epilogue september 2008

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

www.epilogue.in

Editor in ChiefZafar Choudhary

Consulting EditorD. Suba Chandran

Associate EditorIrm Amin Baig

Designs & LayoutKeshav Sharma

Mailing AddressPO Box 50, HO Gandhi Nagar, Jammu

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Edited, Printed & Published byZafar Choudhary for CMRD Publications and Communications Published from ‘Ibadat’, Madrasa Lane, Bhatindi Top, Jammu, J&K

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CONTENTS

Prologue

Letters to the editor 4

Hear & Hear

5

Columns

Keen Eye 6

Ladakh

Agriculture 44Interview 47Diary 49

Stop Press

Review of Media 51

Reviews

Movies 53

Epilogue

From the Consulting Editor 56

3

Who Said What

Volume 2, Issue 9, September 2008

IN FOCUS

Fire 2008

Jammu And Kashmir9Beginning Of The Endgame

Post-Agitation18Uphill Task For Jammu’s Politics, Economy

Amarnath Confrontation :22Is It Sureal ?

Replay Of 90’s ?26Still No Lessons From History

Find The Enemy28...It Is Communalism

Our Mis-Leaders, 39 Hectares 33Of Land And Seesaw Of Faith

Jam-Kash Showdown35Clash Of Vested Interests

Reconnecting Kashmir :39Need For Reopening Traditional Routes

After 2500 Cr Loss,41Eyes On Jhelum Valley Road

Epilogue Ø 1 × September 2008

For more News, Views & Analysis Log on to

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Center For Contemporary Studies


Jammu & Kashmir

The J&K CCS, a non-profit institute, is engaged in research on issues of contemporary importance involving Jammu and kashmir

For an upcoming project on people of Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K CCS invites proposals from researchers, scholars, teachers, journalists and other dispassionate observers of life to write brief biographical account of the personalities listed below. It may be noted that the list is not complete and will be continuously updated during life of the project. Interested writers may also suggest names of people who, they believe, have contributed to change in Jammu and Kashmir. The biographical account involving a critical analysis of personality, successes, failures and contributions to various aspects of general life, shaping up thoughts and present positioning in the public space should be in around 2500 to 3000 words. A modest honorarium of Rs. 1000 is being offered for each submission. Any particular author can not write on more than two personalities. Interested authors are requested to list their choice of personality with J&K CCS before starting the assignment so as to avoid many authors w r i t i n g o n s a m e p e r s o n .

THE PEOPLE

Aagha Ashraf Ali •

• ZG Muhammad • Khwaja Sonaullah Bhatt • Omar Abdullah • Farooq Abdullah • Mehbooba Mufti • Mufti

Mohammad Sayeed • GM Shah • Mirwaiz Omar Farooq • Shabir Ahmed Shah • Mohammad Yasin Malik • Pervez

Imroz • Mian Abdul Quyoom • Nighat Shafi Pandit • Prof Hamidi Kashmiri

Muhammed Yusuf Taing • Prof Rehman Rahi • Syed Ali Shah Geelani • Syeda Aasiya Andrabi

J&K CCS ‘Ibadat’ Madrasa Lane, Bathindi Top, Jammu Ph : (O) 0191 2493136 , 94191 80762 email : [email protected], [email protected]

Contact : Contact :

ANNOUNCEMENT

Around three months back a rigging the1987 elections. Then it took front page story in Srinagar 20 years to restore some order of newspaper and later a much semblance. Yet no lessons were learnt. detailed report also in a This time around the government in

Srinagar based magazine asked, “who Jammu and Kashmir which triggered the says separatists are not participating in Amarnath landmine was headed by elections?” At that time the buzzword in Congress. The Government in New Delhi Kashmir was about the forthcoming is also headed by the Congress. Do we elections. Further explaining the still need to blame the Pakistan's ISI for argument, the story pointed out that all this mess? The worst scenario this much of the separatist sentiment has time, however, is that there has been been consolidated by the mainstream dangerous fallout in Jammu –a place political parties seeking to work under which endured everything silently and the constitutional ambit. The reference welcomed everyone who felt insecure was to Peoples Democratic Party and in rest of the state. All those gaps which the National Conference. One leading were required to be filled in for example was given of Mohammad Yaqub achieving a larger goal of peace and Vakil –one of the founder members of stability have been widened. The gulf Hurriyat Conference –who joined the between Kashmir and New Delhi, the PDP and was tipped to contest elections gulf between Kashmir and Jammu and from one of assembly constituencies in more dangerously the gulf between central Kashmir district of Badgam. various sections of society has never Yaqub was not a case in isolation. He been as wide as it is being seen today. was among at least three dozen such When things were normal no efforts politicians who continued to toe the were made to make people talk to each separatist line and at the same time other. Our present issue carries well prepared to participate in a democratic opinionated essays and articles on the exercise. A month and half later, when bloody fire which has engulfed Jammu Yaqub issued a statement on his and Kashmir. Gautam Navlakha's lead dissociation from the PDP; again he was essay comes as an eye opener for all not the case in isolation. All those who those who have been rubbishing the had been thinking on these lines stand eruption as temporary. Syeda Afshana thrown back to the scene of 1990s. A gives a poetic sketch of life's return stage has reached in the Valley where journey in Kashmir. Interviews with the even the PDP and NC are now shy of members of Shri Amarnath Yatra talking about elections. They are asking Sangharsh Samiti –which spearheaded for a larger debate on Azadi. This is how Jammu agitation –open a window to the New Delhi lost its plot in Kashmir in a discrimination sentiment in the region. I period of just little over two months. am afraid if New Delhi can do anything at Looking back at such eruption 20 years this stage but at least the Civil Society back once can recollect how Congress can take a lead in picking up the threads. twisted the neck of democracy in 1984 (by toppling an elected government) Feedback :and then buried this institution by [email protected]

Thus Begins The End

Zafar Choudhary


P R O L O G U E

FROM THE EDITOR


EPILOGUE aims at providing a platform where a meaningful exchange of ideas, opinion and thoughts can take place among the people and about the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The attempt is to research, investigate, communicate and disseminate information, ideas and alternatives for the resolution of common problems facing the state and society of Jammu & Kashmir and in the context of their significance to South Asia as a whole.

We welcome contributions from academics, journalists, researchers, economists and strategic thinkers. We would also like to encourage first-time writers with the only requirements being a concern for and the desire to understand the prevailing issues and themes of life in Jammu & Kashmir

Contributions may be investigative, descriptive, analytical or theoretical. They may be in the form of original articles or in the form of a comment on current events. All contributions have to be neatly typed in double space and may be sent to the address given alongside or e-mailed to the editor.

W h i l e t h e e d i t o r a c c e p t s responsibility for the selection of the material published, individual authors are responsible for the facts, figures and views in their articles.

They eroded essence of 2002 Get some views from other side Spare labourers

also 2002 assembly elections in Jammu and It is deeply regretted that the poor

Kashmir were hailed and applauded labourers from outside the state are With EPILOGUE We feel relaxed and

world over for their fairness. being treated shabbily by none other informed about the political and

Unfortunately what followed later was than the so called secular voices of the otherwise happenings in Jammu and

unfair. The ruling coalition partners, the Kashmir. (Biharis on radar in Kashmir, Kashmir, but at the same time it is

PDP and the Congress eroded credibility Epilogue, August 2008) God knows, why requested that a view from other side of of the whole exercise for their mutual they are destroying the very essence of Kashmir may also be carried, after all and continuous engagement in a bitter Kashmiriyat i.e. tolerance? A secular the world knows very little about acrimony next five and half years. Yes society like that of Jammu and Kashmir Neelam Valley. Now time demands a indeed, they had made 30 pledges to leaves no space for the communal and vision and voice from Muzzafarabad the people at the time of assuming intolerable forces that are hell bent to also, so you can be helpful to bridge the office but they conveniently forgot to spoil the progress of the state.gap. Anyhow the last issue covering the issue a white paper while demitting the

Ladakh story with statical figures office. Kudos to Epilogue (August, 2008 Mohit Sharma

Jammu Universityissue) for a precise but still fair analysis deserves appreciations

of the points of coalition's Common Zubaid Rana,Minimum Program. My suggestion is that Media should not succumb

Bangalorewhen PDP and Congress come for votes again, public should first seek a status D e e p l y c o n c e r n e d o v e r t h e Thanks ! Wajahat Habibullahreport on these pledges before developments in Jammu and Kashmir

entertaining them. we have been just trying to get The views expressed by Jenab Wajahat Reyaz Dar updates from the media. Looking at

Baramulla, Kashmir Habibullah over recent happenings in different outlets one ends up in the state (in his interview, Epilogue, confusion. One based in Jammu has August 2008) clearly signify that no entirely different feel of things than IIsecular and informed person like him the one in Srinagar. And those in New can remain mute at this juncture, Delhi have altogether different story Nothing serious was done on the CMP perhaps he knows more about the state to tell. It appears that all means of pledges. Bitter but the fact is that many and is worried about the present print and electronic media are of the pledges of the duo went scenario. Wajahat Sahab truly deserves somewhere under the influence of unnoticed. Unfortunately none of the a warm appreciation for always showing locals and religious groups. May be two partners is willing to own the guilt courtesy for the cause of Kashmir, surely somewhere crossing the line of true that they failed in keeping their

journalism. To say the least, I am time has compelled him to speak up. promises. The serious research and happy that Epilogue is still adopting a People like him, across the society need analysis of EPILOGUE is appreciable to balanced approach. Keep it up! to come for the sake of nationality.remind us that politicians always

remain politicians.Kanhaiya Bhardwaj, Ahsan Ahmed Rather,Avenesh Dutta,

Mumbai.Advocate, AnantnagPoonch

M A I L B O X

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


Mail your letters to [email protected]

‘The recent incidents in the state of ‘If police agencies continue to use excessive Jammu and Kashmir are a cause for force, then it will be difficult for people like concern. In this hour of crisis, divisive me to continue in Parliament'. politics will lead us nowhere'.

Omar Abdullah, MP , President, National ConferenceDr . Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister Of India

‘India needs azadi from Kashmir as much as Kashmir needs azadi from India'.

'Vohra (NN; Governor J&K) is my Arundhati Roy, Social Activists and Writerfriend but I still feel his exit is necessary to cool down tempers in Jammu'.

‘We are Pakistanis and Pakistan is us because Dr. Karan Singh, Former, we are tied with the country through Islam'. Sadar-e-Riyast, Jammu and Kashmir,

Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Leader, Hurriyat Conference,

‘The current attitude of the Kashmiri Leaders of all hues has convinced us that our own movement for securing a

‘They (Kashmiris) will neither act nor go there. Union Territory status is justified'.Otherwise, Muzaffarabad is also our area and if they are happy to go there let them go' Thupstan Chhewang, MP, Leader, Ladakh Union Territory Front

Leela Karan,, Convener, Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti

‘Mehbooba Mufti feels her rhetoric will mislead the people on the Land

‘The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is Controversy but she is too inexperienced'reminiscent of the times when a permit was needed for a visit there'.

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Former CM, J&KL.K Advani, Leader BJP


H E A R A N D H E A R

WHO SAID WHAT

Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Former CM J&K

'No one can airlift land from Kashmir to Jammu. It should be given back to the SASB for the yatra period only. It is just a matter of two months. We should not forget that scores of locals earn their livelihood by the yatra'.

Wpro-Pakistan. Mirwaiz's predecessor on the phone and asked me what was hile in terms of mass Maulvi Yusuf was against Sheikh the hurry. I told him that there was so involvement in the protest Abdullah's decision in favour of much trust for government of India m o v e m e n t a g a i n s t accession to India and had ran away to which his ministry had squandered. He mysterious disappearance Pakistan whereas GM Karra was leader further asked me "how"? In reply I said, of Moe-Muqdas, there was no of a pro-Pakistan party Political did he want me to explain the whole precedence, it was mainly directed Conference. How, the holy relic was story on telephone. Then he asked me against GM Bakshi and his nominee to recovered from whom, according to to come immediately.the post of the Prime Minister, Mullik, "was an intelligence operation Shamusuddin. This was evident from the never to be disclosed." incident quoted by Mr. Yousuf Sheikh I told Nanda that Vishwanthan had

when Bakshi Rashid's jeep was thrown refused to get the holy relic identified into the Jhelum and he had to run away As the situation started deteriorating I by the Action Committee and had stated to save his life. There were appeals to rushed to Delhi to seek the intervention that anybody who demanded the government of India, in particular to of Indian leaders. The PSP, which was identification was a Pakistani agent, the Prime Minister Nehru, to intervene the major opposition party in the thus dubbing almost the entire in the situation. country agreed to sent Nath Pai to population of Kashmir as Pakistanis.

Kashmir as it had earned some goodwill Nanda heard series of my allegations

as a vocal voice against GM Bakshi's rule. and spoke to the Home Secretary on But contrary to the impression of the But he fell ill and author of the article, BN Mullik, the could not go. I sought Director of Intelligence Bureau and Lal an appointment with Bahadur Shastri did not work in the Home Minister cooperation. Much damage had been by Gulzari Lal Nanda but Mu l l i c k and Home Sec re t a r y was asked to wait till Vishwanathan that Shastri was sent by a de l e ga t i on o f Nehru to repair. Even after the relic was Kashmir government, restored on January 1964 as who was coming to surreptitiously as it had disappeared, on see him had met him. I 27 December 1963 the two officers of insisted that I should the government of India refused to get meet Nanda before it identified the reason for their refusal official delegation. to do so was that two of the three main Nanda himself came leaders of the Action Committee were

When I read Mohammad Yousuf Shaheen's reminiscences of the mass movement in Kashmir from 27 December 1963 to 4 February 1964, for the recovery of the holy relic in a local English daily, I, too, felt like recording my reminiscences as I was deeply involved in it and had played my humble role in resolving the crises created by it. However, I remained too much distracted by a mass upsurge in Kashmir followed by a similar upsurge in Jammu for and against revocation of the government order for transfer of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. Even now I would not be able to deal with all the details of the events which I know but only refer to what I could do during those crucial days. The role I could play in the holy relic agitation was facilitated due to my close association with its three leaders, Maulana Mohammad Saeed Mussoodi, Ghulam Mohiuddin Karra and Mirwaiz Farooq. The first too were my old friends, the last, just entered in public life became my admirer till his end. The three leaders led the movement in a well organized manner.

C O L U M N

Looking Back

How An Explosive SituationWas Resolved 44 Years Back


KEEN EYE

Balraj Puri

phone. Then he repeated his to a person like Lal Bahadur Shastri, a

explanation to me. I told Nanda if the minister without portfolio in his

Home Secretary had the audacity to cabinet. Otherwise the situation in

speak lies to him, what he would he Kashmir might take an explosive turn."

doing in Kashmir. Nanda called him I gave the letter to Ashok Mehta, a

again but meanwhile he had left his former socialist leader, who had

office. He called Mullik and asked him joined, on Nehru's appeal, the Planning

to come to his room immediately I Commission as its deputy Chairman. He

rebutted Mullik's explanation and lived in South Avenue just opposite to

asked him that on February 6, it was a Teen Murti, the Prime Minister's

Dedar day when the relic had to be residence. I requested him to take the

shown to millions of people who would letter personally to the PM and get his

gather there, if some score of people reply. He could enter PM's bed room

doubted authenticity of the relic, and was able to get a favourable reply.

there would be explosion. Mullik said

"we have made arrangements to face Shastri arrived in Srinagar on 30 the explosion." To that I remarked "it is January much against the wishes of not wisdom to first create an explosion Nanda and officials of the Home then try to face it." I assured both of Ministry. Brushing aside the advice of them that I had full trust in the Vishwanthan and Mullik, Shastri invited integrity of Mussoodi, the senior most the Action Committee for Iftar and leader of the agitation, and that if the offered dates and other things which relic was genuine he would certainly Muslims usually eat to break their fast. endorse it. The other two leaders, As a Kayasth of UP, he was well aware of would never defy the decision of customs of Islamic culture. He offered Mussoodi. In course of my discussion, to the Action Committee that he had no Mullik said that there were certain objection to get the holic relic things that could not be disclosed in identified. Trust begets trust, they say. national interest. I almost lost my Shastri's goodwill gesture as against temper, and said," Nanda ji have you distrust of the officials, disarmed the called me to get a lesson in national Action Committee and its members interest from a person who was serving offered to cooperate and send him the he British imperialism when we were list of identifiers. Which "upet fighting against it." Nanda tried to Vishwanthan and Mullik." pacify me. I enlisted the support of

Jayaprakash Narayan also who spoke to Maulana Massoodi told the Action Nanda in my presence. But I was not Committee members that as the holy satisfied. I had so far avoided to relic ws a spiritual heritage, it needed contact Nehru as he had fallen Basirat (spiritual eye) and not merely ill—perhaps first illness in his public Basarat (physical eye) for the job of life—and it was announced, on his identification. Every body agreed, and behalf, that he would not see anybody the task was left to Meerak Shah, the till he recovered. holiest saint of Kashmir in Rishi order.

On the appointed day Meerak Shah I wrote a "personal and urgent" letter declared "Haq" meaning right. All the addressed to him wherein after gathering started dancing with joy and apologizing for approaching him during shouts of "Mubarak, Mubarak." Thus a his illness, I requested to entrust the potentially explosive situation was job of dealing the situation in Kashmir turned into universal celebration.


C O L U M N

KEEN EYE

Now

Telling

The J&K

Stories


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How do you define the ongoing agitation the anti-Jammu discriminatory mindset. blockade. The media is also being fooled

in Jammu? There are varying versions. Is When a piece of land was allotted to the and its surprising how the media got

it strictly for restoration of land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, the taken-away by this rumour without

Shri Amarnath Shrine Board or it includes separatists and mainstream parties checking the ground realities. They can

the larger issues of discrimination agitated against the decision in Kashmir. also make research and bring the truth

against Jammu? The government succumbed to the into light. Why no voice of economic-

pressure just in five days blatantly blocked came from Ladakh, when the

ignoring the Jammu sentiment. Jammu highway is same which passes through Such eruptions can not been at spur of the was taken for granted as they have done Kashmir Valley. It was a rumour moment and at any petty issue. There was over past 60 years. concocted by the political parties. an anger pent up for last 60 years which

erupted when all limits of patience had

exhausted. The ongoing agitation in Therefore, the first step towards It is understood that the SAYSS, at no

Jammu represents the popular aspirations standing against the discrimination is to point of time, made any attempt to give

and anger of the people of Jammu which have this land restored to the Shrine a communal colour to the agitation but

has remained bottled up for the more than Board. We will step by step go further on still there were some unpleasant

60 years. People across all affiliations of other issues and let us hope for a positive incidents. There is an undeniable

faith and politics are supporting the Shri outcome. Now the people in Jammu are communal tension in Poonch, Rajouri

Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti which well informed and perhaps prepared to and Kishtwar and then there is

has been spearheading the agitation. We ask for and fight for their rights and this is migration of some 100 families of

have an overwhelming support 70 the first step but its true the way ahead is Gujjars in Jammu. How do you look at

political, non-political, social, trade and quite difficult but not impossible. these incidents?

even literary organizations. The core issue

before us, of course, is the restoration of What do you have to say to say on the We are happy that at all stages we have land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board but allegations of economic blockade of tried to keep the traditional communal at the same time we are seized of the Kashmir? During initial days of harmony in Jammu intact. There were discrimination factor which can not be agitation, various leaders of Shri many attempts by National Conference ignored. The main direction of the Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti and and Peoples Democratic Party and in agitation at present is on the core issue, also leaders of various supporting some cases even by the government to and the discrimination issue too will be organizations –including the BJP, Shiv defame the ongoing agitation; Sangarsh dealt with in phased manner at suitable Sena, Tankers Association and Bar Samiti condemns any step of any political platforms. Once the agitation achieves its Association –have been on record party or person that tries to sabotage the present purpose then it will keep on threatening snap of supplies to the secular social fabric in the society. adopting different modes to address the Valley. Don't you think this put India in a discrimination issue. difficult situation on Kashmir as Even the Muslims are supporting this cause

separatists politicized the issue to of Jammu, they are a part of Samiti, if at The demands are for restoration of land invite international attention? some places some miscreants did this to the Board and recall of the Governor. coward act, we condemn it and want a There is perception and expectations This is all a bundle of lies. What to talk judicial probe to bring the guilty to book. that the agitation shall be called off once about it, I think people who are But one thing is clear there are some forces these demands are met. Then what propagating this, even do not know what who never miss any opportunity to raise happens to the larger issues of does it mean. From the office of conflicts and we have evidence that some discrimination against Jammu? Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir to people incited by the NC and PDP were

PMO to Food Corporation of India and given free hand by the local administration

Look, from where did this revocation of Hindustan Petroleum, all have made it to threat some particular community in

land allotment come? It is an outcome of clear that there was never any economic other districts of Jammu.

Interview : Brig Suchet Singh, SAYSS

'First priority is restoration of land; discrimination issue can be dealt with in phased manner’


I N F O C U S

FIRE 2008

UOf course firing across LOC did take the Indian government was itself ntil recently it was claimed place but Indian army's role in setting up downplaying militancy then why were that militancy had petered a forward post in violation of ceasefire they fighting shy over troop reduction? out, but that the threat of at Nowgam sector has been ignored. The former Governor SK Sinha boasted infiltration remained. As a (Parvez Bukhari in the Mail Today that in 2002 there were 10 casualties per matter of fact number of infiltration August 1, 2008 ) As a final proof it was day which came down to below 2 per day bids has sharply declined; officially in claimed that non-militancy related when he departed. Whereas number of 2001 it was said to be 2417 and crimes have shot up! Arguably, militants operating varies from between declined to 311 in 2007. Up to May 2008 statistics can be manipulated. But if 150 (yes hundred and fifty)-1200. it was said to be 120. Indian government

also claimed a seventy percent decline

in militancy related incidents between

1990 and 2007, from 3500 to 1000

incidents. Firing incidents came down

from 671 to 183. Bomb explosions

declined from 1000 to just 50. Killings

of civilians declined from 914 to 153.

(The Tribune, 12 December, 2007).

However, official propaganda claims

that ISI was up to its old trick. Albeit it

was said that situation has reached

“normal level”. That people are

participating in existing political

process and shunning 'separatists'.

Besides, ceasefire was being observed

by India and Pakistan along the LOC

since November 2003 resulting in ending

mortar shelling and a fall in infiltration.

Having scored a self-goal by its acts of omission and commission it will be difficult for Indian state to push the genie of freedom back into the bottle of indifference. Once an idea grips the imagination of people it becomes a material force. The idea of 'azaadi' from India has truly resurfaced with a passion. On the other hand by privileging fight against armed militancy and pretending that popular aspirations for freedom from India had waned Indian state became victim of its own disinformation and remained disinclined to take people seriously. Talks with Mirwaiz Omar Farooq led Hurriyet, never popular with the people, were stalled while crackdown on dissidents rose. There was no movement of any kind which suggested that Indian state was at all sincere about fulfilling any of the promises and assurances it had been making. Let alone release political prisoners arbitrary arrests of political dissidents and defenders of democratic rights, some of who were targets of attacks, have carried on.

Jammu And Kashmir

Beginning Of The Endgame


I N F O C U S

FIRE 2008

Gautam Navlakha

Obviously, all this meant was that Indian not how long the movement can sustain attitude of the security forces and their

military no longer faced a magnitude of itself. Or whether squabbling leaders vulnerable dependence on New Delhi

for their physical well being. When a threat which called for obtrusive will manage to de-rail the momentum.

State ceases to present itself as presence 24X7 by seven lakhs armed This could be wishful thinking on part of

protector of the beleaguered and the Indian state. Political mood of the personnel. Yet they go on expanding and unable to ensure free flow of people has already been displayed. That occupying land. So how do they justify m o v e m e n t o n h i g h w a y s a n d such mass mobilization was possible for their presence? The arrogant claim is transportation of supplies of essential so many days itself shows that it can be that Indian military is here to protect commodities, despite extraordinary the people from “cross border presence of Indian army on the terrorists”. But when this , as per their highway, then fear fuelled by this own claim, no longer can be sustained dependent relationship overtakes then it is clear that India's enemies other considerations. It is here that remains inside J&K and who by their Indian State's abysmal role, especially very religious identity are perceived to of its law enforcing agencies, which be real or potential supporters of failed to stop the agitators in Jammu,

Pakistan. Therefore, suspect in the eyes Kathua and Udhampur from fomenting

of the Indian state and a demonized communal divide and blocking the

projection of the movement becomes National Highway for nearly three

necessary. The perception of anyone weeks, which enraged a people whose

demanding 'azaadi' as being anti-right to life was imperiled even as their

national and pro-Pakistani may have suffering has been belittled by the

been a part of disinformation campaign Indian state and its 'good 'people.

but it has deep roots and it suits Indian

state to remain in the victim mode. So Economic Blockade

much so that Union home secretary

recently forgot that by accusing The report presented by the J&K police Pakistan for fomenting trouble in the to the all party delegation on August 10 valley he was implicitly foregrounding speaks of “(a)gitation started blocking the incompetent role played by a the National Highway repeatedly with a bloated and pampered security view to obstruct supplies to valley apparatus in India. Surely if Pakistan

repeated. Routine life will return. including LPG, oil, petrol, diesel etc”. can bring lakhs of people out on the However, periodic public rallies will And went on to say that “(m)any roads of Indian held Kashmir there is lot continue to take place. Thus it will be incidents of attacks on Highway on to be said for the ineptitude of the presumptuous to read routine life as a individual vehicles and supply load

Indian state. If this is what policy return to normalcy. In other words this carriers…(and) beating of drivers makers want us Indians to believe then upsurge has unambiguously displayed created a sense of insecurity…”. they obviously feel Indian people are the organized and self-managed Deniability of the blockade by New gullible. One can not expect good sense popular desire to be free of India. This Delhi is astounding because it flies in or 'good faith'( the mantra to wash off all is not going to dissipate anytime soon. the face of people's own experience of s ins ) to preva i l under these

shortage as well of the police circumstances.

department of J&K. Why is it that fruit The agitation which began in June over

merchants of Delhi's Azadpur mandi say “diversion” of forest land for Amarnath It could be that authorities feel that in the first fifteen days of August Yatra has proceeded beyond it. The confident in restoring authority of the only 124 fruit trucks reached the market issue of 800 kanals which brought Indian state as time passes because as against 814 in the same period in people out in June has been overtaken livelihood concerns can come in the way August 2007? If it was not a result of by demand for 'azadi' caused by their of mass mobilization. But the point is blockade then how come it took 19 sense of insecurity at the communal


I N F O C U S

FIRE 2008

leader of a Jammu based transport association Ashok Nanda told the Tribune (August 21, 2008) that Kashmir valley will soon face acute shortage of foodgrains because four out of six FCI depots are running out of stocks. According to him normally 200 trucks use to daily carry foodgrains to the valley now less than 20 trucks are plying. If this is not a form of blockade then what is. Worrying part of this is the fact that this is happening when the Indian state cries shrill that there has been no economic blockade!

days, from July 25 to August 14, for of army, attacks continue to take place? demand freedom from India? Why is it

Avtar Singh (truck # PB 08 0997) Surely their presence is unnecessary that out of 10,513 incidents that took

carrying medical supplies from and in fact contributing to choking place in Jammu region 10,098 incidents

Jalandhar for SMHS hospital Srinagar,? ( civilian traffic on the two lane highway? took place in Hindu majority areas of

Greater Kashmir, August 15, 2008) Or Again why were Jammu's BJP leaders Jammu (3758), Kathua (2270),

how come five drivers were attacked in publicly declaring their intent to starve Udhampur (1850) and Riyasi (740)? Kathua when they were part of an army people in the valley in order to 'teach Does it make it a regional movement or convoy on 17 August going to Delhi. them a lesson'? Why was no action taken in fact a movement confined to (Rising Kashmir, August 20, 2008) There against them? Why is it that out of the predominately Hindu areas? Is it a are stories a galore in valley press. Let 1171 persons arrested, including those regional movement that is driving alone this leader of a Jammu based who probably lynched the two J&K Muslims to move out of Hindu majority transport association Ashok Nanda told police constables, Zakir Husian and areas? Is it not fear that drives them to the Tribune (August 21, 2008) that Zafar Javed, all were given bail? It is take this step? Is this unaided migration Kashmir valley will soon face acute also important to ask why second rung not a bigger blot on India's constitutional shortage of foodgrains because four out leaders of the agitation in Kashmir have democracy? Is it alright to abuse the of six FCI depots are running out of been charged with waging war, sedition 'separatists' for migration of kashmiri stocks. According to him normally 200 and criminal conspiracy when no such pandits from the valley even when the trucks use to daily carry foodgrains to acts were invoked against the Jammu Indian state provided them 'safe the valley now less than 20 trucks are agitators? Why is it that out of 129 cases passage'? But to be mute when Muslims plying. If this is not a form of blockade registered by the police in Jammu start fleeing their home and hearths in then what is. Worrying part of this is the region none were under any draconian Jammu driven by Hindu fanatic mobs fact that this is happening when the law or provision? and hostile security forces?Indian state cries shrill that there has

been no economic blockade!Does it mean that agitators who carry So obvious is the patronage and

tricolour, but engage in mayhem are to protection extended to the rabble Besides, if the situation is normal, and

be treated with compassion, whereas rousers in Jammu that it is astonishing there has never been any blockade, why

those who remain unarmed and that otherwise sensitive people did not is the army out on the highway since

peaceful but carry green flags are once speak out for years against August 4? And why despite the presence

persecuted because they dare to permission granted to Bajrang Dal and


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VHP to hold weapon training camps in private lives, and indeed even camps in J&K (excluding those in

Jammu, which is a Disturbed Area. They “transform their will and attitude” as is Jammu, Kargil, Leh, Akhnoor and

publicly display weapons during their Udhampur) and these occupy 90,000 the case in J&K. Publicly Indian state

rallies including in Jammu city but acres of farm and orchard land and 1500 pretended it was heeding the public

violation of Arms Act is condoned. Let buildings. But the appetite for acquiring feeling which wanted demilitarization

alone authorities even the 'good' people land continues to grow. For instance in when it setup a committee headed by

choose to look the other way. They can saffron rich Lethapora in Pampore India's defense secretary to look into go and disrupt press conferences at will tehsil, where no construction is the demand. The incongruity of a huge anywhere in Jammu but no harm ever permitted under state laws, the CRPF presence of armed forces occupying comes to them. Ninety per cent of the has demanded 5000 kanals for its group large tracts of land even as the number 25,000 members of the Village Defence headquarters . Ind ian army i s

Committees in Doda district, (with 60- demanding 10,000 kanals for expansion

40% Muslim-Hindu ratio) are armed of Army's Kundroo Filed Ammunition

Hindus. How many of them are members Depot (FAD). Besides, Indian Air Force

of right wing extremist groups is which possesses 850 acres in

anybody's guess. But that there are a Awantipora has asked for 763 acres of

large number with such leaning bodes ill additional land. Army which was given

for the people. 212 acres in Sharifabad in exhange for

vacating 139 acres of Tattoo Grounds

Garrison in Srinagar has taken Finally, the sharp contrast between how possession of 100 acres at Sharifabad Jammu agitators were met by security but refuses to budge from Tattoo forces and how trigger happy they were ground! In the Cattle Research Centre at in Kashmir drives home the hostile Manasbal spread over 352 acre army in nature of Indian government forces 1990 first asked to set up few bunkers. towards predominately Muslim people. Then built barracks and laid claim to In one go all that was being claimed 252 acres of the land in 2005. about normalcy having been restored Furthermore, the annual Landmine evaporated before the heat of people's Report 2007 states that about 160 sq anger. That foundation of normalcy kms in Jammu and 1730 sq kms land were tenuous was never understood by remain mined. Speaker of J&K the charmed circle of policy and

of militants, said to be operating has Assembly recently pointed out that decision makers.officially come down to 1200, was bad 3500 acres of agricultural land in his e n o u g h . B u t b y r e j e c t i n g constituency Chamb (Jammu) have

So let us list two blunders committed by demilitarization, pull back of troops, been mined and 6000 families the Indian state in recent times in J&K. reduction of troops etc in February last displaced. J&K Tourism minister told

along with the new rents for acquired media on October 19, 2007 about army The Issue of Land land announced by India's Ministry of violated Master Plan for Gulmarg and

Defense ranging from 2.1 to 5 times is a without requisite permission “(t)hey way to buy silence of the people, for It requires no rocket science to realise have occupied 400 acres of land on some more time. Which is all very well that involuntary alienation of land in which they have raised huge concrete except that this sends a message that general, and cultivable one in structures”. (The Asian Age October Indian armed forces are in no mood to particular, will enrage people. This 20, 2007) vacate occupation of land and they are turns into fury when land is acquired for here for a long haul.armed security personnel who maintain Thus new rent structure may even be a

an intrusive presence among civilians precursor of occupation of more land. designed to control their public and There are reportedly 671 security forces For instance, until recently the Ministry


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As of now 2204 kanals , of which 1500 kanals is forest land (and from which 800 kanals were to be “diverted” to SASB for temporary use) are being used for yatris in Baltal route. This land includes 56 kanals of private land including a graveyard. In other words not only must SASB Act be amended to make its membership local but its powers must be delimited and the yatra be regulated with restricting the number of yatris to one lakh.

of Home Affairs set a standard of 75 the norm and the earning varies local Muslim participation in the yatra,

acres of land per battalion for central between Rs 90,000 to Rs 125,000. (One including sharing one third of offering

para military forces. Now the MHA has quintal fetches Rs 1800). Thus the offer with the Malik familes, it chose to

asked these forces to acquire 150 acres of Rs 10,000 per kanal for orchard is very endorse the Hindu extremist agenda of

of land per bn. This is being done under low. Depending upon the fruit or crop it creating Hindu stakeholders in J&K.

the argument that this will enable could be less than 2 and at best no more

better housing facility for the jawans 10% of the actual income. Thus the rent In order to understand the magnitude of and also allow these forces to set up does not compensate the farmers for the blunder committed by Indian State schools and hospitals for the family of the loss of income. Put it another way let us begin by taking a look at salient the jawans as well as local population. farmers or orchard owners are subsiding features of the Amaranath issue which With average size of family being 5.5 the deployment of armed forces. first stoked fire of resentment. Shri even if 100,000 soldiers bring their Amaranath Shrine Board (SASB) set up families then population of such people This by no means is all. This land also by the National Conference in 2000, will go up by several lakhs. Could this be comprised non state subjects, presided provides employment. It is well known an indirect way of demographic over by Hindu governor, saw itself as that largest source of employment in transformation? (2) being a sovereign body accountable to J&K is agriculture and horticulture.

no one and went ahead to takeover an Remove this land from cultivation that Having said this let us consider certain entire area to prepare for larger and much less earning and lesser number of hidden facts which lurks behind the larger turnout of pilgrims. Under clause jobs become available. Seen in this light rent hike. The previous levels from 16(d) of the SASB Act authorized them the pitiable rent being offered is a which rent has been increased were to carry out 'development activity fraction of the earning and its spin off pathetically low. So two or five times concerning the area of shrine and its also includes decline in employment. increase must be tempered by this fact. surroundings'. Using this, as well as Besides, even if 10% of the total cropped For instance Class I category of irrigated Jammu High Court's pronouncement

area of 1,126.000 acres or 9 mn kanal in land the rent was previously Rs 1125 per that everything being done by the board

J&K is removed from production it kanal per year, which now has been will be deemed to be done in 'good

means, for an economy so dependent on increased to Rs 3381 per kanal. For faith', SASB began to make demands

agriculture and horticulture as that of double cropped irrigated land the rent which were resented. Worse they

J&K, a huge loss. All these losses are not was Rs 1688 per kanal and has been pretended to be a body which was

calculated. (3)increased to Rs 4087. For orchards the virtually unaccountable to any

rent earlier was Rs 1575 and has been institution. Recall the infamous This context of how angry people are increased to Rs 10,000 per kanal. statement of CEO of SASB on January 1, over occupation of their land and Indian 2008 wherein he claimed that the State's attempts to buy silence through legislature has no authority to question For another the rent increase does not rent hikes provides the background in SASB or for them to answer their take into account the loss suffered by which SASB landed itself. queries. And yet the SASB, it is said, was those whose land is thus alienated. To

set up on the basis of the get an idea one has to consider some Revisit Nitish Sengupta Committee recommendation of the Dr Nitish other figures. One kanal of apple

Sengupta Committee (1996)? A reading orchard is officially said to have 12 trees of the report makes it abundantly clear Indian state's biggest blunder on although upto 18 is not uncommon. This that the committee's recommendations Amarnath was to promote a Hindu translates into 300 to 360 boxes of fruit. were scrupulously ignored. Shaivite pilgrimage as a patriotic The income varies from Rs 1.2 to 1.5

enterprise forgetting the constitutional lakhs. As for walnut one kanal is said to

truth that all Hindus are not Indians and have 6 to 8 trees. Income from this For instance, SASB was not tasked with

all Indians are not Hindus. And, could be anywhere between Rs 4.25 to 6 micro managing the yatra or to turn it

therefore, religious affiliation is lakhs. If the land is used for paddy into an all Hindu affair from which

irrelevant. Also instead of building on cultivation between 50-70 quintals is Muslims were to be kept away. Among


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the various acts of governor SK Sinha Gomukh in Uttarakhand. At both Kailash livelihood. Any damage to the ecology

was to summarily discontinue the Mansarovar and Gomukh the period of could prove fatal for them, which is

traditional role of the Malik family as pilgrimage is restricted and the what pollution of Lidder river by SASB's

protector of the shrine and their right to numbers regulated. System of ceiling unregulated promotion of yatra and

get one third of the offering. And on number is practiced at Vashnodevi destruction of the ecology of Nunwan

instead of regulating and restricting the also where a cap of 20,000 per day is in valley threatens to bring about.

number of pilgrims SASB went in to place. In fact Nitish Sengupta on page overdrive to make it for a longer 52 of the report says that “(a)long with T h e r e p o r t p r o p o s e d t h a t duration and for larger and larger the regulation of the total number of administration of the yatra should be numbers. Non state subjects were being pilgrims to about 1 lakh during the 30 handed over to the department of engaged for all kinds of services day period, we should also regulate the tourism, as is the case in every other traditionally performed by the local maximum number of people who can be state of India where religious tourism population both Kashmiri Muslims and permitted at any point of this journey at comes under the purview of the tourism Pandits. any given time”. And adds “we could lay department of the respective states.

down a ceiling of 3000 pilgrims that can They wanted that local tentwallahs be permitted to travel on any of these So what were Nitish Sengupta s h o u l d b e a l l o w e d t o o f f e r sectors in a single day”. (Three sectors committees main recommendations? accommodation and dhaba owners are Chandawanri to Sheshnag; Sheshnag

provide food for yatris. (p 62). to Panjtarani and Panjtarani to the

Setup after the 1996 Amarnath Yatra Moreover, in so far as the high powered Cave).

Tragedy in which 205 yatris and 25 board was concerned the committee

porters and security personnel lost their recommended that the CM should be It also called for restricting havans lives the report emphasized that “the the chairperson. The board was to performance at the Holy Cave since pilgrimage to Amarnath is not just supervise the yatra and prepare they “pollute the purity of the pi lgr image but h igh a l t i tude strategic plan for providing facilities. atmosphere and also constitute fire mountaineering” (p 54). It wanted a hazard”. (p58) The report opposed minimum age of 15 and maximum of 65 As of now 2204 kanals , of which 1500 proposal for making road from for yatris. (p 55) The report repeatedly kanals is forest land (and from which Chandawari to Sheshnag and then up to makes the point that at this altitude, 800 kanals were to be “diverted” to Panjtarani motorable. Because the hazardous nature of the track and SASB for temporary use) are being used “(a)llowing the motor vehicles to go uncertain weather number of pilgrims for yatris in Baltal route. This land into this area will not only damage the and period of yatra has to be strictly includes 56 kanals of private land environment of these areas, but will regulated. “It has to be emphasized

including a graveyard. In other words also spoil the pristine scenic charm of here that carrying capacity of this

not only must SASB Act be amended to these mountains and valleys.” (p 60) But pathway of about 32 kms (between

make its membership local but its SASB has gone beyond and introduced Chandanwari and the holy cave) is

powers must be delimited and the yatra helicopter services for pilgrims which is extremely limited. It passes all along at

be regulated with restricting the a source of major concern. It was very high altitude, well above the tree number of yatris to one lakh. Or else evident that the meltdown of the line and through areas with no human devout Hindus can bid goodbye to the 'lingam' within fifteen days of yatra this habitation”. (p 5) For eight months of health of the area for posterity. year was contributed by presence of the year there is snow and formation of

huge numbers of yatris and the ice lingam, nautral stalagmite, begins Communal Prejudice or Jingoism of helicopter services. The critical only by June. Officialsimportance of protecting the ecology of

this area can not be underplayed when In this sense Amarnath yatra cannot be

it is realized that while tourists come Next blunder was in persisting with a compared with any other pilgrimages and go local inhabitants depend on the Governor who flouted all constitutional and the closest parallel can be drawn water and land for their life and norms and pushed Hindutva agenda. with Kailsah Mansarovar in Tibet and


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One person is like tree in a forest but a disappearance of 8-10,000, uncovering economic blockade is located.

constitutional position of governor and of mass graves in just one Uri sector,

his continuance is reflection of Indian cross firing, encounters, custodial Long and short of it is that Indian state state's policy. Were one to go through deaths….. Even where relief and has become its own worst enemy. There what former Governor SK Sinha said in rehabilitation is concerned the is no point blaming Pakistan, his Field Marshal Cariappa memorial promptness with which New Delhi fundamentalists, human rights activists lecture on August 16, his Hindutva announced compensation for one and usual alibis used by the Indian state. proclivities are self-evident. It was his Kuldeep Kumar who committed suicide It is time we acknowledge that 'national great contribution that Centre for in Jammu is unmatched by anything security' paranoia cannot hide the Kashmir Studies, set up in Kashmir they announced through 19 years of reality that Muslims of J&K have no

th war to the families of Indian University, uses 13 century as the cut confidence in the Indian state. The government's forces atrocities. Did one off date thereby history of Kashmir's march to Muzzafarabad was not a hear of any compensation for the 34 Hindu past is studied but not its Islamic rhetoric or a drama enacted but killed and 500 injured or property p resent ' s pas t . Th i s was h i s something that emerged from this damaged by the India security forces in understanding of 'kashmiriyat'. And it palpable sign of fear and was perceived just 48 hours?was his principal secretary, who as one way in which J&K's dependence

officiated as CEO of the board, who on India could be reduced. In any case went out of his way to insist that land In fact it is strange that despite entire Jammu-Srinagar highway is an artificial

stwas “permanently” transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir region being link and by itself unsuited for 21 board and insisted that “as the “disturbed” whereas in Jammu security century said to be an era of population of India will increase we will forces waited for executive magistrate 'globalisation'. have to consider further extension of to issue orders to open fire, in the valley

no such procedure was followed. It is the yatra period”. (Greater Kashmir In this sense we are back to square one.

instructive that Indian army called in June 18, 2008). And just as well. Because this time

4500 soldiers from 9 corps in Himachal there are no militants but people out on

Pradesh because they did not want The fact that Indian state allowed him the streets. Indian state and India's

334,000 soldiers deployed in counter to do whatever he wished was perhaps 'good' people can ignore this now at insurgency duties in the valley to be no accident. Once a movement is their own peril. Perhaps a bout of self-disturbed? This sleigh of hand meant demonized, passing it off as a form of th criticism, good for intellectual clarity, that these 4500 troops belonging to 9 'proxy war' being waged by Pakistan, might be in order to ensure that at least Corps operated under magistrate's and underplaying the role of the Indian now six decades of obfuscation and order and not under AFSPA as in a state including crimes committed by prevarication can be bid goodbye and 'disturbed' area. On the other hand, the Indian security forces then next stop is the reality of popular aspiration for sorry spectacle of highly communalized manipulating people's minds. Such has opting out of India be given its due. CRPF forces entering hospitals, firing been the nature of Indian state's Instead of fearing right of self-tear gas shells inside them, (a war crime attempt to manage people's will, 'turn under Geneva Convention), opening fire determination it is time we embrace it it around' as the army's doctrine on which targeted head and chest, non-use because this offers us the only chance of small war proposes. That killings of of rubber bullets, venting their anger a peaceful and democratic solution. It 209 Hindus and Sikhs and migration of by destroying properties on several offers this to every state subject across about two lakhs Kashmiri Pandits is localities in Srinagar……and yet their the LOC divided Jammu and Kashmir as played up but by far the larger picture crime of excessive use of force and well as communally polarized Jammu

violation of their constitutional pledge of killings by Indian security forces and Kashmir an opportunity to make did not bring Indian people out on the remains shrouded in obscurity in the their wishes known. It is only when we streets in solidarity with those who have name of “national interest”. Not much know what people want that suffered most and continue to suffer. is ever said about the 70,000 Muslim substantive negotiations can ensue.

killings, arrest and torture of at least Until then the hoary resilience, 60,000 persons, 33 recorded massacres, It is in the midst of this reality that euphemism for prolonged military


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suppression, displayed by Indian state, will carry on further aggravating the

dispute. And people will continue to vote with their feet and fists against a

forced union with India which threatens their fundamental right to life.

While one wishes wiser counsel to prevail the truth is that 61 years of

regression makes it abundantly clear that it is left to the people of India, and

not the state, to force a change in Indian state's policy towards the people of

J&K.

Amidst all the claims of the Indian government that allegation of economic

blockade being “bunkum” and Pakistan inspired propaganda, Ministry of

Home Affairs has finally conceded that at least between July 31 to August 4

there were “disruptions” of supplies. One should be thankful for small

mercies from the centre of obfuscation and extreme right wing

pronouncements which is what MHA has become. ( Mail Today August 19,

2008.) In fact going by the threat held out by All J&K Oil Tankers Association

Jammu truckers will not load supplies for the valley if land issue is not

resolved by August 20, 2008. (The Tribune 19, August 2008) And the fruit

merchants of Delhi's Azadpur Mandi have said that between 1-15 August in

2007 when 814 fruit trucks reached Delhi, this year in the same period only

124 trucks landed at Delhi. (The Hindustan Times 20 August, 2008).

It is worth noting that total land holding of the armed forces in India is

approximately 1 mn acres. Recently the Indian Planning Commission of India

had wanted army to part with 2 lakh acres of “surplus” land lying with with

62 cantonments. This request was turned down and instead the army asked

for an additional 2 lakh acres! The point is that neither are armed forces

willing to part with land they occupy nor is their appetite for more land going

to decline.

Just to provide an idea of the acute unemployment the J&K government

which dealt harshly with 5000 state roadways employees for demanding back

wages (they were not paid for five months) claiming they did not have money

to pay them has lifted ban on filling vacancies on state employment, which

they had imposed on March 5, 2008. Thereby 30,000 vacancies of which 4978

for gazetted posts, 20,000 non-gazetted posts and 7000 Class IV posts will get

filled. The point to note is that state government which time and again

delays payment of wages to some of its employees is now going to fill 30,000

posts. Where is the money going to come from? Thus on the one hand armed

forces occupy cultivable land, which helps reduce food and fruit production

and reduce employment. And on the other hand additional employment is

being generated in the state sector even when they do not have the money to

pay their salaries! The begging bowl syndrome will get strengthened. And

Indian state can then go around propagating that they cover nearly 80%

J&K's expenditure. This feeds into the myth that J&K is incapable of

meeting its own expenditure and to undercut the argument about the

economic viability of J&K were they left alone. Thus create dependence

and then flaunt it to rub the nose of people in the mud.

Things were not like till three

months back. Why this sudden

upsurge in the Valley?

People in the Valley are known

for the patience. But patience

too has got a limit. If your

understanding says that there is

a sudden eruption then I must

correct you. There was no

sudden eruption.

Dissent and protests

h a v e v a r i o u s

manifestations and

silence is one among

them. When you talk

about the situation

three months back, I

would say, there

were protests in

silence which has now broken.

By mobilizing such huge

crowd in Srinagar what do

you want to convey?

We have not been mobilizing

any crowds. People have been

coming out at their own. There

were over two lakh people who

led a march to Muzaffarabad

when we were showered with

bullets. Then on August 22,

more than 10 lakh people

assembled at the Idgah

grounds. There was just one

announcement appealing to

come out in solidarity with the

issue. Elders, youth, women

Interview with

Shabir Ahmed Shah

and children all came out in tens of are ready for talks. orders diverting of land to Shri

thousands. Tens of thousands of more Amarnath Shrine Board following

people were on their way but the space protests in the Valley have led to What should be the contours of a in Srinagar City was not enough to tension in Jammu. What do you have dialogue? accommodate them. There were no to say on this?

speeches. There was no politics. Lakhs We have never set any conditions. The

of them raised their hands for their This is the worst propaganda we have basic thing is that there should be a basic political rights. This was a sort of ever seen. Some people in Jammu are tripartite dialogue with the people of referendum which the Government of easily and conveniently forgetting that Kashmir as a principle party. India and International community not they but we have been hosts of the should take note of. Shri Amarnath pilgrims. This is most

Yo u l a u n c h e d a m a r c h t o secular tradition of our Valley. Can you

Muzaffarabad alleging that there was Referendum for what and what trace one single incident of history

economic blockade of Kashmir. Was political rights you are referring to? when the Amarnath pilgrims were put to

there so serious a problem? The any inconvenience, harassment or

Governor's administration has all humiliation by any Kashmiri? I would Precisely, Azadi. People of Kashmir have along been denying any snap of take this opportunity to convey it all our made it known that they want Azadi. We supplies except that whatever Hindu brothers and sisters across India have long been asking for consultations, irregularities may occur when the that Amarnath pilgrimage is as much a referendum or any exercise to know situation is disturbed. sacred for us as it is for them. It is a part what Kashmiris want but this right was of our tradition that we, every year, denied to us. Now people are coming

You are a journalist; check the press organize a special welcome function on out to let it known to one and all,

record of last two months. Every new the arrival of pilgrims to accord a clearly and without any ambiguity that

day you will find statements which respect to their sentiments. they want Azadi.

civilized people would not issue even

for the rogue states. And then our Then why this controversy on the land You mean that doors for a dialogue or supply lines were completely chocked, issue? now shut? the drivers were beaten up, trucks were set ablaze, and our local produce was We have not created any controversy Absolutely not. Our doors are wide open made to rot. What wrong did we do by nor is this any issue for us. Our issue is as they always have been. If anyone marching to Muzaffarabad. All we very clear and this has been clearly shut the doors it was the Government of wanted to do was to sell our produce conveyed by the people of Kashmir India. At least now is the high time and procure the essentials. We are last Friday. If at all there is a Government of India realized urgency more than two lakh people, unarmed controversy it has been created by of a dialogue. We are always ready to and leading a peaceful march. They some people in Jammu and their get engaged in a meaningful dialogue. (government) applied brute force and patrons elsewhere in the country. Kashmir's case is entirely different but sprayed bullets on us. What is the Amarnath pilgrimage is a symbol of there are also other places in India justification for this? Kashmir's secular tradition and we will where people are fighting for the continue to make all efforts to keep it political rights. At all these places and Now have a look at the situation in up. You should note that the number of with all such people, Government of Jammu. There is an agitation and the pilgrims visiting the Amarnath Shrine India has been talking why any positive region, particularly the Winter Capital was highest this year. Had there been a movement on Kashmir is not there. City, is burning in fire of anger. problem from our side or had there They try to isolate us, they project a Kashmir Muslims in general and been an inconvenience to the pilgrims wrong picture of public sentiments and Kashmiri separatists in particular are they would not have come in big then they ask us that why are we on accused of hurting the Hindu numbers. roads? This is not fair. Let them come we sentiments. The cancellation of


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Loosing Political Plot compulsion or will, had become more or the agitation gathered momentum,

less constituent parts of the Sangharsh they had to endorse every thing what

Samiti –condemning their own parties the Sangharsh Samiti had to say. No It will be a tough time for the and criticizing their own charters. other party or leader would have competitive politics to resume its

addressed as many press conferences as The BJP an essential constituent of the normal course. Unlike Kashmir, Jammu Congress leaders did address all these Sangharsh Samiti was initially seen as region has a truly competitive months. Interestingly, the agenda of the eventual beneficiary of the mainstream politics with Congress, their press conferences and statements agitation as it was the Congress National Conference, BJP and the newly issued to media always remained government accused of withdrawing the emerging Panthers Party as main endorsing the day to day stand of land transfer order. Former Chief players. Bahujan Samaj Party is also Sangharsh Samiti. When Samiti called Minister and Congress' 'hope' in Jammu seen making significant inroads in Dalit for the removal of Governor NN Vohra, and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad was pockets of the region. Just ahead of the the local Congress jumped into the fray seen in Jammu only twice in two months eruption of Amarnath shrine land as main votary of the demand. Veterans –on July 17, when he addressed a public controversy, the political mainland of like Dr Karan Singh, the scion of Dogra meeting at a border township and then Jammu was ripe for the electoral dynasty, who otherwise visits Jammu on August 10 as part of the all-party politics. Elections were just three hardly once a year, wrote to the Prime delegation constituted by the Prime months away but the campaign designs Minister seeking removal of the Minister to find out a solution for the had already been put in place by the Governor. crises. Azad's being away from the scene parties. Two months of agitation has

all these of crises not only brought down washed away whatever the parties had but also smashed up the morale of local tried to build up not only in recent few Former MLAs, sitting MLCs and other Congress leaders. During initial days of months but over past five years. Now at office bearers of the Congress would agitation, the local Congress leaders this stage the lines of ideology stand often walk into the office of Sangharsh tried to defend their government's blurred between the arch rivals. For Samiti to reiterate their support even as decision but as the days passed off and two months all of them, out of the party at national level frequently

Post-Agitation

Uphill Task For Jammu’s Politics, Economy

Epilogue News & Analysis


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The 60-day long Jammu agitation has been finally called off after the Governor NN Vohra's administration

hammered a peace pact with the agitating Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti (SAYSS)–a 70 party

conglomerate spearheading the agitation. The final agreement sets aside the controversial 100 acres tract of

land at Baltal and allows the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board to use it for creating facilities for the pilgrims. The land

will be put to such use for three months a year and its ownership title shall not undergo any change. When

protests had erupted in Kashmir Valley against diversion of same land to the Board, the main objection was

change of ownership status –ie from the Forest department to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. Therefore for

reaching at the final agreement to end agitation in Jammu, it is obviously seen that both the SAYSS and the

Government made some climb down from their stated positions. What leaves one confused is that fact that such

use of land (as agreed upon in the pact) has never been objected by any party in Kashmir. Finally pragmatism

seems to have dawned upon both parties concerned even though Jammu has not remained the same place again

after two months of violent protests. The losses are enormous but at a first look one finds the mainstream

competitive politics having disappeared from the local landscape.


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equated the Jammu agitation “as between Kashmir and Jammu. Leaving sectors of economy the losses to

the Kashmir field to Omar, who joined respective sectors have been as follows: dangerous” as separatist movement in

chorus with separatist, Farooq went on Kashmir. Prominent local leader and Industry, Rs 4000 Crores; Tourism, Rs justify demand of Sangharsh Samiti and 3000 Crores; Trade Rs 1100 Crores, MLA till recently, Raman Bhalla courted called for restoration of land to the Transport Rs 775 Crores and Production, arrest on August 21 as a part of Shrine Board. When the agreement is Rs 250 Crores. Insurance sector is yet to Sangharsh Samiti plan. However, the inked between Samiti and Government, initiate a survey of loss to the vehicles veteran Mangat Ram Sharma still could Farooq turned up as the only Kashmiri that too is reported to be running into not escape the wrath. He had to take a leaders to give a “thumbs up”. Crores of rupees. The Shri Amarnath pillion ride with a cop to reach home

Yatra Sangharsh Samiti, during its safely when a strong mob attacked his negotiations with the government had vehicle in the city. Now when the agitation has been called put a demand for compensation to all off, the next battle is for the suffering sectors of economy. Though forthcoming elections and the task In Jammu region, National Conference the demand has been agreed to in before political parties is to redraw has much of its presence in the rural principle but the businessmen doubt their constituency agenda. areas than the urban space. Thus NC any possibility of full compensation. leaders played little smart. They left The agreement between Government their plush winter capital residence to Economy Suffers Rs 26,000 Crore loss and the Samiti concluded that a f a n o u t i n t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e Working Group shall be constituted constituencies. Omar Abdullah's speech

Besides competitive politics, the other under the Chief Secretary to examine in the Parliament on, July 22, had given major sector which suffered a huge loss losses to all sectors both in Kashmir a new direction to the Jammu agitation during Jammu agitation is obviously the and Jammu regions. The Working when a youth committed suicide local economy. The trade and industry Group will have representatives from allegedly enraged over Omar's lobby groups have put losses at Rs 26775 different sectors of economy as its statement. However, father Farooq Crores. Though the parameters of members. “A loss assessment report made quite a good effort to save the calculation have not been given but shall be submitted to the Central situation. After maintaining a much according to local Commerce and Government for financial help”, said required silence for a couple of weeks, Industries and representatives different the agreement. Farooq played quite a balancing act

Agreement


I N F O C U S

FIRE 2008

Following is the text of the joint statement issued at the press conference:

1. 'The Shri Amarnathji Yatra, which has been going on for many centuries, is a shining symbol of communal harmony and

brotherhood in Jammu & Kashmir and reflective of the State's composite heritage. The Yatris have been welcomed with

open arms by the people of both Jammu and Kashmir Divisions and all required facilities have been made available for

them. Sadly, certain decisions of the State Government relating to the Yatra created misunderstandings which led to

controversy and agitation and loss of many precious lives. Apart from the damage to property, there has been a colossal loss

to the State's economy in different sectors like transport, trade, industry, horticulture and tourism.

2. 'The Yatra to Shri Amarnathji Shrine has traditionally benefitted a large number of local residents, many of whom have

crucial dependence on this annual pilgrimage for their livelihood.

3. 'There has been no occasion in the past on which the State Government has failed to provide the required support for the

conduct of the Amarnathji Yatra. On the contrary, the extent and nature of governmental support to the Yatra has been

progressively enhancing, from year to year.

4. 'In view of the need to seek a peaceful resolution of the fundamental issues, to settle all existing doubts and clarify the

continuing responsibility of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir had constituted,

on 6 August, 2008, a four-member Committee comprising:

Dr. S. S. Bloeria, Advisor to Governor, Justice (Retd) Shri G. D. Sharma , Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, University

of Jammu and Shri B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary to Governor and Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board

5. 'The Committee held three rounds of discussions with the four-member Committee nominated by the Shri Amarnathji Yatra

Sangharsh Samiti (SAYSS) which comprised:-

Shri Tilak Raj Sharma, Brig (Retd) Suchet Singh, Prof. Narinder Singh and Shri Pawan Kohli

6. 'The Governor has also held discussions with the leaders of political, social, religious, academic and other organizations in

the Kashmir Valley. The predominant view, emerging out of the consultations, is that the Amarnathji Yatra, which is a

centuries old tradition of J&K's rich composite heritage, will continue to be welcomed and supported by the people of

Kashmir, in every possible way. It was also felt that while the Shrine Board could continue to use the land, as in the past, for

Yatra purposes, nothing should be done to alienate or transfer the land. While an assuring convergence of views has

emerged, the Governor is committed to continuing the consultative process to ensure against any remaining

misunderstanding whatsoever on an issue which has earlier led to serious misperceptions and grade human and economic

loss.

7. 'Based on detailed discussions and deliberations held in the recent weeks, the following framework of action for resolving

the issue relating to the use of land for the period of Yatra by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, at Baltal and Domail, has

been agreed to:-

A. 'The State Government shall set aside for the use by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, exclusively, the land in Baltal and Domail

(Compartment No. 63/S, Sindh Forest Division) comprising an area of 800 kanals, traditionally under use for the annual

Yatra purposes.

B. 'The proprietary status/ownership/title of the land shall not undergo any change.

C. 'The Board shall use the aforesaid land for the duration of the Yatra (including the period of making the required


I N F O C U S

FIRE 2008

arrangements and winding up of the same) for the purpose of user by various service providers according to its needs and

priorities.

'The aforesaid land shall be used according to the Board's requirements, from time to time, including for the following:-

i. 'Raising of temporary pre-fabricated accommodation and toilet facilities by the Board;

ii. 'Establishment of tented accommodation by private camping agencies (locals, permanent residents of the State);

iii. 'Setting up of the shops by shopkeepers (locals, permanent residents of the State);

iv. 'Facilities for Ponywallahs and Pithuwallahs;

v. 'Provision of healthcare and medical facilities;

vi. 'Setting up of free Langars by private persons and groups which are licensed by the Board;

vii. 'Facilities for helicopter operations/ parking of vehicles;

viii. 'Arrangements of security by local police/para-military forces and other security agencies as per the arrangements in place

here-to-fore; and

ix. 'Undertaking measures relating to soil conservation, land protection and preservation of ecology.

8. 'It has further been agreed that the Board shall continue to remain responsible for the overall arrangements of the Yatra on

both the routes during the Yatra period, including all arrangements as mandated under the provisions of the Shri

Amarnathji Shrine Act, 2000 A.D.

9. 'Apart from the above, the Committee set up by the Samiti had, during the course of discussions, presented a fourteen-

point “Charter of Demands” for consideration by the State Government. The main demands relate to withdrawal of

criminal cases against various persons during the period of agitation, provision of compensation to the families of the

deceased and to the injured and working out of appropriate packages of financial assistance to compensate losses of the

transport sector, trade and industry, horticulture sector, hoteliers and tourist operators. The State Government has agreed

to examine all these demands in an appropriate manner on time-bound basis.

10. 'In particular, as regards the registration of criminal cases against various persons during the period of agitation, it is agreed

that all cases of non-serious nature which shall mean bailable and compoundable will be withdrawn. The remaining cases

will be reviewed, on the merits of each case, by a Committee headed by Shri Anil Goswami, Principal Secretary (Home)

within 60 days. Till the completion of this process, no action will be taken in such cases. Also, specific allegations of

atrocities on agitators, based on prima-facie evidence, could also be looked into by this Committee.

11. 'Ex-gratia relief will be extended in favour of the next of the kin of the deceased and in favour of permanently disabled and

the injured in all cases covered under the existing rules of the State Government.

12. 'Further, a Working Group, under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary will address all compensation issues relating to both

Jammu and Kashmir Divisions and the Central Government will be approached for extending enabling financial support to

the State Government for this purpose within a period of two months. To make the exercise meaningful, one representative

from each of the affected sectors will be associated with the deliberations of the Working Group.

13. 'The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board will be reconstituted keeping in view the provisions of the Act and the past precedents.

14. 'It is agreed that the Law Department in the State Government will examine the issue of disposal of LPA in terms of the

understanding made hereinabove within one month.'

Sd/- Sd/-

(Lila Karan Sharma) (Dr. S. S. Bloeria) Convener Advisor to Governor of J&K

Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti

Tthe se l oca l channe l s he public outrage loaded with array of over the revocation

statistical data disparaging of the land transfer

order by the minority everything from disparity

government of Mr. Azad has in number of assembly

progressively merged with the seats to Badshah University latent issue of long felt racial standing on a forest area. bias felt by this part of the Ve r y a gg re s s i ve t e x t state of Jammu and Kashmir. messages underscoring Some of the renowned precise statistics l ike political analysts from Jammu number of unemployment like Dr. Jitender Singh and being more in Jammu, P r o f . H a r i O m h a v e

Jammuites giving more rationalized this with the

t a x e s c o m p a r e d t o a n a l o g y t h a t t h e

Kashmiris and advising to overwhelming public outcry

boycott Kashmiri goods o v e r t h e A m a r n a t h

were also disseminated predicament i s only a

before text services was symptom of the disease of

altogether condemned at discrimination/partial ity the behest of the Governor suffered by the people in Sahib.Jammu from hukumrans in

Kashmir. The local Cable

c h a n n e l s w e r e a l s o Watching this kind of

acknowledged by these theatrics in these channels

commentators, for precipitating reminisces one of the

the unprecedented mass churlish PTV where till today

wave, which saw conservative every evil in Pakistan is and politically novice women easily blamed on the folk from Jammu coming shoulders of India. These spellbound onto the streets t a l k s headed by the sloganeering and beating protagonists not only are like utensils. one-eyed wisdom of sage

Shukaracharya, where one is

fascinated by his side of The extremist politicians

perception only but also it affiliated to Jammu came to

The confrontation over transfer of land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and the its revocation is just the trigger.

The issue is small but the problem is far larger. The office of Indian Prime Minister, as it appears now, has always

grossly overlooked the historical background and composition of aspirations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Amarnath Confrontation :

Is It Sureal ?

Anmol Sharma


FIRE 2008

I N F O C U S

seems that they are bereft of the history We can never, first-of-all deny the fact think that only Hurriyat is demanding

of J&K politics. Every voice emanating that Kashmiri community has never scraping of Armed Forces Special

in Jammu these days be it the electronic allowed itself to be identified with the Powers Act (AFSPA). This draconian law

or print media oscillates to dot the voice rest of India and culturally too their has created more havoc in Northeast

of Kashmiri leaders and Kashmiri locals. Kashmiriyat was never part of the broad than in Kashmir. IAF has bombarded

The hatred and acrimony against them Continental-cum-Secular-cum-Hindu them and used mortar shells and in

has arisen to such a level that people influenced Indian ethos. Second-of-all 2004, the abduction and killing of

have vowed not eat fruits from Kashmir we also have to wake up to the fact that Thangjam Manorama Devi triggered

and made a bonfire of their handicrafts we have repeatedly blundered in our massive protests by the people of

on streets of Jammu. brainless policy towards sensitive Manipur. A group of brave Mothers shook

issues. Just to score some more seats in the conscience of the entire world by

Punjab by dirty tricks, we tried to their nude protest in front of Assam It is utmost necessary and meaningful to quarantine Akal is by pitching Rifles HQ. But here in just 2 days of po int out that the bog ie of Bhindrenwala and the havoc it did to Army's management on the streets, the discrimination continuously raised India was in the shape of operation blue intellectuals of Jammu are crying foul, nowadays by the people of Jammu is not star, sacrificing our women Prime so can we not just for a moment imagine over-pampering of the Kashmir region Minister and the wave of resentment by what these people in Northeast and but was a shrewd ploy by those heading Sikhs which we conveniently labeled Kashmir must be feeling?successively the PM's Office. It is part of 'terrorism'.our States history that Maharaja Hari

Singh in 1947 had approached both India We as Indians connect the image of

and Pakistan with a “Standstill Likewise, in Kashmir, we promised 'near' Bharat Mata with bureaucracy of babu's

Agreement” as he was in dilemma freedom in the shape of a sadar-i- and feel that we can commit no blunder

whether to accede to Dominion of India riyasat and a Prime Minister. Art. 370 and do not realize how alienated and

or Pakistan or to stay independent. It was a sacrosanct cornerstone and it has estranged minorities feel and what they

should not, also be forgotten that over the time been diluted to the core, really feel about India and Hindu

Kashmiri has never been empathetic specially by Delhi Agreement of 1952 Majority. The treatment to a Ladakhi

towards India, he never wanted to be a and the famous Sheikh-Indira Accord in student in my class was not what mould

part of India, and they are not ashamed 1975, the betrayal to the masses when make a Indian proud. Very few students

to openly say it. Although, this may be Rajiv Gandhi and Farooq Abdullah shook would talk to him and he was a social

highly objectionable for a patriotic hands to upset the mandate to MUF outcaste. When I asked him whether

Indian, but this is the truth we do not forced them to respond in the way they Buddhists would have also protested

want to accept. did. In return, we responded with like Kashmiris if land was acquired in

unparalleled HR excesses, which saw a Ladakh, his reply was they would have.

lakh people dead, 10,000 still missing Even at the slightest provocation like Mrs. Gandhi had her hair pulled by some and what not. Army came and sat on the Dera Controversy, the Sikhs shout Kashmiri girls in 1970's, and we know their orchards, cultivable lands; schools the slogans of Khalistan Zindabad in what slogans they raised during India etc, our PM Mr. Singh had openly stated Gandhi Nagar. West Indies Cricket match and the to the separatists that short of Azadi 'sky recently held Santosh Trophy. The is the limit' and at the same time we biggest irony here is the fallacy of our The dichotomy in our mindset is also tried to checkmate them by placing Mr. successive decision makers that very puzzling; on one hand we have no Mufti at their back, so after all this, why indulging Kashmiris with monetary h e s i t a t i o n i n a r r e s t i n g S r i would they not protest when 100 acres packages will make them forget Shankaracharya in Tamil Nadu who of land is transferred. May be they feel Pakistan and consequently sift their according to our scriptures is the that it is another ploy of Government of sentiments, this political naivety on our representative of Lord Shiva on this India to grab the land way from them. part was an attempt to “win” them over earth and non-different from Him. No

which was at the cost of economic Christian nation whether in Europe or in

growth of Jammu. It would be a great folly on our part to America would ever dare to arrest the


I N F O C U S

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Lakhs of people are on Valley streets and

countryside with slogans of Azadi. How do you look

at this sudden eruption in Kashmir?

Ask this question to New Delhi as they better know the

answer. Ask them why

dialogue has been kept

stalled for so long. There

was no sudden eruption.

Earlier there was silence

and now the re a re

protests. Both are equally

dangerous. My point is

that we have always been

saying that there is a

problem which needs to

b e u n d e r s t o o d a n d

addressed through a

dialogue. I had since long

been saying that status

quo will not lead us to

anywhere. If New Delhi or

anyone else thinks that

maintaining silence on the

issue for so long will

isolate the elements who

are now being seen as

unpleasant noise makers then I must say they are

sadly mistaken. The results are evident as everyone

has seen over past few days in the Valley.

Some three months back the separatists were seen

brooding in isolation. It was the mainstream

discourse that dominated Valley's political

landscape.


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Interview with

Shafi UriSenior Leader National Conference Former Finance Minister

New Delhi Should Explain,

Why Dialogue Is Stalled

Pope, but we had the shameless audacity to

arrest the greatest bonafide spiritualist of

Hindus.

We have no problem when Raj Thackeray

threats non-marathis openly to get out of

Maharashtra, but we take strong exception

when some renegade militant outfit does

the same to Biharis in Kashmir. The entire

belt of sacred town to Vrindaban adjacent to

Rajasthan border, where Lord Krishna

displayed his most enchanting pastimes has

been dug up and His spots where He ate and

played flute have been vandalized by the

sand mafia but how many Hindus care?

No one of earth can ever justify the

revocation of the land transfer but the way

and the manner in which SAYSS is handling

the most dangerous flashpoint on the face of

the earth as per America is now a free for all

affair and the result is that we have

reawakened the Frankenstein of separatism

that was in coma for the last so many years.

Shabir Shah who was for 22 years and 8

months languishing in Indian jails was on

record to say that he was open to look at

other options 'read political participation'

besides plebiscite. The vertical split in

Hurriyat in the shape of Hurriyat (M) and

Hurriyat (G) had considerably taken the

sting out of separatist's and they were even

contemplating to field proxy candidates in

the coming elections. All these political wins

have gone to seed and we are not back to

square one but out of the game at the

present moment.

Our best bet Mr. Azad who was appreciated

even by a Kashmir local and was very fair to

Jammu in all aspects was booed out here

when he resigned, which only shows the

lack of political acumen of the Dogras. We

need someone to take us out of this logjam

before the heavens fall.

Why the dialogue broke down? There held by the people of Kashmir for so Don't see anyone in isolation. As I has not been any positive movement many years. pointed out above silence is always on Kashmir for nearly four years now. dangerous, what you are seeing today The Government of India had three is nothing but just break down of The question of land transfer is a round table conferences but there silence. This was the worst result of completely misunderstood theory. was no involvement of separatists. It complacency. There may have been When the government has been was a nice exercise to understand some signs of normality but people offering all logistic support then various problems of Jammu and (in New Delhi) misconstrued this for what these cries are all about. You Kashmir but did this address the basic stability. Stability is still a far cry. You name any pilgrimage –may it be Hajj, issue. No, it did not. Separatists have can't go ahead without addressing the affairs of Golden Temple or the felt completely isolated in the the basic issue. Yes, there are Kumbh festival –entire logistic process. different phases and calm is one of s u p p o r t i s p r o v i d e d b y t h e

them. But when there is calm that governments. Only the internal

does not mean every thing is alright. religious affairs are handled by the

religious organizations. This should

not have happened like this. So where is the failure?

But people in Jammu talk about the It is obvious. It is in the breakdown of discrimination meted out against dialogue or no dialogue at all. I am them by Kashmiri leaders. pained at times to see why India does

not learn lessons. There are several

trouble areas in the country but This is in sub conscious mind. The

everywhere dialogue has always discrimination sentiments prevail in

remained a continuous process. Here Jammu ever since the popular

in Kashmir, the credibility of an government took over reigns from

entire big hearted process has been Maharaja's regime. My suggestion is

eroded by cryptic stall ing of that let's have a debate on the

dialogue. Remember then Prime discrimination issue. What is the way forward? Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee

addressing the Kashmiri people Have a look at all developmental It can not be identified and taking a cue from the famous parameters you will find no truth in concluded here. Yes, a way has to be couplets of poet Mehjoor. the discrimination theory. This is not found but then dialogue is the only the first agitation in Jammu on the course to reach somewhere. The first While reaching out to the people of allegations of discrimination. We step forward is obvious to initiate a Kashmir with a commitment of have seen Poonch agitation. dialogue and reach out to the people growing flowers of peace, Vajpayee with a big heart. showed reasoning and pragmatism Then Gajendragadkar Commission

when he said that a resolution of and all other studies found that there How do you look at the eruption in Kashmir issue has to be sought in the i s n o s u b s t a n t i a l r e g i o n a l Jammu? ambit of humanity and not the oft discrimination. This is the era of

repeated four walls of constitution. transparency. One can obtain all Then came the turn of Prime Minister Jammu agitation is based on notions. details of expenditure. You will find Manmohan Singh, who underlined the When some people say that Valley nothing in these complaints. If at all commitment of building a “New Muslims have hurt the Hindu there is some discrimination that is J a m m u a n d K a s h m i r ” . W h a t sentiments why do they forget the quite even in some areas of Jammu as happened to all these discourses? secular tradition of Amarnath Yatra well as Kashmir Valley.


I N F O C U S

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What happened to all these

discourses? Why the dialogue

broke down? There has not been

any positive movement on

Kashmir for nearly four years

now. The Government of India

had three round table conferences

but there was no involvement of

separatists.

The Newton's third po l i t ica l consequences T h i s s i t u a t i o n w a s

Law of Motion is except for keeping the exacerbated by the strangely

a p p l i c a b l e t o dispute of Kashmir alive from 'action-less' attitude of

m e c h a n i c s a n d time to time, in spite of their neighbouring country that

equally well to human affairs political potential. happens to be one of the to a large extent. Atleast, crucial party to the Kashmir that is definitely so if seen in issue. Failing to capitalize on It is said that the greatest the light of events of past few the then popular upsurge, it lesson of history is that months. The Jammu agitation could not come up to the nobody learns from history. is an apparent reaction to expectations of the people Perhaps, even far supreme revocation of Land Transfer who had perhaps pinned “too lesson is that we tend to and associated public uprising many” hopes on the rulers forget history. We need to over the issue in Valley. And a c r o s s t h e b o r d e r . remember our past for making the Economic Blockade, N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g t h e our future better. Remember which is no longer symbolic diplomatic, moral or material the wave of early 1990's in now, is also a reaction to the support that they provided, Kashmir. This period saw protests that took place here. they more or less left mammoth mass uprising that Again, the economic squeeze Kashmiris in the lurch when was subsequently crushed by led to fresh protests in Valley they needed them the most. the powers. The loss of lives that are continuing unabated. Since then, the scenario in because of a number of The Valleyites are at the Pakistan has taken a volte massacres and the enormous receiving end, in absence of face, relapsing the country level of brutality in the form any other alternative open

further, and correspondingly o f d r acon i an m i l i t a r y road link to the outside world.

Kashmir has virtually been put operations suppressed the The protests, as such, in spite

on the backburner, especially people, creating atrocious of their reactionary nature

post 9/11. fear psychosis. The people are inevitable and not

were taken aback by the level something that is going to of oppression that was not The divided indigenous have spectacular political anticipated, and for which separatist leadership too was impact, as many of us would they were not actually somewhat unsuccessful in like and love to believe. There prepared. The fervor feeling chalking out an effective and have been strikes in past also that Azadi was round the viable political roadmap for and the results have not been corner could not mature into the movement. Perhaps, the as heartening as envisaged by immediate reality and, in dominance of gun was too masses. The Hazratbal-siege, fact, got icy by the strategic overpowering or else the Chrar-e-Sharief crisis, and and ruthless maneuverings of setting was such as to Employees marathon-strike the ruling machinery that had relegate them to background. to name some major events everything, from politicians, Yet again the separatist that triggered protests and

political camp did not have media to statecraft at its extended strikes, but could much to offer other than backing. not translate in to stupendous

The impulses

Throbs of thy dudgeon

Pangs of conscience

I can hear;

Iniquitous attitude

Injustice on thy part

For an unknown crime

Perhaps I can realize;

Depth of bitterness

Thine indignation

Against all

Perhaps I can gauge;

Tears of torment

Tornado of aversion

In thine eyes

Perhaps I can see;

Hurt psyche

Ragged sentiment

Pricking thou inly

Perhaps I can sense;

But perhaps

Shackles on reason

Thy handcuffs

I can't break,

I really can't.

Forlorn myself

Striving for survival,

I can only be

A mute spectator.

I can't even shout,

I can't even cry.

But perhaps

I can shut my eyes

Kill my conscience

And

Leave thou groaning

For all the time.

Sorry Historians,

I'm helpless.

History is always

A brute goddess.

Replay Of 90’s ?

Still No Lessons From History


I N F O C U S

FIRE 2008

Syeda Afshana

general strikes as reaction against quite unthinkable. Simultaneously, the contingency

event(s). The fact remained that after planning for putting up with any kind of

a long saga of historical betrayals, crises is to be anticipated and, likewise, Today 2008, down two decades of ups Kashmir was out of the political-cold fallout too needs to be outlined and downs, combined with the storage just because of the gun factor radically. resilience displayed by the people of that had assumed a vital entry in the Kashmir, the resistance movement has landscape of resistance movement. throbbed all through, witnessing all Getting euphoric is welcome but

kinds of socio-economic and political thinking and guiding masses in a well-brunt. High point enduring that the The era of 1990's also witnessed a total laid and organized way is compulsory. public sentiment is still lively. This time blackout of the events by the Indian around, let's hope, a pragmatic media. Happenings were not reported

Let's hope and pray history does not approach, augmented by the political at all, and information and opinions repeat itself, and we are unforgettable acumen and vision can procure were not widely disseminated due to of its earlier lessons. historical results. lack of AV media outlets, not to speak of

Internet availability. Rarely any voice (The author is Assistant Professor at from Indian intelligentsia could be The pro-active response is to be Media Education Research Centre, heard, and debating Kashmir, whether translated into a vigorous and vehement MERC, University of Kashmir)in media or in any other forum, was but d i s c ip l i ned mob i l i za t i on .


I N F O C U S

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Tfor a moment asking why more didn't die man behind the trigger has a he constitution of India in Jammu, that's not my point because predisposition to think in a particular promises its citizens certain we continue to value & uphold the way in this part of the world. One is fundamental rights that form dignity of the human life no matter inclined to think that there occurs a the very essence of it. It is the whose. But what Iam asking is that it certain clandestine / blanket policy in utmost responsibility of all its fails my senses as to how so much blood the psyche of those with the duty of law functionaries to uphold the same in case shed can occur in such a short duration. enforcement.of all of its people . The incidents of the Perhaps the bullets pumped from the past few days in the valley & the weapons become more potent in preceding month or so in Jammu reflect The question haunting my mind- Is this Kashmir. Or maybe the weaponry has a poorly upon the state establishment & behavior warranted? The answer-NO. taste for the blood of the valley. Well its functionaries. The basic guiding principle of a public maybe neither, it is more likely that the administrator or anyone involved in law

There appears a definite predilection in

the thinking of law enforcement

agencies & administrators. The way of

handling of the public agitations & mobs

on either side of the divide shows the

evident & questionable bias against the

valley in the minds of those operating in

both regions. Critics may term it to be a

confabulation of facts cooked up with

fictitious ingredients. But Iam afraid

howsoever strong the disapprovals may

be, facts remain facts.

Even a cursory study of the statistics of

violence reveals the obvious. It

certainly doesn't take a space scientist

to understand this ugly trend. 2 bloody

days of violence in the valley consumed

up to two dozen precious lives. In

contrast 40 days of equally virulent

violence took 6 precious lives. Iam not

Often a thought leaves me wondering as why a country live India - second most populous in world, seventh

vast in area, rich in resources and too rich in cultural diversity - is still struggling to carve out a position and

get counted among the countries which stand as example to rest of the world. What holds India back is,

obviously, the plague of communalism.

Find The Enemy

....It Is Communalism

Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah


FIRE 2008

I N F O C U S

enforcement is to rise above petty surely. The motive behind the so called credentials of both. It seems the past

biases of caste, creed, color, region & `Sangarsh` was simply to pitch Hindus has completely been forgotten & for

most importantly Religion. Unless that of the state against the Muslim majority good. Let me then remind all such

basic premise is not employed in letter elements that the issue upon which a

and spirit by those with public dealings, mountain of problems was raked up by

there is bound to be a problem in their vested interests namely the Amarnath

functioning .While this utilitarian yatra was a part & parcel of Kashmir's

principle of neutrality is practiced by culture.

many, there remains a section who does

not abide by it. That is perhaps the It was a Hindu journey for sure but explanation of why there is more Muslims never objected to it (not even bloodshed on this side & not on the in the worst of times, I might add) .In other. fact they actively participated in it, out

of their own sweet will. Likewise having

The other vital question is how in the stayed in Jammu for long years I can

first did the situation turn into such a bear witness that I never felt any

fiasco. That again has many reasons. animosity for myself or anyone of my

The most dangerous and one that is faith. What then possibly went wrong?

potentially fatal for the integrity of our Perhaps someone needed an election

state is the mixture of religion & politics issue & something to remain in the

in Jammu. What started as an public eye only to capture power in far

administrative issue was deliberately away New Delhi. That cannot be ruled

The plan was too well orchestrated to maneuvered into a religious one. The out considering the saffron league has a

fail. The result is that today there are virulence & venemosity of the saffron past history of such brazen acts of

questions being raised on the secular brigade has done its job, silently but molestation against the fabric of

secularism.

The bad air has perhaps gone too foul

for any sane soul to breathe in. Such

extreme polarization between the two

peoples has tarnished the secular

credentials of our state to a great

degree. Although there is a long history

of this plague in other regions, the state

of J&K was immune to it up until now,

Iam afraid not any more. The seeds of

mutual hatred have been sown & they

seem to have sprouted in no time. That

is a dangerous precedent & if not

arrested it will take a heavy toll, as it

already has.

Of paramount importance is – What &

where the solution lies. For finding a

solution one has to reflect upon the

problems & to understand their genesis


I N F O C U S

FIRE 2008

Of paramount importance is –

What & where the solution lies.

For finding a solution one has to

reflect upon the problems & to

understand their genesis and

then aim at remedial measures.

Any treatment needs to cure the

disease and not just the

symptoms. In the past we have

all been crying about the

symptoms of the underlying

pathology.

Interview with

Prof Varinder GuptaPresident Jammu State Morcha, seeking trifurication of J&K

Kashmiri Muslim Does Not Tolerate Jammu Hindus, Muslims


I N F O C U S

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and then aim at remedial measures. Any

treatment needs to cure the disease and not

just the symptoms. In the past we have all been

crying about the symptoms of the underlying

pathology.

Any solution to the current fiasco should be

broad based. The civil society of both regions

needs to deliberate on a common ground.(And

that does not include those who started the fire

, namely vested political personalities ) .It may

seem difficult , but it is certainly not

impossible. The need of the hour is to insulate

people from the nefarious elements professing

religious hatred in Jammu. It is about time the

establishment cracked down upon "trident

brandishing miscreants" in that part of our

state.

Their role in promoting communal hatred is all

too obvious to ignore. It is also of vital

importance for the common masses in this part

of the state not to resort to actions like

destroying public property, or stoning vehicles

including ambulances . It is the duty of all of us

to prevent such elements from taking the

protests into their hands. They are in fact no

better than those forcing an economic blockade

upon us.

At the same time the high principles of public

dealing need to be strictly adhered to. The role of

the administrators & policing agencies is critical

in revival of any normalcy in the minds of people.

Any partisan or prejudiced individuals should be

purged away to restore the confidence of the

general public in the institutions. In this regard

the initiative of removing the chief of a

paramilitary force is a step in the right direction,

however more needs to be done to infuse

confidence into the minds of people.

The road ahead doesn't look too bright but Iam

reminded that " The darkest hour of the night

lies just before the dawn " . Praying for a new

dawn for all of us . . .

The ongoing agitation is perhaps the longest in Jammu region

in last 60 years. Contemporaries say even the Poonch agitation

or the Darbar Move agitation were not as widespread as the

present one is. The premise of agitation is little confusing. The

Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti –spearheading agitation

–says the agitation is about Hindu sentiments hurt by the

shrine land controversy. The constituent units, including your

party, claim that the movement is a protest against the

political and economic discrimination meted out with Jammu

region. How do you sum up?

The present agitation no doubt is religious one, but because the

issue of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board Land pertains to upholding

the secular traditions and ethos as enshrined in our constitution

every community of Jammu region thought to support and join

the movement. Further, the people of Jammu region have

suffered because of the communal, secessionist and anti- Jammu

policies of Kashmiri leaders and they have been discriminated

against in all spheres of life and treated as second class citizens,

irrespective of their religion and caste they found in the present

agitation an opportunity to express their resentment and anger.

The present agitation is thus an outburst of common man of

Jammu against the Kashmiri leaders, against their communal and

anti- Jammu politics and against the Kashmiri domination.

The SAYSS is engaged in a dialogue with an official panel of the

Governor to resolve the impasse. The dialogue agenda,

seeking to end the present agitation, does not carry any point

like regional discrimination. The Samiti leaders are on record

saying that the agitation shall be called off only when the land

withdrawal order is rescinded, land is restored to the Shrine

Board permanently, and the Governor NN Vohra is removed.

Does this address the discrimination issue?

desire to create a buffer between the the communal and fundamental Though the present agitation is expanding Russian empire and their elements to feed suspicion between the confined to the land issue, but it has Indian dominion. The nature has also regions and thus nourish communalism provided an opportunity to the people made these regions as three distinct and disaffection. At present all the of Jammu region to assert and give a geographical identities: Jammu region three regions feel alienated from each clear cut signal to the Kashmiri is separated from the Kashmir Valley by other and they are in reconciling leadership and to the Government of Peerpanjal Mountain whereas Kashmir situation.India that Jammu region should not be is separated from Ladakh by Korakaram taken for granted any further. If ranges of Zanskar Moutain. anything is done against the aspirations e) Jammu and Ladakh regions have

and interests of the people of Jammu been discriminated against by the region, they would vigorously and even b) All the three regions have different Kashmiri leaders in all the spheres. violently react and oppose such a move. political, linguistic, social and cultural Their aspirations have always been It is also an assertion that wishes of the perceptions. The interests, aspirations ignored. They have been dragged along people of Jammu region have to be and needs of these regions are by imposing the wishes of the people of ascertained before arriving at any conflicting and mutually exclusive. To Kashmir.solution of Jammu and Kashmir keep the regions under one state during imbroglio and they would no longer

f) So long Jammu region remains part of tolerate any dictates either from the

the present state it would not get valley or from the Government of India

justice. It would not get its due in this matter. The present agitation has

representation in the state legislature boosted the morale of the people of

in the Lok Sabha, in state civil Jammu region for their further fight

secretariat and in other Govt. services, against the Kashmiri domination and

in the matter of development and in the discrimination and to achieve justice

selections to the professional for themselves.

institution.

For almost 20 years you have been g) Jammu region is facing a great threat

running a movement for trifurcation to its identity because of the Kashmiri the dictatorial rule of a King may have of Jammu and Kashmir. You want domination and because of its been possible but it is not desirable to separate statehood for Jammu. What secessionist and communal agenda. not allow the people to progress and are the bases for this demand? There have been attempts to divide develop as per their interests and Jammu region on communal lines and aspirations in a democratic system.

The demand of trifurcation of Jammu disturb the atmosphere of religious

and Kashmir state is based on the tolerance and communal harmony by

c) The trifurcation of the state shall not following bases:the Pak agents and by the Kashmiri

only satisfy the aspirations of the leaders. If the region is separated from

people of three different regions, but a) The union of Jammu, Kashmir and the valley these threats would vanish.it shall also eliminate the role of religio- Ladakh is an unnatural wedlock. All the regional appeals in politics in this part three regions have their own distinct

h) Trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir of the country. identity and personality. The state of state shall also pave a way to resolve

Jammu and Kashmir came into being by Kashmir issue.

d) The union of Jammu, Ladakh and the treaty of Amritsar in March 1846.

Kashmir regions has become counter The integration of three regions was If we look at some ground realities, productive. The artificial union of these merely political and mainly motivated the discrimination story does not regions has provided opportunities to by the British Indian Government's


I N F O C U S

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To keep the regions under one state during the dictatorial rule of a King may have been possible but it is not desirable to not allow the people to progress and develop as per their interests and aspirations in a democratic system.

hold well. Per capita development assembly seats in favour of Kashmir separatist sentiment in Valley and

expenditure is basic criteria to province was four not two. In 2002 the pushed the situation to a level which

determine the balance or partiality Parliament only put the ceiling on the Pakistan could never do in last 60

in regional development. The number of seats in the state years. Then what good the Jammu

a v e ra g e a n n u a l p e r c a p i t a assemblies and decided not to leadership is doing to patriotism and

development expenditure in Jammu increase the number of seats till 2026. Indian nationalism?

and Kashmir is Rs 901. If looked at The NDA govt. did not exempted

the regional level it works out to Rs Jammu and Kashmir Government from It is wrong to say that Jammu does not 991.16 in Jammu region and Rs 767 the Delimitation Commission. It is the tolerate the Kashmiri Muslims. in Kashmir region. Therefore, Kashmiri leadership that always Number of Kashmiri Muslims including average per capital plan expenditure opposed any increase in the number of the Kashmiri leaders who have anti- in Jammu region is more than Rs 200 assembly seats for Jammu region. Of Jammu mindset migrated to Jammu in higher than what is allocated in the course, the Government of India is 1990. In spite of surcharged communal Valley. also responsible which always tries to atmosphere in Jammu because of

appease the Kashmir leadership and migration of Kashmir Pandits, Jammu did not allow the increase under the The f igure is fabricated and Dogras and Sikhs people of Jammu pressure from the Kashmir leadership. completely false. The figure does not region did not raise finger against

agree with the Government's own them.

statement about the expenditure

made in the 8th and 9th plan under the It is Muslim Kashmir that does not different heads. Let the concerned tolerate not only Jammu Hindu but authority who has supplied this also Jammu Muslim. Trifurcation of information comes out with details. the state would allow all the regions

to get their aspirations fulfilled and

Number of assembly constituencies have the Government of their choice,

and therefore the balance of free of pulls and pressures from the

political power are skewed in favour other respective regions. The

o f K a s h m i r Va l l e y. T h i s i s situation in Kashmir has always

u n d e r s t a n d a b l e . T h e l a s t remained vulnerable. It was worst in

delimitation was held in early 1990s 1990. Kashmir Valley witnessed mass An average leaders or activist in

when Jammu region got five more protests on Shri Amarnath Land row on Jammu always seeks pride in

assembly constituencies, Ladakh and after 22nd June, 2008. There was declaring himself as the most pure

and Kashmir got two each. That was no economic blockade; it was Kashmiri Indian patriot and nationalist. Look

held during the President's rule. leadership that made the false at from the international level,

Later in 2002, the then BJP led NDA propaganda about the economic India's position on Kashmir is always

government exempted J&K from the blockade that was flared up by the sensitive. Had it not been like this,

purv iew of the Del imitat ion media and even by the Government of Kashmir would not have been an

Commission headed by Justice India without ascertaining the facts. issue for 60 years. Demanding

Kuldeep Singh. Then is it the This was done to sabotage and curb trifurcation means sending across

Kashmiri leadership alone to be the present Jammu agitation. message that the Hindu majority

blamed for this imbalance or you can Government of India and the State Jammu does not tolerate the

think of some other factors also. government are responsible for the Kashmir Muslims. And then look at

present situation in the valley. They the present agitation. There were

did not tackle it properly and allowed The last delimitation was done in 1996 the talks like economic blockade it to take the present shape.and not in 1990. The increase in the which has conso l idated the


I N F O C U S

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In 2002 the Parliament only put the ceiling on the number of seats in the state assemblies and decided not to increase the number of seats till 2026. The NDA govt. did not exempted Jammu and Kashmir Government from the Delimitation Commission.

Atemperature of air in the valley rose up that has been used by yatris for more bungled state order was used to the degree which blew masses to the than 200 years before the formation of as a bow to shoot out cautions, historical Lal chowk including every Shrine Board the whole picturesque t h r e a t s , b l a m e s & small or big street of the valley. Oceans town of Pahalgam used to look like indictments. The order was to of humanity in a single tone incessantly Shivlok & all Kashmiris used to cherish it administer the expediency of Amarnath demanding for the cancellation of without any problem. No one ever yatris by transferring the right to use of botchy transfer order of land. A grave complained of pollution of any sort or 800 kanals of forest land temporarily to mockery bewildered a common degree, nobody used to reproach that Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. It spoke for Kashmiri who got blinded by the wheeze the peaceful affair of 40 to 50 days of momentary diversion of right from state to see that same land & even more than pilgrimage can turn Chandanwari or to the board which got over estimated

by sham as well as the real

separatists who could not

stop themselves from

advising to all stake holders

in Kashmi r ' s eco logy,

environment, identity and

culture that Kashmir is going

to be exploited and Israel

type colonies of Hindus are

being set up at Baltal. The

s y n c h r o n i z i n g

misinformation move was

adhered by each and every

pitched voice of Kashmir. All

protuberant antagonists and

even supporting partners of

state government; restive to

rebuke and make an issue

out of no issue for securing

pro-party slogans. The

culpability game served as a

thermal plant by which the

The high velocity driftage that turned a soft snowball into a deadly avalanche is the gift of our adored mis -leaders whose

actions exhibit nothing less than radicalism. The state which has been in cringing position for last two decades was again

clinched in a confused motion. The course of normalization been put into a topsy-turvy standing by creating a havoc. The

tumultuous disorder was been provoked for the formation of a vote maze in which the makers themselves got stuck. The

labyrinth which was made to grab ballots at the cost of bullets in the intricate streets of the valley was thought to carry some

people to power but it just led things to the perplexity.

Our Mis-Leaders, 39 Hectares Of Land And Seesaw Of Faith

Suninder Kaur


FIRE 2008

I N F O C U S

Sonamarg into a Hindu terrain. This year exhibited by restraining media & because no such uproar is justifiable

when the toll of devotees was ever bringing sms services at halt. The for few trucks of Hazaratbali the only

highest, the serene Chinars were again opinionated arrogant actions were kind of apples ripened in the month of

made to hear vociferous cries of wailing pertinent by imposition of indefinite August in Kashmir. This bizarre and

valley. The huffy state of things curfews, disrespecting a dead body, uncanny tact ic was used for

encompassed angles of communalism & putting the rituals at stake; assaulting blackmailing and menacing Delhi as it

hemmed in several attacks on yatris. journalists furthermore exhilarated has been the strongest weapon of

the young hot blood for a stiff claim of separatists.

nothing less than land. The utilitarian The influence of exigent demand being approach been adopted by Jammu. very impel l ing persuaded the The whole hullabaloo got the blood of Notwithstanding the economic losses government to revoke the transfer of dozens of people spilled over for the

land order creating one side of pseudo attacks on some body's

t h e d e l i c a t e s w i n g i n g faith and other's identity

oscillator down The state again inculcating zilch. Now it is

on the edge of emotional high time to stop this haywire

division for the rescinded outré. It is a matter so

order was been felt as a squall delicate that if one side is up

at faith & credence of the other side is ruined unlike

Jammuites. People along one a traditional seesaw. A sea

side of Pirpanchal jubilant at void created by this outlandish

the cost of resentment of grotesque needs to be filled.

those on the other side who

turned indignant at the unjust A soothing sound is to be motion. People of entire echoed across the whole state Jammu region again felt the which is to be produced by a precedential step-motherly huge clap in which one hand is t reatment by a cogent to be of a Jammuite & other of demonstration of playing with a Kashmiri. Only such music belief. The apoplectic feelings can bring back peace and rest of hundreds of crores in industrial got stimulated to a mass movement, in this geologically, linguistically sphere, education being at a the ire of which even turned down the diversified state. The loathsome standstill, common man facing the republican scenario of the state. The degeneracy can be ceased only by scarcity of basic amenities---naught a irresistible wrath & unstoppable means of the anticipation of common hurdle in the fissionable fashioned impulse could not stop the youth from masses when they will firmly start movement. Again a heed was given in crossing rivers, destroying property, believing that this kind of vileness can the Valley of whimsical economic assailing security forces defying their drag the state to the noxious and misty blockade, there being none at ground rage. Such persons invite openly to be spells of darkness. All this is possible level. The volumed, fallacious dubbed as communal fanatics& when people across both sides of recognizable voices trying to beat zealots.+ Jawahar Tunnel will start realizing against the bushes by describing the

that they are merely being used like people of Jammu to be monomaniac

The role of administrative agencies the pieces on the checkered board inhibitants of two and a half tyrannical

proved to be demonic which aired the with the object to checkmate the districts. The fruit season in Kashmir

curb of basic democratic rights viz of opponent king. Such piqued usually starts in mid September but

speech & expression, right to know, depravities need to be comprehended the traders on the prick force got

right to move. Except for this the rationally and a serious thought to be spurred for bullying to move to PoK.

autocratic tendencies were been given to this;The plea taken was obnoxiously false

I N F O C U S

FIRE 2008

Yeh saazishen dishaon ki yeh sazishen hawaaon ki,

Lahu luhan ho gayi zameen yeh devtaaon ki,

Na shankh ki sadayen hain na ab sadaa azaan ki,

Nazar meri zameen ko lagi hai aasmaan ki,

Hai darbadar ye log kyon jale hain kyon makaan.

Yeh kis ne aag daal di hai naram naram ghaas par,

Likha hua zindagi yahan har ek laash par,

Yeh takhat ki ladaai hai, yeh kursiyon ki jung hai,

Yeh begunah khoon bhi siyaston ka rang hai,

lakir khinch di gayi dilon ke darmiyan.


Tnotes veteran political commentator chalk-and-cheese ideologies and he state which had stood the Balraj Puri, reminding that now "neither political affiliations, they have all harsh tests of time, remaining politicians nor administration can assembled under same umbrella unaffected by the mad control it. It has become a popular currently, to show their solidarity with communal frenzy even during upsurge". (Mail today, 9/8/08). Puri people. Never mind their petty political Partition days has ultimately fallen into puts the blame squarely on saffron gains, brazen vote-bank politics, the vicious trap of vested interests, who brigade for triggering this gory obviously with eye on the upcoming have always been hell-bent on cauldron. Now as the ground reality Assembly polls in state.tarnishing our rich social and cultural suggests, it has snowballed into a full-fabric and out to disintegrate state on blown communal war between two sectarian lines. Regrettably their But amidst this entire din, no one warring sister provinces and more iniquitous and wicked designs managed bothers to reason out whose pride is importantly between two communities. to hit the arrow bang on this time. Such actually at stake, and who stands to It is assuming alarming proportions a long-standing and bloody impasse has gain from this whirlpool of brutality and with each passing day. been unprecedented in the long anarchy. To crack this "Da Vinci code",

chequered history of Kashmir, eclipsing lets trace the sequence of events that

even the bigger legendary Hazratbal It's no more about Congress versus BJP led us to this impasse.

controversy of bygone period, turf wars or BJP vs. Kashmiri regional

aftermath of Maqbool Bhat's execution parties; its more about Jammu vs. Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) was in 80's and outbreak of secessionist Kashmir face-off across political and constituted on Feb 21, 2001 by J&K movement in early 90's. Precious lives communal spectrum. Many slender lines govt, for the smooth conduct of have been lost, and incalculable have got blurred, as prides are at stake. Amarnath yatra. It carried out its task collateral damage reported. More Many Congress and NC leaders from admirably, without any fuss for many significantly, the notions of communal Jammu are openly throwing their years. Then after a long while, all of a harmony, inter-religious tolerance, weight behind saffron forces like BJP, sudden, a novel bug struck then brotherhood, and peace have failed the RSS, VHP etc, even if that means Governor S K Sinha (also chairman of litmus test, and stand shaken. 'Jam- flouting the party lines and annoying SASB). Earlier he asked for extension in Kash' unity has suffered a brutal blow, high commands in 10 Janpath and Nawai yatra duration, which was granted. almost beyond repair. And, pitiably Subh complex respectively. Then he wanted huge mass of Govt land enough, we gave in so cheaply to the for construction of facilities for yatris. impious designs of our enemies and Similarly in Kashmir, politicians from This time he got it terribly wrong. But, enemies of our state. mainstream arena are rather he was adamant on getting the deal

audaciously humming the separatist inked IN SASB's favor. So after constant

Who actually pulled the trigger to this tunes, and pledging support to their p e r s u a s i o n b y S A S B , b a c k e d

mess? "It was started by Sangh parivar," every move. Notwithstanding their enthusiastically by Sangh brigade, state

Jam-Kash Showdown

Clash Of Vested Interests

S Zafar Mehdi Safvi


FIRE 2008

I N F O C U S

The horrible fears have after all come true. Alas! MK Gandhi's "glimmer of hope" was not to last any longer. It's

Jammu versus Kashmir no-holds-barred showdown. Regional and religious sentiments, coupled with parochial and

chauvinistic interests rule the roast currently, while the grand old edifice of Kashmiriyat has been reduced to

rubble. The superior concepts of secularism, communal amity and brotherhood have been nipped into the bud.

govt had permitted SASB use of play. However their actual argument both water and land" (E&PW, 26 July

forestland on May 29, 05. Not by a sheer merits serious consideration. 08).

co-incidence, Shrine Board's CEO was

Governor's personal secretary, and Amarnath Yatra has never faced any Hurriyat leaders in the meantime Forest Deptt's principal Secretary was threat from any section of Kashmiri managed to mobilize the tremendous CEO's wife. CEO's wife in capacity of society, nor from militants. In fact support of Kashmiris, and thus a mini-being Principal Secretary of forest Kashmiri Muslims have stood by Hindu revolution kicked off in valley against department had granted permission to Yatris through thick and thin for "land-grabbing" by govt. It was a kind of SASB on May 29, 05 to use forestland for decades. So yatra isn't the cause of strand that pulled together farmers, pilgrimage. But as eminent civil rights worry, but granting huge chunks of land laborers, students, lawyers, activists, activist Gautam Navlakha notes," It was and paving way for more environmental businessmen, employees, and you name not in accordance with provision of J&K hazards cer ta in ly i s . As any it. Violence erupted soon after, leading Forest Conservation Act 97, so state environmentalist or ecologist would to deaths unarmed protestors. As valley govt later withdrew the order" approve, it poses grave challenges to was already on boil, Jammu began its (Economic and Political weekly, July 26, the ecology of the area, which is the tryst with counter-stir. Azad Govt, 08). Later SASB moved the court and caught in catch-22, finally decided to Division bench of High Court stayed the revoke the deal in favor of voices in withdrawal. In between, Governor Kashmir. But not before, its ally PDP Sinha, also then chairman of SASB shot already sealed his Govt's fate. Hopping the letter to deputy CM Muzaffar Beigh, mad by the Volta-facie of govt on land-seeking 400 acres land for Amarnath transfer deal, saffron forces in Jammu Development Authority. On June 03, resorted to extreme steps—blocking the Govt eventually but hastily transferred Srinagar-Jammu highway, and cutting 100 acres land to SASB. Even though the essential supplies to valley. With Beigh later publicly admitted to have economic blockade, they virtually been "blackmailed" into giving his declared war against Kashmir. Situation approval. (Indian Express, July 16,08). took ugly turn in Jammu when one of

the agitators committed suicide, out of

Then, on June 17, Governor's notorious desperation. Jummuites went berserk

Principal Secretary and SASB CEO kicked thereafter, attacking local Muslims and

up a storm by declaring land "diversion" Kashmiri truck drivers at will, besides

as "permanent". It drew scathing razing down Mosques and other Muslim

criticism from all quarters. More structures. Police virtually gave them

importantly it brought the two free hand to commit grave communal

estranged Hurriyat factions together, crimes. RSS's Tilak Raj Sharma, who route to some top tourist destinations. and they found the time apt to bury spearheads Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti As Naulakha stresses, " Environmental their hatchet and leave all differences called it a "do-or-die agitation", whose damage caused is enormous. Yatris aside for the cause of motherland. final outcome would be "trifurcation of defecate on the banks of Lidder River They constituted a joint coordination s t a t e i n t o n e a t c o m m u n a l and throw tones of non-degradable committee and vowed to fight tooth and compartments of Hindu Jammu, Muslim items like polythene, plastic bags, into nail against what they termed "land- Kashmir, and Buddhist Ladakh" (Mail the river, resulting in deteriorating grabbing" by Govt. They launched a stir Today, Aug 09, 08). At centre, Hindutva quality of water". He also points to the across valley with main thrust on the veterans resorted to their customary threat it poses to local inhabitation environmental impact that the vitriolic and venomous campaign there, "Also, threat to local inhabitants controversial land-transfer deal would against Muslims. LK Advani gave a green from crowding of ecological fragile area have. Soon, as tempers ran hot and signal to saffron cadres at a rally in where they have to compete to retain high, pent-up sentiments came into capital, exhorting them to launch an their access and rights to resources,


I N F O C U S

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Then, on June 17, Governor's notorious Principal Secretary and SASB CEO kicked up a storm by declaring land "diversion" as "permanent". It drew scathing criticism from all quarters. More importantly it brought the two estranged Hurriyat factions together, and they found the time apt to bury their hatchet and leave all differences aside for the cause of motherland.

agitation against "anti-Hindu" mindset Now as the situation prevails on ground, Rahim Rather have been vocal about

of UPA govt. He asked them to gear up it looks due for a long haul. Deep party's stand. But their maverick patron

for "do-or-die agitation" and support the religious fault lines have developed, Senior Abdullah had ruffled many a

"courageous" people of Jammu. sectarian split has widened and the feathers when he demanded return of

virus of regionalism has spread its land to SASB, although soon following it

tentacles all across. Every politically up with a corrigendum. Omar Terming the wanton communal correct actor has determinedly tried to meanwhile has stepped up the tempo, carnage in Jammu by saffron fanatics cash in on this crisis to reap petty threatening to resign from Parliament in as act of "courage", it didn't even political dividends ahead of Assembly case violence against Kashmiris doesn't provoke so-called civil rights activists polls. In Kashmir, PDP has been a vocal end. The same person who declared in capital to give him a mouth-ful. And, cheerleader for anti-deal lobby himself in an emotional outburst to be a coming from a prime-ministerial represented by Hurriyat. But, its also proud Indian in parliament not too long contender, it says a lot about the pertinent to note that it was PDP leader ago is today questioning the claim of hyped-about plank of secularism in

New Delhi that Kashmir is India's "atoot this largest democracy. ang". Customary Double-speak this!

Things spiraled out of joint when Congress finds itself in a precarious separatists after getting an unlikely situation. It is the chief protagonist in suppo r te r i n PDP ca l l ed f o r this reality-show. Siding with Jammu "Muzaffarbad march" to protest against people at this juncture would mean economic blockade by Hindutva annoying the Kashmiri vote-bank (if fanatics. Scores of protestors were there is still any!), and standing by killed, including a senior Hurriyar Kashmiris would be aka inviting wrath of leader Sheikh Aziz, when police and Jammu voters (The traditional bastion paramilitary troops resorted to of Congress). So Azad and company have indiscriminate fire on protestors. But decided to refrain from swimming in People defied curfew call and braved all troubled waters.odds to turn up for the march.

Separatists from Mirwaiz to Sajjad Lone

vehemently denounced the economic Separatists meanwhile have made

blockade of valley by Saffron forces in maximum out of this stalemate. They

Jammu, terming it an "act of war". have shot back into limelight and struck

Social and trade organizations and emot iona l chord w i th hyper -

student unions like JKCCS, CCIK, sentimental Kashmiris. Leading the and then Forest minister Qazi Afzal, KHAROF, Trade Union Centre, KU charge from front in these trying times, who had given thumbs up to the land-Students, and Kashmir Pandit Sangarsh they have rightfully emerged as transfer deal, and that would not have Samiti fully backed the "Muzaffarabad torchbearers of the movement. It has been possible without the blessings of chalo" call by Separatists. Though also refreshed the memories of early Big Boss Mufti. Besides him, other politicians at Centre called the 90's, when young boys would daringly signatory was senior PDP leader economic blockade as 'myth", it didn't pour out on streets in defiance of Muzaffar Beigh, then Azad's deputy. mask the truth, which eventually made draconian norms. More importantly the Beigh says he was 'blackmailed", while its way into international community. It present cauldron has managed to break party boss Mehbooba goes a step further was apparent with New York Times the ice in separatist camp, with two saying, his ministers "misled the party" running a headline " deadly force used estranged factions calling peace with on the details of deal. Cheap talk this! to halt march in Kashmir" on Aug 12. each other. Azadi chants are again National conference may have played Other widely read foreign papers like reverberating in air, international second fiddle role in this anti-deal Guardian, Washington Post; L A Times spotlight is back on Kashmir, popular rhetoric but its leaders Omar Abdullah, followed the suit. support in valley has swung back in


I N F O C U S

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Things spiraled out of joint when separatists after getting an unlikely supporter in PDP called for "Muzaffarbad march" to protest against economic blockade by Hindutva fanatics. Scores of protestors were killed, including a senior Hurriyar leader Sheikh Aziz, when police and paramilitary troops resorted to indiscriminate fire on protestors. But People defied curfew call and braved all odds to turn up for the march.

favor of separatists. Mirwaiz faction president Sanjay Tickoo maintains, l an d, an d re m ov al of ar my fr om J ammu

seems to have made peace with militant "Amarnath Yatra is being used as a tool which didn't find favor with delegation

outfits, Geelani though has emerged as by some elements in Jammu to fulfill members. As of now, return to normalcy

an unlikely hero, and Yasin Malik has their own interests". That merits a looks a distant dream. With no solution

again shown by example why he is serious thought. in sight, and no camp willing to budge

different from rest of the flock. Lastly even an inch from their stands, the

Shaheed Sheikh Aziz has given fresh crisis is due for a long haul. Hope the Centre meanwhile has gone pitifully fillip to the freedom movement, and better sense prevails. Because, while bang in hammering out a solution to this further strengthened the resolve of politicians only stand to gain from this crisis. Govt's trouble-shooters are those who fight for it. bloody cauldron, it's the pride and cooling their heels elsewhere. Govt had

honor of state and its people that is at dispatched Art of Living guru Sri Sri Ravi stake. God save my troubled landIn Jammu too, politicians of all hues Shankar as peace emissary, to discuss a

across party lines have vowed their

support to pro-transfer deal agitation, Author studies at Jamia Milia Islamia

spearheaded by Saffron brigade. These University, New Delhi. Feedback at

include prominent leaders from [email protected].

Congress, Panthers Party and N.C. But

the potent force remains Saffron lobby

represented by BJP, RSS, VHP, Bajranj

Dal, et al. They have cashed in on this

crisis to regain the lost ground in

Jammu, and wipe away Congress from

the region ahead of Assembly polls.

They have unleashed a reign of terror on

Muslims there and resorted to grave

crimes, which is not unlikely of them.

Double standards have again been at

play. While in Kashmir protestors were

beaten with disdain for breaking the

orders, and fired on indiscriminately,

and even faced raids at nights (in

Downtown areas); while in Jammu,

agitators were literally given free hand way out of the current crisis with

to indulge in mindless violence. Hence Hurriyat hawk SAS Geelani. But he went

little wonder, just 2 were killed in back dejected, as expectedly. Arya

Jammu in 20 days of chakka protests, Samaj leader Swami Agvinesh also came

while the toll has crossed 30 in valley in calling on the septuagenarian leader,

just a week. In valley not even a single and hailed Hurriyat as " sole

case of attack on local Hindus and representative body" of Kashmiris. That

pandits has come to fore, while in must have created flutters in New

Jammu, local Muslims have gone Delhi. All part delegation from center

through hell in last few weeks, forcing headed by Home Minister Shivraj Patil

them to migrate to safe places outside spent two grueling days trying to

the region. These hindutva fanatics hammer out a solution but in vain. It's

have played havoc with the rich cultural reported that Sangarsh Samiti's

and communal fabric of our state. As demands-3r formula led to failed talks…

Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti removal of governor, transfer of Baltal


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Separatists meanwhile have made maximum out of this stalemate. They have shot back into limelight and struck emotional chord with hyper-sentimental Kashmiris. Leading the charge from front in these trying times, they have rightfully emerged as torchbearers of the movement. It has also refreshed the memories of early 90's, when young boys would daringly pour out on streets in defiance of draconian norms.

@01912493136

One of the dimensions of last five thousand years of its history has to Rawalpindi to meet the railroad

Kashmir issue has been the remained at the crossroads of crossing within the Punjab. Before

fact of the Kashmir being civilizational interface and a meeting partition this road carried the larger

pushed to a status of point of Chinese, Central Asian, Indian part of the state's traffic in men and secluded periphery by the 1947 political and Persian civilizations, cultures and material. Most of the tourist flow to the development. The division of Indian economies. In addition to its links with state came from this route. sub-continent, de facto division of North and more particularly North Jammu and Kashmir and the placement Western Indian sub-continent, it has Thus the 1947 developments pushed of its two parts under the actual control had close trade and cultural relations Kashmir center to a sort of isolation and of two different and hostile states, and with places in the present day China, seclusion. The division of Indian sub-the resultant hardening of borders, Tibet, a number of cities in Central Asia, continent and de facto division of pushed the valley of Kashmir and its

Afghanistan, Iran and via silk road even Jammu and Kashmir and the placement surrounding regions to a number of to Europe. of its two parts under the actual control social, psychological, political and

of two different and hostile states, and economic disadvantages. During 1947-Traditionally Kashmir remained the resultant hardening of borders 48 the Jammu and Kashmir got divided connected to these places at different reinforced by hate and conflict, pushed between what is known as Indian and points through routes passing Ladakh- the valley to a number of social, Pakistani controlled Kashmir. After 1962 Tibet; Ladakh-Xinjiang (Eastern-Chinese aggression the former princely psychological, political and economic Turkistan); Kargil-Skardu-Gilgit and state of Jammu and Kashmir is disadvantages. Almost all of its major beyond; Bandipora-Gurez-Chilas-Gilgit; practically divided into three parts. Out connecting points were blocked and Srinagar-Muzaffarabad-Rawalpindi of the total of 222,236 sq. km of what Jammu and Kashmir became dependent connecting to road and rail networks in used to be Jammu and Kashmir till 1947, on a highway that had never been different directions within British India; Pakistan holds 78,114 sq. km i.e. about considered reliable in comparison to Punch-Rawalakot and beyond into 35 percent of the territory. China with

roads and connections that historically 42,735 sq. km holds about 20 percent of Punjab from different directions. Most

connected Jammu and Kashmir with the territory. Not many people know of these routes moving to North would

rest of the world. This seclusion had a that what is shown as Indian territory in link the state to areas that are known

lot of emotional and psychological maps is not what India actually holds. today, Afghanistan, Central Asian

implications for the people of Kashmir, India controls only 101,383 sq. km i.e. States, Xinjiang province of China,

the families divided on two sides of the only about 45 percent of the total Tibet and through linkage on silk route Line of Control (LoC) was in itself a territory indicated on the Indian maps. to more countries. Most of these routes human tragedy. These developments not only did including the two surfaced roads and

separate different parts of the state one railroad connected with the from the surrounding countries but This has been the one the greatest transportation network of the State to different regions within the state and disadvantages that Kashmir has areas that went to Pakistan. The even on each side of the Line of Control suffered because of its post 1947 Muzaffarabad, the only all-weathered were cut off from one another. political placement. This disadvantage road in preparation Kashmir, ran west

has also been shared by its surrounding from Srinagar along the Jhelum valley regions like Kargil and Leh and Poonch- It needs to be noted that Kashmir for through the Baramulla pass, and south

Reconnecting Kashmir :

Need For Reopening Traditional Routes


Prof Noor Ahmed Baba

FIRE 2008

I N F O C U S

Rajouri which continue to suffer the rainy season. Recent threat of its and the handicraft sector in the state.

communication disadvantage. The blockade in Jammu has exposed its For fruit growers time and freight cost

partition and the de facto division of the other risks for the Valley. Compared to of the supply to markets will be

state secluded the state, regions within Muzaffarabad road it is less secure and considerably reduced. For, example for

the state and even regions within each also lengthier to carry goods to centers apple growers at Sopore distance to

side of the LoC. For example Punch city of trade. Even though it is not generally Delhi is more than a thousand

prior to 1947 was on about five hours realized, this fact has socially and kilometers and truck load of apple on an

run from the Srinagar via Rawalakot and economically marginalized the people average takes three days to cover

Uri. But because of the LoC road travel of the Kashmir valley. Because of this distance to Delhi. Compared to this

distance between Punch and Srinagar fact people of Kashmir have always Sopore to Rawalpindi is only 250 km and

has become practically a minimum of remained nostalgic about the can be covered in about six to seven

two day run. Muzaffarabad road. That is why its hours time. Compared to Bombay-Port,

reopening has figured as important CBM where the Kashmiri traders presently

on Kashmir in different official and take the goods, the Karachi port is The disadvantages of political nonofficial meetings between India and about 1200 Km nearer to Kashmir. As uncertainty and impact of on-going Pakistan. It is in this context opening of against the distance of 3000 kilometers conflict on the place created its own bus service on the route on April 2003 between Bombay and Srinagar, Karachi predicaments and problems of serious made a sense. It was expected to is only 1800 kilometers away from the nature for the people of Kashmir. The gradually lead to conversion of this road valley. Karachi in turn is nearer to fact to be noted is that about 82 % J&K to a full-fledged trade route giving marketing places in the Gulf and borders are with China, Pakistan and Kashmir traders an additional option. Europe. Afghanistan and only about 18 % of

these touches the Indian main land.

Much of this narrow stripe touches with One expected that in the context of Hence allowing the trade through

mountainous Himalayan barriers in the changing character of Indo-Pak Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route will make

Himachal with no possible motor-able relations, the process is taken further Kashmiri goods more competitive in the

link to Kashmir. Out of this connecting and this route known also as Jhelum i n te rna t i ona l ma rke t . I nd i an

strip, in terms of topography, only about Valley Road becomes functional for government has been trying to link the

its 2% touching Punjab at Akhnoor has frequent travel of people and free flow northeast to Southeast Asia to remove

been worthy of developing a road or rail of goods across, removing the its seclusion. Government of India has in

connectivity to Jammu part of the psychological barriers between two principle agreed to open this route as

state. This point referred to Chicken divided parts. It is this development well. There has been understanding

Neck surrounded by Pakistan has that is going to have tremendous with Pakistan on the issue. It needs to

remained a vulnerable point of defense positive impact on the economy of the be expedited. Traveling should be

for India. people as this route has tremendous simplifies and frequent. Mechanism for

e conomic advan tage f o r t he full-fledged trade initiated with no

transportation of goods and services to further delay. Significantly even the The national highway, 1A, which links the outside world, because of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has the Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of relative advantages of security, hinted at opening of more roads and India passes through this stripe. distance and smoothness. extending them from travel of people to Connecting the valley of Kashmir

vibrant trade activity across even to through Jammu has also remained and is central Asia. Therefore, the reopening likely to continue to be a problem. With Unlike the existing unreliable and fair need to include Punch-Rawalakot all the improvement this highway weather road joining Kashmir with India routes as well as other links that between Jammu and Srinagar still works via Banihal, "Srinagar-Muzaffarabad traditionally connected different only as fair weather road creating lot of road is considered to be safer, shorter regions of Greater Kashmir with the rest inconveniences for people of Kashmir and more stable. This route will of the world. particularly during winter months and particularly be helpful to fruit growers


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I N F O C U S

Tcrossed the Rs 5000 crore mark this of Kashmir estimated at over Rs 2500 he business in Jammu and financial year. Jammu and Kashmir, crore annually is in a serious jeopardy Kashmir suffers whopping loss otherwise, was poised to attract fresh following the enforced economic of over Rs 1500 crore, investments volume of Rs 28000 crore blockade. "There's no alternative other Associated Chambers of by 2012, including export orders of than Jhelum Valley Road," former Commerce and Industry of India around Rs 13000 crore. ASSOCHAM said President Kashmir Fruit Growers (ASSOCHAM), highest body of the this would have created 2.5 million Association, Imtiyaz Ahmad said.Chambers of Commerce of India, said on jobs.Aug 13. However, the Valley business

President Kashmir Chamber of chamber and industrialist believe that Fruit Industry: Commerce and Industries, Dr Mubeen the losses reported by the ASSOCHAM

Shah, said, "It is our right to seek are on much lower side.Horticulture, one of the major markets for our produce and nobody contributing sectors to the state's gross should have any objection for it," he On the contrary to ASSOCHAM report, domestic product (GDP), has badly been said.according to the estimates by the two affected by the enforced economic apex business bodies of Valley, Kashmir blockade forcing the fruit growers and "In view of the shortage of drugs, Chamber of Commerce and Industry traders to look for the Jhelum Valley essential commodities and mounting (KCCI) and Federation Chamber of road option to Muzaffarabad (other side losses to the business community in Industr ies Kashmir (FCIK) the of LoC). President, Federation Chamber general and apple growers in particular, cumulative losses to the Kashmir is over of Industries Kashmir, Shakeel Qalander we demand that government should Rs 2500 crore due to the continuing said that the fruit industry has suffered think of alternative arrangements of protests. a loss of over Rs 400 crore. According to transportation of goods through

him the production of fruit in this Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road," said Dr "If the agitation goes on, the economy of season is over 20 per cent of total Mubeen shah. Earlier, the traders, the state will suffer major jolt as people produce in the Valley. "Till date we business chambers, industrialists, who had lined up over Rs 5000 crore would have disposed of not more than political and religious organizations of worth of investment for fiscal 2008-09 Rs 100 crore of the fruit through local Kashmir let by the two jointly given a will depart to the neighboring states of and other means," he said. call for "Muzaffarabad Chalo" to counter Punjab, Haryana and Himachal

the blockade.Pradesh", ASSOCHAM said. The blockade has stopped fruit growers

to export their produce to outside Tourism Industry:As per its estimates, the state witnessed Valley. "This used to be the peak time for increase in investment proposals from

The hoteliers, travel agents and other exports of fruits to outside," said around $200 million in 2001 to more allied traders associated with tourism president New Kashmir Fruit Association, than $2.3 billion in 2007, a 10-fold have suffered enormous losses due to Bashir Ahmad Bashir. The fruit industry increase. This investment would have

The Valley has suffered a whopping cumulative loss of over Rs 2500 crore in the ongoing protests. The protests started over

the 100 acres of land transfer to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), which ended up in the 300 Kms Srinagar-Jammu

highway blockade -only operational road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of India- for over three weeks. Although the

whole issue is purely political in nature but it has adverse affects on the already distressed political economy of the Jammu

and Kashmir. The economic blockade has not only affected the business of J&K but to certain extent has affected other

states exporting goods here and multinational companies as well.

After 2500 Cr Loss,

Eyes On Jhelum Valley Road

Bilal Hussain


FIRE 2008

I N F O C U S

the continuing protests. It is a stand still position in the Valley produce and should consume them in

and as a result the tourists are forced to bulk," he adds.The oldest and famous travel agency of remain in their hotels, Nasir adds.the state, Shiraz Travels, Director, Nazir Manufacturing Industry:

A Bakshi said that in the first half of this The hoteliers blame government for The business volume of the raw material year we have around 4 lakh tourist losses they suffer from the ongoing based industries in the Valley on present in the Valley. "The losses to the protests. "This year we had got bookings monthly basis is over Rs 1500 crore. "On tourism industry in totality would be for full hotel rooms for three months in an average the manufacturing industry around Rs 700 cr in the two month of advance. But the government's decision has daily volume of over Rs 50 crore," unrest," he said. of land transfer has financially dented Qalander adds. The gross profit loss to us," said an hotelier.

According to him there very few the sector is over Rs 300 crore, during

cancellation but large cancellation are The tourist mainly foreigners have the same period.

expected within days, tourist have cancelled their trip to the Valley on the Agriculture and service sector:started making queries. “This is the wake of the turbulent condition in

total failure and ignorance on part of Kashmir. "I had booking for tourists from The losses in the agriculture sector the government. In good early days Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. But all would be around Rs 100 crore, an agri-these kinds of situations used to take of them have cancelled their booking economist. Likewise the losses to place but government used to reassure and I have suffered huge losses due to service sector excluding the tourism tourist, hoteliers and travel agencies, their cancellation," said an owner of a industry would be over Rs 200 crores, it which has not happened till date," he local travel agency.includes Information technology sector said. in the Valley, said a software engineer Handicraft sector:Audil Hussain.Government should come out with dos

President, Kashmir Chamber of and don't for the tourist, agencies, Print Industry:Commerce and Industry said that the hoteliers and other's associated with

business fraternity has suffered huge the tourism industry, he said.The print industry of Kashmir is under losses over the ongoing protests over threat due to the continuing blockade of While sighing a relief Bakshi said that the economic blockade to the Valley. Srinagar-Jammu highway. The industry luckily none of the tourist has been "The loss suffered by the business would manages an annual turnover of Rs 200 harmed till now. We are great full to be much higher than stated by the crores in the Valley alone.people for their corporations, he adds. ASSOCHAM," he said. "The handicraft

industry including carpets would have The economic blockade has affected Chairman Travel Agents Association of suffered a loss of over Rs 300 crore. "over 350 printing units, employing India, TAAI, (Kashmir chapter) Nasir thousands of youths. President, Kashmir Shah said that lots of cancellation have Trader's loss:Printers Association, Mukhoor Gowhar, already started from the general tourist said that the highway blockade has The annual volume of trade in the Valley and few of them have postponed their affected the printers' business the is over Rs 30000 crores, said Qalander. visits. Those who are present here are most. "We have monthly trade volume of Rs leaving before their scheduled

2500 cr in the Kashmir." The 20 per cent departures."The printing industry is basic for all of the business volume make a gross other sectors," he said. Local Government's indifferent attitude has profit loss of over would be Rs 500 crore newspapers too are running short of suffered the tourism industry in the for a month, which according to him is a newsprint. Some newspapers have Valley. loss to local traders suffered due to stopped printing and most have reduced continuing protests. the number of pages to ensure In my 30 years of career in travel continuity. business, I have first time seen world Chairman, Kashmir Traders Federation

famous Dal Lake locked up. There were Jan Muhammad Koul said the Valley On an average 8 trucks of paper arrive in not even one single joy ride in the Dal imports food items worth over Rs 30000 the Valley daily. According to Gowhar, Lake," he said. annually. "We must focus on native


I N F O C U S

FIRE 2008

government hospitals require huge Traders and businessmen have jointly an emergency meeting of Valley

printing supplies in the form of OPD called for vetoing brought in items and industrialists under the chairmanship of

tickets and other forms. "Till date we encourage consumption of apple and G M Bhat, President Industrial

have managed to supply tickets and other indigenous food items locally. Entrepreneurs Association, which was

forms to hospitals without any break but held in the industrial estate Zukara to The economic blockade has affected now we are running short of supplies," discuss the effects of the said blockade the fruit industry in the Valley. The he adds. on the industry and people of Kashmir. blockade has strained the growers, fruit “It was resolved that we would

Other industrialists associated with the traders, business persons and others to completely boycott the outside state trade say the paper industry is of utmost consider other viable solutions to products," Bhat adds.importance and government should sustain the fruit industry of the state.

ensure supply to printers. The price hike "Locals should consume more apples Formation of Kashmir Economic

of over 15 per cent in paper industry has and other indigenous fruits grown in the Front:

already affected their business in the Valley. This would ensure the market for Recently the business community of Valley. "We were still struggling to the fruits locally and would minimize Kashmir Valley has jointly formed a co-manage after recent price hike and now the dependence of fruit industry ordination committee, Kashmir the economic blockade has dented us outside the state," said Imtiyaz.Economic Front, to look into the financially," said an industrialist.

Former President Kashmir Valley Apple economic aspects of the valley arising

According to Gowhar, the government Growers and Dealers Association, out of the economic blockade.

departments have started cancellation Ghulam Mustafa said, "It is high time to Representatives of Kashmir Hotel and

of orders to the local printers. open all possible routes connecting Restaurant association, Kashmir traders

"Government in these tough times Valley to outside world." and manufacturers federation,

should stand by us. Instead they are Houseboat owners association, Kashmir Most of the people in the Valley were of threatening us by cancellation notices," transporters federation, Kashmir flour the opinion that the public should use he said. The association said the mills association, and many other have apples instead of chips, and soft drinks government departments are planning jointly formed the front. On Saturday in the marriages, get-togethers and to outsource the work to outsiders. the front has decided to march towards o ther funct ions and par t ie s . "Outsourcing would mean huge loss to Muzaffarabad on 11th August 2008, to Consumption of apples locally apart the unit holders and government should export the local produce. Earlier, pro-strengthen local economy would restrain them from doing this," said a freedom leaders, Syed Ali Shah Geelani improve public health believe medical unit holder. on Aug 9, had said that fruit-laden doctors. "An apple a day keeps doctor trucks from all corners of the Valley

Presently the printers fear cancellation away, which is true and we must do that would begin their march towards of orders from Kashmir University, in our lives," said Manzoor Ahmad, a Muzaffarabad.banks and hospitals. resident of Budgam.

Futuristic views:The prevailing situation demands The apple from valley besides being

thorough media coverage and the print supplied to all parts of India is also The commoners in general and

media are doing its bit. "Paper supplies exported to countries like Bangladesh, businesspersons in particular in the

to the newspapers should be ensured at Nepal, and Srilanka. This year fruit Valley are no more considering Srinagar-

all cost," said president, Federation growers in Kashmir were expecting Jammu highway safe, reliable and

Chamber of Industries Kashmir, Shakeel more turnovers but the highway enduring route, they have already

Qalander. "It is unfortunate on part of blockade has badly affected them started demanding of all-weather and

the government," he adds. economically. "Fruits have shorter life sustainable route for trade purposes.

span. We fear 90 percent of fruit in Although, there were talks going on at Vetoing outside items: trucks would be rotten by now high level of opening Jhelum Valley road

amounting to huge losses," said a fruit leading to other side of Kashmir for Consensus seems to be building among grower. trade purposes but the people are so the local traders in Kashmir on banning eager and demand immediate opening imported food items from other states. In response to the economic blockade of the route.


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epilogue september 2008

Documents

o r e t o

e p e r s o n

u s e t h e r e i s

n o wwww

authors w r i t i n

people of jammu

n o wjammu kashmirthe

jammu ph