Bukhari on the media circus that is a way of life among politicians of all shades in Kashmir
(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media Group that publishes the English daily, Rising Kashmir, and soon-to-be launched Urdu daily, Bulund Kashmir. He had his early education in Sopore, Beerwah and then in Srinagar where from he got his post-graduate degree in English from the University of Jammu and Kashmir, and took up job as a teacher in higher education department. He taught English in various colleges in Kashmir took voluntary retirement in 1995 as Professor. Even though not a professional journalist by training, he has been extremely successful in the field, launching SANGARMAL, the first ever multi-coloured Kashmiri newspaper from Srinagar which is now in its fourth year. Later in 2008, he created the Kashmir Media Group. His interests are reading and writing and building value based institutions.)
Drawbacks of Hate Politics in Kashmir
Politics is art of looking for trouble, finding it, misdiagnosing it, and then misapplying the wrong remedies.
But in case of Kashmir politics is more than this. Decades of fight between the political parties in this troubled part has now clearly shown that here the politics is purely based on hate rather than the principles. It dates back to freedom struggle, which began in early last century. Politics in Jammu and Kashmir has been devoid of tolerance and mutual accommodation.
We need not to go deeper into the way the politics has shaped in the place where the political beliefs are more divergent than any other part of sub continent. Here the politics encompasses all the sentiments---pro-India, pro-Pakistan, pro-Independent, pro-Kashmir, pro-Ladakh, pro Jammu and above all pro religion.
But the discourse of this hate politics reached a crescendo in the ongoing session of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly when senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig dropped a “bombshell” in a bid to demolish Omar Abdullah, who has the distinction of being youngest Chief Minister in India. Baig’s salvo came to everybody’s surprise and while nagging through the blood stained Bomai, Baramulla, Kupwara and Shopian invoked the ghost of 2006 infamous sex scandal and the dumbness seen in the house for few seconds conveyed everything in that context.
In 2006 the mainstream politics had surely fallen from grace and linking that to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at this juncture was nothing but the hate with which the politicians take on each other. Beig did mention that the document which he quoted was part of the proceedings of the High Court and that a Judge had ruled that investigations were left halfway as for as the list of suspects was concerned. But the timing of the “bombshell” is still not explained and its connection with the seven-month-old coalition government is yet to be established.
From the day one of assembly proceedings it looked that two main parties in state, NC which is heading ruling coalition and the PDP which is the leading opposition were well prepared to outwit each other. In that entire game the role of Speaker cannot be ignored. On the day one when PDP was thrown out with contempt without allowing them to even stand on their seats conveyed a message that coalition had made up its mind to shut their mouths. PDP president Mahbooba Mufti too crossed the limits by wrenching Speaker’s mike. May be her outburst on what she called “Speaker’s biased approach” was genuine but the path she chose was not right and that demolished the ethics in politics. On the second “fateful day” when Omar came under direct and scathing attack on his person, the sling match between Speaker and PDP members brought to the fore the shocking aspect of mainstream politics in the state. Speaker’s engagement with opposition members was laden with choicest invectives flashed through national TV networks as well. His failure to control the house when he had earned admiration as Deputy Speaker in the previous assembly is quite intriguing. While the veteran politician Abdul Ahad Vakil had set the high standards of conduct in the assembly, Tara Chand (now the Deputy Chief Minister) had gone beyond layman’s imagination while steering through even the toughest days of proceedings. Except for ouster of Shariefuddin Shariq for his “unparliamentarily” behavior, Tara Chand always managed the house that too with strongest opposition – 28 members from National Conference.
Apart from the hate on which politics is based in our state, the sense that the opposition was permanently being pushed to the wall by the government, perhaps provoked them to target the leader of the house and may be by their calculations wanted to settle down the issue forever. However the Governor, the Union Home ministry, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh rallied behind Omar to defeat Beig’s design. Beig is now under attack with privilege motion that is still pending. Also there were “six questions” framed by NC to “demolish his character” are making rounds. The opposition has every right to counter the opposition attack but the way questions have been framed bespeak the sagging standards of democratic battle in Kashmir’s fast paling mainstream politics.
The Chief Minister is surely back with the certificate from CBI and Governor but the future course of politics in Jammu and Kashmir will certainly not rest on these issues. Bickering and animosity between two main rivals in Kashmir valley will further deepen and hate may touch a new high. This will only result in loss to public as the parties will not allow each other to work and the sling matches witnessed in the assembly may continue. Unfortunately in this din the more important issue of human rights violations, withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act has taken a backseat so has the development, which will be now measured on the basis of this hate politics.
Government of India at this stage is not going to oblige the PDP by conceding the demand of judicial probe into the scandal, which for them has since been closed in 2007 and further sealed with the latest episode.
It is time for both the parties to leave such issues to get settled in the due course of law and lay foundation for new political accommodation in the state without attaching persons to politics and work towards development, which is the only immediate task the mainstream parties can fulfill in the troubled state. The assembly to which the MLA’s were elected is the forum for settling people’s day-to-day problems and the larger issues should be left to the larger platforms.
Abusing the assembly does not behoove the politicians, who are, of course, elected by the people, but are hated too exactly on the lines they hate each other. Common man has a plain prescription for the politicians: Accommodate each others’ viewpoint and don’t indulge in hate politics. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was right in his first remark after he resumed as CM; “If we continue fighting with each other no body will vote for us after six years.”
Introduction to KashmirForum.org Blog
Friday, July 31, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
A Paradise No More
Muzaffar uses an unusual backdrop to convey a deeply disturbing message of changes in Kashmir's social fabric that, left uncorrected, will leave an indelible scar on the society
(Mr. Muzaffar Khadim, 59, was born in Srinagar. He did his early schooling in Srinagar and after completing his pre-medical college studies, decided to go into business of selling Shawls and Embroidery all over the country. Mr. Khadim's excellent writing skills, as clearly evident in the following essay, are partly and genetically attributable to his late father, Mr. G. M. Khadim, who retired as the Principal of Islamia High School, Srinagar.)
… and finally I decided to kill myself
ARTICULATING PAIN
She was educated but simple. Her education and simplicity had no takers. She was an invalid note of currency, too outdated to be accepted in this `modern’ and `enlightened’ era. Finally she left all with a message that rends a human heart, narrates Muzaffar Khadim.
An ear piercing scream from my sister’s room in the dead of the night shook me off the sleep. In utmost agony, I ran to her room. Instantly, the other members of the family too rushed to see what had happened. The horrible scene that we encountered was unbelievable. My dearest sister was lying in a pool of blood with a knife deep embedded in her chest. “What happened? Who could have done that?” was the question every eye was putting forth. Feebly she lifted her left hand in which she was holding a folded paper. I removed that paper from her hand. As if she was waiting for it to happen, her soul instantly fled her body. All of us were buried under the shadow of grief. No one could understand what had happened. I opened the paper which she had so legibly written. I was afraid even to read that, but I had to; to know as to why she had taken this extreme step. She wrote:-
“ My Dear Brother,
“I knew that it would be you who would dare to read this. I realise what must be happening to my family members right now. For the last many days I have been meditating whether I should take such an extreme step or not. Finally I came to the conclusion that to protect my thousands of other sisters from the agony that I have faced, I must surrender my life. My blood is a humble token of protection to their honour and chastity.
“How can I tell you what a hell I have been going through, for the last couple of years? I am not unaware of the fact that the whole family, too, were very worried and anxious. But I was realising that without any fault of mine, it was me, who was the reason of your anxiety. Alas, I was born; had I not, you wouldn’t have to swallow this bitter drink of my departure in this manner.
“Ever since I entered into the fold of youth, all of you began to worry about me. You were dreaming that if I got married somewhere, you would be relieved from a great responsibility of your life. Myself, I too had some dreams, some fantasies. Unfortunately, we had a very untrue picture of our society in our minds. We presumed that nobility, proper education, religious upbringing and beauty of character were the criteria. But when we faced the “market” we realised that some other criteria was in vogue. It took us so long to understand that lineage, cast and creed had a great role to play. Our experience taught us that however well-educated the girl might be, if she is not an earning hand, she is invalid in the eyes of a boy’s family. Of late, we came to know that simplicity and modesty of a girl are no virtue. In fact they are an immense eclipse. You encounter these facts of life only when you practically enter into the field, otherwise everybody would boost that we are all bound by the criteria set by Islam and humanity.
“Some two years ago, a boy’s family came to see me. It was my first such encounter. They had almost given their consent after looking into my “bio-data”. Everybody in the family was rejoicing as if it was Eid. Apparently it seemed that we too had got a family of our liking. But all that was our wishful thinking. How on Earth did I know what kind of an interview that was to be? The lady who was heading that group, discreetly probed into every single hair on my head. On looking at my long hair, she had suspected them to be artificial. They left and disappeared for ever. We could never know the reason of their disapproval.
“After some time another family came. Three ladies and two men! It seemed that those ladies had directly descended on us from a Bridal Saloon. Elderly ladies in that kind of make-up were always a sour to my eyes. The eldest among them minutely conducted a post-mortem on the nails of my fingers and toes. When she realised that I had not “painted” them, she clearly said that such simplicity did not work in this “advanced” society. I was courageous enough to tell her that my simplicity was my precious ornament. She disliked my conservativeness and left without a word. I could never imagine that all their life, they had never known that unless water reaches every single nail, ablution can not be achieved. Then how come they dare to stay unclean?
“After that, almost every week, I was being paraded in front of stranger men and women. All that happened with me each such time was a tragic incident. One lady tried to impress us that she was well-educated. Her “kashmiri urdu” was hardly understandable. She asked me my qualification. I said that I had a Master’s in Physics. With a brightened face, she quickly asked, “Are you a teacher?” It was not easy to make her understand that I had done my M.Sc which had nothing to do with “mastery” (teaching). With a face that had lost all brightness, she could not stay without asking, “Don’t you have a job?” I said, “Our father tried to impart the best education to us but his conviction was that women were better meant to be indoors than being a piece of decoration in the market!” However, she was not impressed and left with the remark, “In these hard days, if a woman does not help her husband in making a living, how can a household run?”
“Do you know when exactly did I feel what it means for a girl to be orphaned? When that Doctor’s family visited us and approved of everything but “rejected” me when they came to know that my father had passed away, they said to the middleman that a son-in-law can not get proper “pampering” from a family where either or both the parents have expired. I was wondering how much of the Qura’an had touched them. What would they achieve from reading, “Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness.” (Dhuha: 9) That day I really felt the pain of having lost the shadow of a beloved father.
“So far, my “marriage application” may have reached a score or more families but there was an utter rejection from every where. I tried to assess what was actually wrong with us? What were we lacking that we had no takers? Why had I become an invalid currency? Three factors came to my mind.
“Firstly, that we belong to a lower caste of the society. Our nobility, our education, our beauty; everything is invalid; because our elders neither were the custodians of any holy shrine, nor were they the clergy of any grand mosque. Bilal (RA) and Abu Bakar (RA) could get equal rights. Salman-i-Farsi (RA) of Persia could get an honourable companionship of the Holy Prophet (SAW). A blind bedwin Abdullah Ibni Ummi Maktoom was to receive more attention compared to the so-called nobles of the Quraish and a complete chapter of the Qura’an was revealed to the Holy Prophet (SAW) pertaining that particular incident. But all this was possible only when Islam was implemented in letter and spirit in every field of life. Now, those who preach this equality, themselves have become such “Mahmoods” where no “Ayaz” can get closer. We had read in the text books that cast-system was prevalent among the Hindus; but in our market, long ago, we have left them behind. It’s impossible for a carpenter’s daughter to become the daughter-in-law of a Syed family or that a “noble’s” daughter becomes the daughter-in-law of a potter’s family; unless it’s a romantic affair that compels two diverse families to pretend unity.
“Secondly, my simplicity was a great hurdle. In this behalf, I tried my level best to compromise to a certain extent. But it was impossible for me to wear a make-up or a dress that was denounced by our Holy Shariah. How on Earth do these people expect us to look like very advanced but behave like five centuries before? Our dress and make-up definitely has to have an impact on our behaviour.
“Thirdly, we did not own such heaps of wealth that could camouflage all our draw backs. We never learnt the art of amassing the wealth. Alas, the knowledge, nobility, simplicity and God-consciousness; that we made our invaluable assets unfortunately have only very few buyers in our society now.
“The final destiny of an untreatable disease is death. I am embracing that death today. The knife that you see embedded in my chest had my hand on it. I own the responsibility. But the instigation was from the society. Will it take its responsibility? I doubt! But in the Day of Judgement, each one of them will certainly be asked that for which sin this innocent girl was slaughtered. I am offering this sacrifice in the hope that no other girl will be kicked off in future only for a sin that’s not her’s.. That she was not born in an upper caste………”
I had yet to read the complete letter of my dearest sister. The cosy room was now full of mourners. In the mayhem some one’s elbow pierced into my ribs and I woke up! My younger brother was besides me, saying, “Bhayya, why are moaning and murmuring so strangely?” I was all soaked in sweat. I quickly went to my sister’s room. In the dim light of a night bulb, I found her prostrating before her Lord. After a long time, when she lifted her head, the prayer rug was garlanded by the glittering pearls that had flown in abundance from her eyes. Quietly I left very satisfied that if she was relegated to being an invalid currency in this society; she very truly was very beloved in the eyes of Allah!
(Mr. Muzaffar Khadim, 59, was born in Srinagar. He did his early schooling in Srinagar and after completing his pre-medical college studies, decided to go into business of selling Shawls and Embroidery all over the country. Mr. Khadim's excellent writing skills, as clearly evident in the following essay, are partly and genetically attributable to his late father, Mr. G. M. Khadim, who retired as the Principal of Islamia High School, Srinagar.)
… and finally I decided to kill myself
ARTICULATING PAIN
She was educated but simple. Her education and simplicity had no takers. She was an invalid note of currency, too outdated to be accepted in this `modern’ and `enlightened’ era. Finally she left all with a message that rends a human heart, narrates Muzaffar Khadim.
An ear piercing scream from my sister’s room in the dead of the night shook me off the sleep. In utmost agony, I ran to her room. Instantly, the other members of the family too rushed to see what had happened. The horrible scene that we encountered was unbelievable. My dearest sister was lying in a pool of blood with a knife deep embedded in her chest. “What happened? Who could have done that?” was the question every eye was putting forth. Feebly she lifted her left hand in which she was holding a folded paper. I removed that paper from her hand. As if she was waiting for it to happen, her soul instantly fled her body. All of us were buried under the shadow of grief. No one could understand what had happened. I opened the paper which she had so legibly written. I was afraid even to read that, but I had to; to know as to why she had taken this extreme step. She wrote:-
“ My Dear Brother,
“I knew that it would be you who would dare to read this. I realise what must be happening to my family members right now. For the last many days I have been meditating whether I should take such an extreme step or not. Finally I came to the conclusion that to protect my thousands of other sisters from the agony that I have faced, I must surrender my life. My blood is a humble token of protection to their honour and chastity.
“How can I tell you what a hell I have been going through, for the last couple of years? I am not unaware of the fact that the whole family, too, were very worried and anxious. But I was realising that without any fault of mine, it was me, who was the reason of your anxiety. Alas, I was born; had I not, you wouldn’t have to swallow this bitter drink of my departure in this manner.
“Ever since I entered into the fold of youth, all of you began to worry about me. You were dreaming that if I got married somewhere, you would be relieved from a great responsibility of your life. Myself, I too had some dreams, some fantasies. Unfortunately, we had a very untrue picture of our society in our minds. We presumed that nobility, proper education, religious upbringing and beauty of character were the criteria. But when we faced the “market” we realised that some other criteria was in vogue. It took us so long to understand that lineage, cast and creed had a great role to play. Our experience taught us that however well-educated the girl might be, if she is not an earning hand, she is invalid in the eyes of a boy’s family. Of late, we came to know that simplicity and modesty of a girl are no virtue. In fact they are an immense eclipse. You encounter these facts of life only when you practically enter into the field, otherwise everybody would boost that we are all bound by the criteria set by Islam and humanity.
“Some two years ago, a boy’s family came to see me. It was my first such encounter. They had almost given their consent after looking into my “bio-data”. Everybody in the family was rejoicing as if it was Eid. Apparently it seemed that we too had got a family of our liking. But all that was our wishful thinking. How on Earth did I know what kind of an interview that was to be? The lady who was heading that group, discreetly probed into every single hair on my head. On looking at my long hair, she had suspected them to be artificial. They left and disappeared for ever. We could never know the reason of their disapproval.
“After some time another family came. Three ladies and two men! It seemed that those ladies had directly descended on us from a Bridal Saloon. Elderly ladies in that kind of make-up were always a sour to my eyes. The eldest among them minutely conducted a post-mortem on the nails of my fingers and toes. When she realised that I had not “painted” them, she clearly said that such simplicity did not work in this “advanced” society. I was courageous enough to tell her that my simplicity was my precious ornament. She disliked my conservativeness and left without a word. I could never imagine that all their life, they had never known that unless water reaches every single nail, ablution can not be achieved. Then how come they dare to stay unclean?
“After that, almost every week, I was being paraded in front of stranger men and women. All that happened with me each such time was a tragic incident. One lady tried to impress us that she was well-educated. Her “kashmiri urdu” was hardly understandable. She asked me my qualification. I said that I had a Master’s in Physics. With a brightened face, she quickly asked, “Are you a teacher?” It was not easy to make her understand that I had done my M.Sc which had nothing to do with “mastery” (teaching). With a face that had lost all brightness, she could not stay without asking, “Don’t you have a job?” I said, “Our father tried to impart the best education to us but his conviction was that women were better meant to be indoors than being a piece of decoration in the market!” However, she was not impressed and left with the remark, “In these hard days, if a woman does not help her husband in making a living, how can a household run?”
“Do you know when exactly did I feel what it means for a girl to be orphaned? When that Doctor’s family visited us and approved of everything but “rejected” me when they came to know that my father had passed away, they said to the middleman that a son-in-law can not get proper “pampering” from a family where either or both the parents have expired. I was wondering how much of the Qura’an had touched them. What would they achieve from reading, “Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness.” (Dhuha: 9) That day I really felt the pain of having lost the shadow of a beloved father.
“So far, my “marriage application” may have reached a score or more families but there was an utter rejection from every where. I tried to assess what was actually wrong with us? What were we lacking that we had no takers? Why had I become an invalid currency? Three factors came to my mind.
“Firstly, that we belong to a lower caste of the society. Our nobility, our education, our beauty; everything is invalid; because our elders neither were the custodians of any holy shrine, nor were they the clergy of any grand mosque. Bilal (RA) and Abu Bakar (RA) could get equal rights. Salman-i-Farsi (RA) of Persia could get an honourable companionship of the Holy Prophet (SAW). A blind bedwin Abdullah Ibni Ummi Maktoom was to receive more attention compared to the so-called nobles of the Quraish and a complete chapter of the Qura’an was revealed to the Holy Prophet (SAW) pertaining that particular incident. But all this was possible only when Islam was implemented in letter and spirit in every field of life. Now, those who preach this equality, themselves have become such “Mahmoods” where no “Ayaz” can get closer. We had read in the text books that cast-system was prevalent among the Hindus; but in our market, long ago, we have left them behind. It’s impossible for a carpenter’s daughter to become the daughter-in-law of a Syed family or that a “noble’s” daughter becomes the daughter-in-law of a potter’s family; unless it’s a romantic affair that compels two diverse families to pretend unity.
“Secondly, my simplicity was a great hurdle. In this behalf, I tried my level best to compromise to a certain extent. But it was impossible for me to wear a make-up or a dress that was denounced by our Holy Shariah. How on Earth do these people expect us to look like very advanced but behave like five centuries before? Our dress and make-up definitely has to have an impact on our behaviour.
“Thirdly, we did not own such heaps of wealth that could camouflage all our draw backs. We never learnt the art of amassing the wealth. Alas, the knowledge, nobility, simplicity and God-consciousness; that we made our invaluable assets unfortunately have only very few buyers in our society now.
“The final destiny of an untreatable disease is death. I am embracing that death today. The knife that you see embedded in my chest had my hand on it. I own the responsibility. But the instigation was from the society. Will it take its responsibility? I doubt! But in the Day of Judgement, each one of them will certainly be asked that for which sin this innocent girl was slaughtered. I am offering this sacrifice in the hope that no other girl will be kicked off in future only for a sin that’s not her’s.. That she was not born in an upper caste………”
I had yet to read the complete letter of my dearest sister. The cosy room was now full of mourners. In the mayhem some one’s elbow pierced into my ribs and I woke up! My younger brother was besides me, saying, “Bhayya, why are moaning and murmuring so strangely?” I was all soaked in sweat. I quickly went to my sister’s room. In the dim light of a night bulb, I found her prostrating before her Lord. After a long time, when she lifted her head, the prayer rug was garlanded by the glittering pearls that had flown in abundance from her eyes. Quietly I left very satisfied that if she was relegated to being an invalid currency in this society; she very truly was very beloved in the eyes of Allah!
Lacking Intellectuals, Kashmir's Civil Society Thrives on Hyperbole
Amin Sofi explains how irrelevant polemics in Kashmir sucks the oxygen out of any possibility to nuture intellectualism in the society
(Dr. Mohammed Amin Sofi, 55, was born in Handwara. He received his early education from the Higher Secondary School in Handwara, and his B.Sc. from the Government Degree College in Baramulla. He subsequently received a Master's degree in Mathematics from the Aligarh Muslim University, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. Prof. Sofi teaches and conducts research in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Kashmir. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading books, listening to classical western music, Urdu ghazals and Bollywood music (pre-1980's), and reading newspapers and journals.)
Society Sans Sanity
During a recent seminar organized by GK Foundation to discuss the issue “Kashmir, The way Forward”, the eminent educationist Prof. Agha Ashraf during his key note address had hit the nail on the head when he remarked that everybody in Kashmir fancied himself as the ultimate intellectual who had arrived at the right conclusions regarding issues ranging from those confronting him in his day to day life to how the G8 countries should evolve a consensus on climate change and global warming.
One couldn’t agree more with him as this holier-than-thou attitude typical of these pseudo-intellectuals the Professor was referring to and which is reminiscent of the “pygmies amongst giants’ syndrome, necessarily entails a tendency among them to scoff at those who may not hold similar views. And this lends substance to Dr. Maroof Shah’s dirge in a recent article, ”Where are Intellectuals?” in which he expresses his bewilderment on the woeful absence of those from our midst who could be genuinely called intellectuals. The Doctor would do well to remember that such individuals do not exist in vacuum as there has to be at display a uniform pattern in the evolution of such individuals in different walks of life and in different spheres of human activity. During a period of history when Bach and Beethoven were ruling the roost in the world of music in Germany, there were the likes of Gauss and Riemann who had taken the world of mathematics by storm and Kant and Hegel coming up with earth shaking ideas in the world of philosophy. It so happens that the mutually opposing trends of excellence and mediocrity not only co-exist simultaneously, but what is remarkable indeed is that there is similarity of evolution of ideas and trends that happen to occur contemporaneously and in almost all spheres of human activity.
In other words, if there are those who have excelled themselves say in Arts or in Music, there will of necessity exist a matching pool of those who have made a mark in Medicine and in Mathematics, in Physics and in Philosophy.
In order to put the discourse on intellectuals into perspective, it should help to point out how to deal with certain misconceptions that are prevalent in our society. For instance, even if there are those who could be labeled as intellectuals, it is not fair to expect them to pronounce words of authority on an issue of which they may at best have only a smattering of understanding. Unlike the period of Renaissance when almost all intellectual endeavors were subsumed under the single umbrella of Natural Philosophy, the contemporary zeitgeist makes it literally impossible to claim more than a nodding acquaintance with that which doesn’t fall within the parameters of one’s bailiwick. It would certainly make a world of difference if one settled for a deep and in-depth understanding of a particular branch of knowledge rather than make forays into sundry areas of human thought in which one’s creative prowess and expertise are expected at best to be peripheral. As opposed to this brand of thinkers who are known to be overly keen to be visible to the rest of the world, a true intellectual revels in the world of anonymity and rarely has any audience to talk and communicate his thoughts to, barring to a handful of those of his ilk. He is at complete peace with himself while keeping his own company and this is as true of a modern day intellectual as it was of Archimedes, Euclid and Pythagoras who had lived about 2500 years ago!
With this background, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that in Kashmir, there hardly are those - other than a miniscule minority of privileged few - who could be counted upon as intellectuals, be it in religion, philosophy, history or literature even when we have reasons to boast of a long tradition of scholarship in these areas of human activity. Not to speak of an international figure in social sciences or in any other human endeavor, the fact is that identifying one who has excelled himself even at the national level is a pretty tall order. Let us, for Heaven’s sake, stop this comparison of our thinkers and ‘intellectuals’ with those in the rest of the world, considering that the ‘rest of the world’ is big, too big for this comparison. The region adjoining this erstwhile ‘hub’ of intellectual-philosophical activity is already huge enough for such comparisons. The failure to come up to matter at the international-national level surely has not only to do with the (lack of) infrastructure which, among other things, includes a healthy social structure for such an ethos to flourish, it also has its genesis in the patently flawed thinking that ‘it is of no consequence to pursue knowledge for knowledge sake’- a skewed worldview that has takers but only in this part of the world. We need to remind ourselves of that basic maxim underlying scholarship: “if we can know, then it is sinful not to know”! But it is easier said than done inasmuch as a mere lip service to such a fundamental requirement for scholarship cannot be expected to deliver the goods unless it is accepted as part of our ‘intellectual discourse’.
After all, intellectual activity of any kind in general and scientific activity in particular is rooted in culture. It was not for nothing that Bruno, the great Italian natural philosopher, offered to be burnt alive for the sake of an ‘abstract idea’ rather than capitulate to the dictats of the Church which had offered to grant him amnesty if he retracted his statement on his investigations into the nature of the planetary motion. This puts into perspective the grudge that “Islamic studies has a scope in the western world but not in Kashmir”, as was pointed out in a recent column that had appeared in the GK. This is so because the scholar in the western world is essentially motivated by the spirit of scientific temper that has shaped the Western thought over the past several millennia. The fear that this spirit of scientific temper is going to elude us for a long, very long time to come has a lot to do with our obsession with quoting the Quran on the innumerable occasions it contains exhortations demanding its followers to ‘fan out in different directions in search of knowledge’, while remaining oblivious to the need for understanding and implementing the spirit of these injunctions in our daily lives. In a similar vein, expecting our Ulema to lead us as (potential) successors of Shah-Walli-ullah and Gazzali is pure wishful thinking. During a recent Friday sermon, an Imam of a local mosque here in Srinagar was heard exhorting the followers of islam to desist from ‘excessively’ asking questions which, according to his brand of logic, ran counter to the spirit of Islam - whatever that might have meant to him.
Whereas it may be considered reasonable to advise on desisting from ‘hair-splitting’, especially in matters involving faith, extrapolating the same logic to issues beyond faith and “the mundane chores of our daily lives” as the Imam put it, carries with it the risk of accepting things as they are, without worrying about the why and how of things which is at the heart of scientific temper. The Cartesian dictum of the ‘ability to doubt the obvious’- the bedrock of scientific ethos is thus thrown to the wind as antithetical to the spirit of islam while remaining smug in the hope of claiming parity in the world of science, never mind the unwillingness to reflect on those Gospel words.
Beyond the local/national level, there are equally good reasons why even at the international level, there are isolated cases where what is at display is actually intellectual effeteness as opposed to intellectual vigor which should have been a natural consequence of professional competence. The irony is that professional competence, which entails ‘vertical’ growth of an individual, is generally at variance with true intellectual growth that thrives mainly through a ‘horizontal’ approach. One of the undesirable consequences of what actually amounts to this ‘blinkered’ worldview is that those who advocate it do so at the expense of a broader perspective of things which thus becomes the greatest casualty in such a scenario.
Alas, there are all the indications that this ‘grand vision’ of producing professionals with ‘tunnel vision’ shall continue to persist, what with the premium being placed on maximizing your ‘creative output’- never mind its quality and shelf life- which has come to be regarded as the mantra for one’s professional success. This kind of an approach towards what constitutes professional excellence is of a piece with what is currently prevalent in our universities and institutions and espoused by our brand of ‘academics’ that by far outnumber those who think and act otherwise. It is this latter group of academicians who rightly belong to the genre of ‘educators’ –intellectuals in our sense of the term. The bottom line is that intellectuals are not produced- they are thrown up by a system that has the right ingredients of an approach towards creation of intellectual capital. These include, among other things, an inclusive approach of the ‘salad-bowl’ kind of culture in which individual growth can be achieved. That in part should serve to explain why is it is that Bombay and Calcutta happen to figure perhaps as the most stimulating hubs of intellectual activity among all cities and towns in India in the same way as New York presents itself as the most happening cosmopolitan city in the world where one encounters all shades of thought and culture from almost all parts of the world in view of its aptly coined sobriquet as a ‘melting pot’ of various nationalities and ethnicities. It is in the midst of such a heterogeneous ambience marked by multiplicity of cultures, languages, ethnicities and faiths that the intellectual growth of an individual can be realized.
What then has been the role of these `beacons of light’, these ‘highest seats of learning’, these ‘temples of knowledge’ that we call universities in shaping our destiny by helping to create a pool of right thinking individuals and more importantly our intellectuals who could be counted upon to guide us in our moments of crises. The pity is that we haven’t done much. Though the failure to do so is symptomatic of the systemic rot that is both deep and ubiquitous, there still is a lot more that could be done with the existing system in place, the insurmountable difficulties notwithstanding. The irony is that what passes muster as academic activity is in essence an attempt to delude ourselves and others into believing that we are dead serious about what we are supposed to be doing and about our duties as academics, teachers, scholars and as trend-setters in our society. Yes, showcasing our ‘achievements’ to the outside world during the plethora of conferences and seminars being held in the university is part of the mandate bestowed on us by virtue of being the ‘prodigal sons’ of this society who enjoy the privilege of letting these ‘road shows’ occupy the centrestage to the neglect of its basic commitment which is not only to identify and nurture talent amongst our youth but, more importantly, to produce right thinking and responsible citizens - a euphemism for excellence and intellectual capital of a society.
A case in point is the inexplicable indifference to the idea of establishing a full-fledged Department of Philosophy in the university which is not only long overdue but that a further prevarication on this count shall definitely call into question our commitment to ensuring intellectual growth as a vital component of higher learning at the university level. The inexorable logic of excellence in higher education demands the co-existence of the modern with the traditional: thus, for instance, a fancy course on nano-technology has to go hand in hand with the establishment of a school of philosophy which is supposed to set new trends in philosophical thought and epistemology. I must admit that my efforts to initiate this proposal in my erstwhile capacity as Dean Academic Affairs at the university had come a cropper as there were not many takers of such ‘zany’ ideas for reasons that I am at a loss to figure out.
Be that as it may, it should help to say a few words on the flip side of this discourse on intellectuals. Much though the horizontal approach of an intellectual does not quite resonate with the vertical predisposition of a researcher, it is the so-called ‘pyramid-like’ approach that distinguishes an intellectual from the rest of the flock. It is as much vital for an intellectual of the sort described above as it is for the research scientist who can’t pretend to be thorough in his art unless he has inculcated in himself the spirit of quest based on this ‘pyramid model’. Let me quote Professor M.S.Raghunathan of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, one of the most celebrated Indian mathematicians of our times, whose yardstick for true accomplishment in mathematics is the ability to master the works of a Fields Medalist (the equivalent of Nobel Laureate in Mathematics) which had earned him the Field’s Medal for that piece of work, rather than the knack for writing papers without care for content and quality. His constant lament is that in spite of having carved a reasonable niche for itself in the world of mathematics, India continues to be woefully inadequate in the number of mathematicians who would fit this description of a true scholar of mathematics- in other words, a truly intellectual mathematician. At this point, it should help to distinguish between intellectual activity that passes for research in the diverse fields of science and in humanities. Whereas there is an element of subjectivity insofar as research in history, humanities or social sciences is concerned, the hallmark of research in science especially in basic sciences is objectivity which is synonymous with global acceptability, both of the methodologies employed and the conclusions derived. This is so because, apart from a few exceptions, the bulk of research in areas like arts, social sciences or law is premised on principles which are invariably local in character- dictated in no small measure, by individual predilections and societal perceptions rather than by a set of irrevocable laws which are valid in all frames of reference and within which the growth and development of science has to be effected.
Finally and most importantly there is, besides the cerebral component involving intellectual activity, an equally important component that defines an intellectual which is how one’s actions are dictated as much by grey matter as by one’s conscience. Pursuing intellectual activity without allowing the human conscience playing any part in it is at best an exercise in barren ‘pseudo-intellectualism’. Perhaps amongst the glorious examples of that genre of intellectuals with conscience that come to mind is the redoubtable Arundhati Roy whose literary credentials are no doubt beyond censure but what stands apart in her case is the intellectual honesty that have been the hallmark of her work, both as a literary and as a social figure. It was this prick of conscience that had led her to decline to accept the Padam Shree award for reasons that had failed to evoke a similar response from a local Padam Shree award winner who is known to be among the ‘tallest’ Kashmiri intellectuals and who was seen to accept the award without compunction, even when the reasons for the former to decline the award were entirely impersonal which should instead have shaken the conscience of the Kashmiri scholar to decline the award in protest if only because these reasons, concerned as they were, with his own people and his own honor! Last but not the least, considering that it is not possible, much less reasonable, to prescribe how to put into place a system where individuals would be groomed as intellectuals with honesty, let it be noted that “charity always begins at home”. If all those who care were to mend their ways, did everything to put into place all that it takes to excel in their professions of choice and learnt to compete with the best in the business and their own selves, in the absence of those to look up to as role models- in other words, if there was a collective will to make a difference- it is not at all unreasonable to expect that our world -and our own Kashmir-would end up as a far better place to live than the inferno that it otherwise is!
(Dr. Mohammed Amin Sofi, 55, was born in Handwara. He received his early education from the Higher Secondary School in Handwara, and his B.Sc. from the Government Degree College in Baramulla. He subsequently received a Master's degree in Mathematics from the Aligarh Muslim University, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. Prof. Sofi teaches and conducts research in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Kashmir. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading books, listening to classical western music, Urdu ghazals and Bollywood music (pre-1980's), and reading newspapers and journals.)
Society Sans Sanity
During a recent seminar organized by GK Foundation to discuss the issue “Kashmir, The way Forward”, the eminent educationist Prof. Agha Ashraf during his key note address had hit the nail on the head when he remarked that everybody in Kashmir fancied himself as the ultimate intellectual who had arrived at the right conclusions regarding issues ranging from those confronting him in his day to day life to how the G8 countries should evolve a consensus on climate change and global warming.
One couldn’t agree more with him as this holier-than-thou attitude typical of these pseudo-intellectuals the Professor was referring to and which is reminiscent of the “pygmies amongst giants’ syndrome, necessarily entails a tendency among them to scoff at those who may not hold similar views. And this lends substance to Dr. Maroof Shah’s dirge in a recent article, ”Where are Intellectuals?” in which he expresses his bewilderment on the woeful absence of those from our midst who could be genuinely called intellectuals. The Doctor would do well to remember that such individuals do not exist in vacuum as there has to be at display a uniform pattern in the evolution of such individuals in different walks of life and in different spheres of human activity. During a period of history when Bach and Beethoven were ruling the roost in the world of music in Germany, there were the likes of Gauss and Riemann who had taken the world of mathematics by storm and Kant and Hegel coming up with earth shaking ideas in the world of philosophy. It so happens that the mutually opposing trends of excellence and mediocrity not only co-exist simultaneously, but what is remarkable indeed is that there is similarity of evolution of ideas and trends that happen to occur contemporaneously and in almost all spheres of human activity.
In other words, if there are those who have excelled themselves say in Arts or in Music, there will of necessity exist a matching pool of those who have made a mark in Medicine and in Mathematics, in Physics and in Philosophy.
In order to put the discourse on intellectuals into perspective, it should help to point out how to deal with certain misconceptions that are prevalent in our society. For instance, even if there are those who could be labeled as intellectuals, it is not fair to expect them to pronounce words of authority on an issue of which they may at best have only a smattering of understanding. Unlike the period of Renaissance when almost all intellectual endeavors were subsumed under the single umbrella of Natural Philosophy, the contemporary zeitgeist makes it literally impossible to claim more than a nodding acquaintance with that which doesn’t fall within the parameters of one’s bailiwick. It would certainly make a world of difference if one settled for a deep and in-depth understanding of a particular branch of knowledge rather than make forays into sundry areas of human thought in which one’s creative prowess and expertise are expected at best to be peripheral. As opposed to this brand of thinkers who are known to be overly keen to be visible to the rest of the world, a true intellectual revels in the world of anonymity and rarely has any audience to talk and communicate his thoughts to, barring to a handful of those of his ilk. He is at complete peace with himself while keeping his own company and this is as true of a modern day intellectual as it was of Archimedes, Euclid and Pythagoras who had lived about 2500 years ago!
With this background, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that in Kashmir, there hardly are those - other than a miniscule minority of privileged few - who could be counted upon as intellectuals, be it in religion, philosophy, history or literature even when we have reasons to boast of a long tradition of scholarship in these areas of human activity. Not to speak of an international figure in social sciences or in any other human endeavor, the fact is that identifying one who has excelled himself even at the national level is a pretty tall order. Let us, for Heaven’s sake, stop this comparison of our thinkers and ‘intellectuals’ with those in the rest of the world, considering that the ‘rest of the world’ is big, too big for this comparison. The region adjoining this erstwhile ‘hub’ of intellectual-philosophical activity is already huge enough for such comparisons. The failure to come up to matter at the international-national level surely has not only to do with the (lack of) infrastructure which, among other things, includes a healthy social structure for such an ethos to flourish, it also has its genesis in the patently flawed thinking that ‘it is of no consequence to pursue knowledge for knowledge sake’- a skewed worldview that has takers but only in this part of the world. We need to remind ourselves of that basic maxim underlying scholarship: “if we can know, then it is sinful not to know”! But it is easier said than done inasmuch as a mere lip service to such a fundamental requirement for scholarship cannot be expected to deliver the goods unless it is accepted as part of our ‘intellectual discourse’.
After all, intellectual activity of any kind in general and scientific activity in particular is rooted in culture. It was not for nothing that Bruno, the great Italian natural philosopher, offered to be burnt alive for the sake of an ‘abstract idea’ rather than capitulate to the dictats of the Church which had offered to grant him amnesty if he retracted his statement on his investigations into the nature of the planetary motion. This puts into perspective the grudge that “Islamic studies has a scope in the western world but not in Kashmir”, as was pointed out in a recent column that had appeared in the GK. This is so because the scholar in the western world is essentially motivated by the spirit of scientific temper that has shaped the Western thought over the past several millennia. The fear that this spirit of scientific temper is going to elude us for a long, very long time to come has a lot to do with our obsession with quoting the Quran on the innumerable occasions it contains exhortations demanding its followers to ‘fan out in different directions in search of knowledge’, while remaining oblivious to the need for understanding and implementing the spirit of these injunctions in our daily lives. In a similar vein, expecting our Ulema to lead us as (potential) successors of Shah-Walli-ullah and Gazzali is pure wishful thinking. During a recent Friday sermon, an Imam of a local mosque here in Srinagar was heard exhorting the followers of islam to desist from ‘excessively’ asking questions which, according to his brand of logic, ran counter to the spirit of Islam - whatever that might have meant to him.
Whereas it may be considered reasonable to advise on desisting from ‘hair-splitting’, especially in matters involving faith, extrapolating the same logic to issues beyond faith and “the mundane chores of our daily lives” as the Imam put it, carries with it the risk of accepting things as they are, without worrying about the why and how of things which is at the heart of scientific temper. The Cartesian dictum of the ‘ability to doubt the obvious’- the bedrock of scientific ethos is thus thrown to the wind as antithetical to the spirit of islam while remaining smug in the hope of claiming parity in the world of science, never mind the unwillingness to reflect on those Gospel words.
Beyond the local/national level, there are equally good reasons why even at the international level, there are isolated cases where what is at display is actually intellectual effeteness as opposed to intellectual vigor which should have been a natural consequence of professional competence. The irony is that professional competence, which entails ‘vertical’ growth of an individual, is generally at variance with true intellectual growth that thrives mainly through a ‘horizontal’ approach. One of the undesirable consequences of what actually amounts to this ‘blinkered’ worldview is that those who advocate it do so at the expense of a broader perspective of things which thus becomes the greatest casualty in such a scenario.
Alas, there are all the indications that this ‘grand vision’ of producing professionals with ‘tunnel vision’ shall continue to persist, what with the premium being placed on maximizing your ‘creative output’- never mind its quality and shelf life- which has come to be regarded as the mantra for one’s professional success. This kind of an approach towards what constitutes professional excellence is of a piece with what is currently prevalent in our universities and institutions and espoused by our brand of ‘academics’ that by far outnumber those who think and act otherwise. It is this latter group of academicians who rightly belong to the genre of ‘educators’ –intellectuals in our sense of the term. The bottom line is that intellectuals are not produced- they are thrown up by a system that has the right ingredients of an approach towards creation of intellectual capital. These include, among other things, an inclusive approach of the ‘salad-bowl’ kind of culture in which individual growth can be achieved. That in part should serve to explain why is it is that Bombay and Calcutta happen to figure perhaps as the most stimulating hubs of intellectual activity among all cities and towns in India in the same way as New York presents itself as the most happening cosmopolitan city in the world where one encounters all shades of thought and culture from almost all parts of the world in view of its aptly coined sobriquet as a ‘melting pot’ of various nationalities and ethnicities. It is in the midst of such a heterogeneous ambience marked by multiplicity of cultures, languages, ethnicities and faiths that the intellectual growth of an individual can be realized.
What then has been the role of these `beacons of light’, these ‘highest seats of learning’, these ‘temples of knowledge’ that we call universities in shaping our destiny by helping to create a pool of right thinking individuals and more importantly our intellectuals who could be counted upon to guide us in our moments of crises. The pity is that we haven’t done much. Though the failure to do so is symptomatic of the systemic rot that is both deep and ubiquitous, there still is a lot more that could be done with the existing system in place, the insurmountable difficulties notwithstanding. The irony is that what passes muster as academic activity is in essence an attempt to delude ourselves and others into believing that we are dead serious about what we are supposed to be doing and about our duties as academics, teachers, scholars and as trend-setters in our society. Yes, showcasing our ‘achievements’ to the outside world during the plethora of conferences and seminars being held in the university is part of the mandate bestowed on us by virtue of being the ‘prodigal sons’ of this society who enjoy the privilege of letting these ‘road shows’ occupy the centrestage to the neglect of its basic commitment which is not only to identify and nurture talent amongst our youth but, more importantly, to produce right thinking and responsible citizens - a euphemism for excellence and intellectual capital of a society.
A case in point is the inexplicable indifference to the idea of establishing a full-fledged Department of Philosophy in the university which is not only long overdue but that a further prevarication on this count shall definitely call into question our commitment to ensuring intellectual growth as a vital component of higher learning at the university level. The inexorable logic of excellence in higher education demands the co-existence of the modern with the traditional: thus, for instance, a fancy course on nano-technology has to go hand in hand with the establishment of a school of philosophy which is supposed to set new trends in philosophical thought and epistemology. I must admit that my efforts to initiate this proposal in my erstwhile capacity as Dean Academic Affairs at the university had come a cropper as there were not many takers of such ‘zany’ ideas for reasons that I am at a loss to figure out.
Be that as it may, it should help to say a few words on the flip side of this discourse on intellectuals. Much though the horizontal approach of an intellectual does not quite resonate with the vertical predisposition of a researcher, it is the so-called ‘pyramid-like’ approach that distinguishes an intellectual from the rest of the flock. It is as much vital for an intellectual of the sort described above as it is for the research scientist who can’t pretend to be thorough in his art unless he has inculcated in himself the spirit of quest based on this ‘pyramid model’. Let me quote Professor M.S.Raghunathan of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, one of the most celebrated Indian mathematicians of our times, whose yardstick for true accomplishment in mathematics is the ability to master the works of a Fields Medalist (the equivalent of Nobel Laureate in Mathematics) which had earned him the Field’s Medal for that piece of work, rather than the knack for writing papers without care for content and quality. His constant lament is that in spite of having carved a reasonable niche for itself in the world of mathematics, India continues to be woefully inadequate in the number of mathematicians who would fit this description of a true scholar of mathematics- in other words, a truly intellectual mathematician. At this point, it should help to distinguish between intellectual activity that passes for research in the diverse fields of science and in humanities. Whereas there is an element of subjectivity insofar as research in history, humanities or social sciences is concerned, the hallmark of research in science especially in basic sciences is objectivity which is synonymous with global acceptability, both of the methodologies employed and the conclusions derived. This is so because, apart from a few exceptions, the bulk of research in areas like arts, social sciences or law is premised on principles which are invariably local in character- dictated in no small measure, by individual predilections and societal perceptions rather than by a set of irrevocable laws which are valid in all frames of reference and within which the growth and development of science has to be effected.
Finally and most importantly there is, besides the cerebral component involving intellectual activity, an equally important component that defines an intellectual which is how one’s actions are dictated as much by grey matter as by one’s conscience. Pursuing intellectual activity without allowing the human conscience playing any part in it is at best an exercise in barren ‘pseudo-intellectualism’. Perhaps amongst the glorious examples of that genre of intellectuals with conscience that come to mind is the redoubtable Arundhati Roy whose literary credentials are no doubt beyond censure but what stands apart in her case is the intellectual honesty that have been the hallmark of her work, both as a literary and as a social figure. It was this prick of conscience that had led her to decline to accept the Padam Shree award for reasons that had failed to evoke a similar response from a local Padam Shree award winner who is known to be among the ‘tallest’ Kashmiri intellectuals and who was seen to accept the award without compunction, even when the reasons for the former to decline the award were entirely impersonal which should instead have shaken the conscience of the Kashmiri scholar to decline the award in protest if only because these reasons, concerned as they were, with his own people and his own honor! Last but not the least, considering that it is not possible, much less reasonable, to prescribe how to put into place a system where individuals would be groomed as intellectuals with honesty, let it be noted that “charity always begins at home”. If all those who care were to mend their ways, did everything to put into place all that it takes to excel in their professions of choice and learnt to compete with the best in the business and their own selves, in the absence of those to look up to as role models- in other words, if there was a collective will to make a difference- it is not at all unreasonable to expect that our world -and our own Kashmir-would end up as a far better place to live than the inferno that it otherwise is!
Empty Words, Empty Slogans
Nadeem contemplates on the fall of leadership from grace, but many others would argue that happened decades back
(Mr. Nadeem Jahangir Bhat, 27, was born in Rakhi-Lajurah village in Pulwama district. He received his early education in a local private school and graduated from the Government Degree College in Pulwama. He completed his post graduate degree in the English Language and Literature from the University of Kashmir. Mr. Bhat is currently Research Scholar in the Department of English, University of Kashmir, pursuing his M.Phil degree on writings of Salman Rushdie and Post-Colonial Historiography. He also works at the Government Degree College in Pulwama as a Teaching Assistant. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading and writing poetry. He also occasionally writes for the Rising Kashmir newspaper.)
Being optimistic about every act is self deception
It is good to be optimistic. However, to be too optimistic about everything one does is an abnormality. Unfortunately, we Kashmiris, suffer from this abnormality which leads to anOptimism Fever. This abnormality is quite evident and clearly reflected in our deeds. Be it marching for 'Azadi' or casting votes, we are always too much optimistic about everything we do. In the August of last year, incited by Amarnath land row, our optimism reached its zenith.
The economic blockade invoked the imagination of Azadi and the sentiment for Azadi attained new heights. We cried for Azadi and it seemed a couple of Chalos away from us. We marched towards every 'called for' destination as a tour de force to tell India "Hum kya chahtay- Aazadi". We marched towards Muzafarabad, Pampore, UN office and Eidgah shouting slogans, crossing blockades and barbed wires, pelting stones and even braving bullets. We thronged these destinations in lacks and our optimism made us dance on the tunes of "Ragda Ragda Bharat Ragda" sending chills down Indian spines. We got ourselves killed but where optimistic that Azadi cannot elude us anymore and the Chalos will reap us the laurel of victory. Thanks to our optimism, however, the story does not end here. Everybody knows what happened afterwards. When it was time to vote we voted with a lot of faith and optimism to see a government 'elected' which could meet our demands of 'development'. Again, our optimism made us say "Azadi apni jagah, bijli, pani aur sadak be to chahiay". This is the extent of our optimism.
That was a page from the book of memories. Now it is more than hundred days since our government, the guarantors of our development, took over and all the development is evident. The Bomai youth, Javaid and Gulzar, got their share of development at the hands of the so called "security forces" and so did the Khaigam carpenter. A crippled beggar had his own share at the very alter of the guarantor himself. Public Safety Act continues to haunt the separatists as well as the stone palters (although in the other province of the state they were given refreshments and were paid for it). The sixth pay commission recommendations will take time but not the pay hike of some chosen few for continues doing great job for the government. Good instances of 'development'. Applause to our government. People were killed and inquiries ordered; the obvious made painfully obscure; reports submitted and 'justice' was done. Killer troops were dislocated from Bomai and re-located at Agricultural university campus, which means, another Bomai-like episode is in the making, as some other day another Javaid and Gulzar will have their share of 'development'. The albatross round your neck next time.
Nevertheless, we celebrated it and not just that but a stark reality, which stares us in the face, is that we continue to do so without realizing what we are doing. Now it is time for another election and our optimistic masses have once again started pinning hopes on their new supposed guarantors of development. Let us hope history repeats itself less cruelly this time.
That was about people, common people, who even do not take recourse to good common sense before deciding or doing anything. However, what happened to our leaders? If people suffer from optimism fever what is wrong with the leaders. Why do they get carried away by the force of situation? The indecision, exhibited by Hurriyat (M) reflects the state of the mind of our leaders. We were yet to recover from the high turnout shock of the 'highly optimistic' masses that the leaders shocked us further.
First, the Lone shock to contest elections and then Hurriyat M's turning soft towards elections in the beginning. Well, some can cry loudly that it is 'a change of strategy and not of ideology', but the truth is that it is a change of heart, a heart that no longer feels the giant agony of those who have sacrificed their dear ones for the sacred cause. It is a change of faith, from God's servitude to demon worship. Sniffing a little power and pelf, these sham leaders have cast away a faith so cherished and a cause so dear, for which thousands have laid their lives down. First-rate opportunism on display. Contesting elections in ordinary circumstances is not bad but here it is a sin for reposing faith and allegiance in Indian constitution; it would be betraying the blood of thousands of martyrs. India is a suppressor state and contesting for a seat in the Indian Parliament amounts to being a part of this source of suppression. Calling elections a 'non-issue' is again sheer hypocrisy. By saying so, they have put a question mark on their credibility, their goodwill and sincerity towards the sacred cause. In fact, they have lost their claim to be called pro-freedom. In French, they say "corruptio optimi pessima", that is, the corruption of the best becomes the worst. No doubt, these brazenfaced leaders will indulge in such political gymnastics impudently, but it might really be a perplexing situation for all those non-Kashmiris who have stood by us and advocated our cause so far. By such acts of our leadership, a wrong signal has been sent to the outside world. This is what happens 'when majesty stoops to folly'.
In my opinion, if common people fail they can be absolved, but not the leaders. Leaders are the representatives of a nation and the face of a movement. If they fail, they let the whole nation down and deface the whole movement. However, one thing, that we should never lose sight of, is that leaders are no 'sacred' things. They are leaders only when people follow them. They are for the cause and not above the cause. They are nothing in themselves but products of our need and if they outlive their use, they should be abandoned. Therefore, it is time these leaders introspect into themselves and let people also think fresh about them.
(Mr. Nadeem Jahangir Bhat, 27, was born in Rakhi-Lajurah village in Pulwama district. He received his early education in a local private school and graduated from the Government Degree College in Pulwama. He completed his post graduate degree in the English Language and Literature from the University of Kashmir. Mr. Bhat is currently Research Scholar in the Department of English, University of Kashmir, pursuing his M.Phil degree on writings of Salman Rushdie and Post-Colonial Historiography. He also works at the Government Degree College in Pulwama as a Teaching Assistant. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading and writing poetry. He also occasionally writes for the Rising Kashmir newspaper.)
Being optimistic about every act is self deception
It is good to be optimistic. However, to be too optimistic about everything one does is an abnormality. Unfortunately, we Kashmiris, suffer from this abnormality which leads to anOptimism Fever. This abnormality is quite evident and clearly reflected in our deeds. Be it marching for 'Azadi' or casting votes, we are always too much optimistic about everything we do. In the August of last year, incited by Amarnath land row, our optimism reached its zenith.
The economic blockade invoked the imagination of Azadi and the sentiment for Azadi attained new heights. We cried for Azadi and it seemed a couple of Chalos away from us. We marched towards every 'called for' destination as a tour de force to tell India "Hum kya chahtay- Aazadi". We marched towards Muzafarabad, Pampore, UN office and Eidgah shouting slogans, crossing blockades and barbed wires, pelting stones and even braving bullets. We thronged these destinations in lacks and our optimism made us dance on the tunes of "Ragda Ragda Bharat Ragda" sending chills down Indian spines. We got ourselves killed but where optimistic that Azadi cannot elude us anymore and the Chalos will reap us the laurel of victory. Thanks to our optimism, however, the story does not end here. Everybody knows what happened afterwards. When it was time to vote we voted with a lot of faith and optimism to see a government 'elected' which could meet our demands of 'development'. Again, our optimism made us say "Azadi apni jagah, bijli, pani aur sadak be to chahiay". This is the extent of our optimism.
That was a page from the book of memories. Now it is more than hundred days since our government, the guarantors of our development, took over and all the development is evident. The Bomai youth, Javaid and Gulzar, got their share of development at the hands of the so called "security forces" and so did the Khaigam carpenter. A crippled beggar had his own share at the very alter of the guarantor himself. Public Safety Act continues to haunt the separatists as well as the stone palters (although in the other province of the state they were given refreshments and were paid for it). The sixth pay commission recommendations will take time but not the pay hike of some chosen few for continues doing great job for the government. Good instances of 'development'. Applause to our government. People were killed and inquiries ordered; the obvious made painfully obscure; reports submitted and 'justice' was done. Killer troops were dislocated from Bomai and re-located at Agricultural university campus, which means, another Bomai-like episode is in the making, as some other day another Javaid and Gulzar will have their share of 'development'. The albatross round your neck next time.
Nevertheless, we celebrated it and not just that but a stark reality, which stares us in the face, is that we continue to do so without realizing what we are doing. Now it is time for another election and our optimistic masses have once again started pinning hopes on their new supposed guarantors of development. Let us hope history repeats itself less cruelly this time.
That was about people, common people, who even do not take recourse to good common sense before deciding or doing anything. However, what happened to our leaders? If people suffer from optimism fever what is wrong with the leaders. Why do they get carried away by the force of situation? The indecision, exhibited by Hurriyat (M) reflects the state of the mind of our leaders. We were yet to recover from the high turnout shock of the 'highly optimistic' masses that the leaders shocked us further.
First, the Lone shock to contest elections and then Hurriyat M's turning soft towards elections in the beginning. Well, some can cry loudly that it is 'a change of strategy and not of ideology', but the truth is that it is a change of heart, a heart that no longer feels the giant agony of those who have sacrificed their dear ones for the sacred cause. It is a change of faith, from God's servitude to demon worship. Sniffing a little power and pelf, these sham leaders have cast away a faith so cherished and a cause so dear, for which thousands have laid their lives down. First-rate opportunism on display. Contesting elections in ordinary circumstances is not bad but here it is a sin for reposing faith and allegiance in Indian constitution; it would be betraying the blood of thousands of martyrs. India is a suppressor state and contesting for a seat in the Indian Parliament amounts to being a part of this source of suppression. Calling elections a 'non-issue' is again sheer hypocrisy. By saying so, they have put a question mark on their credibility, their goodwill and sincerity towards the sacred cause. In fact, they have lost their claim to be called pro-freedom. In French, they say "corruptio optimi pessima", that is, the corruption of the best becomes the worst. No doubt, these brazenfaced leaders will indulge in such political gymnastics impudently, but it might really be a perplexing situation for all those non-Kashmiris who have stood by us and advocated our cause so far. By such acts of our leadership, a wrong signal has been sent to the outside world. This is what happens 'when majesty stoops to folly'.
In my opinion, if common people fail they can be absolved, but not the leaders. Leaders are the representatives of a nation and the face of a movement. If they fail, they let the whole nation down and deface the whole movement. However, one thing, that we should never lose sight of, is that leaders are no 'sacred' things. They are leaders only when people follow them. They are for the cause and not above the cause. They are nothing in themselves but products of our need and if they outlive their use, they should be abandoned. Therefore, it is time these leaders introspect into themselves and let people also think fresh about them.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Bankruptcy of Leadership
Feroz looks at the "maximum leader" and finds some glaring shortcomings
(Mr. Feroz Ahmad Paray, 23, was born in Kalampora in Pulwama District. He completed his B.Sc. degree (pre-medical stream) from the Government College in Pulwama, and is currently pursuing post graduation in Business Economics from Wigan & Leigh College in Srinagar. His personal interests vary from writing poems and playing cricket to net surfing and shopping. His favorite author is Khalil Gibran.)
Our Leaders Lack Vision and Commitment
“I can’t say whether things will get better if we change; What can I say is they must change if they are to get better.” (G.C.Liechtenberg)
If we look at the lives of our Kashmiri leaders, we find one quality of aimlessness common in all. This unique quality has changed the whole scenario of our motherland. At the same time, if we look at lives of saints and gurus we find one quality that was critical to their success. The quality that set them apart was a commitment to their life’s goals. The secret to success is to stick to your goal through rain or shine. This is true whether we wish to attain a spiritual goal or a worldly achievement.
Everyone knows the situation in our motherland now is adverse. Kashmir has always been in news but the only difference is that earlier it was in news for its stunning beauty but now it is news for violence. Some invested parties are reaping the benefits through this crisis. Surely they are not peace lovers. They don’t care for their homeland, which sometimes was known as the paradise. It is true that every crisis brings in its wake a clutch of opportunities. Great minds think of new ideas while the mediocre get bogged down in discussing the crisis. Sure, eventually the meek may inherit the earth but it is unlikely that the mediocre will rule it.
Our leaders know that it is not possible to soar with eagles when one is obliged to work with turkeys. They lack the necessary elements. They lack the pure commitment. Whether Hurriyat M or G, no one likes to channelize their energy in order to get some fruitful results. The people of Kashmir are facing these difficulties. Is it because they lack the practical knowledge or because of their mental abilities? Surely, No. the only thing Kashmiris are stuck in is their old “chalta-hai” mentality. People of Kashmir have done wonders with this chalta hai attitude. Now what is required is we need to become one whose vision is equanimous. The whole of Kashmir seems angry and frustrated and the reason being best known to all of us. Continuous hartals and bandhs along with undeclared curfews has made the life like a hell to live in. some hartals are absolutely genuine (double rape and murder of pregnant Nelofar and innocent Aasiya of Shopian) while others are merely wastage of time and nothing else. According to Ali Shah Geelani, hartal is the best weapon of Kashmiris. Make these hartals so strong that the walls of the India get moved, Geelani added. Geelani Sahab, don’t you know India has already got frustrated with the situation in Kashmir.
Last week, I was traveling from Dehradun to Srinagar, when some gentlemen were discussing Kashmir and its so called leader Geelani. They were also discussing hartals and in the meantime said one of them, “It has now became mandatory to get the date from Geelani Sahib for the marriages rather than from the Kashmiri cook (waaza). Mr. Geelani, my friend’s marriage is on 29th July. I want to know what the date-sheet of that day is. Along with my friend, am very much confused, as my friend is an orphan but poor lady.
Mr. Geelani, you have done the wonder which no one can dare to do. My motherland is known for its hard laborers and a nation of saint-patience. Allama Iqbal has said, “This nation of Kashmir is fertile and the people living here are genius”. And from the centuries, my homeland has performed intelligently at every step and in every nook and corner of the world. In earlier days, when there were no schools, no colleges, people still prefer to go to Punjab to get their matric grade and some were enjoying the Kashmiri poetry here. Wahab Khar, Rasool Mir or Azad were born from the streets but you have brought the revolution. Our children are free from the tension of going to their schools. The other day, I went to my nephew’s bedroom. I wake him up by saying today is the school day. He replied, “Aaj ragda-ragda nahi hai. Aaj hartal nahi hai”. Such is the mentality of the new generation. Our elder generation is free from the burden of making their future.
Would Geelani Sahib have born during the Mughal period; the story would have been totally different. We would have adopted the strategy of bandhs/hartals; it would have forced them to fly away from Kashmir. Jalaludin Akbar’s fertile brain wouldn’t have worked before this wonderful strategy. Afghan governor Chirag Baig introduced his tyranny by cutting the nose of one of the Kashmiris. Would Geelani have been in that age, there would have been hartals and bandhs, the nose of Chirag Baig would have cut itself. Dogras wouldn’t have done the mistake of buying the Kashmir. After all, what would have been the fun of buying the hartali Kashmiris?
(Mr. Feroz Ahmad Paray, 23, was born in Kalampora in Pulwama District. He completed his B.Sc. degree (pre-medical stream) from the Government College in Pulwama, and is currently pursuing post graduation in Business Economics from Wigan & Leigh College in Srinagar. His personal interests vary from writing poems and playing cricket to net surfing and shopping. His favorite author is Khalil Gibran.)
Our Leaders Lack Vision and Commitment
“I can’t say whether things will get better if we change; What can I say is they must change if they are to get better.” (G.C.Liechtenberg)
If we look at the lives of our Kashmiri leaders, we find one quality of aimlessness common in all. This unique quality has changed the whole scenario of our motherland. At the same time, if we look at lives of saints and gurus we find one quality that was critical to their success. The quality that set them apart was a commitment to their life’s goals. The secret to success is to stick to your goal through rain or shine. This is true whether we wish to attain a spiritual goal or a worldly achievement.
Everyone knows the situation in our motherland now is adverse. Kashmir has always been in news but the only difference is that earlier it was in news for its stunning beauty but now it is news for violence. Some invested parties are reaping the benefits through this crisis. Surely they are not peace lovers. They don’t care for their homeland, which sometimes was known as the paradise. It is true that every crisis brings in its wake a clutch of opportunities. Great minds think of new ideas while the mediocre get bogged down in discussing the crisis. Sure, eventually the meek may inherit the earth but it is unlikely that the mediocre will rule it.
Our leaders know that it is not possible to soar with eagles when one is obliged to work with turkeys. They lack the necessary elements. They lack the pure commitment. Whether Hurriyat M or G, no one likes to channelize their energy in order to get some fruitful results. The people of Kashmir are facing these difficulties. Is it because they lack the practical knowledge or because of their mental abilities? Surely, No. the only thing Kashmiris are stuck in is their old “chalta-hai” mentality. People of Kashmir have done wonders with this chalta hai attitude. Now what is required is we need to become one whose vision is equanimous. The whole of Kashmir seems angry and frustrated and the reason being best known to all of us. Continuous hartals and bandhs along with undeclared curfews has made the life like a hell to live in. some hartals are absolutely genuine (double rape and murder of pregnant Nelofar and innocent Aasiya of Shopian) while others are merely wastage of time and nothing else. According to Ali Shah Geelani, hartal is the best weapon of Kashmiris. Make these hartals so strong that the walls of the India get moved, Geelani added. Geelani Sahab, don’t you know India has already got frustrated with the situation in Kashmir.
Last week, I was traveling from Dehradun to Srinagar, when some gentlemen were discussing Kashmir and its so called leader Geelani. They were also discussing hartals and in the meantime said one of them, “It has now became mandatory to get the date from Geelani Sahib for the marriages rather than from the Kashmiri cook (waaza). Mr. Geelani, my friend’s marriage is on 29th July. I want to know what the date-sheet of that day is. Along with my friend, am very much confused, as my friend is an orphan but poor lady.
Mr. Geelani, you have done the wonder which no one can dare to do. My motherland is known for its hard laborers and a nation of saint-patience. Allama Iqbal has said, “This nation of Kashmir is fertile and the people living here are genius”. And from the centuries, my homeland has performed intelligently at every step and in every nook and corner of the world. In earlier days, when there were no schools, no colleges, people still prefer to go to Punjab to get their matric grade and some were enjoying the Kashmiri poetry here. Wahab Khar, Rasool Mir or Azad were born from the streets but you have brought the revolution. Our children are free from the tension of going to their schools. The other day, I went to my nephew’s bedroom. I wake him up by saying today is the school day. He replied, “Aaj ragda-ragda nahi hai. Aaj hartal nahi hai”. Such is the mentality of the new generation. Our elder generation is free from the burden of making their future.
Would Geelani Sahib have born during the Mughal period; the story would have been totally different. We would have adopted the strategy of bandhs/hartals; it would have forced them to fly away from Kashmir. Jalaludin Akbar’s fertile brain wouldn’t have worked before this wonderful strategy. Afghan governor Chirag Baig introduced his tyranny by cutting the nose of one of the Kashmiris. Would Geelani have been in that age, there would have been hartals and bandhs, the nose of Chirag Baig would have cut itself. Dogras wouldn’t have done the mistake of buying the Kashmir. After all, what would have been the fun of buying the hartali Kashmiris?
Reconstructing a Shaken Psyche
Zafar pitches for people who suffered from vagaries of nature and then became victims all over again
(Mr. Zafar Iqbal, 32, was born in village Tarar, Rawalakot, in the Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He did his early schooling in a private school, matriculating through examinations conducted by the Mirpur Educational Board, and completed his higher secondary education from the Government Degree College in Rawalakot. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Rawalakot campus), and his M.A. in Mass Communication from the Punjab University in Pakistan. He received international scholarships to attend the International Summer School at the University of Oslo in 2005 receiving a Graduate Diploma in Media Studies, and the Nottingham Trent University, U.K., in 2006-2008 receiving M.A. in Media & Globalization. Mr. Iqbal has been a journalist working in the print and TV media since 1999 and is very active in human rights, earthquake relief and rehabilitation especially involving women and children, and inter-faith harmony. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Press for Peace (PFP) and the Founder-President of the Environmental Journalists Forum, both based in Muzaffarabad. Mr. Iqbal has been invited to numerous national and international seminars and workshops related to human development.)
Post traumatic earthquake Scenario of Kashmir
The shattered hopes of one and half million Kashmiris living in the earth-quake affected areas have again lifted by the heartening news of a recent agreement signed between China and Pakistan in order to reconstruct and rehabilitate three major cities of Pakistan controlled Kashmir. The billions dollars project termed “build back better” conceived from the Clinton Tsunami Slogan envisions the provision of modern life facilities in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot and Bagh. The historically worst earthquake in region which claimed above 73,000 people devastated all infrastructures in three districts of Azad Kashmir. But, it is heart-rending to state the in spite of generous financial support from world community, the rehabilitation work in affected areas has not been started even after three and half years and it is still in limbo.
Previous and the government incumbent of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have been sugar-coating the innocent citizens that affected areas would be turned into Paris and Dubai soon. Conversely, the reality makes mockery of forged statements and groundless claims of rulers that overwhelmingly majority of victims are still living a miserable life due to incompletion of schools, roads, houses and other public buildings as well as at the hands of red-tapism. The stories of corruption and laxity of officials are prevalent; specifically of those departments directly responsible for carrying into effect the rehabilitation process are major target of public criticism and severe dress-down.
Though more than 80 per cent people in affected areas have received their compensation funds for the reconstruction of homes, but their houses have not been completed yet due to numerous factors particularly in economic sense like inappropriate planning in designs, increase in prices of construction material, non- availability of required skilled force, the delaying of payments of funds and red-tapism.
Today, a huge number of people are still lives in damaged or rickety buildings because of lack of alternative residences. Some areas have been demarcated to be under fault lines; therefore, the owners of such lands need substitute properties for their permanent settlements but the commitments and plans of construction of housing towns make their existence only in files.
Moreover, a huge number of schools and health centres are waiting for their buildings and shelters. Officials admit that only 274 schools out of 2706 educational institutions were built which means about two hundred seventy five thousand students mostly children out of total three hundred thousand are still studying without shelter. Likewise, majority from 176 damaged buildings of health institutes also necessitates construction of new buildings.
Various new institutions were established by governments in the name of reconstruction; however, the performance of these institutions is not up to the mark or seems to be invisible to general public. Citizens believe that such newly established departments and organizations have become El- Dorado in respect of ‘job employment bureaus’ for influential people who lack any transparent system of recruitment and monitoring of their progress. For instance, if two departments like State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and Civil Defence are juxtaposed together, then SDMA is crystal clear manifestation of wastage of public money because similar department - Civil Defence, already exists and needs complete revamping.
The most significant department in all rebuilding process is Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) which is under criticisms since its inception due to lack of coordination, inefficiency, alleged corruption, nepotism and favoritism. The misappropriations and embezzlement of billions of rupees in the ERRA have also been observed by government’s own institution like the National Assembly of Pakistan which categorically mentioned that the ERRA has not put into harness all allocated funds transparently and it must be monitored and checked by public representatives and other watchdogs.
Subsequent to the earthquake some international donors like Department for International Development (DFID) had allocated massive funds for restructuring and strengthening of local government’s bodies; nonetheless, their performance is continuously on the downhill day by day, for instance, in Muzaffarabad which is the largest city of the region, all roads and streets look like a filth depot due to lack of any coordinated cleaning apparatus. The congestion of traffic has also escalating the air and noise pollution and posing various environmental hazards and diseases to the public.
Growing urbanization demands the implementation of latest systems of recycling, solid waste management and green living, but, majority of officials in the local councils do not hold necessary orientation and training to enforce international development and environmental standards where as people are also not aware of the fact that injudicious utilization of natural resources poses threats to their life and natural resources of the region as well. Under this scenario, it is binding upon the public and policy makers to learn about such latest interventions of sustainable livelihood.
It is the responsibility of government to mitigate people’s concern and legitimate reservations about the rehabilitation process through practical measures. The stalwarts in the government should realize that in today’s era of growing transnational communications and awareness created by media public can not be hoodwinked through fake claims and bogus announcements about development and progress. The government has already squandered enough time in claims now people need pragmatic actions, not slogans and must help the helpless.
(Mr. Zafar Iqbal, 32, was born in village Tarar, Rawalakot, in the Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He did his early schooling in a private school, matriculating through examinations conducted by the Mirpur Educational Board, and completed his higher secondary education from the Government Degree College in Rawalakot. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Rawalakot campus), and his M.A. in Mass Communication from the Punjab University in Pakistan. He received international scholarships to attend the International Summer School at the University of Oslo in 2005 receiving a Graduate Diploma in Media Studies, and the Nottingham Trent University, U.K., in 2006-2008 receiving M.A. in Media & Globalization. Mr. Iqbal has been a journalist working in the print and TV media since 1999 and is very active in human rights, earthquake relief and rehabilitation especially involving women and children, and inter-faith harmony. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Press for Peace (PFP) and the Founder-President of the Environmental Journalists Forum, both based in Muzaffarabad. Mr. Iqbal has been invited to numerous national and international seminars and workshops related to human development.)
Post traumatic earthquake Scenario of Kashmir
The shattered hopes of one and half million Kashmiris living in the earth-quake affected areas have again lifted by the heartening news of a recent agreement signed between China and Pakistan in order to reconstruct and rehabilitate three major cities of Pakistan controlled Kashmir. The billions dollars project termed “build back better” conceived from the Clinton Tsunami Slogan envisions the provision of modern life facilities in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot and Bagh. The historically worst earthquake in region which claimed above 73,000 people devastated all infrastructures in three districts of Azad Kashmir. But, it is heart-rending to state the in spite of generous financial support from world community, the rehabilitation work in affected areas has not been started even after three and half years and it is still in limbo.
Previous and the government incumbent of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have been sugar-coating the innocent citizens that affected areas would be turned into Paris and Dubai soon. Conversely, the reality makes mockery of forged statements and groundless claims of rulers that overwhelmingly majority of victims are still living a miserable life due to incompletion of schools, roads, houses and other public buildings as well as at the hands of red-tapism. The stories of corruption and laxity of officials are prevalent; specifically of those departments directly responsible for carrying into effect the rehabilitation process are major target of public criticism and severe dress-down.
Though more than 80 per cent people in affected areas have received their compensation funds for the reconstruction of homes, but their houses have not been completed yet due to numerous factors particularly in economic sense like inappropriate planning in designs, increase in prices of construction material, non- availability of required skilled force, the delaying of payments of funds and red-tapism.
Today, a huge number of people are still lives in damaged or rickety buildings because of lack of alternative residences. Some areas have been demarcated to be under fault lines; therefore, the owners of such lands need substitute properties for their permanent settlements but the commitments and plans of construction of housing towns make their existence only in files.
Moreover, a huge number of schools and health centres are waiting for their buildings and shelters. Officials admit that only 274 schools out of 2706 educational institutions were built which means about two hundred seventy five thousand students mostly children out of total three hundred thousand are still studying without shelter. Likewise, majority from 176 damaged buildings of health institutes also necessitates construction of new buildings.
Various new institutions were established by governments in the name of reconstruction; however, the performance of these institutions is not up to the mark or seems to be invisible to general public. Citizens believe that such newly established departments and organizations have become El- Dorado in respect of ‘job employment bureaus’ for influential people who lack any transparent system of recruitment and monitoring of their progress. For instance, if two departments like State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and Civil Defence are juxtaposed together, then SDMA is crystal clear manifestation of wastage of public money because similar department - Civil Defence, already exists and needs complete revamping.
The most significant department in all rebuilding process is Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) which is under criticisms since its inception due to lack of coordination, inefficiency, alleged corruption, nepotism and favoritism. The misappropriations and embezzlement of billions of rupees in the ERRA have also been observed by government’s own institution like the National Assembly of Pakistan which categorically mentioned that the ERRA has not put into harness all allocated funds transparently and it must be monitored and checked by public representatives and other watchdogs.
Subsequent to the earthquake some international donors like Department for International Development (DFID) had allocated massive funds for restructuring and strengthening of local government’s bodies; nonetheless, their performance is continuously on the downhill day by day, for instance, in Muzaffarabad which is the largest city of the region, all roads and streets look like a filth depot due to lack of any coordinated cleaning apparatus. The congestion of traffic has also escalating the air and noise pollution and posing various environmental hazards and diseases to the public.
Growing urbanization demands the implementation of latest systems of recycling, solid waste management and green living, but, majority of officials in the local councils do not hold necessary orientation and training to enforce international development and environmental standards where as people are also not aware of the fact that injudicious utilization of natural resources poses threats to their life and natural resources of the region as well. Under this scenario, it is binding upon the public and policy makers to learn about such latest interventions of sustainable livelihood.
It is the responsibility of government to mitigate people’s concern and legitimate reservations about the rehabilitation process through practical measures. The stalwarts in the government should realize that in today’s era of growing transnational communications and awareness created by media public can not be hoodwinked through fake claims and bogus announcements about development and progress. The government has already squandered enough time in claims now people need pragmatic actions, not slogans and must help the helpless.
The Unavoidable Truth
Dr. Dabla presents timely information that is usually lost in the din to blame all crime to non-local offenders for political expediency
From Crime-Free to Crime-Ridden
Dr. Bashir Ahmad Dabla
It is generally believed that the traditional Kashmiri society of 60 – 70 years back was completely a crime-free society. It follows that crimes were neither committed in an organized way nor were reported by people at large. The dominant majority of people lived a peaceful life in which they hardly witnessed or heard about any heinous crime been committed. In Kashmir there existed a non-violent social ethos in its extreme form and any kind of violent/criminal act was considered highly undesirable and condemnable.
Crime-ful Society
But, this situation has changed radically. As a result of this change, crimes have emerged as the prominent feature of the present-day Kashmiri society. Consequently, various trends of crime have developed and have engulfed entire social life in the Kashmir valley.
The following overview of daily reports about various crimes in Kashmir in the local print and electronic media reflects these trends clearly:
- The father was killed/murdered/stabbed by his son/nearest relative;
- A person was butchered/beheaded/blasted by the gun-holders;
- A woman/girl was raped and murdered by security forces/outsiders/local men;
- Hundreds of theft, cheating, burglaries, fraud, pick-pocketing, threat and robbery cases take place daily in the valley;
- About 750 cases of suicide involving both men and women of all age groups in rural as well as urban areas were reported in past three months;
- Police caught many gangs of drug suppliers and drug users/abusers in a local college/school. Many youngsters, both boys and girls, were using drugs regularly.
- A college-girl was followed, teased, hit and murdered by her institute male students in a posh colony in Srinagar;
- Nudity, moral degradation, ethical degeneration and violation of cultural values are spreading fast among the Kashmiri youth;
- The parents in general feel perturbed about the involvement of their children of teen-age groups in deviant and delinquent tendencies and activities;
- Violence against women has reached to its climax in the murders of Romana, a school girl, and Farzana, a married woman;
- Domestic violence against women, which reflects in their harassement, dowry demand, bride-burning, separation and wife-beating, has increased and intensified in Kashmir significantly; and
- The cyber crime has also started invading the valley of Kashmir
The above statements reported/quoted by local media do not stand for abstract theoretical propositions but essentially portray the actual situation of crime in present-day Kashmir. They also reflect a transition of the Kashmiri society from a crime-free society to crime-ful society. Again, this reveals a basic shift in the Kashmiri society from a crime-to a crime-prone situation which has got minimum degree of social legitimacy and institutional support.
Causes
Crimes have been explained as “those acts or failures to act that are considered to be so detrimental to the well being of a society, as judged by its prevailing standards, that action regarding them cannot be entrusted to private initiative or to haphazard methods but must be taken by an organized society in accordance with tested procedures.” Ideally speaking, the crime takes birth in a situation characterized with certain degree of anomie. It has five specific characteristics of harmful to society, intentional act, legally forbidden, having criminal intent and having prescribed penality. Emphasizing on the causation of the crime, an eminent sociologist, Robert K. Merton, says that “poverty does not cause crime but when poverty is linked with a cultural emphasis on monetary services as a dominant goal and a poor individual cannot compete, because of his poverty, for the cultural values, then criminal behavior is the normal outcome.”
Sociologically, the emergence of crime in Kashmir can be explained in terms of factors which explain such a development in other human societies. The environment of inequality, completion and conflict is created through the processes of modernization, urbanization, industrialization, material development and so on. In this particular social dynamics, the sociological-pathological factors of social disorder, disorganization, lesser socialization, least family-school social control could not be avoided and were considered as co-relates of this grand transformation.
Again, the features of deviance and delinquency, especially among early youngsters, could also not be avoided. The added factors to the emergence of criminal trends were media exposure and Information Technology [IT] revolution. In actuality, these processes proved the accelerating factors. This entire situation led to the emergence of crime as a social trend which attracted the younger elements in society and was solely aimed at to get maximum material gains. This has happened in other societies irrespective of their differences in region, religion, culture and ideology. This has also happened in the Kashmiri society where crime is nowadays viewed as a social phenomenon.
But, the different feature of the emergence of crime in Kashmir is its relationship with the armed conflict between militants and security forces from 1989. In fact, this conflict and its implications proved accelerative and intensificatory factor for crime. It follows that conflict increased and intensified the criminal trends and provided much-needed social-institutional support and organized form to the existing crime. Though the introduction of gun was not socially legitimized, it provided the minimum motivation for its personal and partisan ends. The contribution of the gun to the crime also dehumanized the entire social ethos, particularly agencies and organizations of crime control.
The political factor made the situation more complex. Some parties, especially media at the global level, characterized Kashmir as a ‘global spot of crime and terrorism’. All these factors led to a cumulative effect of’ criminalization’ of the Kashmiri society according to which every sector and section of this society has developed a criminal trait at individual as well as collective level. In this background, all in-family and out-family activities have developed violent character and every individual lives under the threat to his life, dignity, property and status.
It was reported that thousands of men and women [old, young and children] were murdered during the conflict period of last 19 years. Though murder in itself is considered an inhuman act in a civilized society, these murders were carried out in most dehumanized forms. While somebody’s throat was slit or head separated, others were butchered in to pieces or blasted alive. All these extreme form of brutalized acts were in addition to the war crimes committed by the security forces. There is no authentic statistics available about the number of persons murdered in Kashmir during last two decades. According to an unofficial but very conservative estimate, more than 70,000 people [who composed of militants, army-security forces and common people] were killed intentionally in the war-like conflict situation. Most of these killings represent extreme type of murders by all parties involved in the conflict.
The second major type of crime committed in Kashmir was molestation and rape of women, especially of younger ages. The fact stands with sufficient evidence that this crime was started in Kashmir by the Indian security forces. The famous incident of mass rape in village Kunan Poshpora in the valley in 1990 is still remembered as the first of its horrible experience. Subsequently, the outsiders [undesirable] were involved in this crime in different areas of the valley, urban as well as rural. Finally, the local too committed this crime at many places and at different times. The criminal trend of molestation, rape and murder of women by inside or outside elements has been established in the valley.
In this case also, correct and authentic statistical details are nit available. In the decade of 1980s, the National Crime Records Bureau, New Delhi gave the following information about number of rape cases in J&K state:
[i] 1985 207 cases
[ii] 1986 187 cases
[iii] 1987 171 cases
[iv] 1988 211 cases
[v] 1989 176 cases
If this trend of increasing rape cases continued afterwards, as is expected logically, the number of such cases must have gone up to thousands. There is no official data on the occurrence of rape in Kashmir after 1989 when militancy started here. It has been observed that hundreds of rape and mass-rape cases have taken place in the valley. But, these cases have neither been reported nor documented properly.
(Rising Kashmir)
From Crime-Free to Crime-Ridden
Dr. Bashir Ahmad Dabla
It is generally believed that the traditional Kashmiri society of 60 – 70 years back was completely a crime-free society. It follows that crimes were neither committed in an organized way nor were reported by people at large. The dominant majority of people lived a peaceful life in which they hardly witnessed or heard about any heinous crime been committed. In Kashmir there existed a non-violent social ethos in its extreme form and any kind of violent/criminal act was considered highly undesirable and condemnable.
Crime-ful Society
But, this situation has changed radically. As a result of this change, crimes have emerged as the prominent feature of the present-day Kashmiri society. Consequently, various trends of crime have developed and have engulfed entire social life in the Kashmir valley.
The following overview of daily reports about various crimes in Kashmir in the local print and electronic media reflects these trends clearly:
- The father was killed/murdered/stabbed by his son/nearest relative;
- A person was butchered/beheaded/blasted by the gun-holders;
- A woman/girl was raped and murdered by security forces/outsiders/local men;
- Hundreds of theft, cheating, burglaries, fraud, pick-pocketing, threat and robbery cases take place daily in the valley;
- About 750 cases of suicide involving both men and women of all age groups in rural as well as urban areas were reported in past three months;
- Police caught many gangs of drug suppliers and drug users/abusers in a local college/school. Many youngsters, both boys and girls, were using drugs regularly.
- A college-girl was followed, teased, hit and murdered by her institute male students in a posh colony in Srinagar;
- Nudity, moral degradation, ethical degeneration and violation of cultural values are spreading fast among the Kashmiri youth;
- The parents in general feel perturbed about the involvement of their children of teen-age groups in deviant and delinquent tendencies and activities;
- Violence against women has reached to its climax in the murders of Romana, a school girl, and Farzana, a married woman;
- Domestic violence against women, which reflects in their harassement, dowry demand, bride-burning, separation and wife-beating, has increased and intensified in Kashmir significantly; and
- The cyber crime has also started invading the valley of Kashmir
The above statements reported/quoted by local media do not stand for abstract theoretical propositions but essentially portray the actual situation of crime in present-day Kashmir. They also reflect a transition of the Kashmiri society from a crime-free society to crime-ful society. Again, this reveals a basic shift in the Kashmiri society from a crime-to a crime-prone situation which has got minimum degree of social legitimacy and institutional support.
Causes
Crimes have been explained as “those acts or failures to act that are considered to be so detrimental to the well being of a society, as judged by its prevailing standards, that action regarding them cannot be entrusted to private initiative or to haphazard methods but must be taken by an organized society in accordance with tested procedures.” Ideally speaking, the crime takes birth in a situation characterized with certain degree of anomie. It has five specific characteristics of harmful to society, intentional act, legally forbidden, having criminal intent and having prescribed penality. Emphasizing on the causation of the crime, an eminent sociologist, Robert K. Merton, says that “poverty does not cause crime but when poverty is linked with a cultural emphasis on monetary services as a dominant goal and a poor individual cannot compete, because of his poverty, for the cultural values, then criminal behavior is the normal outcome.”
Sociologically, the emergence of crime in Kashmir can be explained in terms of factors which explain such a development in other human societies. The environment of inequality, completion and conflict is created through the processes of modernization, urbanization, industrialization, material development and so on. In this particular social dynamics, the sociological-pathological factors of social disorder, disorganization, lesser socialization, least family-school social control could not be avoided and were considered as co-relates of this grand transformation.
Again, the features of deviance and delinquency, especially among early youngsters, could also not be avoided. The added factors to the emergence of criminal trends were media exposure and Information Technology [IT] revolution. In actuality, these processes proved the accelerating factors. This entire situation led to the emergence of crime as a social trend which attracted the younger elements in society and was solely aimed at to get maximum material gains. This has happened in other societies irrespective of their differences in region, religion, culture and ideology. This has also happened in the Kashmiri society where crime is nowadays viewed as a social phenomenon.
But, the different feature of the emergence of crime in Kashmir is its relationship with the armed conflict between militants and security forces from 1989. In fact, this conflict and its implications proved accelerative and intensificatory factor for crime. It follows that conflict increased and intensified the criminal trends and provided much-needed social-institutional support and organized form to the existing crime. Though the introduction of gun was not socially legitimized, it provided the minimum motivation for its personal and partisan ends. The contribution of the gun to the crime also dehumanized the entire social ethos, particularly agencies and organizations of crime control.
The political factor made the situation more complex. Some parties, especially media at the global level, characterized Kashmir as a ‘global spot of crime and terrorism’. All these factors led to a cumulative effect of’ criminalization’ of the Kashmiri society according to which every sector and section of this society has developed a criminal trait at individual as well as collective level. In this background, all in-family and out-family activities have developed violent character and every individual lives under the threat to his life, dignity, property and status.
It was reported that thousands of men and women [old, young and children] were murdered during the conflict period of last 19 years. Though murder in itself is considered an inhuman act in a civilized society, these murders were carried out in most dehumanized forms. While somebody’s throat was slit or head separated, others were butchered in to pieces or blasted alive. All these extreme form of brutalized acts were in addition to the war crimes committed by the security forces. There is no authentic statistics available about the number of persons murdered in Kashmir during last two decades. According to an unofficial but very conservative estimate, more than 70,000 people [who composed of militants, army-security forces and common people] were killed intentionally in the war-like conflict situation. Most of these killings represent extreme type of murders by all parties involved in the conflict.
The second major type of crime committed in Kashmir was molestation and rape of women, especially of younger ages. The fact stands with sufficient evidence that this crime was started in Kashmir by the Indian security forces. The famous incident of mass rape in village Kunan Poshpora in the valley in 1990 is still remembered as the first of its horrible experience. Subsequently, the outsiders [undesirable] were involved in this crime in different areas of the valley, urban as well as rural. Finally, the local too committed this crime at many places and at different times. The criminal trend of molestation, rape and murder of women by inside or outside elements has been established in the valley.
In this case also, correct and authentic statistical details are nit available. In the decade of 1980s, the National Crime Records Bureau, New Delhi gave the following information about number of rape cases in J&K state:
[i] 1985 207 cases
[ii] 1986 187 cases
[iii] 1987 171 cases
[iv] 1988 211 cases
[v] 1989 176 cases
If this trend of increasing rape cases continued afterwards, as is expected logically, the number of such cases must have gone up to thousands. There is no official data on the occurrence of rape in Kashmir after 1989 when militancy started here. It has been observed that hundreds of rape and mass-rape cases have taken place in the valley. But, these cases have neither been reported nor documented properly.
(Rising Kashmir)
Surviving a Paradigm Shift
Kashmir's libraries have to offer more than new magazines and old books to pull in interested readers
Declining reading culture affects attendance at libraries in Kashmir
Farzana Syed (Kashmir Images)
Srinagar: The public libraries in the Valley are witnessing a continuous decline in the number of visitors although there has been some increase in hr number of libraries.
Experts believe that the decline in the number of the library visitors is due to the decline in the reading culture and availability of other alternatives like internet to the people.
The library officials at various libraries say they don’t receive even an average number of the visitors which they directly attribute to the declining reading habits among the people.
The chief librarian of the Allama Iqbal Library at University of Kashmir, Riyaz Rufai says, “With easy access to the computers and the internet people prefer surfing the net which they could do anywhere” – at home, office or even sitting in a garden. “This is perhaps less cumbersome and that’s why it’s preferred over visiting the libraries”.
Rufai also feels that the library systems all need to be quite advanced and updated as per the requirements of the people. “The libraries should upgrade and update themselves as per the needs of the readers so that the readers find them reasonably exploitable. The library staff also should be qualified enough to cater to the readers’ needs reasonably well.”
As per the varsity library officials, the Allama Iqbal Library is the only library that gets somewhat handsome chunk of readers. However, they too point out that students visit libraries mostly when the exams are around or underway.
Talking to ‘Kashmir Images’ many of the university students and scholars said that other than the university’s central library, they don’t even know about the existence of other public libraries.
“I visit only Allama Iqbal Library because it has got many facilities available for the students and it is updated as well,” said a student.
Out of the 77 libraries present in the Valley, only the Central Library and the SPS Library of the Department of Libraries have got the internet facility, while all other public libraries throughout the Valley ate without the facility.
Declining reading culture affects attendance at libraries in Kashmir
Farzana Syed (Kashmir Images)
Srinagar: The public libraries in the Valley are witnessing a continuous decline in the number of visitors although there has been some increase in hr number of libraries.
Experts believe that the decline in the number of the library visitors is due to the decline in the reading culture and availability of other alternatives like internet to the people.
The library officials at various libraries say they don’t receive even an average number of the visitors which they directly attribute to the declining reading habits among the people.
The chief librarian of the Allama Iqbal Library at University of Kashmir, Riyaz Rufai says, “With easy access to the computers and the internet people prefer surfing the net which they could do anywhere” – at home, office or even sitting in a garden. “This is perhaps less cumbersome and that’s why it’s preferred over visiting the libraries”.
Rufai also feels that the library systems all need to be quite advanced and updated as per the requirements of the people. “The libraries should upgrade and update themselves as per the needs of the readers so that the readers find them reasonably exploitable. The library staff also should be qualified enough to cater to the readers’ needs reasonably well.”
As per the varsity library officials, the Allama Iqbal Library is the only library that gets somewhat handsome chunk of readers. However, they too point out that students visit libraries mostly when the exams are around or underway.
Talking to ‘Kashmir Images’ many of the university students and scholars said that other than the university’s central library, they don’t even know about the existence of other public libraries.
“I visit only Allama Iqbal Library because it has got many facilities available for the students and it is updated as well,” said a student.
Out of the 77 libraries present in the Valley, only the Central Library and the SPS Library of the Department of Libraries have got the internet facility, while all other public libraries throughout the Valley ate without the facility.
Higher Education is Good, but are late Marriages Bad?
Study indicates that Kashmir is following a global social phenomenon, but Kashmiri public sees politics in every societal change
Higher education cause of late marriages: KU study
Abid Bashir (Rising Kashmir)
Srinagar: A new study of Kashmir University Monday revealed that attainment of higher education has contributed to the emergence of late marriage in Kashmir.
The study conducted by the Department of Sociology under Prof Bashir Ahmad Dabla, who was the chief investigator of the study on the trend of late marriages in Valley, reveals: “Turmoil, acute poverty, increasing unemployment, practice of dowry, attainment of modern education are the main reasons for the emergence of late marriages.”
The report says that brides in Kashmir are aging as the suitable matches are hardly available. The average marriageable age of the female has shot up from 21 to 28 years. As far as the males, the age of marriage has gone up to 32 years from 24 years in normal times, reveals the study.
“The average age of marriage of the females has shot up from 20.7 to 27.83 years. As far as the males, the age of marriage has risen to 31.53 years from 23.63 years in normal times,” the study reported
“Majority of 88 per cent of respondents maintained that the strife in Kashmir has contributed to the emergence of late marriages,” the study reveals.
Around 14.13 percent people felt that Kashmiri youth were either killed or disturbed during the conflict which resulted in late marriage, the study says. “14.13 respondents said that conflict situation created imbalance in sex ratio resulting in less availability of suitable boys for girls,” says Dabla.
The survey also concluded that around 11.26 people felt conflict created a situation of general unemployment and poverty.
Alarmed by the phenomenon, the Muslim clergy has now stepped in to avoid the social denegation of Kashmir. “Our ulema, academics, media and members of civil society have to raise their voices to save society from destruction. The menace of extravagance is leading to problems like late marriages and self-immolation of girls,” said Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasimi, the vice-rector of Darul-Uloom Rahimiya, Bandipora.
Even the clerics have established marriage bureaus to ensure simple marriages to avoid the ‘social catastrophe’. Humsafar Marriage Counseling Center established by Islamic Dawaa Center has conducted 300 marriages without any pomp and show. Such is its fame that more and more people are now approaching the center for having their wards married in simple way.
“We have got offers from different cities for setting up the branches for the center. We have solemnized 300 marriages and many more are in pipeline. I think the caste system is proving a major factor for the late marriages,” said Director HMCC Fayaz Ahmad Zaroor.
Higher education cause of late marriages: KU study
Abid Bashir (Rising Kashmir)
Srinagar: A new study of Kashmir University Monday revealed that attainment of higher education has contributed to the emergence of late marriage in Kashmir.
The study conducted by the Department of Sociology under Prof Bashir Ahmad Dabla, who was the chief investigator of the study on the trend of late marriages in Valley, reveals: “Turmoil, acute poverty, increasing unemployment, practice of dowry, attainment of modern education are the main reasons for the emergence of late marriages.”
The report says that brides in Kashmir are aging as the suitable matches are hardly available. The average marriageable age of the female has shot up from 21 to 28 years. As far as the males, the age of marriage has gone up to 32 years from 24 years in normal times, reveals the study.
“The average age of marriage of the females has shot up from 20.7 to 27.83 years. As far as the males, the age of marriage has risen to 31.53 years from 23.63 years in normal times,” the study reported
“Majority of 88 per cent of respondents maintained that the strife in Kashmir has contributed to the emergence of late marriages,” the study reveals.
Around 14.13 percent people felt that Kashmiri youth were either killed or disturbed during the conflict which resulted in late marriage, the study says. “14.13 respondents said that conflict situation created imbalance in sex ratio resulting in less availability of suitable boys for girls,” says Dabla.
The survey also concluded that around 11.26 people felt conflict created a situation of general unemployment and poverty.
Alarmed by the phenomenon, the Muslim clergy has now stepped in to avoid the social denegation of Kashmir. “Our ulema, academics, media and members of civil society have to raise their voices to save society from destruction. The menace of extravagance is leading to problems like late marriages and self-immolation of girls,” said Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasimi, the vice-rector of Darul-Uloom Rahimiya, Bandipora.
Even the clerics have established marriage bureaus to ensure simple marriages to avoid the ‘social catastrophe’. Humsafar Marriage Counseling Center established by Islamic Dawaa Center has conducted 300 marriages without any pomp and show. Such is its fame that more and more people are now approaching the center for having their wards married in simple way.
“We have got offers from different cities for setting up the branches for the center. We have solemnized 300 marriages and many more are in pipeline. I think the caste system is proving a major factor for the late marriages,” said Director HMCC Fayaz Ahmad Zaroor.
Interesting Numbers Related to Water Supply in Srinagar
Note that capacity of a water processing facility is expressed in units millions of gallons per day (MGD). A pump having a capacity of 1 MGD is capable of moving 1 million gallons of water during 24 hours (one day)
Srinagar requires 62 MGD water against availability of 48.16 MGD
Srinagar: Taking serious note of slow pace of execution of distribution system of Doodganga and Rangil Phase-II, Water Treatment Plants (WTP) by Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA), Minister of State for U&D, PHE and Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani has fixed a deadline for ERA to complete the delivery system of Doodganga and Rangil Phase-II WTP up to August 19 and October 2, 2009 respectively.
The Minister gave these instructions to ERA authority during his extensive tour to Rangil Phase-II and Doodganga Water Treatment Plants today.
Aslam said that 10 MGD of Rangil phase-II and 2.25 MGD of Doodganga WTP are ready for commission, but due to the delay in the completion of distribution system the same could not be inaugurated. He directed the ERA authorities to speed up the execution work on war footing and stressed upon the concerned to complete the execution of work on due date or be ready to face consequences.
He stressed upon ERA authorities for timely completion of all under execution projects in general and Doodganga and Rangil phase-II in particular so that the people of Srinagar city could be benefited by these mega projects at the earliest.
He instructed Chief Engineer, Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control (PHE), to operate tanker water supply services round the clock to those areas which are facing shortage of potable drinking water.
The Chief Engineer informed the Minister that the present requirement of the city is 62 MGD against availability of 48.16 MGD.
"The remaining deficit would be covered soon after the commissioning of Rangil phase-II and 2.25 Doodganga Water Treatment Plants," he said. "To cater to the present demands of Greater Srinagar, the major works under taken for execution include revamping of age old WTPs, improvements in the delivery of Nishat and Doodganga assistance by ERA and execution of 10 MGD Water Treatment Plants each at Tangar and Sukhmag under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)."
He said the major works to be taken to cater to the future demands of Greater Srinagar included construction of tunnel branch from main tunnel for new Ganderbal power project as a joint venture with Power Development Corporation (PDC) , raw water conductor from proposal tunnel from Rangil to Nishat, revamping of existing distribution system, upgradation of the source of Doodganga system, additional 2 MGD WTP in water supply zone 3rd, 6MGD WTP at Tangar zone 5th and 3.5 MGD WTP at Sukhnar zone. Beside, 10 MGD WTP at Harvan, 20 MGD WTP at Rangil and 10 MGD WTP at Alusten, he said.
(Kashmir Times)
Srinagar requires 62 MGD water against availability of 48.16 MGD
Srinagar: Taking serious note of slow pace of execution of distribution system of Doodganga and Rangil Phase-II, Water Treatment Plants (WTP) by Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA), Minister of State for U&D, PHE and Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani has fixed a deadline for ERA to complete the delivery system of Doodganga and Rangil Phase-II WTP up to August 19 and October 2, 2009 respectively.
The Minister gave these instructions to ERA authority during his extensive tour to Rangil Phase-II and Doodganga Water Treatment Plants today.
Aslam said that 10 MGD of Rangil phase-II and 2.25 MGD of Doodganga WTP are ready for commission, but due to the delay in the completion of distribution system the same could not be inaugurated. He directed the ERA authorities to speed up the execution work on war footing and stressed upon the concerned to complete the execution of work on due date or be ready to face consequences.
He stressed upon ERA authorities for timely completion of all under execution projects in general and Doodganga and Rangil phase-II in particular so that the people of Srinagar city could be benefited by these mega projects at the earliest.
He instructed Chief Engineer, Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control (PHE), to operate tanker water supply services round the clock to those areas which are facing shortage of potable drinking water.
The Chief Engineer informed the Minister that the present requirement of the city is 62 MGD against availability of 48.16 MGD.
"The remaining deficit would be covered soon after the commissioning of Rangil phase-II and 2.25 Doodganga Water Treatment Plants," he said. "To cater to the present demands of Greater Srinagar, the major works under taken for execution include revamping of age old WTPs, improvements in the delivery of Nishat and Doodganga assistance by ERA and execution of 10 MGD Water Treatment Plants each at Tangar and Sukhmag under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)."
He said the major works to be taken to cater to the future demands of Greater Srinagar included construction of tunnel branch from main tunnel for new Ganderbal power project as a joint venture with Power Development Corporation (PDC) , raw water conductor from proposal tunnel from Rangil to Nishat, revamping of existing distribution system, upgradation of the source of Doodganga system, additional 2 MGD WTP in water supply zone 3rd, 6MGD WTP at Tangar zone 5th and 3.5 MGD WTP at Sukhnar zone. Beside, 10 MGD WTP at Harvan, 20 MGD WTP at Rangil and 10 MGD WTP at Alusten, he said.
(Kashmir Times)
Kashmir Produces a World Class Mountaineer
The mantle falls on Nasim Akhtar
Kashmiri to lead Everest expedition
Srinagar: Nesim Akhtar, an experienced mountaineer from Kashmir would lead an expedition in 2011 from Northeast to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.
Akhtar, who is also a member of the Governing Council of the Indian Mountaineering Federation for the past 10 years would lead the Everest expedition, sources said. Noted mountaineer Colonel Neeraj Rana and senior journalist and experienced mountaineer Pranay Bordoloi will be the deputy leaders.
Kashmir for its mountain peaks like Zabarwan, Harmuk, Kolai and Tratakuti is known as mountaineers’ paradise.
As part of the first pre-Everest expedition, a 30-member team will attempt to scale Kolahai peak in Kashmir after undergoing a training session at the Indian Army-run Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering in Pahalgam.
The final team of 15 members for the main expedition to scale Everest would be chosen from among these participants at the three pre-Everest summits of which two would be undertaken this year and the third in 2010.
The first of the three pre-Everest expeditions will be undertaken by the North East Adventure Foundation ahead of the first Everest expedition from the Northeast in 2011.
Of the 25 participants for the three pre-Everest expeditions, 13 are from Assam and 12 are from other northeastern states.
The team includes 14 young women from the region.
Kashmiri to lead Everest expedition
Srinagar: Nesim Akhtar, an experienced mountaineer from Kashmir would lead an expedition in 2011 from Northeast to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.
Akhtar, who is also a member of the Governing Council of the Indian Mountaineering Federation for the past 10 years would lead the Everest expedition, sources said. Noted mountaineer Colonel Neeraj Rana and senior journalist and experienced mountaineer Pranay Bordoloi will be the deputy leaders.
Kashmir for its mountain peaks like Zabarwan, Harmuk, Kolai and Tratakuti is known as mountaineers’ paradise.
As part of the first pre-Everest expedition, a 30-member team will attempt to scale Kolahai peak in Kashmir after undergoing a training session at the Indian Army-run Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering in Pahalgam.
The final team of 15 members for the main expedition to scale Everest would be chosen from among these participants at the three pre-Everest summits of which two would be undertaken this year and the third in 2010.
The first of the three pre-Everest expeditions will be undertaken by the North East Adventure Foundation ahead of the first Everest expedition from the Northeast in 2011.
Of the 25 participants for the three pre-Everest expeditions, 13 are from Assam and 12 are from other northeastern states.
The team includes 14 young women from the region.
Either as Vyeth or Hydaspes, Jhelum is Eternal
An editorial in the Greater Kashmir ponders about the future of a great river that sustains a shallow minded society
National Shame
Jhelum is not just a water body that needs attention of environmentalists. It is the repository of our history and ethos, emotions and imaginations, gossips and folktales; the popular culture of Kashmir is written over the drops of water that make Jhelum. Not only our nostalgia, but the harsh realities of life are all floating on the surface of this river. It is a part of our civilization as is Nile to Egypt and Indus to Sub-Continent.
Our apathy towards river Jhelum reflects the absence of consciousness at collective level. It is not like a slogan for any NGO, but a bitter truth that stares us all in the face. It speaks of the kind of people we have become. It is a grim reminder that unless we stand up for the things that are real, ambitious political goals, on both sides of the political divide, are far from doing any good to us. If the bounties of nature bestowed to us stand mercilessly spoiled at our hands, do we deserve respect and authority in the land; we don’t. Never. The photograph of river Jhelum that appeared on the front page of this newspaper on 22 July was enough to tell us in the face that as a people we have committed a grave crime against our own self. The repelling scene of the filth amassed around the pillars of a bridge on Jhelum hit like a deadly arrow in the bosom. And it is not the deliberate selection of the spot to earn attention. Take any patch of this long river body, the level of pollution is the same. Wherever the river passes through a populous area it is ‘gifted’ with polythene bags filled with domestic refuse, sewage, and all kinds of pollutants that we produce in the daily course of life. In our estimation we try to keep our compounds clean but we forget that our lifeline is getting choked.
The benign way to describe this attitude is to call such a people as uncivilized. There is no need to get angry over being called as uncivilized. It is not the cynicism of judgment but the expression of pain that is inflicted on seeing Jhelum as the dumping basin of the waste that Kashmiris produce. Before nature announces its final verdict and Jhelum becomes a thing of past the conscious amongst us must stand up to recompense the injustice inflicted on the river of Kashmir.
People irrespective of the divisions of politics, economy and ideology must join hands to save Jhelum. It is quite unfortunate that whenever we talk of environmental degradation only Dal lake becomes the centre of attraction. Jhelum rarely occupies the centre stage. The river in the backyard is crying for help and our indifference towards this dying water body has disastrous consequences. The government of the day has a huge role to play as the resources to clean up Jhelum can only be mustered by them. People, without politicizing the matter, can impress upon the government that thus far no further. The scheme of beautification of this river taken up by the previous government some years back must continue, with aggressive inputs, to give a sight soothing to eyes and not painfully repelling. For this purpose two things need to be ensured; one the term beautification needs to be replaced by revival, as it goes beyond the shallow and misleading politics. Second, the work on different patches of the river must involve the population of the respective areas.
Unless people get involved the desired level of results is not going to be achieved. From being some government scheme to prettify some selected portions of the embankments, government should think of converting it into a huge task of reviving a river that belongs to a people. This needs to be done before it is just water under the bridge.
National Shame
Jhelum is not just a water body that needs attention of environmentalists. It is the repository of our history and ethos, emotions and imaginations, gossips and folktales; the popular culture of Kashmir is written over the drops of water that make Jhelum. Not only our nostalgia, but the harsh realities of life are all floating on the surface of this river. It is a part of our civilization as is Nile to Egypt and Indus to Sub-Continent.
Our apathy towards river Jhelum reflects the absence of consciousness at collective level. It is not like a slogan for any NGO, but a bitter truth that stares us all in the face. It speaks of the kind of people we have become. It is a grim reminder that unless we stand up for the things that are real, ambitious political goals, on both sides of the political divide, are far from doing any good to us. If the bounties of nature bestowed to us stand mercilessly spoiled at our hands, do we deserve respect and authority in the land; we don’t. Never. The photograph of river Jhelum that appeared on the front page of this newspaper on 22 July was enough to tell us in the face that as a people we have committed a grave crime against our own self. The repelling scene of the filth amassed around the pillars of a bridge on Jhelum hit like a deadly arrow in the bosom. And it is not the deliberate selection of the spot to earn attention. Take any patch of this long river body, the level of pollution is the same. Wherever the river passes through a populous area it is ‘gifted’ with polythene bags filled with domestic refuse, sewage, and all kinds of pollutants that we produce in the daily course of life. In our estimation we try to keep our compounds clean but we forget that our lifeline is getting choked.
The benign way to describe this attitude is to call such a people as uncivilized. There is no need to get angry over being called as uncivilized. It is not the cynicism of judgment but the expression of pain that is inflicted on seeing Jhelum as the dumping basin of the waste that Kashmiris produce. Before nature announces its final verdict and Jhelum becomes a thing of past the conscious amongst us must stand up to recompense the injustice inflicted on the river of Kashmir.
People irrespective of the divisions of politics, economy and ideology must join hands to save Jhelum. It is quite unfortunate that whenever we talk of environmental degradation only Dal lake becomes the centre of attraction. Jhelum rarely occupies the centre stage. The river in the backyard is crying for help and our indifference towards this dying water body has disastrous consequences. The government of the day has a huge role to play as the resources to clean up Jhelum can only be mustered by them. People, without politicizing the matter, can impress upon the government that thus far no further. The scheme of beautification of this river taken up by the previous government some years back must continue, with aggressive inputs, to give a sight soothing to eyes and not painfully repelling. For this purpose two things need to be ensured; one the term beautification needs to be replaced by revival, as it goes beyond the shallow and misleading politics. Second, the work on different patches of the river must involve the population of the respective areas.
Unless people get involved the desired level of results is not going to be achieved. From being some government scheme to prettify some selected portions of the embankments, government should think of converting it into a huge task of reviving a river that belongs to a people. This needs to be done before it is just water under the bridge.
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Dal Conservation Authority
Mohsin believes that restoring Dal to its pristine beauty should be a priority for the government, and suggests creation of the Dal Conservation Authority
(Mohsin Wani, 24, was born in Srinagar, received early schooling in Srinagar and graduated in computer sciences. Mohsin completed a MBA degree in Information Technology, and is currently preparing for state and central level civil/administrative service examinations. Winner of numerous awards in debating, essay competitions and quiz programs in school and colleges, Mohsin spends leisure time listening to soft music, reading books and watching cricket.)
DYING DAL: Can we save this asset?
Almighty Allah has gifted human beings with supreme intelligence and innumerable qualities that steered him through the change of nature and equipped him with conditions sustainable for his survival and wellbeing. From centuries man has used his intelligence, skill, and wisdom to unfold the complex mysteries of nature and science alike. From unveiling the path of planets to modern day medical discoveries, from tapping solar energy to present day nuclear energy and from measuring the depth of oceans to maneuvering different space missions, man has scuffle with time to fill its appetite. While I was going through the ECO-Plus (Special supplement of GK on environment) sometime back, it sends a chill down the spine to read the shocking revelations made by different contributing authors.
It seems that we have left no stone unturned to make use of all the divine qualities gifted to us by God in polluting our water bodies, lakes and rivers all alike and especially the “Dal-lake” has been the brutal victim of our mischief. A non-local resident be it national or foreign may not have heard of Dargah-sharief or Shankaracharya, but he will be well introduced with the name Dal-lake. So, it’s not just a lake but is the brightest jewel in the crown of our civilizational and cultural-heritage and is our identity. Apart from socio-cultural and economic importance it binds its different stakeholders with an emotional bond that made them to be concerned about its ailing health which has turned into a disease and is on the verge of taking the shape of a social epidemic.
I was amazed to learn as one of the contributing authors has written that the government has put the Dal-lake project on priority list since 1970, but no tangible signs of improvement. The ‘bailout’ may be a new buzz word in the public domain due to the recent economic recession, but the Dal-lake has been ‘bailout’ many a times since 1970’s and no recovery yet. As another author narrates that an alternate Dal would have been created had the money spent on it been properly utilized. Though the people have plundered its chastity from time to time in various forms, the successive regimes have also been equally responsible for bolstering their political ego’s through it and thus adding to its misery, otherwise the journey from 25 sq. kms to 14 sq. kms would have been an overnight one.
Currently the problem of Dal-lake is a complex one and the myriad dimensions of which have already been highlighted by various authors in the Eco-plus. From manual dwelling to raising toxic levels, from backwater channels to STP’s and from re-aligning the shikara’s to rehabilitation of Dal-community, everything has been portrayed on the big canvas but the larger picture still seems to be blur. Although, one thing that is visible from the entire document is that the government lacks a comprehensive action plan on it. Lack of coordination between different agencies working on it is evident and the efforts are a complete mismatch with the gigantic problems those have engulfed the entire Dal-lake and beyond now.
Restoring the Dal-lake back to its original beauty is a mammoth task and the government needs to bring all its stakeholders and civil society on a common platform. The government needs to rededicate itself with a professional approach and has to be at the forefront in the whole paramount exercise. Their seems to be an urgent need to create a separate “Dal Conservation Authority” (DCA) and should be given the status of a department in the j&K government. Its work should be under the direct supervision and control of Chief Minister. The DCA will work as a central command centre and should have various sections under its deptt. Viz ;(Finance, Housing, IT, R&D, etc) so that all the authorities could be brought under one roof and blame-game could be avoided. The DCA should not be over burdened with babus and should have adequate representation from scientists, civil society and voluntary organizations. Also, the time has come to create a separate “Dal protection force”, It’s men should be trained as life guard on one hand and on the other they will constantly monitor the health and hygiene of dal. They will also check the elements constantly polluting the lake, especially from dalgate to Nehru park belt and its vicinity, which is the most contaminated area.
The missing link in the entire exercise on the part of the government has been about ‘awareness’. The awareness about ailing health of Dal should be a regular one and cannot be time bound. Print and electronic media should be extensively used and sufficient literature should be distributed at appropriate places. Last, but not least June-5 every year should be observed as “Dal preservation day”, so as to recall our stand and commitment for bringing Dal-lake back to its pristine glory. With these words, I would like to say it’s high time for all of us to awake before time will freeze this rare treasure of ours on the extinction-list.
(Mohsin Wani, 24, was born in Srinagar, received early schooling in Srinagar and graduated in computer sciences. Mohsin completed a MBA degree in Information Technology, and is currently preparing for state and central level civil/administrative service examinations. Winner of numerous awards in debating, essay competitions and quiz programs in school and colleges, Mohsin spends leisure time listening to soft music, reading books and watching cricket.)
DYING DAL: Can we save this asset?
Almighty Allah has gifted human beings with supreme intelligence and innumerable qualities that steered him through the change of nature and equipped him with conditions sustainable for his survival and wellbeing. From centuries man has used his intelligence, skill, and wisdom to unfold the complex mysteries of nature and science alike. From unveiling the path of planets to modern day medical discoveries, from tapping solar energy to present day nuclear energy and from measuring the depth of oceans to maneuvering different space missions, man has scuffle with time to fill its appetite. While I was going through the ECO-Plus (Special supplement of GK on environment) sometime back, it sends a chill down the spine to read the shocking revelations made by different contributing authors.
It seems that we have left no stone unturned to make use of all the divine qualities gifted to us by God in polluting our water bodies, lakes and rivers all alike and especially the “Dal-lake” has been the brutal victim of our mischief. A non-local resident be it national or foreign may not have heard of Dargah-sharief or Shankaracharya, but he will be well introduced with the name Dal-lake. So, it’s not just a lake but is the brightest jewel in the crown of our civilizational and cultural-heritage and is our identity. Apart from socio-cultural and economic importance it binds its different stakeholders with an emotional bond that made them to be concerned about its ailing health which has turned into a disease and is on the verge of taking the shape of a social epidemic.
I was amazed to learn as one of the contributing authors has written that the government has put the Dal-lake project on priority list since 1970, but no tangible signs of improvement. The ‘bailout’ may be a new buzz word in the public domain due to the recent economic recession, but the Dal-lake has been ‘bailout’ many a times since 1970’s and no recovery yet. As another author narrates that an alternate Dal would have been created had the money spent on it been properly utilized. Though the people have plundered its chastity from time to time in various forms, the successive regimes have also been equally responsible for bolstering their political ego’s through it and thus adding to its misery, otherwise the journey from 25 sq. kms to 14 sq. kms would have been an overnight one.
Currently the problem of Dal-lake is a complex one and the myriad dimensions of which have already been highlighted by various authors in the Eco-plus. From manual dwelling to raising toxic levels, from backwater channels to STP’s and from re-aligning the shikara’s to rehabilitation of Dal-community, everything has been portrayed on the big canvas but the larger picture still seems to be blur. Although, one thing that is visible from the entire document is that the government lacks a comprehensive action plan on it. Lack of coordination between different agencies working on it is evident and the efforts are a complete mismatch with the gigantic problems those have engulfed the entire Dal-lake and beyond now.
Restoring the Dal-lake back to its original beauty is a mammoth task and the government needs to bring all its stakeholders and civil society on a common platform. The government needs to rededicate itself with a professional approach and has to be at the forefront in the whole paramount exercise. Their seems to be an urgent need to create a separate “Dal Conservation Authority” (DCA) and should be given the status of a department in the j&K government. Its work should be under the direct supervision and control of Chief Minister. The DCA will work as a central command centre and should have various sections under its deptt. Viz ;(Finance, Housing, IT, R&D, etc) so that all the authorities could be brought under one roof and blame-game could be avoided. The DCA should not be over burdened with babus and should have adequate representation from scientists, civil society and voluntary organizations. Also, the time has come to create a separate “Dal protection force”, It’s men should be trained as life guard on one hand and on the other they will constantly monitor the health and hygiene of dal. They will also check the elements constantly polluting the lake, especially from dalgate to Nehru park belt and its vicinity, which is the most contaminated area.
The missing link in the entire exercise on the part of the government has been about ‘awareness’. The awareness about ailing health of Dal should be a regular one and cannot be time bound. Print and electronic media should be extensively used and sufficient literature should be distributed at appropriate places. Last, but not least June-5 every year should be observed as “Dal preservation day”, so as to recall our stand and commitment for bringing Dal-lake back to its pristine glory. With these words, I would like to say it’s high time for all of us to awake before time will freeze this rare treasure of ours on the extinction-list.
Reconstructing Kashmir Destroyed by the "Big One"
Zafar feels that shattered hopes of one and half million Kashmiris living in the earth-quake affected areas have again been lifted by the heartening news that China will reconstruct and rehabilitate three major cities of Pakistan controlled Kashmir
(Mr. Zafar Iqbal, 32, was born in village Tarar, Rawalakot, in the Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He did his early schooling in a private school, matriculating through examinations conducted by the Mirpur Educational Board, and completed his higher secondary education from the Government Degree College in Rawalakot. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Rawalakot campus), and his M.A. in Mass Communication from the Punjab University in Pakistan. He received international scholarships to attend the International Summer School at the University of Oslo in 2005 receiving a Graduate Diploma in Media Studies, and the Nottingham Trent University, U.K., in 2006-2008 receiving M.A. in Media & Globalization. Mr. Iqbal has been a journalist working in the print and TV media since 1999 and is very active in human rights, earthquake relief and rehabilitation especially involving women and children, and inter-faith harmony. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Press for Peace (PFP) and the Founder-President of the Environmental Journalists Forum, both based in Muzaffarabad. Mr. Iqbal has been invited to numerous national and international seminars and workshops related to human development.)
Post earthquake scenario in Kashmir
The shattered hopes of one and half million Kashmiris living in the earth-quake affected area’s have again been lifted by the heartening news of a recent agreement signed between China and Pakistan.
The agreement aims to reconstruct and rehabilitate three major cities of Pakistan controlled Kashmir. The billions dollars project termed “build back better” conceived from the Clinton Tsunami Slogan envisions the provision of modern life facilities in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot and Bagh. The historically worst earthquake in region which claimed above 73,000 people devastated all infrastructures in three districts of Azad Kashmir. But, it is heart-rending to state the in spite of generous financial support from world community, the rehabilitation work in affected areas has not been started even after three and half years and it is still in limbo.
Previous and the government incumbent of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have been sugar-coating the innocent citizens that affected areas would be turned into Paris and Dubai soon. Conversely, the reality makes mockery of forged statements and groundless claims of rulers that overwhelmingly majority of victims are still living a miserable life due to incompletion of schools, roads, houses and other public buildings as well as at the hands of red-tapism. The stories of corruption and laxity of officials are prevalent; specifically of those departments directly responsible for carrying into effect the rehabilitation process are major target of public criticism and severe dress-down.
Though more than 80 per cent people in affected areas have received their compensation funds for the reconstruction of homes, but their houses have not been completed yet due to numerous factors particularly in economic sense like inappropriate planning in designs, increase in prices of construction material, non- availability of required skilled force, the delaying of payments of funds and red-tapism. Today, a huge number of people are still living in damaged or rickety buildings because of lack of alternative residences. Some areas have been demarcated to be under fault lines; therefore, the owners of such lands need substitute properties for their permanent settlements but the commitments and plans of construction of housing towns make their existence only in files.
Moreover, a huge number of schools and health centres are waiting for their buildings and shelters. Officials admit that only 274 schools out of 2706 educational institutions were built which means about two hundred seventy five thousand students mostly children out of total three hundred thousand are still studying without shelter. Likewise, majority from 176 damaged buildings of health institutes also necessitates construction of new buildings.
Various new institutions were established by governments in the name of reconstruction; however, the performance of these institutions is not up to the mark or seems to be invisible to general public. Citizens believe that such newly established departments and organizations have become El- Dorado in respect of ‘job employment bureaus’ for influential people who lack any transparent system of recruitment and monitoring of their progress. For instance, if two departments like State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and Civil Defence are juxtaposed together, then SDMA is crystal clear manifestation of wastage of public money because similar department - Civil Defence, already exists and needs complete revamping.
The most significant department in all rebuilding process is Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) which is under criticisms since its inception due to lack of coordination, inefficiency, alleged corruption, nepotism and favoritism. The misappropriations and embezzlement of billions of rupees in the ERRA have also been observed by government’s own institution like the National Assembly of Pakistan which categorically mentioned that the ERRA has not put into harness all allocated funds transparently and it must be monitored and checked by public representatives and other watchdogs.
Subsequent to the earthquake some international donors like Department for International Development (DFID) had allocated massive funds for restructuring and strengthening of local government’s bodies; nonetheless, their performance is continuously on the downhill day by day, for instance, in Muzaffarabad which is the largest city of the region, all roads and streets look like a filth depot due to lack of any coordinated cleaning apparatus. The congestion of traffic has also escalating the air and noise pollution and posing various environmental hazards and diseases to the public.
Growing urbanization demands the implementation of latest systems of recycling, solid waste management and green living, but, majority of officials in the local councils do not hold necessary orientation and training to enforce international development and environmental standards where as people are also not aware of the fact that injudicious utilization of natural resources poses threats to their life and natural resources of the region as well. Under this scenario, it is binding upon the public and policy makers to learn about such latest interventions of sustainable livelihood.
It is the responsibility of government to mitigate people’s concern and legitimate reservations about the rehabilitation process through practical measures. The stalwarts in the government should realize that in today’s era of growing transnational communications and awareness created by media public can not be hoodwinked through fake claims and bogus announcements about development and progress. The government has already squandered enough time in claims now people need pragmatic actions, not slogans and must help the helpless.
(Mr. Zafar Iqbal, 32, was born in village Tarar, Rawalakot, in the Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He did his early schooling in a private school, matriculating through examinations conducted by the Mirpur Educational Board, and completed his higher secondary education from the Government Degree College in Rawalakot. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Rawalakot campus), and his M.A. in Mass Communication from the Punjab University in Pakistan. He received international scholarships to attend the International Summer School at the University of Oslo in 2005 receiving a Graduate Diploma in Media Studies, and the Nottingham Trent University, U.K., in 2006-2008 receiving M.A. in Media & Globalization. Mr. Iqbal has been a journalist working in the print and TV media since 1999 and is very active in human rights, earthquake relief and rehabilitation especially involving women and children, and inter-faith harmony. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Press for Peace (PFP) and the Founder-President of the Environmental Journalists Forum, both based in Muzaffarabad. Mr. Iqbal has been invited to numerous national and international seminars and workshops related to human development.)
Post earthquake scenario in Kashmir
The shattered hopes of one and half million Kashmiris living in the earth-quake affected area’s have again been lifted by the heartening news of a recent agreement signed between China and Pakistan.
The agreement aims to reconstruct and rehabilitate three major cities of Pakistan controlled Kashmir. The billions dollars project termed “build back better” conceived from the Clinton Tsunami Slogan envisions the provision of modern life facilities in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot and Bagh. The historically worst earthquake in region which claimed above 73,000 people devastated all infrastructures in three districts of Azad Kashmir. But, it is heart-rending to state the in spite of generous financial support from world community, the rehabilitation work in affected areas has not been started even after three and half years and it is still in limbo.
Previous and the government incumbent of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have been sugar-coating the innocent citizens that affected areas would be turned into Paris and Dubai soon. Conversely, the reality makes mockery of forged statements and groundless claims of rulers that overwhelmingly majority of victims are still living a miserable life due to incompletion of schools, roads, houses and other public buildings as well as at the hands of red-tapism. The stories of corruption and laxity of officials are prevalent; specifically of those departments directly responsible for carrying into effect the rehabilitation process are major target of public criticism and severe dress-down.
Though more than 80 per cent people in affected areas have received their compensation funds for the reconstruction of homes, but their houses have not been completed yet due to numerous factors particularly in economic sense like inappropriate planning in designs, increase in prices of construction material, non- availability of required skilled force, the delaying of payments of funds and red-tapism. Today, a huge number of people are still living in damaged or rickety buildings because of lack of alternative residences. Some areas have been demarcated to be under fault lines; therefore, the owners of such lands need substitute properties for their permanent settlements but the commitments and plans of construction of housing towns make their existence only in files.
Moreover, a huge number of schools and health centres are waiting for their buildings and shelters. Officials admit that only 274 schools out of 2706 educational institutions were built which means about two hundred seventy five thousand students mostly children out of total three hundred thousand are still studying without shelter. Likewise, majority from 176 damaged buildings of health institutes also necessitates construction of new buildings.
Various new institutions were established by governments in the name of reconstruction; however, the performance of these institutions is not up to the mark or seems to be invisible to general public. Citizens believe that such newly established departments and organizations have become El- Dorado in respect of ‘job employment bureaus’ for influential people who lack any transparent system of recruitment and monitoring of their progress. For instance, if two departments like State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and Civil Defence are juxtaposed together, then SDMA is crystal clear manifestation of wastage of public money because similar department - Civil Defence, already exists and needs complete revamping.
The most significant department in all rebuilding process is Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) which is under criticisms since its inception due to lack of coordination, inefficiency, alleged corruption, nepotism and favoritism. The misappropriations and embezzlement of billions of rupees in the ERRA have also been observed by government’s own institution like the National Assembly of Pakistan which categorically mentioned that the ERRA has not put into harness all allocated funds transparently and it must be monitored and checked by public representatives and other watchdogs.
Subsequent to the earthquake some international donors like Department for International Development (DFID) had allocated massive funds for restructuring and strengthening of local government’s bodies; nonetheless, their performance is continuously on the downhill day by day, for instance, in Muzaffarabad which is the largest city of the region, all roads and streets look like a filth depot due to lack of any coordinated cleaning apparatus. The congestion of traffic has also escalating the air and noise pollution and posing various environmental hazards and diseases to the public.
Growing urbanization demands the implementation of latest systems of recycling, solid waste management and green living, but, majority of officials in the local councils do not hold necessary orientation and training to enforce international development and environmental standards where as people are also not aware of the fact that injudicious utilization of natural resources poses threats to their life and natural resources of the region as well. Under this scenario, it is binding upon the public and policy makers to learn about such latest interventions of sustainable livelihood.
It is the responsibility of government to mitigate people’s concern and legitimate reservations about the rehabilitation process through practical measures. The stalwarts in the government should realize that in today’s era of growing transnational communications and awareness created by media public can not be hoodwinked through fake claims and bogus announcements about development and progress. The government has already squandered enough time in claims now people need pragmatic actions, not slogans and must help the helpless.
Changing the Paradigm is a Hartal Infected Culture
A commentary in the Rising Kashmir reflects on Kashmiri mass hysteria to shoot first and ask questions later
Asrar story triggers rethink on social response to crime
‘We should think before we protest’
Srinagar: By Police standards Asrar Mushtaq’s murder was a plain case of crime and so was that of Amina Masoodi’s, a college girl from Kupwara. Kidnapping of a minor from Baramulla, too, was no different. But all these crimes triggered massive anti-government protests in North and Central Kashmir during which the first finger of suspicion was directed toward army or other government forces. At least four persons died with scores injured so far in the mob fury these incidents had triggered. Police have already nailed Asrar’s killers and kidnappers of the Baramulla girl with investigations into the college girl’s murder in Kupwara going on.
Why did masses take to streets with the banner of revolt against state administration and asked for Azadi rather than justice and crime control? Kashmiris have different answers to this question but the majority view pegs on the urge that people here should resist the temptation of turning any ordinary crime into a full blown Azadi campaign. “We should think before we start protests. Then there are killings and injuries. We get excited and chant slogans but when everything boils down to causalities we start repenting. Azadi is a sacred slogan, I think we should keep its sanctity and should not mix it with our responses to social evils or crimes,” says Imtiyaz Ahmad Ganai, a high school teacher from Baramulla.
Many citizens in Srinagar and Baramullah regret the hasty reactions to the crime incidents from separatist groups including Hurriyat factions. Wajeeh Siraj, a poet and freelance electrician from Pulwama, says, “Increase in crime rate is not a good sign for which the society ought to raise voice. But when separatist groups plunge into every other happening it kills the cause of justice and people are left with no option but to uphold big slogans of Azadi and start praising these leaders. I think the civil society should intervene and make the separatist groups understand that responding to social issues and matters related to public affairs should be left for civil society intervention. It is surprising that the separatists who have a bigger cause are trying to use every space for their political activity. People support their calls; they share the slogan these leaders chant. Leaders too have responsibility to show right path to the people.”
Aside from this popular aversion to mixing social response to crime and general sentiment for political rights, most of Kashmir watchers believe the credibility of government institutions has chronically been poor. “This credibility deficit has created a huge psychological problem. People don’t trust government institutions. This fact was acknowledged by chief minister himself when he responded to Shopian incident. I think people alone are not to blame for such reactions. Government too will have to share part of responsibility and go for corrections within the system,” says a top pro-India politician who did not want to be quoted by name.
Asrar story triggers rethink on social response to crime
‘We should think before we protest’
Srinagar: By Police standards Asrar Mushtaq’s murder was a plain case of crime and so was that of Amina Masoodi’s, a college girl from Kupwara. Kidnapping of a minor from Baramulla, too, was no different. But all these crimes triggered massive anti-government protests in North and Central Kashmir during which the first finger of suspicion was directed toward army or other government forces. At least four persons died with scores injured so far in the mob fury these incidents had triggered. Police have already nailed Asrar’s killers and kidnappers of the Baramulla girl with investigations into the college girl’s murder in Kupwara going on.
Why did masses take to streets with the banner of revolt against state administration and asked for Azadi rather than justice and crime control? Kashmiris have different answers to this question but the majority view pegs on the urge that people here should resist the temptation of turning any ordinary crime into a full blown Azadi campaign. “We should think before we start protests. Then there are killings and injuries. We get excited and chant slogans but when everything boils down to causalities we start repenting. Azadi is a sacred slogan, I think we should keep its sanctity and should not mix it with our responses to social evils or crimes,” says Imtiyaz Ahmad Ganai, a high school teacher from Baramulla.
Many citizens in Srinagar and Baramullah regret the hasty reactions to the crime incidents from separatist groups including Hurriyat factions. Wajeeh Siraj, a poet and freelance electrician from Pulwama, says, “Increase in crime rate is not a good sign for which the society ought to raise voice. But when separatist groups plunge into every other happening it kills the cause of justice and people are left with no option but to uphold big slogans of Azadi and start praising these leaders. I think the civil society should intervene and make the separatist groups understand that responding to social issues and matters related to public affairs should be left for civil society intervention. It is surprising that the separatists who have a bigger cause are trying to use every space for their political activity. People support their calls; they share the slogan these leaders chant. Leaders too have responsibility to show right path to the people.”
Aside from this popular aversion to mixing social response to crime and general sentiment for political rights, most of Kashmir watchers believe the credibility of government institutions has chronically been poor. “This credibility deficit has created a huge psychological problem. People don’t trust government institutions. This fact was acknowledged by chief minister himself when he responded to Shopian incident. I think people alone are not to blame for such reactions. Government too will have to share part of responsibility and go for corrections within the system,” says a top pro-India politician who did not want to be quoted by name.
Can a Solution Work if the Problem is Partially Defined?
To Ashraf the glass is half full. To many, the glass is half empty and what is not addressed in his approach is the shadow of terrorism that has loomed large over Kashmir for two decades, and a subtle but steady erosion of minority rights creating fertile ground for religious chauvinism
(Dr. Mirza Ashraf Beg, 69, was born in Sarnal, Anantnag. He did his primary schooling at the Primary Hanfia School in Anantnag and completed his F. Sc. from the Government Degree College in Anantnag. He completed his medical degree (MBBS) from the Government Medical College Srinagar, University of Kashmir, in 1967, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pathology from the Government Medical College Jammu, University of Jammu, in 1981. He served as the Medical Director of the Civil Hospital, Pahalgam, until 1983 and subsequently held senior administrative positions in the health service system of Saudi Arabia, including participation in a joint program with the Johns Hopkins University and the University of South Florida for a United Nations project related to environmental and ecological impact of the 1991 Gulf War. He is an Executive Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Red Cross (nominated by the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir), Member of General Medical Council, Jammu and Kashmir, Medical Council of India, Saudi Medical Council, and General Medical Council, London. He is proficient in Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, English, Arabic.)
Kashmir: Solution is possible?
The resolution of a chronic problem like Kashmir needs sincerity, open-mindedness and strong will by all the stakeholders, comments Dr Mirza Ashraf Beg.
It is interesting that today we are discussing Kashmir--the Way Forward an issue that was thought many a times a closed chapter. Better late than never let us accept the fact that Kashmir dispute, besides being a hindrance in the development of the State, has been a cause for the martyrdom of more than hundred thousand innocents and now is threatening the world peace with a nuclear catastrophe. That is why world powers have become conscious of this flash point in the subcontinent.
Kashmir an International Problem:
I will not like to take the Kashmir issue to the Yusuf Shah Chak era or to 1953 to prove that it is an international issue. That will be to beat about the bush. All of us are aware that the present tragedies of Jammu and Kashmir date back to 1947 when India and Pakistan became two separate countries. Both these new born sovereign states approached the United Nations to claim their childish rights on the state. These two nascent nations, it was felt at the international level, if allowed to be wary against each other, would definitely lead to various inconveniences, not only for these two countries, but also for the entire comity of nations. Peace overtures were initiated overtly or covertly at various levels. Both the countries agreed to settle the issue by an impartial plebiscite under the supervision of the United Nations and a number of resolutions were passed in favour of a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir issue is still on U.N. agenda and neither India nor Pakistan has withdrawn it from that forum. All these facts besides an additional development that both India and Pakistan were confronting each other with nuclear arsenal lend support to my argument that unsolved Kashmir is an international problem and needs immediate attention.
Role of Kashmiri Diaspora:
In the recent years of turmoil we have seen Kashmiris that have settled all over the world were a part and parcel of the on-going movement. No other political movement in the world has been as visible on the streets of New York, London, Toronto and other cities all over the world. All this was possible through the tireless efforts of half a million restless Kashmiris living in these countries. Besides that, two million Kashmiris are living as refugees in India and Pakistan (Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims). United Nations has promised the right of self-determination to the whole lot of people of Jammu and Kashmir wherever they are irrespective of their caste, creed and color. So the role of the Kashmiri Diaspora and the political organizations they have constituted anywhere in the world is essential and must be welcome.
Third country mediation:
In the present dialogue process it is apparent that countries like U.S and U.K are mediating by way of facilitating the process of dialogue. This practice of third country meditation has already been taken recourse to at the end of 1965 war when the erstwhile USSR facilitated the meeting of the then two heads of states resulting in Tashkent agreement. Every country has its political, economical and other national interests; with the result at times it becomes rather difficult to remain fair. Despite all this, the merits of third country mediation cannot be categorically understated.
SAARC Route To Resolutions:
While the world has become a global village it has for convenience sake simultaneously divided into several groups. Today we see Canada and U.S between them and Gulf countries amongst each other have soft borders for trade and other activities. European countries have gone a step further. Besides having soft borders they have evolved a common currency too. ‘Euro’, works in all these countries. Once the same doctrine is applied in SAARC countries and borders become irrelevant with Jammu & Kashmir as a constituent of SAARC it will definitely become a win-win situation for both India and Pakistan.
Human Rights Issues:
To find a negotiable solution to the Kashmir problem it is of paramount importance to safeguard the human rights of the civilian population, ‘the non-combatants of the ongoing armed rebellion.’ Unless and until there is an end to custodial killings, rapes and indiscriminate and unwarranted firings in public places, peace will be a distant dream. I mean a peaceful settlement of Kashmir problem too is equally distant. The onus of safeguarding the human rights obviously lies on seven hundred thousand Indian armed forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir as these are supposed to be under a proper and answerable command and control. Prime Minister Mahmohan Singh is on record to have argued for zero tolerance. Unfortunately the ground situation is different, with the result it becomes difficult for a common observer to find a liaison between the armed forces operating in Kashmir and Prime Minister. More than six thousand Kashmiris are languishing in different Indian jails and concentration camps where the conditions are worst than that in Abu Gharib and Guatemalan bay. Some of these prisoners are women and senior citizens in deplorable health conditions. Thousands are missing and there are no whereabouts. Someone has to answer these questions as a step towards peace and peaceful negotiations.
Aspects and forms of sovereignty:
Jammu and Kashmir is located in the heart of south – central Asia and shares its borders with Afghanistan, China, India and Pakistan. A small strip of Wakhan separates it from Soviet Union. The total area of the state is 85,000 square miles and thus is larger than 75 independent countries in the world. Nearly two third of its territory is at present under the control of India. The remaining area is mainly under supervision of Pakistan called Azad Kashmir and some area lies with China too. The population of the state is 14 million, including 2 million living as refugees in Pakistan and India .Half a million Kashmiri pundits in India and one and a half million in Pakistan. Besides that half a million are scattered all over the world. It is thus bigger than 100 sovereign countries of the world. Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory within the meaning of intentional law. United Nations has passed scores of resolutions in favour of a plebiscite in the state. Having said that the state with its vast resources in terms of forests agriculture and tourism as such is capable to sustain itself as a sovereign state like any other responsible member of the world community with friendly relations with both India and Pakistan. We have seen how successfully permit system has worked as a document of travel on Muzzafarabad – Srinagar road. The same doctrine of soft borders can easily be applied on other routes presently closed for human traffic and business activities between India, Pakistan and Jammu Kashmir.
Kashmir specific CBM’s:
Kashmir problem is in fact a trilateral issue. The people of Jammu and Kashmir, the government of India and government of Pakistan are parties to the issue. Hence the confidence building measures have to be between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the governments of India and Pakistan. Simultaneously there have to be CMB’s between India and Pakistan. A few of these Kashmir centric CBM’s can be identified as these;
Abolition of draconian laws:
All the laws such as AFPSA and Preventative Detention Act that give unbridled and pungent powers to the security forces need to be withdrawn forthwith. That way security forces will be saved from the human temptations of misuse of absolute power. At the same time will give the victimised Kashmiri nation a sense of security.
Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pundits:
Where the exodus of Kashmiri Pundits after the 1989 turmoil was painful it was equally unfortunate that pseudo intellectuals in the government facilitated them to dispose off their properties. These prosperities ought to have been left in the custody of already existing department of evacuee properties as was done with the properties of those who migrated to Azad Kashmir and Pakistan in 1947 from the state of Jammu and Kashmir. These migrants need to be welcomed back and rehabilitated properly and on priority. Kashmiri society has always been a mixed culture believing and practising secularism in letter and spirit. Muslims and non-Muslims have always lived side by side in this abode of Reshis and Munis. To make the housing colonies built for them habitable , graceful and secure these accommodations should be shared by both the communities and let the two communities live in close harmony with each other like they were living before the recent turmoil. Otherwise I am afraid these housing colonies will turn in to holiday homes and shall be a liability for the government.
Release of political prisoners:
Government of India should release all the political prisoners arrested under various draconian laws.
Disappeared people:
According to a rough estimate more than six thousand people are missing since 1989 as a result of the ongoing armed rebellion in the state. Governments of India and Pakistan shall devise ways and means to trace them or find their last authentic whereabouts. For this purpose they may utilize the services of impartial international organizations such as Red Cross etc.
Human rights Violations:
Human rights violations must stop forth with. Indian forces operating in the state of Jammu and Kashmir should respect Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s sentiments of ‘zero tolerance.’ The ground situation should collaborate with the verbal statements despite the fact that armed forces in Kashmir work under stress that is evident from the increasing number of suicides and killings of their fellow companions.
Withdrawal of the forces:
To begin with the number of armed forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir should come down to the level where it was in 1989 when the present armed rebellion started in the state. That will avoid the unnecessary friction between the civilians and the men in the uniform. Gradually the forces must go to their respectable places in barracks.
Dialogue between the political parties:
The present turmoil in the state has given the Kashmir problem some unique dimensions. People having the opinion that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India share the opinion that Kashmir needs a negotiated settlement with those who were banking on UN resolutions as a means of the solution.
Hence a dialogue between the so- called main stream political activists and those who rightly believe in the disputed nature of the state will be of a great help for peace and peaceful solution of the Kashmir problem. None of us can afford to have personal rivalries and egos at the cost of a suffering nation. We also need to work out a consensus on the negotiable solution and then the two groups can discuss the two thoughts of opinion. This exercise could narrow down the area of terms of reference at the time of arriving at the final solution of the problem.
Let me point out that solutions and settlements of chronic problems like the one we are talking about, need open- mindedness, freedom from bias, humiliation and sincere desire and then a firm will with catholic and democratic approach. Unless the two countries together with the victimized Kashmiris have a commitment to the principals of justice and co existence in the backdrop of the concept of globalization the problem cannot be solved. Having realised that all the methods of force and coercion have proved abortive, peaceful negotiations seem to be the only way forward. In the entire history of sixty years of this dispute, there has never come such an opportune time when all sections of society in India, Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir are fervently willing to solve the issue. If this chance is wasted and opportunity is allowed to slip away the present generation of politicians, intellectuals and so on shall be the criminals against human society for which the future generations should never forgive us.
(Dr. Mirza Ashraf Beg, 69, was born in Sarnal, Anantnag. He did his primary schooling at the Primary Hanfia School in Anantnag and completed his F. Sc. from the Government Degree College in Anantnag. He completed his medical degree (MBBS) from the Government Medical College Srinagar, University of Kashmir, in 1967, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pathology from the Government Medical College Jammu, University of Jammu, in 1981. He served as the Medical Director of the Civil Hospital, Pahalgam, until 1983 and subsequently held senior administrative positions in the health service system of Saudi Arabia, including participation in a joint program with the Johns Hopkins University and the University of South Florida for a United Nations project related to environmental and ecological impact of the 1991 Gulf War. He is an Executive Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Red Cross (nominated by the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir), Member of General Medical Council, Jammu and Kashmir, Medical Council of India, Saudi Medical Council, and General Medical Council, London. He is proficient in Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, English, Arabic.)
Kashmir: Solution is possible?
The resolution of a chronic problem like Kashmir needs sincerity, open-mindedness and strong will by all the stakeholders, comments Dr Mirza Ashraf Beg.
It is interesting that today we are discussing Kashmir--the Way Forward an issue that was thought many a times a closed chapter. Better late than never let us accept the fact that Kashmir dispute, besides being a hindrance in the development of the State, has been a cause for the martyrdom of more than hundred thousand innocents and now is threatening the world peace with a nuclear catastrophe. That is why world powers have become conscious of this flash point in the subcontinent.
Kashmir an International Problem:
I will not like to take the Kashmir issue to the Yusuf Shah Chak era or to 1953 to prove that it is an international issue. That will be to beat about the bush. All of us are aware that the present tragedies of Jammu and Kashmir date back to 1947 when India and Pakistan became two separate countries. Both these new born sovereign states approached the United Nations to claim their childish rights on the state. These two nascent nations, it was felt at the international level, if allowed to be wary against each other, would definitely lead to various inconveniences, not only for these two countries, but also for the entire comity of nations. Peace overtures were initiated overtly or covertly at various levels. Both the countries agreed to settle the issue by an impartial plebiscite under the supervision of the United Nations and a number of resolutions were passed in favour of a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir issue is still on U.N. agenda and neither India nor Pakistan has withdrawn it from that forum. All these facts besides an additional development that both India and Pakistan were confronting each other with nuclear arsenal lend support to my argument that unsolved Kashmir is an international problem and needs immediate attention.
Role of Kashmiri Diaspora:
In the recent years of turmoil we have seen Kashmiris that have settled all over the world were a part and parcel of the on-going movement. No other political movement in the world has been as visible on the streets of New York, London, Toronto and other cities all over the world. All this was possible through the tireless efforts of half a million restless Kashmiris living in these countries. Besides that, two million Kashmiris are living as refugees in India and Pakistan (Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims). United Nations has promised the right of self-determination to the whole lot of people of Jammu and Kashmir wherever they are irrespective of their caste, creed and color. So the role of the Kashmiri Diaspora and the political organizations they have constituted anywhere in the world is essential and must be welcome.
Third country mediation:
In the present dialogue process it is apparent that countries like U.S and U.K are mediating by way of facilitating the process of dialogue. This practice of third country meditation has already been taken recourse to at the end of 1965 war when the erstwhile USSR facilitated the meeting of the then two heads of states resulting in Tashkent agreement. Every country has its political, economical and other national interests; with the result at times it becomes rather difficult to remain fair. Despite all this, the merits of third country mediation cannot be categorically understated.
SAARC Route To Resolutions:
While the world has become a global village it has for convenience sake simultaneously divided into several groups. Today we see Canada and U.S between them and Gulf countries amongst each other have soft borders for trade and other activities. European countries have gone a step further. Besides having soft borders they have evolved a common currency too. ‘Euro’, works in all these countries. Once the same doctrine is applied in SAARC countries and borders become irrelevant with Jammu & Kashmir as a constituent of SAARC it will definitely become a win-win situation for both India and Pakistan.
Human Rights Issues:
To find a negotiable solution to the Kashmir problem it is of paramount importance to safeguard the human rights of the civilian population, ‘the non-combatants of the ongoing armed rebellion.’ Unless and until there is an end to custodial killings, rapes and indiscriminate and unwarranted firings in public places, peace will be a distant dream. I mean a peaceful settlement of Kashmir problem too is equally distant. The onus of safeguarding the human rights obviously lies on seven hundred thousand Indian armed forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir as these are supposed to be under a proper and answerable command and control. Prime Minister Mahmohan Singh is on record to have argued for zero tolerance. Unfortunately the ground situation is different, with the result it becomes difficult for a common observer to find a liaison between the armed forces operating in Kashmir and Prime Minister. More than six thousand Kashmiris are languishing in different Indian jails and concentration camps where the conditions are worst than that in Abu Gharib and Guatemalan bay. Some of these prisoners are women and senior citizens in deplorable health conditions. Thousands are missing and there are no whereabouts. Someone has to answer these questions as a step towards peace and peaceful negotiations.
Aspects and forms of sovereignty:
Jammu and Kashmir is located in the heart of south – central Asia and shares its borders with Afghanistan, China, India and Pakistan. A small strip of Wakhan separates it from Soviet Union. The total area of the state is 85,000 square miles and thus is larger than 75 independent countries in the world. Nearly two third of its territory is at present under the control of India. The remaining area is mainly under supervision of Pakistan called Azad Kashmir and some area lies with China too. The population of the state is 14 million, including 2 million living as refugees in Pakistan and India .Half a million Kashmiri pundits in India and one and a half million in Pakistan. Besides that half a million are scattered all over the world. It is thus bigger than 100 sovereign countries of the world. Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory within the meaning of intentional law. United Nations has passed scores of resolutions in favour of a plebiscite in the state. Having said that the state with its vast resources in terms of forests agriculture and tourism as such is capable to sustain itself as a sovereign state like any other responsible member of the world community with friendly relations with both India and Pakistan. We have seen how successfully permit system has worked as a document of travel on Muzzafarabad – Srinagar road. The same doctrine of soft borders can easily be applied on other routes presently closed for human traffic and business activities between India, Pakistan and Jammu Kashmir.
Kashmir specific CBM’s:
Kashmir problem is in fact a trilateral issue. The people of Jammu and Kashmir, the government of India and government of Pakistan are parties to the issue. Hence the confidence building measures have to be between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the governments of India and Pakistan. Simultaneously there have to be CMB’s between India and Pakistan. A few of these Kashmir centric CBM’s can be identified as these;
Abolition of draconian laws:
All the laws such as AFPSA and Preventative Detention Act that give unbridled and pungent powers to the security forces need to be withdrawn forthwith. That way security forces will be saved from the human temptations of misuse of absolute power. At the same time will give the victimised Kashmiri nation a sense of security.
Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pundits:
Where the exodus of Kashmiri Pundits after the 1989 turmoil was painful it was equally unfortunate that pseudo intellectuals in the government facilitated them to dispose off their properties. These prosperities ought to have been left in the custody of already existing department of evacuee properties as was done with the properties of those who migrated to Azad Kashmir and Pakistan in 1947 from the state of Jammu and Kashmir. These migrants need to be welcomed back and rehabilitated properly and on priority. Kashmiri society has always been a mixed culture believing and practising secularism in letter and spirit. Muslims and non-Muslims have always lived side by side in this abode of Reshis and Munis. To make the housing colonies built for them habitable , graceful and secure these accommodations should be shared by both the communities and let the two communities live in close harmony with each other like they were living before the recent turmoil. Otherwise I am afraid these housing colonies will turn in to holiday homes and shall be a liability for the government.
Release of political prisoners:
Government of India should release all the political prisoners arrested under various draconian laws.
Disappeared people:
According to a rough estimate more than six thousand people are missing since 1989 as a result of the ongoing armed rebellion in the state. Governments of India and Pakistan shall devise ways and means to trace them or find their last authentic whereabouts. For this purpose they may utilize the services of impartial international organizations such as Red Cross etc.
Human rights Violations:
Human rights violations must stop forth with. Indian forces operating in the state of Jammu and Kashmir should respect Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s sentiments of ‘zero tolerance.’ The ground situation should collaborate with the verbal statements despite the fact that armed forces in Kashmir work under stress that is evident from the increasing number of suicides and killings of their fellow companions.
Withdrawal of the forces:
To begin with the number of armed forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir should come down to the level where it was in 1989 when the present armed rebellion started in the state. That will avoid the unnecessary friction between the civilians and the men in the uniform. Gradually the forces must go to their respectable places in barracks.
Dialogue between the political parties:
The present turmoil in the state has given the Kashmir problem some unique dimensions. People having the opinion that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India share the opinion that Kashmir needs a negotiated settlement with those who were banking on UN resolutions as a means of the solution.
Hence a dialogue between the so- called main stream political activists and those who rightly believe in the disputed nature of the state will be of a great help for peace and peaceful solution of the Kashmir problem. None of us can afford to have personal rivalries and egos at the cost of a suffering nation. We also need to work out a consensus on the negotiable solution and then the two groups can discuss the two thoughts of opinion. This exercise could narrow down the area of terms of reference at the time of arriving at the final solution of the problem.
Let me point out that solutions and settlements of chronic problems like the one we are talking about, need open- mindedness, freedom from bias, humiliation and sincere desire and then a firm will with catholic and democratic approach. Unless the two countries together with the victimized Kashmiris have a commitment to the principals of justice and co existence in the backdrop of the concept of globalization the problem cannot be solved. Having realised that all the methods of force and coercion have proved abortive, peaceful negotiations seem to be the only way forward. In the entire history of sixty years of this dispute, there has never come such an opportune time when all sections of society in India, Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir are fervently willing to solve the issue. If this chance is wasted and opportunity is allowed to slip away the present generation of politicians, intellectuals and so on shall be the criminals against human society for which the future generations should never forgive us.
Tragic Ending to a Music Composer and Lyrical Master
Huma remembers a great artist and a loving parent whose mysterious death continues to haunt the family
Remembering melodious Ghulam Nabi Sheikh
Huma Sheikh
Few days before his death, Dad was singing a sing, which was recorded in 2003, to a group of students and family in our home.
My father, Ghulam Nabi Sheikh, had sung and recorded innumerable songs. His voice shimmered with his passion for Kashmiri music.
As Program Executive in Radio Kashmir, Srinagar and previously as producer and singer, he could create a high-quality recording whenever he presented or dubbed a show on radio.
The power of Dad’s voice and his singing versatility earned him a title “Mehdi Hassan of Jammu and Kashmir,” and his compositions carried him to greater heights.
He spent almost 40 good years of his life in devotion to music in Kashmir. He was “Top Grade” artist of JK and his songs and compositions blended with contemporary tunes yet retained their melodic folk texture that touched people’s hearts.
He further eternalizes his singing and musical abilities by creating a breed of singers in Kashmir, who all are now popular singers in the valley.
Dad began his musical career at the age of 14. From these early days, he would participate in singing competitions in and outside of Kashmir, often winning first slots. His first international visit as a teenage was to Bangladesh, where he received first prize in a singing competition. Around the same time, Dad began singing for Yuvavani service of Radio Kashmir.
He would be at the same recording room as popular singers of their days like Ghulam Hassan Sofi, Raj Begum and Naseem Akhtar. Dad received first prize in a youth competition in 1980 organized by the Cultural Academy, Srinagar.
Dad soon joined a cluster of singers like Shaheema Azad, Kailash Mehra, who had started their singing career way ahead of him. Singers like Aarti Tikko and Vijay Mala came around the same time as dad. He started singing and composing songs for Radio Kashmir’s General Service while mesmerizing thousands of Kashmiris with his wonderful voice. He marveled people with his singing performances across all states in India. He won “Grade A” singer slot in light music.
In 1983, he was appointed music composer in Radio Kashmir. After 1989 when Pandit Bhajan Sopori, who was Program Executive at Radio Kashmir, left Kashmir, Dad overlooked Radio’s Music section. During those tough years of turmoil, he created a large group of singers in Kashmir, who eventually got recognition in the field of music. Among them are Rashid Farash, Waheed Jeelani, Muneer Ahmed Mir and others.
As approved music composer by Music Audition Board, All India Radio, New Delhi, he also composed songs in Urdu, Dogri, Gojri, Punjabi and Bengali among others.
Years into his stint as music composer, he cleared Union Public Service Commission examination to serve as Program Executive in Radio Kashmir. He was awarded “Top Grade Singer” in light music for excellence in the singing of Kashmiri songs--the other “Top Grade Singer” in light music in the Valley is Begum Akhtar. He also won “D-I Graded Singer” award in light music (Urdu).
He served as member of the Advisory Sub-Committee for Kashmir Folk Music in Cultural Academy (1995-2003) and member of Program Advisory Committee of Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar (1986-88). He was also empanelled with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
But the voice is silent now. Today is the sixth anniversary of his death, yet his death is still a mystery.
My father was died in 2003. He disappeared mysteriously from the train bound for Delhi from Jammu on the night of July 13 and was reported dead the following day by Punjab police. They claimed his body had been cremated. We only got his clothes and slippers and the ring and watch he was wearing.
The tragedy of his death has stuck with us and the ghosts of mystery haunt us as time passes. We have many questions but no answers.
We have questions about who killed him and what led to his death. We regret that the Jammu and Kashmir government couldn’t do anything to unravel the mystery. The lukewarm response of the government toward handling the case also adds to the lingering feeling every Kashmiri has that the people hardly have any power when it comes to dealing with cases that happen outside state.
My father’s death is not the only case in the Valley; many tragedies have happened in Kashmir. At the end of the day, it is not the death of a person but a family. Over the course of six years, my mother has lost hope that her husband will ever come back and so have I and my siblings—a brother and sister.
We just don’t know as we have never seen his dead body. “Some day, there will be a miracle when dad will knock on our door. We don’t stop thinking about it.”
Remembering melodious Ghulam Nabi Sheikh
Huma Sheikh
Few days before his death, Dad was singing a sing, which was recorded in 2003, to a group of students and family in our home.
My father, Ghulam Nabi Sheikh, had sung and recorded innumerable songs. His voice shimmered with his passion for Kashmiri music.
As Program Executive in Radio Kashmir, Srinagar and previously as producer and singer, he could create a high-quality recording whenever he presented or dubbed a show on radio.
The power of Dad’s voice and his singing versatility earned him a title “Mehdi Hassan of Jammu and Kashmir,” and his compositions carried him to greater heights.
He spent almost 40 good years of his life in devotion to music in Kashmir. He was “Top Grade” artist of JK and his songs and compositions blended with contemporary tunes yet retained their melodic folk texture that touched people’s hearts.
He further eternalizes his singing and musical abilities by creating a breed of singers in Kashmir, who all are now popular singers in the valley.
Dad began his musical career at the age of 14. From these early days, he would participate in singing competitions in and outside of Kashmir, often winning first slots. His first international visit as a teenage was to Bangladesh, where he received first prize in a singing competition. Around the same time, Dad began singing for Yuvavani service of Radio Kashmir.
He would be at the same recording room as popular singers of their days like Ghulam Hassan Sofi, Raj Begum and Naseem Akhtar. Dad received first prize in a youth competition in 1980 organized by the Cultural Academy, Srinagar.
Dad soon joined a cluster of singers like Shaheema Azad, Kailash Mehra, who had started their singing career way ahead of him. Singers like Aarti Tikko and Vijay Mala came around the same time as dad. He started singing and composing songs for Radio Kashmir’s General Service while mesmerizing thousands of Kashmiris with his wonderful voice. He marveled people with his singing performances across all states in India. He won “Grade A” singer slot in light music.
In 1983, he was appointed music composer in Radio Kashmir. After 1989 when Pandit Bhajan Sopori, who was Program Executive at Radio Kashmir, left Kashmir, Dad overlooked Radio’s Music section. During those tough years of turmoil, he created a large group of singers in Kashmir, who eventually got recognition in the field of music. Among them are Rashid Farash, Waheed Jeelani, Muneer Ahmed Mir and others.
As approved music composer by Music Audition Board, All India Radio, New Delhi, he also composed songs in Urdu, Dogri, Gojri, Punjabi and Bengali among others.
Years into his stint as music composer, he cleared Union Public Service Commission examination to serve as Program Executive in Radio Kashmir. He was awarded “Top Grade Singer” in light music for excellence in the singing of Kashmiri songs--the other “Top Grade Singer” in light music in the Valley is Begum Akhtar. He also won “D-I Graded Singer” award in light music (Urdu).
He served as member of the Advisory Sub-Committee for Kashmir Folk Music in Cultural Academy (1995-2003) and member of Program Advisory Committee of Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar (1986-88). He was also empanelled with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
But the voice is silent now. Today is the sixth anniversary of his death, yet his death is still a mystery.
My father was died in 2003. He disappeared mysteriously from the train bound for Delhi from Jammu on the night of July 13 and was reported dead the following day by Punjab police. They claimed his body had been cremated. We only got his clothes and slippers and the ring and watch he was wearing.
The tragedy of his death has stuck with us and the ghosts of mystery haunt us as time passes. We have many questions but no answers.
We have questions about who killed him and what led to his death. We regret that the Jammu and Kashmir government couldn’t do anything to unravel the mystery. The lukewarm response of the government toward handling the case also adds to the lingering feeling every Kashmiri has that the people hardly have any power when it comes to dealing with cases that happen outside state.
My father’s death is not the only case in the Valley; many tragedies have happened in Kashmir. At the end of the day, it is not the death of a person but a family. Over the course of six years, my mother has lost hope that her husband will ever come back and so have I and my siblings—a brother and sister.
We just don’t know as we have never seen his dead body. “Some day, there will be a miracle when dad will knock on our door. We don’t stop thinking about it.”
Kashmir's Apple Cart is Stuck!
Three related stories on good news-bad news related to Kashmir's apple industry
Kashmir’s apple clock struck
Rashid Paul (Rising Kashmir)
Srinagar: Apple production in the State, which involves around 25 lakh people, has shown serious symptoms of stagnation for past four years, experts quoting latest figures said Tuesday.
The yield per hectare in the State is stuck at 11 metric tones per annum for the past four years while in countries with similar climatic conditions, production has outreached 46 metric tones.
The yield per hectare is not showing any growth over the past four years, said Prof F A Banday, Head Division of Pomology at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir.
Since many years, the yield per hectare is stuck at 11 metric tones per hectare, he told Rising Kashmir.
The yield in Europe, the continent which has a similar climate to Kashmir, has reached an average of 40 metric tones per hectare.
Belgium, a country with an area almost double that of Kashmir valley produces about 46 metric tones per hectare, Denmark 41 metric tones, the Netherlands 40 metric tones and Brazil, a developing economy harvests 38.2 metric tones of apple a season.
Narrow variety base is the chief factor for our low productivity, Banday said. We developed and released Lal Ambri, Akbar and Sonhari which can produce up to 26 metric tones per hectare per annum.
The government agencies responsible for their propagation and distribution among the farmers haven’t done their job fairly forcing us to take up the distribution job as well, he said.
Some 50,000 such plants were given to farmers last year.
To increase the apple production, Banay advises high density plantation on European pattern.
However, Director Horticulture M S Qasba says it was not justifiable to compare Kashmir with Europe. “We don’t have European standard medical facilities. So we should not draw parallels between horticulture production of Europe and Kashmir,” he says. “They have big land holdings. Their horticulture is mechanized. They also have a state-of-art watering facilities.”
Qasba claimed that the department gives 1 to 2 lakh trees to farmers annually besides developing 500 hectares with clonal root stocks.
However, Muhammad Amin, a fruit grower from Shopian said experts and officials had failed the growers.
“Bad inputs like substandard fertilizers, pesticides and non availability of good yield plants is arresting the production,” he said.
Apple production on decline mode in Shopian as Scab returns after 37 years
Ishfaq Mir (Rising Kashmir)
Shopian: This year apple production in Shopian is set to receive a big jolt as Scab disease has attacked more than 20 per cent of the total area under apple cultivation, experts warned on Tuesday.
Venchuria Inequaris , known as Scab in common parlance which appeared first time in 1972 in the Valley orchards had disappeared to a large extent but non-availability of fungicides in the market has favoured its return after 37 years in this apple belt.
Retired chief scientist Dr.G.M Tak while talking to Rising Kashmir warned of severe financial loss to the apple industry due to the scab which has visited Shopain orchards after a long gap of 37 years.
“Basically it is a form of larva which thrives in moist air. Untimely rain and fluctuating temperatures made it to flourish. Only regular use of fungicides could control the disease but they are not available in the market due to continued strike. The crop was already less this year by about 30 per cent,” adding that and the annual decrease will be more now.
The Scab threat has added to the woes of the orchardists’ already facing threats of low yield this year due to untimely rainfall and swindling temperatures. Besides the disappearance of fungicides from the market due to month a half long strike has made it difficult to control the expected loss.
“The strike of one and a half month made it difficult to get the fungicides. Although the Scab had attacked the orchards in mid May but lack of timely spray of fungicides increased the area under threat. We couldn’t get the fungicides since May 30 till date and the disease is making its grip strong,” said Abdul Shakoor Reshi, a fruit dealer and grower.
Non-availability of the original fungicides in the market paved the way for the fake ones which spread the disease further.
“When reliable fungicides were not available, some of the fruit growers used low grade ones which increased the pace of spread of the Scab disease. We are very apprehensive and only Allah can save us,” added another fruit grower Muhammad Shafi.
Chief horticultural officer Shopian G.N. Shah said, “More than 24,000 hactares are under apple cultivation in Shopian, however the yield is set to decline this year as the rains plus temperature played a foul play.”
'Rs 19 Cr to augment facilities at four fruit mandis of North Kashmir'
Srinagar: Minister of State for Horticulture Javed Ahmad Dar in an officers meeting took stock of the pace of works under execution in various fruit mandis of North Kashmir here today.
It was giving in the meeting that in fruit mandi Sopore, Rs. 18 crore project is under execution for providing and augmenting various infrastructure and basic facilities in the mandi, out of which, Rs. 8 crore stand expended. It was further told that to improve the capacity in the mandi two new sheds will be constructed during the current financial year.
The meeting while taking review of the work under execution in fruit mandi Kupwara was told that Rs. 34 lakhs have been earmarked for macadamization while as Rs. 8 lakh stand provided for drinking water facilities.
The meeting while taking stock of the facilities at fruit mandi Handwara and Baramulla was told that Rs. 35 lakh and 25 lakh respectively have been provided for improving various basic facilities at the two mandis. It was further told that an extra shed will be constructed in fruit mandi Baramulla to increase its overall capacity.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister while terming horticulture as a core activity possessing great potential stressed upon the concerned to ensure completion of all under execution schemes on scheduled. He asked officers to explore possibilities for establishing a cold store at every fruit mandi so that supply is managed as per demand.
Besides, Director Horticulture, the meeting was attended by the senior officers of Horticulture, Planning and Marketing.
(Kashmir Times)
Kashmir’s apple clock struck
Rashid Paul (Rising Kashmir)
Srinagar: Apple production in the State, which involves around 25 lakh people, has shown serious symptoms of stagnation for past four years, experts quoting latest figures said Tuesday.
The yield per hectare in the State is stuck at 11 metric tones per annum for the past four years while in countries with similar climatic conditions, production has outreached 46 metric tones.
The yield per hectare is not showing any growth over the past four years, said Prof F A Banday, Head Division of Pomology at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir.
Since many years, the yield per hectare is stuck at 11 metric tones per hectare, he told Rising Kashmir.
The yield in Europe, the continent which has a similar climate to Kashmir, has reached an average of 40 metric tones per hectare.
Belgium, a country with an area almost double that of Kashmir valley produces about 46 metric tones per hectare, Denmark 41 metric tones, the Netherlands 40 metric tones and Brazil, a developing economy harvests 38.2 metric tones of apple a season.
Narrow variety base is the chief factor for our low productivity, Banday said. We developed and released Lal Ambri, Akbar and Sonhari which can produce up to 26 metric tones per hectare per annum.
The government agencies responsible for their propagation and distribution among the farmers haven’t done their job fairly forcing us to take up the distribution job as well, he said.
Some 50,000 such plants were given to farmers last year.
To increase the apple production, Banay advises high density plantation on European pattern.
However, Director Horticulture M S Qasba says it was not justifiable to compare Kashmir with Europe. “We don’t have European standard medical facilities. So we should not draw parallels between horticulture production of Europe and Kashmir,” he says. “They have big land holdings. Their horticulture is mechanized. They also have a state-of-art watering facilities.”
Qasba claimed that the department gives 1 to 2 lakh trees to farmers annually besides developing 500 hectares with clonal root stocks.
However, Muhammad Amin, a fruit grower from Shopian said experts and officials had failed the growers.
“Bad inputs like substandard fertilizers, pesticides and non availability of good yield plants is arresting the production,” he said.
Apple production on decline mode in Shopian as Scab returns after 37 years
Ishfaq Mir (Rising Kashmir)
Shopian: This year apple production in Shopian is set to receive a big jolt as Scab disease has attacked more than 20 per cent of the total area under apple cultivation, experts warned on Tuesday.
Venchuria Inequaris , known as Scab in common parlance which appeared first time in 1972 in the Valley orchards had disappeared to a large extent but non-availability of fungicides in the market has favoured its return after 37 years in this apple belt.
Retired chief scientist Dr.G.M Tak while talking to Rising Kashmir warned of severe financial loss to the apple industry due to the scab which has visited Shopain orchards after a long gap of 37 years.
“Basically it is a form of larva which thrives in moist air. Untimely rain and fluctuating temperatures made it to flourish. Only regular use of fungicides could control the disease but they are not available in the market due to continued strike. The crop was already less this year by about 30 per cent,” adding that and the annual decrease will be more now.
The Scab threat has added to the woes of the orchardists’ already facing threats of low yield this year due to untimely rainfall and swindling temperatures. Besides the disappearance of fungicides from the market due to month a half long strike has made it difficult to control the expected loss.
“The strike of one and a half month made it difficult to get the fungicides. Although the Scab had attacked the orchards in mid May but lack of timely spray of fungicides increased the area under threat. We couldn’t get the fungicides since May 30 till date and the disease is making its grip strong,” said Abdul Shakoor Reshi, a fruit dealer and grower.
Non-availability of the original fungicides in the market paved the way for the fake ones which spread the disease further.
“When reliable fungicides were not available, some of the fruit growers used low grade ones which increased the pace of spread of the Scab disease. We are very apprehensive and only Allah can save us,” added another fruit grower Muhammad Shafi.
Chief horticultural officer Shopian G.N. Shah said, “More than 24,000 hactares are under apple cultivation in Shopian, however the yield is set to decline this year as the rains plus temperature played a foul play.”
'Rs 19 Cr to augment facilities at four fruit mandis of North Kashmir'
Srinagar: Minister of State for Horticulture Javed Ahmad Dar in an officers meeting took stock of the pace of works under execution in various fruit mandis of North Kashmir here today.
It was giving in the meeting that in fruit mandi Sopore, Rs. 18 crore project is under execution for providing and augmenting various infrastructure and basic facilities in the mandi, out of which, Rs. 8 crore stand expended. It was further told that to improve the capacity in the mandi two new sheds will be constructed during the current financial year.
The meeting while taking review of the work under execution in fruit mandi Kupwara was told that Rs. 34 lakhs have been earmarked for macadamization while as Rs. 8 lakh stand provided for drinking water facilities.
The meeting while taking stock of the facilities at fruit mandi Handwara and Baramulla was told that Rs. 35 lakh and 25 lakh respectively have been provided for improving various basic facilities at the two mandis. It was further told that an extra shed will be constructed in fruit mandi Baramulla to increase its overall capacity.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister while terming horticulture as a core activity possessing great potential stressed upon the concerned to ensure completion of all under execution schemes on scheduled. He asked officers to explore possibilities for establishing a cold store at every fruit mandi so that supply is managed as per demand.
Besides, Director Horticulture, the meeting was attended by the senior officers of Horticulture, Planning and Marketing.
(Kashmir Times)
The Village That Time Forgot
Let the ghost of Rajiv Gandhi prevail!
Kumkari – a forgotten village in Kashmir
Kupwara: Believe it or not but it is true that there is a village in Kupwara which is still without power and water supply, not to speak of other basic amenities.
And the villagers of this forlorn hamlet say they are as if living in the “no man’s land”, alleging since 1947 till date “not a single person from higher-ups of administration has paid a single visit to this village”.
Kumkari is the name of this “forgotten village” of 1500 souls in Kupwara, which despite being just 35 kms away from the main township Kupwara, has not attracted an official attention so far.
Now if locals are believed they say the village remains cut off from the rest of the world throughout the year as this ill-fated village is sans road connectivity.
As if this not enough, there is no power, no water supply, no health facilities… “there is nothing!”
“I don’t think we belong to any government or any government belongs to us. This is irony that we don’t have any facility available here. Our children don’t know what an electric bulb is because they have never seen one. We don’t know what a bus or a car is because we don’t have roads. Our pregnant women have to die on way to hospitals because we don’t have doctors here….” said Bagu Malik, a senior resident of the village.
“During winter when over 20 feet of snow accumulate here we are forced to travel a distance of 35 kms to reach SDH Kupwara by foot for treatment,” Malik says, adding “these are the times when we realize we are a forgotten lot”.
“During the past winter only we lost some five pregnant women because of non-availability of doctors here. We tried to lift them to hospital but couldn’t foot the distances as a result of which they died,” said Ghulam Mohammad Poswal, another elderly villager.
When ‘Kashmir Images’ contacted Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Showkat Ahmad Mir, and told him about the lack of basic amenities in Kumkari village, he assured that the village will be connected with proper roads under the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY).
“I will myself visit this village in near future and will assess the problems being faced by the villagers at Kumkari,” Mir said.
“We will try to provide them water supply on priority and take up this matter with our higher-ups of administration as early as possible,” assured Executive Engineer PHE Kupwara, Mohammad Hussain Balakhi and P P Singh, Executive Engineer PDD, when contacted by ‘Kashmir Images’ assured “the village will be electrified under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) scheme on priority.”
(Kashmir Images)
Kumkari – a forgotten village in Kashmir
Kupwara: Believe it or not but it is true that there is a village in Kupwara which is still without power and water supply, not to speak of other basic amenities.
And the villagers of this forlorn hamlet say they are as if living in the “no man’s land”, alleging since 1947 till date “not a single person from higher-ups of administration has paid a single visit to this village”.
Kumkari is the name of this “forgotten village” of 1500 souls in Kupwara, which despite being just 35 kms away from the main township Kupwara, has not attracted an official attention so far.
Now if locals are believed they say the village remains cut off from the rest of the world throughout the year as this ill-fated village is sans road connectivity.
As if this not enough, there is no power, no water supply, no health facilities… “there is nothing!”
“I don’t think we belong to any government or any government belongs to us. This is irony that we don’t have any facility available here. Our children don’t know what an electric bulb is because they have never seen one. We don’t know what a bus or a car is because we don’t have roads. Our pregnant women have to die on way to hospitals because we don’t have doctors here….” said Bagu Malik, a senior resident of the village.
“During winter when over 20 feet of snow accumulate here we are forced to travel a distance of 35 kms to reach SDH Kupwara by foot for treatment,” Malik says, adding “these are the times when we realize we are a forgotten lot”.
“During the past winter only we lost some five pregnant women because of non-availability of doctors here. We tried to lift them to hospital but couldn’t foot the distances as a result of which they died,” said Ghulam Mohammad Poswal, another elderly villager.
When ‘Kashmir Images’ contacted Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Showkat Ahmad Mir, and told him about the lack of basic amenities in Kumkari village, he assured that the village will be connected with proper roads under the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY).
“I will myself visit this village in near future and will assess the problems being faced by the villagers at Kumkari,” Mir said.
“We will try to provide them water supply on priority and take up this matter with our higher-ups of administration as early as possible,” assured Executive Engineer PHE Kupwara, Mohammad Hussain Balakhi and P P Singh, Executive Engineer PDD, when contacted by ‘Kashmir Images’ assured “the village will be electrified under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) scheme on priority.”
(Kashmir Images)
The Pathetic State of J&K's Historical Archives
Yet another example of public indifference exposing the shallow character of people around
Bird droppings, dust, moths ruining historical documents in archives deptt
Asifa Amin Koul (Kashmir Times)
Srinagar: Heaps of dust, bird droppings and fodder for moths and silver
fish. This is how Kashmir’s rare and historical documents are deteriorating in
the dilapidated building of Archives department. But the deplorable condition of
the building as well as the key documents housed in it fails to hook the
attention of the helmsmen.
Over the years bird droppings have also posed a big threat to these unique and
rare documents and manuscripts of Maharaja Hari Singh’s time. Pigeons, without
seeking anybody’s permission, make an easy entry through the broken ceiling of
the repository wing of the building and do not mind easing on these historical
documents without any hesitation.
Established during the Maharaja’s rule, the key documents housed in the Archive
building include Maharaja’s confidential records, state department records,
military records, ex-governor records and the famous Glancy Commission report. How these precious documents have been preserved so far can be well gauged by the fact that many pages of the Glancy commission have faded away. Likewise, some of the documents in various shelves in the halls of the building are moth- eaten. Reliable sources told The Kashmir times that no combing, documentation and cataloging of these documents have been done so far. “There is a complete mess here. The documents of Records section can be seen in Finance section and those of latter in the Revenue section,” sources said.
They added that no official has been assigned the job of looking after the
Records section. Interestingly, the vacant post of the superintendent of records
section has not been filled so far. Sources said that the unbearable stink of
bird droppings coupled with damp and dark rooms of the building of the Archives
department repulse the employees of the department not to talk of researches.
Such is the condition of the rooms housing the key documents that the employees prefer to wear surgical masks before entering into the rooms.
The main source of light in these poorly lit and suffocating rooms is few
windows and the broken ceilings. Though there are some lamps, they hardly make any difference as they barely glow due to low voltage. “The employees refuse to go inside as the rooms are suffocating, stinky and the documents are dust-laden. Touch any document, hands get dirty with bird droppings and dust. These are posing a serious health risk by causing allergic reactions,” the sources said adding that the suffocation inside the rooms or halls gets worse during summers.
To eradicate insect infestation for preservation of documents, the department has no fumigation chambers. It has been learnt that the only fumigation chamber procured way back in early 1960s is not functioning properly. When contacted director Archives department, Khursheed Ahmad Qadri, said, “For some time we are doing some repairing and modification of the building to assuage the problems that we face in preservation of these precious documents. We have also sent a proposal to the government for undertaking renovation of the building without touching its original heritage sanctity. We want to preserve it as a heritage building.”
Bird droppings, dust, moths ruining historical documents in archives deptt
Asifa Amin Koul (Kashmir Times)
Srinagar: Heaps of dust, bird droppings and fodder for moths and silver
fish. This is how Kashmir’s rare and historical documents are deteriorating in
the dilapidated building of Archives department. But the deplorable condition of
the building as well as the key documents housed in it fails to hook the
attention of the helmsmen.
Over the years bird droppings have also posed a big threat to these unique and
rare documents and manuscripts of Maharaja Hari Singh’s time. Pigeons, without
seeking anybody’s permission, make an easy entry through the broken ceiling of
the repository wing of the building and do not mind easing on these historical
documents without any hesitation.
Established during the Maharaja’s rule, the key documents housed in the Archive
building include Maharaja’s confidential records, state department records,
military records, ex-governor records and the famous Glancy Commission report. How these precious documents have been preserved so far can be well gauged by the fact that many pages of the Glancy commission have faded away. Likewise, some of the documents in various shelves in the halls of the building are moth- eaten. Reliable sources told The Kashmir times that no combing, documentation and cataloging of these documents have been done so far. “There is a complete mess here. The documents of Records section can be seen in Finance section and those of latter in the Revenue section,” sources said.
They added that no official has been assigned the job of looking after the
Records section. Interestingly, the vacant post of the superintendent of records
section has not been filled so far. Sources said that the unbearable stink of
bird droppings coupled with damp and dark rooms of the building of the Archives
department repulse the employees of the department not to talk of researches.
Such is the condition of the rooms housing the key documents that the employees prefer to wear surgical masks before entering into the rooms.
The main source of light in these poorly lit and suffocating rooms is few
windows and the broken ceilings. Though there are some lamps, they hardly make any difference as they barely glow due to low voltage. “The employees refuse to go inside as the rooms are suffocating, stinky and the documents are dust-laden. Touch any document, hands get dirty with bird droppings and dust. These are posing a serious health risk by causing allergic reactions,” the sources said adding that the suffocation inside the rooms or halls gets worse during summers.
To eradicate insect infestation for preservation of documents, the department has no fumigation chambers. It has been learnt that the only fumigation chamber procured way back in early 1960s is not functioning properly. When contacted director Archives department, Khursheed Ahmad Qadri, said, “For some time we are doing some repairing and modification of the building to assuage the problems that we face in preservation of these precious documents. We have also sent a proposal to the government for undertaking renovation of the building without touching its original heritage sanctity. We want to preserve it as a heritage building.”
Monday, July 13, 2009
Revitalizing Kashmir's Economy
Shakeel-ur-Rehman has an interesting idea
(Syed Shakeel-ul-Rehman, 32, was born in Qazipora, Tangmarg. He did his schooling at the Government Middle School in Katipora and at the Government Higher Secondary School in Chandilora, both in the Tangmarg Tehsil. He graduated in Social Work from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), being the first Kashmiri student to graduate with that major. He subsequently did his post graduate diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from the same University. He has taken specialized courses in computer hardware and software technology. He worked as a columnist and correspondent for the Greater Kashmir daily newspaper until 2005 and is currently the Opinion Editor of the Kashmir Images daily newspaper. He also anchors Doordharshan Kendra Srinagar's live phone-in show called, "Hello DD" since April 2005. Mr. Shakeel-ur-Rehman holds the distinction of having interviewed prominent personalities in all major fields and walks of life, probably more than any other Kashmiri journalist.)
Ideal Industries
Kashmir is industrially starved. This makes private investment on large scale crucial for the state. It is no secret that when it comes to investment, the Valley is unlikely to get big investments in industrial sector given its agro-climatic conditions.
This makes it imperative on our part to focus on small and medium scale industries. And it is this sector which the state should promote.
As far as small scale industrial sector is concerned, the state had not long ago a monopoly in the sector. But due to lack of governmental support coupled with the prevalent situation in the state, this sector suffered enormously. Such is the condition of those associated with the sector that hardly anyone else would like to venture into the field.
But since small scale industries are suited for Kashmir and the state has requisite manpower acquainted with the trade practices, it would be really good if the government took the sector seriously and the captains of Indian industry too did their bit by investing in this sector where chances of growth are huge.
As a matter of fact, the small scale enterprises have to date contributed substantially to the growth of the state economy. The small scale enterprises can be grouped into three categories viz; cottage industries, agro based industries and small scale industries. Cottage industries and agro-based industries being agriculture based have a huge scope in the state.
Although these segments of industry generate foreign exchange through exports, help preserve the ancient and traditional skills of the rural artisans and prevent their migration to the urban areas, they suffer from various problems like non-availability of credit and finance, difficulties in marketing their products, in procuring raw materials etc.
In the context of Kashmir cottage and agro-based industries are important. This is because they are broadly associated with the processing of agricultural produce. Being agriculture based they generate part time and whole time occupations in rural and semi urban areas.
Cottage industries and agro-based industries work independently while the small scale industries are technically and economically dependent on the large scale sector. This limits the scope of the latter in Kashmir. But if the Indian industry majors come forward chances of growth in the small scale sector would zoom.
In a place like Kashmir where the incidents of unemployment, underemployment, and seasonal employment are high and where capital cannot be mobilized on a massive scale to industrialize rapidly, SSI’s would generate large employment opportunities.
The plus point with this type of industry is that it can be established in any part of the state and can create work for the unemployed, more work for the underemployed and supplementary work for the seasonally employed in the rural sector.
Although there is enough scope for the small scale industries in the state, these have been bogged down by myriad problems, the foremost being the non-availability of credit and finance, both long term and short term. Besides, the material resources are small and the industries suffer from instability of profits which deter banks from giving loans. But if the government and industry majors come forward things would doubtless take a better turn.
(Syed Shakeel-ul-Rehman, 32, was born in Qazipora, Tangmarg. He did his schooling at the Government Middle School in Katipora and at the Government Higher Secondary School in Chandilora, both in the Tangmarg Tehsil. He graduated in Social Work from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), being the first Kashmiri student to graduate with that major. He subsequently did his post graduate diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from the same University. He has taken specialized courses in computer hardware and software technology. He worked as a columnist and correspondent for the Greater Kashmir daily newspaper until 2005 and is currently the Opinion Editor of the Kashmir Images daily newspaper. He also anchors Doordharshan Kendra Srinagar's live phone-in show called, "Hello DD" since April 2005. Mr. Shakeel-ur-Rehman holds the distinction of having interviewed prominent personalities in all major fields and walks of life, probably more than any other Kashmiri journalist.)
Ideal Industries
Kashmir is industrially starved. This makes private investment on large scale crucial for the state. It is no secret that when it comes to investment, the Valley is unlikely to get big investments in industrial sector given its agro-climatic conditions.
This makes it imperative on our part to focus on small and medium scale industries. And it is this sector which the state should promote.
As far as small scale industrial sector is concerned, the state had not long ago a monopoly in the sector. But due to lack of governmental support coupled with the prevalent situation in the state, this sector suffered enormously. Such is the condition of those associated with the sector that hardly anyone else would like to venture into the field.
But since small scale industries are suited for Kashmir and the state has requisite manpower acquainted with the trade practices, it would be really good if the government took the sector seriously and the captains of Indian industry too did their bit by investing in this sector where chances of growth are huge.
As a matter of fact, the small scale enterprises have to date contributed substantially to the growth of the state economy. The small scale enterprises can be grouped into three categories viz; cottage industries, agro based industries and small scale industries. Cottage industries and agro-based industries being agriculture based have a huge scope in the state.
Although these segments of industry generate foreign exchange through exports, help preserve the ancient and traditional skills of the rural artisans and prevent their migration to the urban areas, they suffer from various problems like non-availability of credit and finance, difficulties in marketing their products, in procuring raw materials etc.
In the context of Kashmir cottage and agro-based industries are important. This is because they are broadly associated with the processing of agricultural produce. Being agriculture based they generate part time and whole time occupations in rural and semi urban areas.
Cottage industries and agro-based industries work independently while the small scale industries are technically and economically dependent on the large scale sector. This limits the scope of the latter in Kashmir. But if the Indian industry majors come forward chances of growth in the small scale sector would zoom.
In a place like Kashmir where the incidents of unemployment, underemployment, and seasonal employment are high and where capital cannot be mobilized on a massive scale to industrialize rapidly, SSI’s would generate large employment opportunities.
The plus point with this type of industry is that it can be established in any part of the state and can create work for the unemployed, more work for the underemployed and supplementary work for the seasonally employed in the rural sector.
Although there is enough scope for the small scale industries in the state, these have been bogged down by myriad problems, the foremost being the non-availability of credit and finance, both long term and short term. Besides, the material resources are small and the industries suffer from instability of profits which deter banks from giving loans. But if the government and industry majors come forward things would doubtless take a better turn.
Development is Freedonm
Sajjad discusses the role and importance of the regional rural bank, called the Grarameen Bank, in Kashmir's future development
(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his bachelor's degree in Media and his master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir. Mr. Bazaz has over two decades of experience in journalism (both print & electronic), and he is author of the book "Bankwatch" which is about a financial scenario with particular reference to the J&K state. He is currently incharge of corporate communications department in a leaduing financial instution in J&K. Mr. Bazaz likes to spend leisure time watching movies and enjoying company of his friends.)
J&K Grameen Bank
The Kashmir conflict being one of the most staggering conflicts and its persistence involving two nuclear powers needs no introduction. Besides, the economic cost of the conflict cannot be confined to a particular sector of economy, as it has affected the important sources of livelihood of common people. Besides exacting extensive damage to the infrastructure of the state, the conflict has discouraged private investment and pushed the economy towards stagnation. Precisely, in this gruesome scenario it is the common people who suffer the most. However, this needs to be realized that even in conflict situation like the one prevailing here, development programmes must go on.
Economic development of the state cannot be overlooked without intruding on political consequences of the conflict. It is also a fact that the Kashmir imbroglio cannot be resolved only by means of economic development, but there is no fun to oppose or stagnate vibrant economic growth which is only for the betterment of the lives of the people.
Here I quote the theory of “development as freedom” by Amartya Sen in which he argues that development and freedom are intimately related. Freedom is both constitutive of development and instrumental to it. Amartya Sen delineates five freedoms that are needed to bring true development: political freedoms; economic facilities; social opportunities; transparency guarantees; and protective security. Based on this premise, any economic underdevelopment amounts to lack of freedom. In the context of Kashmir situation, all kinds of freedoms that are both “means and ends of development” are under constant threat for the past two decades.
Violence has also directly affected other important sources of livelihood such as agriculture, horticulture, and the handicraft industry. The J&K state is known for wide variety of agricultural and horticulture products. However, the conflict environment has prevented from maximally tapping the potential of these sectors. Precisely, here overall suppressed economic development needs energetic efforts from all relevant sources to put all engines of growth back on the track.
On economic front, one of the major developments, which took place in J&K State last week didn’t get much attention was formation of a new regional rural bank – J&K Grameen Bank. The new bank carved out through merger of Kamraz Rural Bank and Jammu Rural Bank - sponsored by J&K Bank – began its operations from July 1, 2009. The area of operation of J&K Grameen Bank with 172 branches has the combined area of operation of the amalgamated Regional Rural Banks.
Even as the Regional Rural Banks have a major role to revolutionise the rural economy by way of providing adequate financial support to different sectors of rural economy, the performance of these has so far remained dismal. The erstwhile Kamraz Rural Bank and Jammu Rural Bank had advanced Rs.357 crores against their total deposits of Rs.1091 crores, thereby registered a poor Credit - Deposit ratio of just 33 per cent (approximately) as on December 31, 2008.
The new Regional Rural Bank - J&K Grameen Bank – has a huge challenge of revolutionising the rural economy of the state, which, so far, has not been realised to its potential. Agriculture, horticulture and the handicrafts sectors have become the survival mechanisms for the most of the people in the state, but the prevailing situation has not allowed these sectors to flourish. Precisely, the conflict situation here continues at a huge economic cost and under these circumstances the strategic positioning of the Grameen Bank to give boost to agriculture and allied activities, and other sectors of rural economy in its area of operation is need of the hour. It has to pull the sources of livelihood of people associated with tourism, agriculture, handicrafts industries etc out of stagnation. Otherwise it would be old wine in new bottle.
The first and foremost thing is to customize products and services suiting the rural economy. For example, It can lend a huge support to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts of the state by financing the people engaged in making shawls, silk carpets, rugs, embroidered clothes, silver-work, papier-mâché work, wood-carving, silk-weaving etc. It can even tailor a financial product for artisans associated with ancient art of stone carving, who, so far, have remained outside the ambit of formal financing. This is an area in which Kashmir has its own niche and could be tapped through formal financing.
Kashmir’s economy is highly dependent on agriculture, supporting about 70 per cent of its population. The horticulture industry in Kashmir is considered the bulwark of rural economy in the state. Nearly 75 per cent of temperate fruits in India are grown in the state. The cultivated orchards yield fine quality of pears, apples, peaches, cherries, walnut, almond, saffron, apricot, strawberry, plums, etc. These sectors provide job facilities for the thousands of people directly and indirectly. Considering the growth prospects of this sector, the new regional rural bank needs to reposition itself by providing timely and adequate finances to the farmers.
The Grameen Bank can play an effective role in tapping the potential in Sericulture, fisheries, floriculture, medicinal and aromatic plants, mushroom production, and apiculture. Sericulture is a traditional occupation for a large section of the population engaged in the extraction of silk fiber. But, today the industry is not enjoying glory due to inadequate infrastructural and agricultural inputs. In fisheries sector, according to an estimate, the 27,781 km of rivers and streams in the state could provide the facility for the farming of over 40 million tons of fish. If figures are to be believed then the right strategy cannot only cater to the local demands but will also enable the state to export.
Take the case of animal husbandry with a large livestock in form of cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, etc. The huge gap between the demand and supply in terms of meat consumption compels the state to purchase the same from other parts of the country. The state provides a suitable climate for cattle breeding and it should be used sufficiently. Tailor made financial products for sheep farming can go a long way in encouraging local farmers to establish their units in the sector. Besides, dairy development too has a vast scope which needs formal financing at the grass root level.
In succinct, the new Regional Rural Bank can prove as one of the instruments of change as far as tapping the potential of rural economy is concerned. Let it be a bank of villages, as it is the time to unearth the state’s economic potential for a durable peace, prosperity and profits for all.
(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his bachelor's degree in Media and his master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir. Mr. Bazaz has over two decades of experience in journalism (both print & electronic), and he is author of the book "Bankwatch" which is about a financial scenario with particular reference to the J&K state. He is currently incharge of corporate communications department in a leaduing financial instution in J&K. Mr. Bazaz likes to spend leisure time watching movies and enjoying company of his friends.)
J&K Grameen Bank
The Kashmir conflict being one of the most staggering conflicts and its persistence involving two nuclear powers needs no introduction. Besides, the economic cost of the conflict cannot be confined to a particular sector of economy, as it has affected the important sources of livelihood of common people. Besides exacting extensive damage to the infrastructure of the state, the conflict has discouraged private investment and pushed the economy towards stagnation. Precisely, in this gruesome scenario it is the common people who suffer the most. However, this needs to be realized that even in conflict situation like the one prevailing here, development programmes must go on.
Economic development of the state cannot be overlooked without intruding on political consequences of the conflict. It is also a fact that the Kashmir imbroglio cannot be resolved only by means of economic development, but there is no fun to oppose or stagnate vibrant economic growth which is only for the betterment of the lives of the people.
Here I quote the theory of “development as freedom” by Amartya Sen in which he argues that development and freedom are intimately related. Freedom is both constitutive of development and instrumental to it. Amartya Sen delineates five freedoms that are needed to bring true development: political freedoms; economic facilities; social opportunities; transparency guarantees; and protective security. Based on this premise, any economic underdevelopment amounts to lack of freedom. In the context of Kashmir situation, all kinds of freedoms that are both “means and ends of development” are under constant threat for the past two decades.
Violence has also directly affected other important sources of livelihood such as agriculture, horticulture, and the handicraft industry. The J&K state is known for wide variety of agricultural and horticulture products. However, the conflict environment has prevented from maximally tapping the potential of these sectors. Precisely, here overall suppressed economic development needs energetic efforts from all relevant sources to put all engines of growth back on the track.
On economic front, one of the major developments, which took place in J&K State last week didn’t get much attention was formation of a new regional rural bank – J&K Grameen Bank. The new bank carved out through merger of Kamraz Rural Bank and Jammu Rural Bank - sponsored by J&K Bank – began its operations from July 1, 2009. The area of operation of J&K Grameen Bank with 172 branches has the combined area of operation of the amalgamated Regional Rural Banks.
Even as the Regional Rural Banks have a major role to revolutionise the rural economy by way of providing adequate financial support to different sectors of rural economy, the performance of these has so far remained dismal. The erstwhile Kamraz Rural Bank and Jammu Rural Bank had advanced Rs.357 crores against their total deposits of Rs.1091 crores, thereby registered a poor Credit - Deposit ratio of just 33 per cent (approximately) as on December 31, 2008.
The new Regional Rural Bank - J&K Grameen Bank – has a huge challenge of revolutionising the rural economy of the state, which, so far, has not been realised to its potential. Agriculture, horticulture and the handicrafts sectors have become the survival mechanisms for the most of the people in the state, but the prevailing situation has not allowed these sectors to flourish. Precisely, the conflict situation here continues at a huge economic cost and under these circumstances the strategic positioning of the Grameen Bank to give boost to agriculture and allied activities, and other sectors of rural economy in its area of operation is need of the hour. It has to pull the sources of livelihood of people associated with tourism, agriculture, handicrafts industries etc out of stagnation. Otherwise it would be old wine in new bottle.
The first and foremost thing is to customize products and services suiting the rural economy. For example, It can lend a huge support to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts of the state by financing the people engaged in making shawls, silk carpets, rugs, embroidered clothes, silver-work, papier-mâché work, wood-carving, silk-weaving etc. It can even tailor a financial product for artisans associated with ancient art of stone carving, who, so far, have remained outside the ambit of formal financing. This is an area in which Kashmir has its own niche and could be tapped through formal financing.
Kashmir’s economy is highly dependent on agriculture, supporting about 70 per cent of its population. The horticulture industry in Kashmir is considered the bulwark of rural economy in the state. Nearly 75 per cent of temperate fruits in India are grown in the state. The cultivated orchards yield fine quality of pears, apples, peaches, cherries, walnut, almond, saffron, apricot, strawberry, plums, etc. These sectors provide job facilities for the thousands of people directly and indirectly. Considering the growth prospects of this sector, the new regional rural bank needs to reposition itself by providing timely and adequate finances to the farmers.
The Grameen Bank can play an effective role in tapping the potential in Sericulture, fisheries, floriculture, medicinal and aromatic plants, mushroom production, and apiculture. Sericulture is a traditional occupation for a large section of the population engaged in the extraction of silk fiber. But, today the industry is not enjoying glory due to inadequate infrastructural and agricultural inputs. In fisheries sector, according to an estimate, the 27,781 km of rivers and streams in the state could provide the facility for the farming of over 40 million tons of fish. If figures are to be believed then the right strategy cannot only cater to the local demands but will also enable the state to export.
Take the case of animal husbandry with a large livestock in form of cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, etc. The huge gap between the demand and supply in terms of meat consumption compels the state to purchase the same from other parts of the country. The state provides a suitable climate for cattle breeding and it should be used sufficiently. Tailor made financial products for sheep farming can go a long way in encouraging local farmers to establish their units in the sector. Besides, dairy development too has a vast scope which needs formal financing at the grass root level.
In succinct, the new Regional Rural Bank can prove as one of the instruments of change as far as tapping the potential of rural economy is concerned. Let it be a bank of villages, as it is the time to unearth the state’s economic potential for a durable peace, prosperity and profits for all.
Charting a Shaky Course in Kashmir
Afshana records the moment when Kashmir lost its moral compass and the society began to reap what it had sowed
(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in Srinagar where she received a B.Sc. degree. She completed her Master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the Kashmir University in 1999 and was the Gold Medallist (first position holder) in her graduating class. She is currently a Lecturer in the Media Education Research Centre (MERC) of the Kashmir University and pursuing her doctorate on the role of internet after 9/11.)
A Sad Tale
The shadowy killings continue. The sly onslaught on women persists. The strange disorder and disturbance is prolonging. The strife in Kashmir is taking worst shape.
With every passing day, things over here are getting shrouded in mysteries. A kind of sinister and spiteful atmosphere is engulfing Kashmir. Today, the furtively crafty nature of happenings makes Kashmir different from the years of conflict gone by. This wasn’t so in 1990’s as the conflict was extending its scope and reach, besides associated violence taking its silent toll. The killer and the killed were identifiable. The events were scary but not surreptitious.
What exactly has happened during these two decades? The dynamics of conflict, of course, have changed with the alteration in power equations at the subcontinent and international level. The players of this conflict are malformed entities now, struggling to stay stoutly alive among the array of nation-states.
Pakistan, the so-called moral supporter of Kashmir cause, is battling the survival game with colossal hands of violence hell-bent to knock down its pillars. India, the so-called emerging superpower, is hassled by the rising fanaticism out to break the cornerstone of its secular ideology of which Kashmir remains a formidable symbol.
The people of Kashmir, as a party to this conflict, are left out as a dejected lot whose material and moral has got impaired over these years. Perhaps the intense fallouts of conflict, deviously engineered by the opponent, have crippled them in every aspect. From political to socio-economic decisions, they have lost their say. It can be said that their opponent has smartly complicated the contours of conflict in a way which has succored in rendering them feeble and perplexed. Inevitably, their control over the situation got snatched gradually. As of now, they have been reduced to puppets, whose strings are pulled up by unknown and obscure forces.
All the same, it would be unfair to blame conflict for all the ailments the Kashmiris’ are afflicted with. Conflict can be partly blamed for shattering and spoiling the fabric of this society. However, the indigenous character of this land is equally responsible for making things come to such a passé. The strength of national character is expected to wrangle with the awful offshoots of conflict boldly. The opponent inescapably wrestles in whitewash, as such. But, it was not to be so. The collapse of the adversary did not take place; the trouncing of the national character but did.
The fact is that the thought system in Kashmir over the years has undergone a gross transformation. The kind of thought revolution, as envisaged in any form of resistance, couldn’t trigger here. Consequentially, the things and concepts which were unacceptable to the society some years back, have gained currency. The culture of permissiveness has purposely been nurtured.
There are unusual ripples around to comprehend. The growing criminalization and lumpenization has thrown up many uncomfortable questions. The warning bells have started ringing. If all that which is happening in Kashmir right now isn’t stopped, a strange wipe out will overtake the population. The tentacles of consumerism and hedonistic hang-ups have already snarled up our generation next. They have become the most vulnerable group.
And with Kashmir becoming a den of inscrutability and obscurity, akin to a horrific whodunit, the entire framework of this society is under an appalling threat. The ambience, in which Divine intervention takes place, has been absolutely destroyed. The godless milieu has left no scope for any such aid coming our way.
Mere sloganeering has duped us. And, in the long run as well, it won’t lead us anywhere at all. All the sections of society, especially political leaders and religious scholars, have not been able to inspire anyone. Most of them have turned self-indulgent and materialistic. The need of self-introspection; the stress on individual reform; and simple honesty in our dealings has been utterly negated.
The cost of resistance cannot be measured in dying ethos of any society. The call for freedom is okay until the moral health of any nation remains sound. Once the moral health deteriorates and starts stinking obnoxiously, there is a dire need to rethink and reorient the strategy of yelling out for ‘promising demand’. The insanity of sorts cannot hang on to any type of cherished freedom. On the contrary, it can lead to a catastrophe. The sooner we recognize it, the better.
(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in Srinagar where she received a B.Sc. degree. She completed her Master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the Kashmir University in 1999 and was the Gold Medallist (first position holder) in her graduating class. She is currently a Lecturer in the Media Education Research Centre (MERC) of the Kashmir University and pursuing her doctorate on the role of internet after 9/11.)
A Sad Tale
The shadowy killings continue. The sly onslaught on women persists. The strange disorder and disturbance is prolonging. The strife in Kashmir is taking worst shape.
With every passing day, things over here are getting shrouded in mysteries. A kind of sinister and spiteful atmosphere is engulfing Kashmir. Today, the furtively crafty nature of happenings makes Kashmir different from the years of conflict gone by. This wasn’t so in 1990’s as the conflict was extending its scope and reach, besides associated violence taking its silent toll. The killer and the killed were identifiable. The events were scary but not surreptitious.
What exactly has happened during these two decades? The dynamics of conflict, of course, have changed with the alteration in power equations at the subcontinent and international level. The players of this conflict are malformed entities now, struggling to stay stoutly alive among the array of nation-states.
Pakistan, the so-called moral supporter of Kashmir cause, is battling the survival game with colossal hands of violence hell-bent to knock down its pillars. India, the so-called emerging superpower, is hassled by the rising fanaticism out to break the cornerstone of its secular ideology of which Kashmir remains a formidable symbol.
The people of Kashmir, as a party to this conflict, are left out as a dejected lot whose material and moral has got impaired over these years. Perhaps the intense fallouts of conflict, deviously engineered by the opponent, have crippled them in every aspect. From political to socio-economic decisions, they have lost their say. It can be said that their opponent has smartly complicated the contours of conflict in a way which has succored in rendering them feeble and perplexed. Inevitably, their control over the situation got snatched gradually. As of now, they have been reduced to puppets, whose strings are pulled up by unknown and obscure forces.
All the same, it would be unfair to blame conflict for all the ailments the Kashmiris’ are afflicted with. Conflict can be partly blamed for shattering and spoiling the fabric of this society. However, the indigenous character of this land is equally responsible for making things come to such a passé. The strength of national character is expected to wrangle with the awful offshoots of conflict boldly. The opponent inescapably wrestles in whitewash, as such. But, it was not to be so. The collapse of the adversary did not take place; the trouncing of the national character but did.
The fact is that the thought system in Kashmir over the years has undergone a gross transformation. The kind of thought revolution, as envisaged in any form of resistance, couldn’t trigger here. Consequentially, the things and concepts which were unacceptable to the society some years back, have gained currency. The culture of permissiveness has purposely been nurtured.
There are unusual ripples around to comprehend. The growing criminalization and lumpenization has thrown up many uncomfortable questions. The warning bells have started ringing. If all that which is happening in Kashmir right now isn’t stopped, a strange wipe out will overtake the population. The tentacles of consumerism and hedonistic hang-ups have already snarled up our generation next. They have become the most vulnerable group.
And with Kashmir becoming a den of inscrutability and obscurity, akin to a horrific whodunit, the entire framework of this society is under an appalling threat. The ambience, in which Divine intervention takes place, has been absolutely destroyed. The godless milieu has left no scope for any such aid coming our way.
Mere sloganeering has duped us. And, in the long run as well, it won’t lead us anywhere at all. All the sections of society, especially political leaders and religious scholars, have not been able to inspire anyone. Most of them have turned self-indulgent and materialistic. The need of self-introspection; the stress on individual reform; and simple honesty in our dealings has been utterly negated.
The cost of resistance cannot be measured in dying ethos of any society. The call for freedom is okay until the moral health of any nation remains sound. Once the moral health deteriorates and starts stinking obnoxiously, there is a dire need to rethink and reorient the strategy of yelling out for ‘promising demand’. The insanity of sorts cannot hang on to any type of cherished freedom. On the contrary, it can lead to a catastrophe. The sooner we recognize it, the better.
Kashmir's Golden Era
Iqbal says that artisans who worked on Harwan terracotta tiles seem to exhibit a high degree of sophistication
(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numismatics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an archaeologist, writer, and a cultural historian. He is employed by the Jammu and Kashmir State Government. Mr. Iqbal Ahmad has published 12 reference books on Kashmir archaeology and heritage.)
Greco-Buddhist Art in Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir state has yielded number of evidences of Greco Buddhist sculpture art at its various archaeological sites, which include the terracotta, stone and bronze sculptures Buddhist Stupa of Harwan.
The molded brick tiles unearthed at Harwan depict a unique art trend in that they do not deal with religious, but with secular themes. We find life and nature as the artist found around him. There are figures of men, wearing Central Asian costumes; and curiously enough the relief figures of Parthian horsemen, women, heads and busts appear side by side with early Gupta motifs.
Commenting on it PNK Bamzai writes, “The moldings of Harwan terracotta tiles cannot, however, be the work of folk artists. The art seems to have attained a high degree of sophistication and the molded tiles depict life of the upper class, in as much as we find figures of hunting horsemen, men and women sitting on balcony and enjoying perhaps the beautiful land caps and listening to music from female musician and recitals of dancers. The physiognomy of the persons depicted on these tiles leaves no doubt of their Central Asian origin, their prominent check bones, small eyes, receding forehead and heavy features, all point to the same conclusion. From some letters in the Kharoshti script which went into disuse before the 4th century A.D, and also from a small passage on Buddhist creed written in the Brahmi characters, it seems the tiles belong to the 3rd - 4th century A.D.”
Where as the Harwan tiles are flat, hardly rising out of the background, and are made from a mould and therefore repetitive, the terracotta heads and relieve found at Ushkar are each a single masterpiece produced from moulds carved by hand.
About them PNK Bamzai writes, “These later Gandhara terracotta’s have been variously put from the 4th to the 8th centuries A.D. The figures and figurines depict true Hellenistic influence. Hellenistic art was the dominant cultural force for about a thousand years from the 3rd century B.C. to 700 A.D. in what is now called Afghanistan, and its final echoes lasted in Kashmir until the 10th century A.D.
Buddhist stupa of Akhnur
Relics similar to Ushkar have been unearthed at Akhnur. Situated on the right bank of the Chenab, where the river first enters the plains of the Punjab, Akhnur lay in ancient times on the route between Jammu and Srinagar via the Budil pass, as well as on the road to Rajauri (ancient Rajapuri). It was thus an important centre of trade and commerce and the headquarters of a flourishing timber industry. “Both in treatment and the material used in the lovely terracotta heads with their somber lines and the serene and peaceful poses, we notice a close affinity to the “Pater Gandhara School” on the one hand and to the Gupta art on the other,” writes Bamzai
The fragments collected both at Ushkar and Akhnur consist of pieces of bodies, covered with drapery or partly covered, or even nude; broken bodies of princes, princesses, attendants, holy men, Buddhist mendicants in their draped robes; elaborate decoration that once might have been personal ornaments, such as crowns, necklaces, armlet, bracelets, ear-rings and the like; architectural fragments of a highly ornamental style, including pillar capitals with vine ornaments, volutes, etc.
He further writes, “Stylistically, they seem to inherit two different aesthetics: the mongrel Indo-Roman school of Gandhara school, when there was a shift of artistic activity to areas where schist was not available, (Kashmir, Taxila, Kabul, Bamiyan, Central Asia), a school of sculpture took to working in stucco. Here, gradually, they developed a sensitive, somewhat romantics, style; but later they found that burnt clay (terracotta) lasted longer and was not destroyed like stucco by rain and sun. Patronage of these artists fell low in Taxila and adjoining areas, when Buddhism was dying out, and they crossed the Pir Panjal range into Kashmir where, from towards the end of the 5th century A.D. the building trade was very brisk and flourishing.”
Tile pavement of Hionar
It is a forest site located near the tourist resort of Pahalgam on the left bank of Nallah Lidder, a tile pavement was found by Archaeologist in 1979. The site revealed a pavement which was formed of square and rectangular tiles carved in various human and animal motifs. The most outstanding is the motif of Egyptian king Nariman depicted on one of the tile.
Tile Pavement of Hutmur
Hutmur: Another title pavement scattered on a vast forest land was cited by experts at village Hutmur few kms below Hutmur. The remains of small pebble walls were also recorded at the site.
Tile pavement of Kotbal
Remains of tile pavement were recently discovered by State Archaeology Department on Kotbal hill in Anantnag district in year 2005. The tiles exposed at site carried several motifs but most outstanding were those motifs which showed few female dancers in a Greco Budhist style.
(Kashmir Images)
(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numismatics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an archaeologist, writer, and a cultural historian. He is employed by the Jammu and Kashmir State Government. Mr. Iqbal Ahmad has published 12 reference books on Kashmir archaeology and heritage.)
Greco-Buddhist Art in Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir state has yielded number of evidences of Greco Buddhist sculpture art at its various archaeological sites, which include the terracotta, stone and bronze sculptures Buddhist Stupa of Harwan.
The molded brick tiles unearthed at Harwan depict a unique art trend in that they do not deal with religious, but with secular themes. We find life and nature as the artist found around him. There are figures of men, wearing Central Asian costumes; and curiously enough the relief figures of Parthian horsemen, women, heads and busts appear side by side with early Gupta motifs.
Commenting on it PNK Bamzai writes, “The moldings of Harwan terracotta tiles cannot, however, be the work of folk artists. The art seems to have attained a high degree of sophistication and the molded tiles depict life of the upper class, in as much as we find figures of hunting horsemen, men and women sitting on balcony and enjoying perhaps the beautiful land caps and listening to music from female musician and recitals of dancers. The physiognomy of the persons depicted on these tiles leaves no doubt of their Central Asian origin, their prominent check bones, small eyes, receding forehead and heavy features, all point to the same conclusion. From some letters in the Kharoshti script which went into disuse before the 4th century A.D, and also from a small passage on Buddhist creed written in the Brahmi characters, it seems the tiles belong to the 3rd - 4th century A.D.”
Where as the Harwan tiles are flat, hardly rising out of the background, and are made from a mould and therefore repetitive, the terracotta heads and relieve found at Ushkar are each a single masterpiece produced from moulds carved by hand.
About them PNK Bamzai writes, “These later Gandhara terracotta’s have been variously put from the 4th to the 8th centuries A.D. The figures and figurines depict true Hellenistic influence. Hellenistic art was the dominant cultural force for about a thousand years from the 3rd century B.C. to 700 A.D. in what is now called Afghanistan, and its final echoes lasted in Kashmir until the 10th century A.D.
Buddhist stupa of Akhnur
Relics similar to Ushkar have been unearthed at Akhnur. Situated on the right bank of the Chenab, where the river first enters the plains of the Punjab, Akhnur lay in ancient times on the route between Jammu and Srinagar via the Budil pass, as well as on the road to Rajauri (ancient Rajapuri). It was thus an important centre of trade and commerce and the headquarters of a flourishing timber industry. “Both in treatment and the material used in the lovely terracotta heads with their somber lines and the serene and peaceful poses, we notice a close affinity to the “Pater Gandhara School” on the one hand and to the Gupta art on the other,” writes Bamzai
The fragments collected both at Ushkar and Akhnur consist of pieces of bodies, covered with drapery or partly covered, or even nude; broken bodies of princes, princesses, attendants, holy men, Buddhist mendicants in their draped robes; elaborate decoration that once might have been personal ornaments, such as crowns, necklaces, armlet, bracelets, ear-rings and the like; architectural fragments of a highly ornamental style, including pillar capitals with vine ornaments, volutes, etc.
He further writes, “Stylistically, they seem to inherit two different aesthetics: the mongrel Indo-Roman school of Gandhara school, when there was a shift of artistic activity to areas where schist was not available, (Kashmir, Taxila, Kabul, Bamiyan, Central Asia), a school of sculpture took to working in stucco. Here, gradually, they developed a sensitive, somewhat romantics, style; but later they found that burnt clay (terracotta) lasted longer and was not destroyed like stucco by rain and sun. Patronage of these artists fell low in Taxila and adjoining areas, when Buddhism was dying out, and they crossed the Pir Panjal range into Kashmir where, from towards the end of the 5th century A.D. the building trade was very brisk and flourishing.”
Tile pavement of Hionar
It is a forest site located near the tourist resort of Pahalgam on the left bank of Nallah Lidder, a tile pavement was found by Archaeologist in 1979. The site revealed a pavement which was formed of square and rectangular tiles carved in various human and animal motifs. The most outstanding is the motif of Egyptian king Nariman depicted on one of the tile.
Tile Pavement of Hutmur
Hutmur: Another title pavement scattered on a vast forest land was cited by experts at village Hutmur few kms below Hutmur. The remains of small pebble walls were also recorded at the site.
Tile pavement of Kotbal
Remains of tile pavement were recently discovered by State Archaeology Department on Kotbal hill in Anantnag district in year 2005. The tiles exposed at site carried several motifs but most outstanding were those motifs which showed few female dancers in a Greco Budhist style.
(Kashmir Images)
Their Home is as Important as Yours
Aamir suggests that conflict between human and wildlife population is emerging as a major conservation issue worldwide
(Mr. Aamir Bin Masood, 28, was born and raised in Srinagar. He graduated from the Sri Partap College, Srinagar, and pursued his Master's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Kashmir. He also completed a post graduate diploma in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems from the same university. He has authored a book titled, "Environmental Education," published by Navrang Publications in 2007. He has participated in many seminars and workshops and won many prizes and certificates. He currently works at the largest local bank in Kashmir.)
Managing Human - Wildlife Conflicts
One of the J&K’s most exquisite natural resources is its diverse wildlife. We have Leopard, Snow Leopard, Hangul, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Markhor, Ibex, Bharal, Serow, Chiru, Shapu, Chital, Wild Ass, etc. All these primarily represent the varied wildlife of the Himalayas. Unfortunately, leopards, snow leopards and bears are increasingly coming into conflict with the humans. The Human-Wildlife conflicts are increasing like anything in J&K. Leopards and bears have been on rampage in many areas of Jammu and Kashmir divisions, such as Kupwara, Tral, Zabarwan belt, Sopore, Banihal, Udhampur, Poonch, etc., whereas in case of Ladakh, it is the snow leopard which is increasingly coming into conflict with the herders. Of late, these incidents have been increasing across the length and breadth of the state. Many people have been killed and injured.
Conflicts between human and wildlife populations are emerging as a major conservation issue worldwide. Crop-raiders like monkeys, birds, etc. can diminish or destroy cash crops. Carnivores and larger crop-raiders (like bear) can also threaten the lives of both humans and livestock, and are often presumed to be a threat and shot on sight.
As human populations expand and natural habitats shrink, people and wild animals are increasingly coming into conflict over living space and food. The impacts are often huge. These animals, many of which are already threatened or endangered, are often killed in retaliation or to prevent future conflicts. Human-wildlife conflict is one of the main threats to the continued survival of many species and is also a significant threat to local human populations.
Many carnivore populations escaped extinction during the twentieth century as a result of legal protections, habitat restoration and changes in public attitudes. However, encounters between carnivores, livestock and humans are increasing in some areas, raising concerns about the costs of carnivore conservation.
Human-wildlife conflicts occur in both urban and rural areas and range from nuisance encounters to attacks on humans, pets and livestock. The villagers are more likely to encounter wildlife in their own neighborhood than while visiting a national park or a forest. As humans and wildlife try to share limited living space, conflicts can arise. But with patience and planning, most problems can be resolved humanely, or avoided altogether.
Wild animals were considered to be much wilder in the past, but this perception among the common masses changed as people became more and more educated. Recent increasing trend in the human-wildlife conflict in the valley has again tarnished the image of the wild animals, especially those of leopard and bear. Leopards and bears have been responsible for the killing of many people and livestock. These animals are justifying the fact of their being ferocious predators. But I don’t think these are to be blamed entirely for these wrong-doings. Somewhere we are also to be held responsible. Though there should not be any compromise as far as human lives are concerned, but having said that, the fact remains that the incidents can be prevented without endangering these animals too.
Let me now talk about the management practices, which local people need to adopt while encountering the wild animals.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, the humane approach to human-wildlife conflict is based on three general principles:
(1) Respect for the environment (2) Tolerance and understanding of the living beings, and (3) A willingness to resolve conflicts using non-lethal means.
Appreciating the natural environment we share with other living beings is one of the most important components of wildlife conflict resolution. Often the first and best defense is to let natural forces resolve the issue without human intervention. Human tolerance and understanding are also crucial, since many so-called wildlife problems arise out of our irrational fears. Non-lethal conflict resolution is an emerging concept in conflict management, which most people have only just begun to investigate and realize.
The following six-step evaluation will help you resolve wildlife conflicts safely and humanely. (1) Determine the problem—and consider whether it is a problem at all: Learning about the habits of your wild neighbors will help you decide what kind of a problem you can experience. (2) If there is a problem, collect information to better deal with the problem: It is necessary to positively identify the species involved, the extent of the damage, how long it's been happening, whether there are young animals present, and what can be done to resolve the issue in a humane and permanent way. (3) Assess the seriousness and extent of the problem: Important considerations involve safety or health concerns to people or livestock, likelihood of recurrence, and whether the damage appears to be seasonal or ongoing. (4) Take action, but only after all the facts have been collected: Taking action should be one of the last steps, and it should not necessarily have to involve killing animals. (5) Evaluation: Did your action resolve the problem or merely address the symptoms? Your solution should get at the underlying cause of the problem and be effective over the long-term. (6) Seek help: You may not be able to resolve the problem by yourself. Then the matter is immediately to be reported to the concerned authorities.
While most injured or orphaned wildlife are picked up by the authorities, it is important to realize that such human-animal interactions are sometimes unnecessary. Before deciding to intervene, the most important thing to do is patiently observe the animal in its surroundings and decide if it actually needs help. Many animals appear to be orphaned, but actually are not. Sometimes wild babies are not with their parents and spend some time alone, with the parent(s) nearby.
This was something about the humane-approach to solve the human-wildlife conflicts. But this will not solve the problem completely. Much more needs to be done at the governmental level to check and eliminate this problem. And, if solutions to conflicts are not adequate at the governmental level, local support for conservation also declines.
We humans often choose to forget that wildlife have rights too, and, like us, want to be left in peace to raise their young. Sometimes, because of our careless attitude too, conflicts may occur. When they do, it is usually the animals that lose out.
In conclusion, let me say, home is important. Whether it is a cabin, a mansion, a hollow log, a burrow, a den or a forest, home is cherished. It is something to be protected from outsiders, especially if it houses young family members. Homes and their locations are chosen by people and animals for much the same reasons – size, safety, and proximity to amenities such as good food sources. So let us remember it for the sake of co-existence.
(Mr. Aamir Bin Masood, 28, was born and raised in Srinagar. He graduated from the Sri Partap College, Srinagar, and pursued his Master's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Kashmir. He also completed a post graduate diploma in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems from the same university. He has authored a book titled, "Environmental Education," published by Navrang Publications in 2007. He has participated in many seminars and workshops and won many prizes and certificates. He currently works at the largest local bank in Kashmir.)
Managing Human - Wildlife Conflicts
One of the J&K’s most exquisite natural resources is its diverse wildlife. We have Leopard, Snow Leopard, Hangul, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Markhor, Ibex, Bharal, Serow, Chiru, Shapu, Chital, Wild Ass, etc. All these primarily represent the varied wildlife of the Himalayas. Unfortunately, leopards, snow leopards and bears are increasingly coming into conflict with the humans. The Human-Wildlife conflicts are increasing like anything in J&K. Leopards and bears have been on rampage in many areas of Jammu and Kashmir divisions, such as Kupwara, Tral, Zabarwan belt, Sopore, Banihal, Udhampur, Poonch, etc., whereas in case of Ladakh, it is the snow leopard which is increasingly coming into conflict with the herders. Of late, these incidents have been increasing across the length and breadth of the state. Many people have been killed and injured.
Conflicts between human and wildlife populations are emerging as a major conservation issue worldwide. Crop-raiders like monkeys, birds, etc. can diminish or destroy cash crops. Carnivores and larger crop-raiders (like bear) can also threaten the lives of both humans and livestock, and are often presumed to be a threat and shot on sight.
As human populations expand and natural habitats shrink, people and wild animals are increasingly coming into conflict over living space and food. The impacts are often huge. These animals, many of which are already threatened or endangered, are often killed in retaliation or to prevent future conflicts. Human-wildlife conflict is one of the main threats to the continued survival of many species and is also a significant threat to local human populations.
Many carnivore populations escaped extinction during the twentieth century as a result of legal protections, habitat restoration and changes in public attitudes. However, encounters between carnivores, livestock and humans are increasing in some areas, raising concerns about the costs of carnivore conservation.
Human-wildlife conflicts occur in both urban and rural areas and range from nuisance encounters to attacks on humans, pets and livestock. The villagers are more likely to encounter wildlife in their own neighborhood than while visiting a national park or a forest. As humans and wildlife try to share limited living space, conflicts can arise. But with patience and planning, most problems can be resolved humanely, or avoided altogether.
Wild animals were considered to be much wilder in the past, but this perception among the common masses changed as people became more and more educated. Recent increasing trend in the human-wildlife conflict in the valley has again tarnished the image of the wild animals, especially those of leopard and bear. Leopards and bears have been responsible for the killing of many people and livestock. These animals are justifying the fact of their being ferocious predators. But I don’t think these are to be blamed entirely for these wrong-doings. Somewhere we are also to be held responsible. Though there should not be any compromise as far as human lives are concerned, but having said that, the fact remains that the incidents can be prevented without endangering these animals too.
Let me now talk about the management practices, which local people need to adopt while encountering the wild animals.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, the humane approach to human-wildlife conflict is based on three general principles:
(1) Respect for the environment (2) Tolerance and understanding of the living beings, and (3) A willingness to resolve conflicts using non-lethal means.
Appreciating the natural environment we share with other living beings is one of the most important components of wildlife conflict resolution. Often the first and best defense is to let natural forces resolve the issue without human intervention. Human tolerance and understanding are also crucial, since many so-called wildlife problems arise out of our irrational fears. Non-lethal conflict resolution is an emerging concept in conflict management, which most people have only just begun to investigate and realize.
The following six-step evaluation will help you resolve wildlife conflicts safely and humanely. (1) Determine the problem—and consider whether it is a problem at all: Learning about the habits of your wild neighbors will help you decide what kind of a problem you can experience. (2) If there is a problem, collect information to better deal with the problem: It is necessary to positively identify the species involved, the extent of the damage, how long it's been happening, whether there are young animals present, and what can be done to resolve the issue in a humane and permanent way. (3) Assess the seriousness and extent of the problem: Important considerations involve safety or health concerns to people or livestock, likelihood of recurrence, and whether the damage appears to be seasonal or ongoing. (4) Take action, but only after all the facts have been collected: Taking action should be one of the last steps, and it should not necessarily have to involve killing animals. (5) Evaluation: Did your action resolve the problem or merely address the symptoms? Your solution should get at the underlying cause of the problem and be effective over the long-term. (6) Seek help: You may not be able to resolve the problem by yourself. Then the matter is immediately to be reported to the concerned authorities.
While most injured or orphaned wildlife are picked up by the authorities, it is important to realize that such human-animal interactions are sometimes unnecessary. Before deciding to intervene, the most important thing to do is patiently observe the animal in its surroundings and decide if it actually needs help. Many animals appear to be orphaned, but actually are not. Sometimes wild babies are not with their parents and spend some time alone, with the parent(s) nearby.
This was something about the humane-approach to solve the human-wildlife conflicts. But this will not solve the problem completely. Much more needs to be done at the governmental level to check and eliminate this problem. And, if solutions to conflicts are not adequate at the governmental level, local support for conservation also declines.
We humans often choose to forget that wildlife have rights too, and, like us, want to be left in peace to raise their young. Sometimes, because of our careless attitude too, conflicts may occur. When they do, it is usually the animals that lose out.
In conclusion, let me say, home is important. Whether it is a cabin, a mansion, a hollow log, a burrow, a den or a forest, home is cherished. It is something to be protected from outsiders, especially if it houses young family members. Homes and their locations are chosen by people and animals for much the same reasons – size, safety, and proximity to amenities such as good food sources. So let us remember it for the sake of co-existence.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Excesses of a State Indulged by Other People's Money (OPM)
Arjimand analyzes J&K’s case to the 13th Finance Commission of India
(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in 1991. He subsequently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Bangalore University and has a diploma in journalism as well. He is an alumni of the International Academy for Leadership, Gummerbach, Germany. Arjimand writes regular weekly columns for the Greater Kashmir and The Kashmir Times since 2000 on diverse issues of political economy, development, environment and social change and has over 450 published articles to his credit. His forthcoming book: "Confronting the Myths: A Critical Analysis of the Political Economy of Jammu & Kashmir," will be published soon. He is currently working with an international development organisation, undertaking projects evaluation and developing contingency plans in some 11 countries in Asia and Africa.)
Recipe for bankruptcy
Ancient India’s Machiavellian - Kautilya - believed that artha (sound economy) was the most important thing to the survival of a State. To him, dharma (faith) and karma (deeds) are both dependent on it.
When it came to dealing with an adversary within the State, Kautilya always suggested to his king - Chandragupta Maurya – a mixture of strategies: sanman (appeasement), danda (punishment), dana (gift and bribery), bheda (splitting opposition) and maya (illusion and deceit).
While trying to understand Omar administration’s current financial condition and Srinagar’s relation with New Delhi, there are some interesting signs in Kautilya’s ‘wisdom’. We need to look the way other way round too. Omar administration’s karma and dharma alone would determine whether Kashmir could avoid a seemingly impending financial bankruptcy.
The current visit of India’s 13th Finance Commission to Kashmir has come at an interesting time. Our State is neck deep in debt. We no longer have sustainable finances to run the State. More than half of Kashmir’s 2008-09 budget of Rs 18,400 crore – about Rs 10000 crore – came from what are generally called as ‘central grants’.
Our own tax revenues account for just 20 per cent of the total expenditure. Our expenditures are rising but income in average terms keeps going down. We cannot even build a drain now without a ‘central grant.’
Our overdraft from J&K Bank has now become chronic. It now never goes below Rs 1500 crore at any given time. Government’s has a standard solution: one-time grant from government of India to write that off! There are other miseries too.
Omar Abdullah has made a public commitment to raise the salaries of government employees. It means his government requires an additional Rs 1700 crore every year. To pay the arrears, he needs over Rs 4200 crores. There is no way his government can get this money. There is only one solution: recurring annual ‘central grants’!
The question is: are all these grants without Kashmir being able to raise its own resources really possible to sustain?
A sustainable way out goes much beyond the 13th Finance Commission. Our current case presentation to the Commission is argumentatively weak and politically short sighted. Kashmir needs hard political bargains. That alone would enable us to take economic decisions that will end our dependency. Has this government the stomach to do that, by the way?
We are now asking for Rs 15000 crore as devolution, mainly for investing in the power sector. If we get that money it is possible we will be able to pay our debts and generate a surplus. But would that happen?
Since Kashmir’s annexation and division, New Delhi has never let Srinagar assume political and economic power that will enable us to take our own decisions. We have been systematically paralysed, not only to act decisively but even to think logically.
Today our case before the 13th Finance Commission for a ‘generous’ award seems to be influenced by panic and desperation, rather than a right. We need to make Kashmiri people understand that financial devolution from New Delhi to Srinagar is not a matter of political concession or generosity; it is all about due economic rights. What they are supposed to pay us through devolution, we have already paid all that through the visible and invisible taxes on the goods and services we use.
To have the system of tax devolution in India in perspective would be helpful. Generally the Finance Commission follows the equity and efficiency criteria while proposing awards to states – trying to improve services in low income states, promoting horizontal equity and rewarding better performing states.
When the Twelfth Finance Commission (TFC) distributed tax money among Indian states, it increased the `efficiency share' to 15 per cent (7.5 per cent for fiscal discipline and 7.5 per cent for tax effort). The weightage for population was raised from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. It reduced the ‘distance criterion’ to 50 per cent. In other words, better performing states were rewarded.
Omar administration must remain informed that budgetary gaps as a ground for equity have now been given up as not being conducive to efficiency. Our ‘budgetary gaps’ argument is again not sustainable.
No matter the criteria followed on the percentage of grants to devolutions, the problem is that they will hardly help us in raising our internal revenues. Kashmir needs its natural resources and political sovereignty back. Nothing else will do.
Government of India now encourages States to take loans directly from the market. The singular option of raising loans from the central government is over now. But such a course needs good fiscal health and commitment to fiscal responsibility. Are we in that condition right now? Who will give us loans looking at our pathetic repayment condition?
One of Kashmir’s biggest handicaps is that we do not know our exact contribution to the central tax kitty. It is never made known to us. It is common sense that given our high reliance on imports from India, our share in India’s tax kitty is higher than what we get through the normal formulae of devolution. As such, Omar administration needs to embrace a language of rights rather than generosity.
Another area of concern is the centrally-sponsored schemes (CSSs). It is now an established fact that most of the CSSs in Kashmir are an absolute waste. A few months back while delivering a lecture at IMPA, Srinagar, I asked some block-level government officers about their perception of centrally sponsored schemes. The response was unanimous – they see these schemes in collision with socio-economic realities of Kashmir. We must renegotiate the terms of CSSs in Kashmir. By virtue of our own constitution, we must get them as untied discretionary grants which could be used contextually.
On power, there is no substitute to handing over our power houses to us. To say that it is the Indus Waters Treaty that inhibits our ability to develop our hydro power resources is misleading. It is a kind of political red herring which tends to pass the buck. The case is simple: New Delhi has managed to harness a huge chunk of our water resources within those ‘limitations.’ We need to negotiate our rights within that space, which is broad enough to exploit sustainably.
Kashmir’s current level of financial dependency is totally unmanageable. The current course of unsustainable and open ended grants leads to bankruptcy. This course of running after grants and packages is nothing but a fool’s errand.
Omar administration’s future dharma and karma would reflect how it takes this state out of this dependence. Kashmiris don’t need sanman (appeasement). We need samman (honor). We can’t tolerate danda (punishment) indefinitely. Nor a culture of dana (gift and bribery). Kashmiris do see through the maya (illusion and deceit) now. It is time to think different.
And reversing the excesses of political disempowerment alone holds the key.
(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in 1991. He subsequently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Bangalore University and has a diploma in journalism as well. He is an alumni of the International Academy for Leadership, Gummerbach, Germany. Arjimand writes regular weekly columns for the Greater Kashmir and The Kashmir Times since 2000 on diverse issues of political economy, development, environment and social change and has over 450 published articles to his credit. His forthcoming book: "Confronting the Myths: A Critical Analysis of the Political Economy of Jammu & Kashmir," will be published soon. He is currently working with an international development organisation, undertaking projects evaluation and developing contingency plans in some 11 countries in Asia and Africa.)
Recipe for bankruptcy
Ancient India’s Machiavellian - Kautilya - believed that artha (sound economy) was the most important thing to the survival of a State. To him, dharma (faith) and karma (deeds) are both dependent on it.
When it came to dealing with an adversary within the State, Kautilya always suggested to his king - Chandragupta Maurya – a mixture of strategies: sanman (appeasement), danda (punishment), dana (gift and bribery), bheda (splitting opposition) and maya (illusion and deceit).
While trying to understand Omar administration’s current financial condition and Srinagar’s relation with New Delhi, there are some interesting signs in Kautilya’s ‘wisdom’. We need to look the way other way round too. Omar administration’s karma and dharma alone would determine whether Kashmir could avoid a seemingly impending financial bankruptcy.
The current visit of India’s 13th Finance Commission to Kashmir has come at an interesting time. Our State is neck deep in debt. We no longer have sustainable finances to run the State. More than half of Kashmir’s 2008-09 budget of Rs 18,400 crore – about Rs 10000 crore – came from what are generally called as ‘central grants’.
Our own tax revenues account for just 20 per cent of the total expenditure. Our expenditures are rising but income in average terms keeps going down. We cannot even build a drain now without a ‘central grant.’
Our overdraft from J&K Bank has now become chronic. It now never goes below Rs 1500 crore at any given time. Government’s has a standard solution: one-time grant from government of India to write that off! There are other miseries too.
Omar Abdullah has made a public commitment to raise the salaries of government employees. It means his government requires an additional Rs 1700 crore every year. To pay the arrears, he needs over Rs 4200 crores. There is no way his government can get this money. There is only one solution: recurring annual ‘central grants’!
The question is: are all these grants without Kashmir being able to raise its own resources really possible to sustain?
A sustainable way out goes much beyond the 13th Finance Commission. Our current case presentation to the Commission is argumentatively weak and politically short sighted. Kashmir needs hard political bargains. That alone would enable us to take economic decisions that will end our dependency. Has this government the stomach to do that, by the way?
We are now asking for Rs 15000 crore as devolution, mainly for investing in the power sector. If we get that money it is possible we will be able to pay our debts and generate a surplus. But would that happen?
Since Kashmir’s annexation and division, New Delhi has never let Srinagar assume political and economic power that will enable us to take our own decisions. We have been systematically paralysed, not only to act decisively but even to think logically.
Today our case before the 13th Finance Commission for a ‘generous’ award seems to be influenced by panic and desperation, rather than a right. We need to make Kashmiri people understand that financial devolution from New Delhi to Srinagar is not a matter of political concession or generosity; it is all about due economic rights. What they are supposed to pay us through devolution, we have already paid all that through the visible and invisible taxes on the goods and services we use.
To have the system of tax devolution in India in perspective would be helpful. Generally the Finance Commission follows the equity and efficiency criteria while proposing awards to states – trying to improve services in low income states, promoting horizontal equity and rewarding better performing states.
When the Twelfth Finance Commission (TFC) distributed tax money among Indian states, it increased the `efficiency share' to 15 per cent (7.5 per cent for fiscal discipline and 7.5 per cent for tax effort). The weightage for population was raised from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. It reduced the ‘distance criterion’ to 50 per cent. In other words, better performing states were rewarded.
Omar administration must remain informed that budgetary gaps as a ground for equity have now been given up as not being conducive to efficiency. Our ‘budgetary gaps’ argument is again not sustainable.
No matter the criteria followed on the percentage of grants to devolutions, the problem is that they will hardly help us in raising our internal revenues. Kashmir needs its natural resources and political sovereignty back. Nothing else will do.
Government of India now encourages States to take loans directly from the market. The singular option of raising loans from the central government is over now. But such a course needs good fiscal health and commitment to fiscal responsibility. Are we in that condition right now? Who will give us loans looking at our pathetic repayment condition?
One of Kashmir’s biggest handicaps is that we do not know our exact contribution to the central tax kitty. It is never made known to us. It is common sense that given our high reliance on imports from India, our share in India’s tax kitty is higher than what we get through the normal formulae of devolution. As such, Omar administration needs to embrace a language of rights rather than generosity.
Another area of concern is the centrally-sponsored schemes (CSSs). It is now an established fact that most of the CSSs in Kashmir are an absolute waste. A few months back while delivering a lecture at IMPA, Srinagar, I asked some block-level government officers about their perception of centrally sponsored schemes. The response was unanimous – they see these schemes in collision with socio-economic realities of Kashmir. We must renegotiate the terms of CSSs in Kashmir. By virtue of our own constitution, we must get them as untied discretionary grants which could be used contextually.
On power, there is no substitute to handing over our power houses to us. To say that it is the Indus Waters Treaty that inhibits our ability to develop our hydro power resources is misleading. It is a kind of political red herring which tends to pass the buck. The case is simple: New Delhi has managed to harness a huge chunk of our water resources within those ‘limitations.’ We need to negotiate our rights within that space, which is broad enough to exploit sustainably.
Kashmir’s current level of financial dependency is totally unmanageable. The current course of unsustainable and open ended grants leads to bankruptcy. This course of running after grants and packages is nothing but a fool’s errand.
Omar administration’s future dharma and karma would reflect how it takes this state out of this dependence. Kashmiris don’t need sanman (appeasement). We need samman (honor). We can’t tolerate danda (punishment) indefinitely. Nor a culture of dana (gift and bribery). Kashmiris do see through the maya (illusion and deceit) now. It is time to think different.
And reversing the excesses of political disempowerment alone holds the key.
Crisis of Confidence and Credibility
Afshana says that the biggest tragedy of changed Kashmir is that most of its intellectuals and thinkers are on the payroll of different public and private sector companies
(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in Srinagar where she received a B.Sc. degree. She completed her Master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the Kashmir University in 1999 and was the Gold Medallist (first position holder) in her graduating class. She is currently a Lecturer in the Media Education Research Centre (MERC) of the Kashmir University and pursuing her doctorate on the role of internet after 9/11.)
Kashmir: A changed land
In the prevailing scenario in Kashmir, the cynicism has crept in inevitably. The flux of sorts has, over a period of time, interjected with our thinking patterns. The continuous spate of violence has also undermined our creative capabilities.
Of course, the ideological and doctrinal causes as well do play a part in framing our responses. However, the daily spontaneous reactions usually don’t conform to any rational stimulus. For instance, the unstructured and unprompted strike calls or street outbursts don’t wait for any logical explanation. They just happen; they are rarely engineered. And then, the dynamics of mob psychology often do work in to producing a reaction.
Without entering into futile debate about ‘Hartals or no Hartals’ at a juncture when lot of blood has flown down the Jhelum, the only disturbing point about Hartals is that it has now started reflecting the anarchy within. The way each and every group, from Majlis bodies, Coordination committees, Lawyer associations, Shopkeeper chambers, Huriyat G and M down to a handful of residents from South or North, every one seems to have involuntarily assumed the authority to call for a Hartal anytime.
The parallel calls, at times, have added to the already confounded confusion. The loss of sense of purpose and direction is becoming more obtrusive. The common masses are perplexed at the emerging situation. The recurring strikes have eventually blunted their thinking prospective. They don’t have the grit to speak up against anyone.
By the same token, the kind of fear unleashed by the brutal use of force by the State against the commoners has also taken away their tenacity. The minds of people are suppressed. The whole nation seems pushed into a dark, dead end.
Perhaps the government in the State mistakenly believes that the people’s confidence can be earned merely by stringent laws or police forces. The notion that use of force is permissible and can add glory to the operating ideology is not long sustaining. The supremacy of fearless governance lies in governing in the people’s interest and not playing to power politics, stalling political compulsions to come in the way of making and taking of some vital decisions connected to the sentiments of common people.
It is astonishing that both the actors, from State and Separatist camp, claim a moral basis in the present situation in Kashmir. Both are, however, fielding on a flimsy ground. The general mood of the population is a grim reminder towards the failure of the both in holding up a certain mundane level of integrity and probity in their approaches. The bubble of their persuasive charms and powerful arguments has got somewhat pricked. Both have actually crossed the paradigm of political gimmickry and customary pretensions.
Kashmir today is a changed land of changing perceptions. People have, undoubtedly, grown in their political acuity and outlook. Nonetheless, this kind of political maturity that discerns each and every political move is, ironically, unable to assert itself openly. The atmosphere of paranoia has slanted the experiences in a deceptive ignorance. The self-censorship has made things quite fuzzy.
It is really hard to crack the shell of fear, and fume out the core realities around dispassionately. There are scores of reasons to remain silent, detached; and, there is conversely immense rationale to break the ice. The type of milieu, engineered or otherwise, makes us think hundred times before we finally decide to mean to say something critically meaningful.
That’s perhaps why we are left with very few individuals, who possess the nerve and knack of speaking out truthfully. And, they are the only ones amongst the multitude of so-called thinkers, who can talk without any sugar or salt coatings. It’s because they are not snarled by the trappings of ‘blind-loyalty-towards-boss’ mindset. They are the independent thinking persons, who can afford to talk their minds without ambiguity. Perhaps the biggest tragedy of changed Kashmir is that most of its intellectuals and thinkers are on the pay-roll of different public and private undertakings. Their role within and without is quite contradictory and confusing. Something that explains, and even “justifies”, their vagueness!
There is a crisis of confidence and credibility. Today, no one takes voices from Kashmir seriously. From international to local level, Kashmir has no genuine and honest voice to project and pride on. The decent and respectable ethos of this nation stands mired in the distressing waters of reliability. Unless that is resuscitated, Kashmir will continue to lose everything from material to moral.
(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in Srinagar where she received a B.Sc. degree. She completed her Master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the Kashmir University in 1999 and was the Gold Medallist (first position holder) in her graduating class. She is currently a Lecturer in the Media Education Research Centre (MERC) of the Kashmir University and pursuing her doctorate on the role of internet after 9/11.)
Kashmir: A changed land
In the prevailing scenario in Kashmir, the cynicism has crept in inevitably. The flux of sorts has, over a period of time, interjected with our thinking patterns. The continuous spate of violence has also undermined our creative capabilities.
Of course, the ideological and doctrinal causes as well do play a part in framing our responses. However, the daily spontaneous reactions usually don’t conform to any rational stimulus. For instance, the unstructured and unprompted strike calls or street outbursts don’t wait for any logical explanation. They just happen; they are rarely engineered. And then, the dynamics of mob psychology often do work in to producing a reaction.
Without entering into futile debate about ‘Hartals or no Hartals’ at a juncture when lot of blood has flown down the Jhelum, the only disturbing point about Hartals is that it has now started reflecting the anarchy within. The way each and every group, from Majlis bodies, Coordination committees, Lawyer associations, Shopkeeper chambers, Huriyat G and M down to a handful of residents from South or North, every one seems to have involuntarily assumed the authority to call for a Hartal anytime.
The parallel calls, at times, have added to the already confounded confusion. The loss of sense of purpose and direction is becoming more obtrusive. The common masses are perplexed at the emerging situation. The recurring strikes have eventually blunted their thinking prospective. They don’t have the grit to speak up against anyone.
By the same token, the kind of fear unleashed by the brutal use of force by the State against the commoners has also taken away their tenacity. The minds of people are suppressed. The whole nation seems pushed into a dark, dead end.
Perhaps the government in the State mistakenly believes that the people’s confidence can be earned merely by stringent laws or police forces. The notion that use of force is permissible and can add glory to the operating ideology is not long sustaining. The supremacy of fearless governance lies in governing in the people’s interest and not playing to power politics, stalling political compulsions to come in the way of making and taking of some vital decisions connected to the sentiments of common people.
It is astonishing that both the actors, from State and Separatist camp, claim a moral basis in the present situation in Kashmir. Both are, however, fielding on a flimsy ground. The general mood of the population is a grim reminder towards the failure of the both in holding up a certain mundane level of integrity and probity in their approaches. The bubble of their persuasive charms and powerful arguments has got somewhat pricked. Both have actually crossed the paradigm of political gimmickry and customary pretensions.
Kashmir today is a changed land of changing perceptions. People have, undoubtedly, grown in their political acuity and outlook. Nonetheless, this kind of political maturity that discerns each and every political move is, ironically, unable to assert itself openly. The atmosphere of paranoia has slanted the experiences in a deceptive ignorance. The self-censorship has made things quite fuzzy.
It is really hard to crack the shell of fear, and fume out the core realities around dispassionately. There are scores of reasons to remain silent, detached; and, there is conversely immense rationale to break the ice. The type of milieu, engineered or otherwise, makes us think hundred times before we finally decide to mean to say something critically meaningful.
That’s perhaps why we are left with very few individuals, who possess the nerve and knack of speaking out truthfully. And, they are the only ones amongst the multitude of so-called thinkers, who can talk without any sugar or salt coatings. It’s because they are not snarled by the trappings of ‘blind-loyalty-towards-boss’ mindset. They are the independent thinking persons, who can afford to talk their minds without ambiguity. Perhaps the biggest tragedy of changed Kashmir is that most of its intellectuals and thinkers are on the pay-roll of different public and private undertakings. Their role within and without is quite contradictory and confusing. Something that explains, and even “justifies”, their vagueness!
There is a crisis of confidence and credibility. Today, no one takes voices from Kashmir seriously. From international to local level, Kashmir has no genuine and honest voice to project and pride on. The decent and respectable ethos of this nation stands mired in the distressing waters of reliability. Unless that is resuscitated, Kashmir will continue to lose everything from material to moral.
Where Lack of Professionalism is a Way of Life
Rashid describes various deficiencies in the state official machinery to conduct professional forensic medical examinations, but the truth is that there is a lack of professionalism in all walks of life in Kashmir
(Dr. Rashid Para, 41, was born in Naira village in the Pulwama district. He did his childhood schooling in the local government run school in Tahab, and from the 6th grade attended the Sainik School in Nagrota, Jammu. He passed the 12th grade class with distinction. He received admission to pusue medical studies at the Pavlov Medical University, in St. Petersburg, studied Russian at a language school in Tablisi, Georgia, before proceeding to the medical university in Russia. Subsequently he completed his post graduation in anesthesia and critical care at the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar. He is presently serving at the Government District Hospital in Pulwama. Dr. Para is founder member and senior central executive council member of the Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK), and spokesperson of Anesthesiologists Association Kashmir. In his leisure time he enjoys playing with his children and in parent-teacher and related functions at their school.)
Our administration needs Postmortem
The recent incident of rape and murder of two young innocent females at Shopian has not only unfolded the depth of human tragedy in Kashmir but has also exposed the vulnerability of police, medical and forensic departments to handle such incidents and bring investigation to any logical conclusion. Had these departments acted professionally and on time probably the situation could have been different.
Also, this has brought out a strong message for our politicians that people in Kashmir value their chastity and dignity more than the economic development. They have lost millions as a result of on-going agitation and continuous strike and so has the education as the colleges and schools of the entire district are closed from the last one month or so. This incident did affect the over all economy of our state as well. But who is responsible?
Our state badly needs police and administrative reforms which shall empower people and not vice versa. We have to erode the present bureaucracy, police and administrative juggernaut that intimidates and petrify its own people. The political and administrative setups have to be made independent. The political system in the state should also act ex-cathedra by giving transparent administration to its people and bringing genuine, honest and dedicated people at the helm of affairs. The Shopian incident has exacerbated people and exasperated government as well. Family of the victims is equally pained and want only the perpetrators of this heinous crime be unmasked and be booked under law. The society was remorseful and government also needs to act with compassion and compunction. They are still remonstrating for justice and are not inclined towards any setup.
The medical department has handled the case unprofessionally as per the Commission of Report (CoI) and has resulted in hotchpotch and loss of pellucidity in the case. Being a doctor I would like to comment on the medical aspects of handling of such cases. Postmortems are a routine investigation in American and European countries on almost every death. But in our setup lot of social stigma is attached to it. For a common man here it is very frightening. Till now I have never seen a postmortem was ever conducted in an ambiance free from public anger and outrage. Due to the lack of trust people always carry a feeling that the truth will be stashed away.
Shopian postmortems were carried out in more difficult situation because angry mob could not be controlled and people wanted to know cause of death immediately. Postmortem has to answer the cause of death and the nature of offence and crime committed. But unfortunately our way of conducting autopsies and collection of evidences end up in misdemeanor and ultimately facing a predicament. We have to make a thorough introspection today and admit to weaknesses and shortcomings. We need to acknowledge that the procedure of conducting postmortems in our state is not developed. Forensic medicine is taught as an undergraduate medical subject and there is no post graduate specialization courses available in our state. Forensic department is also not recognized by MCI. As we know specialist care cannot be rendered without specialization courses in particular fields, similarly forensic expertise is a specialist field which can not be always carried out to perfection by simple MBBS doctors. So it will not be genuine to expect too much from the existing scenario. Dead bodies even need to be respected while performing autopsies. But unfortunately most of our district and sub-district hospitals have filthy sheds available for conducting autopsies which are even worst than cowsheds, lacking even basic facilities of water and electricity. The instruments are either rusty or obsolete which further brings humiliation to the dead body. And I know after reading this report our officers will again waste no time to please the government that everything is right and there is no deficiency.
But we have to be honest that all that is fair and right is only on papers and not on ground. And I promise if a random test on forensic medicine is taken from all these officers of health department. So let’s not unnecessarily deceive our nation.
We also know that population of the country is increasing, modernization is at pace, movement of people into and outside the state has increased multifold, hi-tech communication system is affordable and easily accessible, and perhaps all these factors will proportionately increase the crime rate as well and thus pose more challenges before the government in future. The nature of crime will change as well. And if we fail to renovate the system of collection of evidences on modern scientific lines, we may end up seeing this as a one side affair where criminals will be able to create more Shopian like incidents and all indicators of peace, development, and prosperity will be eclipsed behind the ominous and behemoth faces of criminals who will be difficult to unveil. So a well established medical jurisprudence system has to be established at earliest and I recommend following exigencies.
1) All those incidents and cases which can lead to repercussions of greater magnitude as that of Shopian, in such cases autopsies should be only carried out by most competent personnel who have a proper specialization (forensic doctor/expert).
2) Every district headquarter should be well equipped with proper infrastructure and space for conduct of autopsies.
3) To achieve the objectives for which a medico-legal autopsy is carried out, mortuaries must be properly equipped. Unfortunately, in India, most mortuaries lack basic facilities, leave aside the surgical suite-like atmosphere. Many mortuaries do not have cold storage facilities for preserving dead bodies, and the few ones that have do not have uninterrupted electric power supply to run them. As a result, dead bodies stored here decompose and crucial medical evidence is lost. So-called mortuaries in many rural hospitals lack basic cleanliness. There is a dearth of proper instruments (for example to cut the skull), and the lack of sterile containers to collect viscera for further investigations increases the chances of cross contamination. As a result of this poor infrastructure, the chances of reaching a valid conclusion on the cause of death are poor.
4) To help forensic science to usher in our state the forensic department at all medical colleges should be adequately staffed and post graduation courses started at earliest.
5) Meanwhile from every district and sub-district hospitals doctors should be sent for crash courses in forensic expertise outside state to PGI or AIIMS.
6) Autopsies should be carried out strictly under rules and not on verbal instructions.
7) There should be proper security arrangement in and around the hospitals and autopsy centers.
8) People have to be educated and awareness should be created through programmes that their cooperation can yield better results on such occasions. People should also be taught how their unnecessary interference and mishandling can lead to erosion and destruction of evidences which can turn counterproductive for getting justice in time.
9) Police and doctors should strictly work under rules and ethics in such situations and should not allow themselves to get influenced by political system and should be hold accountable before district ombudsman appointed for the purpose.
10) Political interference should be checked and controlled.
We hope and expect that such measures will help in building the trust and help in delivering justice.
(Dr. Rashid Para, 41, was born in Naira village in the Pulwama district. He did his childhood schooling in the local government run school in Tahab, and from the 6th grade attended the Sainik School in Nagrota, Jammu. He passed the 12th grade class with distinction. He received admission to pusue medical studies at the Pavlov Medical University, in St. Petersburg, studied Russian at a language school in Tablisi, Georgia, before proceeding to the medical university in Russia. Subsequently he completed his post graduation in anesthesia and critical care at the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar. He is presently serving at the Government District Hospital in Pulwama. Dr. Para is founder member and senior central executive council member of the Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK), and spokesperson of Anesthesiologists Association Kashmir. In his leisure time he enjoys playing with his children and in parent-teacher and related functions at their school.)
Our administration needs Postmortem
The recent incident of rape and murder of two young innocent females at Shopian has not only unfolded the depth of human tragedy in Kashmir but has also exposed the vulnerability of police, medical and forensic departments to handle such incidents and bring investigation to any logical conclusion. Had these departments acted professionally and on time probably the situation could have been different.
Also, this has brought out a strong message for our politicians that people in Kashmir value their chastity and dignity more than the economic development. They have lost millions as a result of on-going agitation and continuous strike and so has the education as the colleges and schools of the entire district are closed from the last one month or so. This incident did affect the over all economy of our state as well. But who is responsible?
Our state badly needs police and administrative reforms which shall empower people and not vice versa. We have to erode the present bureaucracy, police and administrative juggernaut that intimidates and petrify its own people. The political and administrative setups have to be made independent. The political system in the state should also act ex-cathedra by giving transparent administration to its people and bringing genuine, honest and dedicated people at the helm of affairs. The Shopian incident has exacerbated people and exasperated government as well. Family of the victims is equally pained and want only the perpetrators of this heinous crime be unmasked and be booked under law. The society was remorseful and government also needs to act with compassion and compunction. They are still remonstrating for justice and are not inclined towards any setup.
The medical department has handled the case unprofessionally as per the Commission of Report (CoI) and has resulted in hotchpotch and loss of pellucidity in the case. Being a doctor I would like to comment on the medical aspects of handling of such cases. Postmortems are a routine investigation in American and European countries on almost every death. But in our setup lot of social stigma is attached to it. For a common man here it is very frightening. Till now I have never seen a postmortem was ever conducted in an ambiance free from public anger and outrage. Due to the lack of trust people always carry a feeling that the truth will be stashed away.
Shopian postmortems were carried out in more difficult situation because angry mob could not be controlled and people wanted to know cause of death immediately. Postmortem has to answer the cause of death and the nature of offence and crime committed. But unfortunately our way of conducting autopsies and collection of evidences end up in misdemeanor and ultimately facing a predicament. We have to make a thorough introspection today and admit to weaknesses and shortcomings. We need to acknowledge that the procedure of conducting postmortems in our state is not developed. Forensic medicine is taught as an undergraduate medical subject and there is no post graduate specialization courses available in our state. Forensic department is also not recognized by MCI. As we know specialist care cannot be rendered without specialization courses in particular fields, similarly forensic expertise is a specialist field which can not be always carried out to perfection by simple MBBS doctors. So it will not be genuine to expect too much from the existing scenario. Dead bodies even need to be respected while performing autopsies. But unfortunately most of our district and sub-district hospitals have filthy sheds available for conducting autopsies which are even worst than cowsheds, lacking even basic facilities of water and electricity. The instruments are either rusty or obsolete which further brings humiliation to the dead body. And I know after reading this report our officers will again waste no time to please the government that everything is right and there is no deficiency.
But we have to be honest that all that is fair and right is only on papers and not on ground. And I promise if a random test on forensic medicine is taken from all these officers of health department. So let’s not unnecessarily deceive our nation.
We also know that population of the country is increasing, modernization is at pace, movement of people into and outside the state has increased multifold, hi-tech communication system is affordable and easily accessible, and perhaps all these factors will proportionately increase the crime rate as well and thus pose more challenges before the government in future. The nature of crime will change as well. And if we fail to renovate the system of collection of evidences on modern scientific lines, we may end up seeing this as a one side affair where criminals will be able to create more Shopian like incidents and all indicators of peace, development, and prosperity will be eclipsed behind the ominous and behemoth faces of criminals who will be difficult to unveil. So a well established medical jurisprudence system has to be established at earliest and I recommend following exigencies.
1) All those incidents and cases which can lead to repercussions of greater magnitude as that of Shopian, in such cases autopsies should be only carried out by most competent personnel who have a proper specialization (forensic doctor/expert).
2) Every district headquarter should be well equipped with proper infrastructure and space for conduct of autopsies.
3) To achieve the objectives for which a medico-legal autopsy is carried out, mortuaries must be properly equipped. Unfortunately, in India, most mortuaries lack basic facilities, leave aside the surgical suite-like atmosphere. Many mortuaries do not have cold storage facilities for preserving dead bodies, and the few ones that have do not have uninterrupted electric power supply to run them. As a result, dead bodies stored here decompose and crucial medical evidence is lost. So-called mortuaries in many rural hospitals lack basic cleanliness. There is a dearth of proper instruments (for example to cut the skull), and the lack of sterile containers to collect viscera for further investigations increases the chances of cross contamination. As a result of this poor infrastructure, the chances of reaching a valid conclusion on the cause of death are poor.
4) To help forensic science to usher in our state the forensic department at all medical colleges should be adequately staffed and post graduation courses started at earliest.
5) Meanwhile from every district and sub-district hospitals doctors should be sent for crash courses in forensic expertise outside state to PGI or AIIMS.
6) Autopsies should be carried out strictly under rules and not on verbal instructions.
7) There should be proper security arrangement in and around the hospitals and autopsy centers.
8) People have to be educated and awareness should be created through programmes that their cooperation can yield better results on such occasions. People should also be taught how their unnecessary interference and mishandling can lead to erosion and destruction of evidences which can turn counterproductive for getting justice in time.
9) Police and doctors should strictly work under rules and ethics in such situations and should not allow themselves to get influenced by political system and should be hold accountable before district ombudsman appointed for the purpose.
10) Political interference should be checked and controlled.
We hope and expect that such measures will help in building the trust and help in delivering justice.
Kani Shawl Headed to Oblivion
The art of making Kani Shawl may die for want of artisans
KANI SHAWL
Nazia Akhtar (Greater Kashmir)
Srinagar: A wonderful trade of Kashmir known world over for its beauty of art is currently facing difficult times with artisans leaving this trade citing low wages.
The Kani Shawl, according to the men in this trade, is fast losing its artisans for they find it difficult to sustain themselves with the meager wages they earn in this trade.
The artisans said the wages have dropped sharply during the last two years.
“Presently an artisan weaving a Kani Shawl is earning less than a hundred rupees a day. However before two years the same artisan was earning Rs 250 per day. So the wages instead of increasing have decreased in the last two years that has further added to the problems of the artisans,” said Ghulam Muhammad Mir, president, Kani Shawl Karigaran Union.
Mir said the trade was going well in the Valley a few years ago. “But last two years have proved very ominous due to many reasons including one that too many middlemen have come in this trade,” he said.
Mir said some “bad guys” had done a great damage to this great art. “A few unscrupulous agents who acted as middlemen procured the kani shawls from the manufacturers and sold them in the market at lower rates without giving the due to the manufacturers.”
He said although these agents have now been checked and the dealers were now directly procuring the shawls from the manufacturers, “but the damage was done and the rates came down.”
But many in the trade said the wages have waned because the demand for the shawls has come down due to global slowdown. According to the artisans their wages have been reduced by 50 per cent in the last two years. “We are poor artisans and are not able to buy the raw material to work independently. We work for the manufacturers who pay us wages according to the market trend. Presently as our manufacturers are not able to sell the shawls at a profitable rate so they are reducing our wages,” said Rouf Ahmad, an artisan who is involved with the weaving of Kani Shawl for the past eight years.
The weaving of a Kani shawl is a very painstaking job. Several kanis or small wooden sticks carrying threads of different colors are used for the weaving of these shawls.
These sticks are used as spool by the artisans to weave the shawl. “We have to work extremely hard to make a kani shawl. The process to prepare a Kani shawl is very complex and it needs lot of patience. The complexity involved is such that many of the artisans need the support of an artificial light in the broad day light. Also it is so complex and intricate that a person cannot pursue the art after the age of 60 or 70 years,” said Shabir Ahmad Kar.
The artisans said that there are around 50,000 families in the valley who are directly or indirectly involved with the craft. “However 35,000 families are entirely dependent on this craft for earning their livelihood,” they said.
“Kani shawl weaving is extremely time consuming and it takes one person a year to produce one shawl. It requires enormous amount of concentration as an artisan cannot weave beyond an inch a day while being at the loom. The shawl usually has a length of 81 inches,” they added.
“There is a great range of the designs available in the Pashmina Kani Shawl and the price is decided according to the quality of the design. The price usually runs between Rs 70,000 to one lakh,” said the artisans.
However the artisans maintained that since the past two years the quality is mattered. “I am doing this work for the last seven years. Initially I was earning Rs 300 per day but presently I am only given Rs 60 or 70 which I feel is the grave injustice to us. It is a very hard labour and despite of working so hard I am not able to support my parents as I am the sole earning member in my family,” said Khursheed Ahmad Pehalwan an artisan.
KANI SHAWL
Nazia Akhtar (Greater Kashmir)
Srinagar: A wonderful trade of Kashmir known world over for its beauty of art is currently facing difficult times with artisans leaving this trade citing low wages.
The Kani Shawl, according to the men in this trade, is fast losing its artisans for they find it difficult to sustain themselves with the meager wages they earn in this trade.
The artisans said the wages have dropped sharply during the last two years.
“Presently an artisan weaving a Kani Shawl is earning less than a hundred rupees a day. However before two years the same artisan was earning Rs 250 per day. So the wages instead of increasing have decreased in the last two years that has further added to the problems of the artisans,” said Ghulam Muhammad Mir, president, Kani Shawl Karigaran Union.
Mir said the trade was going well in the Valley a few years ago. “But last two years have proved very ominous due to many reasons including one that too many middlemen have come in this trade,” he said.
Mir said some “bad guys” had done a great damage to this great art. “A few unscrupulous agents who acted as middlemen procured the kani shawls from the manufacturers and sold them in the market at lower rates without giving the due to the manufacturers.”
He said although these agents have now been checked and the dealers were now directly procuring the shawls from the manufacturers, “but the damage was done and the rates came down.”
But many in the trade said the wages have waned because the demand for the shawls has come down due to global slowdown. According to the artisans their wages have been reduced by 50 per cent in the last two years. “We are poor artisans and are not able to buy the raw material to work independently. We work for the manufacturers who pay us wages according to the market trend. Presently as our manufacturers are not able to sell the shawls at a profitable rate so they are reducing our wages,” said Rouf Ahmad, an artisan who is involved with the weaving of Kani Shawl for the past eight years.
The weaving of a Kani shawl is a very painstaking job. Several kanis or small wooden sticks carrying threads of different colors are used for the weaving of these shawls.
These sticks are used as spool by the artisans to weave the shawl. “We have to work extremely hard to make a kani shawl. The process to prepare a Kani shawl is very complex and it needs lot of patience. The complexity involved is such that many of the artisans need the support of an artificial light in the broad day light. Also it is so complex and intricate that a person cannot pursue the art after the age of 60 or 70 years,” said Shabir Ahmad Kar.
The artisans said that there are around 50,000 families in the valley who are directly or indirectly involved with the craft. “However 35,000 families are entirely dependent on this craft for earning their livelihood,” they said.
“Kani shawl weaving is extremely time consuming and it takes one person a year to produce one shawl. It requires enormous amount of concentration as an artisan cannot weave beyond an inch a day while being at the loom. The shawl usually has a length of 81 inches,” they added.
“There is a great range of the designs available in the Pashmina Kani Shawl and the price is decided according to the quality of the design. The price usually runs between Rs 70,000 to one lakh,” said the artisans.
However the artisans maintained that since the past two years the quality is mattered. “I am doing this work for the last seven years. Initially I was earning Rs 300 per day but presently I am only given Rs 60 or 70 which I feel is the grave injustice to us. It is a very hard labour and despite of working so hard I am not able to support my parents as I am the sole earning member in my family,” said Khursheed Ahmad Pehalwan an artisan.
FROM NEGLECT TO REGRESS: Industrial Estate, Barzulla
Yet another proof that things only go from bad to worse in Kashmir
Barzulla industrial estate in shambles
Srinagar: For prosperity of the industrial sector, state government’s Industrial Policy 2004 promises “improved infrastructure and support services, with emphasis on regular and uninterrupted power supply”. But exactly the opposite seems to be taking place at Industrial Estate Barzulla, which is oldest in the Valley, and nearest to the City centre.
Established in 1959, the estate caters to some 50 industrial units with hundreds of workers on-rolls. The estate is, however, yet to get drinking water supply even though it lies in the posh Sanat Nagar suburb. Besides, sheds housing the factories haven’t been repaired for years while power supply remains erratic. But well the dilapidated of roads first.
ROAD REGRESS
Blacktopping of the estate roads was done some three decades ago. Since then, the unit-holders say, no repairs were made, despite repeated appeals.
Finally, failing to pool resources, the authorities adopted a novel solution: Instead of blacktopping, they recently “repaired” the macadamized roads using black-cutting and stone dust, which is a comparatively cheap and obsolete alternative.
The road “repairs” proved detrimental.
“Till now there were only potholes but now billows of dust have added to our woes,” said Mukhtar Yusuf, secretary general of the association of the unit holders.
“It’s seems the authorities lack commonsense, or they deliberately want to put us on a reverse gear. Otherwise where else does it happen in the world that boulders replace blacktopping?” Yusuf argued.
Pleading the primitive type of road repairs, officials said they were running short of money.
“We though something is better than nothing and so made the repairs,” they said adding proposal has been sent for macadamization as well.
WATER WOES
In 2007, firefighters had a tough time extinguishing blazes fuming out of a factory at the industrial estate as there was no source of water.
In fact, the estate is yet to get even drinking water facility.
Ironically, even though pipes were laid a few years ago, they rusted even before being connected to the main supply line running outside.
The unit holders had voiced complaint against the Small Scale Industrial Development Corporation (SICOP), accusing the project executing agency of using sub-standard material.
Official sources said even though an inquiry was ordered into the laying of water supply lines, the findings were never made public.
And so the estate is yet to get drinking water supply than to talk any water point for firefighting.
SICOP AFFECTED DRAIN
Work on drainage was started around two years ago but is yet not complete due to slow pace of work.
On this front, however, there was no shortage of funds.
The sources said the SICOP was given Rs 40 odd lakh for the work.
“But they worked on snail pace and the project is yet not complete,” said some unit holders while pointing towards an uncovered drain.
ERRATIC POWER
In stark contrast of the industrial policy, the estate doesn’t get the uninterrupted supply.
This has badly affected work at units like steel fabrication plants and a printing press.
“We can’t use gensets for doing steel fabrication work like welding. So when ever the power goes off, our business suffers,” explained a unit holder adding that they face power cuts for a couple of ours everyday.
KASHMIR INC ANNOYED
Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) is all fire against the successive regimes accusing them of “victimizing the Kashmir Inc”.
“Unless the government sheds its negative approach towards Kashmir Inc and adopts a healthy policy, our industries will continue to suffer,” said Syed Shakeel Qalander, president FCIK.
Referring to his recent meeting with chairman Finance Commission, Qalander recalled: “I told them that our industrial sector gives a look of graveyard for the want of funds.”
He said when industrial estate Barzulla, which is too close to the Airport road frequented by VIPs, was in shambles, the plight of the estates elsewhere could only be imagined.
OFFICIALS SPEAK
An official with directorate of Industries and Commerce, Kashmir said there was shortage of resources, which affect development of the industrial sector.
“We have many plans for improvement but we lack money. Still we’ll try our best,” said the official requesting not to be named.
(Greater Kashmir)
Barzulla industrial estate in shambles
Srinagar: For prosperity of the industrial sector, state government’s Industrial Policy 2004 promises “improved infrastructure and support services, with emphasis on regular and uninterrupted power supply”. But exactly the opposite seems to be taking place at Industrial Estate Barzulla, which is oldest in the Valley, and nearest to the City centre.
Established in 1959, the estate caters to some 50 industrial units with hundreds of workers on-rolls. The estate is, however, yet to get drinking water supply even though it lies in the posh Sanat Nagar suburb. Besides, sheds housing the factories haven’t been repaired for years while power supply remains erratic. But well the dilapidated of roads first.
ROAD REGRESS
Blacktopping of the estate roads was done some three decades ago. Since then, the unit-holders say, no repairs were made, despite repeated appeals.
Finally, failing to pool resources, the authorities adopted a novel solution: Instead of blacktopping, they recently “repaired” the macadamized roads using black-cutting and stone dust, which is a comparatively cheap and obsolete alternative.
The road “repairs” proved detrimental.
“Till now there were only potholes but now billows of dust have added to our woes,” said Mukhtar Yusuf, secretary general of the association of the unit holders.
“It’s seems the authorities lack commonsense, or they deliberately want to put us on a reverse gear. Otherwise where else does it happen in the world that boulders replace blacktopping?” Yusuf argued.
Pleading the primitive type of road repairs, officials said they were running short of money.
“We though something is better than nothing and so made the repairs,” they said adding proposal has been sent for macadamization as well.
WATER WOES
In 2007, firefighters had a tough time extinguishing blazes fuming out of a factory at the industrial estate as there was no source of water.
In fact, the estate is yet to get even drinking water facility.
Ironically, even though pipes were laid a few years ago, they rusted even before being connected to the main supply line running outside.
The unit holders had voiced complaint against the Small Scale Industrial Development Corporation (SICOP), accusing the project executing agency of using sub-standard material.
Official sources said even though an inquiry was ordered into the laying of water supply lines, the findings were never made public.
And so the estate is yet to get drinking water supply than to talk any water point for firefighting.
SICOP AFFECTED DRAIN
Work on drainage was started around two years ago but is yet not complete due to slow pace of work.
On this front, however, there was no shortage of funds.
The sources said the SICOP was given Rs 40 odd lakh for the work.
“But they worked on snail pace and the project is yet not complete,” said some unit holders while pointing towards an uncovered drain.
ERRATIC POWER
In stark contrast of the industrial policy, the estate doesn’t get the uninterrupted supply.
This has badly affected work at units like steel fabrication plants and a printing press.
“We can’t use gensets for doing steel fabrication work like welding. So when ever the power goes off, our business suffers,” explained a unit holder adding that they face power cuts for a couple of ours everyday.
KASHMIR INC ANNOYED
Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) is all fire against the successive regimes accusing them of “victimizing the Kashmir Inc”.
“Unless the government sheds its negative approach towards Kashmir Inc and adopts a healthy policy, our industries will continue to suffer,” said Syed Shakeel Qalander, president FCIK.
Referring to his recent meeting with chairman Finance Commission, Qalander recalled: “I told them that our industrial sector gives a look of graveyard for the want of funds.”
He said when industrial estate Barzulla, which is too close to the Airport road frequented by VIPs, was in shambles, the plight of the estates elsewhere could only be imagined.
OFFICIALS SPEAK
An official with directorate of Industries and Commerce, Kashmir said there was shortage of resources, which affect development of the industrial sector.
“We have many plans for improvement but we lack money. Still we’ll try our best,” said the official requesting not to be named.
(Greater Kashmir)
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Exasperated Kashmir
Shujaat draws from experience to give some friendly advice. But are "vested interests" listening?
(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media Group that publishes the English daily, Rising Kashmir, and soon-to-be launched Urdu daily, Bulund Kashmir. He had his early education in Sopore, Beerwah and then in Srinagar where from he got his post-graduate degree in English from the University of Jammu and Kashmir, and took up job as a teacher in higher education department. He taught English in various colleges in Kashmir took voluntary retirement in 1995 as Professor. Even though not a professional journalist by training, he has been extremely successful in the field, launching SANGARMAL, the first ever multi-coloured Kashmiri newspaper from Srinagar which is now in its fourth year. Later in 2008, he created the Kashmir Media Group. His interests are reading and writing and building value based institutions.)
Fragile Kashmir
Is Kashmir really fragile or has it been made to behave like that; Does this question boggling the minds of those who cover, analyze and interpret the political perceptions! This week’s incidents in Baramulla have shown that no one controls Kashmir but only those who want to keep the pot boiling. In this game of losing the control both the government as well as the mainstream political parties and the separatist camp have major lessons to learn.
Chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq did pass an oblique reference to this situation on Thursday when he talked about having a consensus before chalking out a protest programme. He even used the word “anarchy” but stopped short of taking on those who have virtually taken over the “separatist movement” and the likes of Mirwaiz either had to follow them or be silent. There has been lot of debate over stone pelting and frequent strikes during the past few months. No consensus, though, has emerged but one thing is clear; strikes are the only weapon to resist and protest the atrocities since we have transformed from violent to non-violent mode. This is, notwithstanding the fact that many of those who have been strong advocates of strikes (hartals) are the columnists who are well paid as government employees. Nevertheless, people also pay heed to a strike call to register the protest against the oppression in the “times of normalcy”.
Leaving the debate there, the situation which unfolded in Baramulla was painful in many ways and it reflected how we as Kashmiris only go by perceptions, as the discontent and disillusionment on the ground has touched the level where any small wrongdoing has the potential to take shape of a fully fledged agitation. Same thing happened in Baramulla where the Police was handling a simple case of kidnapping of a 15- year old girl from Binner. The accused in the case was identified and one of the accomplices was rounded up. His wife went to police station to seek his release but was not obliged. She came out and alleged that she was misbehaved and police passed indecent remarks at her. This worked like a jungle fire and the whole town was up in flames consuming four innocent lives - all of them young boys who had a long road ahead to traverse. The first part of the story, meaning the cause of agitation which we saw in following days was then overshadowed by the dance of death and destruction in the town. As rightly pointed out by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram that Kashmir is fragile, the perception again played a part here. Those who took to streets see the establishment as anti-people and are ready to take any allegation which is subject to scrutiny as Gospel truth. Whether the woman was right or not, no one bothered to cross check, but the seeds of alienations are sown so deep that people in Kashmir, in the language of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, have lost faith in the state institutions. It should have been vice versa; people staging a protest against abduction of young girl but that did not happen. Why? The question can be answered by rulers who have been voted to power with record percentage of voter turnout in the state.
Before moving to the response of the administration, it needs an explanation as to why the young Kashmiris should fall prey to such a situation in which four young boys give their blood for something which is not part of the struggle. The elders in the town as well as the leaders of separatist movement cannot shirk the responsibility. It is their duty to guide the youth in the right direction so that the number of widows and orphans does not go up in the situations like this. If there is a vested interest working in Baramulla, both the separatist camp as well as the district administration should pin point that, otherwise the anarchy as mentioned by Mirwaiz will take a heavy toll.
The response of the government to this situation was simply barbaric. It could not handle the protest of a few hundred people and opened direct fire upon the youth who were in the fore front. The way it was handled only leads us to the conclusion that the administration, particularly the Police set up is leaderless. Reacting to stone pelting in such a harsh manner cannot be condoned and those responsible for the crime should be booked. If it was the CRPF which fired where was the Police top brass and in one case it was Police, why this license to kill? These are the questions which Chief Minister should answer. From Shopian to Baramulla now it is clear that Chief Minister is not being guided properly by his top aides in civil and police administration. It is time to overhaul the Police set up and brings radical changes, by showing door to complacent officials who are busy in obliging all, in wholesale, from an ordinary block level party worker to a minister, to protect their plump positions. The state cannot be left at the mercy of such non serious officials who have no concern for the lives of the people. It is time for the youngest Chief Minister to pick up a new team of officers and start afresh; at least to get us rid off the bloodbath.
It is obligatory upon the separatists as well to redefine the strategy and do not allow unscrupulous elements to put everything in the “Azadi basket” and take heavy toll of lives. Resistance movements are run through strategies and not by calling for a three days strike in a huff and bring everything to standstill. To protest the killing of innocents in Baramulla is but natural, but such a step should be taken after a collective decision and it should not be given to understand that only one or a particular section has the right to do so. People here have no option but to follow. But that following needs a direction. In Baramulla the mourning is far more genuine but there also the local leaders have responsibility to counsel the youth in right direction and not allow any vested interest to misuse the slogan of “Azadi” under the cover of perceptions. While the erring CRPF and Police personnel responsible for killings should be brought to book forthwith, the allegations of women should also be investigated through an impartial inquiry.
(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media Group that publishes the English daily, Rising Kashmir, and soon-to-be launched Urdu daily, Bulund Kashmir. He had his early education in Sopore, Beerwah and then in Srinagar where from he got his post-graduate degree in English from the University of Jammu and Kashmir, and took up job as a teacher in higher education department. He taught English in various colleges in Kashmir took voluntary retirement in 1995 as Professor. Even though not a professional journalist by training, he has been extremely successful in the field, launching SANGARMAL, the first ever multi-coloured Kashmiri newspaper from Srinagar which is now in its fourth year. Later in 2008, he created the Kashmir Media Group. His interests are reading and writing and building value based institutions.)
Fragile Kashmir
Is Kashmir really fragile or has it been made to behave like that; Does this question boggling the minds of those who cover, analyze and interpret the political perceptions! This week’s incidents in Baramulla have shown that no one controls Kashmir but only those who want to keep the pot boiling. In this game of losing the control both the government as well as the mainstream political parties and the separatist camp have major lessons to learn.
Chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq did pass an oblique reference to this situation on Thursday when he talked about having a consensus before chalking out a protest programme. He even used the word “anarchy” but stopped short of taking on those who have virtually taken over the “separatist movement” and the likes of Mirwaiz either had to follow them or be silent. There has been lot of debate over stone pelting and frequent strikes during the past few months. No consensus, though, has emerged but one thing is clear; strikes are the only weapon to resist and protest the atrocities since we have transformed from violent to non-violent mode. This is, notwithstanding the fact that many of those who have been strong advocates of strikes (hartals) are the columnists who are well paid as government employees. Nevertheless, people also pay heed to a strike call to register the protest against the oppression in the “times of normalcy”.
Leaving the debate there, the situation which unfolded in Baramulla was painful in many ways and it reflected how we as Kashmiris only go by perceptions, as the discontent and disillusionment on the ground has touched the level where any small wrongdoing has the potential to take shape of a fully fledged agitation. Same thing happened in Baramulla where the Police was handling a simple case of kidnapping of a 15- year old girl from Binner. The accused in the case was identified and one of the accomplices was rounded up. His wife went to police station to seek his release but was not obliged. She came out and alleged that she was misbehaved and police passed indecent remarks at her. This worked like a jungle fire and the whole town was up in flames consuming four innocent lives - all of them young boys who had a long road ahead to traverse. The first part of the story, meaning the cause of agitation which we saw in following days was then overshadowed by the dance of death and destruction in the town. As rightly pointed out by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram that Kashmir is fragile, the perception again played a part here. Those who took to streets see the establishment as anti-people and are ready to take any allegation which is subject to scrutiny as Gospel truth. Whether the woman was right or not, no one bothered to cross check, but the seeds of alienations are sown so deep that people in Kashmir, in the language of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, have lost faith in the state institutions. It should have been vice versa; people staging a protest against abduction of young girl but that did not happen. Why? The question can be answered by rulers who have been voted to power with record percentage of voter turnout in the state.
Before moving to the response of the administration, it needs an explanation as to why the young Kashmiris should fall prey to such a situation in which four young boys give their blood for something which is not part of the struggle. The elders in the town as well as the leaders of separatist movement cannot shirk the responsibility. It is their duty to guide the youth in the right direction so that the number of widows and orphans does not go up in the situations like this. If there is a vested interest working in Baramulla, both the separatist camp as well as the district administration should pin point that, otherwise the anarchy as mentioned by Mirwaiz will take a heavy toll.
The response of the government to this situation was simply barbaric. It could not handle the protest of a few hundred people and opened direct fire upon the youth who were in the fore front. The way it was handled only leads us to the conclusion that the administration, particularly the Police set up is leaderless. Reacting to stone pelting in such a harsh manner cannot be condoned and those responsible for the crime should be booked. If it was the CRPF which fired where was the Police top brass and in one case it was Police, why this license to kill? These are the questions which Chief Minister should answer. From Shopian to Baramulla now it is clear that Chief Minister is not being guided properly by his top aides in civil and police administration. It is time to overhaul the Police set up and brings radical changes, by showing door to complacent officials who are busy in obliging all, in wholesale, from an ordinary block level party worker to a minister, to protect their plump positions. The state cannot be left at the mercy of such non serious officials who have no concern for the lives of the people. It is time for the youngest Chief Minister to pick up a new team of officers and start afresh; at least to get us rid off the bloodbath.
It is obligatory upon the separatists as well to redefine the strategy and do not allow unscrupulous elements to put everything in the “Azadi basket” and take heavy toll of lives. Resistance movements are run through strategies and not by calling for a three days strike in a huff and bring everything to standstill. To protest the killing of innocents in Baramulla is but natural, but such a step should be taken after a collective decision and it should not be given to understand that only one or a particular section has the right to do so. People here have no option but to follow. But that following needs a direction. In Baramulla the mourning is far more genuine but there also the local leaders have responsibility to counsel the youth in right direction and not allow any vested interest to misuse the slogan of “Azadi” under the cover of perceptions. While the erring CRPF and Police personnel responsible for killings should be brought to book forthwith, the allegations of women should also be investigated through an impartial inquiry.
Closing the Circle: Can Tears Turn Into Glue?
Arif writes about a night to remember at the Tagore Hall when Kashmiri children born away from Kashmir connected with natives, leading to an editorial pleading for return of pluralism in the Valley (two reports)
(Mr. Arif Bashir, 25, was born in Check-e-Ferozpora, Tangmarg. He completed his schooling in his native village, and obtained his Arts degree, with emphasis in English Literature, Urdu Literature, Political Science and English, from the Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He subsequently completed his Master of Arts degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir. He is a Reporter for the Kashmir Images, a leading English daily of Kashmir Valley, and is presently an Associate Editor of the Daily Khidmat (English version), that slso is published from the Valley. He has written, scripted and directed two Documentary Films - 85 Degrees, and Faces of Hope - and one fictional Film - Dastak. His ambition is to become an outstanding Film Maker.)
Kashmiriyat takes rebirth at Tagore Hall: Born in exile, Pandit child artists make all eyes wet
Srinagar: Keats’ knight at arms was enthralled by La Belle Dam Sans Merci and this enthralling had given him some discomfiture, but the audience at Srinagar’s Tagore hall would have loved to remain enthralled for ages together while the young Kashmiri Pandit children were performing on the stage.
All eyes moist and all hands clapping – Kashmiriyat took rebirth at Tagore Hall Sunday evening when a house-full of Kashmiri Muslims were mesmerized by a group of 40 Kashmiri Pandit children, ironically none of them born here.
From Lala Ded to Mehjoor and from Abdul Ahad Azad to Dina Nath Nadim to Moti Lal Saqi, the child artists – between the age group of 4 to 16 years – performed on spiritual, melancholic, romantic, fun and revolutionary songs and so perfect was the lip movement and so classy the steps that one could not help clap and clap non-stop.
Born in exile, none of the performing child has ever visited Kashmir earlier, the place their parents and grand parents love more than their lives.
Dae’d Boni Te Beye Sabzaar, We’n Kath Jaa’e Samau
Kola Radan Lae’j Kae’nd Taar, We’n Kath Jaa’e Samau
(All Chinars and all greens are burnt, where we shall now meet; all the streams have been fenced with barbed wires; where we shall now meet).
When the young children performed on Moti Lal Saqi’s these verses, no eye in the audience could afford to remain dry.
Despite all troubles; despite all traumas; despite all dirty politicking – Kashmir is still alive and so are Kashmiris. And this was proved beyond doubt today seeing jam-packed Tagore Hall, not packed with VIPs who move around in bullet proof vehicles but the ordinary Kashmiris who had thronged the venue with their families.
And Kashmiriyat, that had got some beating during past more than a decade, was reborn as all Muslim Kashmiri hands clapped on every move and every word of Kashmiri Pandit children.
The programme ‘Mauj Kasheer’, a variety show of Kashmiri Culture was specially designed and organised by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages to showcase the musical talent of the Kashmiri Pandit children born in Jammu and other parts of country. The programme also highlighted how strongly the Kashmiris, living in exile, continue to remain linked to their cultural roots in Kashmir Valley.
Performing on the lilting music composed by Krishan Langoo, the children with every move of theirs touched something within of all those present in the audience and even a shrewd politician and finance minister of the state, Abdul Rahim Rather was seen wiping his tears.
So touched was Rather that he announced a cash prize of Rs.2 Lacs for the performing artists as a token of love and encouragement.
“Chounth Chu Yete, Magar Zew Che Tou’er. (Mouth is here but the tongue is with them {Kashmiri Pandits}),” commented Ghulam Nabi Ganie, a teacher hailing from a Baramulla village, who was mesmerized by the performance of the young Pandit artists and their love for Kashmiri language.
The teacher was impressed that how seriously the Pandits, although living in exile, were contributing for preservation and progress of Kashmiri language.
Earlier, speaking in his welcome address, Zafar Iqbal Manhas, Secretary J&K Cultural Academy, said that though unfortunate turmoil has resulted into geographical separation of Kashmiri Pandit community from their land of origin but Kashmiris stand united by one common language and culture. He said that in order to provide opportunity to the children born in exile to visit Kashmir, Academy has organized this special show here and “we are planning to extend this programme of young Kashmiri Pandit artists in different parts of Kashmir Valley so as to provide them an opportunity to visit land of their ancestors and also interact with their contemporaries.”
Unbreakable Links (Editorial in Kashmir Images)
Kashmir, since 1989, has witnessed tragedies and tragedies alone. It has been death and destruction allover; with thousands buried in the graveyards, which have emerged in every nook and corner of Valley. People have faced serious emotional, psychological and economic disasters and normality and peace have taken a ruthless beating. Amongst all these tragedies one is the displacement of a section of Kashmir society – Kashmiri Pandits – who in the wake of insurgency left their homes and hearths and since then are living in Jammu and other parts of country a life in exile. While there are so many versions regarding the causes behind Pandit migration, one thing is certain that in any society, a minority community decides to migrate only when it feels that the majority around is not in a position to safe guard its life and property. One can’t rule out then Governor Jagmohan’s hand, but he could only facilitate what the community had already decided. Anyway, without going into that debate, Pandit migration continues to be a dark chapter of our contemporary history. The only good thing is that despite the migration and despite misgivings about each other, the two communities still are emotionally and psychologically as close as ever and given a chance they would again be living together happily.
No politics, no hate campaigns, no religion based politics can sever the innate links that exist between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims and that was proved beyond any doubt at Tagore Hall on Sunday evening when house-full Muslim audience was cheering non-stop the child artists of Pandit community who were performing there during a programme organized by Cultural Academy. As the child artists performed on the songs of Lala Ded, Dina Nath Nadim, Mehjoor, Azad and Moti Lal Saqi, are eyes were wet and almost every individual in the audience could feel their own half performing on the stage. That is the bonding between the communities who basically are from the same lot. Language and culture are the basic that unite people and no politics or hate campaigns break this link. The emotions may remain dormant for sometime but once given a chance they are expressed more vehemently each time. The government’s and politicians have been talking of getting the displaced Kashmiri Pandits back to their own soil but unfortunately nothing of the sort seems happening. Fact of the matter is that it can’t be done by government policy and politicians but by the ordinary sons and daughters of the soil. Efforts are to be made, the way Cultural Academy has initiated, to bring the two communities together and allow them to share their grievances and longings with each other. The love between the two is eternal and is always there. Need is to provide an opportunity so that people are able to express it.
The tears in the eyes of Muslim audience at Tagore Hall was an open invitation to Kashmiri Pandits – come back, we are longing for you.
(Mr. Arif Bashir, 25, was born in Check-e-Ferozpora, Tangmarg. He completed his schooling in his native village, and obtained his Arts degree, with emphasis in English Literature, Urdu Literature, Political Science and English, from the Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He subsequently completed his Master of Arts degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir. He is a Reporter for the Kashmir Images, a leading English daily of Kashmir Valley, and is presently an Associate Editor of the Daily Khidmat (English version), that slso is published from the Valley. He has written, scripted and directed two Documentary Films - 85 Degrees, and Faces of Hope - and one fictional Film - Dastak. His ambition is to become an outstanding Film Maker.)
Kashmiriyat takes rebirth at Tagore Hall: Born in exile, Pandit child artists make all eyes wet
Srinagar: Keats’ knight at arms was enthralled by La Belle Dam Sans Merci and this enthralling had given him some discomfiture, but the audience at Srinagar’s Tagore hall would have loved to remain enthralled for ages together while the young Kashmiri Pandit children were performing on the stage.
All eyes moist and all hands clapping – Kashmiriyat took rebirth at Tagore Hall Sunday evening when a house-full of Kashmiri Muslims were mesmerized by a group of 40 Kashmiri Pandit children, ironically none of them born here.
From Lala Ded to Mehjoor and from Abdul Ahad Azad to Dina Nath Nadim to Moti Lal Saqi, the child artists – between the age group of 4 to 16 years – performed on spiritual, melancholic, romantic, fun and revolutionary songs and so perfect was the lip movement and so classy the steps that one could not help clap and clap non-stop.
Born in exile, none of the performing child has ever visited Kashmir earlier, the place their parents and grand parents love more than their lives.
Dae’d Boni Te Beye Sabzaar, We’n Kath Jaa’e Samau
Kola Radan Lae’j Kae’nd Taar, We’n Kath Jaa’e Samau
(All Chinars and all greens are burnt, where we shall now meet; all the streams have been fenced with barbed wires; where we shall now meet).
When the young children performed on Moti Lal Saqi’s these verses, no eye in the audience could afford to remain dry.
Despite all troubles; despite all traumas; despite all dirty politicking – Kashmir is still alive and so are Kashmiris. And this was proved beyond doubt today seeing jam-packed Tagore Hall, not packed with VIPs who move around in bullet proof vehicles but the ordinary Kashmiris who had thronged the venue with their families.
And Kashmiriyat, that had got some beating during past more than a decade, was reborn as all Muslim Kashmiri hands clapped on every move and every word of Kashmiri Pandit children.
The programme ‘Mauj Kasheer’, a variety show of Kashmiri Culture was specially designed and organised by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages to showcase the musical talent of the Kashmiri Pandit children born in Jammu and other parts of country. The programme also highlighted how strongly the Kashmiris, living in exile, continue to remain linked to their cultural roots in Kashmir Valley.
Performing on the lilting music composed by Krishan Langoo, the children with every move of theirs touched something within of all those present in the audience and even a shrewd politician and finance minister of the state, Abdul Rahim Rather was seen wiping his tears.
So touched was Rather that he announced a cash prize of Rs.2 Lacs for the performing artists as a token of love and encouragement.
“Chounth Chu Yete, Magar Zew Che Tou’er. (Mouth is here but the tongue is with them {Kashmiri Pandits}),” commented Ghulam Nabi Ganie, a teacher hailing from a Baramulla village, who was mesmerized by the performance of the young Pandit artists and their love for Kashmiri language.
The teacher was impressed that how seriously the Pandits, although living in exile, were contributing for preservation and progress of Kashmiri language.
Earlier, speaking in his welcome address, Zafar Iqbal Manhas, Secretary J&K Cultural Academy, said that though unfortunate turmoil has resulted into geographical separation of Kashmiri Pandit community from their land of origin but Kashmiris stand united by one common language and culture. He said that in order to provide opportunity to the children born in exile to visit Kashmir, Academy has organized this special show here and “we are planning to extend this programme of young Kashmiri Pandit artists in different parts of Kashmir Valley so as to provide them an opportunity to visit land of their ancestors and also interact with their contemporaries.”
Unbreakable Links (Editorial in Kashmir Images)
Kashmir, since 1989, has witnessed tragedies and tragedies alone. It has been death and destruction allover; with thousands buried in the graveyards, which have emerged in every nook and corner of Valley. People have faced serious emotional, psychological and economic disasters and normality and peace have taken a ruthless beating. Amongst all these tragedies one is the displacement of a section of Kashmir society – Kashmiri Pandits – who in the wake of insurgency left their homes and hearths and since then are living in Jammu and other parts of country a life in exile. While there are so many versions regarding the causes behind Pandit migration, one thing is certain that in any society, a minority community decides to migrate only when it feels that the majority around is not in a position to safe guard its life and property. One can’t rule out then Governor Jagmohan’s hand, but he could only facilitate what the community had already decided. Anyway, without going into that debate, Pandit migration continues to be a dark chapter of our contemporary history. The only good thing is that despite the migration and despite misgivings about each other, the two communities still are emotionally and psychologically as close as ever and given a chance they would again be living together happily.
No politics, no hate campaigns, no religion based politics can sever the innate links that exist between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims and that was proved beyond any doubt at Tagore Hall on Sunday evening when house-full Muslim audience was cheering non-stop the child artists of Pandit community who were performing there during a programme organized by Cultural Academy. As the child artists performed on the songs of Lala Ded, Dina Nath Nadim, Mehjoor, Azad and Moti Lal Saqi, are eyes were wet and almost every individual in the audience could feel their own half performing on the stage. That is the bonding between the communities who basically are from the same lot. Language and culture are the basic that unite people and no politics or hate campaigns break this link. The emotions may remain dormant for sometime but once given a chance they are expressed more vehemently each time. The government’s and politicians have been talking of getting the displaced Kashmiri Pandits back to their own soil but unfortunately nothing of the sort seems happening. Fact of the matter is that it can’t be done by government policy and politicians but by the ordinary sons and daughters of the soil. Efforts are to be made, the way Cultural Academy has initiated, to bring the two communities together and allow them to share their grievances and longings with each other. The love between the two is eternal and is always there. Need is to provide an opportunity so that people are able to express it.
The tears in the eyes of Muslim audience at Tagore Hall was an open invitation to Kashmiri Pandits – come back, we are longing for you.
The Economy of the State Cannot be Improved Without Emphasis on Agriculture
A noble soul from Badarwah reminds the State government to put emphasis on the Agriculture, followed by a related story from potato farmers in the valley
Improving economy of J&K
Dear Editor (Kashmir Times),
This refers to the column 'Measures to improve economy'. The planning commission has asked the state government to lay more emphasis on agriculture, which is also called as primary sector. It is yet to be developed extensively across the state.
This sector provides employment to almost 70 percent of work force in our country. The developed states of the country at present are depending on the tertiary sector that includes banking, shipping and infrastructure.
This sector has seen a tremendous increase in recent times. The rich states of the country like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have already made a lot of improvement in primary as well as secondary sector or industrial sector.
The primary sector was their main priority in the times of acute food shortages. They have completed the work of improving the secondary sector also. Our state is still working to improve primary sector. Development would be of no use if we do not have well-developed infrastructure, transport, communication, banking and insurance services.
A farmer cannot improve his production if he is not informed about the modern methods of farming. The banking sector is anticipated to provide finance to the farmers. So, there is an urgent need to improve our Primary sector and automatically, the remaining sectors will improve. The concept of balanced growth should be adopted. More important is the introduction of private sector but this sector will only flourish if the people across the state would be able to prevent outsiders from running the economy of the state.
Aaqib Anwar Butt,
Bhadarwah.
Valley Potato Farmers Feel Cheated
Rashid Paul (Rising Kashmir)
Srinagar: Kashmir farmers that banked on potato seeds procured from directorate of agriculture are feeling cheated as none of the plants have bore any tubers while as the prevailing local varieties are nearing harvest.
Farmers from different areas of the Valley told Rising Kashmir that the potato development wing of the agriculture department handed out thousands of kilograms of potatoes in February and March this year for sowing. The officials claimed the seeds are high yielding but till now the potatoes are invisible.
“We have been put to major losses by the agriculture department,” said Mohammed Amin, a farmer from Kreshibal, a city suburb. “I was provided seeds for 10 kanal of land and the officials named the seeds as Kufribadshah. However, July has set in, the plants have not bore any potatoes,” he added.
Abdul Samad from Wanganpora said that he was assured of a plenteous crop. But nothing of the kind has grown on my fields. “My neighbors are reaping the crop and my field has a profuse vegetative growth without any produce,” he said.
The farmers said that the agriculture department warded them off by saying that the seed variety takes time to mature. Even if they are believed, we have been divested of another crop which we usually started from the end of July.
The valley according to official figures has 1700 acres under potato cultivation with average annual production pegged at 2,60,000 quintals. Hundreds of farmers from Kashmiri’s temperate zone feel deprived of their earnings this year by the distribution of varieties suitable to tropical regions of India.
Abdul Majid Mian, Joint Director inputs said the new varieties like kufri jyoti abd, kufri badshah were acquired from the Central Potato Research Institute. “We conducted their trial at our farms and if suitable environment, required amount of nutrients and other inputs are provided in adequate quantity the varieties have a potential of producing 10 quintals of potato per kanal of land,” said Majid. They have exceptionally large vegetative growth and their crop can be collected in August, he assured.
Improving economy of J&K
Dear Editor (Kashmir Times),
This refers to the column 'Measures to improve economy'. The planning commission has asked the state government to lay more emphasis on agriculture, which is also called as primary sector. It is yet to be developed extensively across the state.
This sector provides employment to almost 70 percent of work force in our country. The developed states of the country at present are depending on the tertiary sector that includes banking, shipping and infrastructure.
This sector has seen a tremendous increase in recent times. The rich states of the country like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have already made a lot of improvement in primary as well as secondary sector or industrial sector.
The primary sector was their main priority in the times of acute food shortages. They have completed the work of improving the secondary sector also. Our state is still working to improve primary sector. Development would be of no use if we do not have well-developed infrastructure, transport, communication, banking and insurance services.
A farmer cannot improve his production if he is not informed about the modern methods of farming. The banking sector is anticipated to provide finance to the farmers. So, there is an urgent need to improve our Primary sector and automatically, the remaining sectors will improve. The concept of balanced growth should be adopted. More important is the introduction of private sector but this sector will only flourish if the people across the state would be able to prevent outsiders from running the economy of the state.
Aaqib Anwar Butt,
Bhadarwah.
Valley Potato Farmers Feel Cheated
Rashid Paul (Rising Kashmir)
Srinagar: Kashmir farmers that banked on potato seeds procured from directorate of agriculture are feeling cheated as none of the plants have bore any tubers while as the prevailing local varieties are nearing harvest.
Farmers from different areas of the Valley told Rising Kashmir that the potato development wing of the agriculture department handed out thousands of kilograms of potatoes in February and March this year for sowing. The officials claimed the seeds are high yielding but till now the potatoes are invisible.
“We have been put to major losses by the agriculture department,” said Mohammed Amin, a farmer from Kreshibal, a city suburb. “I was provided seeds for 10 kanal of land and the officials named the seeds as Kufribadshah. However, July has set in, the plants have not bore any potatoes,” he added.
Abdul Samad from Wanganpora said that he was assured of a plenteous crop. But nothing of the kind has grown on my fields. “My neighbors are reaping the crop and my field has a profuse vegetative growth without any produce,” he said.
The farmers said that the agriculture department warded them off by saying that the seed variety takes time to mature. Even if they are believed, we have been divested of another crop which we usually started from the end of July.
The valley according to official figures has 1700 acres under potato cultivation with average annual production pegged at 2,60,000 quintals. Hundreds of farmers from Kashmiri’s temperate zone feel deprived of their earnings this year by the distribution of varieties suitable to tropical regions of India.
Abdul Majid Mian, Joint Director inputs said the new varieties like kufri jyoti abd, kufri badshah were acquired from the Central Potato Research Institute. “We conducted their trial at our farms and if suitable environment, required amount of nutrients and other inputs are provided in adequate quantity the varieties have a potential of producing 10 quintals of potato per kanal of land,” said Majid. They have exceptionally large vegetative growth and their crop can be collected in August, he assured.
Missing Factor: The Text of the speech by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to the 13th Finance Commission
For a State where a majority of citizens are engaged in the Agricultural sector, the speech by the CM fell a little short
Hon’ble Chairman, Shri Vijay Kelkar Ji , distinguished Members and officers of the 13th Finance Commission.
I, on behalf of my cabinet colleagues and the State Administration, would like to extend a very warm and personal welcome to you the Hon’ble Chairman, the distinguished Members and indeed to the entire team on your visit to Jammu and Kashmir. For me in particular, the occasion is momentous as it is for the whole State. My government assumed office in January 2009 and, therefore, term of my government will by and large be concurrent with the award period of the 13th Finance Commission from 2010 to 2015. It is for this reason that the visit of the Commission is all the more significant for my Government. While my government will try its utmost to serve the people and solve their problems, our request to the Commission would be to be generous in supporting us.
As is well known, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have gone through a lot of suffering during the last twenty years. The administration which was expected to attend to the issues of governance and fulfill the day to day needs of the people, had to devote most of its resources, time and energy in dealing with separatism, militancy and terrorism. In the process, most institutions of the State suffered and performed much below par. It will not be an exaggeration to say that while the administration geared up to face new and difficult challenges, it faltered when it came to dealing with the issues of development and delivery of public services. Naturally, today we are confronted with a greater challenge and that is to do extra so as to make up for the lost time and opportunity.
So, while the rest of the country was marching ahead, witnessing unprecedent development in infrastructure and social and educational sectors in the wake of economic liberalization, we almost lost out completely on this great opportunity for development. Our people have, however, shown exemplary courage and maturity in defeating the sinister designs of those who tried to divide them. Notwithstanding this, we continue to remain committed to the highest ideals of democracy, secularism and socialism which constitute the basic spirit of our constitution.
In this background, I see the visit of the 13th Finance Commission to the State as very timely and a God send opportunity. At a time when the State and its people are trying to emerge from the shadow of violence, we need hand holding with compassion and understanding
Hon’ble Chairman and Members, the long agitation faced by the State during the summer of 2008 completely crippled normal life for nearly three months and led to economic losses running into hundreds of crores. The other losses that we suffered for example in education, services, image and reputation are difficult to quantify. Thereafter, we had abnormaly protracted Assembly Elections spread over seven phases for nearly two and half months followed by another spell of five phases of Lok Sabha elections. Thus for seven months in 2008-09, the State experienced low level of economic activity, tax generation and employment. The impact of global meltdown is also gradually showing on our economy as exports of carpets, handicrafts, walnut kernels have slowed down. As a consequence, many of our weavers and artisans have lost jobs and income. The purpose of highlighting this is to drive home the point that the complexities of our situation hamper our effectiveness in development and delivery of public services. This is not to justify our occasional lapses in performance but nonetheless these are the real limiting factors that have to be kept in mind. This is only to provide a background to the presentation that is being made to the Commission and to help the Commission in appreciating the problems, limitations, concerns and expectations.
The Task Force for economic development of J&K under the Chairmanship of Dr. S. Rangaranjan set up by the Hon’ble Prime Minister has studied the problems of the State in depth and has made a number of recommendations to enable the State to generate more income, attract investment and achieve self-reliance. Support of the Thirteenth Finance Commission in fulfilling these goals is solicited.
It is relevant to highlight here that even before the onset of militancy in 1989, our State had lagged behind the rest of the country in infrastructure and economic development. While the public sector investments in other States were aggregating into thousands of crores, our State almost got nothing. The Green revolution did not benefit us fully and the white revolution touched us only on the peripheries. But now we need to shift our focus so as to build on our strengths and resources. Our traditional approach of planning is too regimented to allow us to focus on our core competencies. I will, therefore, take this opportunity to present before the Commission for its consideration the following priority areas of development:
Hydel Power Generation
Much has been said and written on the subject of Hydel potential of the State but we have not made much progress in harnessing it. This is one area which we have to address with a sense of urgency as this has the potential to turn around the fortunes of the State. It is one sector which will make sufficient energy available not only to the State but also to the rest of the country and have a multiplier effect on the growth of industry, tourism and services sector in the State. However, the limitations imposed by the Indus Water Treaty have hampered exploitation of this vital resource thus far. The Rangrajan Committee has emphasized that “As a long term measure, Jammu and Kashmir should try and exploit fully the hydro- potential of the State”. But how we do that? It is a Catch 22 situation that the State finds itself in. The day to day life of the people has to go on and, therefore, the resources of today cannot be only committed for the prosperity of tomorrow. Given our social indicators, we can ill afford diverting our resources from the basic services to be provided now. Therefore, in the period of transition, additional resources need to be found and made available for hydel power generation which in turn will provide regular income to the State. Regular income will in turn help us to pay off our debt and generate surplus resources which could be deployed in core sectors. However, I am fully conscious that this cannot happen through the debt route alone as the servicing of debt will keep the State and its finances under stress. A corpus fund of Rs15,000 crores is required to be created to finance the equity of the State in future hydroelectric power projects. The State intends to create at least 1500 MW potential over the Thirteenth Finance Commission award period. Therefore, the State should be provided full equity as grant- in- aid to create this additional capacity. This process must continue over the next 15 to 20 years to convert the State into an energy and resource surplus State. Even at the cost of repetition, I will emphasize that this is what should be our vision 2020 for the State and to realize this vision whatever financial and managerial capacity building is required, it ought be done with undivided attention.
Tourism
Tourism is another area which is a gift of nature to the State. But unless we are able to create the requisite infrastructure and facilities for the tourists, the real benefits will not flow to our people. As is well known, the downstream multiplier effect of tourism is perhaps the most wide spectrummed and equitable. Realizing the potential impact of this sector on the economy of the State, the State Government established 19 Tourism Development Authorities at places having very good tourism potential. With normalcy gradually returning, the State Government will like to take major initiatives in creating the requisite infrastructure for tourism. We have projected our requirement in this regard which deserves sympathetic consideration. A small gift by the 11th Finance Commission in the shape of Gandola project at Gulmarg is a huge success story today.
Forest, Ecology & Environment
Forest and environment is our natural wealth and a unique gift of God. It is a wealth from which several benefits flow, directly and indirectly, not only to the people of our State but also to other parts of the country. However, this resource cannot be taken for granted. The benefit would be sustainable only if significant and continuous investment is made in preserving and conserving the natural resources. On our own, we cannot afford to spare enough money for proper maintenance, up keep, development and conservation of the forest wealth. For preservation of our most famous water bodies namely Wullar, Tsomoriri & Mansar-Surinsar lakes which could not be fully funded under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme (PMRP), we need an amount of about Rs.419 crores on urgent basis. In our memorandum, we have indicated the extent of help that is required.
Dal is life for the people of Kashmir. A major project for saving this glorious and ancient lake is underway. However, for successful completion of the project a resource gap of Rs 725 crore needs to be met. I would urge the Commission to kindly provide this grant and help us in conserving and preserving the Dal.
The Finance Commission, is therefore, requested to provide adequate funds. This investment is crucial and unless the state is supported by a generous award of the 13th Finance Commission, we would be risking posterity and its future.
Social Sector
People are the biggest resource of any society provided they are healthy and educated. Given the difficult terrain of our State, remoteness of many areas and harsh climatic conditions, we need adequate resources for education and health care facilities. The per capita cost of providing these services is higher in our State for obvious reasons. Our memorandum has made a specific mention of the requirements in the social sector and I would fervently urge the commission to consider the same sympathetically.
Infrastructure & Communication
As already stated, the development of infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir has lagged behind other parts of the country. Our road connectivity is poor. At an average of 13 percent road density, we are amongst the lowest in the country. In many parts of the State, we have road density as low as 2.6 percent ( Leh) and just over 5 percent ( Kargil and Doda). Similarly, in our rural areas with more than 70 percent population, we do not have good road connectivity. Even for existing roads, we do not have enough resources for maintenance. On this account the State has presented its requirement in a comprehensive manner both for Rural as well as Urban areas, for which we need full support of the Commission.
Local Self Government
To support local self government in rural and urban areas, the 12th Finance Commission had awarded Rs319 crore to J&K. However, against this award, the State Government is yet to receive Rs 254 crores. The reason for non-release of this money has been linked to non-holding of elections for Panchayats. Frankly speaking, this is extremely harsh on the people of State who have participated in Assembly and Parliamentary elections braving many difficulties. To inform the Hon’ble Chairman and Members, the State made a sincere effort to hold panchayat elections in 2001 and actually held elections in 1693 panchayats out of 2651 panchayats which was the total number of Panchayats then. However, midway the process had to be abandoned due to mindless and dastardly acts of violence. We lost precious lives of several political persons. We need to appreciate these ground realities and help in strengthening the resolve of the people rather than depriving them of their due share. My government is committed to empowering grass root level democratic institutions. Holding panchayat elections is on top of the agenda of my government. I would therefore request 13th Finance Commission to help in securing release of the balance award amount of 12th Finance Commission. Even for future, an appropriate provision, without restrictive conditionalities, needs to be incorporated in the recommendations so that the people of the state are not deprived of their legitimate rights and claims.
Strengthening Administrative Infrastructure
To deliver public services and in the discharge of its duties, the State needs to put in place efficient administrative mechanism. Many of our Districts, Tehsils and Blocks lack even basic administrative infrastructure which affects public service delivery, development and redressal of public grievances. The State has another unique legacy of ‘Darbar Move’ in which the entire State level offices move from Srinagar to Jammu and Jammu to Srinagar every six months. At present, the infrastructure in the form of offices and residential accommodation is woefully short of requirement. Ever since the onset of militancy, the State is spending crores every year in hiring hotels for accommodating move officials. Now, there is a definite need to construct accommodation and spare the hotel accommodation for tourists. This will not only generate more jobs and income to the public at large but also make administration more efficient and effective. The State Memorandum has dealt with both the issues requiring support of the Commission for building infrastructure at the State as well as at the district level. The Commission is requested to support the proposals of the State government by way of appropriate provisions in their award.
Likewise, having an efficient Judicial Administration is critical. Creation and upgradation of infrastructure in judiciary has not kept pace with the requirements. We now need to provide good infrastructure by way of construction of court buildings and residential accommodation so that justice is not only made accessible but also made available to ordinary citizens. Our requirements in this regard as projected in the memorandum may kindly be favourbly considered.
Security needs
Due to violence, militancy and terrorism security became the highest concern and everything became subsidiary to security needs. As a result, the security apparatus of the State had to be strengthened and in the process apart from enhancing recruitment in the police, additional India Reserve Battalions have been raised. The non-plan expenditure on security related initiatives has to be compensated as under the present dispensation it is not being met under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) reimbursed by the MHA. This is a very legitimate charge which we would urge the Finance Commission to incorporate in their award.
Sixth Pay Commission
Lastly, I would like to make a mention of the additional financial burden that the State has to bear because of the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission recommendations. The Commission has been studying the Finances of the State for quite sometime now and is fully aware of the precarious state of our finances. This additional burden of over Rs1700 crores per annum and arrears of over Rs4200 crores is not something that the State can bear. Nonetheless, it is the obligation of the State to honour its commitment and I see no reason to escape from this. We would request the Commission to steer the State clear out of this additional burden by making a generous award. Likewise, the State is keen to implement the New Pension Scheme which, however, our resources do not permit us to implement and, therefore, we would like the 13th Finance Commission to make full provision in their award as requested in our memorandum. As the finances of the State continue to be under constant pressure, over-draft from J&K Bank has become a structural reality rather than an interim necessity. At no point of time the overdraft has gone below Rs.1500 crores and therefore this fiscal imbalance needs correction. Even though in the Memorandum a request for one time support of Rs.750 crore has been made but I would strongly plead for one time grant of Rs.1500 crores to wipe out the over-draft so that a new beginning could be made in reshaping the finances of the State.
In conclusion, while once again thanking the Hon’ble Chairman, distinguished Members and officers of the Commission for their visit, I would make a sincere request to please consider our submissions in the backdrop of our difficulties and extend your whole-hearted support so that the State and its people could move towards self sufficiency, self-reliance and economic well being.
Hon’ble Chairman, Shri Vijay Kelkar Ji , distinguished Members and officers of the 13th Finance Commission.
I, on behalf of my cabinet colleagues and the State Administration, would like to extend a very warm and personal welcome to you the Hon’ble Chairman, the distinguished Members and indeed to the entire team on your visit to Jammu and Kashmir. For me in particular, the occasion is momentous as it is for the whole State. My government assumed office in January 2009 and, therefore, term of my government will by and large be concurrent with the award period of the 13th Finance Commission from 2010 to 2015. It is for this reason that the visit of the Commission is all the more significant for my Government. While my government will try its utmost to serve the people and solve their problems, our request to the Commission would be to be generous in supporting us.
As is well known, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have gone through a lot of suffering during the last twenty years. The administration which was expected to attend to the issues of governance and fulfill the day to day needs of the people, had to devote most of its resources, time and energy in dealing with separatism, militancy and terrorism. In the process, most institutions of the State suffered and performed much below par. It will not be an exaggeration to say that while the administration geared up to face new and difficult challenges, it faltered when it came to dealing with the issues of development and delivery of public services. Naturally, today we are confronted with a greater challenge and that is to do extra so as to make up for the lost time and opportunity.
So, while the rest of the country was marching ahead, witnessing unprecedent development in infrastructure and social and educational sectors in the wake of economic liberalization, we almost lost out completely on this great opportunity for development. Our people have, however, shown exemplary courage and maturity in defeating the sinister designs of those who tried to divide them. Notwithstanding this, we continue to remain committed to the highest ideals of democracy, secularism and socialism which constitute the basic spirit of our constitution.
In this background, I see the visit of the 13th Finance Commission to the State as very timely and a God send opportunity. At a time when the State and its people are trying to emerge from the shadow of violence, we need hand holding with compassion and understanding
Hon’ble Chairman and Members, the long agitation faced by the State during the summer of 2008 completely crippled normal life for nearly three months and led to economic losses running into hundreds of crores. The other losses that we suffered for example in education, services, image and reputation are difficult to quantify. Thereafter, we had abnormaly protracted Assembly Elections spread over seven phases for nearly two and half months followed by another spell of five phases of Lok Sabha elections. Thus for seven months in 2008-09, the State experienced low level of economic activity, tax generation and employment. The impact of global meltdown is also gradually showing on our economy as exports of carpets, handicrafts, walnut kernels have slowed down. As a consequence, many of our weavers and artisans have lost jobs and income. The purpose of highlighting this is to drive home the point that the complexities of our situation hamper our effectiveness in development and delivery of public services. This is not to justify our occasional lapses in performance but nonetheless these are the real limiting factors that have to be kept in mind. This is only to provide a background to the presentation that is being made to the Commission and to help the Commission in appreciating the problems, limitations, concerns and expectations.
The Task Force for economic development of J&K under the Chairmanship of Dr. S. Rangaranjan set up by the Hon’ble Prime Minister has studied the problems of the State in depth and has made a number of recommendations to enable the State to generate more income, attract investment and achieve self-reliance. Support of the Thirteenth Finance Commission in fulfilling these goals is solicited.
It is relevant to highlight here that even before the onset of militancy in 1989, our State had lagged behind the rest of the country in infrastructure and economic development. While the public sector investments in other States were aggregating into thousands of crores, our State almost got nothing. The Green revolution did not benefit us fully and the white revolution touched us only on the peripheries. But now we need to shift our focus so as to build on our strengths and resources. Our traditional approach of planning is too regimented to allow us to focus on our core competencies. I will, therefore, take this opportunity to present before the Commission for its consideration the following priority areas of development:
Hydel Power Generation
Much has been said and written on the subject of Hydel potential of the State but we have not made much progress in harnessing it. This is one area which we have to address with a sense of urgency as this has the potential to turn around the fortunes of the State. It is one sector which will make sufficient energy available not only to the State but also to the rest of the country and have a multiplier effect on the growth of industry, tourism and services sector in the State. However, the limitations imposed by the Indus Water Treaty have hampered exploitation of this vital resource thus far. The Rangrajan Committee has emphasized that “As a long term measure, Jammu and Kashmir should try and exploit fully the hydro- potential of the State”. But how we do that? It is a Catch 22 situation that the State finds itself in. The day to day life of the people has to go on and, therefore, the resources of today cannot be only committed for the prosperity of tomorrow. Given our social indicators, we can ill afford diverting our resources from the basic services to be provided now. Therefore, in the period of transition, additional resources need to be found and made available for hydel power generation which in turn will provide regular income to the State. Regular income will in turn help us to pay off our debt and generate surplus resources which could be deployed in core sectors. However, I am fully conscious that this cannot happen through the debt route alone as the servicing of debt will keep the State and its finances under stress. A corpus fund of Rs15,000 crores is required to be created to finance the equity of the State in future hydroelectric power projects. The State intends to create at least 1500 MW potential over the Thirteenth Finance Commission award period. Therefore, the State should be provided full equity as grant- in- aid to create this additional capacity. This process must continue over the next 15 to 20 years to convert the State into an energy and resource surplus State. Even at the cost of repetition, I will emphasize that this is what should be our vision 2020 for the State and to realize this vision whatever financial and managerial capacity building is required, it ought be done with undivided attention.
Tourism
Tourism is another area which is a gift of nature to the State. But unless we are able to create the requisite infrastructure and facilities for the tourists, the real benefits will not flow to our people. As is well known, the downstream multiplier effect of tourism is perhaps the most wide spectrummed and equitable. Realizing the potential impact of this sector on the economy of the State, the State Government established 19 Tourism Development Authorities at places having very good tourism potential. With normalcy gradually returning, the State Government will like to take major initiatives in creating the requisite infrastructure for tourism. We have projected our requirement in this regard which deserves sympathetic consideration. A small gift by the 11th Finance Commission in the shape of Gandola project at Gulmarg is a huge success story today.
Forest, Ecology & Environment
Forest and environment is our natural wealth and a unique gift of God. It is a wealth from which several benefits flow, directly and indirectly, not only to the people of our State but also to other parts of the country. However, this resource cannot be taken for granted. The benefit would be sustainable only if significant and continuous investment is made in preserving and conserving the natural resources. On our own, we cannot afford to spare enough money for proper maintenance, up keep, development and conservation of the forest wealth. For preservation of our most famous water bodies namely Wullar, Tsomoriri & Mansar-Surinsar lakes which could not be fully funded under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme (PMRP), we need an amount of about Rs.419 crores on urgent basis. In our memorandum, we have indicated the extent of help that is required.
Dal is life for the people of Kashmir. A major project for saving this glorious and ancient lake is underway. However, for successful completion of the project a resource gap of Rs 725 crore needs to be met. I would urge the Commission to kindly provide this grant and help us in conserving and preserving the Dal.
The Finance Commission, is therefore, requested to provide adequate funds. This investment is crucial and unless the state is supported by a generous award of the 13th Finance Commission, we would be risking posterity and its future.
Social Sector
People are the biggest resource of any society provided they are healthy and educated. Given the difficult terrain of our State, remoteness of many areas and harsh climatic conditions, we need adequate resources for education and health care facilities. The per capita cost of providing these services is higher in our State for obvious reasons. Our memorandum has made a specific mention of the requirements in the social sector and I would fervently urge the commission to consider the same sympathetically.
Infrastructure & Communication
As already stated, the development of infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir has lagged behind other parts of the country. Our road connectivity is poor. At an average of 13 percent road density, we are amongst the lowest in the country. In many parts of the State, we have road density as low as 2.6 percent ( Leh) and just over 5 percent ( Kargil and Doda). Similarly, in our rural areas with more than 70 percent population, we do not have good road connectivity. Even for existing roads, we do not have enough resources for maintenance. On this account the State has presented its requirement in a comprehensive manner both for Rural as well as Urban areas, for which we need full support of the Commission.
Local Self Government
To support local self government in rural and urban areas, the 12th Finance Commission had awarded Rs319 crore to J&K. However, against this award, the State Government is yet to receive Rs 254 crores. The reason for non-release of this money has been linked to non-holding of elections for Panchayats. Frankly speaking, this is extremely harsh on the people of State who have participated in Assembly and Parliamentary elections braving many difficulties. To inform the Hon’ble Chairman and Members, the State made a sincere effort to hold panchayat elections in 2001 and actually held elections in 1693 panchayats out of 2651 panchayats which was the total number of Panchayats then. However, midway the process had to be abandoned due to mindless and dastardly acts of violence. We lost precious lives of several political persons. We need to appreciate these ground realities and help in strengthening the resolve of the people rather than depriving them of their due share. My government is committed to empowering grass root level democratic institutions. Holding panchayat elections is on top of the agenda of my government. I would therefore request 13th Finance Commission to help in securing release of the balance award amount of 12th Finance Commission. Even for future, an appropriate provision, without restrictive conditionalities, needs to be incorporated in the recommendations so that the people of the state are not deprived of their legitimate rights and claims.
Strengthening Administrative Infrastructure
To deliver public services and in the discharge of its duties, the State needs to put in place efficient administrative mechanism. Many of our Districts, Tehsils and Blocks lack even basic administrative infrastructure which affects public service delivery, development and redressal of public grievances. The State has another unique legacy of ‘Darbar Move’ in which the entire State level offices move from Srinagar to Jammu and Jammu to Srinagar every six months. At present, the infrastructure in the form of offices and residential accommodation is woefully short of requirement. Ever since the onset of militancy, the State is spending crores every year in hiring hotels for accommodating move officials. Now, there is a definite need to construct accommodation and spare the hotel accommodation for tourists. This will not only generate more jobs and income to the public at large but also make administration more efficient and effective. The State Memorandum has dealt with both the issues requiring support of the Commission for building infrastructure at the State as well as at the district level. The Commission is requested to support the proposals of the State government by way of appropriate provisions in their award.
Likewise, having an efficient Judicial Administration is critical. Creation and upgradation of infrastructure in judiciary has not kept pace with the requirements. We now need to provide good infrastructure by way of construction of court buildings and residential accommodation so that justice is not only made accessible but also made available to ordinary citizens. Our requirements in this regard as projected in the memorandum may kindly be favourbly considered.
Security needs
Due to violence, militancy and terrorism security became the highest concern and everything became subsidiary to security needs. As a result, the security apparatus of the State had to be strengthened and in the process apart from enhancing recruitment in the police, additional India Reserve Battalions have been raised. The non-plan expenditure on security related initiatives has to be compensated as under the present dispensation it is not being met under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) reimbursed by the MHA. This is a very legitimate charge which we would urge the Finance Commission to incorporate in their award.
Sixth Pay Commission
Lastly, I would like to make a mention of the additional financial burden that the State has to bear because of the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission recommendations. The Commission has been studying the Finances of the State for quite sometime now and is fully aware of the precarious state of our finances. This additional burden of over Rs1700 crores per annum and arrears of over Rs4200 crores is not something that the State can bear. Nonetheless, it is the obligation of the State to honour its commitment and I see no reason to escape from this. We would request the Commission to steer the State clear out of this additional burden by making a generous award. Likewise, the State is keen to implement the New Pension Scheme which, however, our resources do not permit us to implement and, therefore, we would like the 13th Finance Commission to make full provision in their award as requested in our memorandum. As the finances of the State continue to be under constant pressure, over-draft from J&K Bank has become a structural reality rather than an interim necessity. At no point of time the overdraft has gone below Rs.1500 crores and therefore this fiscal imbalance needs correction. Even though in the Memorandum a request for one time support of Rs.750 crore has been made but I would strongly plead for one time grant of Rs.1500 crores to wipe out the over-draft so that a new beginning could be made in reshaping the finances of the State.
In conclusion, while once again thanking the Hon’ble Chairman, distinguished Members and officers of the Commission for their visit, I would make a sincere request to please consider our submissions in the backdrop of our difficulties and extend your whole-hearted support so that the State and its people could move towards self sufficiency, self-reliance and economic well being.
Something to Cheer About Today While it Still Looks New
Nigeen gets its Club back but will it look the same a year from now?
Restored Nigeen Club inaugurated
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the restored Nigeen Club here on Wednesday.
The club located at the banks of Nigeen Lake was last year taken up for restoration work by Tourism Department following its vacation by troops after 20 years.
The chief minister stressed the need for upgrading the tourism related facilities to woo more tourists.
Lamenting that several of the clubs which were vibrant in the past have gone into oblivion, Omar said the club culture has to be revitalized, but within the permissible limits of our religion and culture.
He added that there is less hope for revival of old Srinagar Club, but the government will try to see that the property at Chemashahi which is under occupation is restored.
The chief minister said quality tourism infrastructure is must to attract tourists as other states are also competing.
“Besides we have to maintain the quality of our services,” he added.
Earlier, the chief minister inspected the newly created facilities at the club which includes a library, fitness center, sauna bath facility, billiards room besides catering and other facilities.
Minister of Tourism and Culture, Nawang Ringrin Jora said the department is committed for development of tourism in the state.
Director Tourism, Farooq Shah said the department took up the renovation of the club within the shortest possible duration of five months.
He said the club will give boost to tourism related activities in the area.
On the occasion, MLA Hazratbal, Dr Mustafa Kamal expressed hope that the restoration of club will help woo tourists to the area.
Meanwhile, an old club member said it was established by the Britishers. The original wooden building was gutted earlier. The remaining part of the premises remained under occupation of troops till last year.
The present single storey building has a main hall decorated by Katahmband ceiling. The old single roof has been replaced by color coated tin sheets. The lawns of the club have been redone with a fountain greeting the guests at the entrance.
Others who were present at the inaugural ceremony included MLAs Peer Afaq Ahmad and Nasir Sogami, Secretery Tourism, Tanveer Jehan. Besides representatives of KCCI, FCCI, NALCO, Houseboat Owners, Tour and Travel Operators Association and former members of Nigeen Club were also present on the occasion.
(Rising Kashmir)
Restored Nigeen Club inaugurated
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the restored Nigeen Club here on Wednesday.
The club located at the banks of Nigeen Lake was last year taken up for restoration work by Tourism Department following its vacation by troops after 20 years.
The chief minister stressed the need for upgrading the tourism related facilities to woo more tourists.
Lamenting that several of the clubs which were vibrant in the past have gone into oblivion, Omar said the club culture has to be revitalized, but within the permissible limits of our religion and culture.
He added that there is less hope for revival of old Srinagar Club, but the government will try to see that the property at Chemashahi which is under occupation is restored.
The chief minister said quality tourism infrastructure is must to attract tourists as other states are also competing.
“Besides we have to maintain the quality of our services,” he added.
Earlier, the chief minister inspected the newly created facilities at the club which includes a library, fitness center, sauna bath facility, billiards room besides catering and other facilities.
Minister of Tourism and Culture, Nawang Ringrin Jora said the department is committed for development of tourism in the state.
Director Tourism, Farooq Shah said the department took up the renovation of the club within the shortest possible duration of five months.
He said the club will give boost to tourism related activities in the area.
On the occasion, MLA Hazratbal, Dr Mustafa Kamal expressed hope that the restoration of club will help woo tourists to the area.
Meanwhile, an old club member said it was established by the Britishers. The original wooden building was gutted earlier. The remaining part of the premises remained under occupation of troops till last year.
The present single storey building has a main hall decorated by Katahmband ceiling. The old single roof has been replaced by color coated tin sheets. The lawns of the club have been redone with a fountain greeting the guests at the entrance.
Others who were present at the inaugural ceremony included MLAs Peer Afaq Ahmad and Nasir Sogami, Secretery Tourism, Tanveer Jehan. Besides representatives of KCCI, FCCI, NALCO, Houseboat Owners, Tour and Travel Operators Association and former members of Nigeen Club were also present on the occasion.
(Rising Kashmir)
First Climate Changes, Next Official Apathy, Together a New Disaster
A heritage site has been turned into a garbage dump
Heritage springs dry up in Pattan
Pattan: Centuries old springs in Pattan town have dried up and become reservoirs for stinking and stagnant rain water and garbage due to negligence by the state government, local residents said.
Popularly called as Sikh Naag and Musalman Naag, the two springs in historical Pattan town have dried up after decades of neglect. The stone monuments over these springs are also in a derelict state, locals said.
The centuries old stone monument built around the source of Sikh Naag is submerged under stagnant, algae covered rainwater littered with plastic bottles and other wastes. The Municipal Committee Pattan has turned the premises of the spring into a garbage dumping site.
“Those who must be preserving monuments are in deep slumber and nature has started to take revenge by stopping water,” said Salim Farooq Wani.
Seventy year old Muhammad Ismail recalls old times when Hindus would perform Puja in one of the springs and use the other for ablution. He said the water from springs was also used for irrigating paddy fields.
People believe Rural Development Department’s “renovation work” on the springs a few years ago proved the proverbial last nail in coffin. Former Member Parliament Abdur Rashid Shaheen had allocated Rs 12 lakhs for repairs of the springs from his constituency development fund, but the locals said the department had no expertise to work on heritage sites.
The residents have requested the Archeological Survey of India for maintenance of these springs. “Pattan town has been capital of Kashmir in 9th century. Presence of two temples under control of ASI shows its importance. The springs have always been neglected,” the letter from Citizens’ Welfare Council Pattan to the Director General of ASI reads.
(Greater Kashmir)
Heritage springs dry up in Pattan
Pattan: Centuries old springs in Pattan town have dried up and become reservoirs for stinking and stagnant rain water and garbage due to negligence by the state government, local residents said.
Popularly called as Sikh Naag and Musalman Naag, the two springs in historical Pattan town have dried up after decades of neglect. The stone monuments over these springs are also in a derelict state, locals said.
The centuries old stone monument built around the source of Sikh Naag is submerged under stagnant, algae covered rainwater littered with plastic bottles and other wastes. The Municipal Committee Pattan has turned the premises of the spring into a garbage dumping site.
“Those who must be preserving monuments are in deep slumber and nature has started to take revenge by stopping water,” said Salim Farooq Wani.
Seventy year old Muhammad Ismail recalls old times when Hindus would perform Puja in one of the springs and use the other for ablution. He said the water from springs was also used for irrigating paddy fields.
People believe Rural Development Department’s “renovation work” on the springs a few years ago proved the proverbial last nail in coffin. Former Member Parliament Abdur Rashid Shaheen had allocated Rs 12 lakhs for repairs of the springs from his constituency development fund, but the locals said the department had no expertise to work on heritage sites.
The residents have requested the Archeological Survey of India for maintenance of these springs. “Pattan town has been capital of Kashmir in 9th century. Presence of two temples under control of ASI shows its importance. The springs have always been neglected,” the letter from Citizens’ Welfare Council Pattan to the Director General of ASI reads.
(Greater Kashmir)
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