in Jammu and distance of only one or half day. But due

Kashmir know about the to clousure of Haji Pir and Soi Maidan Fhardworking, skillful and simple roads, people now have to travel

Kashmiri people living across Pir Panjal hundreds of kilometers to meet their

range in Jammu region. But besides the own relatives on other side of the range.

National Highway and some broken So it seems that the provincial

forgotten roads and linkages, which boundaries have become a barrier

connect the valley of Kashmir with between them and mother Kashir

these regions, there is a much stronger (Kashmir) and they are now distanced

bond which, many don't seem aware of, from their language & culture.

that connects the people across. This

bond lies in the shared similar culture, District Rajouri:

tradition, practices and language which In 1965 Rajouri was made a separate makes all the hearts beat in unison. district. It is of great importance due to

passage of the historic Mughal Road

Presence of Kasmhiri people across the though this district. Cahng Sarai,

Pir Panjal range can be seen right from Fatehpur Sarai, Suz Sarai, Thon Sarais of

Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Ramban, Mughals are some historic places here. Kishtwar up to Tehsil Billawar, Basohli Cahng Sarai is 22 km from Rajouri and Ramnagar areas. Not only this, but where Mugahal Emperor Jahangir died across the borders of J&K, 60 to 70 while coming from valley and some villages of Himachal Pradesh are mortal remains of his body are buried Kashmiri populated. here. Thanamandi here is considered as

centre for Kashmiri culture. Tehsil

District Pooch: Buddhal and Darhal which are

Twenty miles from Poonch is located connected to Banihal, Kulgam and

Mandi Sarai where 80% of local Shopian though Mong hal and Hoon hang

population are Kashmiris and are passes are also considered rich in

considered as colourful centre of Kashmiri culture. Although there are

Kashmiri culture. About four miles from less Muslims in Noushehra tehsil, still Mandi is located Qila loher kote, a there is cultural dominance of Muslims historic place where the famous and Kashmiris in the district. More like Mohammed Gaznavi was defeated by other areas of pir panchal except some Kashmiris now known as Lohran. In areas of Banihal and Bhaderwah there is Surankote, half of the population is of less or no cultivation of Rice as Kashmiris. It borders with Uri, compared to potato, beans, maize etc, Baramulla and Budgam and is at a So at some places people take rice only

ABDUL RAUF MIR Author is a peace and development activist associated with Action-Aid International. He works in Banihal area of Jammu

Images of Kashmir in Pir Panjal Region



once a day, usually at dinner time. influenced by the life style of the Gujjri. Similarly Gool area is 80%

Kashmiri tea is common among the people of valley. Nature has made Kashmiri speaking. More like other PPR

Kashmiris and Gujjars of the areas. Banihal a cold desert and handed it to areas there are lot of shrines of Sufis

More like Kashmir valley there are a fast blowing chilly winds and in the and saints in this district also. Moulana

large number of famous and holy shrines name of the state same wind has swept Syed Abdullah, Alam Shah Sahib, Shah

of Sufis and saints in the whole Pir Asra and many more. The same

panchal area region. Rajouri is famous practices are followed by the devotees

for holy Shardra shrief Shrine, Kishtwar which are seen in the valley like

famous for Hazrat Shah Asrar sahib's organizing Khatme Sharif (special

shrine similarly there are many more prayers) on special days, Shab Khwani (

holy shrines in the entire pir panchal full night prayers), celebrating Urs, tying

region. It is noticed that the way people threads of faith on the window sills and

practice their religion is more like that rejoicing in the spiritual aura and seeking

of people doing the same on holy shrines fulfillment of both worlds. The faith is

in Kashmir valley. Common link unflinching and strong which helps the

between Kashmir's Baba Reshi shrine in people endure the hardships in life and

Tangmarg and holy shrines in this Pir seek the true meaning of existence.

panchal region can be seen by the way

people practice their religion in these Doda:

holy shrines. Moreover the langar khana Doda district is another example of

(mess) arrangement in Baba Ghulam Kashmiri culture in the region,

shah sahib shrine is all made on Kashmiri Bhaderwah which is called as Chotta

pattern. Kashmir is very closely related to

Kashmiri culture. There is very large

Chinab Valley: number of Kashmiri speaking people in

Without consideration of three the whole district who also speak their

districts, Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar regional languages like Bhaderwahi etc. away the identity of this region and the imagination of a complete Kashmiri Hindus living in this area very simple restricted it between Jammu and culture is incomplete. Majority of and hardworking most of them can Kashmir by the name of “and” 90% Kashmiri population of Pir Panjal range speak or understand Kashmiri language. population of Banihal Tehsil living in live here. Banihal and other areas like Bhalesa area of Doda is considered as more than 85 villages speak either only Gool, Marwah and Warwan etc are more rich center for Kashmiri culture in this Kashmiri or both Kashmiri, Poogli and close to Kashmir valley and thus district.

Doda district is another

example of Kashmiri culture in

the region, Bhaderwah which

is called as Chotta Kashmir is

very closely related to Kashmiri

culture. There is very large

number of Kashmiri speaking

people in the whole district

who also speak their regional

languages like Bhaderwahi etc.

Hindus living in this area very

simple and hardworking most

of them can speak or

understand Kashmiri

language.

J&K Moving Forward


Kishtwar: Kashmiri culture is also found in large Jammu region but all over Jammu and

Kishtwar another district of this region number of villages in Ramnagar like Kashmir some prominent names are

is also very rich in Kashmiri culture. Panara, Lodra, Bandool, Jakher, Rasa Javidani, Kamgar Kishtwari,

The district is very rich in Sapphire. Basantgarh, Chanter, Kadu, etc. Same Jabaz Dolwal, Margoob Banihali,

Kishtwar is an example of brotherhood is the case with Malhar area of Tehsil Tavoos Banihali, Waif Bhaderwahi,

and harmony between the people of Billawar. In Basooli Tehsil there are Shahbaz Rajouri and Mushtaq Faridddi

this region and Kashmir region, various examples of Kashmiri culture there are many more who have worked

evidence of which are fond in the in following villages of Bugan, and who are working toward

history when after leaving Kashmir, upliftment of Kashmiri language and

Yaqoob Chak was helped by Raja culture in the region.

Bahadur Singh of Kishtwar and later

married his sister Shankar Devi with The reason for detailing the above

Yaqoob Chak giving him the status of facts is to bring to light the

brothr in law. Kishtwar is also famous commonalities in the culture and

for its hot springs like Atpaddar, lifestyle of the Kashmiri people across

Chatroo, Marwah, Dacchan and Polark. the state of Jammu & Kashmir, many of

As I have the privilege to travel to all whom now live a scattered existence.

the blocks of these three districts from Much has been talked about people to

Dacchan to Paddar and from Gandooh people interaction, and sharing of

to Ukheral and Gool. Dacchan, Marwah cultures and knowledge etc across-

and Kishwar are nowadays being LOC & countries. But it is very ironic

connected to Kokernag from Margan indeed that we often forget to know

Top and Sinthan Top respectively which more about people within the same

is at a very small distance. Ishrat State, who are so close to us both

Kashmiri (writer) has described geographically and with whom we

following regions of Kishtwar where share a common identity. There is a

Kashmiri culture is still very rich, these need for more interaction and

are Dacchan, Nagsaini, Dryal, communication amongst these people.

Kishtwar, Sarwa Sarthal khas Kishtwar, This would generate increased

Marwah, Warwan, Paddar and awareness and facilitate better

Bonzwah. It is famous for the presence interaction amongst them which will

of various Sufis and Saints and the holy eventually go a long way in developing

shrine of Hazrat Shah Asrar Sahib is and seeking issues of common interest

very famous. and survival in the long run. For the

conservation of the fast diminishing

Although casts of Kashmiris in whole Pir cultural ethos and identity, a renewed

Panjal region right from Poonch-Rajouri interaction and opening/renewal of

to Kishtwar and Banihal are more or the the connecting linkages with the

less same. Except a few almost all the people of the Pir Panjal and the people

Fatehpur, Dlang, Dohty, Dagar, Badra, casts are present in Kashmir valley eg. of the valley is essential. This would

Bikhai, Tappar, Poad and Banjal. There Wani, Mir, Khan, Sihekh, Lone, Rather, generate more sensitivity and sense of

are some great poets and writers who Nayak, Giri, Shan, Malik, Bhat, Tantry, belongingness among these Kashmiris

have contributed to the Kashmiri Parray, Ganaie, Khanday, Manhas, as for them it is really high time to stop

culture across the Pir Panjal region and Katoch, Gang, Goni, Mugahal, Tak, ignoring each other , or stigmatizing

their contribution is everlasting Beigh, Lohar etc are found in this region and start embracing one another with

towards the development of Kashmiri and more or the less same casts are the common bonds of brotherhood,

language and culture. Not only in found in Kashmir valley also. spiritualism and love.


The reason for detailing the

above facts is to bring to light

the commonalities in the

culture and lifestyle of the

Kashmiri people across the

state of Jammu & Kashmir,

many of whom now live a

scattered existence. Much has

been talked about people to

people interaction, and sharing

of cultures and knowledge etc

across- LOC & countries. But

it is very ironic indeed that we

often forget to know more

about people within the same

State, who are so close to us

both geographically and with

whom we share a common

identity. There is a need for

more interaction and

communication amongst these

people.

J&K Moving Forward



Neither Kashmiri nor South Asianhe Northern Areas is situated in

the extreme north of Pakistan. It Prior to the British colonization of the Tis the most glaciated area in the Gilgit region in the late 1800s, the

world - outside the polar caps. Having a people of the western Karakoram

Mountains had closer social and cultural rich but distinct culture in its lap,

linkages with the people of Central Asia Northern Areas is inhabited by five

and Afghanistan than with the vale of major ethno-linguistic communities,

Kashmir or the Punjab.and three different Muslim sects (Sunni,

Shia, and Ismaili). Administratively, this

region falls under the administrative Only with the establishment of the

control of the Federal Government of Gilgit Agency, did the British construct

Pakistan. It is a landscape dominated by the Gilgit Road, linking the town of

high rising mountains, plateau, glaciers Gilgit with Srinagar. The British also

and valleys, with the Hindu Kush, lesser constructed the Indus Road, linking the

region with the Northwest Frontier and Himalaya, Karakoram and Pamirs

the Punjab. However the political converging to form a huge mountain

representatives of the region had mass.

submitted legal petition in AJK High

court about constitutional status to Strategically the region is one of the become either part of AJK or Pakistan most important units in the context of but in vail. The political leadership has greater Jammu and Kashmir, bordering the view that at least they should be both China and Afghanistan. Northern given representation at any forum like Areas – with a population of around 1.5 Kashmir committee, Kashmir council million people – is scattered over a and in the process of dialogue on territory of 72,496 square kilometers. It Kashmir dispute.presents a rich mix of cultures,

languages, plants, animals and

Neither Part of Azad Kashmir nor habitats. In the recent times

comparatively easy access to the region Pakistanhas brought about dramatic changes in NA is historically comprised little kingdoms social, economic, and political fields of ruled by Rajas, Mirs and Chieftains; it was the region. As a result the realization for partially annexed by the Dogra regime still-illusive constitutional status has of Kashmir by middle of the 19th accentuated. century. In 1935 the British acquired

EJAZ AHMED KHANAuthor is Media & Development Communication Expert associated with (PEN/Publishing Extension Network)Gilgit, Northern Areas, Pakistan. He can be reached at [email protected]

Peace via voiceless people; A Northern Areas perspective

Strategically most important region in context of Greater Jammu and Kashmir, the Northern Areas is not finding due space in any dialogue.



Gilgit Wizarat for 60 years. However, in region and is not officially recognized as old Indus Road and transformed it into

November 1947, the people liberated part of the constitutional territory of the Karakoram Highway, with extensive

the area and acceded to Pakistan. Pakistan. As such, the region does not technical, financial, and construction

have any representation in the National assistance from China. With the opening

Assembly nor does it have a democr- of the KKH in 1978, dramatic changes in Fo l lowing 1947, the Pak i s tan atically elected leadership, as in AJK. the region have occurred.Government through the various local

rulers administered the Northern Areas,

formerly known as the Gilgit Agency. In addition, the Northern Areas has During the 1990s, the region witnessed

Only in the 1970s were the local rajas limited local governance. The Federal a huge increase in tourism, providing

and mirs retired and formal Pakistani Minister for Kashmir Affairs and the many economic opportunities to the

bureaucratic agencies established. Northern Areas, who is appointed by the people of the region. However, since

Prime Minister of Pakistan, rules the 2001 tourism to the Northern Areas has

region. In the 1990s, a Legislative all but disappeared.In Azad Jammu and Kashmir the council was created, that is known government of Pakistan established a today known as the Northern Area's quasi- independent government, One of the biggest impacts on the Legislative Assembly. However, the including a president and prime economy of the region is the “China Assembly has no independent minister. The Northern Areas was never Border Trade” – many local traders legislative power.included in such an arrangement nor has travel back and forth to the western

the region ever had its own Chinese province of Xinjiang importing

democratically elected political a variety of Chinese manufactured The Karakoram Highway and representatives. goods into the Northern Areas and to the Integration into Pakistan

rest of Pakistan.For a long time the ancient Silk Route In compliance with the UN resolution on provided the only significant link to the Kashmir and as per the constitution of The KKH also provides an avenue of outside world. In the 1970s the Pakistan, the Northern Areas is a disputed trade with the rest of Pakistan, government of Pakistan upgraded the

J&K Moving Forward



intensifying cash crop production and and earlier tourism (which since 2001 belonging to different religious and

the providing of forestry products has deteriorated). These NGOs offer ethnic groups in Gilgit have successfully

(leading to serious problems of lucrative packages for a good number of worked in different ethnic communities

deforestation). people working for the uplift of their in the Northern Areas.

communities.

A Civil Society Perspective: Prospects for PeaceOne of the negative impacts has been The current status of the Northern Areas Emerging Civil Societythe creation of economic disparities in is in limbo, having weak voice in Only since the 1978s has the Northern the region, creating a class of political processes. The continued Areas been connected with the rest of development professionals who are conflict between India and Pakistan has Pakistan through the construction of the separate from the mass rural very detrimental impact on the people Karakoram Highway. Following the population. of the region who are operating without opening of the highway a number of

basic rights.international NGOs started working in The second negative impact has been the region. The Aga Khan Development the pacification of what was a very Network is the largest organization with From the perspective of the people of vocal and active movement in the 1970s dramatic impacts, particularly within the region, there are few possible for the right of self rule. NGOs provide the Ismaili community. solutions offering alternatives to the an economic path, distracting people's current situation.attention from the issue at hand. The S ince the 1990s many o ther ultimate result was that no real international NGOs have been working Representation like FATA within leadership could emerge and prosper as in the region, including IUCN, WWF, Pakistan' National assembly and Senate.the gap was filled in temporarily by the European Community, and various UN Annex to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. NGOs, offering religious figures to step agencies including UNDP, UNICEF, Setup like Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in. A sectarian strife then turned into a UNFEM, and UNAIDS. As a result, many with own President and Prime Ministerdeep-rooted issue of the region, local NGOs have come up to facilitate undermining any collective move for development work, capitalizing on the At least representation in the Kashmir the rights.investment of funds from international Council, chaired by PM Pakistan

donor agencies.A Civil Society Perspective:

One of the challenges of identifying Sectarian Issues and the NGOs are having both a positive and prospects for peace for greater Jammu

negative impact on the region. Prospects for Local Peace and Kashmir is the recognition of the Over the past decade, the Northern radically distinct histories and cultures

NGOs have made s i g n i f i c an t Areas has witnessed unprecedented of the region. The affect on local contributions in the fields of health, violence between the followers of Sunni communities is different, and each education, and general social and Shia sects, particularly in the community must be taken into development. Some districts in the administrative capital Gilgit. consideration. No peace settlement can Northern Areas are the most literate be made without the voice of the with female literacy rates around 70% different people being represented. During the period of intense violence in (though female literacy rates in other 2005, various civil society organizations districts, namely Diamer, remains maintained their neutrality and Civil society organizations such as PEN significantly low at about 4%) interacted with the people at a will play an important role in the peace

comparative ease. process by working with local NGOs have also left significant communities, strengthening their economic impact by providing voices, and sensitizing them to the The organization I represent, PEN – employment opportunities to the political realities. A forum such as this Publishing Extension Network – educated youth of the region. Very few will offer avenues for people to raise established in 1997, was founded on the employment opportunities exist for the their voices for a peaceful solution to principle of bridging divides between people of the region outside the trade Jammu and Kashmir conflict.communities. Our Board of Directors

J&K Moving Forward



''We are made wise not by the recollection of our Pakistan went through four wars which brought past, but by the responsibility for our future.'' no solution but pain and suffering to human being

at large. Also positive efforts have been made in - George Bernard Shawrecent times for reconciliation from both sides with active participation from civil society as Kashmir problem is with the world since 1947, the well as political leaders. But could not come to a year of the partition of India. Over these sixty three consensus, may be because of not having a years, flashes of intensified conflict and bouts of balanced and harmonious proposal to discuss.negotiations have followed one another with

monotonous regularity in Kashmir. Media For more than six decades by now one has to talk manufactures predictable binary images of conflict – seriously about the conditions for the angry men and weeping women, misguided implementation of peace to protect the interest innocents and fundamentalist separatists, victims of people at large and finally reach the stage of and aggressors.an actionable program. Should there be any hope for a solution? The Problem:

Problem started in 1947 when British were dividing There is no problem without a solution, at least India into two parts to separate out Muslims, who for those which are engineered by human had demanded a separate homeland for themselves whether consciously or unconsciously. The and the non-Muslims. criteria of a best solution must meet the standard of a reasonable prudent man test. I feel the most Pakistan had refused to give a chance to the old appropriate solution to the problem of J&K or we princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and attacked in could say the alternative solution which is the guise of tribal Pathans on October 1947. The proposed by the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Maharaja asked India for help and joined India on Democratic Party, which I feel is a good 26th October 1947. However, by that time Pakistan arrangement by maintaining the status quo in a had already occupied about half of the Kashmir. The harmonious way, and it reflects the essence of U.N Security Council resolution of April 1948 had our secular culture and making its preservation is suggested a plebiscite for the people of Kashmir of the outmost importance. after it would be vacated by Pakistan; India would be

allowed to maintain some forces to maintain the law and order. Pakistan never vacated the area and as a Since, the resolution proposal documents is long, result, the referendum could not happen. I cannot wholly share its essence here (chapter – 3

of self – rule), but will advice to visit www.jkpdp.com to understand the concept of UN declaration of 1948: The UN declaration, on 13th

August, 1948, in the chapter for the 'TRUCE self-rule proposed as an alternative solution to AGREEMENT’ (refer to UN declaration of 1948) the core issue and to provide equal proved unsuccessful and week, which arise a representation to the entire three regions of J&K. question that, is international law is a law? Since since within the state, there are certain regional Pakistan failed to fulfill its obligation suggested by issues and occasionally, voices are raised from the UN declaration. Since then both India and Ladakh and Jammu for trifurcation of the state.

TASHI GYALSON Author is a student and political activist associated with PDP. He works and lives in Leh, Ladakh

Remember Past only to Focus on Future


J&K Moving Forward

Considering Jammu and Kashmir in one side or other of Line of Control will not lead us to anywhere. The problem has be seen in entire area that formed the Princely state and a solution has to be sought accordingly.


game with Afghanistan as the board outh Asia is a most complex, which separated their spheres of volatile and politically explosive S inf luence. Russian interest in region and it remains the most Afghanistan in the first half of the19th enigmatic and baffling in the world. century was concerned primarily with South Asia has been a region of great security and economic, as a result of importance to the industrialize British activities in the region. The democracies and specifically the United Soviet leadership showed their will in States. The region has always been an South Asia to limit the US and China arena where great power competition influence in the region. India has been played and managed. It is, of cooperated with the Soviet Union and course, possible to argue that the they moved from non-alignment to a primary significance of the states of kind of bi-alignment with the Soviets to South Asia lies in their role in the counter Chinese influence. Both competition between the United conducted long friendship and become States, the Soviet Union and China for an important symbol in world politicsglobal and regional influence.

In the cold war era international system Russian interest was bipolar. India joined the USSR and The Soviet Union was a Eurasian empire Pakistan built tie with USA. The Cold since its formation and before War lasted for over 50 years and ended Continuous with czarist Russia. In the with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989. recent past, Soviet concern with Asia With the disintegration of the USSR; the dates, however, only from the post new independent states (Central Asian World War II, when the communist states) took full responsibility for their leadership adopted a “forward” desertification control. Central Asian strategy in Asia and this region became states have started to explore their own an Arena for Moscow's global ways to deal with the catastrophe. This competition with the United States and, emergence gave a new hope to the later, for regional competition with occupied territories. Perhaps this is one China. During the19th century, Russia of the sources of motivation for and the other great power in the area, Kashmir's as well. Britain, played a great power chess

SARDAR AMJAD YUSUF KHAN Author, Executive Director of Islamabad based Kashmir Institute of International Relations, is a resident of Pakistan administered Kashmir. He can be reached at [email protected]

Peace in South Asia:

Kashmir can be Bridge between India, Pak

For decades Kashmir remained a source of conflict between India and Pakistan. It seems so today also but is actually not. A strong urge for peace coming from the people of Jammu and Kashmir has largely changed the scenario. People on both sides of Line of Control have the potential for making Kashmir a bridge between India, Pakistan. They must seize the opportunity for peace in South Asia.



American interest the enmity and join their hands some stereo type mindset in New Delhi

together for stabilizing the Afghanistan. still expecting that Pakistan may be Since 1945 the region of South Asia had

Now they really want that these two declared as failed state. And they no valuable importance for the United

states should work together on the same always try to create hurdles in the States but in the absence of the US the

grounds. They should leave all processes of dialogue. Soviet Union had taken full advantage

animosities. For that purpose they must to expand its influence in the region.

have to build a very good relationship. For the US region was neither Crucial to

But this is not possible yet, until or its neither economy nor vital for

unless the Kashmir issue is not resolved, investment and trade relations. It

they won't keep the good relationship. always had shown their interest in the region from global pursuits disregarding

the aspiration of regional actors. Thus, Now the Americans top most priority

the US never introduced long-terms and should be the Kashmir issue. Because if

Well-calculated policy for the region they want Pakistan and India should join

but it was more interested to prevent

the f lood of communism and

determined to contain the Soviet

expansionism in the Persian Gulf region.

After the cold war USA didn't show any

deep concern toward theses states but

after the 9/11 USA tilt toward this

region.

9/11 war on terror:

In war against terrorism the south Asian

region was again badly affected. The

immediate consequences of the attacks

of September 11 particularly for

Pakistan were clear and profound. The

campaign in the name of Operation

Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan made

Pakistan a frontline state in the US led

counter terror campaign. Pakistan their hand together for stabilizing the shared a border with Afghanistan and Afghanistan so firstly they have to have was among the few countries which had resolve their own issue and than they a formal diplomatic relationship with can go for any other thing else. the Taliban regime.

Now this is the time that Kashmiris can Now this prolonged war on terrorism has play a very affective role in harmonizing drawn number of the negative impact the relationship between two for Pakistan. Pakistan is one the biggest countries. Both these states must sufferer of this war against terrorism. consider the Kashmir’s in dialogue Being a front line state in this war the processes. Kashmir issue was bone of country becomes the victim of terrorist contention earlier now it will play the activities. role of bridge.

Now the Americans wants that Pakistan There is also an impression in Pakistan, and India must aside their 62 years of

Suggestion:

Kashmir is no more bone of

contention between two

countries now it would play

the role of bridge.

Kashmiris should have to pay

the leading role and they can

also give the win-a-win

situation. For that purpose

they should forget about their

ethnical issue.


Monthly Magazine

Extensively Researched

Written with Clarity

and Insight

Covers Four Key Issues

Politics

Economy

Culture

Strategic Affairs

EpilogueHas a shelf life That Extends

Far Beyond the

News Period Covered

Unlike the General

Run of the Mill News Magazines

Epilogue

Unlike the General run of the

Mill News Magazine

J&K Moving Forward



suddenly she heard her mother burst hatoon, 75 years old, a resident into loud wails and screams... An IED of Budgam has almost lost K (Improvised Explosive Device) blast had eyesight longing to see her taken place in Pattan where a disappeared son. Her abject poverty prominent religious cleric had to and old age did not dampen her spirits address a mass gathering. The cleric to continue search for her son. Her tale escaped miraculously but Naseema's is not very different from hundreds of father along with many other victims mothers whose sons have vanished fell prey to the IED blast. The bodies of without a trace in custody of security the victims could not be identified agencies.amongst the various pieces of flesh that

lay hanging on trees and bushes around Khatoon's predicament started in 1995 the areas. A small bag containing some when troops allegedly picked up her unidentified parts of human flesh is all youngest son Bashir. She kept looking that was brought back home for last for him for many years, going from pillar rites and burial. Naseema could never to post but “had to return empty deal with this loss and trauma. The handed”. Her younger son Muzamil, shock rendered Naseema in a state of unable to see his mothers suffering took disturbed bereavement and PTSD ever up arms “to avenge the disappearance since.of his brother” As if this shock was not

enough for the wrinkled old woman,

Shafiqa, 18 years old was at home along Muzamil died in an encounter with troops.

with her mother and grandmother when

their village was cordoned for search Khatoon had no tears… She said, “I have

operation by the security forces. The wept enough for years waiting for

Bashir… Now the tears have dried up… men in the village were taken away

but my heart always weeps. I don't want from their homes to assemble in an open

money or compensation…. I only want to field for identification parade and know the whereabouts of my beloved interrogation. Shafiqa was among the son ” 30 women who were raped on the night of February 23, in a small village in Naseema, 25 years old, was cooking her Kashmir. The ages of other women father's favorite dish, Nadroo … when raped ranged from 13 to 80 years.

EZABIR ALI Author is a Peace Activist and a Mental Health Honorary Counselor for Jammu and Kashmir Voluntary Health Association, who has trained Community Health Workers in Budgam and Pulwama districts as “bare foot counselors”. She can be reached at ........

Unheard Traumatized Voices

Let's pray no more Khatoons, Naseemas and Shafiqa are added to painful history of Kashmir

It is a known fact that people on both sides of Line of Control have suffered enough pain and the coming generations are going to echo it. This pain resonates in the sufferings of women and children. The situation demands to opt to silence the guns regardless of the identity of perpetrators.



Shafiqa has lost the will to live. She has The Valley's lone psychiatric hospital to all this, there has been a complete

attempted suicide several times. is overwhelmed by the sheer numbers breakdown of tradit ional and

of patients presenting themselves for community support and instead there

the psychiatric problems termed as is pervasive insecurity and fear all Haseena, 37years old, is a “half

“Post Traumatic Stress Disorders around.widow” from Kupwara. More than a

(PTSD) that the Kashmiri community decade back the security forces picked

is undergoing due to the prolonged up her husband. She has gone from It is a known fact that the people on

violent armed conflict prevailing in pillar to post searching for him but to both sides of LOC have suffered enough

the area for the last two decades no avail. She only wants the pain and the coming generations are

authorities to give his whereabouts… going to echo it. This pain resonates in

She says, “If he has been killed please the sufferings of women and children.

hand over his body to me...I can't take The situation demands to opt to silence

this uncertainty anymore.. How am I the guns and say no to violence,

supposed to take care of the family? I regardless of the identity of the

have no source of income. The Govt. perpetrators. Efforts are required to

also does not provide relief in such desist that this kind of history should

cases. I want to ask the Govt. why the not be handed over to the younger

widow of a slain militant is treated generation to remember.

different from other widows. Why are

our problems and status so different? ” It's high time that the dialogue between

India and Pakistan, with representation

The above cases are just a tip of the from Kashmir is resumed to help to

iceberg of the effects of the armed reach a consensus to resolve the

conflict on women in Kashmir. Countless outstanding issues.

widows, “half widows”, rape victims

and orphans have been added to our It is also very important that the role of

society during these last 20 years. Most women as Peace builders is recognized

of these cases remain unreported as and women are made part of the

they continue to suffer in silence either reso lu t ions , negot ia t ions and

due to ignorance, social taboo, reconstruction phases.

conservative attitude of society, or

because they lack the will to go through Women know what it takes to rebuild a now. This has resulted in deep the tedious process of getting the guilty society as they have “seen and braved it wounds to the community such that punished. all”. they go well beyond the socio-

economic problems of neglect and There are many untold and unreported The issue of Jammu and Kashmir affects poverty. cases - Most of the cases reflect that the the lives of many people; as such

people, especially women in Kashmir representation of all sections/ At the moment the support system for are undergoing psychological problems communities /societies is important, to the recovery of the society stands as a consequence of tension increasing, have lasting Peace in the region. damaged and instead elements like both at an individual level as well as fear, distrust, anger, impatience, community level. These cases give an So let's not put dialogue on hold any cynicism, sense of loss, hopelessness insight that Kashmir not only presents more - let's give Peace and Dialogue a and powerlessness have found their many traumatized individuals but that chance, with a prayer and hope that no way in the society which has led to there is a collective trauma that the more Khatoon's, Naseema's, Shafiqa's many social changes making the society has suffered. Thus, the and Haseena's are added to the already people insensitive to situations. To add implications for healing are obvious. painful history of Kashmir.

There are many untold and

unreported cases - Most of the

cases reflect that the people,

especially women in Kashmir

are undergoing psychological

problems as a consequence of

tension increasing, both at an

individual level as well as

community level. These cases

give an insight that Kashmir

not only presents many

traumatized individuals but

that there is a collective trauma

that the society has suffered.

Thus, the implications for

healing are obvious.

J&K Moving Forward



troops on International border and Line he persons who are living in of control (LOC). Situation was alarming Jammu & Kashmir are defined as T and International Actors had involved state subjects notification for normalisation. A new hope and through dated 20th April 1927. That all positive step began in the year 2005 persons who were born within the state when Bus Service launched from before the region of Maharaja Gulab Muzaffarabad to Srinagar route, Singh and those who settled therein through this confidence building before 1942 (Bikrami) and resided measure (CBM) new face of confidence permanently, were state subject of and interaction started.class-I. Those who settled in the state

before the close of 1968 (Bikrami) and

Victims of Conflictresided permanently, on acquisition of

immovable property enjoyed the status Kashmir issue affected the lives of

of state subject of class-II. All those who millions people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Most effected peoples are widows, acquired immovable property under a

victim of violence rendered and their rayatnama (Urdu words) or Ijazatnama

houses, other victims are children who (Urdu words) and resided in the state have deprived from development, continuously, were placed in class-III as education, protection, survival and state subject, class IV pertains to their participation in various activities, registered companies in the state”.youths are other effected lot who have been deprived of employment. They are The dispute of state of Jammu & facing Physico Social Trama, missing of Kashmir is single most contentious issue identity and falling addicted. Other between Pakistan & India and it is still victims are those persons who have got unresolved. After 1998, 1999 issue is completely or partially disabled and nuclear flash point. Historically India – facing physical, mental and spiritual Pakistan relations have never been illness.friendly. Both are neighbour but living

as enemy of each other. This issue Migration Impactdirectly or indirectly linked several

India – Pakistan wars and crises. After Migration started from 1947-1948 till

date, the majority of people who have 9/11 and after 13/12 attacks on Indian migrated initially living and facing with parliament, India mobilized its military

ILYAS CHOUDHARY Author is a peace activist and Lawyer. He lives and works in Kotli, Pakistan administered Kashmir.

Kashmir Conflict and its Impact


J&K Moving Forward

Civil society can plays their role in conflict prevention and peace building. There is a popular desire to normalized relations between India and Pakistan. The key actors India and Pakistan have gradually shown more flexibility in their rigged and traditional stand.


inhuman conditions. The migration promoted and introduced these Crossing Points

from AJK to J&K and from J&K to AJK, peoples. India and Pakistan opened five foot many families have divided, the person cross ing point Nauser i -Titwal, who have migrated to Pakistan, some Chakothi-uri, Hajipur-uri, Rawalakot-Role of Civil Society Actorsare living into refugee camps and some Poonch and Tattapani-Mehnder but Civil society can plays their role in or out of camps. Many of migrated more new crossing point Khuiratta-conflict prevention and peace building. peoples migrated within state these are Noshera, Samani-Noshera required to There is a popular desire to normalized

be opened. Pundits from valley. Majority of these relations between India and Pakistan. people transferred to refugee camps in The key actors India and Pakistan have Jammu and other who were in Road Linksgradually shown more flexibility in their economical stable choices to travel rigged and traditional stand. Kargil-Skardu, Jammu-Sialkot, Turtue-inside India, where they started to Khapuly, Chamb Jaurian-Mirpur, Gurez rebuild their lives. In 1947,1965 and Astore-Gilgit, Titwal-Chilhan, Jhangar The organizations of civil society and 1971 some migrants peoples who have (Noshera)-Khuiratta Kotli, Tattapani-overall general public are prepared to scattered throughout India and Pakistan Poonch, Nakyal-Mehndar and Rajori, engage in peace making process. It can now are more powerful and holding Karakram Highway-Ladakh, create a climate conducive to powerful positions in civil and military negotiation and help to ensure that the bureaucracy but they identify social infrastructure is developed for Linkage of civil society:themselves as Ex-Kashmiris. Other their voices to be heard at formal talks. Civil society actors can play their role in migrants peoples are those who can be Mechanism for public participants in peace process and conflict resolutions. called as economical migrant, most of peace process can be extremely Hence, all special interest groups, them are from AJK, particularly, Mirpur i m p o r t a n t . Pa r t i c i p a n t s f e e l professional groups need to be and Kotli Districts. These economical comfortable and are able to participate encouraged. migrant people shifted the UK and other fully and effective contributions. European countries. Alienation and frustration can

Telecommunicationotherwise set in quickly. No doubt there

Restoration of telephonic landline is a road map, which shows us how to In the UK these economical migrants network cut in 1965 war and provision of drive and where to drive, without map people started their lives in miserable facilities of mobile telephonic service cannot understand where we are and conditions but now they are taking across the L.O.C. where we may be going. We have interest in local politics, few of them distinguished what is important from become as Loca l Counc i l o r s ,

Disasters Management:and from what is not important. What Community Mayors, Lord Mayors and Sharing information on whether path we should take to achieve our even contesting parliament elections. conditions, flow of waters in rivers, goals. Civil society actors play their In Bradford UK where 72% are Pakistan floods and other information. roles to normalize the situation. Process

living and among them 80% are Kashmiri of reconciliation among different

from Mirpur District of AJK, similarly identity groups not resisted, even some De-mining:Birmingham UK 32% are from Pakistan feel it is too late. Civil society actors Joint efforts could be mounted to locate and among them half population is from from J&K and AJK sides are going to and remove land mining that have been Mirpur District AJK. The people who are construct bridge building among diverse planted on both side of L.O.C over the living in the UK they have introduced people groups. year. themselves as Kashmiri Ethnic Group

(not as a Kashmiri race). These peoples URGENT STEPS Sports developed their relations with

Hockey, Cricket, Polo, Football, influential Hi-Ups in the UK and they People to people contacts volleyball, Basket Ball and Kabadi have maneuvering and managing to

matches can be organized at between People to people contact means not introduce themselves Kashmiri identity both sides of L.O.C, relationship only developing relations between group. They have launched private TV

divided families, but whole the peoples improved and exchange of teams Channel and Radio programs, where who are living with J&K irrespective of defiantly charge the mindset of people different identity peoples programs are religion and region. and misconceptions removed. broadcast. A sense of Kashmiriat has



J&K Moving Forward


Kashmiris has given lives whether it is istory has seen such times, when the blood of a Kashmir Muslim or the crime was committed by a H kashmiri pandit they were all the moment, but the punishment people of Jammu and Kashmir. Our was suffered by centuries. fathers, brothers and sons are missing. Sheikh Abdullah, 1981Our children are orphans. Our sisters

and daughter are widowed and half-Kashmir conflict is one of the most widowed. Our sisters and daughters complex conflicts of the world. There were raped. Our people were subjected are three parties to the conflict, India, to forced migration. Pakistan and the people of Jammu and

Kashmir. It is now one of the dangerous Why do we often debate about which conflicts, not so much because of the community suffered more? When will situation itself but because of India and kashmiri muslims start talking about the Pakistan's failed relationship in dealing miseries of kashmiri pandits and when with it. Both the countries are standing will kashmiri pandits start speaking on on their stated positions and the behalf of kashmiri muslims? sufferers are the people of region

especially the people of Jammu and

Kashmir. Any terrorist act whether in Conflicts around the world do not get

India and Pakistan, which causes a delay resolved until the sufferers are ready to

in composite dialogue between the two play their role in resolving the conflict.

countries puts a nail in the coffin of What we are lacking in Kashmir conflict

kashmiri's hopes. is the combined efforts to act together.

We are still divided in our thoughts. To

get there, we have to first start having We , Ka shm i r i s have s u f f e red dialogue amongst ourselves. Mindsets tremendously whether it's physical, will have to be altered and historical emotional and economical. Kashmiris baggage will have to be jettisoned for migrated to India, Pakistan, AJK and start of the process. around the world. There are more than 2

million living in Pakistan and AJK,

Kashmiri Pandits in India, and about 1 I know and do believe peace will come. I

million around the world. Kashmiris are have firm believe that we will live in

scattered and when communities are peace but the question is how much

scattered they are divided. We are a pain we will have to go through to get

divided nation. there.

UZERA SHAH Author is Director, Human Rights, Kashmir Institute of International Relations, Islamabad. She belongs to Pakistan administered Kashmir and her family had migrated from Srinagar

Sufferers must play their roles

Conflicts around the world do not get resolved until the sufferers are ready to play their role in

resolving the conflict. What we are lacking in Kashmir conflict is the combined efforts to act together.

We are still divided in our thoughts.

EpilogueT H A T M A K E C H A N G EISSUES

Of our 29 issues since January 2007, 12 were exclusively dedicated to the most pressing cause of peace in Jammu and Kashmir and bridging divides between various regions on both sides of the Line of Control.

The Promises Aheadear 2007 began in Jammu and YKashmir really on a promising note.

There was a huge push to the peace process and the talk of Cross-LoC trade gained currency. We interviewed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq a day before left for Pakistan and the Pak administered Kashmir tour. He talked of 'imaginative solution' to Kashmir issue. Almost same sentiment was echoed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani in another exclusive interview. State budget advanced by two months promised a massive employment program to take the youth out of quagmire.

The present issue is a

summit of ideas originating

from all regions of J&K.

Writers decided to share

their opinions at a workshop

they attended together at

Bangkok in ending March.

Baglihar and other Chestnuts n the backdrop of World Bank Iappointed neutral expert Prof

Raymond Lifette's award on Baglihar hydro-electric project on Chenab, our March issue focused on management and resolution of conflicts between India and Pakistan. Indus Water Treaty one such agreement between both countries which withstood all harshest tests of the times since 1960 and this was first time ever that both countries first agreed to appointment of a third party arbitration and then both accepted the award describing it s victory in their own way.

Billion Dollar Question for Peace ormer Finance Minister of Pakistan, FShahid Javed Burki had written a

paper for United States Institute of Peace. The study suggested an investment of US Dollar 20 billion for infrastructure development on both sides of J&K and argued that subsequent stakes in economy will overrun politics to pave way for Kashmir becoming conduit of peace between India and Pakistan. Our analysis of this research endorsed the argument but with an addendum: emphasis on economic development is good but political aspiration can't be overlooked. This issue also carried an interview with J&K Finance Minister and President of

Looking Beyond 'K' Issuehat we tried to underline in our WJune 2007 issue became dominant

nationwide cry exactly a year later. In June 2008 thousands of people in Jammu were on streets and the state was engulfed in a fire of regional and communal hatred. This issue was a forewarning on the fallout of a skewed political approach. Our main argument was based on the premise that external dimensions of Kashmir issue can be resolved by force or by diplomacy but no resolution can be lasting without addressing the internal dimensions.

Towards Blurring Radcliff and Other Unwanted Lines

Readers are encouraged to write stories that bridge gaps between peoples and regions Epilogue is the platform

JK & 60 he problem with our younger Tgeneration in understanding Jammu

and Kashmir is that they know very little about past. They key events most of the people in our age remember are the partition and wars. Our August 2007 issue was essentially a commemorative volume chronicling metamorphosis of change Jammu and Kashmir underwent from 1947 to 2007. Every key development arranged in a sequential order made this issue an essential reference on J&K. Which is why August 2008 issue is still in demand not only from across the country but also from abroad.

Identity And Politics e believe that the issue of Jammu Wand Kashmir can not be dealt with

properly without obtaining an understanding of identities –regional and ethnic. Our May 2008 issue was about the tribal identities which have not been touched upon in researches and also in the larger political discourse. Gujjars, spread across the state, and Dards of Ladakh were the two tribes we covered in this issue with a promise to cover all identities in subsequent issues.

60 Years of Conflictt was the month of October 1947 that Ithe events, one after the other,

pushed Jammu and Kashmir into a most enduring of the conflicts world saw in recent history. That no two people have been seen or heard sharing same opinion on Kashmir issue, we requested many to send in their view points. Few of them responded with their understanding. Notable among them were Wajahat Habibullah, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Aziz Zargar, Masud Chaudhary, MY Tarigami, Iftikhar Geelani and KN Pandita. In their own perspective, the authors trace genesis of conflict and its journey over 60 years.

J&K's summer agitation ummer of 2008 will always be Sremembered as a dark chapter in the

secular and tolerance history of Jammu and Kashmir. On Amarnath land row, the lunatic and hawkish voices had completely taken over the sensible voices. We launched a search for the voices of peace and reason and came up with as many ideas as possible. We are happy that no chance was given to the narrow regional or religious views to creep in our pages.

Join usWe are making

small difference

NowTellingThe J&K Stories

Cross-LoC trade rade across the Line of Control has Targuably been the mother of all

confidence building measures between India and Pakistan involving Jammu and Kashmir. Epilogue was arguably the first news and current affairs publication to come up with a comprehensive issue on broad contours of Cross-LoC trade. The bottlenecks we had talked about were later evident when trade was actually initiated in October.

J&K: The Land of Contact his was second of our four issues Texclusively devoted to the people-

to-people contacts between two parts of Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. A team of experts traveled different parts of state including Ladakh and spoke to key stakeholders before concluding that Jammu and Kashmir can essentially be a land of contact not only between India and Pakistan but also in the South and Central Asian region. Backed with extensive research, this issue analyzed importance of throwing other routes to open to trade and tourism.

Pakistan elections e can say with authority and Wconfidence that no other

magazine in India could cover the general elections in Pakistan as we did in March 2008 issue. There were indepth reports, regional trends and analysis. We transcended borders to cover Pakistan elections as restoration of democracy in our neighbourhood assumed a huge importance for India in general and Jammu and Kashmir in particular.

Intra-Kashmir contacts and trade hortly before the historic cross-LoC Strade was launched between two

parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the United States Institute of Peace had come up with a most comprehensive study on making borders irrelevant. Under a special endowment from USIP, Epilogue carried reproduced the study in fall. It was a painstaking research taken by Hassan Askari and PR Chari, two leading policy experts of Pakistan and India, respectively.

W A R O N T E R R O R

Analysis


he new comprehensive Af-Pak something 'new', which is not new at all

strategy unveiled on March 27, though many in the US and other parts T2009 by President Barack Obama of the world might have this illusion. In

sets up the core goal of the US to the first place, ex-President George W.

disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda Bush left a bleeding stalemate in

and its safe havens in Pakistan, and to Afghanistan for Obama with no end in

prevent their return to Pakistan or sight, as human casualty rising, for

Afghanistan. As a mix of military and example, in 2008 alone, according to UN

political measures, Obama's strategy Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

contains three components: a counter- (UNAMA), 2,118 civilians deaths

insurgency component for Afghanistan, reported. The Associated Press

a counter- terrorism component for use estimated that a total of 286 foreign

in Pakistan and a counter-radicalization military personnel were actually killed

component for use in the entire Af-Pak in Afghanistan in 2008, the highest since

region. While the US other NATO powers 2001 when the invasion began. This

will implement the military component figure represents an increase of almost

the role of India, China and Iran is 40 per cent compared to 2007, when

restricted to the political component 1,523 people lost their lives in the

and will have no say in the military conflict.

i n t e r v e n t i o n . T h e O b a m a

Administration views FATA region as the In unveiling an Af-Pak plan founded on frontline in the "war on terror" and narrow goals, Obama has fallen prey to would like to dictate to the Pakistan a long-standing US policy weakness: the government on how to conduct the war. pursuit of near-term objectives without While insisting that the primary goal of much regard for the security of regional the new Afghan strategy be narrow, friends. To focus entirely on one's own President Obama has actually widened security, and to give primacy to what is the US involvement in the region. He politically expedient, is to repeat the runs the risk of getting into a political very mistakes of past US policy that and military quagmire, much like the US inadvertently gave rise to the scourge of faced in Vietnam in the 1960s and jihadist transnational terror.1970s.

Let's be clear: Pakistan and Afghanistan, Why did Obama need to place this 'New two artificially created states with no Af-Pak Strategy' after all and how is it roots in history, constitute the most full of flaws? As an agent of change, dangerous region on earth. Additionally, Obama has been desperate in Pakistan is where state-nurtured

M SHAMSUR RABB KHANAuthor is Editor with the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies

New Af-Pak Strategy:

Old Wine in a New Bottle


terrorism and state-reared nuclear While calling the US has a vital national Afghanistan, which could only lead to

smuggling uniquely intersect. Yet security interest in addressing the more civilian casualty and more

Obama's central objective is not to potential security threats posed by al insurgency. Everyday the danger is

clean up the mess but to extricate the Qaeda and other groups of terrorists, increasing, as the US has been unable to

US from the war in Afghanistan by the policy suggests 'new way of thinking understand that the spread of

winning over the bulk of the Taliban, about the challenges, a wide ranging extremists in area and number is the

including by pandering to Pakistan, the diplomatic strategy to build support for direct offshoot of US military action. In

terrorist procreator and sanctuary US efforts, enhanced engagement with the first place, since no Afghans were

provider. the publics in the region and at home, involved in the 9/11 attack according to

and a realization that all elements of the “official 9/11 story” of the

international power'. However, in e g r e g i o u s l y d i s h o n e s t B u s h Neither Bush was right in going all-practice, the ability of extremists in Administration, .the very war on terror offensive in Afghanistan, nor is Obama Pakistan and Afghanistan becoming on Afghanistan, like Iraq's, was illegal too smart in making a concrete change more powerful is the sheer failure of the and illogical. It has not yet captured in the precarious situation in US war on terror waged so far. The rise Osama bin Laden or his deputy. And Afghanistan-Pakistan region by sending of Taliban has put the US into direct compelling Pakistan to act beyond its 30,000 more troops. What Obama, via confrontation with Pakistan, long held capacity is to transfer the onus of this policy, is carrying forward the Bush as partners against terror. failure on Pakistan, not on the US. The legacy though in a smart language,

result is: Pakistan is battling the which is going to end in a bigger mess, as resurgent Taliban though it bought truce gloomy signs are appearing. There is One of the objectives of the Af-Pak through the Sharia deal in the SWAT little question that the NATO forces are strategy is to 'disrupt terrorist networks region. bombing civilians in Afghanistan, and in Afghanistan and especially Pakistan

causing almost as many civilian deaths to degrade any ability they have to plan

as the Taliban. There is no question that and launch international terrorist A critical factor is that US military and

mostly American planes have dropped attacks'. But the truth is that the US led civilian agencies lack the skills and

more bombs on Afghanistan in 2008, i.e. NATO forces are being interrupted and training as well as the institutional

800,000 pounds in the first 7 months ambushed by the extremists groups on a framework necessary to carry out

than at any point since 2001. regular basis, thus proving that greater culturally and politically sensitive

military intervention is a defeatist socio-economic programmes at the

policy. Albeit the strategy calls for local level in Afghanistan, or even to

' p r o m o t i n g a m o r e c a p a b l e , avoid further alienation of the

accountable, and effective government population. The US government does

in Afghanistan that serves the Afghan not even have enough people capable of

people and can eventually function, speaking Pashto, the language of the 14

especially regarding internal security, million ethnic Pashtuns. As a result, the

with limited international support; the US faces huge 'trust deficit' in

reality is that the present Karzai Afghanistan and Pakistan, where people

government in Afghanistan is nothing have firm belief that the US and its

but a mere puppet following the western allies are not a reliable long-

dictates of the US, and once the foreign term partners, but are all-out in

powers will be out of the country, a intimidating them. So far, like the Bush

bloody political upheaval is bound to administration, Obama has failed to

throw the country into utter chaos. . engage the Afghan people in ways that

demonstrate the US commitment to

promoting a legitimate and capable Afghan The Obama's strategy is as full of government with economic progress. illusions as the strategy of Bush was

except for 30,000 more troops to

reinforce the failing military strategy in Obama lacks knowledge about

W A R O N T E R R O RAnalysis


Afghanistan and what his advisors, who Since the very beginning, the US has not For example, the RAND Corporation's

suffer from the prescriptive deficiency engaged the international community, study, “How Terrorist Groups End:

that is the result of mixing facts with say, India, China and Iran, and now Lessons for Countering al Qaida”

illusions, whisper he is following. He is when it faces serious challenges, it calls reports that the global war on terror taking the war to Pakistan territory for cooperation from other countries. failed to work because the US has through daily attacks by unmanned Here also, the US has two sets of pursued the wrong line of action since Drones, which result in daily human dealing: if India is attacked, it should 9/11. Based on a comprehensive casualty. This multiplies the anger not go ahead with preemptive strikes research on 648 terror groups that against the US manifold; hence, in spite against terror groups in Pakistan, while existed between 1968 and 2006, RAND's o f cooperat ion, the Pak i s tan the US has every right to initiate findings indicate that most terrorist government finds it difficult to convince whatever military offensive it desires groups, in order of preference, have its people about the intention of the US even if there is no direct threat the US ended because: (1) they joined the and its allies. The tragedy is that while and its people. Kashmir's exclusion political process (2) local police and the Pakistan government is made to f rom Obama ' s p lan was wel l intelligence agencies arrested or killed follow the US dictate, the people at calculated, as it wants India to engage their members; (3) their goals were large are totally averse to its imperialist for the purpose when the time comes. achieved. policies. If the economic aids failed to Though India has more reasons to make Pervez Musharraf co-operate attack Pakistan than the US, it has How do terror group end? In the answer sincerely against Al Qaeda and the been restrained by the latter, citing to this question lies the formidable anti-Taliban, it can be even more non- the threat of a full scale war. But what terror strategy and effort. The RAND cooperative under Zardari. is the US doing is not good for the study presents five ways in which

people of the region as a whole. terrorist groups end: political solution, Obama's strategy, like that of Bush, is policing, military force, splintering marked by extending punishment to During the last five years neither (break up as a result of competition Pakistan if it fails to check the rise of

George W Bush, nor Barak Obama, nor among terrorist groups), or victory, extremist groups. The general talk of

any of the policy maker in the US and among others. The report reveals that 'Pakistan is not doing enough' is the

terror groups ended because of a range elsewhere has voiced for a political sheer policy shift whereby the US is out

of counter-measures. While political situation to be attained via negotiations to place the blame on Pakistan for the

negotiations (43%) and effective and deliberations. While on paper, the failures on war on terror, which is its own.

policing and intelligence (40%) are the Af-Pak policy talks of finding a solution Since a failed Pakistan may be a disaster

two major means of ending terror to problem of growing extremism in the for the people of Pakistan, it will provide

groups, military force has rarely been region, the US seems reluctant to much needed alibi to the US to nail

the primary reason for it (7%) and engage those groups and bring them to Pakistan because of its nuclear

terrorist groups ended because their the negotiating table for a lasting capability, the only Muslim country to goals were achieved (10%). Quite clear solution. The high powered team of US possess such a weapon though Iran, it is that military option is the least Special envoy to Afghanistan-Pakistan said, can be other one. The N-capacity is effective choice since it is also marred Region Mr. Holbrooke and Pentagon the crux of the matter for which the US by human rights violations, as we have Chief of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen are has perhaps made a long-term seen in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).the hype that the US wants to create to engagement in the region. If it is believed

show off its seriousness, but the that Al Qaeda and its associates operating No doubt, with new upsurge of Taliban, ultimate objective is as much killing as from sanctuaries in Pakistan as posing a the attainment of goals set in Af-Pak possible to turn the region into an threat to the world as a whole, and the strategy are daunting tasks, which unstable place to live. The US and those US in particular, it is strange that the require a whole new plan, not the Af-countries, including must understand, might of the US-led NATO forces has Pak, the old wine in a new bottle, and if along with force via military operation, failed to gauge the fact that a totally the US is so serious about ending terror, other means are more viable and defunct al Qaeda has limited capacity it must come up with something to go ahead with another 9/11 in US feasible, if the scourge of terrorism is to pragmatic and novel. territory mounted from this region. be eliminated forever.

W A R O N T E R R O RAnalysis

V I EW P O I N T

Balancing J&K


regional expression. Such consciousness h e c o n t e m p o r a r y w o r l d involves issues like autonomy and confronts a variety of problems T administrative decentralization. which are related to the socio – Regional demands for autonomy may be economic and politico – cultural aspects said to assume the existence of regions of life. Among the various social as coherent political units endowed divisions in the contemporary world, with right to represent the aspirations regional divisions have raised some of of their constituents and provides the the most complicated issues. Moreover, existential basic phenomenon of these problems arise when there is a regional identity. So the sense of combination of factors as geographical identity within a region develops isolation, independent historical regionalism or regional consciousness. traditions, racial, ethnic or religious The latter as the ideological correlate peculiarities and local, economic and of the concept is important in many class interests. The manifestations have historical, political and sociological been, and are as varied and evocative of studies. In order to apply these diverse responses as the size, nature generalizations to the empirical and demographic compos i t ion situations of Jammu and Kashmir, the /strength of the different regions and study of the political crisis of Jammu /or regional demands. Plural societies and Kashmir in a regional conflict contain sub – systems that are distinct becomes of utmost importance. A from each other and one may acquire an careful examination of the regional advantage over the other in the period autonomy proposals and regional of state and nation building.peculiarities of the state is necessary

for arriving at a rational understanding One of the most conspicuous paradoxes of the long – standing political crisis in of today's world is the simultaneous the state.appearance of centralization and

regional and ethnic tensions, suggesting J a m m u a n d K a s h m i r, I n d i a ' s a react ion aga inst that very northernmost state, lies south one of centralization. The widespread the highest regions of the Himalayan legitimacy of pluralist democracy mountains in a region bordering expands opportunities for ethnic and

SAHIL SHOWKAT Author is a research scholar in the Department of Political Science. University of Kashmir.

Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh

In Quest of Regional Balance

Politics in Jammu and Kashmir has been considerably influenced by deep seated historical, socio – psychological and economic factors. Since independence the main issues in Kashmir have revolved around its status, regional conflicts within the state and the relationships between the state and the central governments, all of which are inseparably interconnected.


Pakistan, Tibet and china. The state largest and most populous remained 370 and the full integration of the state

comprises the areas of Jammu, on the with India. into the Indian union on the same basis

plains below the Pirpanjal mountain as every other state. Thus, the

ranges and the Kashmir valley, which integration of Kashmir into the Indian Kashmir's importance in Indian politics lies between the Pirpanjal and Pangi union was never completed to the arises from several inter-related ranges south of the highest peaks of the satisfaction of all important ideological features of its history and status in Karakoram Mountains. The state also and political forces either in Kashmir or Indian union. The first is its symbolic includes Ladakh, bordering Tibet. The in India as whole. Since 1948 the politics connection with the very ideological distinct cultural identity of Kashmir has of Kashmir and arguments about its basis of the Indian state. It has been its roots in the region's unique status have been influenced by internal frequently reiterated by every one who geography and its contested political regional differences, by changes in has written on the subject that the history. The present state of Jammu and centre – state political alliances and by integration of Kashmir into Pakistan Kashmir was created after the second shifting political tendencies and the after its accession to India could not be Anglo- Sikh war, when the British forces development of new political forces accepted because it would appear to granted control over Kashmir to the within the state.validate Mohammad Ali Jinnah's maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu in argument that there were two nations 1846. Jammu and Kashmir was one of in south Asia, one Hindu and one Muslim Broadly speaking, the state of Jammu the princely states of India which, under where members could not live together and Kashmir is divided into three British rule, had a semi-autonomous in peace within the same political unit. distinct regions of Jammu, Kashmir and status. At independence, though these Validation of the two nation theory Ladakh. The valley of Kashmir states are theoretically reverted to would also ipso facto deny the constitutes a single ethno – cultural sovereignty, their real choices were legitimacy of its opposite, the Indian unit. The other two regions are further confined to merger with either India or nationalist ideology which proclaimed sub - divided on account of their Pakistan. In practice, all other states that India is a secular state which can religious and social composition. The were merged by choice, coercive accommodate religious diversity in a three regions of the state of Jammu and persuasion or force into Pakistan if their pluralist democracy. Further, because Kashmir have had different Political population was predominantly Muslim of the peculiar constitutional orientations and have spawned as well and into India if their population was circumstances under which Kashmir was regional separatist movements within predominantly Hindu. integrated into the Indian union with an the state. Many Hindus in Jammu have

exemption from the full application of supported militant Hindu parties which

The conflict between India and Pakistan the Indian constitution to its territory have demanded the full integration of

over Kashmir arose because, though the its special status also has come to be the entire state in the Indian union

states population was predominantly seen as a potential threat to the through the abrogation of article 370.

Muslim, its ruler was Hindu, and it integrity of the Indian union. Under Although, there has also been at times a

abutted both India and Pakistan, making article 370 of the constitution of India, demand for separation of Jammu from

its merger into, either a real possibility the Indian parliament can not legislate Kashmir. The political events of 1953

or the option for full independence a on items listed on either the union or that led to the dismissal of sheikh

possible goal as well. In the event, concurrent list of powers without the Abdullah, the most potent advocate of

Pakistan forced the issue by allowing, approval of the Kashmir legislative the state's autonomy started casting

irregular and Pakistan Army elements to assembly which along with other special their shadow on the state's special

advance towards the state capital of features, appears to give to the state of position. This facilitated the process of

Srinagar which precipitated the formal – Jammu and Kashmir a kind of regional legal merger of the state within the

though reluctant and originally limited autonomy. Indian union beginning with the

and conditional accession of the state presidential order of 1954. This further

into the Indian union, followed by the undermined the legitimacy of the Indian Militant Hindu nationalists have always first indo – Pakistan war and its hold viz – viz the people of Kashmir. objected to the special status of conclusion in an informal partition of S i m i l a r l y, t h e c o n s t i t u t i o n a l Kashmir as unwarranted and have the state into two parts, of which the amendment of 1958 brought the state demanded the abrogation of the article

V I EW P O I N TBalancing J&K


under the control of central to the state govt. on April 13, 1999. The People's conference leader Sajad

administration, including extension of committee has suggested regional and lone's proposal for division of Jammu

Articles 356 and 357 of the Indian district provinces model for the and Kashmir is yet another proposal on

constitution in 1964-65 during sadiq's restoration of regional tensions in the the subject.. Since the intra – state

tenure. Article 249 was also made state of Jammu and Kashmir. regionalism embodies the guest of a

appl icable to the state. The part within a state for self identity and

designations of Head of the state (Sadr- self development in positive terms but Balraj puri, a veteran writer, journalist i-riyasat) and Prime Minister were also it also involves many kind of problems, and a political activist from Jammu also

changed to governor and chief Minister socio – cultural – economic and proposed a regional autonomy model

like in any Indian state. Furthermore, a n d s u g g e s t e d a f i v e - t i e r e d political. Therefore the study of these

the governor is to be appointed by the decentralized institutional structure for problems falls within the purview of

Jammu and Kashmir leading to “a centre rather than by a nominee of the enquiryfederation (IJK) within a federation elected Kashmir legislature. Thus, the (The Indian union).”The tier would be inherent right of autonomy was To conclude we can say that Politics in village, block, district, region and snatched away from the people of Jammu and Kashmir has been state, three constituted regions of Kashmir in a systematic way by the mid- considerably influenced by deep seated Jammu and Kashmir –valley, Jammu and 1960 and even the Indra -Abdullah historical, socio – psychological and Ladakh –should have its own elected Accord of 1975 could not restore it. economic factors. Since independence legislature, with authorities over the main issues in Kashmir have matters devolved from IJK level of The militancy in Jammu and Kashmir revolved around its status, regional government, and an executive rose after the rigged elections of 1987. conflicts within the state and the accountable to the legislature. He

When a large number of Kashmir youth relationships between the state and the suggested that the government bureaucracy

crossed over the line of control for central governments, all of which are and development agencies also to be

training in Pakistan and induction of inseparably interconnected. These decentralized as much as possible, to

arms and ammunition in the valley models assumed significance because of regional and sub – regional levels.

started. So, to tackle this problem, the the growing regional tensions in Jammu

Indian govt. promised autonomy once and Kashmir which have always added To meet the regional grievances of

again to check the secessionist trend in to the unfortunates of the already Ladakh, in oct. 1993, the union govt.

Kashmir and create a favorable problematic state. These proposed and state govt. agreed to get Ladakh the

situation for the pro-accession parties mode l s w i l l unve i l d i f f e ren t status of Autonomous Council. Thus, the

and hold the elections. Though the dimensions of the J&K problem. Ladakh autonomous hill development

situation was not favorable, yet dates Further more, these models it is council (LAHDC) was created under the

for parliamentary elections were fixed hoped, will facilitate the long Act. Of LAHDC Act.1995 as a regional

in 1996. Farooq Abdullah, after winning academic process of bringing different autonomous model following the

the assembly elections in 1996 dimensions of the J & K problem, both demands of Ladakhi people to make the

concentrated on his first priority of within and without to the lime light. district a new union territory because of defining, deciding and negotiating a The recent polarization in the J&K its religious differences with Kashmir. package of autonomy for the state and state over the Amaranth Land issue has

within this package of autonomy, the also added the significance of these Another significant model relevant to the

quantum of regional autonomy for the models . The recent assertion of the study is the Chenab valley formula that has

three regions of the state were also Jammuhites in the state and the been proposed to meet the regional taken into consideration. Thus, a backlash by the Kashmir Muslims in the grievances of the state or to solve the committee was constituted by Dr. Kashmir division has steered it clear Kashmir problem, which divides the Farooq Abdullah on nov.1996, to that in any step towards the Kashmir along the river chenab, separating recommend ways and means for normalization of the abnormalities of the Muslim majority areas from the Hindu regional autonomy to the three the J&K problem, proposed regional and Buddhist one. If the river is made the provinces of the J&K state. The autonomy models are going to play a new boundary, both Jammu and valley will committee submitted its 25 Page report vital role. be partially autonomous.

V I EW P O I N TBalancing J&K

C O L U M N

Women Voices


hen I set out to meet women Marrah region supported insurgents.

from the Kulali-Marrah Village According to Army sources, the area was WDefence Committee (VDC) in considered a 'liberated' zone, and the

Surankote, I didn't realize the journey Pakistani flag on housetops and on

would be so long and difficult, yet vehicles was a common sight. The

beautiful, and one that would leave insurgents often demanded food and

lasting impressions. The government of shelter from the villagers, who

India advocated VDCs in the early 90s to complied. Soon, the demands turned

combat militancy in the state of Jammu more aggressive in nature, with the

& Kashmir, and the twin villages of insurgents beginning to misbehave.

Kulali and Marrah in tehsil Surankote, Women were sexually harassed with

district Poonch, have the distinction of instances of molestation and rape

forming the first of its kind all women's becoming common. Men and children

VDC in J&K. were made to work as porters without

being remunerated. The LeT disrupted

the functioning of the anyway limping Once I reached Surankote, I was government machinery and freely used stationed in Draba for 2 days before I the money, assets and resources of the could travel further up in the mountains local people. Many civilians were also to reach Kulali. I had to wait for the Sikh killed. Regiment of 16 RR (Rashtriya Rifles) to

carry out a road-opening patrol, to

ensure the road up to Kulali was not The youth from the area who were

laced with land mines or explosives. mostly working in Saudi Arabia returned

and decided to take charge of the

situation. The turning point came when Militancy came to the area in 1998 with the younger brother of one of the village largely only Kashmiri militants. They leaders was slain by insurgents for were friendly with the local civilian disobeying them. The locals approached population, who in turn supported the Army, and reported on the them. Soon, the Kashmiri militants insurgents' base in the Hill Kaka range in were overpowered by militants from the Kulali-Marrah area. The Army first the other side, largely from the built a road, and later carried out Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). They ill-treated Operation Sarpvinash, a major the locals and ensured that no people combing-out operation from January – from neighboring areas such as Hill Kaka June 2003, with active support from the could stay there. locals. The combined efforts of the

locals and the Security Forces resulted Till the year 2002, people in the Kulali-

MANISHA SOBHRAJANI Author is an independent Researcher based in New Delhi

Recollecting Marrah’s Liberation

‘…I forgot what fear is’


in the killing of 13 main terrorists and absence of men, we have to protect I got curious and asked what they did

displacing several others. ourselves.” After much reluctance, with their weapons when they are not

she opened up. “A few years ago, the using them. Alisha Bi replied: “The

Army used to roam around during day weapon is usually kept at home, but The Kulali-Marrah region was virtually time and the mujahids used to roam when I go up to the forest to collect 'cleaned'. Along with a formal all men's around during the night. We didn't firewood or to graze the cattle, I always defense committee, an all women's VDC know who to support. Now, due to carry it with me. After I first held a gun was also formed, considering most men Operation Sarpvinash, there are in my hand, I forgot what fear is.” are away rearing cattle or busy with virtually no militants in the area. But other work and hence away from home our men are away at work, and we are over a period of time, leaving the Apart from the women's VDC, Surankote on our own. Even now, there are women behind. is also known for Noor-e-Cham, a

b e a u t i f u l 7 5 - f e e t t a l l

waterfall, which merges with After meeting with some women river Surn. It is said that queen in Kulali, I wanted to explore Noor Jahan was fascinated by adjoining areas in the hope of this waterfall, and it was interacting with more women named after her. who were part of the VDC, but

lived in far away areas. My local

guide, Lal Bhai, couldn't believe I wasn't convinced about how

this, and tried hard to dissuade the women's VDC came into

me. But we travelled on foot to existence, and I kept asking

cross 2 mountains, a few water questions, sometimes silly

bodies, and some deserted caves ones. I was repeatedly told this

(which, Lal bhai informed me, narrative where once there

used to serve as militant hide- was an attack on a house, and

outs) to speak to a few more the woman of the house being

women. I can still recall the all alone had no choice but to

amused looks on their faces pick up her husband's rifle and

when they were told about my start shooting. She set an

reasons for visiting them. example for everyone in the

area. Soon, the media started

publicizing this incident so While it would not be incorrect much that all the women in the to assume that almost every area wanted to fire guns and woman above the age of 15 in

make it to the headlines. the Kulali-Marrah area can use Eventually, this resulted in the weapons for self-defense, some Kulali women's VDC.of the daily issues of home and

hearth they deal with make

them no different from most According to another oft-

other women. When I asked repeated story, all the men in the

militant attacks sometimes, and we them how they felt about using area were forced to flee because the

women didn't have a choice but to weapons, Munira Begum said “The gun militants who had managed to escape

learn how to use weapons. As time made me feel that I have an equal status during Operation Sarpvinash came back

passed, we got better at it. We to that of my husband in our family.” and threatened them. Everyday threats

realized we could live without fear. It to their lives forced the men to go away

was the feeling of 'do or die'. We don't to Saudi Arabia, and all that was left in Shamim Akhtar said to me: “It was know whether we will live for one hour Kulali-Marrah were women, and hence indispensable for us women to learn or one year – but we live without fear.” the women's VDC.the use of weapons because in the

Women Voices

C O L U M N

While it would not be incorrect to assume that

almost every woman above the age of 15 in the

Kulali-Marrah area can use weapons for self-

defense, some of the daily issues of home and

hearth they deal with make them no different

from most other women. When I asked them how

they felt about using weapons, Munira Begum

said “The gun made me feel that I have an equal

status to that of my husband in our family.”

EPS C I A L S E R I E S

Heritage


past traditions. Therefore, it is uite a few of these museum are necessary to lie down, educate housed in old buildings of Q standards and norms like lay out of the palaces , government offices, objects, lighting, labeling, showcases, residences and , monuments which are security, etc. for a museum building totally unsuitable for museum that the architect and planners have to purposes . Some museum housed in new take into consideration as the basic buildings, these are also equally functional requirement of a modern unsuitable for the need of modern museum. A museum building provides equipment in terms of security etc. the minimum facilities in order to Modern museum buildings are fulfilling fulfill the basic functions of a museum. all the essential requirement of this It must have space for all its essential important institution of education.activities of collecting, exhibiting,

i n t e r p r e t i n g a n d p r e s e r v i n g A museum whether it is of Archaeology, displayed objects. There can be no Art, personal, Science or technology museum without its visitors. For the has to collect objects and specimen, convenience of the visitor, i.e. his easy preserves them and interprets for the access to all primary areas of understanding of the particular field. communications in the museum. The For building a modern museum, it will exhibitions galleries, the auditorium, take considerable effort, expertise the library, the book counter, the and finance to make the existing information counter-, which need building suitable for the purpose of important consideration while planning museum as interpreted in the 21st the museum.Century. It is also necessary to prevent

multiplications of unsuitable of space The collection of the museum requires in the buildings, which represent the

A.K. KHANNAAuthor is Deputy Superintendent of Archeology. Archeological Survey of India, J&K Circle

Must See in Jammu

Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani Museum

Museums can be defined as the Man`s utilization of surrounding through exhibition for the understanding customs, environment of a particular social and cultural group activity in the past. Museum is like a vault of a bank, which preserve objects of beauty and great value. The Museum is the property of the nation and its citizens as part of the technological development & scientific values, historical inheritance of the country as the collection. Most of the capitals of the states as well as important cities of India have Museums, some of them are under private trust funds , some under local Government State departments of archeology and the Central Governments. Archeological Survey of India site museums in their charge are important centre of tourism. Some universities also have museums on particular subjects.


utmost attention of the curator of each The cultural or natural heritage of the Science Museum at Pragati Maiden is

section. the preservation of the state needs preservation for future the most sort after place for the

museum objects so that they do not generations. The Museum will serve the parents and children with scientific

perish, for installation of exhibits, for purpose of nodal agency in the state to mind , whole day is not sufficient to

operating educational activities etc. inculcate the idea of museums as an see and understand the various aspects

all require expertise . The working and a intuit ion for the restorat ion, of science.

provision of space as the secondary area preservation and conservation of

or a backstage unit required for cultural property. The state of Jammu & The Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani

efficient functioning of the whole Kashmir is lacking behind in the growth Museum of heritage is located on the

museum need a proper planning. Sheikh of Museums in comparisons to the other left side of ground floor of Zorawar

Noor –Ud – Din also known as Nund Rishi states of India. As the museum becomes Singh Auditorium in Jammu University

is the most respected Muslim saint of a source of education in itself depicting campus. The huge auditorium with

Kashmir origin. He was born on the the history both past and living at one greenish glass façade is feather in the

occasion of Eid- ul- Zuha in 1377 AD in place. The city of Delhi has 45 museums cap of the Jammu University.

Kaimoh, once known as Katimusha now including the Tiolet Museums, second is

in Tehsil Bijbehara of District Anantnag the World run by Sulabh International. The museum presently displays variety

.His father was sheikh Salar- ud –din and The latest in addition is in the of objects from Paleolithic tools to

mother Sadra Moji born as a Hindu Supreme Court Museum exhibiting the modern specimens of Shikhara of

Rajput and also a widow with two various costumes , equipments &tools Kashmir from Buddhist Stups replica to

issues at the time of her marriage with used in the past throwing light on the Ladakh monastery. In fact, the display

Sheikh Salar . Yasman Rishi had history right from the establishment of of various artifacts in a continuous

converted her to Islam. Sheikh Noor –ud the Supreme Court of India. The historical sequence, which provide the

–din also considered as the founder of

Rishi order in Kashmir valley

Sheikh Noor-un - Din Noorain Museum

of Heritage exhibiting History and

culture of Jammu and Kashmir state in

the Zorawar Singh Auditorium of

Jammu University Campus . The modest

museum display the rich, composite and

varied cultural heritage of Jammu

Kashmir and Ladakh regions. The

Museum will serve a platform for the

dissemination of information about

history and culture of three regions. By

understanding each other's cultural

diversity help them to come closer to

each other.

The affords of the dynamic Vice –

Chancellor Prof. Amitabha Mattoo of

Jammu University leads to the creation

of Centre of Studies in Museology in the

university , a much need subject

required in the curricular of the

upcoming university .

EPS C I A L S E R I E SHeritage


visitors, all aspects of cultural Kushana ( 2nd Century BC to 1st AD ) to Musicology and Shri Balbir Jamwal of

developments of the region from Pre- the Gupta Period (5th century AD ) of Archaeological Survey of India, All the

historic time to modern era?] Jammu region . The most important artistic work and creation of replicas

display of the museum is the replica of carried out by Shri Balbir Jamwal in a

the Buddhist site in Jammu and Kashmir. meretricious way. The some artifacts The earliest artifacts are from Jammu

Where relics of Lord Buddha found in a belong to Professor Poonam provided to is the from Neolithic Period ( New

reliquary containing all those articles the museum. The few of the artifacts stone age tools ) tools from Malpur (

normally found in stupas of Indian sub- contributed by Prof. Anita Billowria, near Akhnoor ) Then the pit dwelling of

continent ( India and Pakistan ) . Prof Nirmal Singh of Dept of History, Mr Burzohum from Kashmir valley. The

S.D. Jamwal I.P.S and Jasbir Singh for Pre- Historic rock Petroglyphs of ladakh

the exhibition in the museum .The also put in display. The patroglyphs of The Buddhist site of Ambaran is located

museum could not attain the present Ladakh through light on the religious, just below the new bridge on river

shape with invaluable efforts & keen cultural, social and economic lives of Chenab in the Akhnoor. The post – Gupta

interest taken by Prof .Poonam and the the people, who lived on this vast architectural spice man are the temple

then Vice -Chancellor of the Jammu desolate cold desert of India of Kirmchi (Udhampur).

University.

The Pre- historic section has displayed The museum has many photographs,

The Museum opens between 10 am to 5 the Neolithic tools of black grey stone maps and line drawing to supplement

pm except on Sat. Sunday. with polished surface. The hand axes , the information about various periods of

adzes , chisels ,mace - head from the history to make the visitor understand

site of Burzohum ( Kashmir ) and Malpur the use and utilities of the objects

( Jammu) . Replica of the dwelling pit displayed in the museum. The coins and

present a unique Neolithic culture of manuscripts of different period of the

Kashmir valley with influence goes to ( region also displayed to high light the

3500 BC ) or Nearly five thousand historical significance of the state.

year old .

The state has been a home of various

The Archaeological specimens from the ethnic groups like Gaddi, Baltis,

northern most site of Indus valley or Gujjars, Bakerawals, Hanjjis, Dogras,

Indus Sarawati civilization of Manda( Kashmiri Pandit, Muslims, Brokhpas,

inside the Akhnoor fort ) Akhnoor in Dokpas, Shinnas and Ladhakhis. A

Indian Subcontinent . The Proto - modest attempt made to present the

historic section has the display of the various facets of culture of some of

evidences of Harappan culture in ethnic groups through the display of

Jammu region attested by excavation their household items and other

of Manda ( inside the Akhnoor fort ) on cultural traits in the form of replica of

the right bank of the Chenab , The Indus Buddhist monastery, mud house of the

valley site has yielded red and grey lower Shivaliks. A small display of

ware , jars dishes stand beakers and document s related to the creation of

goblets . The replica of the copper hair Jammu and Kashmiri state shown with

pin used by the ladies of the period a the aid of old maps, photographs of

characteristic trade items as old as 5000 documents depicting various aspect of

years old also found in the Royal graves modern history.

in Bahrain ( in the middle to east ).

T h e l a y o u t o f t h e m u s e u m

Then , the Historic section has largely conceptualized by Dr. Poonam

display the objects ranging from Chaudhary, Director of the Centre for

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IROTS E S O F C H A N G E

Transport


hurdles for the transporters to tap the hese are actually a few lines, available potential. Banks and financial which I received through email T institutions operating in the state have from a person who has identified traditional schemes in place to finance himself with transport sector. He has this sector, but the riders in terms of called the transport sector of the state, margin, documentation, processing of particularly in Kashmir, a dead industry case for sanctioning etc in such schemes that has left thousands of families on

are too cumbersome for a transporter to the brink of starvation. For this, he has

bank upon for financial support.identified 'criminal' attitude of

Even as we have not come across any government authorities and lack of

such product from a nationalized bank sufficient financial support from the

or a new generation private sector banks and financial institutions.

Precisely, he has sought details of any bank, specially customized for J&K

such scheme which can pave a way for state, it is the J&K Bank alone, which

him to purchase a fleet of second hand has not only been tailoring new

commercial vehicle (Tipper). products and services, but also re-

designing the existing ones. Under its

renewed strategy where the bank has There is no denying the fact that the

been entirely focusing on J&K for the transport sector, be it passenger buses,

past more than three years now, a new trucks, tippers, oil and gas tankers,

range of region and sector specific taxis, mini buses, light commercial

products and services has distinguished vehicles, tempo, auto rickshaws or any

it from rest of the banks operating in the other mode of transportation under

state. Be it agriculture sector, industry public carrier permit, has suffered

sector or services sector or arts and during the past two decades of turmoil

crafts of the state, the bank has been on in the State. It is also true, that the

the forefront to offer customer-friendly sector has a huge growth potential, but

schemes matching the needs of the the lack of proper financial facilities

people.have emerged as one of the biggest

SAJJAD BAZAZAuthor is a widely read columnists on Economy, Politics and Society. He is associated with Jammu and Kashmir Bank

Financing Transport Sector

JK Bank Commercial Vehicle Finance for old and new vehicles

In Jammu and Kashmir, banking climate has undergone tremendous transformation, but the banking

players, particularly the nationalized banks and the new generation private sector banks have

ignored the changing dynamics of expanding market segments in the state. Most of the banks have not

gone beyond traditional range of products tailored some four decades ago. Such banks may be offering

tailor-made products and services to their customers in other parts of India, but while dealing with a

local customers here, system of tailoring need based products and services takes a back seat.


As far as local transport sector is It is notable that ownership of a pre- limit of Rs. 7.50 lacs per vehicle with an

concerned, the bank has re-designed its owned vehicle is not mandatory. The aggregate limit of Rs 15 lacs per borrower.

scheme so that the transporters meet firms and companies must have a The loan has to be repaid in equal monthly

their financial needs without any minimum two years of existence in installments with a maximum period of 60

hassles. The purpose of the scheme is to business. While as, individuals seeking months for vehicles less than 3 years old.

finance transporters for purchase of support of the scheme must have For used vehicles between 3 to 6 years

fresh commercial vehicles or new commercial driving license and should old, the maximum repayment period

chassis and/or fabrication for reside within the service area of the shall be 48 months.

commercial purpose or for captive use. branch.

The vehicles have to be of approved The transporters had to face lot of models/makes. To remove the hassles on security aspect of the loan. bottlenecks, the bank not only Most of them were unable to meet the restructured the scheme and re- requirements as envisaged in the introduced it as JK Bank Commercial scheme. Now, this aspect has been Vehicle Finance, it has also added one taken care of in the scheme. Primarily, more option for the transporters in its the vehicle to be purchased would be product basket. hypothecated to the bank. The bank's

name as hypothecate to be got noted in For financing purchase of second hand the books of the RTO and also the commercial vehicles, the bank has Registration Certificate. Collaterally, launched a new loan product - “JKBank up to Rs. 10 lacs, the borrower has to Commercial Vehicles Finance (Used give third party guarantee of two Vehicles)”. Finance under this scheme persons. For loans above Rs. 10 lacs, the shall be available to the transporters for borrower has to give mortgage of purchase of used Commercial vehicles immovable property of value equivalent like used Trucks, Tippers, Buses, Mini

to 100 per cent of the loan amount.Buses, light commercial vehicles, pick

ups, three wheelers (cargo), auto The borrower has been relieved of the

rickshaws, etc of any approved make job of obtaining No Due Certificate

and model. However, the second hand (NDC) from other branches of the bank, vehicle should not be more than 6 years which shall be obtained by the branch old. The scheme is flexible in nature and itself. But the borrower as well as accommodates takeover of loan guarantors shall have to give affidavit accounts from any branch of the J&K undertaking that they are not borrowers Bank or from any other banks/ financial with any branch of the Bank or with any institutions, provided such loan account Yet another hassle in terms of margin other Bank or else disclose the extent / is running satisfactorily and as per the has been eased. Instead of 40 per cent status of his / their liabilities to the fixed repayment schedule. Individuals / margin, which used to discourage bank / other banks. However, he has to Proprietorship/ partnership firms and transporters to go for a bank loan, it has get the NDC from other banks himself.Limited companies owning / operating been reduced and kept at 25 per cent.

or proposing to own / operate transport The borrower will be required to vehicles for carrying passengers or deposit the entire margin upfront with The rate of interest has been linked to goods on hire are eligible to take the bank to be released subsequently the prime lending rate of the bank, benefit of the scheme. However, they along with the loan component directly which is currently 14.5 per cent, and should have sufficient net worth to pay in favour of the supplier/fabricator to repayment schedule of the loan. For for the margin and initial recurring ensure proper end use of funds. loans with repayment up to 4 years, the expenses. In case where a borrower borrower has to pay 16 per cent (PLR + does not meet this requirement, a co- 1.5%), while's loans exceeding Loan amount for each used vehicle borrower having sufficient net worth repayment schedule of 4 years are depends upon the value of vehicle less can be included. granted at 16.50 per cent (PLR + 2%).margin amount, subject to a maximum

There is no denying the fact that the transport sector, be it passenger buses, trucks, tippers, oil and gas tankers, taxis, mini buses, light commercial vehicles, tempo, auto rickshaws or any other mode of transportation under public carrier permit, has suffered during the past two decades of turmoil in the State. It is also true, that the sector has a huge growth potential, but the lack of proper financial facilities have emerged as one of the biggest hurdles for the transporters to tap the available potential.

IROTS E S O F C H A N G ETransport

AL D A K H

Report


n v i e w o f t h e g r o w i n g interview results in the court of unemployment, in its annual law. Igeneral body meeting on April 13,

the All Ladakh Unemployed Youth It is the general sense of feeling Association (ALUYA) was reorganized today that some one having good taking on board all political religious education with no government job is a n d n o n g o v e r n m e n t a l considered an unemployed. In the organizations. ALUYA was formed by traditional self reliant Ladakh a group of concerned educated almost everyone was an employed youth in 2005 to help fight person. But this system seems to have unemployment and to find solution buckled under globalization and to the rising unemployment. government job obsessed society.

accommodated leaving many deserving ALUYA invited unemployed youth in candidates in despair. Since the dawn of the 21st century some hundreds to register as members and non governmental organizations and started taking out rallies alarming the In a memorandum submitted to Ladakhi t he L adakh Au tonomou s H i l l danger of unemployment. The leaders and the unemployed youth has Development Council in Leh have been organization went on hunting for vacant strongly criticized against what they trying hard to create awareness among posts lying in different governmental call the unfair selection and demanded the masses to think beyond government departments and then requested the justice in this regard. jobs. Many educated youth have also administration to fill up such posts. started taking up alternative ventures. Dorje Angchuk, president ALUYA, claims “Hundreds of us, who have not got However setting up of small industries that this organization was able to force selected, demanding fresh interviews by availing loans through government the administration to fill up hundreds of assembled peacefully on Leh polo- agencies are also not that an easy task vacant posts. ground to protest against the unfair due to bureaucratic irregularities and

selection to class-4 posts in the redtapism, although the district Early this year the announcement of the district. But, to our surprise, the administration and district industry Class-IV interview results for about 300 police resorted to indiscriminate lathi centre do organise seminars and posts in the district triggered a major charge on us without any justified deliberations about the issue with all controversy on account of alleged reason and they also took away the concerned agencies. f a vo r i t i sm i n t he s e l e c t i o n . proof of the misdemeanor exercised by Unemployed youth in hundreds the selection committee and thrown Incidents like unemployed youth taking demanding a fresh interview assembled them into the drains of the bazaar”, to the streets seem to also indicate that on Leh pologround which was the memorandum reads adding that Ladakh is no exception to the rising of reportedly dispersed by the police later. the dharna staged by them was also unemployment phenomenon. This

lifted forcefully by the police which seems an alarm, rather timely, of the Dechen Angmo, an unemployed youth, w a s v e r y u n d e m o c r a t i c a n d growing problem and has posed a finds the results suspicious because, highhandedness of the police. Many cha l lenge before the Ladakh near and dear ones of many public protesters were reportedly wounded Autonomous Hill Development Council representatives, such as some in the incident and later they had to be to explore alternative avenues of councilors and executive councilors, hospitalized at S.N.M Hospital Leh. employment besides vacancies in and some interview committee This episode finally compelled the government departments as response to members seem to have been allegedly unemployed youth to challenge the the rapid rising of unemployment.

TSEWANG RIGZIN

Unemployment on the Rise

M E D I A

Special Report


mysteriously, is a growth industry. There he media in Kashmir is relatively is no media recession here. The year has immune to the Lok Sabha T already seen the launch of a weekly elections. Varun Gandhi is easily newspaper called Kashmir Life, Rising found on the pages of the Jammu press, Kashmir's Urdu daily is on the cards, so is so is news about the elections in the Urdu edition of The Kashmir Times general. Not so in the newspapers in the which has long been in the offing, and valley. Not even Chief Minister Omar an English and Hindi newspaper are Abdullah's pronouncements on both scheduled to come out of a publishing issues get the same prominence here. stable in Jammu.When you are in Jammu you are in India.

When you are in Srinagar you are in

Kashmir. In one to one conversations here,

correspondents and editors love doing

If there is an election which journalists

here still want to discuss, it is the one

which took place last December for the

State assembly, not the one that is

coming up. The “turnout” continues to

be a matter of considerable academic

discussion, with dimensions to it which

never surface in the national press.

Shared legacy

What both Jammu and Kashmir have in

common though is a thriving media. For

a State with a population of around 80

lakhs, the media presence is

considerable. There are 71 dailies in

Srinagar, the only publishing centre in

Kashmir, and some 61 in Jammu. Many

of these are referred to as lithos, black

and white four pagers. In Jammu even

some of the four pagers sport colour. In

a State with little industry, media, SEVANTI NINAN

MEDIA: The Kashmir Jigsaw

In a State without big industries, the media is a growth industry. But things are done a little differently here…


the math to show you how a paper with their names do not figure on these. Even though in practice it is often free. The

a proper editorial set up including young reporters are widely travelled, editor of an Urdu daily Nida-I-Mashriq

reporters, cannot possibly be viable, let fellowship programmes in the West says, “I have used one agency for the

alone profitable, on cover price and covet applicants from this conflict last four years. I have not paid them

advertisements alone. The ad flow is hotspot. There was a time not long ago anything, and they have not asked for

more from retail outlets than industry when you risked your life being a anything till this moment. I have never

and comes to only a leading handful of journalist in Kashmir, but not so now. received a bill.”

publications. The State government has Today, it is the Northeast which is the

a total annual advertising budget of Rs. dangerous place to work. When you are trying to figure out the

5 crores, which stretches in some years, real picture about the media in Kashmir

but is still not adequate to keep some The flip side of all this is a media that is these are all different pieces of a jigsaw

378 publications in business. And DAVP so poorly paid that many journalists do that you have to fit together.

ads put in by the central government two or three jobs, and some

require circulation of an order which publications are edited and run by

less than a handful of publications in the government bureaucrats, teachers and

State would have. lecturers who switch roles after 4 p.m. I

met an anchor from the cable TV

Supported by the State channel Sen TV who begins his day

voicing bulletins for Radio Kashmir, then

moves on to a news agency to file five or So who patronises the media in

six stories there, then goes on by Kashmir with exclusive stories,

evening to the cable channel to help put monetary help, advertising, and bank

the evening bulletin in place and anchor loans? The many arms of the ruling

it. Local cable channels are meant to establishment, including the State

give you exposure, not a livelihood. A government and the intelligence

cameraman gets Rs. 200 a story, a agencies and the militants, though the

reporter could get Rs. 1500 a month.local ones are not as well endowed

today as they were before. Conflict, as

you discover from day one, has been a Backbone

huge fillip to the media here. Before

1990 there were only three Urdu The real backbone of J&K journalism is

publications including the Congress the news agencies: KNS, CNS, UNS, API,

organ, Khidmat. The only English PBI and several others. These put out

newspaper, The Kashmir Times, was dozens of stories which enable all small

published out of Jammu. Today the newspapers to function without their

numbers tell the story. own reporting staff, both in Jammu and

in Srinagar. All the power centres in

In some ways, it is a cosy place to be a Kashmir feed these agencies stories,

journalist. Government apartments in some of which get carried the next day

Press Colony provide office space for under a newspaper staffer's byline. It

many publications. The enterprising do also makes getting media coverage

better: an NDTV correspondent here across the State easy. You don't have to

even occupies a ministerial bungalow. contact lots of reporters. You just to

This is also a place where working have to give, or leak an item to a news

journalists are media owners: at least agency.

three representatives of the Delhi press

have publications of their own, though Subscribing to them is not just cheap

M E D I ASpecial Report

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EPILOGUE MAY 2009