EPILOGUE SEPTEMBER 2008 by Epilogue Press

Epilogue because there is more to know

CONTENTS

www.epilogue.in

Editor in Chief Zafar Choudhary Consulting Editor D. Suba Chandran Associate Editor Irm Amin Baig Designs & Layout Keshav Sharma

Mailing Address PO Box 50, HO Gandhi Nagar, Jammu

Volume 2, Issue 9, September 2008

IN FOCUS Fire 2008

Phones & email Office : +91 191 2493136 Editorial: +91 94191 80762 Administration: +91 94190 00123 editor@epilogue.in editor.epilogue@gmail.com subscription@epilogue.in Edited, Printed & Published by Zafar Choudhary for CMRD Publications and Communications Published from ‘Ibadat’, Madrasa Lane, Bhatindi Top, Jammu, J&K Printed at Dee Dee Reprographix, Jammu Disputes, if any, subject to jurisdiction of courts and competitive tribunals in Jammu only.

Price : Rs 15

Jammu And Kashmir Beginning Of The Endgame

Post-Agitation Uphill Task For Jammu’s Politics, Economy

Amarnath Confrontation : Is It Sureal ?

Replay Of 90’s ? Still No Lessons From History

Find The Enemy ...It Is Communalism

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

Jam-Kash Showdown Clash Of Vested Interests

Reconnecting Kashmir : Need For Reopening Traditional Routes

After 2500 Cr Loss, Eyes On Jhelum Valley Road

Prologue Letters to the editor

3 4

Hear & Hear Who Said What

Columns Keen Eye

Ladakh Agriculture Interview Diary

44 47 49

Stop Press Review of Media

Reviews Movies

Epilogue From the Consulting Editor

For more News, Views & Analysis Log on to www.epilogue.in Epilogue Ø 1× September 2008

Epilogue because there is more to know

Jammu & Kashmir

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

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

Contact : J&K CCS ‘Ibadat’ Madrasa Lane, Bathindi Top, Jammu Ph : (O) 0191 2493136 , 94191 80762 email : epilogue2008@gmail.com, zafarchoudhary@gmail.com

P R O L O G U E FROM THE EDITOR

Thus Begins The End

Zafar Choudhary

round three months back a front page story in Srinagar newspaper and later a much detailed report also in a Srinagar based magazine asked, “who says separatists are not participating in elections?” At that time the buzzword in Kashmir was about the forthcoming elections. Further explaining the argument, the story pointed out that much of the separatist sentiment has been consolidated by the mainstream political parties seeking to work under the constitutional ambit. The reference was to Peoples Democratic Party and the National Conference. One leading example was given of Mohammad Yaqub Vakil –one of the founder members of Hurriyat Conference –who joined the PDP and was tipped to contest elections from one of assembly constituencies in central Kashmir district of Badgam. Yaqub was not a case in isolation. He was among at least three dozen such politicians who continued to toe the separatist line and at the same time prepared to participate in a democratic exercise. A month and half later, when Yaqub issued a statement on his dissociation from the PDP; again he was not the case in isolation. All those who had been thinking on these lines stand thrown back to the scene of 1990s. A stage has reached in the Valley where even the PDP and NC are now shy of talking about elections. They are asking for a larger debate on Azadi. This is how New Delhi lost its plot in Kashmir in a period of just little over two months. Looking back at such eruption 20 years back once can recollect how Congress twisted the neck of democracy in 1984 (by toppling an elected government) and then buried this institution by

rigging the1987 elections. Then it took 20 years to restore some order of semblance. Yet no lessons were learnt. This time around the government in Jammu and Kashmir which triggered the Amarnath landmine was headed by Congress. The Government in New Delhi is also headed by the Congress. Do we still need to blame the Pakistan's ISI for all this mess? The worst scenario this time, however, is that there has been dangerous fallout in Jammu –a place which endured everything silently and welcomed everyone who felt insecure in rest of the state. All those gaps which were required to be filled in for achieving a larger goal of peace and stability have been widened. The gulf between Kashmir and New Delhi, the gulf between Kashmir and Jammu and more dangerously the gulf between various sections of society has never been as wide as it is being seen today. When things were normal no efforts were made to make people talk to each other. Our present issue carries well opinionated essays and articles on the bloody fire which has engulfed Jammu and Kashmir. Gautam Navlakha's lead essay comes as an eye opener for all those who have been rubbishing the eruption as temporary. Syeda Afshana gives a poetic sketch of life's return journey in Kashmir. Interviews with the members of Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti –which spearheaded Jammu agitation –open a window to the discrimination sentiment in the region. I am afraid if New Delhi can do anything at this stage but at least the Civil Society can take a lead in picking up the threads. Feedback : Zafarchoudhary@epilogue.in

Epilogue Ø 3× September 2008

Epilogue because there is more to know

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. While the editor accepts responsibility for the selection of the material published, individual authors are responsible for the facts, figures and views in their articles.

M A I L

B O X

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Mail your letters to editor@epilogue.in

They eroded essence of 2002 2002 assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were hailed and applauded world over for their fairness. Unfortunately what followed later was unfair. The ruling coalition partners, the PDP and the Congress eroded credibility of the whole exercise for their mutual and continuous engagement in a bitter acrimony next five and half years. Yes indeed, they had made 30 pledges to the people at the time of assuming office but they conveniently forgot to issue a white paper while demitting the office. Kudos to Epilogue (August, 2008 issue) for a precise but still fair analysis of the points of coalition's Common Minimum Program. My suggestion is that when PDP and Congress come for votes again, public should first seek a status report on these pledges before entertaining them. Reyaz Dar Baramulla, Kashmir

II Nothing serious was done on the CMP pledges. Bitter but the fact is that many of the pledges of the duo went unnoticed. Unfortunately none of the two partners is willing to own the guilt that they failed in keeping their promises. The serious research and analysis of EPILOGUE is appreciable to remind us that politicians always remain politicians. Avenesh Dutta, Poonch

Get some views from other side also With EPILOGUE We feel relaxed and informed about the political and otherwise happenings in Jammu and Kashmir, but at the same time it is requested that a view from other side of Kashmir may also be carried, after all the world knows very little about Neelam Valley. Now time demands a vision and voice from Muzzafarabad also, so you can be helpful to bridge the gap. Anyhow the last issue covering the Ladakh story with statical figures deserves appreciations Zubaid Rana, Bangalore

Spare labourers It is deeply regretted that the poor labourers from outside the state are being treated shabbily by none other than the so called secular voices of the Kashmir. (Biharis on radar in Kashmir, Epilogue, August 2008) God knows, why they are destroying the very essence of Kashmiriyat i.e. tolerance? A secular society like that of Jammu and Kashmir leaves no space for the communal and intolerable forces that are hell bent to spoil the progress of the state. Mohit Sharma Jammu University

Media should not succumb

The views expressed by Jenab Wajahat Habibullah over recent happenings in the state (in his interview, Epilogue, August 2008) clearly signify that no secular and informed person like him can remain mute at this juncture, perhaps he knows more about the state and is worried about the present scenario. Wajahat Sahab truly deserves a warm appreciation for always showing courtesy for the cause of Kashmir, surely time has compelled him to speak up. People like him, across the society need to come for the sake of nationality.

Deeply concerned over the developments in Jammu and Kashmir we have been just trying to get updates from the media. Looking at different outlets one ends up in confusion. One based in Jammu has entirely different feel of things than the one in Srinagar. And those in New Delhi have altogether different story to tell. It appears that all means of print and electronic media are somewhere under the influence of locals and religious groups. May be somewhere crossing the line of true journalism. To say the least, I am happy that Epilogue is still adopting a balanced approach. Keep it up!

Ahsan Ahmed Rather, Advocate, Anantnag

Kanhaiya Bhardwaj, Mumbai.

Thanks ! Wajahat Habibullah

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H E A R

A N D

H E A R

WHO SAID WHAT

'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'. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Former CM J&K

‘If police agencies continue to use excessive force, then it will be difficult for people like me to continue in Parliament'.

‘The recent incidents in the state of Jammu and Kashmir are a cause for concern. In this hour of crisis, divisive politics will lead us nowhere'.

Omar Abdullah, MP , President, National Conference Dr . 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 friend but I still feel his exit is necessary to cool down tempers in Jammu'.

Arundhati Roy, Social Activists and Writer

‘We are Pakistanis and Pakistan is us because we are tied with the country through Islam'.

Dr. Karan Singh, Former, Sadar-e-Riyast, Jammu and Kashmir,

Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Leader, Hurriyat Conference,

‘They (Kashmiris) will neither act nor go there. Otherwise, Muzaffarabad is also our area and if they are happy to go there let them go'

‘The current attitude of the Kashmiri Leaders of all hues has convinced us that our own movement for securing a Union Territory status is justified'. Thupstan Chhewang, MP, Leader, Ladakh Union Territory Front

Leela Karan,, Convener, Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti

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

‘Mehbooba Mufti feels her rhetoric will mislead the people on the Land Controversy but she is too inexperienced'

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

Epilogue Ø 5× September 2008

C O L U M N KEEN EYE

Looking Back

How An Explosive Situation Was Resolved 44 Years Back Balraj Puri 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.

hile in terms of mass involvement in the protest movement against mysterious disappearance of Moe-Muqdas, there was no precedence, it was mainly directed against GM Bakshi and his nominee to the post of the Prime Minister, Shamusuddin. This was evident from the incident quoted by Mr. Yousuf Sheikh when Bakshi Rashid's jeep was thrown into the Jhelum and he had to run away to save his life. There were appeals to the government of India, in particular to the Prime Minister Nehru, to intervene in the situation. But contrary to the impression of the author of the article, BN Mullik, the Director of Intelligence Bureau and Lal Bahadur Shastri did not work in cooperation. Much damage had been by Mullick and Home Secretary Vishwanathan that Shastri was sent by Nehru to repair. Even after the relic was restored on January 1964 as surreptitiously as it had disappeared, on 27 December 1963 the two officers of the government of India refused to get it identified the reason for their refusal to do so was that two of the three main leaders of the Action Committee were

pro-Pakistan. Mirwaiz's predecessor Maulvi Yusuf was against Sheikh Abdullah's decision in favour of accession to India and had ran away to Pakistan whereas GM Karra was leader of a pro-Pakistan party Political Conference. How, the holy relic was recovered from whom, according to Mullik, "was an intelligence operation never to be disclosed." As the situation started deteriorating I rushed to Delhi to seek the intervention of Indian leaders. The PSP, which was the major opposition party in the country agreed to sent Nath Pai to Kashmir as it had earned some goodwill as a vocal voice against GM Bakshi's rule. But he fell ill and could not go. I sought an appointment with the Home Minister Gulzari Lal Nanda but was asked to wait till a delegation of Kashmir government, who was coming to see him had met him. I insisted that I should meet Nanda before official delegation. Nanda himself came

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on the phone and asked me what was the hurry. I told him that there was so much trust for government of India which his ministry had squandered. He further asked me "how"? In reply I said, did he want me to explain the whole story on telephone. Then he asked me to come immediately. I told Nanda that Vishwanthan had refused to get the holy relic identified by the Action Committee and had stated that anybody who demanded identification was a Pakistani agent, thus dubbing almost the entire population of Kashmir as Pakistanis. Nanda heard series of my allegations and spoke to the Home Secretary on

C O L U M N KEEN EYE

phone. Then he repeated his explanation to me. I told Nanda if the Home Secretary had the audacity to speak lies to him, what he would he doing in Kashmir. Nanda called him again but meanwhile he had left his office. He called Mullik and asked him to come to his room immediately I rebutted Mullik's explanation and asked him that on February 6, it was a Dedar day when the relic had to be shown to millions of people who would gather there, if some score of people doubted authenticity of the relic, there would be explosion. Mullik said "we have made arrangements to face the explosion." To that I remarked "it is not wisdom to first create an explosion then try to face it." I assured both of them that I had full trust in the integrity of Mussoodi, the senior most leader of the agitation, and that if the relic was genuine he would certainly endorse it. The other two leaders, would never defy the decision of Mussoodi. In course of my discussion, Mullik said that there were certain things that could not be disclosed in national interest. I almost lost my temper, and said," Nanda ji have you called me to get a lesson in national interest from a person who was serving he British imperialism when we were fighting against it." Nanda tried to pacify me. I enlisted the support of Jayaprakash Narayan also who spoke to Nanda in my presence. But I was not satisfied. I had so far avoided to contact Nehru as he had fallen ill—perhaps first illness in his public life—and it was announced, on his behalf, that he would not see anybody till he recovered. I wrote a "personal and urgent" letter addressed to him wherein after apologizing for approaching him during his illness, I requested to entrust the job of dealing the situation in Kashmir

to a person like Lal Bahadur Shastri, a minister without portfolio in his cabinet. Otherwise the situation in Kashmir might take an explosive turn." I gave the letter to Ashok Mehta, a former socialist leader, who had joined, on Nehru's appeal, the Planning Commission as its deputy Chairman. He lived in South Avenue just opposite to Teen Murti, the Prime Minister's residence. I requested him to take the letter personally to the PM and get his reply. He could enter PM's bed room and was able to get a favourable reply. Shastri arrived in Srinagar on 30 January much against the wishes of Nanda and officials of the Home Ministry. Brushing aside the advice of Vishwanthan and Mullik, Shastri invited the Action Committee for Iftar and offered dates and other things which Muslims usually eat to break their fast. As a Kayasth of UP, he was well aware of customs of Islamic culture. He offered to the Action Committee that he had no objection to get the holic relic identified. Trust begets trust, they say. Shastri's goodwill gesture as against distrust of the officials, disarmed the Action Committee and its members offered to cooperate and send him the list of identifiers. Which "upet Vishwanthan and Mullik." Maulana Massoodi told the Action Committee members that as the holy relic ws a spiritual heritage, it needed Basirat (spiritual eye) and not merely Basarat (physical eye) for the job of identification. Every body agreed, and the task was left to Meerak Shah, the holiest saint of Kashmir in Rishi order. On the appointed day Meerak Shah declared "Haq" meaning right. All the gathering started dancing with joy and shouts of "Mubarak, Mubarak." Thus a potentially explosive situation was turned into universal celebration.

Epilogue Ø 7× September 2008

Now Telling The J&K Stories

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'First priority is restoration of land; discrimination issue can be dealt with in phased manner’ Interview : Brig Suchet Singh, SAYSS How do you define the ongoing agitation in Jammu? There are varying versions. Is it strictly for restoration of land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board or it includes the larger issues of discrimination against Jammu? Such eruptions can not been at spur of the moment and at any petty issue. There was an anger pent up for last 60 years which erupted when all limits of patience had exhausted. The ongoing agitation in Jammu represents the popular aspirations and anger of the people of Jammu which has remained bottled up for the more than 60 years. People across all affiliations of faith and politics are supporting the Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti which has been spearheading the agitation. We have an overwhelming support 70 political, non-political, social, trade and even literary organizations. The core issue before us, of course, is the restoration of land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board but at the same time we are seized of the discrimination factor which can not be ignored. The main direction of the agitation at present is on the core issue, and the discrimination issue too will be dealt with in phased manner at suitable platforms. Once the agitation achieves its present purpose then it will keep on adopting different modes to address the discrimination issue. The demands are for restoration of land to the Board and recall of the Governor. There is perception and expectations that the agitation shall be called off once these demands are met. Then what happens to the larger issues of discrimination against Jammu? Look, from where did this revocation of land allotment come? It is an outcome of

the anti-Jammu discriminatory mindset. When a piece of land was allotted to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, the separatists and mainstream parties agitated against the decision in Kashmir. The government succumbed to the pressure just in five days blatantly ignoring the Jammu sentiment. Jammu was taken for granted as they have done over past 60 years.

blockade. The media is also being fooled and its surprising how the media got taken-away by this rumour without checking the ground realities. They can also make research and bring the truth into light. Why no voice of economicblocked came from Ladakh, when the highway is same which passes through Kashmir Valley. It was a rumour concocted by the political parties.

Therefore, the first step towards standing against the discrimination is to have this land restored to the Shrine Board. We will step by step go further on other issues and let us hope for a positive outcome. Now the people in Jammu are well informed and perhaps prepared to ask for and fight for their rights and this is the first step but its true the way ahead is quite difficult but not impossible.

It is understood that the SAYSS, at no point of time, made any attempt to give a communal colour to the agitation but still there were some unpleasant incidents. There is an undeniable communal tension in Poonch, Rajouri and Kishtwar and then there is migration of some 100 families of Gujjars in Jammu. How do you look at these incidents?

What do you have to say to say on the allegations of economic blockade of Kashmir? During initial days of agitation, various leaders of Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti and also leaders of various supporting organizations –including the BJP, Shiv Sena, Tankers Association and Bar Association –have been on record threatening snap of supplies to the Valley. Don't you think this put India in a difficult situation on Kashmir as separatists politicized the issue to invite international attention?

We are happy that at all stages we have tried to keep the traditional communal harmony in Jammu intact. There were many attempts by National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party and in some cases even by the government to defame the ongoing agitation; Sangarsh Samiti condemns any step of any political party or person that tries to sabotage the secular social fabric in the society.

This is all a bundle of lies. What to talk about it, I think people who are propagating this, even do not know what does it mean. From the office of Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir to PMO to Food Corporation of India and Hindustan Petroleum, all have made it clear that there was never any economic

Epilogue Ø 8× September 2008

Even the Muslims are supporting this cause of Jammu, they are a part of Samiti, if at some places some miscreants did this coward act, we condemn it and want a judicial probe to bring the guilty to book. But one thing is clear there are some forces who never miss any opportunity to raise conflicts and we have evidence that some people incited by the NC and PDP were given free hand by the local administration to threat some particular community in other districts of Jammu.

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Jammu And Kashmir

Beginning Of The Endgame Gautam Navlakha 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.

ntil recently it was claimed that militancy had petered out, but that the threat of infiltration remained. As a matter of fact number of infiltration bids has sharply declined; officially in 2001 it was said to be 2417 and declined to 311 in 2007. Up to May 2008 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.

Of course firing across LOC did take place but Indian army's role in setting up a forward post in violation of ceasefire at Nowgam sector has been ignored. (Parvez Bukhari in the Mail Today August 1, 2008 ) As a final proof it was claimed that non-militancy related crimes have shot up! Arguably, statistics can be manipulated. But if

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the Indian government was itself downplaying militancy then why were they fighting shy over troop reduction? The former Governor SK Sinha boasted that in 2002 there were 10 casualties per day which came down to below 2 per day when he departed. Whereas number of militants operating varies from between 150 (yes hundred and fifty)-1200.

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Obviously, all this meant was that Indian military no longer faced a magnitude of threat which called for obtrusive presence 24X7 by seven lakhs armed personnel. Yet they go on expanding and occupying land. So how do they justify their presence? The arrogant claim is that Indian military is here to protect the people from “cross border terrorists”. But when this , as per their own claim, no longer can be sustained then it is clear that India's enemies remains inside J&K and who by their very religious identity are perceived to be real or potential supporters of Pakistan. Therefore, suspect in the eyes of the Indian state and a demonized projection of the movement becomes necessary. The perception of anyone demanding 'azaadi' as being antinational and pro-Pakistani may have been a part of disinformation campaign but it has deep roots and it suits Indian state to remain in the victim mode. So much so that Union home secretary recently forgot that by accusing Pakistan for fomenting trouble in the valley he was implicitly foregrounding the incompetent role played by a bloated and pampered security apparatus in India. Surely if Pakistan can bring lakhs of people out on the roads of Indian held Kashmir there is lot to be said for the ineptitude of the Indian state. If this is what policy makers want us Indians to believe then they obviously feel Indian people are gullible. One can not expect good sense or 'good faith'( the mantra to wash off all sins) to prevail under these circumstances. It could be that authorities feel confident in restoring authority of the Indian state as time passes because livelihood concerns can come in the way of mass mobilization. But the point is

not how long the movement can sustain itself. Or whether squabbling leaders will manage to de-rail the momentum. This could be wishful thinking on part of the Indian state. Political mood of the people has already been displayed. That such mass mobilization was possible for so many days itself shows that it can be

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! repeated. Routine life will return. However, periodic public rallies will continue to take place. Thus it will be presumptuous to read routine life as a return to normalcy. In other words this upsurge has unambiguously displayed the organized and self-managed popular desire to be free of India. This is not going to dissipate anytime soon. The agitation which began in June over “diversion” of forest land for Amarnath Yatra has proceeded beyond it. The issue of 800 kanals which brought people out in June has been overtaken by demand for 'azadi' caused by their sense of insecurity at the communal

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attitude of the security forces and their vulnerable dependence on New Delhi for their physical well being. When a State ceases to present itself as protector of the beleaguered and unable to ensure free flow of movement on highways and transportation of supplies of essential commodities, despite extraordinary presence of Indian army on the highway, then fear fuelled by this dependent relationship overtakes other considerations. It is here that Indian State's abysmal role, especially of its law enforcing agencies, which failed to stop the agitators in Jammu, Kathua and Udhampur from fomenting communal divide and blocking the National Highway for nearly three weeks, which enraged a people whose right to life was imperiled even as their suffering has been belittled by the Indian state and its 'good 'people. Economic Blockade The report presented by the J&K police to the all party delegation on August 10 speaks of “(a)gitation started blocking the National Highway repeatedly with a view to obstruct supplies to valley including LPG, oil, petrol, diesel etc”. And went on to say that “(m)any incidents of attacks on Highway on individual vehicles and supply load carriers…(and) beating of drivers created a sense of insecurity…”. Deniability of the blockade by New Delhi is astounding because it flies in the face of people's own experience of shortage as well of the police department of J&K. Why is it that fruit merchants of Delhi's Azadpur mandi say that in the first fifteen days of August only 124 fruit trucks reached the market as against 814 in the same period in August 2007? If it was not a result of blockade then how come it took 19

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days, from July 25 to August 14, for Avtar Singh (truck # PB 08 0997) carrying medical supplies from Jalandhar for SMHS hospital Srinagar,? ( Greater Kashmir, August 15, 2008) Or how come five drivers were attacked in Kathua when they were part of an army convoy on 17 August going to Delhi. (Rising Kashmir, August 20, 2008) There are stories a galore in valley press. Let alone this 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! Besides, if the situation is normal, and there has never been any blockade, why is the army out on the highway since August 4? And why despite the presence

of army, attacks continue to take place? Surely their presence is unnecessary and in fact contributing to choking civilian traffic on the two lane highway? Again why were Jammu's BJP leaders publicly declaring their intent to starve people in the valley in order to 'teach them a lesson'? Why was no action taken against them? Why is it that out of the 1171 persons arrested, including those who probably lynched the two J&K police constables, Zakir Husian and Zafar Javed, all were given bail? It is also important to ask why second rung leaders of the agitation in Kashmir have been charged with waging war, sedition and criminal conspiracy when no such acts were invoked against the Jammu agitators? Why is it that out of 129 cases registered by the police in Jammu region none were under any draconian law or provision?

demand freedom from India? Why is it that out of 10,513 incidents that took place in Jammu region 10,098 incidents took place in Hindu majority areas of Jammu (3758), Kathua (2270), Udhampur (1850) and Riyasi (740)? Does it make it a regional movement or in fact a movement confined to predominately Hindu areas? Is it a regional movement that is driving Muslims to move out of Hindu majority areas? Is it not fear that drives them to take this step? Is this unaided migration not a bigger blot on India's constitutional democracy? Is it alright to abuse the 'separatists' for migration of kashmiri pandits from the valley even when the Indian state provided them 'safe passage'? But to be mute when Muslims start fleeing their home and hearths in Jammu driven by Hindu fanatic mobs and hostile security forces?

Does it mean that agitators who carry tricolour, but engage in mayhem are to be treated with compassion, whereas those who remain unarmed and peaceful but carry green flags are persecuted because they dare to

So obvious is the patronage and protection extended to the rabble rousers in Jammu that it is astonishing that otherwise sensitive people did not once speak out for years against permission granted to Bajrang Dal and

Epilogue Ă&#x2DC; 11 Ă&#x2014; September 2008

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VHP to hold weapon training camps in Jammu, which is a Disturbed Area. They publicly display weapons during their rallies including in Jammu city but violation of Arms Act is condoned. Let alone authorities even the 'good' people choose to look the other way. They can go and disrupt press conferences at will anywhere in Jammu but no harm ever comes to them. Ninety per cent of the 25,000 members of the Village Defence Committees in Doda district, (with 6040% Muslim-Hindu ratio) are armed Hindus. How many of them are members of right wing extremist groups is anybody's guess. But that there are a large number with such leaning bodes ill for the people. Finally, the sharp contrast between how Jammu agitators were met by security forces and how trigger happy they were in Kashmir drives home the hostile nature of Indian government forces towards predominately Muslim people. In one go all that was being claimed about normalcy having been restored evaporated before the heat of people's anger. That foundation of normalcy were tenuous was never understood by the charmed circle of policy and decision makers. So let us list two blunders committed by the Indian state in recent times in J&K. The Issue of Land It requires no rocket science to realise that involuntary alienation of land in general, and cultivable one in particular, will enrage people. This turns into fury when land is acquired for armed security personnel who maintain an intrusive presence among civilians designed to control their public and

private lives, and indeed even “transform their will and attitude” as is the case in J&K. Publicly Indian state pretended it was heeding the public feeling which wanted demilitarization when it setup a committee headed by India's defense secretary to look into the demand. The incongruity of a huge presence of armed forces occupying large tracts of land even as the number

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 militants, said to be operating has officially come down to 1200, was bad enough. But by rejecting demilitarization, pull back of troops, reduction of troops etc in February last along with the new rents for acquired land announced by India's Ministry of Defense ranging from 2.1 to 5 times is a way to buy silence of the people, for some more time. Which is all very well except that this sends a message that Indian armed forces are in no mood to vacate occupation of land and they are here for a long haul. There are reportedly 671 security forces

Epilogue Ø 12 × September 2008

camps in J&K (excluding those in Jammu, Kargil, Leh, Akhnoor and Udhampur) and these occupy 90,000 acres of farm and orchard land and 1500 buildings. But the appetite for acquiring land continues to grow. For instance in saffron rich Lethapora in Pampore tehsil, where no construction is permitted under state laws, the CRPF has demanded 5000 kanals for its group headquarters. Indian army is demanding 10,000 kanals for expansion of Army's Kundroo Filed Ammunition Depot (FAD). Besides, Indian Air Force which possesses 850 acres in Awantipora has asked for 763 acres of additional land. Army which was given 212 acres in Sharifabad in exhange for vacating 139 acres of Tattoo Grounds Garrison in Srinagar has taken possession of 100 acres at Sharifabad but refuses to budge from Tattoo ground! In the Cattle Research Centre at Manasbal spread over 352 acre army in 1990 first asked to set up few bunkers. Then built barracks and laid claim to 252 acres of the land in 2005. Furthermore, the annual Landmine Report 2007 states that about 160 sq kms in Jammu and 1730 sq kms land remain mined. Speaker of J&K Assembly recently pointed out that 3500 acres of agricultural land in his constituency Chamb (Jammu) have been mined and 6000 families displaced. J&K Tourism minister told media on October 19, 2007 about army violated Master Plan for Gulmarg and without requisite permission “(t)hey have occupied 400 acres of land on which they have raised huge concrete structures”. (The Asian Age October 20, 2007) Thus new rent structure may even be a precursor of occupation of more land. For instance, until recently the Ministry

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of Home Affairs set a standard of 75 acres of land per battalion for central para military forces. Now the MHA has asked these forces to acquire 150 acres of land per bn. This is being done under the argument that this will enable better housing facility for the jawans and also allow these forces to set up schools and hospitals for the family of the jawans as well as local population. With average size of family being 5.5 even if 100,000 soldiers bring their families then population of such people will go up by several lakhs. Could this be an indirect way of demographic transformation? (2) Having said this let us consider certain hidden facts which lurks behind the rent hike. The previous levels from which rent has been increased were pathetically low. So two or five times increase must be tempered by this fact. For instance Class I category of irrigated land the rent was previously Rs 1125 per kanal per year, which now has been increased to Rs 3381 per kanal. For double cropped irrigated land the rent was Rs 1688 per kanal and has been increased to Rs 4087. For orchards the rent earlier was Rs 1575 and has been increased to Rs 10,000 per kanal. For another the rent increase does not take into account the loss suffered by those whose land is thus alienated. To get an idea one has to consider some other figures. One kanal of apple orchard is officially said to have 12 trees although upto 18 is not uncommon. This translates into 300 to 360 boxes of fruit. The income varies from Rs 1.2 to 1.5 lakhs. As for walnut one kanal is said to have 6 to 8 trees. Income from this could be anywhere between Rs 4.25 to 6 lakhs. If the land is used for paddy cultivation between 50-70 quintals is

the norm and the earning varies between Rs 90,000 to Rs 125,000. (One quintal fetches Rs 1800). Thus the offer of Rs 10,000 per kanal for orchard is very low. Depending upon the fruit or crop it could be less than 2 and at best no more 10% of the actual income. Thus the rent does not compensate the farmers for the loss of income. Put it another way farmers or orchard owners are subsiding the deployment of armed forces. This by no means is all. This land also provides employment. It is well known that largest source of employment in J&K is agriculture and horticulture. Remove this land from cultivation that much less earning and lesser number of jobs become available. Seen in this light the pitiable rent being offered is a fraction of the earning and its spin off also includes decline in employment. Besides, even if 10% of the total cropped area of 1,126.000 acres or 9 mn kanal in J&K is removed from production it means, for an economy so dependent on agriculture and horticulture as that of J&K, a huge loss. All these losses are not calculated. (3) This context of how angry people are over occupation of their land and Indian State's attempts to buy silence through rent hikes provides the background in which SASB landed itself. Revisit Nitish Sengupta Committee Indian state's biggest blunder on Amarnath was to promote a Hindu Shaivite pilgrimage as a patriotic enterprise forgetting the constitutional truth that all Hindus are not Indians and all Indians are not Hindus. And, therefore, religious affiliation is irrelevant. Also instead of building on

Epilogue Ă&#x2DC; 13 Ă&#x2014; September 2008

local Muslim participation in the yatra, including sharing one third of offering with the Malik familes, it chose to endorse the Hindu extremist agenda of creating Hindu stakeholders in J&K. In order to understand the magnitude of the blunder committed by Indian State let us begin by taking a look at salient features of the Amaranath issue which first stoked fire of resentment. Shri Amaranath Shrine Board (SASB) set up by the National Conference in 2000, comprised non state subjects, presided over by Hindu governor, saw itself as being a sovereign body accountable to no one and went ahead to takeover an entire area to prepare for larger and larger turnout of pilgrims. Under clause 16(d) of the SASB Act authorized them to carry out 'development activity concerning the area of shrine and its surroundings'. Using this, as well as Jammu High Court's pronouncement that everything being done by the board will be deemed to be done in 'good faith', SASB began to make demands which were resented. Worse they pretended to be a body which was virtually unaccountable to any institution. Recall the infamous statement of CEO of SASB on January 1, 2008 wherein he claimed that the legislature has no authority to question SASB or for them to answer their queries. And yet the SASB, it is said, was set up on the basis of the recommendation of the Dr Nitish Sengupta Committee (1996)? A reading of the report makes it abundantly clear that the committee's recommendations were scrupulously ignored. For instance, SASB was not tasked with micro managing the yatra or to turn it into an all Hindu affair from which Muslims were to be kept away. Among

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the various acts of governor SK Sinha was to summarily discontinue the traditional role of the Malik family as protector of the shrine and their right to get one third of the offering. And instead of regulating and restricting the number of pilgrims SASB went in to overdrive to make it for a longer duration and for larger and larger numbers. Non state subjects were being engaged for all kinds of services traditionally performed by the local population both Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits. So what were Nitish Sengupta committees main recommendations? Setup after the 1996 Amarnath Yatra Tragedy in which 205 yatris and 25 porters and security personnel lost their lives the report emphasized that “the pilgrimage to Amarnath is not just pilgrimage but high altitude mountaineering” (p 54). It wanted a minimum age of 15 and maximum of 65 for yatris. (p 55) The report repeatedly makes the point that at this altitude, the hazardous nature of the track and uncertain weather number of pilgrims and period of yatra has to be strictly regulated. “It has to be emphasized here that carrying capacity of this pathway of about 32 kms (between Chandanwari and the holy cave) is extremely limited. It passes all along at very high altitude, well above the tree line and through areas with no human habitation”. (p 5) For eight months of the year there is snow and formation of ice lingam, nautral stalagmite, begins only by June. In this sense Amarnath yatra cannot be compared with any other pilgrimages and the closest parallel can be drawn with Kailsah Mansarovar in Tibet and

Gomukh in Uttarakhand. At both Kailash Mansarovar and Gomukh the period of pilgrimage is restricted and the numbers regulated. System of ceiling on number is practiced at Vashnodevi also where a cap of 20,000 per day is in place. In fact Nitish Sengupta on page 52 of the report says that “(a)long with the regulation of the total number of pilgrims to about 1 lakh during the 30 day period, we should also regulate the maximum number of people who can be permitted at any point of this journey at any given time”. And adds “we could lay down a ceiling of 3000 pilgrims that can be permitted to travel on any of these sectors in a single day”. (Three sectors are Chandawanri to Sheshnag; Sheshnag to Panjtarani and Panjtarani to the Cave). It also called for restricting havans performance at the Holy Cave since they “pollute the purity of the atmosphere and also constitute fire hazard”. (p58) The report opposed proposal for making road from Chandawari to Sheshnag and then up to Panjtarani motorable. Because “(a)llowing the motor vehicles to go into this area will not only damage the environment of these areas, but will also spoil the pristine scenic charm of these mountains and valleys.” (p 60) But SASB has gone beyond and introduced helicopter services for pilgrims which is a source of major concern. It was evident that the meltdown of the 'lingam' within fifteen days of yatra this year was contributed by presence of huge numbers of yatris and the helicopter services. The critical importance of protecting the ecology of this area can not be underplayed when it is realized that while tourists come and go local inhabitants depend on the water and land for their life and

Epilogue Ø 14 × September 2008

livelihood. Any damage to the ecology could prove fatal for them, which is what pollution of Lidder river by SASB's unregulated promotion of yatra and destruction of the ecology of Nunwan valley threatens to bring about. The report proposed that administration of the yatra should be handed over to the department of tourism, as is the case in every other state of India where religious tourism comes under the purview of the tourism department of the respective states. They wanted that local tentwallahs should be allowed to offer accommodation and dhaba owners provide food for yatris. (p 62). Moreover, in so far as the high powered board was concerned the committee recommended that the CM should be the chairperson. The board was to supervise the yatra and prepare strategic plan for providing facilities. 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. Or else devout Hindus can bid goodbye to the health of the area for posterity. Communal Prejudice or Jingoism of Officials Next blunder was in persisting with a Governor who flouted all constitutional norms and pushed Hindutva agenda.

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One person is like tree in a forest but a constitutional position of governor and his continuance is reflection of Indian state's policy. Were one to go through what former Governor SK Sinha said in his Field Marshal Cariappa memorial lecture on August 16, his Hindutva proclivities are self-evident. It was his great contribution that Centre for Kashmir Studies, set up in Kashmir University, uses 13th century as the cut off date thereby history of Kashmir's Hindu past is studied but not its Islamic present's past. This was his understanding of 'kashmiriyat'. And it was his principal secretary, who officiated as CEO of the board, who went out of his way to insist that land was “permanently” transferred to the board and insisted that “as the population of India will increase we will have to consider further extension of the yatra period”. (Greater Kashmir June 18, 2008). The fact that Indian state allowed him to do whatever he wished was perhaps no accident. Once a movement is demonized, passing it off as a form of 'proxy war' being waged by Pakistan, and underplaying the role of the Indian state including crimes committed by Indian security forces then next stop is manipulating people's minds. Such has been the nature of Indian state's attempt to manage people's will, 'turn it around' as the army's doctrine on small war proposes. That killings of 209 Hindus and Sikhs and migration of about two lakhs Kashmiri Pandits is played up but by far the larger picture of killings by Indian security forces remains shrouded in obscurity in the name of “national interest”. Not much is ever said about the 70,000 Muslim killings, arrest and torture of at least 60,000 persons, 33 recorded massacres,

disappearance of 8-10,000, uncovering of mass graves in just one Uri sector, cross firing, encounters, custodial deaths….. Even where relief and rehabilitation is concerned the promptness with which New Delhi announced compensation for one Kuldeep Kumar who committed suicide in Jammu is unmatched by anything they announced through 19 years of war to the families of Indian government's forces atrocities. Did one hear of any compensation for the 34 killed and 500 injured or property damaged by the India security forces in just 48 hours? In fact it is strange that despite entire Jammu and Kashmir region being “disturbed” whereas in Jammu security forces waited for executive magistrate to issue orders to open fire, in the valley no such procedure was followed. It is instructive that Indian army called in 4500 soldiers from 9 corps in Himachal Pradesh because they did not want 334,000 soldiers deployed in counter insurgency duties in the valley to be disturbed? This sleigh of hand meant that these 4500 troops belonging to 9th Corps operated under magistrate's order and not under AFSPA as in a 'disturbed' area. On the other hand, the sorry spectacle of highly communalized CRPF forces entering hospitals, firing tear gas shells inside them, (a war crime under Geneva Convention), opening fire which targeted head and chest, non-use of rubber bullets, venting their anger by destroying properties on several localities in Srinagar……and yet their crime of excessive use of force and violation of their constitutional pledge did not bring Indian people out on the streets in solidarity with those who have suffered most and continue to suffer. It is in the midst of this reality that

Epilogue Ø 15 × September 2008

economic blockade is located. Long and short of it is that Indian state has become its own worst enemy. There is no point blaming Pakistan, fundamentalists, human rights activists and usual alibis used by the Indian state. It is time we acknowledge that 'national security' paranoia cannot hide the reality that Muslims of J&K have no confidence in the Indian state. The march to Muzzafarabad was not a rhetoric or a drama enacted but something that emerged from this palpable sign of fear and was perceived as one way in which J&K's dependence on India could be reduced. In any case Jammu-Srinagar highway is an artificial link and by itself unsuited for 21st century said to be an era of 'globalisation'. In this sense we are back to square one. And just as well. Because this time there are no militants but people out on the streets. Indian state and India's 'good' people can ignore this now at their own peril. Perhaps a bout of selfcriticism, good for intellectual clarity, might be in order to ensure that at least now six decades of obfuscation and prevarication can be bid goodbye and the reality of popular aspiration for opting out of India be given its due. Instead of fearing right of selfdetermination it is time we embrace it because this offers us the only chance of a peaceful and democratic solution. It offers this to every state subject across the LOC divided Jammu and Kashmir as well as communally polarized Jammu and Kashmir an opportunity to make their wishes known. It is only when we know what people want that substantive negotiations can ensue. Until then the hoary resilience, 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.

Epilogue Ø 16 × September 2008

Interview with

Shabir Ahmed Shah

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 have various 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 a s s e m b l e d a t th e I d g a h grounds. There was just one announcement appealing to come out in solidarity with the issue. Elders, youth, women

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and children all came out in tens of thousands. Tens of thousands of more people were on their way but the space in Srinagar City was not enough to accommodate them. There were no speeches. There was no politics. Lakhs of them raised their hands for their basic political rights. This was a sort of referendum which the Government of India and International community should take note of. Referendum for what and what political rights you are referring to? Precisely, Azadi. People of Kashmir have made it known that they want Azadi. We have long been asking for consultations, a referendum or any exercise to know what Kashmiris want but this right was denied to us. Now people are coming out to let it known to one and all, clearly and without any ambiguity that they want Azadi. You mean that doors for a dialogue or now shut? Absolutely not. Our doors are wide open as they always have been. If anyone shut the doors it was the Government of India. At least now is the high time Government of India realized urgency of a dialogue. We are always ready to get engaged in a meaningful dialogue. Kashmir's case is entirely different but there are also other places in India where people are fighting for the political rights. At all these places and with all such people, Government of India has been talking why any positive movement on Kashmir is not there. They try to isolate us, they project a wrong picture of public sentiments and then they ask us that why are we on roads? This is not fair. Let them come we

are ready for talks. What should be the contours of a dialogue? We have never set any conditions. The basic thing is that there should be a tripartite dialogue with the people of Kashmir as a principle party. Yo u l a u n c h e d a m a r c h t o Muzaffarabad alleging that there was economic blockade of Kashmir. Was there so serious a problem? The Governor's administration has all along been denying any snap of supplies except that whatever irregularities may occur when the situation is disturbed. You are a journalist; check the press record of last two months. Every new day you will find statements which civilized people would not issue even for the rogue states. And then our supply lines were completely chocked, the drivers were beaten up, trucks were set ablaze, and our local produce was made to rot. What wrong did we do by marching to Muzaffarabad. All we wanted to do was to sell our produce and procure the essentials. We are more than two lakh people, unarmed and leading a peaceful march. They (government) applied brute force and sprayed bullets on us. What is the justification for this? Now have a look at the situation in Jammu. There is an agitation and the region, particularly the Winter Capital City, is burning in fire of anger. Kashmir Muslims in general and Kashmiri separatists in particular are accused of hurting the Hindu sentiments. The cancellation of

Epilogue Ă&#x2DC; 17 Ă&#x2014; September 2008

orders diverting of land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board following protests in the Valley have led to tension in Jammu. What do you have to say on this? This is the worst propaganda we have ever seen. Some people in Jammu are easily and conveniently forgetting that not they but we have been hosts of the Shri Amarnath pilgrims. This is most secular tradition of our Valley. Can you trace one single incident of history when the Amarnath pilgrims were put to any inconvenience, harassment or humiliation by any Kashmiri? I would take this opportunity to convey it all our Hindu brothers and sisters across India that Amarnath pilgrimage is as much sacred for us as it is for them. It is a part of our tradition that we, every year, organize a special welcome function on the arrival of pilgrims to accord a respect to their sentiments. Then why this controversy on the land issue? We have not created any controversy nor is this any issue for us. Our issue is very clear and this has been clearly conveyed by the people of Kashmir last Friday. If at all there is a controversy it has been created by some people in Jammu and their patrons elsewhere in the country. Amarnath pilgrimage is a symbol of Kashmir's secular tradition and we will continue to make all efforts to keep it up. You should note that the number of pilgrims visiting the Amarnath Shrine was highest this year. Had there been a problem from our side or had there been an inconvenience to the pilgrims they would not have come in big numbers.

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Post-Agitation

Uphill Task For Jammu’s Politics, Economy Epilogue News & Analysis 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. Loosing Political Plot It will be a tough time for the competitive politics to resume its normal course. Unlike Kashmir, Jammu region has a truly competitive mainstream politics with Congress, National Conference, BJP and the newly emerging Panthers Party as main players. Bahujan Samaj Party is also seen making significant inroads in Dalit pockets of the region. Just ahead of the eruption of Amarnath shrine land controversy, the political mainland of Jammu was ripe for the electoral politics. Elections were just three months away but the campaign designs had already been put in place by the parties. Two months of agitation has washed away whatever the parties had tried to build up not only in recent few months but over past five years. Now at this stage the lines of ideology stand blurred between the arch rivals. For two months all of them, out of

compulsion or will, had become more or less constituent parts of the Sangharsh Samiti –condemning their own parties and criticizing their own charters. The BJP an essential constituent of the Sangharsh Samiti was initially seen as the eventual beneficiary of the agitation as it was the Congress government accused of withdrawing the land transfer order. Former Chief Minister and Congress' 'hope' in Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad was seen in Jammu only twice in two months –on July 17, when he addressed a public meeting at a border township and then on August 10 as part of the all-party delegation constituted by the Prime Minister to find out a solution for the crises. Azad's being away from the scene all these of crises not only brought down but also smashed up the morale of local Congress leaders. During initial days of agitation, the local Congress leaders tried to defend their government's decision but as the days passed off and

Epilogue Ø 18 × September 2008

the agitation gathered momentum, they had to endorse every thing what the Sangharsh Samiti had to say. No other party or leader would have addressed as many press conferences as Congress leaders did address all these months. Interestingly, the agenda of their press conferences and statements issued to media always remained endorsing the day to day stand of Sangharsh Samiti. When Samiti called for the removal of Governor NN Vohra, the local Congress jumped into the fray as main votary of the demand. Veterans like Dr Karan Singh, the scion of Dogra dynasty, who otherwise visits Jammu hardly once a year, wrote to the Prime Minister seeking removal of the Governor. Former MLAs, sitting MLCs and other office bearers of the Congress would often walk into the office of Sangharsh Samiti to reiterate their support even as the party at national level frequently

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equated the Jammu agitation “as dangerous” as separatist movement in Kashmir. Prominent local leader and MLA till recently, Raman Bhalla courted arrest on August 21 as a part of Sangharsh Samiti plan. However, the veteran Mangat Ram Sharma still could not escape the wrath. He had to take a pillion ride with a cop to reach home safely when a strong mob attacked his vehicle in the city. In Jammu region, National Conference has much of its presence in the rural areas than the urban space. Thus NC leaders played little smart. They left their plush winter capital residence to fan out in their respective constituencies. Omar Abdullah's speech in the Parliament on, July 22, had given a new direction to the Jammu agitation when a youth committed suicide allegedly enraged over Omar's statement. However, father Farooq made quite a good effort to save the situation. After maintaining a much required silence for a couple of weeks, Farooq played quite a balancing act

between Kashmir and Jammu. Leaving the Kashmir field to Omar, who joined chorus with separatist, Farooq went on justify demand of Sangharsh Samiti and called for restoration of land to the Shrine Board. When the agreement is inked between Samiti and Government, Farooq turned up as the only Kashmiri leaders to give a “thumbs up”. Now when the agitation has been called off, the next battle is for the forthcoming elections and the task before political parties is to redraw their constituency agenda. Economy Suffers Rs 26,000 Crore loss Besides competitive politics, the other major sector which suffered a huge loss during Jammu agitation is obviously the local economy. The trade and industry lobby groups have put losses at Rs 26775 Crores. Though the parameters of calculation have not been given but according to local Commerce and Industries and representatives different

Epilogue Ø 19 × September 2008

sectors of economy the losses to respective sectors have been as follows: Industry, Rs 4000 Crores; Tourism, Rs 3000 Crores; Trade Rs 1100 Crores, Transport Rs 775 Crores and Production, Rs 250 Crores. Insurance sector is yet to initiate a survey of loss to the vehicles that too is reported to be running into Crores of rupees. The Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti, during its negotiations with the government had put a demand for compensation to all suffering sectors of economy. Though the demand has been agreed to in principle but the businessmen doubt any possibility of full compensation. The agreement between Government and the Samiti concluded that a Working Group shall be constituted under the Chief Secretary to examine losses to all sectors both in Kashmir and Jammu regions. The Working Group will have representatives from different sectors of economy as its members. “A loss assessment report shall be submitted to the Central Government for financial help”, said the agreement.

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Agreement

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

'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.

'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.

'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.

'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

'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

'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.

'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:-

'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.

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

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

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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:-

'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;

'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.

'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.

'Apart from the above, the Committee set up by the Samiti had, during the course of discussions, presented a fourteenpoint “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) Convener Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti

(Dr. S. S. Bloeria) Advisor to Governor of J&K

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Amarnath Confrontation :

Is It Sureal ? Anmol Sharma 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.

these local channels loaded with array of statistical data disparaging everything from disparity in number of assembly seats to Badshah University standing on a forest area. Ve r y a g g r e s s i v e t e x t messages underscoring p r e c i s e s ta ti s ti c s l i k e number of unemployment being more in Jammu, Jammuites giving more taxes compared to Kashmiris and advising to boycott Kashmiri goods were also disseminated before text services was altogether condemned at the behest of the Governor Sahib.

he public outrage over the revocation of the land transfer order by the minority government of Mr. Azad has progressively merged with the latent issue of long felt racial bias felt by this part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Some of the renowned political analysts from Jammu like Dr. Jitender Singh and Prof. Hari Om have rationalized this with the analogy that the overwhelming public outcry over the Amarnath predicament is only a symptom of the disease of discrimination/partiality suffered by the people in Jammu from hukumrans in Kashmir. The local Cable channels were also acknowledged by these commentators, for precipitating the unprecedented mass wave, which saw conservative and politically novice women folk from Jammu coming spellbound onto the streets sloganeering and beating utensils.

Watching this kind of theatrics in these channels reminisces one of the churlish PTV where till today every evil in Pakistan is easily blamed on the shoulders of India. These talks headed by the protagonists not only are like one-eyed wisdom of sage Shukaracharya, where one is fascinated by his side of perception only but also it

The extremist politicians affiliated to Jammu came to

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seems that they are bereft of the history of J&K politics. Every voice emanating in Jammu these days be it the electronic or print media oscillates to dot the voice of Kashmiri leaders and Kashmiri locals. The hatred and acrimony against them has arisen to such a level that people have vowed not eat fruits from Kashmir and made a bonfire of their handicrafts on streets of Jammu. It is utmost necessary and meaningful to point out that the bogie of discrimination continuously raised nowadays by the people of Jammu is not over-pampering of the Kashmir region but was a shrewd ploy by those heading successively the PM's Office. It is part of our States history that Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947 had approached both India and Pakistan with a “Standstill Agreement” as he was in dilemma whether to accede to Dominion of India or Pakistan or to stay independent. It should not, also be forgotten that Kashmiri has never been empathetic towards India, he never wanted to be a part of India, and they are not ashamed to openly say it. Although, this may be highly objectionable for a patriotic Indian, but this is the truth we do not want to accept. Mrs. Gandhi had her hair pulled by some Kashmiri girls in 1970's, and we know what slogans they raised during India West Indies Cricket match and the recently held Santosh Trophy. The biggest irony here is the fallacy of our successive decision makers that indulging Kashmiris with monetary packages will make them forget Pakistan and consequently sift their sentiments, this political naivety on our part was an attempt to “win” them over which was at the cost of economic growth of Jammu.

We can never, first-of-all deny the fact that Kashmiri community has never allowed itself to be identified with the rest of India and culturally too their Kashmiriyat was never part of the broad Continental-cum-Secular-cum-Hindu influenced Indian ethos. Second-of-all we also have to wake up to the fact that we have repeatedly blundered in our brainless policy towards sensitive issues. Just to score some more seats in Punjab by dirty tricks, we tried to quarantine Akalis by pitching Bhindrenwala and the havoc it did to India was in the shape of operation blue star, sacrificing our women Prime Minister and the wave of resentment by Sikhs which we conveniently labeled 'terrorism'. Likewise, in Kashmir, we promised 'near' freedom in the shape of a sadar-iriyasat and a Prime Minister. Art. 370 was a sacrosanct cornerstone and it has over the time been diluted to the core, specially by Delhi Agreement of 1952 and the famous Sheikh-Indira Accord in 1975, the betrayal to the masses when Rajiv Gandhi and Farooq Abdullah shook hands to upset the mandate to MUF forced them to respond in the way they did. In return, we responded with unparalleled HR excesses, which saw a lakh people dead, 10,000 still missing and what not. Army came and sat on their orchards, cultivable lands; schools etc, our PM Mr. Singh had openly stated to the separatists that short of Azadi 'sky is the limit' and at the same time we tried to checkmate them by placing Mr. Mufti at their back, so after all this, why would they not protest when 100 acres of land is transferred. May be they feel that it is another ploy of Government of India to grab the land way from them. It would be a great folly on our part to

Epilogue Ø 23 × September 2008

think that only Hurriyat is demanding scraping of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). This draconian law has created more havoc in Northeast than in Kashmir. IAF has bombarded them and used mortar shells and in 2004, the abduction and killing of Thangjam Manorama Devi triggered massive protests by the people of Manipur. A group of brave Mothers shook the conscience of the entire world by their nude protest in front of Assam Rifles HQ. But here in just 2 days of Army's management on the streets, the intellectuals of Jammu are crying foul, so can we not just for a moment imagine what these people in Northeast and Kashmir must be feeling? We as Indians connect the image of Bharat Mata with bureaucracy of babu's and feel that we can commit no blunder and do not realize how alienated and estranged minorities feel and what they really feel about India and Hindu Majority. The treatment to a Ladakhi student in my class was not what mould make a Indian proud. Very few students would talk to him and he was a social outcaste. When I asked him whether Buddhists would have also protested like Kashmiris if land was acquired in Ladakh, his reply was they would have. Even at the slightest provocation like the Dera Controversy, the Sikhs shout the slogans of Khalistan Zindabad in Gandhi Nagar. The dichotomy in our mindset is also very puzzling; on one hand we have no hesitation in arresting Sri Shankaracharya in Tamil Nadu who according to our scriptures is the representative of Lord Shiva on this earth and non-different from Him. No Christian nation whether in Europe or in America would ever dare to arrest the

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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.

New Delhi Should Explain,

Why Dialogue Is Stalled Interview with

Shafi Uri Senior Leader National Conference Former Finance Minister 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 there are protests. Both are equally dangerous. My point is that we have always been saying that there is a problem which needs to be understood and 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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Don't see anyone in isolation. As I pointed out above silence is always dangerous, what you are seeing today is nothing but just break down of silence. This was the worst result of complacency. There may have been some signs of normality but people (in New Delhi) misconstrued this for stability. Stability is still a far cry. You can't go ahead without addressing the basic issue. Yes, there are different phases and calm is one of them. But when there is calm that does not mean every thing is alright. So where is the failure? It is obvious. It is in the breakdown of dialogue or no dialogue at all. I am pained at times to see why India does not learn lessons. There are several trouble areas in the country but everywhere dialogue has always remained a continuous process. Here in Kashmir, the credibility of an entire big hearted process has been eroded by cryptic stalling of dialogue. Remember then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee addressing the Kashmiri people taking a cue from the famous couplets of poet Mehjoor. While reaching out to the people of Kashmir with a commitment of growing flowers of peace, Vajpayee showed reasoning and pragmatism when he said that a resolution of Kashmir issue has to be sought in the ambit of humanity and not the oft repeated four walls of constitution. Then came the turn of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who underlined the commitment of building a “New Jammu and Kashmir”. 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. It was a nice exercise to understand various problems of Jammu and Kashmir but did this address the basic issue. No, it did not. Separatists have felt completely isolated in the process.

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. What is the way forward? It can not be identified and concluded here. Yes, a way has to be found but then dialogue is the only course to reach somewhere. The first step forward is obvious to initiate a dialogue and reach out to the people with a big heart. How do you look at the eruption in Jammu? Jammu agitation is based on notions. When some people say that Valley Muslims have hurt the Hindu sentiments why do they forget the secular tradition of Amarnath Yatra

Epilogue Ø 25 × September 2008

held by the people of Kashmir for so many years. The question of land transfer is a completely misunderstood theory. When the government has been offering all logistic support then what these cries are all about. You name any pilgrimage –may it be Hajj, the affairs of Golden Temple or the Kumbh festival –entire logistic support is provided by the governments. Only the internal religious affairs are handled by the religious organizations. This should not have happened like this. But people in Jammu talk about the discrimination meted out against them by Kashmiri leaders. This is in sub conscious mind. The discrimination sentiments prevail in Jammu ever since the popular government took over reigns from Maharaja's regime. My suggestion is that let's have a debate on the discrimination issue. Have a look at all developmental parameters you will find no truth in the discrimination theory. This is not the first agitation in Jammu on the allegations of discrimination. We have seen Poonch agitation. Then Gajendragadkar Commission and all other studies found that there is no substantial regional discrimination. This is the era of transparency. One can obtain all details of expenditure. You will find nothing in these complaints. If at all there is some discrimination that is quite even in some areas of Jammu as well as Kashmir Valley.

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Replay Of 90’s ?

Still No Lessons From History Syeda Afshana 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.

he Newton's third Law of Motion is applicable to mechanics and equally well to human affairs to a large extent. Atleast, that is definitely so if seen in the light of events of past few months. The Jammu agitation is an apparent reaction to revocation of Land Transfer and associated public uprising over the issue in Valley. And the Economic Blockade, which is no longer symbolic now, is also a reaction to the protests that took place here. Again, the economic squeeze led to fresh protests in Valley that are continuing unabated. The Valleyites are at the receiving end, in absence of any other alternative open road link to the outside world. The protests, as such, in spite of their reactionary nature are inevitable and not something that is going to have spectacular political impact, as many of us would like and love to believe. There have been strikes in past also and the results have not been as heartening as envisaged by masses. The Hazratbal-siege, Chrar-e-Sharief crisis, and Employees marathon-strike to name some major events that triggered protests and extended strikes, but could not translate in to stupendous

political consequences except for keeping the dispute of Kashmir alive from time to time, in spite of their political potential. It is said that the greatest lesson of history is that nobody learns from history. Perhaps, even far supreme lesson is that we tend to forget history. We need to remember our past for making our future better. Remember the wave of early 1990's in Kashmir. This period saw mammoth mass uprising that was subsequently crushed by the powers. The loss of lives because of a number of massacres and the enormous level of brutality in the form of draconian military operations suppressed the people, creating atrocious fear psychosis. The people were taken aback by the level of oppression that was not anticipated, and for which they were not actually prepared. The fervor feeling that Azadi was round the corner could not mature into immediate reality and, in fact, got icy by the strategic and ruthless maneuverings of the ruling machinery that had everything, from politicians, media to statecraft at its backing.

Epilogue Ø 26 × September 2008

This situation was exacerbated by the strangely 'action-less' attitude of neighbouring country that happens to be one of the crucial party to the Kashmir issue. Failing to capitalize on the then popular upsurge, it could not come up to the expectations of the people who had perhaps pinned “too many” hopes on the rulers a c r o s s t h e b o r d e r. Notwithstanding the diplomatic, moral or material support that they provided, they more or less left Kashmiris in the lurch when they needed them the most. Since then, the scenario in Pakistan has taken a volte face, relapsing the country further, and correspondingly Kashmir has virtually been put on the backburner, especially post 9/11. The divided indigenous separatist leadership too was somewhat unsuccessful in chalking out an effective and viable political roadmap for the movement. Perhaps, the dominance of gun was too overpowering or else the setting was such as to relegate them to background. Yet again the separatist political camp did not have much to offer other than

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general strikes as reaction against event(s). The fact remained that after a long saga of historical betrayals, Kashmir was out of the political-cold storage just because of the gun factor that had assumed a vital entry in the landscape of resistance movement. The era of 1990's also witnessed a total blackout of the events by the Indian media. Happenings were not reported at all, and information and opinions were not widely disseminated due to lack of AV media outlets, not to speak of Internet availability. Rarely any voice from Indian intelligentsia could be heard, and debating Kashmir, whether in media or in any other forum, was

quite unthinkable.

Simultaneously, the contingency planning for putting up with any kind of crises is to be anticipated and, likewise, fallout too needs to be outlined radically.

Today 2008, down two decades of ups and downs, combined with the resilience displayed by the people of Kashmir, the resistance movement has throbbed all through, witnessing all kinds of socio-economic and political brunt. High point enduring that the public sentiment is still lively. This time around, let's hope, a pragmatic approach, augmented by the political acumen and vision can procure historical results.

Let's hope and pray history does not repeat itself, and we are unforgettable of its earlier lessons.

The pro-active response is to be translated into a vigorous and vehement but disciplined mobilization.

(The author is Assistant Professor at Media Education Research Centre, MERC, University of Kashmir)

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Getting euphoric is welcome but thinking and guiding masses in a welllaid and organized way is compulsory.

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Find The Enemy

....It Is Communalism Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah 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.

he constitution of India promises its citizens certain fundamental rights that form the very essence of it. It is the utmost responsibility of all its functionaries to uphold the same in case of all of its people . The incidents of the past few days in the valley & the preceding month or so in Jammu reflect poorly upon the state establishment & its functionaries.

for a moment asking why more didn't die in Jammu, that's not my point because we continue to value & uphold the dignity of the human life no matter whose. But what Iam asking is that it fails my senses as to how so much blood shed can occur in such a short duration. Perhaps the bullets pumped from the weapons become more potent in Kashmir. Or maybe the weaponry has a taste for the blood of the valley. Well maybe neither, it is more likely that the

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

Epilogue Ă&#x2DC; 28 Ă&#x2014; September 2008

man behind the trigger has a predisposition to think in a particular way in this part of the world. One is inclined to think that there occurs a certain clandestine / blanket policy in the psyche of those with the duty of law enforcement. The question haunting my mind- Is this behavior warranted? The answer-NO. The basic guiding principle of a public administrator or anyone involved in law

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enforcement is to rise above petty biases of caste, creed, color, region & most importantly Religion. Unless that basic premise is not employed in letter and spirit by those with public dealings, there is bound to be a problem in their functioning .While this utilitarian principle of neutrality is practiced by many, there remains a section who does not abide by it. That is perhaps the explanation of why there is more bloodshed on this side & not on the other. The other vital question is how in the first did the situation turn into such a fiasco. That again has many reasons. The most dangerous and one that is potentially fatal for the integrity of our state is the mixture of religion & politics in Jammu. What started as an administrative issue was deliberately maneuvered into a religious one. The virulence & venemosity of the saffron brigade has done its job, silently but

surely. The motive behind the so called `Sangarsh` was simply to pitch Hindus of the state against the Muslim majority

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. The plan was too well orchestrated to fail. The result is that today there are questions being raised on the secular

credentials of both. It seems the past has completely been forgotten & for good. Let me then remind all such elements that the issue upon which a mountain of problems was raked up by vested interests namely the Amarnath yatra was a part & parcel of Kashmir's culture. It was a Hindu journey for sure but Muslims never objected to it (not even in the worst of times, I might add) .In fact they actively participated in it, out of their own sweet will. Likewise having stayed in Jammu for long years I can bear witness that I never felt any animosity for myself or anyone of my faith. What then possibly went wrong? Perhaps someone needed an election issue & something to remain in the public eye only to capture power in far away New Delhi. That cannot be ruled out considering the saffron league has a past history of such brazen acts of 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

Epilogue Ø 29 × September 2008

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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.

Kashmiri Muslim Does Not Tolerate Jammu Hindus, Muslims

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.

Interview with

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 . . .

Prof Varinder Gupta President Jammu State Morcha, seeking trifurication of J&K 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?

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Though the present agitation is confined to the land issue, but it has provided an opportunity to the people of Jammu region to assert and give a clear cut signal to the Kashmiri leadership and to the Government of India that Jammu region should not be taken for granted any further. If anything is done against the aspirations and interests of the people of Jammu region, they would vigorously and even violently react and oppose such a move. It is also an assertion that wishes of the people of Jammu region have to be ascertained before arriving at any solution of Jammu and Kashmir imbroglio and they would no longer tolerate any dictates either from the valley or from the Government of India in this matter. The present agitation has boosted the morale of the people of Jammu region for their further fight against the Kashmiri domination and discrimination and to achieve justice for themselves. For almost 20 years you have been running a movement for trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. You want separate statehood for Jammu. What are the bases for this demand? The demand of trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir state is based on the following bases: a) The union of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is an unnatural wedlock. All the three regions have their own distinct identity and personality. The state of Jammu and Kashmir came into being by the treaty of Amritsar in March 1846. The integration of three regions was merely political and mainly motivated by the British Indian Government's

desire to create a buffer between the expanding Russian empire and their Indian dominion. The nature has also made these regions as three distinct geographical identities: Jammu region is separated from the Kashmir Valley by Peerpanjal Mountain whereas Kashmir is separated from Ladakh by Korakaram ranges of Zanskar Moutain. b) All the three regions have different political, linguistic, social and cultural perceptions. The interests, aspirations and needs of these regions are conflicting and mutually exclusive. To keep the regions under one state during

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. 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. c) The trifurcation of the state shall not only satisfy the aspirations of the people of three different regions, but it shall also eliminate the role of religioregional appeals in politics in this part of the country. d) The union of Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir regions has become counter productive. The artificial union of these regions has provided opportunities to

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the communal and fundamental elements to feed suspicion between the regions and thus nourish communalism and disaffection. At present all the three regions feel alienated from each other and they are in reconciling situation. e) Jammu and Ladakh regions have been discriminated against by the Kashmiri leaders in all the spheres. Their aspirations have always been ignored. They have been dragged along by imposing the wishes of the people of Kashmir. f) So long Jammu region remains part of the present state it would not get justice. It would not get its due representation in the state legislature in the Lok Sabha, in state civil secretariat and in other Govt. services, in the matter of development and in the selections to the professional institution. g) Jammu region is facing a great threat to its identity because of the Kashmiri domination and because of its secessionist and communal agenda. There have been attempts to divide Jammu region on communal lines and disturb the atmosphere of religious tolerance and communal harmony by the Pak agents and by the Kashmiri leaders. If the region is separated from the valley these threats would vanish. h) Trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir state shall also pave a way to resolve Kashmir issue. If we look at some ground realities, the discrimination story does not

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hold well. Per capita development expenditure is basic criteria to determine the balance or partiality in regional development. The average annual per capita development expenditure in Jammu and Kashmir is Rs 901. If looked at the regional level it works out to Rs 991.16 in Jammu region and Rs 767 in Kashmir region. Therefore, average per capital plan expenditure in Jammu region is more than Rs 200 higher than what is allocated in the Valley. The figure is fabricated and completely false. The figure does not agree with the Government's own statement about the expenditure made in the 8th and 9th plan under the different heads. Let the concerned authority who has supplied this information comes out with details. Number of assembly constituencies and therefore the balance of political power are skewed in favour o f K a s h m i r Va l l e y. T h i s i s understandable. The last delimitation was held in early 1990s when Jammu region got five more assembly constituencies, Ladakh and Kashmir got two each. That was held during the President's rule. Later in 2002, the then BJP led NDA government exempted J&K from the purview of the Delimitation Commission headed by Justice Kuldeep Singh. Then is it the Kashmiri leadership alone to be blamed for this imbalance or you can think of some other factors also. The last delimitation was done in 1996 and not in 1990. The increase in the

assembly seats in favour of Kashmir province was four not two. 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. It is the Kashmiri leadership that always opposed any increase in the number of assembly seats for Jammu region. Of course, the Government of India is also responsible which always tries to appease the Kashmir leadership and did not allow the increase under the pressure from the Kashmir leadership.

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. An average leaders or activist in Jammu always seeks pride in declaring himself as the most pure Indian patriot and nationalist. Look at from the international level, India's position on Kashmir is always sensitive. Had it not been like this, Kashmir would not have been an issue for 60 years. Demanding trifurcation means sending across message that the Hindu majority Jammu does not tolerate the Kashmir Muslims. And then look at the present agitation. There were the talks like economic blockade which has consolidated the

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separatist sentiment in Valley and pushed the situation to a level which Pakistan could never do in last 60 years. Then what good the Jammu leadership is doing to patriotism and Indian nationalism? It is wrong to say that Jammu does not tolerate the Kashmiri Muslims. Number of Kashmiri Muslims including the Kashmiri leaders who have antiJammu mindset migrated to Jammu in 1990. In spite of surcharged communal atmosphere in Jammu because of migration of Kashmir Pandits, Jammu Dogras and Sikhs people of Jammu region did not raise finger against them. It is Muslim Kashmir that does not tolerate not only Jammu Hindu but also Jammu Muslim. Trifurcation of the state would allow all the regions to get their aspirations fulfilled and have the Government of their choice, free of pulls and pressures from the other respective regions. The situation in Kashmir has always remained vulnerable. It was worst in 1990. Kashmir Valley witnessed mass protests on Shri Amarnath Land row on and after 22nd June, 2008. There was no economic blockade; it was Kashmiri leadership that made the false propaganda about the economic blockade that was flared up by the media and even by the Government of India without ascertaining the facts. This was done to sabotage and curb the present Jammu agitation. Government of India and the State government are responsible for the present situation in the valley. They did not tackle it properly and allowed it to take the present shape.

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

bungled state order was used as a bow to shoot out cautions, threats, blames & indictments. The order was to administer the expediency of Amarnath yatris by transferring the right to use of 800 kanals of forest land temporarily to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. It spoke for momentary diversion of right from state 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 i n K a s h m i r ' s e c o l o g y, 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

temperature of air in the valley rose up to the degree which blew masses to the historical Lal chowk including every small or big street of the valley. Oceans of humanity in a single tone incessantly demanding for the cancellation of botchy transfer order of land. A grave mockery bewildered a common Kashmiri who got blinded by the wheeze to see that same land & even more than

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that has been used by yatris for more than 200 years before the formation of Shrine Board the whole picturesque town of Pahalgam used to look like Shivlok & all Kashmiris used to cherish it without any problem. No one ever complained of pollution of any sort or degree, nobody used to reproach that the peaceful affair of 40 to 50 days of pilgrimage can turn Chandanwari or

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Sonamarg into a Hindu terrain. This year when the toll of devotees was ever highest, the serene Chinars were again made to hear vociferous cries of wailing valley. The huffy state of things encompassed angles of communalism & hemmed in several attacks on yatris.

exhibited by restraining media & bringing sms services at halt. The opinionated arrogant actions were pertinent by imposition of indefinite curfews, disrespecting a dead body, putting the rituals at stake; assaulting journalists furthermore exhilarated the young hot blood for a stiff claim of nothing less than land. The utilitarian approach been adopted by Jammu. Notwithstanding the economic losses

because no such uproar is justifiable for few trucks of Hazaratbali the only kind of apples ripened in the month of August in Kashmir. This bizarre and uncanny tactic was used for blackmailing and menacing Delhi as it has been the strongest weapon of separatists.

people of Jammu to be monomaniac inhibitants of two and a half tyrannical districts. The fruit season in Kashmir usually starts in mid September but the traders on the prick force got spurred for bullying to move to PoK. The plea taken was obnoxiously false

that they are merely being used like the pieces on the checkered board with the object to checkmate the opponent king. Such piqued depravities need to be comprehended rationally and a serious thought to be given to this;

The influence of exigent demand being very impelling persuaded the The whole hullabaloo got the blood of 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 Yeh saazishen dishaon ki yeh sazishen hawaaon ki, faith and other's identity oscillator down The state again inculcating zilch. Now it is on the edge of emotional Lahu luhan ho gayi zameen yeh devtaaon ki, high time to stop this haywire division for the rescinded Na shankh ki sadayen hain na ab sadaa azaan ki, outrĂŠ. It is a matter so order was been felt as a squall delicate that if one side is up at faith & credence of Nazar meri zameen ko lagi hai aasmaan ki, the other side is ruined unlike Jammuites. People along one Hai darbadar ye log kyon jale hain kyon makaan. a traditional seesaw. A sea side of Pirpanchal jubilant at void created by this outlandish Yeh kis ne aag daal di hai naram naram ghaas par, grotesque needs to be filled. the cost of resentment of those on the other side who Likha hua zindagi yahan har ek laash par, turned indignant at the unjust A soothing sound is to be Yeh takhat ki ladaai hai, yeh kursiyon ki jung hai, motion. People of entire echoed across the whole state Jammu region again felt the Yeh begunah khoon bhi siyaston ka rang hai, which is to be produced by a precedential step-motherly huge clap in which one hand is lakir khinch di gayi dilon ke darmiyan. treatment 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 The role of administrative agencies proved to be demonic which aired the curb of basic democratic rights viz of speech & expression, right to know, right to move. Except for this the autocratic tendencies were been

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Jam-Kash Showdown

Clash Of Vested Interests S Zafar Mehdi Safvi 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.

he state which had stood the harsh tests of time, remaining unaffected by the mad communal frenzy even during Partition days has ultimately fallen into the vicious trap of vested interests, who have always been hell-bent on tarnishing our rich social and cultural fabric and out to disintegrate state on sectarian lines. Regrettably their iniquitous and wicked designs managed to hit the arrow bang on this time. Such a long-standing and bloody impasse has been unprecedented in the long chequered history of Kashmir, eclipsing even the bigger legendary Hazratbal controversy of bygone period, aftermath of Maqbool Bhat's execution in 80's and outbreak of secessionist movement in early 90's. Precious lives have been lost, and incalculable collateral damage reported. More significantly, the notions of communal harmony, inter-religious tolerance, brotherhood, and peace have failed the litmus test, and stand shaken. 'JamKash' unity has suffered a brutal blow, almost beyond repair. And, pitiably enough, we gave in so cheaply to the impious designs of our enemies and enemies of our state. Who actually pulled the trigger to this mess? "It was started by Sangh parivar,"

notes veteran political commentator Balraj Puri, reminding that now "neither politicians nor administration can control it. It has become a popular upsurge". (Mail today, 9/8/08). Puri puts the blame squarely on saffron brigade for triggering this gory cauldron. Now as the ground reality suggests, it has snowballed into a fullblown communal war between two warring sister provinces and more importantly between two communities. It is assuming alarming proportions with each passing day. It's no more about Congress versus BJP turf wars or BJP vs. Kashmiri regional parties; its more about Jammu vs. Kashmir face-off across political and communal spectrum. Many slender lines have got blurred, as prides are at stake. Many Congress and NC leaders from Jammu are openly throwing their weight behind saffron forces like BJP, RSS, VHP etc, even if that means flouting the party lines and annoying high commands in 10 Janpath and Nawai Subh complex respectively. Similarly in Kashmir, politicians from mainstream arena are rather audaciously humming the separatist tunes, and pledging support to their every move. Notwithstanding their

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chalk-and-cheese ideologies and political affiliations, they have all assembled under same umbrella currently, to show their solidarity with people. Never mind their petty political gains, brazen vote-bank politics, obviously with eye on the upcoming Assembly polls in state. But amidst this entire din, no one bothers to reason out whose pride is actually at stake, and who stands to gain from this whirlpool of brutality and anarchy. To crack this "Da Vinci code", lets trace the sequence of events that led us to this impasse. Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) was constituted on Feb 21, 2001 by J&K govt, for the smooth conduct of Amarnath yatra. It carried out its task admirably, without any fuss for many years. Then after a long while, all of a sudden, a novel bug struck then Governor S K Sinha (also chairman of SASB). Earlier he asked for extension in yatra duration, which was granted. Then he wanted huge mass of Govt land for construction of facilities for yatris. This time he got it terribly wrong. But, he was adamant on getting the deal inked IN SASB's favor. So after constant persuasion by SASB, backed enthusiastically by Sangh brigade, state

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govt had permitted SASB use of forestland on May 29, 05. Not by a sheer co-incidence, Shrine Board's CEO was Governor's personal secretary, and Forest Deptt's principal Secretary was CEO's wife. CEO's wife in capacity of being Principal Secretary of forest department had granted permission to SASB on May 29, 05 to use forestland for pilgrimage. But as eminent civil rights activist Gautam Navlakha notes," It was not in accordance with provision of J&K Forest Conservation Act 97, so state govt later withdrew the order" (Economic and Political weekly, July 26, 08). Later SASB moved the court and Division bench of High Court stayed the withdrawal. In between, Governor Sinha, also then chairman of SASB shot the letter to deputy CM Muzaffar Beigh, seeking 400 acres land for Amarnath Development Authority. On June 03, Govt eventually but hastily transferred 100 acres land to SASB. Even though Beigh later publicly admitted to have been "blackmailed" into giving his approval. (Indian Express, July 16,08). 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. They constituted a joint coordination committee and vowed to fight tooth and nail against what they termed "landgrabbing" by Govt. They launched a stir across valley with main thrust on the environmental impact that the controversial land-transfer deal would have. Soon, as tempers ran hot and high, pent-up sentiments came into

play. However their actual argument merits serious consideration.

both water and land" (E&PW, 26 July 08).

Amarnath Yatra has never faced any threat from any section of Kashmiri society, nor from militants. In fact Kashmiri Muslims have stood by Hindu Yatris through thick and thin for decades. So yatra isn't the cause of worry, but granting huge chunks of land and paving way for more environmental hazards certainly is. As any environmentalist or ecologist would approve, it poses grave challenges to the ecology of the area, which is the

Hurriyat leaders in the meantime managed to mobilize the tremendous support of Kashmiris, and thus a minirevolution kicked off in valley against "land-grabbing" by govt. It was a kind of strand that pulled together farmers, laborers, students, lawyers, activists, businessmen, employees, and you name it. Violence erupted soon after, leading to deaths unarmed protestors. As valley was already on boil, Jammu began its tryst with counter-stir. Azad Govt, caught in catch-22, finally decided to revoke the deal in favor of voices in Kashmir. But not before, its ally PDP already sealed his Govt's fate. Hopping mad by the Volta-facie of govt on landtransfer deal, saffron forces in Jammu resorted to extreme steps—blocking the Srinagar-Jammu highway, and cutting the essential supplies to valley. With economic blockade, they virtually declared war against Kashmir. Situation took ugly turn in Jammu when one of the agitators committed suicide, out of desperation. Jummuites went berserk thereafter, attacking local Muslims and Kashmiri truck drivers at will, besides razing down Mosques and other Muslim structures. Police virtually gave them free hand to commit grave communal crimes. RSS's Tilak Raj Sharma, who spearheads Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti called it a "do-or-die agitation", whose final outcome would be "trifurcation of state into neat communal compartments of Hindu Jammu, Muslim Kashmir, and Buddhist Ladakh" (Mail Today, Aug 09, 08). At centre, Hindutva veterans resorted to their customary vitriolic and venomous campaign against Muslims. LK Advani gave a green signal to saffron cadres at a rally in capital, exhorting them to launch an

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. route to some top tourist destinations. As Naulakha stresses, " Environmental damage caused is enormous. Yatris defecate on the banks of Lidder River and throw tones of non-degradable items like polythene, plastic bags, into the river, resulting in deteriorating quality of water". He also points to the threat it poses to local inhabitation there, "Also, threat to local inhabitants from crowding of ecological fragile area where they have to compete to retain their access and rights to resources,

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agitation against "anti-Hindu" mindset of UPA govt. He asked them to gear up for "do-or-die agitation" and support the "courageous" people of Jammu. Terming the wanton communal carnage in Jammu by saffron fanatics as act of "courage", it didn't even provoke so-called civil rights activists in capital to give him a mouth-ful. And, coming from a prime-ministerial contender, it says a lot about the hyped-about plank of secularism in this largest democracy. 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. Separatists from Mirwaiz to Sajjad Lone vehemently denounced the economic blockade of valley by Saffron forces in Jammu, terming it an "act of war". Social and trade organizations and student unions like JKCCS, CCIK, KHAROF, Trade Union Centre, KU Students, and Kashmir Pandit Sangarsh Samiti fully backed the "Muzaffarabad chalo" call by Separatists. Though politicians at Centre called the economic blockade as 'myth", it didn't mask the truth, which eventually made its way into international community. It was apparent with New York Times running a headline " deadly force used to halt march in Kashmir" on Aug 12. Other widely read foreign papers like Guardian, Washington Post; L A Times followed the suit.

Now as the situation prevails on ground, it looks due for a long haul. Deep religious fault lines have developed, sectarian split has widened and the virus of regionalism has spread its tentacles all across. Every politically correct actor has determinedly tried to cash in on this crisis to reap petty political dividends ahead of Assembly polls. In Kashmir, PDP has been a vocal cheerleader for anti-deal lobby represented by Hurriyat. But, its also pertinent to note that it was PDP leader

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. and then Forest minister Qazi Afzal, who had given thumbs up to the landtransfer deal, and that would not have been possible without the blessings of Big Boss Mufti. Besides him, other signatory was senior PDP leader Muzaffar Beigh, then Azad's deputy. Beigh says he was 'blackmailed", while party boss Mehbooba goes a step further saying, his ministers "misled the party" on the details of deal. Cheap talk this! National conference may have played second fiddle role in this anti-deal rhetoric but its leaders Omar Abdullah,

Epilogue Ă&#x2DC; 37 Ă&#x2014; September 2008

Rahim Rather have been vocal about party's stand. But their maverick patron Senior Abdullah had ruffled many a feathers when he demanded return of land to SASB, although soon following it up with a corrigendum. Omar meanwhile has stepped up the tempo, threatening to resign from Parliament in case violence against Kashmiris doesn't end. The same person who declared himself in an emotional outburst to be a proud Indian in parliament not too long ago is today questioning the claim of New Delhi that Kashmir is India's "atoot ang". Customary Double-speak this! Congress finds itself in a precarious situation. It is the chief protagonist in this reality-show. Siding with Jammu people at this juncture would mean annoying the Kashmiri vote-bank (if there is still any!), and standing by Kashmiris would be aka inviting wrath of Jammu voters (The traditional bastion of Congress). So Azad and company have decided to refrain from swimming in troubled waters. Separatists meanwhile have made maximum out of this stalemate. They have shot back into limelight and struck emotional chord with hypersentimental 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. More importantly the present cauldron has managed to break the ice in separatist camp, with two estranged factions calling peace with each other. Azadi chants are again reverberating in air, international spotlight is back on Kashmir, popular support in valley has swung back in

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favor of separatists. Mirwaiz faction seems to have made peace with militant outfits, Geelani though has emerged as an unlikely hero, and Yasin Malik has again shown by example why he is different from rest of the flock. Lastly Shaheed Sheikh Aziz has given fresh fillip to the freedom movement, and further strengthened the resolve of those who fight for it. In Jammu too, politicians of all hues across party lines have vowed their support to pro-transfer deal agitation, spearheaded by Saffron brigade. These include prominent leaders from 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 to indulge in mindless violence. Hence little wonder, just 2 were killed in Jammu in 20 days of chakka protests, while the toll has crossed 30 in valley in just a week. In valley not even a single case of attack on local Hindus and pandits has come to fore, while in Jammu, local Muslims have gone through hell in last few weeks, forcing them to migrate to safe places outside the region. These hindutva fanatics have played havoc with the rich cultural and communal fabric of our state. As Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti

president Sanjay Tickoo maintains, "Amarnath Yatra is being used as a tool by some elements in Jammu to fulfill their own interests". That merits a serious thought. Centre meanwhile has gone pitifully bang in hammering out a solution to this crisis. Govt's trouble-shooters are cooling their heels elsewhere. Govt had dispatched Art of Living guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as peace emissary, to discuss a

Separatists meanwhile have made maximum out of this stalemate. They have shot back into limelight and struck emotional chord with hypersentimental 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. way out of the current crisis with Hurriyat hawk SAS Geelani. But he went back dejected, as expectedly. Arya Samaj leader Swami Agvinesh also came calling on the septuagenarian leader, and hailed Hurriyat as " sole representative body" of Kashmiris. That must have created flutters in New Delhi. All part delegation from center headed by Home Minister Shivraj Patil spent two grueling days trying to hammer out a solution but in vain. It's reported that Sangarsh Samiti's demands-3r formula led to failed talksâ&#x20AC;Ś removal of governor, transfer of Baltal

Epilogue Ă&#x2DC; 38 Ă&#x2014; September 2008

land, and removal of army from Jammu which didn't find favor with delegation members. As of now, return to normalcy looks a distant dream. With no solution in sight, and no camp willing to budge even an inch from their stands, the crisis is due for a long haul. Hope the better sense prevails. Because, while politicians only stand to gain from this bloody cauldron, it's the pride and honor of state and its people that is at stake. God save my troubled land Author studies at Jamia Milia Islamia University, New Delhi. Feedback at armaan.journo@gmail.com.

@01912493136

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Reconnecting Kashmir :

Need For Reopening Traditional Routes Prof Noor Ahmed Baba

ne of the dimensions of Kashmir issue has been the fact of the Kashmir being pushed to a status of secluded periphery by the 1947 political development. The division of Indian sub-continent, de facto division of Jammu and Kashmir and the placement of its two parts under the actual control of two different and hostile states, and the resultant hardening of borders, pushed the valley of Kashmir and its surrounding regions to a number of social, psychological, political and economic disadvantages. During 194748 the Jammu and Kashmir got divided between what is known as Indian and Pakistani controlled Kashmir. After 1962 Chinese aggression the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir is practically divided into three parts. Out of the total of 222,236 sq. km of what used to be Jammu and Kashmir till 1947, Pakistan holds 78,114 sq. km i.e. about 35 percent of the territory. China with 42,735 sq. km holds about 20 percent of the territory. Not many people know that what is shown as Indian territory in maps is not what India actually holds. India controls only 101,383 sq. km i.e. only about 45 percent of the total territory indicated on the Indian maps. These developments not only did separate different parts of the state from the surrounding countries but different regions within the state and even on each side of the Line of Control were cut off from one another. It needs to be noted that Kashmir for

last five thousand years of its history has remained at the crossroads of civilizational interface and a meeting point of Chinese, Central Asian, Indian and Persian civilizations, cultures and economies. In addition to its links with North and more particularly North Western Indian sub-continent, it has had close trade and cultural relations with places in the present day China, Tibet, a number of cities in Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran and via silk road even to Europe. Traditionally Kashmir remained connected to these places at different points through routes passing LadakhTibet; Ladakh-Xinjiang (EasternTurkistan); Kargil-Skardu-Gilgit and beyond; Bandipora-Gurez-Chilas-Gilgit; Srinagar-Muzaffarabad-Rawalpindi connecting to road and rail networks in different directions within British India; Punch-Rawalakot and beyond into Punjab from different directions. Most of these routes moving to North would link the state to areas that are known today, Afghanistan, Central Asian States, Xinjiang province of China, Tibet and through linkage on silk route to more countries. Most of these routes including the two surfaced roads and one railroad connected with the transportation network of the State to areas that went to Pakistan. The Muzaffarabad, the only all-weathered road in preparation Kashmir, ran west from Srinagar along the Jhelum valley through the Baramulla pass, and south

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to Rawalpindi to meet the railroad crossing within the Punjab. Before partition this road carried the larger part of the state's traffic in men and material. Most of the tourist flow to the state came from this route. Thus the 1947 developments pushed Kashmir center to a sort of isolation and seclusion. The division of Indian subcontinent and de facto division of Jammu and Kashmir and the placement of its two parts under the actual control of two different and hostile states, and the resultant hardening of borders reinforced by hate and conflict, pushed the valley to a number of social, psychological, political and economic disadvantages. Almost all of its major connecting points were blocked and Jammu and Kashmir became dependent on a highway that had never been considered reliable in comparison to roads and connections that historically connected Jammu and Kashmir with rest of the world. This seclusion had a lot of emotional and psychological implications for the people of Kashmir, the families divided on two sides of the Line of Control (LoC) was in itself a human tragedy. This has been the one the greatest disadvantages that Kashmir has suffered because of its post 1947 political placement. This disadvantage has also been shared by its surrounding regions like Kargil and Leh and Poonch-

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Rajouri which continue to suffer communication disadvantage. The partition and the de facto division of the state secluded the state, regions within the state and even regions within each side of the LoC. For example Punch city prior to 1947 was on about five hours run from the Srinagar via Rawalakot and Uri. But because of the LoC road travel distance between Punch and Srinagar has become practically a minimum of two day run. The disadvantages of political uncertainty and impact of on-going conflict on the place created its own predicaments and problems of serious nature for the people of Kashmir. The fact to be noted is that about 82 % J&K borders are with China, Pakistan and Afghanistan and only about 18 % of these touches the Indian main land. Much of this narrow stripe touches with mountainous Himalayan barriers in the Himachal with no possible motor-able link to Kashmir. Out of this connecting strip, in terms of topography, only about its 2% touching Punjab at Akhnoor has been worthy of developing a road or rail connectivity to Jammu part of the state. This point referred to Chicken Neck surrounded by Pakistan has remained a vulnerable point of defense for India. The national highway, 1A, which links the Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India passes through this stripe. Connecting the valley of Kashmir through Jammu has also remained and is likely to continue to be a problem. With all the improvement this highway between Jammu and Srinagar still works only as fair weather road creating lot of inconveniences for people of Kashmir particularly during winter months and

the rainy season. Recent threat of its blockade in Jammu has exposed its other risks for the Valley. Compared to Muzaffarabad road it is less secure and also lengthier to carry goods to centers of trade. Even though it is not generally realized, this fact has socially and economically marginalized the people of the Kashmir valley. Because of this fact people of Kashmir have always remained nostalgic about the Muzaffarabad road. That is why its reopening has figured as important CBM on Kashmir in different official and nonofficial meetings between India and Pakistan. It is in this context opening of bus service on the route on April 2003 made a sense. It was expected to gradually lead to conversion of this road to a full-fledged trade route giving Kashmir traders an additional option.

and the handicraft sector in the state. For fruit growers time and freight cost of the supply to markets will be considerably reduced. For, example for apple growers at Sopore distance to Delhi is more than a thousand kilometers and truck load of apple on an average takes three days to cover distance to Delhi. Compared to this Sopore to Rawalpindi is only 250 km and can be covered in about six to seven hours time. Compared to Bombay-Port, where the Kashmiri traders presently take the goods, the Karachi port is about 1200 Km nearer to Kashmir. As against the distance of 3000 kilometers between Bombay and Srinagar, Karachi is only 1800 kilometers away from the valley. Karachi in turn is nearer to marketing places in the Gulf and Europe.

One expected that in the context of changing character of Indo-Pak relations, the process is taken further and this route known also as Jhelum Valley Road becomes functional for frequent travel of people and free flow of goods across, removing the psychological barriers between two divided parts. It is this development that is going to have tremendous positive impact on the economy of the people as this route has tremendous economic advantage for the transportation of goods and services to the outside world, because of the relative advantages of security, distance and smoothness.

Hence allowing the trade through Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route will make Kashmiri goods more competitive in the international market. Indian government has been trying to link the northeast to Southeast Asia to remove its seclusion. Government of India has in principle agreed to open this route as well. There has been understanding with Pakistan on the issue. It needs to be expedited. Traveling should be simplifies and frequent. Mechanism for full-fledged trade initiated with no further delay. Significantly even the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has hinted at opening of more roads and extending them from travel of people to vibrant trade activity across even to central Asia. Therefore, the reopening need to include Punch-Rawalakot routes as well as other links that traditionally connected different regions of Greater Kashmir with the rest of the world.

Unlike the existing unreliable and fair weather road joining Kashmir with India via Banihal, "Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road is considered to be safer, shorter and more stable. This route will particularly be helpful to fruit growers

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After 2500 Cr Loss,

Eyes On Jhelum Valley Road Bilal Hussain 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.

he business in Jammu and Kashmir suffers whopping loss of over Rs 1500 crore, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), highest body of the Chambers of Commerce of India, said on Aug 13. However, the Valley business chamber and industrialist believe that the losses reported by the ASSOCHAM are on much lower side. On the contrary to ASSOCHAM report, according to the estimates by the two apex business bodies of Valley, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) the cumulative losses to the Kashmir is over Rs 2500 crore due to the continuing protests. "If the agitation goes on, the economy of the state will suffer major jolt as people who had lined up over Rs 5000 crore worth of investment for fiscal 2008-09 will depart to the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh", ASSOCHAM said. As per its estimates, the state witnessed increase in investment proposals from around $200 million in 2001 to more than $2.3 billion in 2007, a 10-fold increase. This investment would have

crossed the Rs 5000 crore mark this financial year. Jammu and Kashmir, otherwise, was poised to attract fresh investments volume of Rs 28000 crore by 2012, including export orders of around Rs 13000 crore. ASSOCHAM said this would have created 2.5 million jobs. Fruit Industry: Horticulture, one of the major contributing sectors to the state's gross domestic product (GDP), has badly been affected by the enforced economic blockade forcing the fruit growers and traders to look for the Jhelum Valley road option to Muzaffarabad (other side of LoC). President, Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir, Shakeel Qalander said that the fruit industry has suffered a loss of over Rs 400 crore. According to him the production of fruit in this season is over 20 per cent of total produce in the Valley. "Till date we would have disposed of not more than Rs 100 crore of the fruit through local and other means," he said. The blockade has stopped fruit growers to export their produce to outside Valley. "This used to be the peak time for exports of fruits to outside," said president New Kashmir Fruit Association, Bashir Ahmad Bashir. The fruit industry

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of Kashmir estimated at over Rs 2500 crore annually is in a serious jeopardy following the enforced economic blockade. "There's no alternative other than Jhelum Valley Road," former President Kashmir Fruit Growers Association, Imtiyaz Ahmad said. President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Dr Mubeen Shah, said, "It is our right to seek markets for our produce and nobody should have any objection for it," he said. "In view of the shortage of drugs, essential commodities and mounting losses to the business community in general and apple growers in particular, we demand that government should think of alternative arrangements of transportation of goods through Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road," said Dr Mubeen shah. Earlier, the traders, business chambers, industrialists, political and religious organizations of Kashmir let by the two jointly given a call for "Muzaffarabad Chalo" to counter the blockade. Tourism Industry: The hoteliers, travel agents and other allied traders associated with tourism have suffered enormous losses due to

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the continuing protests. The oldest and famous travel agency of the state, Shiraz Travels, Director, Nazir A Bakshi said that in the first half of this year we have around 4 lakh tourist present in the Valley. "The losses to the tourism industry in totality would be around Rs 700 cr in the two month of unrest," he said. According to him there very few cancellation but large cancellation are expected within days, tourist have started making queries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the total failure and ignorance on part of the government. In good early days these kinds of situations used to take place but government used to reassure tourist, hoteliers and travel agencies, which has not happened till date," he said.

It is a stand still position in the Valley and as a result the tourists are forced to remain in their hotels, Nasir adds.

Manufacturing Industry: The hoteliers blame government for losses they suffer from the ongoing protests. "This year we had got bookings for full hotel rooms for three months in advance. But the government's decision of land transfer has financially dented us," said an hotelier. The tourist mainly foreigners have cancelled their trip to the Valley on the wake of the turbulent condition in Kashmir. "I had booking for tourists from Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. But all of them have cancelled their booking and I have suffered huge losses due to their cancellation," said an owner of a local travel agency. Handicraft sector:

Government should come out with dos and don't for the tourist, agencies, hoteliers and other's associated with the tourism industry, he said. While sighing a relief Bakshi said that luckily none of the tourist has been harmed till now. We are great full to people for their corporations, he adds. Chairman Travel Agents Association of India, TAAI, (Kashmir chapter) Nasir Shah said that lots of cancellation have already started from the general tourist and few of them have postponed their visits. Those who are present here are leaving before their scheduled departures. Government's indifferent attitude has suffered the tourism industry in the Valley. In my 30 years of career in travel business, I have first time seen world famous Dal Lake locked up. There were not even one single joy ride in the Dal Lake," he said.

produce and should consume them in bulk," he adds.

President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the business fraternity has suffered huge losses over the ongoing protests over the economic blockade to the Valley. "The loss suffered by the business would be much higher than stated by the ASSOCHAM," he said. "The handicraft industry including carpets would have suffered a loss of over Rs 300 crore. " Trader's loss: The annual volume of trade in the Valley is over Rs 30000 crores, said Qalander. "We have monthly trade volume of Rs 2500 cr in the Kashmir." The 20 per cent of the business volume make a gross profit loss of over would be Rs 500 crore for a month, which according to him is a loss to local traders suffered due to continuing protests. Chairman, Kashmir Traders Federation Jan Muhammad Koul said the Valley imports food items worth over Rs 30000 annually. "We must focus on native

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The business volume of the raw material based industries in the Valley on monthly basis is over Rs 1500 crore. "On an average the manufacturing industry has daily volume of over Rs 50 crore," Qalander adds. The gross profit loss to the sector is over Rs 300 crore, during the same period. Agriculture and service sector: The losses in the agriculture sector would be around Rs 100 crore, an agrieconomist. Likewise the losses to service sector excluding the tourism industry would be over Rs 200 crores, it includes Information technology sector in the Valley, said a software engineer Audil Hussain. Print Industry: The print industry of Kashmir is under threat due to the continuing blockade of Srinagar-Jammu highway. The industry manages an annual turnover of Rs 200 crores in the Valley alone. The economic blockade has affected over 350 printing units, employing thousands of youths. President, Kashmir Printers Association, Mukhoor Gowhar, said that the highway blockade has affected the printers' business the most. "The printing industry is basic for all other sectors," he said. Local newspapers too are running short of newsprint. Some newspapers have stopped printing and most have reduced the number of pages to ensure continuity. On an average 8 trucks of paper arrive in the Valley daily. According to Gowhar,

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government hospitals require huge printing supplies in the form of OPD tickets and other forms. "Till date we have managed to supply tickets and forms to hospitals without any break but now we are running short of supplies," he adds. Other industrialists associated with the trade say the paper industry is of utmost importance and government should ensure supply to printers. The price hike of over 15 per cent in paper industry has already affected their business in the Valley. "We were still struggling to manage after recent price hike and now the economic blockade has dented us financially," said an industrialist. According to Gowhar, the government departments have started cancellation of orders to the local printers. "Government in these tough times should stand by us. Instead they are threatening us by cancellation notices," he said. The association said the government departments are planning to outsource the work to outsiders. "Outsourcing would mean huge loss to the unit holders and government should restrain them from doing this," said a unit holder. Presently the printers fear cancellation of orders from Kashmir University, banks and hospitals.

Traders and businessmen have jointly called for vetoing brought in items and encourage consumption of apple and other indigenous food items locally. The economic blockade has affected the fruit industry in the Valley. The blockade has strained the growers, fruit traders, business persons and others to consider other viable solutions to sustain the fruit industry of the state. "Locals should consume more apples and other indigenous fruits grown in the Valley. This would ensure the market for the fruits locally and would minimize the dependence of fruit industry outside the state," said Imtiyaz. Former President Kashmir Valley Apple Growers and Dealers Association, Ghulam Mustafa said, "It is high time to open all possible routes connecting Valley to outside world." Most of the people in the Valley were of the opinion that the public should use apples instead of chips, and soft drinks in the marriages, get-togethers and other functions and parties. Consumption of apples locally apart strengthen local economy would improve public health believe medical doctors. "An apple a day keeps doctor away, which is true and we must do that in our lives," said Manzoor Ahmad, a resident of Budgam.

an emergency meeting of Valley industrialists under the chairmanship of G M Bhat, President Industrial Entrepreneurs Association, which was held in the industrial estate Zukara to discuss the effects of the said blockade on the industry and people of Kashmir. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was resolved that we would completely boycott the outside state products," Bhat adds. Formation of Kashmir Economic Front: Recently the business community of Kashmir Valley has jointly formed a coordination committee, Kashmir Economic Front, to look into the economic aspects of the valley arising out of the economic blockade. Representatives of Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant association, Kashmir traders and manufacturers federation, Houseboat owners association, Kashmir transporters federation, Kashmir flour mills association, and many other have jointly formed the front. On Saturday the front has decided to march towards Muzaffarabad on 11th August 2008, to export the local produce. Earlier, profreedom leaders, Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Aug 9, had said that fruit-laden trucks from all corners of the Valley would begin their march towards Muzaffarabad. Futuristic views:

The prevailing situation demands thorough media coverage and the print media are doing its bit. "Paper supplies to the newspapers should be ensured at all cost," said president, Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir, Shakeel Qalander. "It is unfortunate on part of the government," he adds. Vetoing outside items: Consensus seems to be building among the local traders in Kashmir on banning imported food items from other states.

The apple from valley besides being supplied to all parts of India is also exported to countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Srilanka. This year fruit growers in Kashmir were expecting more turnovers but the highway blockade has badly affected them economically. "Fruits have shorter life span. We fear 90 percent of fruit in trucks would be rotten by now amounting to huge losses," said a fruit grower. In response to the economic blockade

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The commoners in general and businesspersons in particular in the Valley are no more considering SrinagarJammu highway safe, reliable and enduring route, they have already started demanding of all-weather and sustainable route for trade purposes. Although, there were talks going on at high level of opening Jhelum Valley road leading to other side of Kashmir for trade purposes but the people are so eager and demand immediate opening of the route.