A Bridge Too Far?

What is a trip to the valley without some fireworks? An informal discussion with students and faculty at the University of Kashmir's school of journalism triggers a point and counterpoint as reported in the Greater Kashmir

Comment by Dr. Stephen P. Cohen, South Asia Specialist at the Brookings: "Good response, even if the exchange was depressing. Steve"

The commentary by Mr. Ajaz-ul-Haque, followed by the response from the author

GREATER KASHMIR, DECEMBER 6, 2009

`Expert’ speaks

Ignorance or intent? Sazawal knows it better

WRITE HAND BY AJAZ UL HAQUE

An interaction with Dr. Vijay Sazawal, a Kashmiri, US-based policy analyst, with students and faculty of Media department of Kashmir University, was a good experience. Good, because it dispelled some sweet illusions we have about many such `Kashmir Experts’ overseas.

`Kashmiri reporters face a credibility crisis for being homogenous in their approach’. Sazawal sounded quite sarcastic about the vernacular press which to his mind is no longer taken seriously outside Kashmir. Had that sarcasm been based on some empirical assessment or some well-thought out analysis, it could have added a profound dimension to the whole Kashmir discourse. But tragically, it more spoke of his own ignorance. When asked as to how credible is the reporting done by journalists in India, Dr. Sazawal `honestly’ pleaded ignorance. Well, as `Kashmir Expert’ one must have an adequate knowledge as to how Indian media responds to the situation in Kashmir. Just three instances will do. When the whole valley was boiling in rage against the rapists and life came to a literal halt in Kashmir, it couldn’t catch much time and space. When a large ammunition depot was burning in South Kashmir, the sky high flames could not attract Indian media for it could have raised huge concerns in New Delhi about the national security. When Amarnath tumult engulfed the whole valley, it could not receive much. Sazawal sadly does not know all this, (as he says he does not).

Second, to him Kashmiri journalists must step out of this `political obsession’ and focus more on environment, wildlife and other `more important’ issues. Good point. But once again moored in plain ignorance about Kashmiri journalism. He now sees Kashmiris `beginning’ to open out to issues like environment and wildlife. Sazawal hosts a website on Kashmir, is `in touch’ with the latest and above all seems to be `concerned’ about us. But all this has made him so dangerously prejudiced that poor man does not even know that such issues have formed a considerable part of Kashmir journalism over the years. Even in the middle of crisis when everything in Kashmir was thrown out of the hinge, journalism was not wholly focussed on politics. It had all the ingredients which the profession demands. Yes, it was predominantly political and the reasons are well known. After all security of human lives will always take a lead on the extinction of hangul.

Sazawal is pleasantly surprised to see an editorial against Hartal in Greater Kashmir. Does it really happen in Kashmir? It’s not a change, work a little harder and see how has the school of opinion based journalism emerged in Kashmir all these years. It’s not to please you, but to inform you. One must know the facts before doing violence to them.

The most disappointing aspect of his whole speech was the statement which not only speaks of Sazawal’s naiveté but of his shallowness. `Writing about politics is a non-intellectual endeavour. That is cheap and demeaning’. This statement must easily go as an epigraph on any treatise produced in Social Sciences. One can’t imagine of anything more atrocious and to say the very least, more ridiculous than this. It will invite more laughters than comments. Applying this statement, the whole body of literature written on contemporary and classical politics will be at once consigned to the dust. From Plato down to Howard Zinn, we will have to paste Sazawal’s rejection on all. Perhaps the point he wanted to make he missed (or may be let it miss). It’s not writing politics that is cheap, it’s making politics which is cheaper than any other act of deception and perfidy. That needs courage, this guile. Cheap is to choose pieces that fit you and invent a `truth’ which squares with your own opinion. Demeaning is not to speak or write about political issues, demeaning is to suppress them and that is the most malicious and dangerously disguised political act which is not only non-intellectual, but propagandistic.

The only sane point in the entire dialogue was his pointing towards American indifference towards an issue called Kashmir and Kashmiris’ euphoria in response to a mere Obama statement. Besides that, the whole exercise was, in Sazawal’s own words, `cheap’ and `non-intellectual’.

GREATER KASHMIR, DECEMBER 10, 2009

I am pleasantly surprised to see the mention of an informal and what I thought to be an off-the-record discussion that I held recently with students and faculty of the MERC/EMMRC at the University of Kashmir. Now that Mr. Haque has expressed his views by selectively picking and choosing sound bites for his critique, I see a consistency in his response that reinforce the core arguments that I made at the meeting.

I am not a journalist, nor do I claim to be. The question that journalists from the valley have posed to me from time to time is why Kashmir's plight has little or no takers in the world. As a policy analyst, I know that most of the grievances are serious and well founded. I tried to answer this question during the University meeting. It is obvious that Mr. Haque did not like my answers, but that is his personal prerogative. His condemnation and ridicule will not change the situation. He may know his trees well, but he is missing the forest. The world is full of injustice, hate and violence. Journalists can make the difference and have the desired impact. But some Kashmiri journalists, like our politicians, do not like to hear that they are less than perfect.

What I said was that some journalists tend to be emotional, subjective and one-sided in their reporting. This directly affects the credibility of their writing. I have the empirical data on two of the three events that he has selected in his reply, namely, the Shopian Tragedy and the Amarnath controversy. If he wants to be objective, he should critique my specific commentary on those two subjects, rather than dismiss my arguments with sarcasm. And yet he expects me to comment on journalistic reporting in India, when I have already admitted that I do not have empirical data on that subject.

My data related to the two incidents noted above shows that many of the unproven and unfounded rumors were taken as unblemished truths by journalists and commentators in the valley. Not a single local writer, let me repeat, not a single local writer ever challenged the version of the events promoted by political and vested interests. The "universal truth" has taken a whole new meaning in Kashmir.

Also, I did not say that political commentators should stop writing about politics and turn to new endeavors. What I said is that we need more commentaries on non-political subjects to strengthen the civil society in other pressing issues of the day. Similarly, political writing is an intellectual endeavor, but political writing that is subjective and does not meet the pluralistic test is, in my view, the low hanging fruit that anyone can grab with ease. There is a big difference between well written political commentaries and ordinary writing. The former requires examining "all sides of the story" whereas the latter can be done without much thought.

My point is that students and staff in journalism need to put a lot of emphasis on objectivity and fairness. The exercise should begin from within. Unless and until we can objectively discuss our own shortcomings and weaknesses, it will be nearly impossible to make improvements. Mr. Haque did not like either my analysis or recommendations. That is fine. But the problem has not gone away. I saw many in the conference room reacting positively to my lecture. If I can make some see the bigger picture then they will realize that Kashmir is not the center of attention, and its journalists have to set a higher bar to meet basic norms of objective and fair reporting.

Finally, let us again highlight the empirical data that Mr. Haque would like me to discuss. I have in front of me the Saturday (5th December) issue of the GK. Turning it from end-to-end I have noted the state of the world according to this journal: nearly 60 or 70 political/news stories and commentaries, 95% of which deal with Kashmir, 3% deal with Pakistan and 2% emanate from India, including yet another "cheap shocker" to prove RSS folks have no brains. If that is the world according to GK, then indeed I have made my point.

Sincerely,

Vijay Sazawal
www.kashmirforum.org

Services Cricket Team's Behavior was Most Unsportsmanlike

Yusuf, being both a sports coach and a sports lover, is doubly hurt and his raw emotion is showing

(Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, 56, was born in the Dalgate area of Srinagar. He attended Government Schools in Drugjan, Sonawar, and Batwara, all in Srinagar, and completed his college studies at the Sri Partap College, Srinagar. Following his graduation, he briefly attended the University of Kashmir, and in 1980, joined the Physical Education Department of the University of Kashmir. Mr. Yusuf teaches aquatics and adventure sports (swimming, mountaineering, snow and water skiing, rafting, parasailing, skating, kayaking, canoeing, etc.) and has won many local sports trophies. He has led many exploration expeditions in Kashmir, and is the Treasurer of the Winter Sports Association of Jammu and Kashmir, General Secretary of J&K Aero Sports Association and the J&K Ski & Mountaineering Association, Secretary of Srinagar Winter Sports Association, and Vice President of the J&K Yoga Association. In his leisure time, Mr. Yusuf engages in social work, gardening and writing.)

Ranji Trophy Row - Nothing but Prejudice

This is in reference to news regarding refusal by Services Cricket Team to play Ranji Trophy match in Srinagar. It is most unfortunate that the Services Cricket team did not play the match in Srinagar. The entire sports fraternity of J&K was shocked and thus condemns this act. Every sportsperson of the state was stunned on learning that the team did not turn up at S.K. Cricket Stadium.

They should have informed the organizers and BCCI about their withdrawal early in view of threat perception so avoid huge financial loss to the JKCA. We fail to understand what made the Services Team to stay back. They were not perhaps prepared to play the match and thus made the lame excuse of security arrangements. Pertinently the state hosted a number of sporting events at national and international levels in Kashmir valley this year which include Global Derby and National Snow Rugby Championships at Gulmarg in winter, International Rafting Championship at Sonamarg by Tourism Department , National School Games (Cricket) by Youth Services Department, National Police Water Sports Meet by J&K Police, All India Inter-varsity Kayaking and Canoeing Championship by Kashmir University, Greater Kashmir Golf Championship, Ambassadors’ Golf Championship and many other major events.

Surprisingly the North Zone Inter-University Football (Men) Tournament is in progress at Kashmir University Campus these days in which twenty two teams of different Universities of north India are participating. All the participants of these prestigious championships were roaming freely and without any fear or threat. None of the participants was given security cover. The S.K. Cricket Stadium is fully sensitized and is always highly guarded by Para military forces. It is located in high security zone. On its north is the Ram Munshi Bagh Police Station is situated. On the southern and western sides, all the important Ministers of J&K State reside in their Bungalows. On the eastern side the Amar Singh Club makes a garrison of Para military forces. The S.K Cricket Stadium is near Badami Bagh Cantonment (Army Headquarters), thereby leaving least chances of security lapses.

We highly appreciate the Indian Police teams who boldly came forward and took part in Police Water Sports Meet here in summer. The refusal of Services team has sent a bad message and hurt the sentiments of local sports fraternity in general and Cricketers in particular. It was nothing but the expression of hatred against Kashmiri people. The report given by Union Defence Ministry could not convince any Kashmiri. We appreciate the BCCI for banning the team for rest of the Ranji Trophy matches. They should have in fact given them more severe punishment so that no such dramas are repeated in future. The step taken by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, President of JKCA against Services Team is laudable. His expression of anger was touching. The JKCA must stick to its decision and not accept any explanation from Services Sports Control Board. The State Government must also impose ban to Services Team to play any match in Srinagar vicinity in future. The displeasure expressed by Union Home Minister is highly appreciating. The JKCA must desist from asking Services Cricket Team to tender apology. Every Kashmiri is emotionally hurt. So no compromise please.

The Fourth Option in Kashmir

Sajjad recalls late Sofi Ghulam Mohammad's desire for the peace option

(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his bachelor's degree in Media and his master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir. Mr. Bazaz has over two decades of experience in journalism (both print & electronic), and he is author of the book "Bankwatch" which is about a financial scenario with particular reference to the J&K state. He is currently incharge of corporate communications department in a leaduing financial instution in J&K. Mr. Bazaz likes to spend leisure time watching movies and enjoying company of his friends.)

Sofi Departs

Last week Editor of one of the leading Urdu dailies Srinagar Times, Sofi Ghulam Muhammad breathed his last at the age of 77. One of the pioneers in Journalism, particularly Urdu Journalism, Sofi enjoyed an illustrious career as a journalist since 1960 when he joined Congress mouthpiece ‘Khidmat’. Later on, he started his own daily newspaper – Srinagar Times - in 1969. During his 50 year long career, he authored several books including ‘Loosmet Tarakh’ and ‘Sheeshi-Te-Sangistan’ both of which won Cultural Academy Awards. In 2002 he was nominated to the state Legislative Council. I had a few brief meetings with this gutsy journalist.

I met him first time in 1986 when I was doing my post graduation in Mass Communication and Journalism in Kashmir University. Some political developments at national level attracted me to pen down some thoughts with an intention to get them published under my own name in Srinagar Times.Basically Rajiv Gandhi's performance in the middle of his term in office as Prime Minister of India was best summed up as "good intentions, some progress, frequently weak implementation, and poor politics." Two major scandals, the "Spy" and the "Bofors" affairs, tarnished his reputation. In January 1985, he had confirmed in Parliament the involvement of top government officials, their assistants, and businessmen in "a wide-ranging espionage network." The Spy scandal had remained a lingering embarrassment to Rajiv Gandhi's administration.In 1986 India purchased US$1.3 billion worth of artillery pieces from the Swedish manufacturer A.B. Bofors, and months later a Swedish radio report remarked that Bofors had won the "biggest" export order by bribing Indian politicians and defense personnel. The revelation caught the attention immediately because of the allegations that somehow Rajiv Gandhi and his friends were connected with the deal. Despite relentless attacks and criticisms in the media as well as protests and resignations from cabinet members, Rajiv adamantly denied any role in the affair.

With this background, I wrote an article ‘Rajiv Gandhi Ka Jahaz Khatray Mein’ and approached to Srinagar Times office. A frontline staff member in the office took me to the Editor’s room where I saw Sofi Ghulam Muhammad first time face to face and he was busy in writing something. After introducing myself, I handed over my article for publication. While having a look (at a glance) at the article, he smiled and suggested me to write regularly for the newspaper and even suggested me to join as a sub-editor after completing my post graduation. Precisely, his response was encouraging. I left his office with all satisfaction and fervently hoped that the article would be published soon.For about 10 days I was eagerly looking for my article in the newspaper, but it didn’t find a space. In the meantime, on a few occasions I approached Sofi sahib and every time he assured me that the article would definitely be published and that too ‘within couple of days’. But that didn’t happen. After a week or so, I once again approached him about the status of my article. This time, he made me to sit comfortably in his office and offered me a cup of tea. Even as I was glad to enjoy tea with the editor of a leading newspaper, at the same time I was curious to know about the fate of my write-up.

The curiosity ended soon when Sofi Sahib categorically told me that the article would not be published. “Most of the revenue comes to us from government advertisements, and no newspaper can afford to lose this support. I appreciate the content of your write-up, but the political situation demands not to publish it,” said Sofi Sahib and simultaneously gave me some topics to write. His blunt ‘no’ did disappoint me, but the way he advised me to write on certain social topics was a huge encouragement to me. Later on I wrote on the topics which he suggested and after submitting for publication, he used to publish them in the very next issue.

Second time, I met him at a private function in October-November 2002. He had a close shave with death when on the evening of September 17, 2002 he was fired upon by an unidentified gunman in his office chamber. He had sustained a bullet injury in his hand and was still nursing his injury. The attack on Sofi sahib was condemned worldwide and the World Association of Newspapers and the World Editors Forum, which represent 18,000 publications in 100 countries, had expressed their serious concern at the attack and had even called upon then union Home Minister, L. K. Advani to ensure that everything possible was done to bring the attackers to justice and to ensure the safety of journalists in Jammu and Kashmir.Coming back to the interaction with Sofi Sahib on the occasion, I told him that he was lucky to escape the deadly attack. He reacted sharply and said, “If I am alive today, it is because of the grace of God. The person who tried to shoot me was basically lucky because I tried to catch him. I think he was luckier.” He had jumped over a small table and raised his to grab the assailant. During the scuffle the gun shot hit him in his right hand, he elaborated.

I asked him about his analysis of the Kashmir situation. He blamed ‘all forces’ and not any particular side. He summed up by saying: “There are so many vested interests here for which the Government of India must take responsibility, just like the government of Pakistan. State administration is also responsible for the turmoil.”What is way out to come out of the turmoil? Like other commentators, Sofi sahib in response to this question said that he firmly believed that this stalemate cannot be solved by the gun. First he listed three common categories of the dispute - those who want to go to Pakistan, those who want to remain with India and those who favour independent Kashmir. Then he listed a fourth category - which according to him is peace. He advised me to ‘please write it on my behalf’. He dished out that ‘unless and until there is peace, there is no solution to the Kashmir imbroglio.’

For this, he suggested that all commentators while writing on Kashmir should mobilize the warring sides to step forward to talk about peace. ‘When a house is on fire, you have to extinguish the fire rather than seeing why it occurred. That is my opinion,’ he concluded the discussion on Kashmir problem. And that is true - unless peace prevails, no problem can be solved. Precisely, I would say that during my brief meetings with him, I found him straightforward in his approach, particularly in his profession. He always referred his newspaper as a family newspaper. May Allah rest his soul in peace and give courage to all warring factions here to promote peace.

World Heritage Week

Saleem provides a historical on Srinagar and discusses an era when heritage meant something

(Mr. Mohammad Saleem Beg, 58, was born and raised in Srinagar. He was educated at the S.P. College and the Gandhi Memorial College, receiving his Bachelor's degree from the latter. He was awarded a EEC fellowship in 1998 which allowed him to attend study courses at Universities of Luven, Belgium, and Trinity College, Dublin. Mr. Beg entered the State government service in 1975 and retired in 2006 as the Director General of Tourism. In the 31 years of public service (which included two deputation assignments in New Delhi), Mr. Beg promoted local arts and crafts, and raised public awareness of Kashmir's rich heritage and architecture. He was a leading figure in getting Srinagar listed as one of the 100 most threatened heritage cities by the World Monument Fund in 2008. Mr. Beg has traveled extensively and has attended numerous conferences, including the 1997 UN Special Session on Environment in New York, and the 1997 Kyoto Convention on Climate Change in Japan. His articles and essays have been published in various publications. Since retirement, he has remained active as the Convener of the J&K Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage - INTACH.)


INTACH decries City settlement pattern

Srinagar: The Convener of INTACH’s J&K Chapter, Muhammad Saleem Beg, Wednesday, said urbanization had disturbed the settlement pattern of the City and its casualty had been educational and social institutions.

“The urban and social challenges went unanswered since ’50s and the rich cultural heritage of the City is being lost with every passing day. The government should introduce stringent laws to protect the heritage. In absence of law, vandalism of our heritage is happening,” Beg, said in a presentation while inaugurating The World Heritage Week at Green Valley Educational Institute.

“The aim of organising the week at GVEI was to aware the children about our rich cultural heritage. We have a four thousand year old documented history,” he added.

While divulging the history of the Srinagar City, he gave detailed presentation from Gupta Period to Dogra rule.

“Till 14th century the City was confined on right side of the river Jehlum. With the advent of Islam, it gave new impetus to the physical and cultural development of the City due to influx of missionaries, scholars and craftsmen from Persia and Central Asia, it expanded. The City was known as Shahr-e-Kashmir during Muslim rule,” he divulged.

The presentation depicted the unique built and natural heritage of Srinagar City. But the vandalisation and impact of factors like haphazard growth and depleting civic infrastructure were also revealed.

The presentation traced the heritage of Srinagar documented by the INTACH 3-years back.

The archaeological and architecture from Harwan to Khankahs, vernacular houses and other landmarks of the past were shown in the presentation.

It was emphasized that there was a need to create awareness among the City youth and other urban centres of Kashmir about the vandalisation threat to the heritage sites.

It was followed by another presentation on the conservation and management of world famed Dal Lake. The students were shown satellite images of the lake, which depicted large-scale encroachments within the water body.

The details of conservation plan presently under implementation were also given.

The Director Doordarshan, Dr Rafiq Masoodi, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion, appreciated the efforts of INTACH in its campaign for creating awareness about the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.

“We have nothing to show to the world except cultural heritage and there is immediate need to have strict laws to preserve it,” he added.

On the occasion, the INTACH Heritage Club was also inaugurated.

The club comprises of 30 young Lead Members who work under the guidance of Club Conveners. The membership passports and badges were also presented to the members.

The other highlight of the programme was the announcement of the essay competition MY City My History. The competition is sponsored by Fox History Channel in collaboration with INTACH.

The winners of the competition will be invited to present their essay on Fox History Channel.

The other events for the week include Heritage Walks in Shahr-e-Khaas and visit to the museum.

The principal of the host school, G N Aali said vandalisation of worst order has spoiled the beauty of the City.

“We all are responsible for it. Everyone has to play his role to save it and there is an immediate need for an awareness campaign,” he said.

Besides, other guests, the chairman GVEI, Muhammad Yosuf was also present on the occasion.
(Greater Kashmir)

Illicit Drug Trade

What next? Afghanistan or Mexico style "private armies"?

Drug trade flourishing in Kashmir

Wasim Khalid (Rising Kashmir)

Srinagar: Signifying the flourishing of drug trade in Kashmir valley, police said it recovered drugs worth 69 lakh from peddlers in 2009 and arrested 36 people after recovering huge quantities of cannabis, poppy, poppy straw from them. Besides, this year, police also destroyed Bhang cultivated over 20,000 kanal of land.

According to police statistics, Bhang is being cultivated over more than 21,000 kanal of land, especially in south Kashmir’s Islamabad and Pulwama districts. A small portion of this was destroyed in Budgam district.

Apart from that, police claimed to have recovered 40 bags, 23 quintals and 23 kg of poppy this year while 11 accused, involved in the trade, were also arrested.

Police seized 17 kg cannabis, 42 charas sticks and arrested 14 accused involved in the trade from various locations. Police also seized vehicles used by drug peddlers to smuggle the cannabis.

Approximately, 688 kg and 90 bags of poppy straw were recovered from different persons this year. Police arrested 11 persons and seized a truck and a Tata Sumo vehicle used by the peddlers to transport the addictive substance.

Besides, police recovered 74 bottles of illegal liquor and arrested one person. “The grass and liqor seized thus amounts to worth 69 lakh,” a police official said. Meanwhile, police said they would continue with their drive against the drug trade.

“We would continue to pursue the people who cultivate or are involved in any trade related to cannabis and poppy,” Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad told Rising Kashmir. “We want to make our society drug-free.”

He said after they destroyed the cannabis and poppy fields, the residents of Pulwama also joined the drive.

“We started awareness campaign, roped in Imams in Pulwama. They informed people about the ill-effects of drugs,” Ahmad said. “They joined police and destroyed thousands of kanal of land used for Bhang cultivation. For us it was a really significant development.”

However, he said, people in Bijbehara and adjoining areas were not cooperating. “We are following a strategy of chasing peddlers and arresting them under NDPS act,” Ahmad said.

He said people get in drug trade as they mint huge money from it.

“Apart from trading cannabis and poppy here, peddlers are also sending it outside the state,” the IG said. “We are tightening the noose on them.”

Ahmad rued that there were no drug addiction centres in the Valley to cure addicts. “Police have one drug-de-addiction centre. It can accommodate limited patients,” he said. “The government should set up a 20-bed drug de-addiction centre in every district to treat these patients.”

Kashmir's Entry Into the Hall of Shame

Editorial in the Rising Kashmir highlights growing addiction of the State to rampant corruption

Hall of Shame

Transparency International India (TII) in its latest survey has placed India in the 84th place in the list of corrupt nations. Instead of bettering its record, Pakistan has further slipped in the list to find itself in the 42nd place as the most corrupt country in 2009. Bangladesh was named as the most corrupt country in 2001, 2002 and 2003.The sub-continent countries have been battling corruption for long now. Kashmir has also had its fair share of notoriety. Jammu and Kashmir was named as India's second-most corrupt state only second to Bihar according to a 2005 Transparency International survey. There may be a whole lot of reasons for the State stooping so low. However, it does not absolve any one of us from the crime. The failure of successive government’s to tackle rampant corruption has only made the matters worse. Bribery has become a norm in the society. It has almost become a requisite for getting a piece of work done in government offices. Even though they get paid for serving people, the corrupt officials remain unmoved unless you grease their palms. Right from his/her student days, a person is made conscious how important is it to bribe people to get the work done. Pay some bucks to laboratory assistant and he assures you he would give you good marks.

Then if your case is somewhere struck in the college or university, bribery again comes in handy. You don’t reach to your pocket, you will never get the case through. There is a sort of inertia that has crept into the offices where nothing moves till there are some illegal gratifications to be made. Corruption flows either way, from top-bottom and bottom-up so much so that in many cases people have to empty more money than what they actually gain. In the broader sense also, there is more loss than gain with such a practice in vogue. Back to Transparency International survey, the nations who have scored well are New Zealand at 9.4, Denmark at 9.3, Singapore and Sweden tied at 9.2 and Switzerland at 9.0. These scores, as per the TI, reflect political stability, long-established conflict of interest regulations and solid functioning public institutions. These are the very factors which Kashmir has been unfortunately lacking very badly. The daily struggle of people with petty bribery with no anti-corruption efforts from government tells upon the public trust on the administration and governance. The chief minister seems very conscious of the rampant corruption. “I don’t want to comment on the authenticity of the survey that rated J&K as the second most corrupt state in India, but it is a fact that every sphere of public life has degenerated because of corruption here,” Omar admitted at a function on Tuesday. Indeed much damage has been done. It will only take a full-fledged war now to root out the corruption from the state.

Yes, We Can

Farooq shows how a conscientious and professional civil servant can make a big difference. A few more like him and Kashmir would become a destination of choice for all

(Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, 46, was born in Anantnag. After completing his initial schooling in his native village of Khargund, Chowgam, he graduated in first class from Government Degree College Anantnag. He passed M.Sc. Botany from the University of Kashmir with distinction securing first class first position followed by M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees. Receipent of young scientist award of J&K and the best paper award from the Muslim Association for the Advancement of Sciences (MAAS) based in Aligarh. He has to credit one book titled palaeoethnobotany plants and ancient man in Kashmir published by A A Balkema (Rotterdan),Oxford Press and IBH (New Delhi), and others. He has published more than 30 resarch paper and scientific articles. With a varied experience in teaching, research, science managment and administration he has worked in Education, Science and Technology, Information and Public Relations, Tourisim, Health and Medical Education and Estates Departments of Jammu and Kashmir Government.)


We Need Capacity Building

Till recently I was posted as Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority stationed at Gulmarg. It gave an excellent opportunity to interact with people from different regions of the country and globe who used to throng this world famous tourist resort round the year. It was a great learning experience. There is no denying the fact that tourism has the potential of becoming backbone of our economy. We have to make all out efforts to be ready for the large scale, high-end tourism not only by way of developing required infrastructure but also by way of developing the required human skills. The persons who have direct interface with the tourists need to be given proper training and orientation so that they are able to deal with the tourists in a desired manner. Minor mishandlings can cause huge damages. For the benefit of those working in the tourism industry and related departments, I want to share my experiences.

On 20 June 2009 at 6.p.m while on my way from Gulmarg to Srinagar I received the following message on my cell phone. It read exactly this. “Respected Sir, I am Sanjay Sethi… I am a tourist who has reached there with difficulty. I had 2 experience strikes, blockouts, jams, threats and what not 2 reach here KASHMIR…The most discourteous n inhumane people without any heart, have spoilt our day… I have registered a formal complaint at the Gondola Base Station… please give a better message 2 this world about Kashmir. It’s your duty Sir.”

I called on the cell number from which the message had been flashed +919823014775 +919823014775. An evidently angry voice responded after several seconds and a pause. I politely enquired from Mr. Sanjay the reason for his outburst. He told that he was member of a group of friends numbering around 30 who, on his insistence, had chosen to come to Kashmir on a holiday in preference to Europe. However they were not allowed to proceed for the second phase of Gondola by the officials of Cable Car Corporation because of some unexplained technical problems.

Having not been able to spend time in the snow clad mountains the fellow friends had ridiculed his decision of insisting on visiting Kashmir. Back to his hotel room in Highlands Park he gave vent to his emotions through this furious message on my number. I apologized for the inconvenience caused and ensured him to get back after getting the facts verified. I enquired from him whether they shall be in Gulmarg the next day to which he replied in affirmative. I assured him of the best possible services during their stay in Jammu and Kashmir State and forcefully argued that his experience is just an aberration.

Before I could call back, another message flashed on my phone screen.“I thank you for the kind courtesy extended by answering my concern… I hope his does not end there sir n every tourist feels good n comfortable at least emotionally..Regards..Sanjay Sethi.”

I called up in-charge of Gondola at Gulmarg and enquired about the incident. He informed that because of high wind velocity at the Apharwat Mountain Top they had to stop the operation of second phase of Gondola on technical grounds in the afternoon. Somehow the tourists had not been communicated in a proper way by the officials at the ground level. I advised the official to personally receive the group at the Gondola Station the next day, extend the courtesy of preferential ticket booking to them, if possible and explain the technical difficulties due to which operation of the second phase was stopped in the afternoon the other day.

Next I called Mr. Sanjay, informed him about the technical difficulties and asked him to go for Gondola ride next morning. I also gave him phone number of the official to be contacted in case of any difficulty. He was apparently satisfied with my response.

Next day I had to remain in Srinagar to attend the marriage ceremony of son of a friend who incidentally happened to be posted as Managing Director of the Cable Car Corporation controlling the Gulmarg Gondola. While we were chatting and waiting for the lunch to be served in the late afternoon I received yet another message on my phone: “I really thank you for all.. we all had a great trip 2 d snow slopes today.. I wish d whole world comes 2 Kashmir and it prospers and flourishes…one last wish which Insha Allah only d Almighty can fulfill… Helicopter travel 2 AMARNATH 2morrow… Ready to bear all costs…if u can make it happen sir… but thanks in all cases…”

Mr. Farooq Shah Director Tourism was sitting beside me. We talked about the whole story. He said that he will try to help through the operators of the helicopter service, if possible. I accordingly , informed Mr. Sanjay to contact Mr. Shah on his phone number which I communicated.

I don’t know whether he required any assistance for helicopter service or not but on 23rd he flashed another message “Leaving for Delhi … thanx for all… Sanjay Sethi.. Nagpur..”

A small courteous gesture on my part could change the perception of a person from “most discourteous inhuman people without any heart” to “ I wish the whole world comes to Kashmir and it flourishes and prospers…”

My purpose to narrate this experience is that we need to work a lot on the capacity building front to give basic training to our field workers and tourist guides on how to deal with the tourists in a courteous manner if we have to sustain our tourism industry. Word of mouth is a great instrument in popularizing tourist destinations. Perhaps much more powerful than any other publicity strategy.

Dying Dal - Victim of Brazen Mismanagement

Mohammad Kundangar blames it all on sheer mismanagement

(Dr. Mohammad Rashid-ud-din Kundangar, 62, was born in Srinagar. He completed his Masters degree in Botany, and Doctoral/Postdoctoral degree in Hydrobiology through the University of Kashmir. He served as a lecturer in Botany and Head of the Hydrobiology Research laboratory or about 25 years. Prof. Kundangar has about hundred research publications to his credit and has been actively involved in environmental studies with special reference to aquatic resources of the J&K State. He is the approved research guide of University of Kashmir, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, University of Roorkee and has supervised a number of M Phil candidates and PhD scholars. He has been the Chief Investigator of various state and centrally sponsored minor and major research projects. He was a founder Director Research & Development, J&K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, and preceding retirement from the government service served as Principal of the Degree College. Dr Kundangar is the author of a number of books and is the Dean of Academics and the Head of the Department of Lake Sciences and Water Management in the SSM College of Engineering, the only privately run engineering institute in the valley. Dr Kundangar has been the consultant ecologist for various J&K government departments and a member of the Wetland Committee set up by Government of India. He has attended number of National and International conferences and toured various Asian and European countries.)


Dal Crisis

The article captioned ‘Dal Lake -Breathing its Last’ in GK’s publication dated 13 November 2009 by Dr Sabah Ul Solim (Scientist LAWDA) speaks volumes about the malfunctioning of LAWDA and their helplessness in managing the Dal lake. The circumstantial evidences reveal that as usual whenever, there are certain crises in LAWDA they push forward their scientists in the forefront and remain hiding behind the scene. What one can infer from the article is that the Dal Lake is facing the crisis due to water abstraction and use scenarios. The LAWDA helplessly avoiding their legitimate responsibility are seeking help from the people by asking, “CAN ANY BODY SAVE IT?”

One fails to understand that there are two full-fledged wings of civil engineering departments with battery of skilled engineers and it was their basic job to calculate the annual water budget of the lake on the basis of daily recorded water discharges and then allow PHE department to harness the raw waters of Dal lake. Instead the engineers of LAWDA are busy in floating tenders for beautification of NFR road and other engineering works; rightly so because the politicians have directed them to do it on fast track or face the wrath which is evident by recent bizarre advertisement with beautiful faces of two politicians appearing in the local dailies where under the custodians of the lake wanted to convey the masses that ski scooters, motor boats etc are being purchased for restoring the pristine glory of the lake. Remember regattas or ‘360’ like gimmicks cannot anyway help in conservation of lake. It is action and effective remedial scientific measures within the periphery and lake itself which can help the lake restoration.

The article refers the condition similar to 1998 which is not true at all. During 1998 the water crisis for the Dal Lake was due to prevailing draught conditions for consecutive three years when Telbal Nallah had recorded zero discharge during the summer months but in the present case the snowfall was as usual if not heavy. It was in 1998 that myself along with other scientists had surveyed the lake catchment and identified about seventy one (71) freshwater springs in the immediate catchment of Dal Lake and suggested to divert all the waters of these freshwater springs to Dal lake, of course assessing their physic-chemical and biological characteristics. This was purposely done to increase the water budgets of the lake but unfortunately the executing agencies of LAWDA in the name of treating and cleansing of these springs exhausted all the allocated funds just treating hardly two or three springs at Habak site and thwart the entire scheme. Had waters of these freshwater springs diverted to the lake the present water crisis would not have been there and one would not have called a spade a spade.

The article directs towards the scarcity of water in Dal Lake and wrongly attributed to climate change and drought. Acknowledging this fact that lakes are good sentinels of climate change because they are sensitive to environmental changes like water level (which is a good indicator of climate change) because it reflects the dynamic balance between water input (precipitation, runoff) and water loss (evaporation) in non-regulated lakes (Adrian et al, 2009) and thus cannot hold good to Dal Lake whose hydrology is largely anthropogenically controlled, and thus its climate-related responses are influenced by other factors. Therefore, the present crisis is clearly a problem of Lake Management.

I have been given to understand that the present chief executive of LAWDA is a student of management studies and if he is not able to manage the lake particularly in terms of water budgeting-Water distribution-diversion of spring waters, who else could do it?

The consultants of Roorkee or the so called experts and advisors of LAWDA --- certainly not.

Lastly LAWDA should have focused on perpetual existence of the deadly MICROCYSTIS bloom in the Nishat basin of Dal lake and the consequences of supplying such infested waters to the consumers for drinking purposes. They must be also well acquainted with the quality of water at Pokhribal and Nishat particularly during stagnation and should have cautioned PHE Deptt. about the negative impacts of such contaminated waters especially when PHE people do not have proper treatment methods to do away with Phosphates and Nitrates. If one goes by LAWDA myth that the so called FAB based STPS are working effectively then the treated waters discharged into the lake should not be a worrying factor.

Suggestive measures to overcome water crisis:

i) Concentrate on watersheds and micro watersheds in the catchment with particular reference to Dhara, Dhnaihama, Dachigam and Zethyar
ii) Divert waters of natural freshwater springs lying in the immediate catchment of Dal lake
iii) Identify chocked springs within the lake body and their reclamation
iv) Measure snow to forecast water supplies after snow surveys coupled with runoff forecasts
v) Check seepages, illegal diversion of feeding streams and inflow channels

Tackling Corruption in Kashmir is Like Stopping Lava Flow From a Volcano

The related stories - editorial on institutionalized corruption, corruption in stealing electricity by common citizens, and finally an award for top performance as a one of the most corrupt states

Tackling Corruption (Editorial in the Kashmir Images)

Few years back the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Kashmir convicted a former Executive Engineer in a disproportionate assets case. The accused was convicted to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of three years with a fine of Rs 5 lakhs while Rs 6.92 lakhs seized during the search of his house, were also confiscated.

But what happened to the case then, nobody has heard anything since. This particular case is beyond the point here. What is, however, important is that this is the way to go about dealing with the corruption which has been so rampant here that Jammu and Kashmir is continuously maintaining itself among the top ranking corrupt states according to the Transparency International.

Taking the corrupt government officials to task under law and confiscating their ill-gotten wealth and other assets has certainly the potential to set a good precedent for others to understand that they can’t indulge in corrupt practices. Even as every now and then the State Vigilance Organization comes up with press statements about its action against the corrupt officials, but then the inordinate delay in settling these cases in courts, is not at all a very healthy and encouraging trend. Of course the Vigilance Organisation and other concerned agencies need to pull up their socks to expedite cases against the corrupt and come up with concrete evidence to nail them.

Governments in the state have all along been very loud and vocal about their so-called resolve to fight the corruption. But unfortunately, much of this resolve remains confined to verbal gymnastics alone while the actual action very rarely follows to affect any visible change in the situation on ground. The government has to catalyze its efforts by infusing the investigative agencies with more and more honest and sincere officers and of course they too need to be kept on heels as for the action against the corrupt officials and their practices is concerned. In the past several months since the new government took over, one wonders how many cases are wherein the government can claim of having initiated real action against the corrupt. Certainly the present government does not have a very satisfactory record on this front if the actions taken against the corrupt officials are weighed against the amount and extent of corruption that is prevalent.

As for as the fight against corruption is concerned, besides hunting for the corrupt officials, it’s of vital importance that the common people too are made aware about the rules and regulations, laws and norms they can bank on for reporting about the corruption. They must also be educated about their rights and privileges as consumers and users of various services. For instance, they need to be told that it is their right to seek redressal of their grievances from the various government agencies and officials and for this they need not to pay anyone anything.

The corruption has over the years been institutionalized here so much so that people are forced to pay at each and every step. Those who claim bribes do so not only with impunity but also with such an air of self-satisfaction as if it is their ‘birth-right’. Similarly, those who pay bribes too do so without feeling any regret and remorse. They do it because this is what they think they are supposed to do and the unfortunate reality is that if they don’t pay, nobody is going to do their work or address their grievances. There is a serious need to put an end to this kind of culture. By initiating action against the ‘big fish’ government will certainly encourage a better culture free of corruption in Jammu and Kashmir.

PDD fails to check power thefts

Rashid Paul (Rising Kashmir)

Srinagar: An impotent vigil on electricity misuse causes a daily loss of approximately Rs 1.20 Cr to the state, as the energy consumption has increased at an incredulous average of 20 percent sans revenue since October 15 this year.

With the onset of winter, the energy consumption has amplified by 20 percent since the middle of last month than the corresponding period in the preceding year.

An average of 25 lakh units (Lus) of energy is used additionally every day this year, accumulating a burden of Rs 1.25 Cr to the State. The credit goes to the ineffective vigil system to check energy abuse, especially in the domestic sector.

However, an increase in power use by five percent is considered normal, say the experts.

As per the data available from the Power Development Department (PDD), 122.40 Lus were used up on October 15, 2008 as against 147.57 Lus this year on the same day, an increase of 20.56 percent.

The surge was remarkable on October 23 when the consumption touched an alarming level of 170.90 Lus, which was 50.40 Lus more than the power used the same day of the previous year.

Furthermore, some 4056.73 Lus were used during October 2008 while as 4656.73 Lus were exploited by the consumers here during the last month this year. Similarly, 1714 Lus from November 1-12, 2008 and 1935.07 Lus during the same period in the current year were consumed.

Around 50-60 percent of the abuse occurs in Srinagar, especially in the domestic sector. "The indiscipline is rampant in the high society people who have developed meanest tricks of pilferage," a PDD official said, adding in most of the areas consumers having an agreement of one kilowatt ingest five-10 kilowatts of energy. "Blowers, heaters, geysers and all types of electricity consuming appliances are wildly used by these people without the equivalent payments," he said.

The revenue mismatches the swelled consumption. Rupees 36 Cr only were realized from domestic consumers till ending October, as against a total revenue of Rs 121 Cr recovered from the Valley during the same time.

Admitting an ineffective monitoring mechanism to avoid power misuse, an official of the PDD said, "Instead of an enforcement wing, the department has an eight-member squad operating with minimum facilities. They, despite realizing a fine of Rs 2.50 Cr, were never appreciated but had to take cudgels with the people and bear the brunt of bureaucrats," the official said.

India ranks 85th in corruption, J&K retains its second slot

Jammu: While India has attained a dubious distinction with a step up in the ranking of most corrupt countries as it figured at 85th spot in a survey of 180 countries by Transparency International, J&K continues to maintain its position of being the second most corrupt state in the country following Bihar.

Transparency International, the Berlin based watchdog, threw up few surprises in its annual Corruption Perception Index released yesterday. The usual suspects were in more or less their usual places, though New Zealand overtook last year's leader Denmark for the top post, the latter slipping to second position.

India languished at number 84 in a survey of 180 countries carried out by 13 independent organisations. India's 'integrity score' stands at 3.4, an indication that in terms of public sector corruption, the country continues to be perceived as highly corrupt by experts and business surveys. The integrity score is on a scale of 0-10, with 0 being the most corrupt and 10 the least.

India's ranking was a step up from last year, when it was 85th. But still it was considerably lower than its 72nd ranking in 2007. Scams like the Madhu Koda case have not helped India's cause - in five years as chief minister of the neglected but mineral-rich state of Jharkhand, Koda is said to have siphoned off Rs3,000 crore for himself and his cronies.

Transparency says the situation is worsening, with other corporate and political frauds coming to light recently. Its report said, "Corruption in India is due to many factors, most important being the activities of politicians."

"It is commonly perceived that politicians are spending too much on elections and that corruption prevails. India's performance for this year is not a flattering one and one can only draw comfort from the fact that it has not fared worse than last year," Transparency International India chairman R H Tahliani said.

Out of the various departments analysed, India's police department fares the worst in terms of corruption. The most corrupt state is Bihar, followed by Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh Politicians and other optimists can continue to take heart from the fact that India is still the 'best' among its South Asian neighbours - apart of course from Bhutan, which famously measures its progress in terms of 'gross domestic happiness' rather than gross domestic production or GDP.

But India should be more worried by the fact that while its credibility has slipped a notch, Bangladesh, its 'beggarly' neighbour, has improved its standing by eight places, from 147th to 139th. According to the report, Bangladesh has made a significant progress in curbing corruption, raising its score to 2.4 compared to last year's 2.1.

"However, with the score remaining below the threshold of 3, the country continues to be in the league of those where corruption continues to be pervasive," said Transparency International Bangladesh executive director Iftekharuzzaman while presenting the CPI in Dhaka.

Bangladesh is one of the nine countries that performed the best. The other countries are Belarus, Guatemala, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Syria and Tonga. The worst performers are Bahrain, Greece, Iran, Malaysia, Malta and Slovakia.

China too has stormed ahead by seven places. Ranked a joint 72nd with India in 2007, it has improved its corruption perception. It is now ranked 79th and its integrity score is 3.6. However, with China's tight control on information, it is hard to know how Transparency arrived at this score. Bloggers say it is usual for the organisation to give it a median score.

Sadly Nepal, the mountain state with which India has many cultural affinities, has slipped 22 notches from last year to 143rd. Although this year was relatively peaceful in Nepal, corruption has increased as the law implementing agency has become weaker due to various issues related to government transitions, says Transparency.

Nepal had ranked 121st in the anti-corruption scale last year. According to the scale, Nepal is the second-most corrupt country in South Asia, only after Afghanistan which itself is the second-most corrupt country in the world.

Sri Lanka has slipped, as might be expected after its recent activities over the separatist Tamil Tigers. It has been ranked 97th, with a score of at a low 3.1 as against 3.2 last year. Its score has continuously declined since 2002 when it was at 3.7.

Transparency International mainly measures corruption in government, bureaucracy and public institutions. It has always found a strong correlation between corruption and poverty.

Countries at the bottom of the table were those which are unstable or impacted by war and ongoing conflicts that have affected the public sector and torn apart governance infrastructure.

"Stemming corruption requires strong oversight by parliaments, a well-performing judiciary, independent and properly resourced audit and anti-corruption agencies, vigorous law enforcement, transparency in public budgets, revenue and aid flows, as well as space for independent media and a vibrant civil society," said Huguette Labelle, chairwoman of Transparency International.

Pakistan accordingly slumped five places from 47th last year to number 42 in the 2009 list. Pakistan's 2009 CPI score is 2.4. Transparency's Pakistan chairman Syed Adil Gilani said terrorism was the direct result of poverty, which had resulted from corruption - especially the illegal direct or indirect rule of armed forces in
Pakistan from 1951 to 2007.

A fact worth noting is that some of the worst-performing countries - Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan - are those that have received massive US aid over the years.

Transparency International defines corruption as being the "abuse of entrusted power for private gain". The organisation believes that if corruption is successfully fought, it will help in the larger fight against global poverty.

The report points out that the lowest scoring countries are those which have ongoing internal conflicts, which negate the rule of law. Sadly for humanity, this covers half the countries surveyed.

Trouble in the Ranks

Wasim believes a divided party is no party at all

(Mr. Wasim Hussain, 29, was born in Srinagar. He attended Government High School and the Gandhi Memorial College, both in Srinagar. He has completed graduation and is pursuing his Master's degree in political science through Distance Mode of Learning. He took an English speaking course through the Islamia College of Science and Commerce and an advanced diploma in Information Technology. He has completed diplomas in web design and software design. Wasim has worked at the University of Kashmir since 2000, and is presently in the Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance (DIQA) as a senior computer assistant. He has received awards both as a student and as an employee for his performance. He enjoys writing and reading books. Wasim writes under the pen name of Wasim Ali.)


Hurriyat - a confused house

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram announced that New Delhi will adopt "quiet diplomacy" to find a solution to the problem of Kashmir issue. According to him India is "not afraid of dialogue" and is "willing to talk to all shades of opinion in the state for a solution." Home Minister stressed upon the “quiet diplomacy” formula to find out any political solution. His announcement was appreciated by various political quarters even Hurriyat itself were agreed to share the table with the centre to find out any solution. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and the Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) welcomed the statement and agreed to join the talks. In the meanwhile he framed a two member committee to create any consensus among all the amalgams of Hurriyat (M), Hurriyat (G) and other senior leaders.

But as the time passes, there were so many statements which created a lot of confusion among the masses even Hurriyat itself is confused as to whether they are joining talks or not. If they are joining the dialogue what would be the agenda for the discussions. Mirwaiz in his first statement welcomed the Centers offer then he gave several statements which are quite confusing.

Facing certain allegations of holding secret parleys with New Delhi and teaming up with mainstream political parties, the Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday 14th of November decided to reject Home Minister P Chidambaram’s 'quiet diplomacy plan', the statement was contradictory with earlier statements he made in this regard.

The senior Hurriyat Leader Shabir Ahmad Shah also made it clear that “Hurriyat rejects any quiet diplomacy on Kashmir. We are bound by the constitution of the Hurriyat Conference that stands for right to self determination. We are not going to have any sell-out on Kashmir. Any solution within Indian constitution is unacceptable to the Hurriyat Conference,” while speaking at a conference on ‘Global discourse on resolution of Kashmir dispute’ organized by the High Court Bar Association in Srinagar he said that India does not want to talk with the Hurriyat leaders they just want to talk with the mainstream parties.

There are so many leaders within the Huriayt who gave their different opinion on the dialogue with New Delhi, but there is no clear picture whether Hurriyat is being participating in the dialogue process or not.

Many other Hurriyat leaders are accusing Hurriyat (M) for entering into a dialogue with New Delhi for a sell out on Kashmir and cozying up to the mainstream People’s Democratic Party and National Conference.

“We know who is meeting whom in New Delhi. But let me assure you that no compromise will be allowed on Kashmir. Nobody will be allowed to sell the sacrifices of people of Kashmir,” said Asiya Andrabi.

Reacting to unification of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, said: “Any unification has to be on principles. You can judge yourself who is moving away from principles.” According to Syed Ali Shah Geeelani Hurriyat Conference (G) will not be part of any “futile dialogue exercise”. The dialogue with India is only possible when “India accepts Kashmir a dispute, repeal black laws, release prisoners and withdraw Disturbed Area Act. Then hold an unconditional tripartite dialogue to hold plebiscite in Kashmir.”

The opinions about dialogue have no end every leader gives its opinion and speaks out. There is a clear confusion among the masses about the dialogue process; people are yet to be aware what actually is going on where our leaders are leading us. Is there any chance to get rid of this confusion or still we have to wait?

I think our leaders have forgotten the past. Due to this confusion the Kashmir issue remains always unresolved, our leaders remain busy to make their contradictory statements and the issue remains pending since so many decades. This is what actually the Govt. of India wants to get from the pro-freedom leadership. Indian policy is now clear that they want to make it open to the world that we are ready for talks but the pro-freedom leaders are yet to be prepared and are engaged with their differences.

There is a dire need to frame a coordination committee on the same lines as it was constituted during the Amarnath Land Row, the coordination committee may create consensus among all the amalgams of Hurriyat (M) and Hurriyat (G). The main objective of the coordination committee should be to avoid any confusion created due to the different statement given by different Pro-freedom leaders regarding the “quiet diplomacy” formula of New Delhi. There must be one spokesperson who will face the media and all other leaders should be restricted to make any comment.

They will have to be united in their stand, if they want to take us out of the trouble we are in. But the way things are shaping up, we see discord around.