New Delhi, As Always, Will Eventually Back Down

J&K has received central funds and grants without accountability and oversight until now, in return State bureaucrats and politicians remain unsatiated and demand more

Centre Stifles JK for Fiscal ‘Indiscipline’

Akshay Azad (Greater Kashmir)

Jammu: Tightening noose around Jammu and Kashmir government, the Planning Commission of India (PCI) has asked the state to send project-wise Action Taken Report (ATR) for facilitating release of Rs 1900 crore withheld by it out of Rs 3800 crore Special Plan Assistance (SPA) for the current fiscal. Sources told Greater Kashmir that despite repeated requests by the state government, the Centre has refused to release Rs 1900 crore SPA, mainly due to the poor performance shown by the state’s executing agencies and failure of the concerned departments to submit Utilization Certificates. “PCI has now asked the state government to send project-wise details and ATR of the projects undertaken by the state government under SPA. Previously the state government was only submitting rough details of projects to the union government for seeking release of funds under SPA”, sources in the civil secretariat told Greater Kashmir.

They said that PCI has taken strong exception to the poor performance being shown by various line departments and executing agencies in the state on utilization of funds and has asked it to put forth all the required details before seeking release of Rs 1900 crore withheld by the Centre. “We have been asked to furnish each and every detail of every project and both the physical and financial progress achieved so far”, an official in the state’s Planning Department said. He said the Planning and Finance Ministers and bureaucrats were constantly in touch with the Planning Commission assuring it of fulfilling the formalities for release of the pending grants.

Sources further said that in the backdrop of PCI’s latest instructions, the state’s Planning Department has decided to hold crucial meetings in both provinces of the state to ascertain physical and financial progress of various developmental projects under execution. “The meeting of all 11 districts of Kashmir province is scheduled to be held on January 30 at Srinagar. It would be chaired by the Principal Secretary, Planning and Development Department, BR Sharma and all the district heads have been asked to come up with the details of the utilization of the plan outlay and implementation of various schemes”, sources said. They further said that all the District Development Commissioners, Chief Planning Officers, District Statistical and Evaluation Officers of Kashmir province, officers from Planning and Development Department including Director Area Planning, Director Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), Joint Director (Coordination) would also be attending the scheduled meeting. “The meeting in Kashmir province will be followed by similar meeting of all districts of Jammu province in the winter capital in coming days” sources said.

They further said that after holding the meetings, the Planning Department would forward ATR to the union government for the release of remaining Rs 1900 crore SPA as only two months were now left of the current financial year and it would be difficult for the government to utilize the money judiciously.

The Planning Commission had allocated Rs 7300 crore worth plan to Jammu and Kashmir for current financial year of 2012-13. Generally, majority of plan amount is released by the end of December or start of January to facilitate the State to draw up plan of development works and spend the plan amount by March 31 when the financial year ends.

However, this year, the Planning Commission had blocked Rs 1900 crore of the State on different grounds. Pertinently, JK government has drawn flak from the Government of India on tardy execution of developmental schemes especially the flagship Centrally Sponsored projects with various Central Ministries time and again reprimanding the state on the same.

Guess What's Up

The rise in civilian crimes will energize civil society anywhere to engage in public outcry and government accountability, but Kashmir's one-dimensional civil society is not interested

JK Crime Rate In Upward Swing

Observer News Service

Srinagar: In a disturbing picture of the state of society, latest police figures show 24, 608 criminal cases registered in Jammu and Kashmir in 2012, with an increased incidence in reported rape, sexual harassment, attempted murder and kidnapping.

According to Crime Branch data, 104 more criminal cases were registered in 2012 as compared to the previous year, though the murder rate had marginally fallen. Suicides and domestic violence against women have shown an upward trend.

In 2012, the police had registered 303 cases of rape across the state, while the number was 277 in 2011, the official website of the Crime Branch says, indicating an increase of 26. Last year, reported murder cases stood at 124, while the figure was 169 the previous year - a drop of 45. In sharp contrast, cases of attempted murder had leapt up to 511 from 494 in 2011. According to the Crime Branch, kidnapping cases registered in 2012 stood at 1,093, as compared to 1,077 in 2011.

The cases mostly related to kidnapping of children, the Crime Branch says. Sexual harassment (previously known as molestation) cases too have shown a marked rise, with 1,322 incidents registered last year, up by 128 cases the year before. Domestic violence against women too has shown an upward trend, with 301 cases registered in 2012 as compared to 286 in 2011. Robbery and other assorted crime registered last year stood at 6,768, again a marked increase from the 6,113 in 2011.

The suicide graph too has risen over the year, from 369 cases in 2011 to 373 in 2012. Similarly, violence against domestic helpers had risen to 541 cases registered in 2012, from 507 in 2011.

A Cultural Revival or Another White Elephant?

Sometimes it is unclear if the news value comes for highlighting cultural renaissance or simply that another construction job worth crores in black and white money is coming up that will enrich pockets, if not minds, of the well-connected

Tehzeeb Mahal: Kashmir culture’s exotic future address

Rising Kashmir News

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s rich art and culture will soon have a new and exotic address in the multi-facility Tehzeeb Mahal, the foundation stone of which was laid by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah near Tourist Reception Centre recently.

With this, the uncertainty dogging the construction of Tehzeeb Mahal for decades has finally come to rest. A modern cultural centre to showcase rich art, cultural and literary heritage of the State was being planned since 1970s and in 1982, foundation stone of Tehzeeb Mahal was laid in the Emporium Gardens. However, the project did not move any further until recently when the Chief Minister approved its construction adjacent to the Tourist Reception Centre.

Tehzeeb Mahal is Rs 64.89 crore project of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL). Another Rs 23.47 crore will be spent on relocation of the State Road Transport Corporation at Nowgam and cost difference of the land to be paid to the Corporation as former owner of the present site.

Secretary JKAACL Khalid Bashir Ahmad said the ground floor of the three-storeyed building will have auditorium with a seating capacity of 600, Folk Replica Centre, Art Gallery, Administration Space and Intimate Theatre Studio with seating capacity of 200. The first floor, he said, will house Auditorium Balcony, Exhibition Hall-1, Handicrafts Display Room, Library and Conference Hall while the second floor will have Exhibition Hall-2 and Heritage Museum. An Open Air Theatre and Sculpture Garden will be other facilities available at the Tehzeeb Mahal, he said, adding, the basement of the building measuring 46,123 sq ft will be used for parking and housing services. The building, Khalid said, will have special architectural finishes in tune with local heritage architecture including maharaji bricks, daji dewari look, devri stone cladding, khatamband ceiling, pinjra and jaffri work, paper machie and sozni work on walls and log bridge and heritage fort wall.

Pertinently, the Academy has a rich collection of manuscripts, paintings, miniatures, sculptures, artifacts, reference books, photographs etc. which due to present limited space could not be displayed for public viewing except occasionally by holding limited exhibitions. Tehzeeb Mahal will resolve this problem and make possible round-the year display of the State’s magnificent heritage besides turning into the permanent and colorful address of the State’s culture. The project to be completed in 39 months and is being executed by J&K Projects Construction Corporation Ltd (JKPCC).

Omar Lays foundation of Tehzeeb Mahal

 Kashmir Observer

Srinagar: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that the heritage of Jammu and Kashmir denotes a civilization of par excellence with pluralistic ethos and amity in diversity. “Preservation of heritage, culture, art, literature, history and memorabilia serves as authenticated credentials for present and future generations to study and learn about a people and their life style”, he said.

Laying foundation of Tehzeeb Mahal (Heritage House) here this afternoon, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages is a complete treasure of such memorabilia which can be properly displayed in the coming up Tehzeeb Mahal for all to witness and get educated. The Chief Minister said that recently Cultural Academy unveiled a bit of its treasure by displaying historic, rear and ancient works of Quranic calligraphy in an exhibition here which mesmerized the visitors. “There are numerous such works of art, culture, literature, languages and heritage preserved in Cultural Academy. Tehzeeb Mahal would be most appropriate for displaying these for public”, he said adding that this complex could also serve as an important centre for literary conferences and meetings.

Omar Abdullah said that his government is extending all support to the Cultural Academy to expand and strengthen its activities for development, preservation and showcasing of State’s rich cultural heritage. “I told the Secretary Academy, Khalid Bashir that the government would be with him in his efforts to groom writers, poets, artists, painters, sculptors and others associated with State’s art, culture and languages”, he said adding that the Cultural Academy has also been asked to showcase the State’s rich cultural heritage in various parts of the country. He referred to the holding of heritage conference by Tourism Department at Goa in which a group of people from various fields of art, culture and literature from the State were facilitated to participate.

The Chief Minister also referred to the newly constructed Museum at Srinagar and said that he has asked the concerned agency to complete its internal requirements pertaining to the display of historic valuables in a befitting manner and making the security foolproof. He said the Tourism Department has already taken measures in this direction. He expressed the hope that the Museum would be shortly opened.

Omar Abdullah said that he has asked the Tourism Department to formulate a calendar with Cultural Academy for holding various events of cultural programmes utilizing the already completed amphitheatres across the Valley. “This would provide added attraction to the visitors visiting the State during tourist season”, he said and directed for printing broachers, leaflets and posters in this regard and keeping these available at Airports, Railway Stations, Tourist Information Centres and other such places for tourists. He said over 13 lakh visitors visited the State this year which is expected to grow further. “In order to make them aware of the State’s rich cultural heritage and make their stay more eventful, Tourism Department and Cultural Academy should formulate such programmes jointly”, he emphasized.

In his welcome address Secretary Cultural Academy, Khalid Bashir said that blending tradition with technology, the Rs. 64.89 crore 3-storeyed Tehzeeb Mahal project will be a modern cultural complex in traditional architecture and state-of-the-art facilities related to art and culture. The Secretary Cultural Academy said that the building will have special architectural finishes in tune with local heritage architecture including maharaji bricks, deji dewari look, devri stone cladding, khatamband ceiling, pinjra and jaffri work, paper machie and sozni work on walls and log bridge and heritage fort wall. He said that the Ground Floor will have auditorium with a seating capacity of 600, Folk Replica Centre, Art Gallery, Administration Space and Intimate Theatre Studio with seating capacity of 200. The First Floor will house Auditorium Balcony, Exhibition Hall-1, Handicrafts Display Room, Library and Conference Hall. The Second Floor will have Exhibition Hall-2 and Heritage Museum. An Open Air Theatre and Sculpture Garden will be other facilities available at the Tehzeeb Mahal. The basement of the building measuring 46,123 sq ft will be used for parking and housing services.

Khalid said that J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages has a rich collection of manuscripts, paintings, miniatures, sculptures, artefacts, reference books, photographs etc. Due to the limited space available with the Academy, this treasure trove could not be displayed for public viewing except occasionally by holding limited exhibitions. The Tehzeeb Mahal will resolve this problem and make possible round-the year display of our magnificent heritage besides turning into the permanent and colourful address of the State’s culture. It will also serve as a major attraction for tourists interested in knowing about the heritage and culture of the State.

Noted writer Padam Shree Rehman Rahi presented vote of thanks and highlighted the significance of Tehzeeb Mahal project for the growth, development and preservation of State’s rich art, culture, languages and heritage

Heritage in Peril

Amazing that Kashmiris themselves are indifferent to what outsiders see as precious architectural and cultural legacy

Neglected Heritage

Raouf Rasool (Kashmir Images)

In the year 2008 Srinagar and Leh (old) towns were included on the New York-based World Monuments Fund (WMF) watch-list of the 100 most endangered sites across the globe. WMF is a private and non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of endangered architectural and cultural sites around the World. That a foreign organization showed interest in preserving Srinagar’s cultural heritage should have come as a clarion call for all the people of the state that owing to their lack of concern about their heritage, someone from outside had to step in to wake us up from slumber. But alas, it has not been so. Instead the local population as well as the local government continues to be carelessly negligent about the local cultural ethos, not only of Srinagar or Leh towns but about the entire state.

The heritage in Jammu and Kashmir and particularly in Kashmir Valley has all along got very little or no attention by any quarter. The indifference towards this sector is not confined to the governments only, but the general public too is equally culpable of vandalizing everything. While government’s lack of interest has resulted in wanton loot and destruction of heritage sites, people too are no less ruthless and in certain cases have been instrumental in destroying these glories of the past. While WMF showed its concern about the preservation of heritage here saying traditional structures built to survive earthquakes were suffering as a result of ongoing instability and conflict, local populace, more or less, has always remained indifferent towards this aspect. While all over world people feel proud of their cultural heritage and get inspirations for coming ages, in Kashmir these sites have always been treated as alien – as if the people have no emotional or cultural connection. Peoples’ indifference and sort of disrespect towards their heritage and culture is one of the main reasons of the trouble and turmoil that the region is face to face with today. People who don’t respect their history, their culture and their heritage are bound to lose connection with the roots and once this connection is broken, peoples’ identity is lost and crises are born. That is what has happened here.

Now that a foreign organization has shown interest in preservation of our heritage, let it be hoped that the interest that is being shown towards it doesn’t die after some time. History bears witness that in this part of the world much is said than done and every issue is spoken about and kept relevant just for a brief time. Hoping against hope, one would pray that history doesn’t repeat itself this time and all the concerned authorities and the people in general gear up to save and preserve the heritage that gives Kashmir a distinct historical and cultural place in the community of other societies. The Tourism Department claims to have completed the cultural mapping of Srinagar city and in this backdrop, WMF initiative could go a long way in preserving the cultural ethos of this old city history of which dates back to 2000 years. Besides international attention, that definitely would help a great deal, need is to concentrate and focus on the issue domestically. Neither government nor a few non-governmental organizations can do the needful alone as, sadly, in both these cases it is actually money that plays the game (Dal Lake conservation being an eye-opener). Therefore, need is to involve general public by launching an awareness campaign. Of late the heritage tourism has become a buzz word in Kashmir. Talk of heritage tourism needs to be translated into action and that can happen once the concerned authorities launch a full-fledged campaign for the preservation of heritage.

Strictly for Kashmiri Cuisine Aficionados

Hopefully Kashmiris will realize that the looming disaster is much more than simply shrinking water bodies and degrading environment

Nadroo Production Decreases in Wular

\Sheikh Saleem (Rising Kashmir)

Srinagar: Once known for Nadroo (lotus stem) production, Asia’s largest fresh water lake Wular has stopped producing Nadroo due to the growing pollution and encroachment. The extinction of Nadroo has taken toll on livelihood of thousands as people who lost their ancestral work.The Nadroo extractors and contractors have either switched to other jobs or have been rendered jobless.

Around 30000 people, living on the banks of Wular were dependent on the Nadroo production of the lake. “In early 90s, we were selling tons of Nadroo but now not a single lotus is seen in the lake,” said Ali Mohammad, a Nadroo-grower. Attributing the extinction of this valuable Kashmiri cuisine to growing pollution in the lake, the Nadroo extractors said the marshy land of the lake was encroached upon by people and the government alike.

Nadroo-is a lotus stem grown in marshy lands. According a report of Wetland international-South Asia, lake vegetation sustains livelihood of 24150 households forming 29 percent of total lakeshore population.

Data collected from the rural appraisal indicated an abundance of vegetation, particularly Nadroo during 1950s, which provided income base to 75 – 80% of the population. However, the availability of Nadroo has decreased by 56% during the last fifty years owing to reduction in lake area, siltation and decline in water quality.

The report that was published in June 2007 said analysis of trend data on availability and dependence indicates drastic changes in vegetation resources over the last fifty years. “Kashmiri Nadroo is famous in India where the market was good for the Nadroo business, but the growing pollution proved a slaughter for our ancestral trade,” said Ghulam Hasan an erstwhile nadroo extractor. Though the people dependent on the Lake were hopeful as the government of India announces beautification and drudging of Wular, but six years have passed government has failed to even remove the encroachment.

According to a survey conducted by government, various government and private agencies have encroached about 62,232 kanals of land in past decade. Most of the land is under willow plantation. The plantation has been done by the forest department and social forestry. Interestingly the government has failed to implement the orders of removing encroachments orders issued five years back in 2006.

Due to extinction of Nadroo from the Wular the dependents on Wular have now switched on to other jobs thus losing their ancestral work. “The communities have gradually switched over from Nadroo to trapa collection, “said Iftikar Rasheed, an environmentalist.

Environmental experts have constantly warned in the last few years that lake is fast dying. The encroachment has taken toll on the production of vegetation and fish in the lake. “The encroachment on the lake has changed dramatically over the years, thus there occurs immediate change in the fish production,” said Iftikar Ahmad Wani, an environmentalist.

As government earlier used to issue tenders for the auction of Nadroo extraction but a government official said from past few years department have stopped to issue auction notice.

Suffering Women

Two reports on gender inequalities in Kashmir from two women writers, followed by disturbing statistics about rape crimes committed by local Kashmiris

(Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 28, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi), and received her Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Kashmir in 2008. Presently, she is also pursuing her second Masters degree in Mass Communications through the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). In 1998, she began her career as a freelance journalist with leading national newspapers and simultaneously joined ‘Fazil Kashmiri Publications’ as Editor and Publisher, and is also an editor of the ‘Focus’. Ms. Fazil has written a book on Mass Media and Linguistics (2006), and ‘Falcons of Paradise'(2009), a reference book contains 100 Eminent Personalities of J&K starting from 14th century till date. After working for ‘Daily Etaalat’- a Srinagar based Newspaper in 2007-2008; she joined ‘Daily Kashmir Images’ as a Senior Correspondent by the end of 2008. She is also currently associated with ‘Charkha’, a foundation that highlights the developmental concerns of marginalized section of Kashmiri society particularly in rural areas and to draw out perspectives on women through their writings. Ms. Fazil is also associated with ‘Interchurch Peace Council Netherlands’ which is intensely involved in several conflict areas such as in Kashmir. In 2009, she joined the South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA). She has received numerous awards for her meritorious contribution in the field of literature. Her interests are reading, writing, poetry, music, travel,and gender related topics.)

Amid Slogans of Female Empowerment, Kashmiri Women Suffer Silently

Srinagar: Notwithstanding the fact that women have borne the brunt of violence during the last two decades here, various studies have shown that uncaring authorities and societal norms have multiplied their woes, sometimes forcing them to commit suicide.

Renowned sociologist, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Dabla estimates that in the last more than two decades of conflict, 20,000 persons have committed suicide. “My surveys have shown that number of women committing suicide is more than men. Throughout the world, suicide rates are higher among men and more intense in urban areas, but in the Valley the reverse is true”, he said.

“In the years of turmoil, Kashmiri women have suffered worst. They were dishonored – raped or molested - and in many cases, suffered at the hands of society too”, he said. In many instances, police simply refused to entertain women’s complaints and register their cases.

Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo agrees that majority of cases of domestic violence; particularly in far-flung areas go unnoticed owing to the negligence of police in registering them. “Hundreds of women have come to me and informed that police refuses to register complaints of domestic violence they are subjected to,” confesses Itoo, adding that the available statistics also provides evidence of the discrimination faced by women in J&K. “If the available data is taken as a pointer, it goes without saying that women have suffered worst during past two decades,” Itoo told ‘Kashmir Images’.

Women constitute more than 60 percent of the patients visiting Kashmir's lone mental health hospital in Srinagar for treatment, with most of them suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD). Dr. Mushtaq Margoob, noted psychiatrist, believes hundreds of women do not turn up for medical help because of illiteracy and social taboos attached to the mental health hospitals. “They continue to suffer silently,” he told ‘Kashmir Images’.

“Social prejudices reinforce domestic violence against women. They are treated as their spouses' property; husbands assume that this subordinate role gives them right to abuse their wives in order to keep them in their place. Against this background is the tradition of dowry, an expectation of gifts and cash from the bride's family,” says Margoob.

“Women's physical and mental health is often permanently damaged or impaired and in some cases violence can have fatal consequences as in the case of dowry deaths,” adds the psychiatrist. Leading social activist and lawyer, Abdul Rashid Hanjoora says, “They (women) are often caught in a vicious circle of economic dependence, fear for their children's lives as well as their own, ignorance about their rights, lack of confidence in themselves and social pressures.” “These factors effectively force women to a life of recurrent mistreatment from which they often do not have the means to escape. The sanctity of privacy within the family also makes authorities reluctant to intervene, which often leads women to deny they are being abused”, Hanjoora adds.

“Each year a minimum of 100 cases of domestic violence are received by us while the majority of cases go unreported due to social stigma attached to it. Even the cases that are reported do not give complete picture of the crime scenario wherein women are the victims”, he said. “We need to ponder as to how this form of degradation of women can be stopped. It needs support from all quarters - be it government, NGOs or women themselves”, believes Hanjoora.


Kashmiri Society Desensitized Towards Crime!

Sana Altaf (Rising Kashmir)

Srinagar: How serious is our society towards curbing crime against women can be gauged from the fact that not more than 15 people turned up to protest against the acid attack incident that took place in Srinagar few days back.

The protest, organized by the Human Rights Law Network at Press Colony here on Thursday didn’t saw the response as was conceptualized. The protest was held to demand justice for the acid attack victim and bring social awareness about the rising crime against women.

Though hundreds of netizens showed willingness to join the protest on social networking site Facebook, except for few girls and men, none was seen participating in the protest. “It is very unfortunate that people who promised to attend the protest on Facebook didn’t turn up,” said advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat from Human Rights Law Network (HRLN). However he was quick to add that since Kashmir is a conflict zone, many things stop people from joining protests. Sadaat said female folk should have come forward as the issue concerns them.

“I request every woman to come forward and stand for justice.” Khair-un- Nisa, a social worker associated with HRLN said participation of lesser number of people in the protest depicts insensitivity of the society towards women issues. “We cannot blame men for not participating when women don’t turn up. People here are cold towards grave violation of human rights,” Nisa said. HRLW had created a page by the name of “Acid Attack” on Facebook.

Over 600 invitations were sent to people from different sections of society. “Hundreds had confirmed that they will join us in protest but it was really sad to see the response,” Nisa said. When 28-year-old woman was attacked with acid by stalker, condemnations poured from social workers, separatists and mainstream political parties. The issue was debated on social networking sites .However when it came to come to streets to protest, no one came forward, he said.

A 15-year-old boy Azhar who was part of the protest said incidents like acid attack and rape must end in Kashmir. “I am here to stand for the rights of women. We want men and women treated equally,” said Azhar, adding though he had invited his friends to the protest, no one turned up.

Kalida, a school teacher said crime against women is a social issue and people particularly youth have to curb it. She regretted the feeble response of people in the protest. Tanveer, from Muslim Khawateen Marqaz said the acid attack incident is an example of ethical breakdown of our society. “We need to revive our social system. There have been incidents of rape in Kunanposhpora, Shopian and Sopore. We have to raise our voice,” she said adding justice should be granted in time to the acid attack victim.


2,360 Rape Cases Pending Trial in Various Courts

Srinagar: In Jammu and Kashmir, 2,360 rape cases are pending trial in various courts. The number of such cases is highest in Baramulla district, where 416 cases are pending before the courts.

To deal with a huge backlog of rape cases, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has written to the state government for creation of eight new courts of the rank of District and Sessions Judge as fast-track courts in eight districts, where the pendency of rape cases is high.

“In Jammu and Kashmir, 2,360 rape cases are pending trial before courts in many districts,” a senior high court official said.

He said the highest number of rape cases was pending before the courts in Baramulla district.

Baramulla is followed by Kulgam district, where 250 rape cases are pending in the courts.

In Anantnag district in south Kashmir, 247 rape cases are before the courts.

In Kupwara district in north Kashmir, 196 rape cases are pending trial.

Pulwama district has 162 such cases.

In Srinagar, the number of pending rape cases is 157.

In Jammu province, Jammu district tops the list, where 147 rape cases are pending trial before the courts.

Rajouri district has 121 rape cases which are pending trial. “These eight districts have the highest number of rape cases pending before the courts.

In other districts, the number of such cases is low,” the official said. Asked what measures were being taken to deal with the pendency and expeditious trail of rape cases in the state, the Registrar General of the high court Suresh Kumar Sharma said the court had taken up the matter with the state government.

“The J-K High Court has sought the creation of eight courts of the rank of District and Sessions Judge as fast-track courts in the districts where there is a huge pendency of rape cases. The matter for creation of these courts has been taken up with the state government,” the Registrar General said. Since it would take time for new fast-track courts to be “actually” created, Sharma said it was resolved to earmark five existing courts as fast track to exclusively try rape cases to provide succour to the victims. (Tribune News Service)

Tibet in Srinagar

Monisa highlights a silent minority

(Ms. Monisa Qadri was born and raised in Srinagar. She has been a Mallinson Girl and studied bio-chemistry at the Women's College, Srinagar. She has studied mass communications and journalism from Kashmir University, and worked for a few years in the Corporate Communications and Public Relations Department of the J&K Bank. She is now a member of the faculty at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) in Awantipora, teaching journalism and mass communication. She writes as a freelancer.)

Tibetans of Kashmir

Tibetan Colony of Kashmir is still an enigma for most of the Kashmiris. Many people do not know much about them. After converting to Islam, these people migrated to Kashmir from Tibet around 1960, and are since then called as ‘Tibetans’. They settled in Srinagar city in the areas of Hawal, Eid-Gah and Gulshan Mohalla of Makhdoom Sahab, the place now known as the ‘Tibetan Colony’.

Some 120 families are believed to have migrated from Tibet, and at present there are about 270 families settled in these three localities, which make up a population of about a thousand people. Abdul Majeed Dar (55) has faint memories of migration but his elders have told him much about it. He says, “We first settled in Numaishi (Exhibition Grounds) when we came here and then we were shifted to Eidgah and other areas, where a colony was built for us.”

Like majority of Kashmiri at that time, their financial condition was not good and so they had to struggle hard for their living. “We even sold off jewellery and other valuable things. When the civil Secretariat was being constructed, we laboured for it,” he adds.

With typical Mongoloid features, these people have still held onto their culture. Their food comprises of famous Momo, Thukpa, Chowmein and their women wear ‘Shhuba’-a gown and they speak mostly in their mother tongue Tibetan. They relish these symbols of their identity. Every household has varied items of Tibetan origin like utensils, fabrics, carpets or wool.

Tauseef Ahmad Shahkuli, a 24 year old self-employed boy, and his sister-in-law happily showcase these and other things like Ginseng Tea, painkillers and so on. While holding out a bottle of Vapourub, he says, “This is the original product” and as naming a popular Indian brand he adds, “that is simply a copy that is why we use Tibetan items.” When asked about how these things are procured, it was said that they are mostly bought from Tibet, when somebody travels to and fro and also from Tibetan markets of Jammu, Ladakh or Delhi. Strangely, there is no such market in the Valley and that is why Asma, who got married last year, had to get her Shhuba and Paandaeyy (apron) stitched from Delhi as there is no such tailor here. These are a must for every bride.

Almost every house has typical aluminium cookware ‘Moattu’ with two parts, meant specifically for preparing Momos in steam. Big, small and in every size as the need be. Majority of these people are associated with the business of embroidery, hosiery or tourism. Tauseef himself is associated with tourism and has two cabs, while his family runs an embroidery business.

His shop, which is located near his home, displays variety of Tila (Traditional embroidery in Silver and Golden thread) designs done mostly on Pherans (Kashmiri Gown worn during winters). Amidst sounds of sewing machines, he talks about his business and while talking about their speciality, he says, “We don’t do the handwork, as we use machines and that is why Kashmiris refer to this kind of work as ‘Boata Tila.’ There is a good market for this work also as it is reasonable.” Shahkulis’ different ventures provide employment to around 25 people.

Generally, these people are hardworking and honest, which has earned them good reputation among other communities. While entering into the Eidgah Colony, we saw an octogenarian woman busy with knitting and she was there even after we were coming back. ‘Maulaa’ or Granny as she was called by everyone in the colony, seemed little bothered about this unfamiliar face as she went on converting yarn into a sweater along with two other women Zulaikha and Haseena in their forties.

She has been good at almost everything as Tauseef said that she is the Momo specialist and has fed people for decades in her little Momo restaurant. Maulaa, whose real name is Zeenat has been a witness to the migration and she was in the prime of her youth then as she says, “I was 28 then as I came here with my family and that was a difficult time for all of us.” Zulaikha says that due to the communist control on Tibet, it was deemed fit by their elders to return to Kashmir so that they could practice their religion freely. “My grandfather, Habibullah was arrested along with his friends who were religious heads of Muslims there and he died in prison some 15-20 years after we came here. And we too had to experience lot of issues when we came to Kashmir; language was one of the biggest problems,” she explains. By this time, three more people are already there –Ishrat Ganai (23), Wajida (6) and Ghulam Rasool (52). After listening to the point regarding language incompatibility, she quietly whispers about Maulaa’s awkward moment saying, “She would ask for Mohabbat (Love) if she wanted a Mombati (Candle).”

On a serious note, Ghulam Rasool mentions that they were asked by the Indian Government to go to any other place in India, but since they were originally from Kashmir, they chose to come to Kashmir. “It was also because of our religion that we felt we should come here,” he adds. But, there have been so many things that bother this community which includes denial of state subject, little opportunities for higher education besides no access to government jobs here. The latter two are a result of the state subject issue.

State subject is not given to these people, even though they have all the other documents like Electoral Identity card, ration card etc. Article 370 is the reason behind this, but they are basically of Kashmiri origin and their forefathers had migrated to Tibet, the proof of which being why they re-migrated to Kashmir in 1960, in which the Indian government was instrumental. Abida Parveen, a final year student is unsure about her future. “I don’t know how I will be able to get admission for my Post Graduation for the want of a state subject.”

This is the tale of almost every graduate or higher secondary pass-out, who needs to produce state subject at the time of admission, and true with regards to those yearning for a government job as there also the requirement is the same. Seema Qazi, who teaches in the Tibetan Public School, is a graduate and she did not study further because of this and now also she is not looking for any other job.

But, those who are fortunate enough to travel to different cities of India like Delhi, do not face such a problem and every Tibetan colony member who has gone for further studies has studied outside. Dr. Qazi, a young university assistant professor, has studied in New Delhi. He has been studying in a university there from his undergraduate days but not everyone in their community is able to do so.

Poor literacy rate is another major problem. Lack of opportunities in both higher education and employment discourages many, while few seem to be disinterested altogether due to a mixed bag of reasons. For Ishrat, former was the reason for not pursuing studies after completing her 12th, while she says that some of her cousins were never interested in studies and wanted to engage themselves in business ventures.

Nevertheless, there is a great bonding between them and certain Kashmiris who think positively about them. Abdul Rasheed, a local businessman working with some members of the Tibetan community including Tauseef and Majeed, says, “I have been trading with them and they are my very good friends and honestly it is good to deal with them. However, due to generic problems like counterfeiting that exist in Kashmir, at times our business suffers.” Tibetan Kashmiris too feel that they have never felt any social discrimination as Abida points, “There are inter-community marriages as well and we live in a great harmony with everyone.” 

(The article is part of Indo Global Social Service Society’s (IGSSS) Media Fellowship Programme under Youth Action for Peace Project. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect views of Indo Global Social Service Society)

Magician Wizardry or Election Puffery?

Junaid sees a deja vu in Chief Minister's new claims

(Mr. Junaid Azim Mattu, 26, was born in Srinagar. He partly completed his schooling at the Burn Hall School, Srinagar, and partly at the Bishop Cotton School, Shimla. He attended college in America and graduated with a degree in Business and Finance from the Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University. He is a consulting financial analyst and telecom-IT entrepreneur based in Srinagar. A seeded national varsity debater throughout his school and college career (his grandfather - Khwaja Ghulam Ahmed Ashai - was one of the founding fathers of the Muslim/National Conference), Mr. Mattu also played under-19 cricket at national level for J&K. He is a founder of the World Kashmiri Students Association (WKSA), a global youth association for Kashmiris based in Srinagar, Kashmir, working on social, economic and political issues through constructive and informed activism. WKSA, as of today has 1,700+ registered members in Kashmir. He is also a nominated alumnus of the Global Young Leaders Conference. He is also the Srinagar District President of J&K Peoples’ Conference, led by Mr. Sajad Lone. In his leisure time, Junaid likes to engage in reading, gardening, watching movies and listening to music.)

80,000 More Government Jobs. HOW?

The salary and wage bill for the J&K Government is around 16,000 crores. The State’s total revenue is around 6,500 crores. So what our State has to pay in salaries, wages and pensions to its employees is 246% of what it earns in taxes and other forms of revenue. Our Revenue Expenditure rose by a whopping 27% in 2012, while there was a marginal increase in Revenue Collection. J&K with about a 5% fiscal deficit has the third highest fiscal deficit in India, after Manipur (8.24%) and Pondicherry (7%). In terms of the amount of fiscal deficit, J&K’s fiscal deficit is incomparable and staggering. However, with around 8 Billion USD grants from the Center, the fiscal deficit isn’t a relevant reflection. Out of 28 Indian States, J&K’s Economy is ranked 8th from the bottom, followed by Goa, Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Sikkim. The Economic Survey of India Report (2011-2012) shows an increase of Rs 2,548 crore in our fiscal deficit from a back-breaking Rs 28,724 crore in 2009-10 to Rs 31,272 crore during 2010-11. Twenty-percent of J&K’s population lives below the poverty line – which means that every fifth individual of this State lives below the BPL. Around 26% of our Rural Population and around 8% of our Urban Population falls below the poverty line – which in itself is an unrealistic measure of economic welfare to start with.

We have quite frequently heard the ridiculous, ironic declarations of “Zero Deficit Budgets”. For a State that pays 16,000 crores in salaries to its employees and has a total revenue of around 6,500 crores – a “Zero Deficit” Budget is a crafty accounting trick – nothing more. And successive governments have resorted to this accounting trick without any inhibition. The overdraft available to the J&K Government from the Jammu & Kashmir Bank was increased from the limit of Rs. 2,965 crores to a limit of Rs. 4812 crores in 2010-2011 – all of which was fortunately discharged ending a monstrous financial liability for the State Government that had become a hallmark of its operations and “zero-deficit” budget trickery. The overdraft in 2010-2011 was liquidated by a collective Open Market Borrowing of around Rs. 1,300 crores. Unsurprisingly, this Market Borrowing of Rs. 1,300 crores isn’t considered by the State Government in estimating its total fiscal deficit. J&K is buried under debt. Our State Government functions on grants by the Center. The State has witnessed an economically paralyzing political turmoil, agreed. However, successive State Governments are almost criminally guilty of poor economic planning and lack of a political will to steer J&K out of debt, dependence and destitution. Two liabilities for our State are gruesome, and for both – we have our traditional mainstream parties and their leaders to blame – including the present dispensation. One – the money we have to pay to purchase power from the national grid. Two – the staggering salary, wage and pension bill that we have. Both operating expenditures, collectively, leave little hope for the State to develop. Almost all of our own revenue and what we get as grants from Delhi is spend on operating expenditure, leaving little money for the desperately needed Capital Expenditures in the State – better roads, hospitals, schools, bridges, flyovers, universities and hydro-electric power projects. We are engulfed in a never-ending vicious circle of paying our bills by borrowing and begging money. But, will Delhi keep financing our operating and revenue expenditures limitlessly? Apparently and understandably – No! And this is not a presumption. The Central Government has on various occasions expressed serious displeasure at the State’s financial situation and its failure to control its rising revenue expenditures.

And NOW, lo and behold – our Chief Minister wants to add 80,000 more government employees to the list of the State’s vagaries. 80,000 additional government jobs could translate into an addition of around Rs. 2,500 to 4,000 crores to our revenue expenditure – which could potentially double our fiscal deficit. So, the question is pertinent – how does our Chief Minister plan on paying for 80,000 new government jobs? The CM cannot ask the tax-payers to bear the cost of this lunacy and here is why – the State Government in ads responding to the employees strike has stated that any increase in the State’s Salary Bill would result in an increased tax-burden on the State’s tax-payers. So, is it OK to put a burden on them NOW, now that elections are around the corner? The other option would be to ask the Center to bear the brunt of an additional 2,500 to 4,000 crores annually – and that too isn’t going to happen if one goes by the fact that even doles and grants don’t come from a bottomless coffer.

So – if the CM isn’t repeating the “Meter Nahi Heater” sloganeering of 2008 (which most probably is the case – in which case there is little to be worried for) – he needs to answer – where will the money to meet this additional, recurring liability come from? More taxes, more open-market borrowing or more grants from Delhi?

Forest Area Without Forest Policy Spells Disaster

Zeenat exposes how disappearing animal species in Kashmir is yet another victim of Government apathy

(Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 28, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi), and received her Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Kashmir in 2008. Presently, she is also pursuing her second Masters degree in Mass Communications through the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). In 1998, she began her career as a freelance journalist with leading national newspapers and simultaneously joined ‘Fazil Kashmiri Publications’ as Editor and Publisher, and is also an editor of the ‘Focus’. Ms. Fazil has written a book on Mass Media and Linguistics (2006), and ‘Falcons of Paradise'(2009), a reference book contains 100 Eminent Personalities of J&K starting from 14th century till date. After working for ‘Daily Etaalat’- a Srinagar based Newspaper in 2007-2008; she joined ‘Daily Kashmir Images’ as a Senior Correspondent by the end of 2008. She is also currently associated with ‘Charkha’, a foundation that highlights the developmental concerns of marginalized section of Kashmiri society particularly in rural areas and to draw out perspectives on women through their writings. Ms. Fazil is also associated with ‘Interchurch Peace Council Netherlands’ which is intensely involved in several conflict areas such as in Kashmir. In 2009, she joined the South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA). She has received numerous awards for her meritorious contribution in the field of literature. Her interests are reading, writing, poetry, music, travel,and gender related topics.)

Kashmir - a Classic Case of Forested Place Without Forest Policy!

Srinagar: Even as the incidence of human-wild animal conflicts is on the rise, population of wild animals in Kashmir Valley is on decline owing to extensive deforestation which is shrinking the natural habitat of these animals.

Kashmir which was once home to vast wildlife reserves including some rare species which existed only in the Valley has steadily lost this distinction over the years.

“Rare species like that of Marmot and Snow Leopard have been hunted down for its valuable skin and teeth and today they are on the verge of extinction. Similarly, famous ‘Kashmiri Otter’ is hardly now seen in the Valley,” says a Wildlife official who wished not to be named.

He said the hunting of rare species like that of Horned Sheep, Kashmiri Antelope, the Blue Sheep, Urian, Ibex and Snow Leopard has been in practice since 1947.

Some decades back most of these animals were killed for food needs but when it was realized how precious the animal furs and skins were in the international market, slaughter of these wild animals started with much ardour, he said adding that this has resulted Marmot, Snow Leopard, Flying Squirrel having reached on the verge of extinction.

Hangul or Kashmir Stag these days is spotted mostly in the northern regions of Kashmir Valley and as per the survey carried out jointly by the Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K, and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), its (Hangul’s) overall population is around 218. Some two decades back, 3000 Hangul were present in Dachigam National Park and its adjoining areas alone.

Other reasons responsible for declining population of wild animals include the encroachment of the forest land by the people and troops which has disturbed the natural habitat of these animals.

This is one of the main reasons for increasing incidence of human-wild animal confrontations, which have proved fatal to both, experts say. They say owing to human encroachments in their natural habitat, wild animals often descend to human habitations in search of food.

“Once food becomes unavailable to them in their natural surroundings, they start moving from one place to another for want of food. Sometimes they move to such areas that may not be protected and become prone to predators,” Wildlife officials say.

Kashmir's ecological balance has also been severely disturbed as a result of unabated environmental destruction for the past 40 years.

Permanent snow-cover on mountains has receded, snowfall and rainfall has significantly diminished and average temperatures have risen above normal.

The combined effect of deforestation and mismanagement of water resources has also resulted in soil erosion which is also responsible for frequent flash-floods, experts point out.

In order to prevent further damage to the wildlife, the authorities will have to protest the forests and environment in general. “Wild animals can be saved fro extinction only if their natural habitat is saved and restored.”

However, a general consensus among the wildlife and environmental experts here is that protection of forests is and has never been a priority for the state government.

“Buying tranquilizers and putting in place other measures to deal with increasing human-wild animal conflicts is just a momentary measure – it could never save wild animals nor prevent their deadly confrontations with human. State needs a comprehensive forest and environmental policy, and above all a massive political will to save whatever is left of our forests and wild animals living in them,” suggested another expert.

Despite repeated attempts, both Minister for Forest and Wildlife (J&K), Mian Altaf Ahmad, and Chief Wildlife Warden (J&K), A K Singh, didn’t respond to the calls made by this newspaper office.

Incompetence Unlimited

Fazili says the National Building Construction Company Limited (NBCCL) drainage project can prove disastrous for Old city

(Er. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili, 68, was born in Srinagar. He received his early schooling from the Government Middle School, Nowhatta, Srinagar, and from M.P. High School, Baghi Dilawar Khan in Srinagar. Mr. Fazili completed his F.Sc. from the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar, and received his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the Annamalai University with honours grade. He joined the J&K government service upon graduation and steadily rose up the ranks to the position of Chief Engineer at his retirement. He managed a number of important infrastructure projects during his government service, including the Model Town Chrar-i-Sharif, Lower Jhelum Hydro Electric Project, Solid Waste Disposal Scheme Srinagar City, Circular Road Project Srinagar City, etc. He has numerous publications to his credit, including Srinagar the Sun City, Our Ancestors and Saints of Kashmir, etc., which were presented in seminar and symposia. He writes for various journals and is presently working on the Jhelum Valley Civilization.) 

Disastrous Drainage Project for Srinagar

Srinagar: The government’s plan to save the twin capital cities of the state from sewerage disposal has forced experts to raise an alarm as they express apprehensions of mass destruction if the plan was put into effect.

Pertinently, the state government with the purpose of protecting capital cities from ‘sullied’ water approved a huge amount of rupees of 133 crore in the year 2007 for the mega project and handed over the work to National Building Construction Company Limited (NBCCL), however, experts believe that the project might prove detrimental for the historic old city as the city may become prone to frequent flooding.

Interestingly, the government has so far released near about ninety crores for (Greater Srinagar Sewerage Project) which has bewildered experts who believe that the executing agency (NBCCL) is ‘incompetent ’ in performing such tentative works.

“I can only say that if the government really pushes with this project there are possible chances of flooding the old city as the executing agency is unaware about the topographic conditions of the valley. The company has no advance technology to carry out the work on such a sensitive project,” Former Chief Engineer, R &B, Mohammad Ashraf Fazli told Kashmir Images.

He said that the spreading pipes had been done on precarious manner including laying of mud mats under the joints of pipes, maintaining the gradient at invert level with leveling instruments, refilling in layers with proper compaction, testing the cube strength of the laid concrete / steel according to BIS specifications.

“The government rather than handing over the project to NBCL should consider the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) or Drainage Circle Srinagar for the project as both the departments were well aware about the topography of the region,” Fazli cautioned.

“There are possible chances of ‘cataclysm’ as 3 -4 days continuous rainfall might drown the entire old city. Around 50 thousand house drains in Srinagar city are expected to connect with single drain and the base water will be collected by a 60 MLD Sewerage Treatment Plant installed at Noorbagh area on the city outskirts,” claimed Fazli.

President Contractors Coordination Committee (CCC) Farooq Ahmad Dar said that the NBCL has faced lot of problems in the implementation of the project of which the Soura link road is a glaring example. Dar said that if the project was not handled according to the topographic conditions an inch of difference might be disastrous for old city which will imprecisely floodit in no time.


However, official sources confirmed that 60 percent of work of 60MLD Sewerage Treatment Plant has been completed after the state government under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JLNURM) scheme gave a green signal for the project in 2006.

Experts said that the effect of inappropriate planning would cover most of the city areas under its clutches including Nallahmar, Alamgari Bazaar, Lal Bazar, Soura and Gojwara.