Kashmir has many challenges - here are two on eradicating corruption and preserving heritage
God save my land!
Imtiyaz Ahmad (Rising Kashmir)
Kashmir may be known throughout the world as paradise on earth but the question is how it turned to a wasteland: a land devoid of all its fertility, growth and power of regeneration. The uncomfortable truth is that it has really turned into a wasteland. “The wasteland” is a long poem written by eminent poet cum critic of twentieth century T.S.Eliot. The poem talks about human bareness and spiritual sterility.
All along we have been known for our rich spiritual values but now we are suffering from the spiritual sterility. It is a disease symptomatic of complete breakdown of contact between man and his creator. It expresses itself in the form of immorality, wickedness and of course betrayal. The man suffering from this disease knows nothing, sees nothing and also remembers nothing. He is not aware even of even his own life. Corruption in its literal sense as well as in metaphorical sense creeps into the whole existence of human life.
There is hardly any part of human existence which has not been infected by this deadly disease. The corruption of human mind or human soul results in the corruption in all those spheres where humans display their physical and intellectual capabilities. It may be education, public services, health care; all the departments of human engagement are eaten up by the disease of corruption. There is hardly any department left which remains immune to this menace.
Keeping these things in view, when we look at the contemporary situation of Kashmir it won’t be wrong to call this city “unreal”; a city which is slowly falling down from the pristine spiritual standards. We have of late seen our social order fracturing in the face of those embarrassing sex scandals. Our moral sensibilities are on sale. No doubt this is happening and has led our society to blind commercialisation and degradation of our society and human values.
My land has a sacred identity. It has been identified with peace and piety. But now, the present Kashmir differs completely from its past. The present is devoid of good human beings not to talk of Sufis. It is now a land that shelters immorality and corruption, a land where human life has got no value, a land completely taken over by those who don’t bother wasting this land. In this situation a person gets confused for he has no ready made answers to the question that what he shall do? Should he ignore all this and live a life of his own? Should he silence his conscience by being oblivious of what happens without?
In this condition a person neither stands nor sits because he who was living is now dead. We, who where living, are now dying; our prayers are no longer answered.
Shall I not, at least, set my land in order? But we are so much gotten ourselves used to the chaos that the question haunts me that if we really need order! God save my land.
PRESERVING HERITAGE
Every conscious nation displays a very serious attitude toward preserving its past. Any threats to the continuity of national ethos have dangerous fall outs on the future of the nation. Kashmir, like other nations around the world has its heritage sites and symbols. Notwithstanding the fact that overemphasis on past makes one lose the sight of future, saving the heritage sites is a collective responsibility.
In Srinagar city one of the popular outing spot was once known as Badamwari, Almond Grove. Our elders regale us with the stories of the lovely springs of their times when the families of Srinagar would visit Badamwari and enjoy the colourful nature. The fragrance of the memories still seems to be fresh. With the passage of time this wonderful outing spot lost its charm and people only lived with the memories of olden days. For the new generation of Kashmir, especially Srinagar, Badamwari was a fairy tale of by gone era. No spring, no bloom and no almonds; just the stories of it that every household would recount with a sense of loss and nostalgia as well.
But now past is ready to bounce back to life. Badamwari will bloom again this spring. People will flock the spot that once their elders did. It is quite heartening that the efforts of J&K Bank to preserve the heritage sites of Kashmir are coming to fruition. This organisation deserves public appreciation for reviving the heritage of Kashmir under its Heritage Preservation Programme. It has actually set a trend in this direction and others should also join them to contribute towards this collective cause. In fact the movement has started gaining momentum. It may be pertinent to mention here that the Department of Tourism J&K, in collaboration with Intac, J&K chapter has taken up the task of reviving Aali Masjid. This is a mosque, located adjacent to Eidgah, Srinagar and was believed to be haunted by ghosts. If symbolism is in anyway important, then a mosque and a grove can be taken as the representative of spiritual and temporal dimensions of our heritage. It augers well if both the sites are thrown open to people in the same time period.
All said and done the task of reviving the forgotten and abandoned sites is Herculean. Just an organisation or two can not do the job that is actually meant to be done by all. Little efforts from all the segments of society can result in a huge outcome.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Brave Rizwan, Bellicose Rizwan, Betrayed Rizwan
Whose blood is this and who died? Syeda Afshana tries to make sense out of tragedies that abound in Kashmir
(Syeda Afshana, 34, 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. )
...Yeh Kis Ka Lahoo! Kaun Mara!
FREEZE FRAME BY SYEDA AFSHANA
Adieu my mother, adieu!
Tear not your hair.
Dead I am not.
Around your lap,
Always will I be
Invisible, listening to
Those sweet songs
Which you had
Knit for my knot!
Adieu my father, adieu!
Though on last journey
I am
But first passenger
I am not.
O, father of martyr
Don’t stagger
Alive I am,
Alive I will be!
Adieu my sisters, adieu!
Don’t recall me
In hisses and sobs,
Back will I be
In your dreams
In your thoughts
To see you
In bridal apparel
With henna hands!
Adieu my friends, adieu!
Wipe out scalding tears,
Miss you can’t me
For memories of
Shared moments
Will bind me
Close to you
To your hearts
Always!
Adieus and Adieus forever!
The novel renovation in the vicinity of his graveyard made no difference. The playing pack of boys nearby barely altered the poise of his resting place. The environs weren’t that salubrious and breezy as the din of honking vehicles and clamor of walking pedestrians agitated the air. However, he was there, buried under the soil of his nation, listening to the voices all around.
Since so many days, her mother hadn’t visited him. There were no fresh flowers on his grave. No soft fingers cuddled his epitaph. The melody of lullabies was missing. The touch of caressing hand was not there. So many painful memories raked up his soul. He had told her to bury him beneath her hearth when he dies; and cry for him whenever his dreams pooled in her eyes. Now, he guessed, mom might be busy in temporal affairs, trying to reconcile his irreparable loss with secret sobbing and sighing. She had, perhaps, gulped down the poisonous cup of awful pain …
“The blood dappled
apparel of bridegrooms
Is washed at the river
by the mothers…
The milky mothers pine
And quiet
flows the Vitasta.”
(Farooq Nazki ‘Nar Hutun Kazil Wanus’)
He thought of his aged father. The dash of annoyance on his face was still haunting him. Father had never wanted his sole son to desert him in old age. Grief-stricken and forlorn, his support had crumbled down and he was shattered. He was struggling to prop up his family and carry along the spiky path of survival. Nonetheless, he was silently lamenting the death of his brave son. He knew the son had engraved his name in the annals of the history. His was a death—a death for a noble cause.
Sisters too were down in the dumps. Melancholic and mournful, they crave to hear him again and play pranks with them. Whenever the front door of corridor creaks, they feel he is in, calling each of them by jovial nicknames. The bike in the garage was at a standstill and had gathered a thick cover of dust. For so long, none among them had a ride on it. The exams were near but he wasn’t there to drop them at the exam centre in time.
Even his room was locked as mother had directed not to open it. All his belongings were intact and untouched. Sisters many a time tried to barge in, but a strange fear of facing the harsh and heartless reality stopped their steps. The dearest brother had disappeared somewhere into an obscure and enigmatic world.
Sudden sullenness sprouted in him. He was reminded of his affable friends, the ones who would even plow through his dreams and make him happy all the time. The mutual faith and fidelity had trussed them resiliently.
He had valiantly wrestled death with daring spirit and profound passion, losing the precious blossoms of his life. So many years have flitted away fretfully and frantically since then…
“You must have heard Rizwan was killed.
Guardian of the gates of Paradise.
Only eighteen years old…
From windows we hear grieving mothers,
and snow begins to fall on us, like ash.
Black on edges of flames,
it cannot extinguish the neighbourhoods,
The homes set ablaze by the midnight soldiers.
Kashmir is burning”…
(Agha Shahid Ali ‘A Country Without a Post Office’)
He lost his life those days when the fervor for right to dignity, that was vowed, made his countrymen hoist their voices audaciously. Everything was just spontaneous. Earnestly struggling for the liberty of their beloved homeland, which was never an integral part of any formidable occupational force, the passion had dominated the mob psyche. The fervent populace had hailed everything blindly. The ‘all-inclusive espousal’ was demanding and rebellious.
But then, the things fainted and fizzled down, gradually. The fears grew dark and deep. The fear of endings; the fear of beginnings. The fear to die; the fear to live. Everyone failed to salvage the wings of the Spirit called Freedom. Everyone was tossed by fearful anguish and everyone missed the spirit. The sun bled the sky and gobbled it away ruthlessly. Forgetfulness swept all. The occupation had played its subtle artifice!
If only he knew! The scalding tears and shocking pain prick his soul. Lasting woe rip opens the scenes of betrayal before him. He shrieks bitterly, trying to come out of his grave and grab all by neck…
Flowing through the hearts
Eroding the barriers
Sliding into every mind,
The storm of Lethe
overtook all.
Eighty thousand souls
bulk of blood
pathetic cries
innocent tears,
It washed away,
washed abruptly!...
Nothing has happened,
nothing will happen.
Which Sacrifice?!
Whose Death?!...
Inconstant moods
Inscrutably unpredictable,
Infirm memory—
Unfold not tantrums
But
Indelible traits…
Swim with the Lethe,
Sell down the Vitasta.
Follow waves,
Forget graves
forget evermore!
(Syeda Afshana, 34, 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. )
...Yeh Kis Ka Lahoo! Kaun Mara!
FREEZE FRAME BY SYEDA AFSHANA
Adieu my mother, adieu!
Tear not your hair.
Dead I am not.
Around your lap,
Always will I be
Invisible, listening to
Those sweet songs
Which you had
Knit for my knot!
Adieu my father, adieu!
Though on last journey
I am
But first passenger
I am not.
O, father of martyr
Don’t stagger
Alive I am,
Alive I will be!
Adieu my sisters, adieu!
Don’t recall me
In hisses and sobs,
Back will I be
In your dreams
In your thoughts
To see you
In bridal apparel
With henna hands!
Adieu my friends, adieu!
Wipe out scalding tears,
Miss you can’t me
For memories of
Shared moments
Will bind me
Close to you
To your hearts
Always!
Adieus and Adieus forever!
The novel renovation in the vicinity of his graveyard made no difference. The playing pack of boys nearby barely altered the poise of his resting place. The environs weren’t that salubrious and breezy as the din of honking vehicles and clamor of walking pedestrians agitated the air. However, he was there, buried under the soil of his nation, listening to the voices all around.
Since so many days, her mother hadn’t visited him. There were no fresh flowers on his grave. No soft fingers cuddled his epitaph. The melody of lullabies was missing. The touch of caressing hand was not there. So many painful memories raked up his soul. He had told her to bury him beneath her hearth when he dies; and cry for him whenever his dreams pooled in her eyes. Now, he guessed, mom might be busy in temporal affairs, trying to reconcile his irreparable loss with secret sobbing and sighing. She had, perhaps, gulped down the poisonous cup of awful pain …
“The blood dappled
apparel of bridegrooms
Is washed at the river
by the mothers…
The milky mothers pine
And quiet
flows the Vitasta.”
(Farooq Nazki ‘Nar Hutun Kazil Wanus’)
He thought of his aged father. The dash of annoyance on his face was still haunting him. Father had never wanted his sole son to desert him in old age. Grief-stricken and forlorn, his support had crumbled down and he was shattered. He was struggling to prop up his family and carry along the spiky path of survival. Nonetheless, he was silently lamenting the death of his brave son. He knew the son had engraved his name in the annals of the history. His was a death—a death for a noble cause.
Sisters too were down in the dumps. Melancholic and mournful, they crave to hear him again and play pranks with them. Whenever the front door of corridor creaks, they feel he is in, calling each of them by jovial nicknames. The bike in the garage was at a standstill and had gathered a thick cover of dust. For so long, none among them had a ride on it. The exams were near but he wasn’t there to drop them at the exam centre in time.
Even his room was locked as mother had directed not to open it. All his belongings were intact and untouched. Sisters many a time tried to barge in, but a strange fear of facing the harsh and heartless reality stopped their steps. The dearest brother had disappeared somewhere into an obscure and enigmatic world.
Sudden sullenness sprouted in him. He was reminded of his affable friends, the ones who would even plow through his dreams and make him happy all the time. The mutual faith and fidelity had trussed them resiliently.
He had valiantly wrestled death with daring spirit and profound passion, losing the precious blossoms of his life. So many years have flitted away fretfully and frantically since then…
“You must have heard Rizwan was killed.
Guardian of the gates of Paradise.
Only eighteen years old…
From windows we hear grieving mothers,
and snow begins to fall on us, like ash.
Black on edges of flames,
it cannot extinguish the neighbourhoods,
The homes set ablaze by the midnight soldiers.
Kashmir is burning”…
(Agha Shahid Ali ‘A Country Without a Post Office’)
He lost his life those days when the fervor for right to dignity, that was vowed, made his countrymen hoist their voices audaciously. Everything was just spontaneous. Earnestly struggling for the liberty of their beloved homeland, which was never an integral part of any formidable occupational force, the passion had dominated the mob psyche. The fervent populace had hailed everything blindly. The ‘all-inclusive espousal’ was demanding and rebellious.
But then, the things fainted and fizzled down, gradually. The fears grew dark and deep. The fear of endings; the fear of beginnings. The fear to die; the fear to live. Everyone failed to salvage the wings of the Spirit called Freedom. Everyone was tossed by fearful anguish and everyone missed the spirit. The sun bled the sky and gobbled it away ruthlessly. Forgetfulness swept all. The occupation had played its subtle artifice!
If only he knew! The scalding tears and shocking pain prick his soul. Lasting woe rip opens the scenes of betrayal before him. He shrieks bitterly, trying to come out of his grave and grab all by neck…
Flowing through the hearts
Eroding the barriers
Sliding into every mind,
The storm of Lethe
overtook all.
Eighty thousand souls
bulk of blood
pathetic cries
innocent tears,
It washed away,
washed abruptly!...
Nothing has happened,
nothing will happen.
Which Sacrifice?!
Whose Death?!...
Inconstant moods
Inscrutably unpredictable,
Infirm memory—
Unfold not tantrums
But
Indelible traits…
Swim with the Lethe,
Sell down the Vitasta.
Follow waves,
Forget graves
forget evermore!
Monday, March 17, 2008
CBM at its Best: When Cross-Border Trade Replaces Cross-Border Terrorism
A. A. Fayyaz reports on a news of extreme importance to the peoples living on both sides of the Line of Control
(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 47, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He completed his Master's degree in Kashmiri language and literature from the University of Kashmir in 1987. He is the Srinagar bureau chief of Jammu & Kashmir's largest-circulated newspaper, Daily Excelsior. He is also a filmmaker and currently making a film on Kashmir's top pilgrim tourism destination of Chrar-e-Sharief, and about Sheikh-ul-Alam Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, also known as Nund Rishi.)
Foreign investment in PDC’s 20,000 mw power projects soon
Jairam hopeful of cross-LoC trade in 90 days
____________________________________
SRINAGAR, Mar 17: Union Minister of State for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh, today said that the cross-LoC trade between India and Pakistan through the divided state of Jammu & Kashmir was likely to start in the next 90 days as its entire groundwork had been completed. He said that in tandem with the state government, Government of India was introducing and facilitating a slew of revolutionary measures---including declaring the strife-torn state as an SEZ in Education sector and seeking Foreign Institutional Investment for power projects---for socio-economic transformation of Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference between laying the foundation stone of an ambitious International Trade Centre (ITC) at Pampore and a scheduled meeting with Srinagar-based businessmen at SKICC, Jairam Ramesh revealed that the entire groundwork for the proposed cross-LoC trade between India and Pakistan through Jammu & Kashmir had been completed. He said that after an exercise with the government in Srinagar and Jammu, his Ministry had proposed cross-LoC trade of 14 items. Islamabad cleared nine items for import through J&K, which, according to the Minister, constituted for 90 percent of what the state government and the business community had proposed.
“As soon as the new Government takes over in Islamabad, we will execute an agreement with Pakistan. I am pretty hopeful that the (cross-LoC) trade would start in the next 90 days”, Jairam Ramesh said. He said that he had strong apprehensions of a negative response from the Pakistani officials and politicians. “But, ironically, we found them all positive and enthusiastic to our proposals”, he said and revealed that Pakistan would mainly import handicrafts through Jammu & Kashmir.
Jairam said that handloom and handicrafts were the mainstay of J&K’s economy, alongside horticulture and tourism, and both, the state and the central governments, were making substantial efforts to boost the trade in this sector. He said that India had last year beaten Iran and become the largest exporter of carpets, earning foreign currency worth Rs 4,000 Cr. He was proud to declare that J&K alone exported hand-knotted carpets worth Rs 1,000 Cr. He said that with an amount of Rs 85 Cr, all the 40,000 carpet weaving looms in J&K state were being replaced with the modern looms developed by Indian Institute of Carpet Technology at the rate of 8000 per year in the next five years. While the state and the central governments would pay 75 percent of each loom, costing Rs 22,000, the beneficiary artisan would have to contribute just 25 percent of the amount.
Holding his second press conference at the same venue in five months, Jairam Ramesh said that Government of India was also raising Rs 9-Cr Craft Development Centre in Srinagar in addition to Rs 116-Cr ITC at Pampore. He said that the Union Ministry of Commerce had sanctioned Rs 30 Cr for phase-I of the ITC which would cost Rs 49 Cr. No more than Rs 15 Cr had been provided to such ITCs established at Chennai, Gowahati, Bangalore and Kolkata. He said that the ITC at Pampore would attract businessmen from all over the world and the trading, which would continue round-the-clock and round-the-year, would start in two years. Horticulture and handicrafts would be the main items of sale.
Making a significant announcement, Jairam Ramesh revealed that the typical Kashmiri Kani shawl would be protected with Geographical Indication (GI) “in the next few days” even as the process would be extended to the exquisite Kashmiri Pashmina and Kashmiri Sozni shawls immediately thereafter.
Jairam said that with a special outlay of Rs 630 Cr, Government of India had just sanctioned a special outlay of Rs 630 Cr for a countrywide project of cultivation and preservation of medicinal plants. With an amount of Rs 160 Cr, five medicinal plant processing zones were currently being established in the country. He revealed that one of such zones, involving expenditure of Rs 32 Cr, would be established by National Medicinal Plants Board in Jammu where 100 acres of land were being procured for this purpose with the help of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. He disclosed that two private companies---Himalayan Drug Company Bangalore and Sami Labs---were already studying the prospects of business in Jammu.
Flanked by Chairman of J&K Bank Ltd and Economic Advisor to J&K Government, Haseeb Drabu, Jairam Ramesh said that the Centre, in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Ltd, would soon start yearly selection, training and placement---mainly in BPO---of over 4,000 Science and Engineering graduates in the Information Technology (IT) sector in J&K. He said that TCS would send a team, led by a CEO, to kickstart this project in J&K and National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) would finalise an agreement with the process partner, J&K Bank.
Expressing his disappointment that J&K did not figure on India’s IT map, which had been dominated by Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune etc, Jairam said that he had also interacted with the WIPRO chief Azim Premji who, according to the Minister, had shown keen interest in developing J&K as an IT hub. The insurgency riddled Northeast had been already pushing 7,000 incumbents a year in the IT stream for which NASSCOM had been holding tests and job fairs, he informed.
Minister of Commerce expressed dissatisfaction over J&K Bank’s Credit Deposit Ratio which, he said, was just 40% as compared to over 80% in Southern states and around 50% in the Eastern states. He advised J&K Bank to simplify and speed up the process of lending notwithstanding the fact that it had reached a stupendous 8,000 Cr in 2007-08 as against 2,500 Cr three years ago. Drabu claimed that J&K Bank’s CDR had now touched 47% and the volume of its local crediting was more than 50%.
Jairam and Drabu revealed that a delegation of high-flying foreign investors had just visited Srinagar and an enormous capitalization was being generated through Foreign Institutional Investment for the Special Purpose Vehicles of J&K Power Development Corporation---a number of hydro-electric generation projects in two river basins in Jammu region. They said that J&K had a hydro-electric potential of 20,000 mw and the foreign investors were going to make huge investments in these power projects as also in small and medium enterprises in the state. Drabu said that 40% of his bank’s market capitalisation was already from FIIs.
(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 47, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He completed his Master's degree in Kashmiri language and literature from the University of Kashmir in 1987. He is the Srinagar bureau chief of Jammu & Kashmir's largest-circulated newspaper, Daily Excelsior. He is also a filmmaker and currently making a film on Kashmir's top pilgrim tourism destination of Chrar-e-Sharief, and about Sheikh-ul-Alam Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, also known as Nund Rishi.)
Foreign investment in PDC’s 20,000 mw power projects soon
Jairam hopeful of cross-LoC trade in 90 days
____________________________________
SRINAGAR, Mar 17: Union Minister of State for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh, today said that the cross-LoC trade between India and Pakistan through the divided state of Jammu & Kashmir was likely to start in the next 90 days as its entire groundwork had been completed. He said that in tandem with the state government, Government of India was introducing and facilitating a slew of revolutionary measures---including declaring the strife-torn state as an SEZ in Education sector and seeking Foreign Institutional Investment for power projects---for socio-economic transformation of Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference between laying the foundation stone of an ambitious International Trade Centre (ITC) at Pampore and a scheduled meeting with Srinagar-based businessmen at SKICC, Jairam Ramesh revealed that the entire groundwork for the proposed cross-LoC trade between India and Pakistan through Jammu & Kashmir had been completed. He said that after an exercise with the government in Srinagar and Jammu, his Ministry had proposed cross-LoC trade of 14 items. Islamabad cleared nine items for import through J&K, which, according to the Minister, constituted for 90 percent of what the state government and the business community had proposed.
“As soon as the new Government takes over in Islamabad, we will execute an agreement with Pakistan. I am pretty hopeful that the (cross-LoC) trade would start in the next 90 days”, Jairam Ramesh said. He said that he had strong apprehensions of a negative response from the Pakistani officials and politicians. “But, ironically, we found them all positive and enthusiastic to our proposals”, he said and revealed that Pakistan would mainly import handicrafts through Jammu & Kashmir.
Jairam said that handloom and handicrafts were the mainstay of J&K’s economy, alongside horticulture and tourism, and both, the state and the central governments, were making substantial efforts to boost the trade in this sector. He said that India had last year beaten Iran and become the largest exporter of carpets, earning foreign currency worth Rs 4,000 Cr. He was proud to declare that J&K alone exported hand-knotted carpets worth Rs 1,000 Cr. He said that with an amount of Rs 85 Cr, all the 40,000 carpet weaving looms in J&K state were being replaced with the modern looms developed by Indian Institute of Carpet Technology at the rate of 8000 per year in the next five years. While the state and the central governments would pay 75 percent of each loom, costing Rs 22,000, the beneficiary artisan would have to contribute just 25 percent of the amount.
Holding his second press conference at the same venue in five months, Jairam Ramesh said that Government of India was also raising Rs 9-Cr Craft Development Centre in Srinagar in addition to Rs 116-Cr ITC at Pampore. He said that the Union Ministry of Commerce had sanctioned Rs 30 Cr for phase-I of the ITC which would cost Rs 49 Cr. No more than Rs 15 Cr had been provided to such ITCs established at Chennai, Gowahati, Bangalore and Kolkata. He said that the ITC at Pampore would attract businessmen from all over the world and the trading, which would continue round-the-clock and round-the-year, would start in two years. Horticulture and handicrafts would be the main items of sale.
Making a significant announcement, Jairam Ramesh revealed that the typical Kashmiri Kani shawl would be protected with Geographical Indication (GI) “in the next few days” even as the process would be extended to the exquisite Kashmiri Pashmina and Kashmiri Sozni shawls immediately thereafter.
Jairam said that with a special outlay of Rs 630 Cr, Government of India had just sanctioned a special outlay of Rs 630 Cr for a countrywide project of cultivation and preservation of medicinal plants. With an amount of Rs 160 Cr, five medicinal plant processing zones were currently being established in the country. He revealed that one of such zones, involving expenditure of Rs 32 Cr, would be established by National Medicinal Plants Board in Jammu where 100 acres of land were being procured for this purpose with the help of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. He disclosed that two private companies---Himalayan Drug Company Bangalore and Sami Labs---were already studying the prospects of business in Jammu.
Flanked by Chairman of J&K Bank Ltd and Economic Advisor to J&K Government, Haseeb Drabu, Jairam Ramesh said that the Centre, in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Ltd, would soon start yearly selection, training and placement---mainly in BPO---of over 4,000 Science and Engineering graduates in the Information Technology (IT) sector in J&K. He said that TCS would send a team, led by a CEO, to kickstart this project in J&K and National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) would finalise an agreement with the process partner, J&K Bank.
Expressing his disappointment that J&K did not figure on India’s IT map, which had been dominated by Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune etc, Jairam said that he had also interacted with the WIPRO chief Azim Premji who, according to the Minister, had shown keen interest in developing J&K as an IT hub. The insurgency riddled Northeast had been already pushing 7,000 incumbents a year in the IT stream for which NASSCOM had been holding tests and job fairs, he informed.
Minister of Commerce expressed dissatisfaction over J&K Bank’s Credit Deposit Ratio which, he said, was just 40% as compared to over 80% in Southern states and around 50% in the Eastern states. He advised J&K Bank to simplify and speed up the process of lending notwithstanding the fact that it had reached a stupendous 8,000 Cr in 2007-08 as against 2,500 Cr three years ago. Drabu claimed that J&K Bank’s CDR had now touched 47% and the volume of its local crediting was more than 50%.
Jairam and Drabu revealed that a delegation of high-flying foreign investors had just visited Srinagar and an enormous capitalization was being generated through Foreign Institutional Investment for the Special Purpose Vehicles of J&K Power Development Corporation---a number of hydro-electric generation projects in two river basins in Jammu region. They said that J&K had a hydro-electric potential of 20,000 mw and the foreign investors were going to make huge investments in these power projects as also in small and medium enterprises in the state. Drabu said that 40% of his bank’s market capitalisation was already from FIIs.
Srinagar or Jammu: It is clear that no lessons were learnt after deadly earthquake in 2005
How many disasters will it take to end haphazard construction in our two main cities?
No lessons learnt after deadly ’05 quake
Jammu, March 16The state government apparently has not learnt any lessons from October 2005 earthquake, which wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir. Unplanned constructions without any quake resistant technology continue to mushroom in twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar.
Ever since killer quake flattened structures in 2005, the state government framed a disaster management committee and a senior official measures the state’s progress at 8 on 10 level to meet any contingency. But despite all these preventive steps, high rise buildings minus requisite technology continue to come up.
“The state falls under seismic zone categories 4 and 5 where seismic activity happens every five days and even this morning a temblor measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale struck south Kashmir,” said Project Coordinator Disaster Management, Amir Ali.
He, however, claimed that state government has made big strides forward ever since October 8, 2005 saying, “The state as of today has sufficient seismographs with V-satellite connection and two to three Global Positioning Systems (GPS) so as to help geologists and experts in their research.”
Official sources said, “Situated on the faulty lines, the state today needs micro-zonation study and space-based remote sensing research so as to predict major tremblers in future.”
It may be recalled here that 1,400 people in Jammu and Kashmir and over 70,000 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were killed on the fateful morning of October 8, 2005.
The state government in collaboration with the Unesco recently conducted a workshop in Srinagar forwarding its recommendations to the housing and urban development department.
“However, we cannot implement the recommendations unless and until a techno-legal regime including by-laws are put in place,” said an official of the Housing and Urban Department.
“Leave aside financial implications, a legal framework is required to ensure every new structure is constructed with quake resistant technology,” he said, adding, “It is possible only after state legislature makes necessary amendments in Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act.”
He said that ‘lifeline’ buildings like hospitals, civil secretariat, schools, colleges and other multi-storied structures in the state shouldn’t crumble during quakes. “The matter has been taken up with the government,” he said.
Responding to a query, he expressed apprehensions that high-rise buildings in Jammu and Srinagar may not endure another seven plus temblor. The 2005 quake had a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale.
When contacted, an official of the Jammu Municipal Corporation said, “Undoubtedly unplanned constructions have been going on in the winter capital and the old city faces a major threat because fault lines are passing beneath Gujjar Nagar and Tawi River.”
“Leave aside unplanned and illegal constructions in the city, a danger constantly lurks over old and ageing Town Hall housing JMC office,” he said.
The unplanned Jammu city, particularly western part, has several localities where not even an ambulance can enter in the wake of any unforeseen event and to aggravate the problem people after hobnobbing with the JMC officials have been managing illegal constructions.
(Tribune News Service, Chandigarh.)
No lessons learnt after deadly ’05 quake
Jammu, March 16The state government apparently has not learnt any lessons from October 2005 earthquake, which wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir. Unplanned constructions without any quake resistant technology continue to mushroom in twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar.
Ever since killer quake flattened structures in 2005, the state government framed a disaster management committee and a senior official measures the state’s progress at 8 on 10 level to meet any contingency. But despite all these preventive steps, high rise buildings minus requisite technology continue to come up.
“The state falls under seismic zone categories 4 and 5 where seismic activity happens every five days and even this morning a temblor measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale struck south Kashmir,” said Project Coordinator Disaster Management, Amir Ali.
He, however, claimed that state government has made big strides forward ever since October 8, 2005 saying, “The state as of today has sufficient seismographs with V-satellite connection and two to three Global Positioning Systems (GPS) so as to help geologists and experts in their research.”
Official sources said, “Situated on the faulty lines, the state today needs micro-zonation study and space-based remote sensing research so as to predict major tremblers in future.”
It may be recalled here that 1,400 people in Jammu and Kashmir and over 70,000 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were killed on the fateful morning of October 8, 2005.
The state government in collaboration with the Unesco recently conducted a workshop in Srinagar forwarding its recommendations to the housing and urban development department.
“However, we cannot implement the recommendations unless and until a techno-legal regime including by-laws are put in place,” said an official of the Housing and Urban Department.
“Leave aside financial implications, a legal framework is required to ensure every new structure is constructed with quake resistant technology,” he said, adding, “It is possible only after state legislature makes necessary amendments in Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act.”
He said that ‘lifeline’ buildings like hospitals, civil secretariat, schools, colleges and other multi-storied structures in the state shouldn’t crumble during quakes. “The matter has been taken up with the government,” he said.
Responding to a query, he expressed apprehensions that high-rise buildings in Jammu and Srinagar may not endure another seven plus temblor. The 2005 quake had a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale.
When contacted, an official of the Jammu Municipal Corporation said, “Undoubtedly unplanned constructions have been going on in the winter capital and the old city faces a major threat because fault lines are passing beneath Gujjar Nagar and Tawi River.”
“Leave aside unplanned and illegal constructions in the city, a danger constantly lurks over old and ageing Town Hall housing JMC office,” he said.
The unplanned Jammu city, particularly western part, has several localities where not even an ambulance can enter in the wake of any unforeseen event and to aggravate the problem people after hobnobbing with the JMC officials have been managing illegal constructions.
(Tribune News Service, Chandigarh.)
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Turning the LOC into a "Line of Commerce" would bring peace and prosperity to the region
If good governance takes hold in Kashmir, the possibilities are endless. Bilal Hussain examines the future where the LoC is transformed into a Line of Commerce that brings strength and stability to the State.
(Mr. Bilal Hussain, 28, was born and raised in Srinagar. He went to the CASET Experimental High School, and the S.P. College, Srinagar. He has a Master's degree in Finance and Control (MFC) from the Kashmir University. He worked as a financial writer and analyst for a telecom start-up company before joining Greater Kashmir staff as a writer/sub-editor in 2007. His personal interests are reading, writing, and internet surfing.)
Economic Unification will fetch Rs 12000 Crores
Separatists demand JK's inclusion in SAARC, duty-free access to Indo-Pak markets
Srinagar, March 15: The debate on economic unification of the divided parts of Jammu and Kashmir is gaining momentum with the separatists seeking inclusion of the 'united J&K' in the seven-member South Asian economic bloc, SAARC. There are also voices favoring the conversion of LoC into a 'line of commerce' through an open market formula in which two parts of Kashmir will have a duty-free access to both Indian as well as Pakistani markets.
Experts here believe the perpetual blockade of the traditional routes across the Line of Control (LoC), which divides J&K between India and Pakistan, has an estimated annual trade potential of whopping Rs 12000 Crore.
Islamic Students League leader Shakeel Bakhshi believes that this huge loss could be made good if the 'J&K Union' was included in SAARC. "The economic union would bring fruits only if J&K would get the SAARC membership of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). By this we would be able to get patents for our indigenous products," Bakhshi told Rising Kashmir.The economic unification, he added, is the extension of South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) leading towards a customs union, common market and economic union.
Kashmir University's noted Dean of Social sciences, Professor Nisar Ali, said the economic union of the divided parts of Jammu and Kashmir humanitarian, social and economic dimensions."The line of control besides being a physical blockade has proved to be the economic barrier between two parts of J&K," added Professor Ali who has also carried out a research regarding the economic prospects of throwing the LoC open for trade and communications. "Economic unification would mean duty free movement of goods, labor and services across LoC. A variety of products including handicrafts could be traded across LoC," he said adding that the blockade of trade routes has not allowed the fullest exploitation of economic resources on either side of the dividing line.
Peoples Conference Chairman Sajjad Lone who had drawn flak from BJP for his 'Muslim Kashmir' demand, which he aired past year, told Rising Kashmir that carving out a single economic union out of two separate sub-entities, which have distinct political and geographical status, was possible. According to him a single economic entity would mean free flow of capital, trade, services and labor. Economic operations across the LoC and the removal of barriers to movement are perhaps the most profound visible indicators of change psychological unification.
Citing his economic model that he has included in his Achievable Nationhood Sajjad said, "Goods of J&K economic union would have duty-free access into India and Pakistan. This means that the J & K economic union would be able to service both the Indian and the Pakistani markets. Apart from that compared to the existing situation two parts of J&K would be able to service each other's markets. The synergistic size of the market is 1+1=4. The base union of two parts of J&K would be able to service four markets India, Pakistan, J&K (India) and J&K (Pakistan)."
International Business expert, department of commerce Kashmir University, Mohammad Shafi said, "The J&K would become economic hub for both countries. This will usher in an era of economic progress."According to him the trade across LoC would mean exchange of goods and services. "Forwarding agents, exporters, transporters, growers in short every body would get financially benefited," he added. Trade can take place between two parties when comparative advantage of goods and services are there then only we can exchange them. "We have comparative advantage in handicrafts likewise they would have advantage in some other sectors which we can trade," he said adding that the proximity of market was an added advantage that should be utilized.
But Sajjad Lone feels that such trade cooperation had been a norm between contiguous markets but was abandoned post World War II. "General Agreement on Trade and Tariff (GATT) was seen as an instrument of promoting world peace. This helped to bring countries like Germany back to the world economic system," he pointed out.
Sajjad quoted the example of the European Union where, he believes, centuries old political rivalries could not deter the nations to exploit the benefits of economics. "This,", he says, " facilitated the moves that brought these states together in pursuit of economic objectives with spill over effects spreading to other sectors at a very fast pace."
(Mr. Bilal Hussain, 28, was born and raised in Srinagar. He went to the CASET Experimental High School, and the S.P. College, Srinagar. He has a Master's degree in Finance and Control (MFC) from the Kashmir University. He worked as a financial writer and analyst for a telecom start-up company before joining Greater Kashmir staff as a writer/sub-editor in 2007. His personal interests are reading, writing, and internet surfing.)
Economic Unification will fetch Rs 12000 Crores
Separatists demand JK's inclusion in SAARC, duty-free access to Indo-Pak markets
Srinagar, March 15: The debate on economic unification of the divided parts of Jammu and Kashmir is gaining momentum with the separatists seeking inclusion of the 'united J&K' in the seven-member South Asian economic bloc, SAARC. There are also voices favoring the conversion of LoC into a 'line of commerce' through an open market formula in which two parts of Kashmir will have a duty-free access to both Indian as well as Pakistani markets.
Experts here believe the perpetual blockade of the traditional routes across the Line of Control (LoC), which divides J&K between India and Pakistan, has an estimated annual trade potential of whopping Rs 12000 Crore.
Islamic Students League leader Shakeel Bakhshi believes that this huge loss could be made good if the 'J&K Union' was included in SAARC. "The economic union would bring fruits only if J&K would get the SAARC membership of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). By this we would be able to get patents for our indigenous products," Bakhshi told Rising Kashmir.The economic unification, he added, is the extension of South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) leading towards a customs union, common market and economic union.
Kashmir University's noted Dean of Social sciences, Professor Nisar Ali, said the economic union of the divided parts of Jammu and Kashmir humanitarian, social and economic dimensions."The line of control besides being a physical blockade has proved to be the economic barrier between two parts of J&K," added Professor Ali who has also carried out a research regarding the economic prospects of throwing the LoC open for trade and communications. "Economic unification would mean duty free movement of goods, labor and services across LoC. A variety of products including handicrafts could be traded across LoC," he said adding that the blockade of trade routes has not allowed the fullest exploitation of economic resources on either side of the dividing line.
Peoples Conference Chairman Sajjad Lone who had drawn flak from BJP for his 'Muslim Kashmir' demand, which he aired past year, told Rising Kashmir that carving out a single economic union out of two separate sub-entities, which have distinct political and geographical status, was possible. According to him a single economic entity would mean free flow of capital, trade, services and labor. Economic operations across the LoC and the removal of barriers to movement are perhaps the most profound visible indicators of change psychological unification.
Citing his economic model that he has included in his Achievable Nationhood Sajjad said, "Goods of J&K economic union would have duty-free access into India and Pakistan. This means that the J & K economic union would be able to service both the Indian and the Pakistani markets. Apart from that compared to the existing situation two parts of J&K would be able to service each other's markets. The synergistic size of the market is 1+1=4. The base union of two parts of J&K would be able to service four markets India, Pakistan, J&K (India) and J&K (Pakistan)."
International Business expert, department of commerce Kashmir University, Mohammad Shafi said, "The J&K would become economic hub for both countries. This will usher in an era of economic progress."According to him the trade across LoC would mean exchange of goods and services. "Forwarding agents, exporters, transporters, growers in short every body would get financially benefited," he added. Trade can take place between two parties when comparative advantage of goods and services are there then only we can exchange them. "We have comparative advantage in handicrafts likewise they would have advantage in some other sectors which we can trade," he said adding that the proximity of market was an added advantage that should be utilized.
But Sajjad Lone feels that such trade cooperation had been a norm between contiguous markets but was abandoned post World War II. "General Agreement on Trade and Tariff (GATT) was seen as an instrument of promoting world peace. This helped to bring countries like Germany back to the world economic system," he pointed out.
Sajjad quoted the example of the European Union where, he believes, centuries old political rivalries could not deter the nations to exploit the benefits of economics. "This,", he says, " facilitated the moves that brought these states together in pursuit of economic objectives with spill over effects spreading to other sectors at a very fast pace."
Does Anybody Care? (Because you should.) Today is the Chinar Day
Today is a token remembrance of a Kashmiri icon that is on the verge of slow extinction.
While Jahangir Bukhari laments on the dying flames of Chinar, it may be that the government and general public are doing too little, too late.
Today (March 15) is Chinar Day
The floriculture department has decided to celebrate March 15 as Chinar Day here to emphasize the urgent need to save this majestic tree.
According to officials of floriculture department, the objective of assigning a separate day for the tree is to uphold the historical identity of this majestic tree in Kashmir. “We want to make the public aware how important this tree has been to our heritage,” said Dr G. Sarwar Naqash, Director Floriculture. He added, “The Chinar day will help us in apprise people about the benefits of this tree.”
According to sources, there are presently 17,620 Chinars in valley. The number has declined to more than 50 percent over the past 35 years. In the past, various departments have planted trees on March 21st, which also marks Word Forestry and Plantation Day. The chinar day, according to the department, will help in devoting more time for plantation of the tree. “The start of the drive will help us to span the plantation over a longer period of period,” said Naqash.
The department has also taken a strong note of the felling of green Chinars from various areas. “It is unfortunate that people are so callous towards this tree. We are seeing to it that no permission is granted to fell any green Chinar tree. The revenue department also has to play a vital role in saving this majestic tree,” added Naqash.
The dying flames of the chinar(S.Jahangir Bukhari)
Chinar trees or bouins, gracing the paths and gardens of exotic Kashmir, are now on the verge of depletion because of human apathy and the administration's indifference. The chinars, once abundant, are increasingly becoming a rare sight.
GODS OF nature have always taken mercy on Kashmir. If there is a heat wave there is rain immediately after. If there is drought there has been snow too, but despite this mercy Kashmir continues to suffer. That is because the cruel human hands continue to destroy what nature has given in abundance.
Cruelty with nature and human interference galore is eating up the vitals of the paradise. Take for example the environment; immense damage is done to it undermining the nature's benevolence. The natural environment is getting decayed due to rapacious interference by human beings. All its facets like rivers, jungles, pastures, gardens are on the verge of destruction. Nothing has been spared, not even its unique feature, the majestic Chinar tree. Due to the apathy of administration and lack of self-discipline of the people, this 'king of trees' is under the axe of smugglers and their mentors among the officialdom. Visit any corner of the valley, including the protected Naseem Bagh on the shores of Dal Lake, one gets the impression that the gracious chinar tree, which has added to the picturesque beauty of Kashmir for centuries is close to extinction. Every year, the number of chinars is decreasing.
The chinar trees, which flourished everywhere in the valley, is increasingly becoming a rare sight even though there is a lot of clamour about the rule of law, economic prosperity and environmental awareness. The chinar was considered to be a wealth, because it contributed not only to the beauty of Kashmir but also to its resources. Chinar wood is as good for furniture, as for making 'papier machie' items like wall hangings. It has also been one of the main sources of firewood for the rural lot whose firepots (Kangris) are filled by charcoal of red chinar leaves in winter.
Gone are the days when one would come across gigantic chinar trees. These have been and are still being cut down ruthlessly. Revenue, forest or police agencies either do nothing or connive actively. The laws are flouted. It is unfortunate that there is no government agency, which would use government land, parks or gardens or even highways for the conservation of this majestic tree. Both the state as well as citizens seem to be totally apathetic to this great loss. People shun its growth to save land. It is also normally planted in kitchen gardens for ornamental purposes. Chinar leaves engraved on Kashmiri traditional pots like 'Samavar' (tea pot) etc and other decorative items are used to adorn drawing rooms.
The chinar tree is grown in Greece, Macedonia, Armenia and Northern Persia, besides Kashmir and western Himalayan region. Chinar or oriental tree (botanical name - Platinus orientalis) popularly known as 'bouin' in Kashmir is a large, graceful deciduous tree, which is closely associated with the culture and folklore of Kashmir. It is considered to be the manifestation of nature's bounty that the valley is blessed with.
There are frequent references to the grandeur of chinar in Kashmiri literature. The famous mystic poetess Lal Ded, also known as Lal Ishwari (1320-1390 AD) made the reference to this tree in an epigram containing: "Virtuous and loving wife to the cool and refreshing shade of bouin (chinar) on a hot summer day." In the Akbarnama written by Abul Fazal, it is mentioned, "The emperor took 34 persons inside the hollow trunk of an aged chinar tree."
Similarly, emperor Jahangir, in his memoirs has made mention of a huge plain tree, in the hollow of which he and his seven companions could be comfortably accommodated. These and other references were used as a source to try and establish the date when the Chinar was introduced in Kashmir, which usually has been ascribed to the Mughal emperor Jahangir (1605-1627 AD) and Shah Jahan (1627-1658 AD) who brought it from central Asia. But history was rewritten some years ago when an investigation on charcoal remains from archeological site at Simthen in South Kashmir revealed that this tree was in existence centuries before. The history of the tree has been traced back to 500 AD and the importance of the majestic tree has increased in archaeological context. But no one has awakened to the danger to its actual existence, neither the people nor the government.
While Jahangir Bukhari laments on the dying flames of Chinar, it may be that the government and general public are doing too little, too late.
Today (March 15) is Chinar Day
The floriculture department has decided to celebrate March 15 as Chinar Day here to emphasize the urgent need to save this majestic tree.
According to officials of floriculture department, the objective of assigning a separate day for the tree is to uphold the historical identity of this majestic tree in Kashmir. “We want to make the public aware how important this tree has been to our heritage,” said Dr G. Sarwar Naqash, Director Floriculture. He added, “The Chinar day will help us in apprise people about the benefits of this tree.”
According to sources, there are presently 17,620 Chinars in valley. The number has declined to more than 50 percent over the past 35 years. In the past, various departments have planted trees on March 21st, which also marks Word Forestry and Plantation Day. The chinar day, according to the department, will help in devoting more time for plantation of the tree. “The start of the drive will help us to span the plantation over a longer period of period,” said Naqash.
The department has also taken a strong note of the felling of green Chinars from various areas. “It is unfortunate that people are so callous towards this tree. We are seeing to it that no permission is granted to fell any green Chinar tree. The revenue department also has to play a vital role in saving this majestic tree,” added Naqash.
The dying flames of the chinar(S.Jahangir Bukhari)
Chinar trees or bouins, gracing the paths and gardens of exotic Kashmir, are now on the verge of depletion because of human apathy and the administration's indifference. The chinars, once abundant, are increasingly becoming a rare sight.
GODS OF nature have always taken mercy on Kashmir. If there is a heat wave there is rain immediately after. If there is drought there has been snow too, but despite this mercy Kashmir continues to suffer. That is because the cruel human hands continue to destroy what nature has given in abundance.
Cruelty with nature and human interference galore is eating up the vitals of the paradise. Take for example the environment; immense damage is done to it undermining the nature's benevolence. The natural environment is getting decayed due to rapacious interference by human beings. All its facets like rivers, jungles, pastures, gardens are on the verge of destruction. Nothing has been spared, not even its unique feature, the majestic Chinar tree. Due to the apathy of administration and lack of self-discipline of the people, this 'king of trees' is under the axe of smugglers and their mentors among the officialdom. Visit any corner of the valley, including the protected Naseem Bagh on the shores of Dal Lake, one gets the impression that the gracious chinar tree, which has added to the picturesque beauty of Kashmir for centuries is close to extinction. Every year, the number of chinars is decreasing.
The chinar trees, which flourished everywhere in the valley, is increasingly becoming a rare sight even though there is a lot of clamour about the rule of law, economic prosperity and environmental awareness. The chinar was considered to be a wealth, because it contributed not only to the beauty of Kashmir but also to its resources. Chinar wood is as good for furniture, as for making 'papier machie' items like wall hangings. It has also been one of the main sources of firewood for the rural lot whose firepots (Kangris) are filled by charcoal of red chinar leaves in winter.
Gone are the days when one would come across gigantic chinar trees. These have been and are still being cut down ruthlessly. Revenue, forest or police agencies either do nothing or connive actively. The laws are flouted. It is unfortunate that there is no government agency, which would use government land, parks or gardens or even highways for the conservation of this majestic tree. Both the state as well as citizens seem to be totally apathetic to this great loss. People shun its growth to save land. It is also normally planted in kitchen gardens for ornamental purposes. Chinar leaves engraved on Kashmiri traditional pots like 'Samavar' (tea pot) etc and other decorative items are used to adorn drawing rooms.
The chinar tree is grown in Greece, Macedonia, Armenia and Northern Persia, besides Kashmir and western Himalayan region. Chinar or oriental tree (botanical name - Platinus orientalis) popularly known as 'bouin' in Kashmir is a large, graceful deciduous tree, which is closely associated with the culture and folklore of Kashmir. It is considered to be the manifestation of nature's bounty that the valley is blessed with.
There are frequent references to the grandeur of chinar in Kashmiri literature. The famous mystic poetess Lal Ded, also known as Lal Ishwari (1320-1390 AD) made the reference to this tree in an epigram containing: "Virtuous and loving wife to the cool and refreshing shade of bouin (chinar) on a hot summer day." In the Akbarnama written by Abul Fazal, it is mentioned, "The emperor took 34 persons inside the hollow trunk of an aged chinar tree."
Similarly, emperor Jahangir, in his memoirs has made mention of a huge plain tree, in the hollow of which he and his seven companions could be comfortably accommodated. These and other references were used as a source to try and establish the date when the Chinar was introduced in Kashmir, which usually has been ascribed to the Mughal emperor Jahangir (1605-1627 AD) and Shah Jahan (1627-1658 AD) who brought it from central Asia. But history was rewritten some years ago when an investigation on charcoal remains from archeological site at Simthen in South Kashmir revealed that this tree was in existence centuries before. The history of the tree has been traced back to 500 AD and the importance of the majestic tree has increased in archaeological context. But no one has awakened to the danger to its actual existence, neither the people nor the government.
Friday, March 14, 2008
A Friendly Note to Houseboat Owners: Charity Begins at Home
Aleem Akhtar to concerned houseboat owners: Doctor, Heal Thyself.
(Aleem Ibne Akhtar, 23, was born and brought up in Srinagar. He did his schooling at the Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School and his B.A. (Economics) from Fergusson College, Pune. He went for higher studies in U.K., completing his Master's degree in Economics from the University of Essex last September, and is currently enrolled at the same University for a doctorate in Development Economics. His interests are minority empowerment in India, and everything to do with Kashmir.)
This is in response to the ‘awareness’ rally carried out by the House Boat Owners Association regarding the preservation of the Dal Lake. To raise awareness amongst the masses, highlighting the poignant condition of the lake, is a noble cause but seems somewhat ironic for the House Boat owners to protest against the Government and other polluters of the lake. It is indeed the sewage of the House Boats that has been and still is the major factor responsible for the lake’s rotten condition. If anyone at all needs to be educated about the conservation of the lake, it is the house Boat owners! Not only because of being primary contributors to the Lake’s pollution but also because they are the only living beneficiaries of the Lake!
House Boats in Kashmir gained prominence as a result of a ban imposed by the Maharaja which prohibited the ownership of land in Kashmir by non state subjects. In the wake of this, House Boats became a prominent haven for the visiting British tourists, offering luxury five star abodes to them. House Boats became mascots of Kashmir tourism and gained a world wide acclaim.
However the British during their time had ensured two things. One, the House Boats would not permanently stay on the Dal. They would move to Jehlum in the lean season. Second, scavengers would clean the toilets and take night soil away from the lake. This ensured that the Dal water remained as pure with the tourists as it was without them.
However after 1975, the House Boats monopolized the Dal waters and now they are not allowing the authorities even to re adjust their mooring in accordance with the High Court order. And about the human waste disposal, less said the better. All the toilets open directly into the lake, making its water not just shitty but a breading ground for all kinds of weed and disease. The open drains from the city of course compliment the contribution of the House Boats in making Dal world’s most beautiful latrine.
Average cost of a House Boat is in no case less than one crore these days. But, ask any house boat owner to use a green toilet which should not cost more that Rupees two lacs and they would demand subsidies and raise a banner of revolt against any such suggestion.
I hope at least one well meaning House Boat owner takes the initiative of going Green and installing a Green Toilet as has been promised by Laloo Yadav in his latest budget for the Indian Railways. This is a very cost effective and easy solution to neutralize the impact of houseboats which otherwise would be increasingly seen as the chief destroyers of Dal lake. In fact others living on the water body itself could take a queue from this and save their habitat. That small initiative would be worth a million shouts on the Boulevard.
(Aleem Ibne Akhtar, 23, was born and brought up in Srinagar. He did his schooling at the Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School and his B.A. (Economics) from Fergusson College, Pune. He went for higher studies in U.K., completing his Master's degree in Economics from the University of Essex last September, and is currently enrolled at the same University for a doctorate in Development Economics. His interests are minority empowerment in India, and everything to do with Kashmir.)
This is in response to the ‘awareness’ rally carried out by the House Boat Owners Association regarding the preservation of the Dal Lake. To raise awareness amongst the masses, highlighting the poignant condition of the lake, is a noble cause but seems somewhat ironic for the House Boat owners to protest against the Government and other polluters of the lake. It is indeed the sewage of the House Boats that has been and still is the major factor responsible for the lake’s rotten condition. If anyone at all needs to be educated about the conservation of the lake, it is the house Boat owners! Not only because of being primary contributors to the Lake’s pollution but also because they are the only living beneficiaries of the Lake!
House Boats in Kashmir gained prominence as a result of a ban imposed by the Maharaja which prohibited the ownership of land in Kashmir by non state subjects. In the wake of this, House Boats became a prominent haven for the visiting British tourists, offering luxury five star abodes to them. House Boats became mascots of Kashmir tourism and gained a world wide acclaim.
However the British during their time had ensured two things. One, the House Boats would not permanently stay on the Dal. They would move to Jehlum in the lean season. Second, scavengers would clean the toilets and take night soil away from the lake. This ensured that the Dal water remained as pure with the tourists as it was without them.
However after 1975, the House Boats monopolized the Dal waters and now they are not allowing the authorities even to re adjust their mooring in accordance with the High Court order. And about the human waste disposal, less said the better. All the toilets open directly into the lake, making its water not just shitty but a breading ground for all kinds of weed and disease. The open drains from the city of course compliment the contribution of the House Boats in making Dal world’s most beautiful latrine.
Average cost of a House Boat is in no case less than one crore these days. But, ask any house boat owner to use a green toilet which should not cost more that Rupees two lacs and they would demand subsidies and raise a banner of revolt against any such suggestion.
I hope at least one well meaning House Boat owner takes the initiative of going Green and installing a Green Toilet as has been promised by Laloo Yadav in his latest budget for the Indian Railways. This is a very cost effective and easy solution to neutralize the impact of houseboats which otherwise would be increasingly seen as the chief destroyers of Dal lake. In fact others living on the water body itself could take a queue from this and save their habitat. That small initiative would be worth a million shouts on the Boulevard.
Observe keenly and you will be surprised to find how much there is to see
Monisa watches the morning grind with a sharp eye and finds lessons of life all around her.
(Ms. Monisa Qadri was born and raised in Srinagar. She matriculated from Mallinson School for Girls and studied bio-chemistry at the Women's College, Srinagar. She is presently a mass communications student at the Kashmir University, and also works in the Corporate Communications and Public Relations Department of the J&K Bank. She writes as a freelancer and hopes to be a journalist some day. Her interests are public relations and film making.)
Two incidents, one lesson
EXPERIENCE
...And then she broke the silence, narrates Monisa Qadri
Just like any other day, this day too started casually. My day was ready to takeoff. The picture around was enigmatically beautiful; hazy the firmament; sun playing hide and seek with them, cool breezes caressing my eyelashes, whistling leaves that had long fallen from the wings of their mothers, trees. Everyone around wore a smile or at least tried to. Perhaps an attempt to keep warm on this chilly morning. The journey and the scene was developing in the bus, heading towards the ‘heart of Srinagar’. The sunlight, with great compassion, was filtering through the foggy air and then shone through the murky panes of the bus, which the rain had trickled some time back. This passage was not at all smooth.
I could see faces turned white due to the snowy breeze, the tips of their nose appearing red, their fingers set stiff. One by one they stole a look at their wristwatches and their cell phones, every now and then. Like me they had to reach somewhere, in time. After all, you know busy mornings! This assembly of co-travelers, who are brought together by destiny, is nothing more than a transition in time and in space. It is simply a stopover in their journey to a destined terminal. People, belonging to a varied set of connections, come and go. The variance prevailing is true to all beings, through realities and rituals, devotions and dedication, beliefs, attitudes and approaches, emotions and expressions. But still, they are doomed to be together till they reach ‘somewhere’. ‘Hurry’ is what was common between them and me.
My seat was at a place from where I could stare deep into her eyes. Those hazel eyes, sparkling with thoughts, made me take a look at them ‘one more time’. I asked myself, ‘Aren’t they beautiful?’ There was something about them; and her! Something really concealed. She had secrets. This involvement was not a one-sided show. She was aware of my glances. It was an encounter. She might have thought, ‘may be she would ask?’, and I kept hesitating…In the meantime, the crowd grew and so did my eagerness to reach where I wanted to. For a moment she vanished from my view; and my mind too. Nothing remains the way it is. And so, there is a shift in the shades of everything. Nature transforms, expressions change, moods swing; ideologies oscillate and almost definitely the humans, too. Like seasons change without letting you know; without whispering into your ears about their intensions, similar was the case with those eyes. The thoughts got converted into water, pretty salty. Soon enough, her expressions had changed, much like the ‘weather of February in Kashmir’. Woodrow Wilson once said, ‘If you want to make enemies, try to change something’. However, this one would barely make anyone into a foe. At that point; I could feel the burden of being a ‘mere stranger’. I could not help. I could not ask; although I wanted to!
The only thing I could manage was— simply wonder, ‘what made those eyes wet?’ They say, “Eyes that do not cry, do not see”, but there are times that are different. At a place where every other pair of eyes is on you, how could she afford to let go her emotions? May be she was sad, may be blue but it was hard to see her down in the dumps. It was the mystery of a woman, in her early thirties. The glum that was clasping her, held me too.
“Won’t there be more tears she would have shed, when alone?” Though she was a stranger to me, but belonged to the land I too am a part of. Only she knows the painful reasons for this public outburst better kept deep inside. That day, it was she; next time it could be someone else. The mystery that was, still holds true, “What could have happened?”
She was in a position where she could not speak out. Someone else, somewhere at some point of time might just yell out. Suffering remains more or less the same, but the way it is taken and faced, speaks all about the results. The uniqueness of human beings is always something to watch for; the way one behaves may be different from others. Coincidently, I got a chance of seeing it later that day. May be the two have no connection.
One practice, that shows the lowest level of human sophistication and demeanour, is so common that geographically specific names have been assigned to it. They call it eve teasing, groping, street gender-violence or harassment besides many more names, but what is important is that it is unfair. We know of the gadgets that are used to undertake this crime. The ‘mission’ gets accomplished through cameras, mobile phones, recorders; the media-convergence really has come to their rescue. When the ‘ends’ are evil, means hardly matter. This lady must have been in her fifties. Her nature was visibly that of a ‘retaliator’, who would not go on taking things on her shoulders. The routine setting of the bus was challenged by her. She had the guts. An elderly son of the land was caught cheating his native culture of civility. Missing the traditional symbol of Pheran seemed nothing less than a murder. This cultural identity, which otherwise one feels for in this era of newer lifestyle invasion from outside, appeared more or less like some bluffing garb. And then the security agencies suspect the one wearing it, the reasons better known to all. It is of more use than we may probably consider. Interestingly, fighting the chill comes out as one of the functions. Like other aspects of life, our style and attitudes are in a flux, at all times. Possibly so because our desires keep on changing and so does our satisfaction. This human longing for ‘bigger and better’ ends up craving for more and more. In the process, he explores ways and means to satiate himself.
It was retaliation on part of that lady, who refused the conspiracy of silence and questioned the intentions of a man, in the open. She reacted just opposite to what I had seen in the morning. It left the man with no other option but to shy away. I could see the smiles emerging from the faces of the women around, perhaps it arose a sense of pride in them.
Only adapting to conditions as soon as possible may help resolve issues sooner. Simply carrying the courage with oneself does wonders at times. You may not always need to display it. Being in mere possession of the basic raw material, which could be converted at any point of time into confidence, to say and express, is not a bad idea at all. It is better to have it already rather than give birth to one at the eleventh hour, when one is about to get choked for its want. I saw it written somewhere, “We cannot adopt the way of living that was satisfactory a hundred years ago. The world in which we live has changed, and we must change with it”.
(Ms. Monisa Qadri was born and raised in Srinagar. She matriculated from Mallinson School for Girls and studied bio-chemistry at the Women's College, Srinagar. She is presently a mass communications student at the Kashmir University, and also works in the Corporate Communications and Public Relations Department of the J&K Bank. She writes as a freelancer and hopes to be a journalist some day. Her interests are public relations and film making.)
Two incidents, one lesson
EXPERIENCE
...And then she broke the silence, narrates Monisa Qadri
Just like any other day, this day too started casually. My day was ready to takeoff. The picture around was enigmatically beautiful; hazy the firmament; sun playing hide and seek with them, cool breezes caressing my eyelashes, whistling leaves that had long fallen from the wings of their mothers, trees. Everyone around wore a smile or at least tried to. Perhaps an attempt to keep warm on this chilly morning. The journey and the scene was developing in the bus, heading towards the ‘heart of Srinagar’. The sunlight, with great compassion, was filtering through the foggy air and then shone through the murky panes of the bus, which the rain had trickled some time back. This passage was not at all smooth.
I could see faces turned white due to the snowy breeze, the tips of their nose appearing red, their fingers set stiff. One by one they stole a look at their wristwatches and their cell phones, every now and then. Like me they had to reach somewhere, in time. After all, you know busy mornings! This assembly of co-travelers, who are brought together by destiny, is nothing more than a transition in time and in space. It is simply a stopover in their journey to a destined terminal. People, belonging to a varied set of connections, come and go. The variance prevailing is true to all beings, through realities and rituals, devotions and dedication, beliefs, attitudes and approaches, emotions and expressions. But still, they are doomed to be together till they reach ‘somewhere’. ‘Hurry’ is what was common between them and me.
My seat was at a place from where I could stare deep into her eyes. Those hazel eyes, sparkling with thoughts, made me take a look at them ‘one more time’. I asked myself, ‘Aren’t they beautiful?’ There was something about them; and her! Something really concealed. She had secrets. This involvement was not a one-sided show. She was aware of my glances. It was an encounter. She might have thought, ‘may be she would ask?’, and I kept hesitating…In the meantime, the crowd grew and so did my eagerness to reach where I wanted to. For a moment she vanished from my view; and my mind too. Nothing remains the way it is. And so, there is a shift in the shades of everything. Nature transforms, expressions change, moods swing; ideologies oscillate and almost definitely the humans, too. Like seasons change without letting you know; without whispering into your ears about their intensions, similar was the case with those eyes. The thoughts got converted into water, pretty salty. Soon enough, her expressions had changed, much like the ‘weather of February in Kashmir’. Woodrow Wilson once said, ‘If you want to make enemies, try to change something’. However, this one would barely make anyone into a foe. At that point; I could feel the burden of being a ‘mere stranger’. I could not help. I could not ask; although I wanted to!
The only thing I could manage was— simply wonder, ‘what made those eyes wet?’ They say, “Eyes that do not cry, do not see”, but there are times that are different. At a place where every other pair of eyes is on you, how could she afford to let go her emotions? May be she was sad, may be blue but it was hard to see her down in the dumps. It was the mystery of a woman, in her early thirties. The glum that was clasping her, held me too.
“Won’t there be more tears she would have shed, when alone?” Though she was a stranger to me, but belonged to the land I too am a part of. Only she knows the painful reasons for this public outburst better kept deep inside. That day, it was she; next time it could be someone else. The mystery that was, still holds true, “What could have happened?”
She was in a position where she could not speak out. Someone else, somewhere at some point of time might just yell out. Suffering remains more or less the same, but the way it is taken and faced, speaks all about the results. The uniqueness of human beings is always something to watch for; the way one behaves may be different from others. Coincidently, I got a chance of seeing it later that day. May be the two have no connection.
One practice, that shows the lowest level of human sophistication and demeanour, is so common that geographically specific names have been assigned to it. They call it eve teasing, groping, street gender-violence or harassment besides many more names, but what is important is that it is unfair. We know of the gadgets that are used to undertake this crime. The ‘mission’ gets accomplished through cameras, mobile phones, recorders; the media-convergence really has come to their rescue. When the ‘ends’ are evil, means hardly matter. This lady must have been in her fifties. Her nature was visibly that of a ‘retaliator’, who would not go on taking things on her shoulders. The routine setting of the bus was challenged by her. She had the guts. An elderly son of the land was caught cheating his native culture of civility. Missing the traditional symbol of Pheran seemed nothing less than a murder. This cultural identity, which otherwise one feels for in this era of newer lifestyle invasion from outside, appeared more or less like some bluffing garb. And then the security agencies suspect the one wearing it, the reasons better known to all. It is of more use than we may probably consider. Interestingly, fighting the chill comes out as one of the functions. Like other aspects of life, our style and attitudes are in a flux, at all times. Possibly so because our desires keep on changing and so does our satisfaction. This human longing for ‘bigger and better’ ends up craving for more and more. In the process, he explores ways and means to satiate himself.
It was retaliation on part of that lady, who refused the conspiracy of silence and questioned the intentions of a man, in the open. She reacted just opposite to what I had seen in the morning. It left the man with no other option but to shy away. I could see the smiles emerging from the faces of the women around, perhaps it arose a sense of pride in them.
Only adapting to conditions as soon as possible may help resolve issues sooner. Simply carrying the courage with oneself does wonders at times. You may not always need to display it. Being in mere possession of the basic raw material, which could be converted at any point of time into confidence, to say and express, is not a bad idea at all. It is better to have it already rather than give birth to one at the eleventh hour, when one is about to get choked for its want. I saw it written somewhere, “We cannot adopt the way of living that was satisfactory a hundred years ago. The world in which we live has changed, and we must change with it”.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
A Story of Hope and Inspiration: A Woman Named Sara
Sara shows the resilience of proud Kashmiri culture. There is beauty in her spirit.
A woman called Sara
(Even an ordinary person can teach important lessons of the life, Syed Sibghat Geelani, encounters one such woman, who taught her some basic things.)
Clad in a traditional Kashmiri dress, with kanwajis (long earrings) in ears, Kasab on head and with kangri protruding underneath her tattered Pheran, she presents a glum picture. Sitting on the busy Amira Kadal Bridge with a basketful of fishes, she aspires to sell them all by her selling abilities. Meet Sara, the fisherwoman.
The weather is vacillating and I can see she is wearing an old pair of torn slippers. Her feet are swollen, she doesn’t seem to bother. Even though she appears to be very strong and convinced but her eyes are narrating a different tale; a saga of uncertainties, miseries and poverty. I am observing her quite a while now and she thinks I have to buy fish from her. Her eyes lighten up when I ask her; why is she so sad? Within a span of few moments, she reveals her life, responsibilities, ordeals and struggle.
Every morning the suns rays fall upon the shimmering blue waters of Dal making the waves ripple beneath the doonga Sara lives in. It is the time when Sara leaves for work along with other fisherwomen. Her husband Altaf has already collected the days catch and now Sara has to sell them. Her husband is a fisherman and Sara has no option but to sell the fish to make their ends meet.
Her day is the beginning of a long and tiring work and she is not sure whether she will be able to sell the whole stock or not. Sara has been married for two years now and is the proud mother of a seven-month-old baby. Before venturing out to sell fish she keeps her child with her mother in another part of the lake. Then, begins her usual struggle for the day. Her days are hard and depressing. She dreams of a miracle to take her away from this sordid life. Everyday her destination ends at Amira Kadal Bridge that is where she gets a due sale. If she cannot sell the fish on the bridge then she goes door to door to sell fish. During the winter season, it gets even worse. At times it becomes difficult for her to sit on the bridge in cold with damp feet. However with all the hardships and ordeal in day- to-day life; at the end of the day she is a satisfied lady as her husband and son get their stomachs filled. It gives her pride.
I leave but her resilience and confidence gives me courage. Why is it that we get disheartened when we don’t get what we aim? This simple women taught me what exactly struggle is and at the end how striving for success yields results. I need to learn that there are no easy and readymade things for success, success has to be achieved.
A woman called Sara
(Even an ordinary person can teach important lessons of the life, Syed Sibghat Geelani, encounters one such woman, who taught her some basic things.)
Clad in a traditional Kashmiri dress, with kanwajis (long earrings) in ears, Kasab on head and with kangri protruding underneath her tattered Pheran, she presents a glum picture. Sitting on the busy Amira Kadal Bridge with a basketful of fishes, she aspires to sell them all by her selling abilities. Meet Sara, the fisherwoman.
The weather is vacillating and I can see she is wearing an old pair of torn slippers. Her feet are swollen, she doesn’t seem to bother. Even though she appears to be very strong and convinced but her eyes are narrating a different tale; a saga of uncertainties, miseries and poverty. I am observing her quite a while now and she thinks I have to buy fish from her. Her eyes lighten up when I ask her; why is she so sad? Within a span of few moments, she reveals her life, responsibilities, ordeals and struggle.
Every morning the suns rays fall upon the shimmering blue waters of Dal making the waves ripple beneath the doonga Sara lives in. It is the time when Sara leaves for work along with other fisherwomen. Her husband Altaf has already collected the days catch and now Sara has to sell them. Her husband is a fisherman and Sara has no option but to sell the fish to make their ends meet.
Her day is the beginning of a long and tiring work and she is not sure whether she will be able to sell the whole stock or not. Sara has been married for two years now and is the proud mother of a seven-month-old baby. Before venturing out to sell fish she keeps her child with her mother in another part of the lake. Then, begins her usual struggle for the day. Her days are hard and depressing. She dreams of a miracle to take her away from this sordid life. Everyday her destination ends at Amira Kadal Bridge that is where she gets a due sale. If she cannot sell the fish on the bridge then she goes door to door to sell fish. During the winter season, it gets even worse. At times it becomes difficult for her to sit on the bridge in cold with damp feet. However with all the hardships and ordeal in day- to-day life; at the end of the day she is a satisfied lady as her husband and son get their stomachs filled. It gives her pride.
I leave but her resilience and confidence gives me courage. Why is it that we get disheartened when we don’t get what we aim? This simple women taught me what exactly struggle is and at the end how striving for success yields results. I need to learn that there are no easy and readymade things for success, success has to be achieved.
Is the Media in Kashmir Objective, Fair and Balanced? Check out What Parts of the U.S. Human Rights Report the Kashmiri Press Ignored.
The U.S. State Department Report on Human Rights Practices (2007) highlights excesses of the state and insurgents, and describes the plight of victims. However, the Press in Kashmir covered only a part of the story. The rest is at the very bottom of this Press clip.
Abused Kashmir on US radar State Deptt: Custodial deaths serious problem, lack of accountability creates impunity
Showkat A Motta (The Daily Etalaat)
Srinagar, March 12 : The US State Department has said that human rights abuses by troops continue in Kashmir with a “lack of accountability creating an atmosphere of impunity.”
In its ‘Country Reports on Human Rights Practices -2007’ released on Tuesday, the State Department has highlighted in detail how the troops indulge in fake encounter killings, custodial disappearances, rapes and other rights abuses across the conflict-ridden state.
Lack of accountability
The (Indian) government “generally respected” the rights of its citizens, it said, adding “However, numerous serious problems remained.” “Major problems included extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture and rape by police and other security forces.” “A lack of accountability permeated the government and security forces throughout the country, creating an atmosphere of impunity,” says the report. Quoting human rights groups, it says the troops targeted suspected militants and their supporters. “But,” it added, “There was no widely accepted data on the magnitude of extrajudicial killings, which included encounter killings and custodial deaths.”
“For example, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, 18 cases of custodial killings and extrajudicial killings took place during the year. Of those, six cases were under investigation by the local government at year's end. In March, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad claimed that only five custodial deaths occurred during his eighteen-month tenure and that the overall situation improved considerably with a 95 percent reduction in custodial deaths over the last two years.” Referring to the infamous Pathribal incident of April 2000 when troops and the Special Operations Group of police killed five civilians in cold-blood, the State Department said that at the end of 2005, CBI investigation of four army officers, including Senior Superintendent of Police Farooq Khan, was still pending.
The report said the state government did not take action in the February 2006 killings of four children by Army at Bangargund village of Kupwara district. While the NHRC had asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to provide a detailed report of the killing, the government had not done so by year's end, it said.
Custodial deaths
“Custodial deaths, often made to appear as encounter deaths, remained a serious problem, and authorities often delayed prosecutions,” the report said. Chief Minister Azad announced that no custodial disappearances occurred in Kashmir during the year. “(However) there were no developments in the May 2006 case of Ghulam Nabi Mir, who disappeared in Pulwama after Rashtriya Rifle (RR) officers allegedly raided his home,” says the State Department report.
Torture
In the chapter “Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,” the report says in Kashmir torture victims or their relatives reportedly had difficulty filing complaints, as local police allegedly were instructed not to open a case without permission from higher authorities. During 2006 the screening committees released 140 persons detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). During the year, the government did not release any additional detainees, the report says.
In addition, under the (Jammu and Kashmir) Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of 1990, no "prosecution, suit, or other legal proceeding shall be instituted against any person in respect of anything done or purported to be done in exercise of the powers of the act," without the approval of the central government.
Pattern of rape
“There was a pattern of rape by paramilitary personnel in Jammu and Kashmir as a means of instilling fear among noncombatants in insurgency-affected areas, but these incidents were not included in NHRC statistics, as the NHRC does not have direct investigative authority over the military,” says the report.
Arbitrary arrest
In April a Working Group on Kashmir appointed by the prime minister also recommended that the act be revoked. The government had not acted on these recommendations by year's end, the report said.
The AFSPA and the Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) remained in effect in the Jammu and Kashmir districts of Kathua, Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag (Islamabad), Pulwama, Baramulla, and Kupwara.
Disappearances
According to the State Department, there was “virtually no information” about the fate of individuals who disappeared since the beginning of anti-India insurgency in Kashmir.
“There were no reliable figures for disappearances in Jammu and Kashmir during the year. According to Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) and other NGOs such as ACHR and SAHRDC, the number of newly reported disappearances decreased compared with the early years of the conflict,” it said.
Passport delay
“Unlike in previous years, there were no reports of the government using the issuance of passports or travel documents to restrict travel of separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, says the report.
“However, citizens from Jammu and Kashmir continued to face extended delays, often up to two years, before the Ministry of External Affairs would issue or renew their passports. Government officials also regularly demanded bribes before issuing passports from Jammu and Kashmir that required special clearances,” it said.
The State Department report also mentioned in detail the sex scandal that rocked Kashmir in 2006. It also blamed militants for “serious abuses, including killing armed forces personnel, police, government officials and civilians.”
________________________________________________________
ACTUALLY THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT ALSO ADDRESS OTHER TOPICS RELATED TO J&K, PROVING ONCE AGAIN THAT THE PRESS IN KASHMIR LACKS OBJECTIVITY AND PASSION FOR OBJECTIVE REPORTING. THE U.S. REPORT ALSO MENTIONS, AS AN EXAMPLE, THE FOLLOWING TEXT (VERBATIM):
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
According to the Norwegian Refugee Council, regional conflicts in Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, and the northeast displaced at least 650,000 persons. Approximately 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits forced to flee the Kashmir Valley in the early 1990s after the outbreak of separatist violence remained in IDP camps in Jammu and New Delhi. They were unable to return to their homes in Jammu and Kashmir because of safety concerns, including the ongoing killings of Hindus in the state.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs' Annual Report for 2006-2007, there were 55,950 Kashmiri Pandit migrant families, of which 34,562 resided in Jammu, 19,338 in Delhi, and 2,050 in other states. There were 230 migrant families living in 14 camps in Delhi and 5,778 families in 16 camps in Jammu.
Terrorists and insurgents operating in Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, and Doda areas of Jammu and Kashmir repeatedly targeted the minority Pandit (Hindu Brahmin) community, killing entire families in several incidents throughout the year.
Killings of security force members by insurgents and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir declined to 330 during 2005, according to home ministry statistics. As of August 2005, the Jammu and Kashmir police claimed fighting in Kashmir had resulted in the deaths of 167 security forces, 359 civilians, and 622 insurgents. According to the Jammu and Kashmir police, militants killed 385 civilians, security forces killed 554 terrorists, and insurgents killed 177 members of the security forces. According to South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), at year's end, 164 civilians, 121 security force personnel, and 492 terrorists had been killed as a result of terrorist violence.
Separatist guerrillas and terrorists in Kashmir, the northeast, and the Naxalite belt committed numerous serious abuses, including killing armed forces personnel, police, government officials, judges, and civilians. Insurgents also engaged in widespread torture, rape, beheadings, kidnapping, and extortion.
As in previous years, tension along the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir was minimal. The Home Ministry reported no cases of artillery shelling, mortar, or small arms fire across the LOC or on the Siachen glacier.
Abused Kashmir on US radar State Deptt: Custodial deaths serious problem, lack of accountability creates impunity
Showkat A Motta (The Daily Etalaat)
Srinagar, March 12 : The US State Department has said that human rights abuses by troops continue in Kashmir with a “lack of accountability creating an atmosphere of impunity.”
In its ‘Country Reports on Human Rights Practices -2007’ released on Tuesday, the State Department has highlighted in detail how the troops indulge in fake encounter killings, custodial disappearances, rapes and other rights abuses across the conflict-ridden state.
Lack of accountability
The (Indian) government “generally respected” the rights of its citizens, it said, adding “However, numerous serious problems remained.” “Major problems included extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture and rape by police and other security forces.” “A lack of accountability permeated the government and security forces throughout the country, creating an atmosphere of impunity,” says the report. Quoting human rights groups, it says the troops targeted suspected militants and their supporters. “But,” it added, “There was no widely accepted data on the magnitude of extrajudicial killings, which included encounter killings and custodial deaths.”
“For example, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, 18 cases of custodial killings and extrajudicial killings took place during the year. Of those, six cases were under investigation by the local government at year's end. In March, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad claimed that only five custodial deaths occurred during his eighteen-month tenure and that the overall situation improved considerably with a 95 percent reduction in custodial deaths over the last two years.” Referring to the infamous Pathribal incident of April 2000 when troops and the Special Operations Group of police killed five civilians in cold-blood, the State Department said that at the end of 2005, CBI investigation of four army officers, including Senior Superintendent of Police Farooq Khan, was still pending.
The report said the state government did not take action in the February 2006 killings of four children by Army at Bangargund village of Kupwara district. While the NHRC had asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to provide a detailed report of the killing, the government had not done so by year's end, it said.
Custodial deaths
“Custodial deaths, often made to appear as encounter deaths, remained a serious problem, and authorities often delayed prosecutions,” the report said. Chief Minister Azad announced that no custodial disappearances occurred in Kashmir during the year. “(However) there were no developments in the May 2006 case of Ghulam Nabi Mir, who disappeared in Pulwama after Rashtriya Rifle (RR) officers allegedly raided his home,” says the State Department report.
Torture
In the chapter “Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,” the report says in Kashmir torture victims or their relatives reportedly had difficulty filing complaints, as local police allegedly were instructed not to open a case without permission from higher authorities. During 2006 the screening committees released 140 persons detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). During the year, the government did not release any additional detainees, the report says.
In addition, under the (Jammu and Kashmir) Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of 1990, no "prosecution, suit, or other legal proceeding shall be instituted against any person in respect of anything done or purported to be done in exercise of the powers of the act," without the approval of the central government.
Pattern of rape
“There was a pattern of rape by paramilitary personnel in Jammu and Kashmir as a means of instilling fear among noncombatants in insurgency-affected areas, but these incidents were not included in NHRC statistics, as the NHRC does not have direct investigative authority over the military,” says the report.
Arbitrary arrest
In April a Working Group on Kashmir appointed by the prime minister also recommended that the act be revoked. The government had not acted on these recommendations by year's end, the report said.
The AFSPA and the Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) remained in effect in the Jammu and Kashmir districts of Kathua, Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag (Islamabad), Pulwama, Baramulla, and Kupwara.
Disappearances
According to the State Department, there was “virtually no information” about the fate of individuals who disappeared since the beginning of anti-India insurgency in Kashmir.
“There were no reliable figures for disappearances in Jammu and Kashmir during the year. According to Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) and other NGOs such as ACHR and SAHRDC, the number of newly reported disappearances decreased compared with the early years of the conflict,” it said.
Passport delay
“Unlike in previous years, there were no reports of the government using the issuance of passports or travel documents to restrict travel of separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, says the report.
“However, citizens from Jammu and Kashmir continued to face extended delays, often up to two years, before the Ministry of External Affairs would issue or renew their passports. Government officials also regularly demanded bribes before issuing passports from Jammu and Kashmir that required special clearances,” it said.
The State Department report also mentioned in detail the sex scandal that rocked Kashmir in 2006. It also blamed militants for “serious abuses, including killing armed forces personnel, police, government officials and civilians.”
________________________________________________________
ACTUALLY THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT ALSO ADDRESS OTHER TOPICS RELATED TO J&K, PROVING ONCE AGAIN THAT THE PRESS IN KASHMIR LACKS OBJECTIVITY AND PASSION FOR OBJECTIVE REPORTING. THE U.S. REPORT ALSO MENTIONS, AS AN EXAMPLE, THE FOLLOWING TEXT (VERBATIM):
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
According to the Norwegian Refugee Council, regional conflicts in Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, and the northeast displaced at least 650,000 persons. Approximately 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits forced to flee the Kashmir Valley in the early 1990s after the outbreak of separatist violence remained in IDP camps in Jammu and New Delhi. They were unable to return to their homes in Jammu and Kashmir because of safety concerns, including the ongoing killings of Hindus in the state.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs' Annual Report for 2006-2007, there were 55,950 Kashmiri Pandit migrant families, of which 34,562 resided in Jammu, 19,338 in Delhi, and 2,050 in other states. There were 230 migrant families living in 14 camps in Delhi and 5,778 families in 16 camps in Jammu.
Terrorists and insurgents operating in Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, and Doda areas of Jammu and Kashmir repeatedly targeted the minority Pandit (Hindu Brahmin) community, killing entire families in several incidents throughout the year.
Killings of security force members by insurgents and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir declined to 330 during 2005, according to home ministry statistics. As of August 2005, the Jammu and Kashmir police claimed fighting in Kashmir had resulted in the deaths of 167 security forces, 359 civilians, and 622 insurgents. According to the Jammu and Kashmir police, militants killed 385 civilians, security forces killed 554 terrorists, and insurgents killed 177 members of the security forces. According to South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), at year's end, 164 civilians, 121 security force personnel, and 492 terrorists had been killed as a result of terrorist violence.
Separatist guerrillas and terrorists in Kashmir, the northeast, and the Naxalite belt committed numerous serious abuses, including killing armed forces personnel, police, government officials, judges, and civilians. Insurgents also engaged in widespread torture, rape, beheadings, kidnapping, and extortion.
As in previous years, tension along the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir was minimal. The Home Ministry reported no cases of artillery shelling, mortar, or small arms fire across the LOC or on the Siachen glacier.
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