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EpilogueISSN : 0974-5653J&K ’ S MON TH LY MAGAZIN E

N E W S , C U R R E N T A F F A I R S , S O C I A L S C I E N C E S

the MICROCOSMof PIR PANCHALthe MICROCOSMof PIR PANCHALthe MICROCOSMof PIR PANCHAL

RAJOURI-POONCH : A SCHOLARLY INSIGHT

Mughal Road :The Charm of Rajouri, Poonch

Pir Panchal Regional Festival Facing the Challenges Ahead

Social Structure and Perceptions of Regional Disparities

Biodiversity, High Altitude Wetlands

P4

We tend to turn to the western periodicals. And, whatever is said by our people, enterprising youthful minds, with fresh ideas, is seen something without merit.

. It has generated awareness among the people that there was something more in it- both inside for the residents to see and analyze and for outside world to view it differently.

Epilogue has changed that

ARUN JOSHIDeputy Editor, Hindustan Times

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Too young to be

addicts in Leh

CURRENT AFFAIRS

(Please don’t ask teacher his caste)Needed Ethnic VCs for J&K’s Universities ?

Integrating Rajouri, Poonch

with Mainstream

P14P50-56 P44

TSEWANG RIGZIN D SUBA CHANDRAN

Who Patronises Caste Politics in Rajouri, Poonch

A land of varied attractions,

Jammu has a surprise waiting for you at every corner.

Savour the excitement at your own pace

A land of varied attractions,

Jammu has a surprise waiting for you at every corner.

Savour the excitement at your own pace

Krimchi 55 Kms. from Katra

Ancient temples Abodes of Gods & Goddess Natural CavesForts & Palaces Charming Meadows Picturesque PlateauThickly Wooded Forests Deep River Valleys Nature’s BeautyHeritage Lakes of Blessings Exclusive Hill Station - Patnitop

| | | | | | | | | |

|

Mansar Lake18 Kms. from Jammu Pathankot NH

Shiv Khori 78 Kms from Katra

Patntiop 87 Kms from

Katra

IN TOUCH WITH THE DIVINE

For further information, contact or write to: Government of J&K, J&K Tourism Offices at : • Jammu : Tel : 0191-2548172, Fax : 2548358 • Srinagar : Tel : 0194-2472449, 2452690-91, Fax : 2452361 • New Delhi : Tel : 011-23714948, Fax : 23714947 • Mumbai : Tel : 022-22189040 • Kolkata : Tel/Fax : 033-22285791 • Chennai : Tel./Fax : 044-28340958 • Ahmedabad : Tel./Fax : 079-25503551 • Hyderabad : Tel./Fax : 040-24734806 •Visit us at www.jktourism.org. Email : [email protected]

C O N T E N T

Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010www.epilogue.in

Epilogue because there is more to know

www.epilogue.in

I N FOCUSThe Microcosm of Pir Panchal

14 What Patronises Caste Politics in

Rajouri, PoonchZafar Choudhary

17 Rajouri & Poonch :

Facing the Challenges AheadK D Maini

21 Social Structure and Perceptions

of Regional DisparitiesMazammal Hussain Malik

29 Pir Panchal Regional Festival

Integrating Rajouri & Poonch with the mainstreamD Suba Chandran

36 Mughal Road :

The Charm of Rajouri, PoonchPia Malhotra

39 Biodiversity, High Altitude WetlandsPankaj Chandan

Volume 4, Issue 5, May 2010

Contributors to this Issue 2

Letters 3

Prologue 5

Column

Dateline : India-Pakistan 6

The nitty-gritty details of my dreamManisha Shobarjani

Strengthen RTI to Right the Wrongs 41M Shamsur Rabb Khan

Current Affairs

Needed Ethnic VCs 9

for J&K’s UniversitiesEpilogue Correspondent

Please don’t ask teacher his caste 12Anmol Sharma

Exclusive Stories

Henry Scott 44

The Forgotten Soldier of KashmirRakesh Ankit

Ladakh Affairs

Vicious Cycle to Virtuous Cycle : 50

Ladakh’s Tryst with Education ReformThinlas Dorjay

Too young to be addicts 51Tsewang Rigzin

Can Ladakhi students study in Ladakh? 52Lobzang Stanzan

Don’t Neglect It; 54

Ladakh too is in IndiaStanzin Khewang

Bankers told to reach the masses 55

Jora remote Durbuk 56

block of Changthang

Leh-Sringar highway reopens 56

EditorZafar Iqbal Choudhary

PublisherYogesh Pandoh

Consulting EditorsD. Suba ChandranManu Srivatsa

Associate EditorsIrm Amin BaigTsewang RigzinZorawar Singh Jamwal

General ManagerKartavya Pandoh

Art EditorKeshav Sharma

Research OfficerRaman Sharma

Phones & emailOffice : +91 191 2493136Editorial: +91 94191 80762Administration: +91 94191 82518subscriptions : +91 90188 [email protected]@epilogue.in

Printed and Published byYogesh Pandoh for EpilogueNewsCraft from Ibadat House,Madrasa Lane, Near Graveyard,Bathindi Top, Jammu, J&K - 180012and Printed at : DEE DEEReprographix, 3 Aikta Ashram, NewRehari Jammu (J&K)

Disputes, if any, subject to jurisdictionof courts and competitive tribunals inJammu only.

RNI : JKENG/2007/26070ISN : 00974-5653Price : Rs 30

1

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE

Ankit, Rakesh; (Forgotten History Maini, KD; (In Focus, P17) is a

p44) is a young historian from Bihar. peace activist and acclaimed

As a Rhodes Scholar recently he writer on the history and culture

studied various missing links in the of Poonch. Author of many books,

making of Kashmir conflict. Based he has published his work in many

on his first hand study, he is leading newspapers. Based in

contributing exclusive series to Poonch, he also edits a journal

Epilogue called 'Peace'.

Chandan, Pankaj; (In Focus, P39) is Malhotra, Pia; (In Focus, P36) is

a wildlife and environment with Institute of Peace and

researcher currently looking after Conflict Studies, New Delhi.

WWF-India's wetland projects

Malik, Mazammal Hussain; (In

Chandran, D Suba; (In Focus, p29) Focus, P21) teaches Sociology at a

is Deputy Director at Institute of Government College in Jammu and

Peace and Conflict Studies. Author Kashmir

of many books and an acclaimed

expert on Kashmir and Indo-Pak Sharma, Anmol; (Current Affairs,

relations, he is Consulting Editor of P12) a regular writer at Epilogue,

Epilogue Magazine he is a practicing lawyer at Jammu

and Kashmir High Court

Choudhary, Zafar; (In Focus, p14) is

Editor of Epilogue Magazine and Sobhrajani, Manisha (Features,

also Executive Editor of Early P6), is a Delhi based independent

Times, Daily Newspaper from researcher working on the various

Jammu aspects of Kashmir conflict. She

divides her time between Delhi

Khan, M Samur Rabb; (Opinion p41) and Jammu and Kashmir

is Editor with Indian Institute of

Dalit Affairs

Readers' requests for getting in touch with the

authors, for feedback, comments and further

discussions on their subjects of interest, are

welcome. Since all authors/contributors are not

interested in taking mails directly, the readers are

requested to send us interview requests at

[email protected] for passing on to the authors


2

Letters

Readers Write3


he years of 1947-48 is the most misunderstood period in the history of Jammu and TKashmir. Who did what and who had actually wanted has all been hearsay over the years.

In absence of any authentic documents, our political class has been choosing the convenience

of attributing statements and actions to different actors of that time. For example, the

National Conference leaders while in Kashmir or specifically in opposition charge the

Maharaja Hari Singh of acceding to India without taking into account popular wishes of the

majority. When they are in power or addressing a constituency in Jammu or making a larger

statement to India they credit Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for making Jammu and Kashmir a

part of India. In the latter case, the National Conference enlarges the debate to drive home a

point that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah emerged as the most important Muslim leader of the

subcontinent to defeated Mohammad Ali Jinnah's two nation theory. Rakesh Ankit in Pandit

Ramchandra Kak: The Forgotten Premier of Kashmir (Epilogue, April 2010) seem to have

brought to public knowledge few facts for the first time. Though the present essay does not

deal fully with all aspects of accession but your exclusive series with Rakesh Ankit on 'New

Research on Kashmir' is certainly a new well researched and much needed addition to the

public knowledge on history of Kashmir. We hope that this series continues for long and

unfolds many unknown aspects of those crucial and decisive years. After all what is happening

today in the region and in the larger question of India and Pakistan relations has its roots in

the developments you are discussing in this series.

AFTAB MIRSrinagar

Ankit Doing Great Job

Budget Simplified!

efore 2007 I had no idea of how state budget is Bformulated, what are key parameters, how money

is earned and distributed and why a common man

should at all be concerned about this technical thing.

It was in 2007 when I first read Prof Nisar Ali's analysis

of the budget in Epilogue and thought that it was

perhaps written for a person like me who is keen but

has no knowledge of state finances. Year after year

your coverage of budget has gone finer. As I read the

'Road to Recovery' Epilogue (April 2010) I have all

the details of state budget on my finger tips. There

are no technical terms. Every aspect of the budget

has been written in such a simplified manner as it

makes a good reading for a beginner. I hope this trend

is continued not only with budgets but also with all

the subjects you deal with.

JAVED AHMED University of Kashmir

Don't Ignores Vital Issues In recent two months, the politics remained

unusually eventful in Jammu and Kashmir. Once

again the Kashmir based arch rivals –the National

Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party –were

seen in consensus on issues which boil up sentiments

in Jammu region. Not only was the consensus

between these 'north pole-south pole', their stand

was also supported by the separatist Hurryiat

Conference. I am talking about the inter-district

recruitment bill and permanent residents'

disqualification bill. On such issues the media in

Jammu and Kashmir divide on the regional lines,

something which Epilogue never did. But we were

surprised to see that there was no coverage of these

issues at all. Editors should take note if such

important issues are left ignored by journals like

Epilogue, readers might not get to read a balanced

story at all.

RANJIT JAMWAL, ARSHAD HUSSAIN Jammu

LettersReaders Write


Epilogue has given

something to all of us to

feel proud of

orld begins somewhere. It begins from Where- the land where we live. In this

case, it is Jammu and Kashmir. That is, from

where a voyage for strategic journalism began.

Three years ago, Epilogue, hit stands, with

many skeptical minds questioning the wisdom

of talking in depth of the issues, for which the

readers didn't have time to read.

Still ruled by the colonial mindset, where

there is a quest to look for what West is saying

about our land, our people and our issues,

whether it concerned our political voices, and

economic development or otherwise, our

farming community or water. We tend to turn

to the western periodicals. And, whatever is

said by our people, enterprising youthful

minds, with fresh ideas, is seen something

without merit.

Epilogue has changed that.

First thing first, it has generated an

awareness among the people of this state,

often described in terms of – “ a disputed

territory”, “ nuclear flashpoint”, “ hotbed of

militancy”, “ beautiful but bloodied,” that

there was something more in it- both inside for

the residents to see and analyze. And for

outside world to view it differently. This

magazine has done that.

Undoubtedly, it is an achievement in

itself. It has given something to all of us to

feel proud of. It has infused a sense that it can

be done. Its editor, Zafar Choudhary , has set

a trend , in establishing a fact that the world

view is not in the think tanks or journals based

In Washington DC or London or Brussels. It is

here too, and even without the help of

borrowed magnifying glasses and thoughts

from the west – J&K has its own intellectual

capital. There is a need to see it. The pages of

Epilogue offer a plenty of that.

ARUN JOSHIDeputy Editor, Hindustan Times

ARUN JOSHI

4

PROLOGUE

From the Editor


ooking at Jammu and Kashmir in decision making process and share in resources.

bits and pieces divided on Deficits –of logics and also of perceptions –are

linguistic, ethnic, cultural and still there and so are the movements at different

geographical lines will always levels. Emergence of these regional identities, Lkeep the pot boiling. With little instead of resolving any issue, has compounded

readjustment of emotional spaces the state the understanding with further emergence of sub

will have to get into a working operation of regional identities from the margins. Kargil in

single entity to reach a stage of stability Ladakh region, Chenab Valley –comprising

where conflict can be seen as thing of past. districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban –and

However, achieving this homogeneity at the Rajouri-Poonch sub-regions within Jammu region

cost of suppressing many identities for one are the case in point. As it unfolds in the

will always throw disastrous results. Instead following pages, the twin border districts of

of breeding hatred and contempt between Rajouri and Poonch occupy a unique position in

identities we need to forge alliance Jammu and Kashmir. Studded with the Line of

between them for which there is imminent Control along Pakistan administered Kashmir,

need of first understanding and then these districts despite being Muslim majority

respecting each identity and its aspirations. refuse to be seen as part of a larger Kashmiri

In at least our four exclusively focused identity. On the other hand they find very little in

issues in past three years we have argued aspirations and sentiments to share with the

that Jammu and Kashmir is not ‘only Jammu based urban politics which is mostly seen

Kashmir’ as it is seen in the approaches under the Hindu rightwing influence. While these

applied at national and international level two districts have maintained a fair distance

towards understanding of this conflict from the core separatist politics despite the fact

riddled state. There are three historically, that nearly half of Muslim families there have a

geographically and culturally well defined sibling in the Pakistan administered Kashmir,

regions –Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Until militancy too in this region could not take firm

recently, the overall reference to Kashmir roots as it did in Kashmir Valley. In context of

would invite reaction from Jammu and present political scenario, gradually, Rajouri and

Ladakh as people there wanted to be heard Poonch districts have established an identity of

and known by their own identity. Last two their own. The present issues looks into some

decades, therefore, saw emergence of aspects of this regional identity with a scholarly

strong regional identity of Jammu and approach.

Ladakh as people wanted and to some Feedback :[email protected] got a seat at dialogue table, role in

ZAFAR CHOUDHARY

Inside the Mind of Pir Panchal

OCTOBER 2009

NOVEMBER 2007

MAY 2008

5

COLUMN

Indo-Pak Dialogue


nThe British, before making their exit from the Indian

empire, divided it into 'Hindu' India and 'Muslim' Pakistan,

a move which led to one of the most gruesome incidents

of migration and partition in modern history in the year

1947.

nIn 1947/48, the two newly created nations go to war over

Kashmir, ultimately leading to UN intervention. A

ceasefire was regimented, resulting in the division of

Jammu & Kashmir into Indian and Pakistan administered

Kashmirs. Orders were issued to carry out a plebiscite to

ascertain whether the people of Jammu and Kashmir

wanted to be a part of India or Pakistan. The plebiscite,

however, still remains elusive.

n1965 saw the second war over Kashmir, and the UN again

had to call for ceasefire.

nPakistan and India went to war for a third time, resulting

in the creation of Bangladesh, in 1971.

nThe Simla Agreement was signed in 1972 between

Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Indian

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

nIn 1974, India ignites its first nuclear device.

nTrouble starts brewing in 1989 with separatist revolt in

Indian Kashmir.

nIndia conducts nuclear tests in 1998, followed by

Pakistan.

nThe Lahore summit takes place in 1999 between Indian

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistani Prime

Minister Nawaz Sharif.

nThe 1999 Kargil war takes place.

nThe Agra Summit between Pakistani President General

Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee

takes place in 2000, which does not result in any signifi-

cant development.

MANISHA SOBHRAJANI

DATELINE: India-PakistanThe nitty-gritty details of my dream

It would be naive to assume that the transformation of the 'state of Jammu & Kashmir' into the 'Kashmir issue' happened once India was divided into India and Pakistan. The troubled history of the region dates back to a time much beyond the Partition. However, the 'love-hate triangle' of India, Pakistan and Kashmir was born the minute there was talk of Partition. Let us briefly go through the events since.

WULAR BARRAGE is a Kashmir Water Storage dispute (Under IWT) between India & Pakistan

SIR GREEK is a boundary issue between India & Pakistan along Indian State of Gujarat & Pakistani province of Sindh PM

6

nIn 2001, the Indian Parliament is attacked by militants.

India blames Pakistan-based Kashmiri separatist groups

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). A

war-like situation prevails in both countries, and armies

are mobilised on either side of the border. War is

averted almost 6 months later, in 2002.

nA ceasefire agreement takes place between India and

Pakistan on the Line of Control in 2003, followed by a for-

mal peace process in 2004.

nIn 2006, a series of seven bomb blasts take place over a

period of 11 minutes on the Suburban Railways in Mumbai.

nIn 2007, bombs go off in two carriages of the Samjhauta

Express -- a twice-weekly train service connecting Delhi

and Lahore.

nThe Mumbai multiple terror attacks in 2008 again lead to a

war-like situation between the two countries.

nIn 2009, Pakistan admits, after much pressure, that the

Mumbai attacks were planned in Pakistan. Later in the

year, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani

President Asif Ali Zardari meet on the sidelines of the

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Russia.

India and Pakistan agree to work together to fight terror-

ism. However, Prime Minister Singh, after talks with

Pakistani counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani in Egypt, rules out

a resumption of the 'composite dialogue'.

nIn 2010, the two countries exchange fire across the bor-

der, creating a tense atmosphere. Later, a bomb explodes

in a bakery in Pune.

n2030: The state of Jammu & Kashmir is one of the best pre-

vailing tourism spots in South Asia, jointly managed by

India and Pakistan—the LoC serving as some kind of a per-

manent demarcation between territories administered

by the two countries. The people of the two territories

have access to the entire region without the hassle of for-

mal travel documents.

n2028: The two countries come to an agreement on Sir

Creek.

n2026: Water issues between India and Pakistan are

resolved to the satisfaction of both.

n2024: Wullar Barrage dam provides water energy not just

to Indian-administered-Kashmir but also to Pak-

administered-Kashmir.


columnIndo-Pak Dialogue

VAJPAYEE AND MUSHARRAFmet in Agra on July 15, 2000.Talks failed but note withoutmaking a symbolic importance

CEASEFIRE AGREEMENTbetween India & Pakistan onLine of Control is a bestkept Confidence BuildingMeasure despite aberrations

In the 'Conflict Transformation and Peace-building' arena, we are often asked to do a hypothetical exercise where we are encouraged to predict where two warring parties might stand, say, 20 years from their current position. The trick is to jump straightaway 20 years hence, and then take 20 steps backwards, in terms of trying to ascertain what the two parties might do every year to get to their ultimate goal (of where they might be 20 years later). Let us try to attempt this in the case of India and Pakistan.

7

n2022: Siachen ceases to be

the world's highest battle-

ground.

n2020: Discussions around the

actual issue of Kashmir lead

to step-by-step solutions in

terms of territories, both

common and individual.

n2018: The Mughal road, by

now fully functional, aids

and sustains dialogue.

n2016: Intra-Kashmir bus ser-

vices and trade routes are

exemplary.

n2014: Both countries elimi-

nate all formulas towards

the resolution of the

Kashmir issue not accept-

able to each other.

n2012: India and Pakistan

agree on terrorism and

Kashmir as the two main

a r ea s o f t r ep i da t i on

between them.

n2010: The two countries

resume dialogue—whether

c o m p o s i t e o r o t h e r-

wise—and take up every

opportunity that comes

their way to 'talk', whether

at the Foreign Secretaries'

level or Prime Minsters'

level. India, on its part, for-

goes any assumptions of

being 'holier than thou', and

Pakistan stops pretending

the world can't see what it

does! Kashmiris, on their

part, accept the fact that

their future is inter-related

to the relationship between

the two countries, and do

whatever they can to aid dia-

logue.

Wishful thinking? I am certain

it is not! I implore leaders of all

three parties—India, Pakistan and

Kashmir—to come together and

work out the nitty-gritty details of

my dream.


columnIndo-Pak Dialogue

PRIME MINISTERS Manmohan Singh and Yousaf Raza Gilani have been shaking hands at International forums but a one-to-one meeting is a long pending desire

8

GR

AP

HIX

current Affairs

Education-Politics


appointed as Vice Chancellor and he set celebrated in Jammu as a great victory n the urban areas of Jammu region up temporary office in Srinagar. Several –second highest moment of glory after the elitist debate is centered on the I Jammu based political parties and other the 2008 Amarnath temple land row. grouse that three important organizations, actively backed by BJP, Now when names are being Universities in the region are being wanted Central University to be estab- screened for appointment of the Vice repeatedly put under the stewardship lished in Jammu at any cost. Chancellor for Central University of of non-locals –which means people not Shutdowns, protests and demonstra- Jammu, there is a fresh round of anger born in Jammu and this term also tions followed. Congress, a part of the and anxiety in the town as media specu-includes those belonging to the Kashmir ruling alliance in state and an ace com- lations are zeroing in on Prof Amitabh Valley. Prof Varun Varun Sahni from

Matoo of Jawaharlal Nehru University, a Delhi is currently Vice Chancellor of the Kashmiri Pandit who headed the University of Jammu, Prof B Mishra is University of Jammu between 2002 and heading the local Agricultural 2008. A section of press in Jammu is University, Prof PNK Bamezai, a replete with opinionated columns on Kashmiri Pandit is new Vice Chancellor front pages strongly batting for a Dogra of Mata Vaishno Devi University. A for-academician to head the Central mer top Police Officer Masud University. No names have, however, Chaudhary, a Gujjar from Poonch, is the been suggested for the post. While Vice Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah reputed academicians are critical of Badshah University based at Rajouri but such demands as they fear trivialization that region (Rajouri-Poonch), ironically, and petty regionalization of the insti-has rarely been part of any debate in tutes of higher learning, this feature is Jammu. not very unique to Jammu region. It was The immediate trigger in the case not long ago when a distinguished aca-is the impending appointment of the

petitor of BJP in local political scene demician and administrator Prof Jalees Vice Chancellor of yet-to-come-up saw the ground slipping and put its Ahmed Khan Tareen was shooed away Central University of Jammu. A Central weight behind the row. In summer 2009, from the University of Kashmir for being University, along with an IIM, was sanc-Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led a cabi- non Kashmiri. Prof Tareen, now Vice tioned by the UPA-I but it could not roll net delegation to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of Puducherry University, out in 2009 due the regional politics on surrendered the IIM for another Central was sent packing at a time when the location of University. Initial indications University to be established in Jammu. A choice of his successor was not clear in suggested that University was coming bad deal, indeed! In a regionally and eth- mind. Between 2000 and 2004, a up in Kashmir after a Kashmiri academi-nically polarized state, the decision was seniormost teacher at the campus Prof cian, Prof Abdul Waheed Qureshi, was

EPILOGUE CORRESPONDENT

Needed Ethnic VCs for J&K's Universities?

Identifying people by their religions, castes and places of births has always been a taboo at the Epilogue but this detail is being painfully compiled in context of recent debate as who should administer the Universities in Jammu and Kashmir.

While in political circles the debate on appointment of Vice Chancellors veers around the domicile and ethnic considerations, in academic circles it goes much beyond that. Is Jammu and Kashmir a 'colony' of Jawaharlal Nehru University? This is the question dominating select academic circles. The present Vice Chancellors of four of the seven Universities have their academic backgrounds linked to the Jawaharlal Nehru University

9

Abdul Waheed Qureshi func-

tioned as 'acting' Vice

Chancellor at various occa-

sions before he was formally

d e s i g n a t e d a s V i c e

Chancellor in 2004 and held

the Chair until 2008. Prof

Riyaz Punjabi, another

native Kashmiri, succeeded

Qureshi who is now first Vice

Chancellor of the Central

University of Kashmir.

At seven Universities

functioning in Jammu and Kashmir, Vice Chancellors of three are not

from the state, two are headed by Kashmiri Muslims, one by a Kashmiri

Pandit, one by a Gujjar Muslim and one by a Delhiite. Three of the

seven Universities are relatively new. The two Agricultural Universities

have mostly been dominated by non-local Vice Chancellors while the

two main Universities –the University of Kashmir and University of

Jammu –have had most of their Vice Chancellors local academicians

except some initial years in University of Kashmir when distinguished

people like KM Panicker and TM Advani topped the charts.

Unfortunately, the obtaining academic and research environment of

the Universities during tenures of different Vice Chancellors hardly

becoming part of the debates dominated by 'who was born where and

what language he spoke issue'.

While in political circles the debate on appointment of Vice

Chancellors veers around the domicile and ethnic considerations, in

academic circles it goes much beyond that. Is Jammu and Kashmir a

'colony' of Jawaharlal Nehru University? This is the question dominating

select academic circles. The present Vice Chancellors of four of the

seven Universities have their academic backgrounds linked to the

Jawaharlal Nehru University. Questions like JNU background or

regional and ethnic identities are increasingly becoming parts of dis-

cussions as locals eye the top positions. One important issue which is

not being questioned or answered in any of such debates is who many

academicians or scholars the Universities in Jammu and Kashmir pro-

duced who made a mark at

the national level. There are

only few who can be counted

on fingers and most of them

have already got the rewards

they deserved. What Jammu

and Kashmir ideally needs is

a discussion on why the local

talent is not reaching the

national horizons of aca-

demic excellence.


A section of press in Jammu is replete with opinionated columns mostly on front pages strongly batting for a Dogra academician to head the Central University. No names have, however, been suggested for the post. While reputed academicians are critical of such demands as they fear trivialization and petty regionalization of the institutes of higher learning, such demand is not unique to Jammu

It was not long ago when a distinguished academician and administrator Prof Jalees Ahmed Khan Tareen was shooed away from the University of Kashmir for being non Kashmiri. Prof Tareen, now Vice Chancellor of Puducherry University, was sent packing at a time when the choice of his successor was not clear in mind

UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIRROF REYAZ PUNJABI: An Pethnic Kashmiri, he

studied and taught at University of Kashmir before moving to Jawaharlal Nehru University. Doctorate in Law and expert on International Peace and Conflict Studies he is also a visiting Professor and fellow in Jamia Millia Islamia, Indian Institute of Advance Study and Centre for South Asian Studies Switzerland.

Predecessors: Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi (Kashmiri), Prof Jalees AK Tareen (Karnataka)

UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU ROF VARUN SAHNI: A PHindu from Delhi, is an

author of at least 75 reach articles in highly acclaimed journals and books. Editor of South Asian Survey he taught at JNU and lectured at National Defence College, Foreign Service Institute, College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai; Army War College, Mhow; Royal Naval Staff College, Greenwich; Australian Defence College, Canberra Royal Australian Naval College, Jervis Bay; and the LBSNAA. He has held visiting fellowships/professorships at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1997), CIDE, Mexico City (1997-1999) National Defense University, Washington DC and the Asia Pacific College of Diplomacy.

Predecessors: Amitabh Mattoo (Kashmiri Pandit), RR Sharma (a Dogra from Jammu)

Now Know

current affairsEducation-Politics

10


Them By Castes

ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND BABA GHULAM SHAH BADSHAH

TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITYROF SIDDIQ WAHID: A Shia Muslim asud Chaudhary: A Gujjar Pfrom Leh (not Kargil), his family MMuslim from Poonch, he was

lived in Kashmir and he studied and Additional Director General of J&K taught mostly in US and Europe before Police when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed taking this assignment. Holding an government appointed him as Project M.B.A. and a Ph.D. from Harvard in Director and CEO. Upon retirement Inner Asian and Altaic history, Wahid is from Police the same year he was a much sought after public lecturer on

elevated as Vice Chancellor. An alumni peacemaking, Kashmir and Muslim

of Aligarh Muslim University, he set a world.

rare example of bringing up the poorly Predecessors: Incumbent is founder Vice Chancellor

funded University in competition with since 2004

many in league of best.

Predecessor: the incumbent is founder Vice SKUAST-KASHMIR Chancellor since 2004

rof ANWAR ALAM: A Muslim from PAllahabad in Uttar Pradesh, he is

an outsider for Kashmir but never SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI faced any criticism for his domicile. A

doctorate in 1972 from University of UNIVERSITY Illinois, Urbana–Champing, USA and D.

rof RNK BAMEZAI: A Kashmiri Sc (Honoris Causa) in 1999 from PPandit, is a Doctorate in Human Chander Shekhar Azad University of

Genetics and worked at National Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur,

Centre of Applied Genetics, School of worked in US for four years and also Life Sciences, JNU. He is credited remained Chief Technical Adviser FAO.with more than 29 years' experience Predecessors: Prof MY Kamal (Delhi), Prof Dar of teaching and guiding research in (Kashmir)various Universities in the country

and has trained more than 300 SKUAST-JAMMU

researchers in the past seven years r B Mishra: A Hindu from Benaras in the area of Human Genetics and Din Uttar Pradesh, he is a famous Genomics. He has also lectured at

rice and wheat breeder. He headed various Universities abroad and the Directorate of Rice Research

authored nearly a hundred research (DRR), Hyderabad and Directorate of

papers published in eminent Wheat Research (DWR), Karnal - the

journals within and outside the two most important crops, rice and

country. wheat, contributing more than 75 % to

Predecessor: Prof NK Bansal, Prof Chattoo (a National Food basket. He was National Kashmiri Pandit) rice and wheat research programme

leader for more than eight years.

Predecessors: Nagendra Sharma (Bihar),

Hashmatullah Khan (Kashmiri civil servant)

current AffairsEducation-Politics

11

the selectors with choices? Don't we ting near the feet of Ravana. What more f any such doubt would have been desire only one thing from the selectors can be said about the philosophy of expressed by academicians from I that only best faculty should tutor a Education. If we can learn something Jammu that a non Dogra Vice Jammuite? Is this not good enough that good from anybody then even a prosti-Chancellor is incompetent in merits to only the best should teach us? tute can be accepted as a Guru like perform, then things would have been

ancient Sage Dattatreya did, whose pre-Moreover, the matchless wisdom comprehensible. But such speeches historic temple is located in our very rooted in our Holiest scriptures like from the mouths of ordinary politicians own circular road! Srimad Bhagvatam and Ramayana is and people who have no acquaintance

that Guru should be peerless and expert The greatest spiritualist of Hindus with academics is both weird and in his field. This has repeatedly been Sage Shukdev Goswami advised King bizarre. Irony does not stop here. There declared as the only criteria and there is Parikshit that one should learn only are also some academicians and watch-no other parameter apart from this. The from an exalted soul even if he very dogs of public affairs seeking privileged glorious Saint Kabir has also spoken in a much ridicules you. On the other hand entry in the fourth estate sharpening similar comportment when he sang we in Jammu instead of hailing, are ridi-the debate for a Dogra Vice Chancellor. “Jaat na pucho sadh ki, pucho sadh ka culing any eminent scholar of national It is an interesting debate minus the fact gyan, mol karo talwar, padi rahen do fame who is willing to come to Jammu that they are not dropping any guess on mayan.” His forceful declaration to all and impart knowledge at our door steps. choices. and sundry is, please do not ask the What can be more unfortunate for us Would not it have been appropri-teacher his caste, (or his place of birth and what a pity that we think like this? ate for people who are against Non- in this case) just be his obedient stu- Of course, a Dogra academician Dogra as VC to have also suggested the dent. So in other words Saint Kabir also rising to the high position of Vice name or names of few individuals who forbids us not to display the height of Chancellor of a Central University will they suppose are better suited than any stupidity by asking a teacher a question bring a sense of highest pride and hon-other professor in India. I say this like, Are you from Jammu? By demand- our to this land of Dogra but the way this because the prime consideration for any ing that only Dogra should teach in CU is well wisher of students is that the best case is being presented on the 'sole basis in fact going quite opposite to the wis-individual should be managing this pre- if ethnicity' reflects our intellectual dom of Kabir Das. mier institution. There can, of course, bankruptcy. Isn't it? Since a couple of

Education is such a treasure that be better persons than the one being newspapers speculated the names of Lord Rama directed his younger brother tipped to take over the Vice Chancellor. Amitabh Mattoo and Siddiq Waheed, Lakshman to go and learn wisdom by sit-Isn't it time to unveil their names to help there is a whole gung-ho against them.


ANMOL SHARMA

Please don't ask teacher his caste

Theatrics in the local news has sadly started once again. The circus this time will be performed by unschooled creatures and the uneasiness here is that it will be as outrageous as the “Magic Show” held recently in a broken movie theater of Jammu. But one thing is sure that it is going to be a typical case of comedy of errors because something that will be put on show which is completely alien even to them. The analogy here is the slang of pseudo-literate individuals about extremely delicate subject like manner and system of learning in the upcoming Central University of Jammu.

current affairs

Education-Politics

12

Why oppose two particular academi-

cians? Why not propose the alternate

names.

ome of these phony people who are

doing interviews in the press supporting

a dogra VC have themselves studied out

of the Jammu and their children have

also done their education from outside.

So why are they denying the students of

far off places who manage to enter CU

the privilege of being trained by a per-To ask a bitter question then what

son who has national/international is the standard of Jammu University

expertise in his field. The focal idea compared at National level? What is the

behind the inception of these universi-level of research done in the Physics,

ties was that they will entertain inter-Mathematics, Law Departments? Where

national faculty as well as international everyone passes the exam after fixing

under-grads/grads students who aspire the result in re-evaluation? Are students

specialized schooling. from SMVDU (Headed by non-dogra VC)

The whole idea of a desi Rector or not better placed than students from

chief executive for CU will keep on JU?

short-circuiting this principle value and Reasoning would have been in the

goal behind this Institute. The person fact that only academicians who are

who is shouting the loudest in the melee like swans (Hans) be left to do the job

of dogra as VC of CU has ironically for-that they know best and for the rest of

gotten that he himself was not a student owls and crows the saying of the leg-

of Jammu University when the same end Socrates is apt when he says, “Na-

course which he studied outside was ture has given us two ears, two eyes,

available in J&K at that time. and but one tongue, to the end that we

Just for arguments sake, if today should hear and see more than we

suppose IIT is planned to be opened in speak.”

Jammu will they also then insist that

some person from ITI, Vikram Chowk, be

made its head? I believe it would be com-

plete madness even to think like that!!

I only thank my stars that AIIMS like

institute failed to come up in Jammu.

Otherwise they would have also

demanded that only Jammu Doctors

should be appointed and Gods knows

what kind of standard of that Jammu

AIIMS would have been then. All those

who demand that Desi VC should be

there must on principle declare that

they will bind themselves to be (mis)

treated in GMC by desi-doctors only and

will never go outside the state in crisis

as on the principle of parity they mean

the same.

Vol. 4, Issue 5

Epiloguebecause there is more to know

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National in Presence

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www.epilogue.in

PROPOSE, DON'T OPPOSE NAMES

Of course, a Dogra academician rising to

the high position of Vice Chancellor of a

Central University will bring a sense of

highest pride and honour to this land of

Dogra but the way this case is being

presented on the 'sole basis if ethnicity'

reflects our intellectual bankruptcy. Isn't

it? Since a couple of newspapers

speculated the names of Amitabh Mattoo

and Siddiq Waheed, there is a whole

gung-ho against them. Why oppose two

particular academicians? Why not

propose the alternate names.

Mr VC, ARE YOU FROM JAMMU? Sant Kabir's forceful declaration to all and sundry is, please do not ask the teacher his caste, (or his place of birth in this case) just be his obedient student. So in other words Saint Kabir also forbids us not to display the height of stupidity by asking a teacher a question like, Are you from Jammu

Epilogue, May 2010

current AffairsEducation-Politics

13


These two communities differ from National Conference for assembly elec- mix of different identities each other on a range of issues and the tions would in itself be taken as a vic-and cultures, the political political parties in power often offer tory and the voting a mere formality. landscape, particularly the doles to keep both in good humour. As Such was the influence of National electoral politics, of Rajouri A bitterness between Gujjars and Paharis Conference and following of Sheikh and Poonch has always grows over the years, the political par- Mohammad Abdullah in the region. The remained different from any other part ties have walked an extra mile to catch Congress later made steady inroads and of Jammu and Kashmir. Elections have hold of the either community. In this became a main competitor of the never been unusually rigged here and reach out drive from time to time, indi- National Conference. In 1957 elections the poll percentage has often registered viduals have benefitted greatly while when there were only five constituen-much higher than the state average. the plight of common peoples has not cies, the National Conference bagged Consisting of seven assembly constitu-improved much. The region therefore four while one –Nowshera –went to the encies, this Muslim majority region remains one of the most backward –edu- Congress. However, in 1962 elections all never allowed the separatist politics to cationally, socially and economically –in five seats went to the NC basket. Since creep in in any form. A part of larger defi-the state. 1967 and 72 elections were all Congress nition of Jammu region, Rajouri-Poonch

affairs while Sheikh Mohammad Rajouri-Poonch is perhaps one and have always rejected the religious fac-Abdullah was in jail, National the only region in the state which has tor in politics as it prevails in the plains Conference bagged one of the five seats always remained under-represented, of Jammu where the discourse often –Darhal –in 1972. In a discredited poll sometimes not represented at all, in the veers around Jammu versus Kashmir to history of Jammu and Kashmir before decision making process even as these touch down an obvious undercurrent of 2002 elections, the 1977 elections were two districts constitute the safe pocket Hindu versus Muslim. The twin districts regarded as the best of the times. That boroughs of the ruling parties. National have mixed population of Hindus and year, with addition of one more constit-Conference has its deep roots in the Muslims even as Muslims further stand uency, NC won two seats, three went to region and Congress as its traditional bitterly divided along castes and lan-Congress and one to an independent. In competitor until Peoples Democratic guages. It is this division between the bitterly fought elections of 1983 Party of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed made Muslims –Gujjars and Paharis –which when National Conference was almost inroads. There were times getting offers fodder to the political parties.

ZAFAR CHOUDHARY

Who Patronises Caste Politics in Rajouri, Poonch

Within the definition of 'mainstream' if you are looking for best examples of participatory, competitive and truly democratic politics in Jammu and Kashmir, the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, perhaps, offer an excellent example. If castes were not a factor, Rajouri and Poonch would have offered best examples of secular politics as well but such a possibility is remote. Even if people burry the caste hatchet the political parties –particularly National Conference and Congress –would never let them do.

By offering petty largesse to local legislators, NC and Congress have systematically kept this region unrepresented in Cabinet for last 10 years

In focus

The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

14

from the region Chowdhary Mohammad

Hussain and a new comer Mushtaq

Ahmed Bukhari as Ministers of State but

that was largely seen in the region as an

insult.

In 2002, the National Conference

tally remained intact but the party had

lost power to a ragtag coalition of

Peoples Democratic Party and Congress.

This was the time for most of its hurt

leaders to say enough is enough and

switch sides to other parties. In these

elections, the NC had bagged five seats,

Congress one and one went to an inde-

pendent. The Congress won over the

lone independent candidate and then

inducted both its legislators as Ministers

of State. Another leader from the region

–Shabir Ahmed Khan –was appointed as

Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board for

Pahari Speaking People, a post equiva-

routed out in Jammu region, the party –Mohammad Sharief Tariq and Nisar lent in status and rank of a Minister of

had two face savers from Rajouri- Ahmed Khan –as Ministers of State. Two State.

Poonch. In 1987, NC bagged two seats years later they were elevated to the Latest elections of 2008 have

from the region, Congress walked away rank of Cabinet Minister but only to be returned the National Conference with

with three and one went to an inde- sacked disgracefully in year 2000. Close lowest ever tally of three. Two seats

pendent. The Congress was quick to to elections, Dr Farooq Abdullah have been bagged by the Congress and

decode the message and it inducted two inducted party's senior-most leader the remaining two by the Peoples

of them as Cabinet Ministers with

important portfolios and third one was

made Speaker of the Legislative

Assembly. Perhaps this was the time

that initiated the process of erosion of

the base of National Conference in this

region. In 1996, National Conference

won five seats from the region and

Congress got two. NC formed govern-

ment while Congress returned to oppo-

sition with only eight seats in its kitty.

Despite being in opposition, Rajouri-

Poonch again figured prominently in

Congress scheme of things as the partly

installed one of its two legislators from

the region as its Chief Whip in the

assembly. National Conference again

misread the message. In return of five

seats it bagged from the region, the

party inducted two legislators


In focusThe Microcosm of Pir Panchal

To keep its Gujjar constituency happy the Congress installed veteran leader Choudhary Mohammad Aslam as leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Assembly. Shabir Ahmed Khan was inducted as Minister of State to keep Paharis represented in the Council of Ministers. Congress also bagged the office of Gujjar Advisory Board and appointed Bashir Ahmed Naaz as its Vice Chairman to send across a message in the region that party is sensitive about Gujjars. Naaz had lost 2008 elections to Ajaz Jan of National Conference in Poonch constituency.

With Congress's suddenly growing love for Gujjars, National Conference jumped in to own up the Paharis. It was widely expected that Vice Chairmanship of Pahari Advisory Board might go to Kafil-ur-Rehman, a legislator from Karnah, for giving representation to Kupwara district but Omar Abdullah picked up Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari for the post. Bukhari had lost 2002 elections to Choudhary Mohammad Aslam of Congress in Surankote constituency.

Choudhary Zulfikar Ali and Sardar Rafiq Hussain Khan won 2008 elections from Darhal and Surankote constituencies respectively on Peoples Democratic Party ticket. Both these constituencies have remained a traditional bastion of the National Conference. Zulfikar's father Choudhary Mohammad Hussain represented Darhal in 1967 through 1996, barring two exceptions. PDP's presence in Rajouri and Poonch is a sign of trouble for National Conference but the party is going overboard with caste and not specific public welfare measures.

Since year 2000 there has been no representation from Rajouri-Poonch in the state Cabinet. Between 2002 and 2008 elections, two legislators were with the ruling alliance. Both were inducted as Ministers of State and none could make to the Cabinet. Both were dropped in November 2005 and only one of them returned the next year again as Minister of State.

15

2008 elections in Surankote constitu-

ency, has been appointed as Vice

Chairman of the Advisory Board for

Pahari Speaking People while Kunwar

Rashpal Singh, MLA from Kalakote, was

appointed Vice Chairman of Kissan

Board, a new office created for welfare

of farmers. Now Congress is harping on

its Gujjar card and the National

Conference is going full throttle to con-

solidate the Pahari speaking constitu-

ency. Both parties have been able to

play their cards well at the cost of the

people of Rajouri-Poonch. Individuals

have benefitted from NC's and

Congress's new penchant for Paharis and

Gujjars and the region is against thrown

Democratic Party. This time the ruling –and appointed him as Vice Chairman of outside the decision making process.

alliance is a partnership between the Advisory Board for Development of Selective largesse offered to few lead-

Congress and the National Conference. Gujjars, a post equivalent to a Minister ers has clearly suggested that no legisla-

Congress picked up its senior-most of State in status and rank. tor from Rajouri or Poonch is likely to

leader from the region Choudhary This came in as knee jerk reaction make to the Cabinet in the present gov-

Mohammad Aslam, who won from for National Conference. Instead of mak- ernment.

Surankote constituency and installed ing efforts at removing caste from poli- Meanwhile, the murky battle him as leaders of its Legislature Party in tics, as one would have expected from a between Gujjars and Paharis has been the assembly. Though people had young and western educated leader like left to them as keeping this caste con-expected a ministerial berth for him but Omar Abdu l lah , the Nat iona l flict alive between the communities since party is encouraging young blood, Conference went on with a balancing helps the parties. The main contention the CLP leadership is an honour for act. To outsmart Congress, Omar between the Gujjars and Paharis is the Aslam. Its other winner from the region, Abdullah picked not one but two Pahari Scheduled Tribe state on which both Shabir Ahmed Khan has been inducted leaders for appointments to the posts groups continue to fight against each as a Minister of State with an array of carrying status and rank of a Minister of other under the larger political patron-departments under his charge. National State. Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, who lost age. Conference again missed the message

only to late react in a hasty manner.

As long as it was about giving rep-

resentation to the region in decision

making process, the Congress went slow

and the National Conference just slept

over things until the Gujjar Pahari fac-

tor hit the politics. It was at the time of

distribution of non-ministerial posts

between alliance partners, Congress

and National Conference, that the caste

factor in politics of Rajouri-Poonch sud-

denly assumed prominence. The

Congress picked up a Gujjar from

Poonch –Chowdhary Bashir Ahmed Naaz


MLA Kalakote Rashpal Singh, a Rajput fitting in the identity of Pahari, was picked up by Omar Abdullah for the post of Vice Chairman of Kissan Board –an office created on the same day when Rashpal was appointed its head with status of Minister of State. Since Congress had given representation to two Gujjars in the region, NC toyed with this creative idea as a caste balancing act.

Jahangir Mir, Ravinder Sharma of Congress and MR Qureshi of National Conference are three Members of the Legislative Council from Rajouri and Poonch at present. Mir of Poonch was promised this seat in the Upper House in 2008 to surrender election ticket in favour of Bashir Ahmed Naaz in Poonch constituency. Ravinder Sharma, a Brahmin from Sunderbani is also a Pahari leader.

After 2008 elections, five of the seven legislators are part of ruling coalition but none of them in Cabinet. There is only one Minister of State from the region and three other leaders hold the rank and status of a Minister of State. The MoS Shabir Ahmed is a Pahari and belongs to Congress

Take example of Ladakh: Of four seats in the region, three were with ruling alliance between 2002 and 2008 and two of them were Cabinet Ministers. In 2008, again three have returned in the ruling alliance and two of them are again Cabinet Ministers with important departments of Tourism, Culture; Consumer Affairs and Public Disbursement and Transport.


16

In focus



search of jobs. There is no medium or total population of Poonch district was resently these twin districts of Pir large scale industrial unit, no hydel pro- 3.73 lacs out of which 41% were Panchal track on Indian side of P ject, commercial avenues are very lim- Schedule Tribe, 52% were Paharis and 7% LOC comprise of one Municipal ited. There is less than 1% representa- were Kashmiris while 87% were Muslims, Council at Poonch, six notified area com-tion in secretariat. No air link, no ATM 7% Hindus and 6% Sikhs. Hindus were mittees, 13 community development and no rail link services are available in dominating in Tehsil Nowshera, blocks and 563 villages. This track is this track. The condition of only link Sunderbani and Kalakote of district located on extreme border in the tail road leading towards Jammu worsened Rajouri while Muslim population was in end of Jammu province. Most of the for about last ten years. There are 62% majority in all the tehsils of Poonch dis-area is cut off, mountainous and inac-Muslim families which are divided due tricts apart from tehsil Thanamandi, cessible. Very meager infrastructural to establishment of Line of Control. This Budhal and Rajouri of Rajouri district. In facilities are available in this belt. Due scenario had turned the people of this Poonch district before independence to disadvantages caused by geograph-district economically and educationally almost all the villages were having some ical conditions, existence on line of backward. minority population, however due to actual control, continuous cross firing

the happenings of 1947, 1965, 1971 and As per the revenue record, the and shelling across the border for about proxy war from 1989 onward, the minor-total area of Poonch-Rajouri districts is 8 years far away from power centres; ity population gradually migrated to 4304 sq. kilometer while the projected and negligible representation in the other parts of the country and presently population for the year 2009 is 10.63 political scenario and administrative the Hindus and Sikhs are concentrated lacs. As per the census 2001, the popu-setup of J&K state, the people of these in Poonch, Surankote and Mendhar lation of Rajouri district was 4.83 lacs, border districts turn economically back-towns and eleven surrounding villages. out of which 4.49 lacs were residing in ward where 46% population is still living

rural areas while 0.34 lacs in the urban The twin districts Rajouri and below the poverty line. 49% families are

areas. There were 0.38 lacs Scheduled Poonch are dominated by 93% Gujjar-without power, 23% souls are without

Casts and 1.67 lacs Schedule Tribe popu- Bakerwal tribes and Pahari speaking peo-drinking water facilities, 73% families

lation in the district. The district was ple including Hindus and Sikhs while 7% are residing in Kachha houses, 79% are

represented by 60.23% Muslims, 37.28% Kashmiri speaking population inhabiting without flush latrines, 29% villages are

Hindus, 2.24% Sikhs, 0.02% Budhists, in those villages which are nearer to the yet to be connected with roads, 43000

0.04% Christians and 0.03% others. The Kashmir valley. The historic back-educated unemployed are wandering in

K.D. MAINI

RAJOURI & POONCH: Facing the Challenges Ahead

The twin districts Rajouri and Poonch fall in Pir Panchal belt of Jammu province. This is an important mountainous range which bifurcates the valley of Kashmir from the Jammu province. Stein, the commentator of Raj Tringani defined Pir Panchal track as a region located between the rivers Jehlum and Chenab in the southern and south-western slopes of this region, which starts from Banihal Pass and comprise of Rajouri, Budhal, Poonch on India side of LOC and Kotli, Rawalakote and Bagh on the other side of the LOC. The 223 kilometer long LOC touches the boundaries of Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri and Manjakote blocks of Rajouri district and Balakote, Mendhar, Poonch and Mandi blocks of Poonch district.

17

grounds, cultural aspects, dresses, always retained by Hindu Mehta family. harmony was more congenial from early

diets, languages, habits, life style, eco- As per Tuzk-e-Jhangiri there was a cus- times. W.C Archer the writer of 'Indian

nomic conditions, miseries and prob- tom of inter-religious marriages Paintings of Punjab Hills' writes that dur-

lems of the people of this belt are very between the royal Muslim Jaral Rajas ing the rule of Raja Rustam Khan

distinct as compared to the other dis- and the Hindu Rajputs which was Rathore from 1760-1787, Poonch town

tricts of the Jammu province. In spite of banned by the Emperor Jhangir during was dominated by Hindu traders. Raja

sufferings and repeated disturbances, his visit of Rajouri in 1616. After the cre- Rustam Khan was a disciple of a Hindu

surprisingly, the people of this region ation of new J&K state in 1846, in the hermit. It was during his period when

had maintained communal harmony and light of Amritsar Pact between Raja Dashnami Akhara Poonch was con-

peaceful atmosphere. The traditions of Gulab Singh of Jammu and Britishers, structed by Raja Rustam Khan on the

composite cultural heritage and secular the Rajouri principality was taken over request of the hermit. In this period,

outlook have traveled with the history. by Maharaja Gulab Singh. The Muslim number of Hindu traders, Hakims,

The brotherhood of the people of population of Rajouri was deadly Munshis and Artists had shifted from

Poonch and Rajouri is taller than the against the rule of Maharaja Gulab Singh other parts to Poonch principality. They

mountains surrounding this belt. The but there was no communal tension in were having equal rights from the Raja's

ties of communal harmony, friendly rela- this area. It is a fact that large number side while the Muslim natives had

tions and tolerance survived in very odd of minorities was killed in 1947 by the accommodated them in their villages.

events of the history. The people of vari- Sudan rebels under the leadership of There was no official protection to

ous religions, races and sections have a Sakhi Daler and a deserter Colonel minorities. The local Muslims were not

long tradition of restrain and respect of Rehmatullah of Maharaja's forces but only protective but also attentive to

each other. the local Muslims had not taken part in issues and affectionate in nature.

this brutal act. At this crucial stage, Therefore, with the passage of time the RAJOURI there are hundreds of examples in minority people diluted their original

Before 26th October 1846, Rajouri which local Muslims had given shelter to identity and became the part of cultural

remained the principality of Jaral Hindu brothers in the villages and pro- heritage of this area. During the Gujjar

Muslim Rajas for about 700 years. These tected their lives. rule of Raja Ruallah Khan Sangu on

Rajas were secular and accommoda-Poonch from 1798-1819, a great Sikh POONCH tive. The forces of Jaral Rajas were com-Saint Thakur Bhai Mela Singh had came

prised of Hindu Rajputs apart from In Poonch principality, the atmo-to Poonch from Rawalakote in 1802 and

Muslims. The Prime Minister's post was sphere of brotherhood and communal established a Gurudwara Dera Santpura

Nangali Sahib, the biggest Sikh shrine in

J&K state at present. During the rule of

local Dogra Hindu Rajas from 1852-

1947, there was complete communal

harmony in the region. Majority of the

Ministers and officials of these Rajas

were Muslims including the first and the

last Prime Minister of Poonch Mian

Nizam-ud-Din.

After independence, the people of

all the communities were living in an

amiable manner, in the twin districts

Poonch and Rajouri. There are such vil-

lages where 90% population belongs to

one community and 10% to another. The

minority population had never been

given to understand that they are out-

siders or different, rather they have

been given more affection and respect



18

A fort suspension bridge in Rajouri.

by the majority Muslim brothers who

had always protected the minority popu-

lation. The minority community was hav-

ing full faith and confidence on the

majority population. During militancy

days, when a large section of the minor-

ity population were brutally killed, nei-

ther Hindu nor Sikh blamed the local

Muslim brothers because they were

aware of the fact that this was not a

local act. Accordingly, hundreds of

patriotic Muslims were beheaded, their

houses were burnt and 21,000 thousand

persons of Muslim community were com-

pelled to migrate from their native

places to security areas because they

were patriotic, with a secular outlook

and not hardliner; and never accepted

the radical views of the militants.

Therefore, the Hindus, Muslims and

Sikhs jointly faced the militancy sce-the impact of Sufism on the life of the Therefore, we can say that the habi-nario 1989 onwards. people of this region who taught love for tants of Poonch and Rajouri had man-UNDERSTANDING THE mankind, tolerance and respect of all aged and maintained an atmosphere

CHALLENGES the religions. Almost every village have largely free from communal hostilities. The above facts reveal that the a Sufi Dargah, Asthan or Ziarat. These There is a big question that why

habitants of twin districts of Rajouri and Sufi centres are still inspiring the people communal conflicts of very serious Poonch have always remained secular, belonging to all the communities. The nature erupted in this region during moderate and accommodative. The cor- shrine of Shahdara Sharief Rajouri and August 2008 which had tarnished and dial and friendly relations among the Sain Miran Bakash Guntrian Poonch is tainted our traditional brotherhood. communities had given birth to compos- equally respected by Hindus and Sikhs. Immediately after the happenings of ite cultural heritage. The most impor- The Urs of Sain Ellahi Bakash of Jammu and Srinagar during Amarnath tant factor behind this brotherhood was Battlekote Mandi is organized by a Non- Shrine episode, the hardliners and

Muslim Organization Pritam Spiritual fanatics of Kashmir valley and Jammu Trust. On the eve of Rakshabandan city prevailed upon both the communi-Festival, the Chari Mubarakh Yatra ties and communalize the situation in which starts from Dashnami Akhara this border and sensitive track. On the Poonch and leads towards Swami Budha inciting of outsiders, the small groups of Amarnath Mandi is received by Suni local youths gathered in religious Muslims at Chandak and Shia Muslims in places, organized rallies and raised Mandi Bazar. The Muslims and Hindus unwanted slogans on communal lines jointly participate in Baisakhi Mela at which had resulted the communal out-Gurudwara Nangali Sahib. The oldest bursts in Thanamandi, Surankote, Ramkund Temple of Raja Lalita Ditya's Mendhar and Poonch town. The worst time is located in hundred percent

type of communal riots were in Poonch Muslim populated village Narol of

town, Bhainch and Dalera villages in Mendhar tehsil. The Muslim natives

which 134 shops and houses of both the have been looking after and protecting

communities were either burnt or the temple s ince centur ies . .

looted. When the worse was taking


During militancy days, when a large

section of the minority population

were brutally killed, neither Hindu

nor Sikh blamed the local Muslim

brothers because they were aware

of the fact that this was not a local

act. Accordingly, hundreds of patri-

otic Muslims were beheaded, their

houses were burnt and 21,000 per-

sons of Muslim community were

compelled to migrate


19

ALONG THE MUGHAL ROAD : Thanna Mandi

place, there were still cases of sympa- people of Poonch-Rajouri belt. This sce- arrangement for the relief of those

thy for the other community during the nario has given birth to the idea of sepa- Pahari-speaking population to address

riots. The role of M.R Qureshi MLC rate region for Rajouri and Poonch so their grievances without disturbing the

Mendhar, PDP leader Hamid Manhas of that development could take place. Scheduled Tribe status of Gujjar and

Surankote and Yashpal Sharma of Inspite of all the above facts the major- Bakerwal communities otherwise the

Poonch remain appreciable in restoring ity population of Poonch and Rajouri is rift between the ethnic groups shall

the confidence of people at this stage. not in favour of separation from Jammu widen in future and therefore, it will

province because of the similar social, not be a healthy symptom for the people No doubt those 16 months have

cultural and linguistic characteristics of the border belt of Poonch and Rajouri. been passed, law and order situation

with Jammu people as compared to the have been improved and composite cul- WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?other regions of the state. Therefore, tural heritage have been restored up to

The people of this region have this is time for Jammu leadership to some extent. But still doubts and confu-

always remained in the mainstream of awaken and fulfills the urges and aspira-sion persists. There is a lack of trust and

national politics. There was no political tions of the people of these twin dis-confidence due to the riots. The minor-

alienation even during militancy period. tricts so that the economic backward-ity people both in rural and urban areas

No voices asking for separatism or ness from this belt could be eradicated. are still frightened, harassed and upset.

autonomy emerged in this belt until This is very essential for the smooth rela-The mistrust and the feeling of alien-

2008. However, after the happenings of tions of the communities within Jammu ation have not been removed com-

August 2008, the fundamentalists and province. pletely from their minds. There are vari-

radical elements from the outside had ous factors behind this tension. The Pak- As stated above the people of

tried best to setup a separatist political sponsored agencies are working in this Poonch and Rajouri districts are mostly

platform in this region. No doubt that sensitive area to disrupt the normal life, comprise of Gujjar-Bakerwal tribes and

the mainstream leadership is very destabilize the region and create com- Pahari speaking people including Hindu,

strong, active and dominating the poli-munal tension in which it becomes Muslim and Sikhs. All these ethnic races

tics of the area. However the scattered impossible for the minorities to live in have an unique type of historic, cultural

separatists and radical voices emerged this region. The contribution of hardlin- and linguistic identities. Still they are

in Thanamandi, Surankote and Poonch ers, fanatic and radical elements of neighbours since centuries, living in the

area. In this initial stage, these voices Kashmir valley is equally responsible in same belt, villages, dhoks and mead-

are not very strong. But we must be con-inciting some youths on communal ows. However, the Gujjars and

scious from such sections of the people lines. Some Urdu newspapers of Kashmir Bakerwals were given Schedule Tribe

that can create tension and chaos at any valley have exploited the situation in status in 1991 on the bases of vulnerable

time in these districts as it happened in Poonch and Rajouri on communal line economic conditions. Same type of

2008. They must be dealt in a political and propagated for a separate region demand was raised by Pahari-speaking

manner. It is very essential to work for comprises of Poonch and Rajouri dis- section which is yet to be considered.

the restoration of old traditions of tricts. It is fact that the people of Therefore, there is resentment among

brotherhood on the basis of the sermons Poonch and Rajouri have severe type of Paharis on this issue. Ethnically these

of Sufi saints and Darveshs who always grievances with the leadership of races have been polarized and severe

preached love for mankind, tolerance, Jammu who had never represented the rifts have emerged between the

restrain and respect of every religion. aspirations of the people of these dis- Scheduled Tribe and the remaining popu-

There is a need of understanding and tricts. They are visiting only during the lation during last twenty years. No

reconciliation among the religious com-election time to get the votes of the peo- efforts from government side have been

munities. Let the NGOs, human rights ple. They failed to establish the link made to bulge the differences between

activists, religious personalities and with the majority Muslim community of Paharis and Gujjar-Bakerwal communi-

social workers come forward and start this area. There is a vacuum of relations ties rather during the election time the

the journey of peace and reconciliation. and understanding between the leader- candidates use this tension to

On government side, efforts need to be ship of Jammu and Poonch-Rajouri. strengthen their vote bank. This tension

made to strengthen the ties of commu-Therefore, they are ignorant about the can be worsened at any time. Therefore

nities to resore peace, happiness and problems, miseries and suffering of the there is a need of some package or

harmony in the region. (IPCS)



20

In focus



he whole region of Rajouri and and fire, but even Muslim Rajputs feel Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, western

Poonch is populated with differ- proud of being from the Rajput Clan. Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, northern Tent religious and caste communi- They often make reference to the brav- Madhya Pradesh, Utterakhand, Gujrat

ties –drawn mainly from Hindus, ery of their ancestors in the battle fields and Maharashtra. Gujjars in north India

Muslims and Sikhs –with deep rooted cus- of the past and extend equal status to are now considered as vote bank by the

toms and traditional system. Socio- the parallel clan that is Hindu Rajputs. different political parties. Rajesh Pilot

Cultural and Economic pattern of inhab- At the time of any conflict with non was prominent Gujjar leader in north

itants of the region are mostly similar to Rajput communities, the Hindu and India, with his political support the

each other. Muslim Rajputs communities emotion- Gujjars have been classified as a

ally unite to protect their prestige. They Scheduled Tribe in Himachal Pradesh Hindu community is divided into

love to serve in armed forces. and Jammu and Kashmir, and as other four caste groups as practiced in Indian

backward classes in Rajasthan and traditional caste system while the Rajputs of Rajouri-Poonch have

Madhya Pradesh. In Jammu and Kashmir Muslims are rigidly stratified into four been divided into two religious commu-

the population is mainly concentrated caste groups –Rajputs, Gujjars, nities, ie, Hindu Rajputs and Muslim

in Rajouri and Poonch Districts, fol-Kashmiries and 'others'. They never prac- Rajputs. Hindu Rajputs have been clas-

lowed by Baramulla, Kupwara, tice exogamous pattern of marriage and sified into various sub castes like

Anantnag, Udhampur and Doda are the staunch believer of caste system Thakers, Manhas, Chauhan Thakyal,

Districts. The Bakarwals is the Parallel and allied practices. Chandial, Charrak, Kamlak, and Chib;

ethnic group to the Gujjars, inter sec-Muslim Rajputs have been further RAJPUTS: The term Rajput is tion marriage takes place freely among divided in to various sub castes such as, derived from Sanskrit word “Rajputra” Gujjars and Bakarwals. All Gujjars of Jarral, Malik, Domal, Thakyal, Khokhar, found in the Vedas, the Ramayana, and Jammu and Kashmir are the followers of Janjua, Salaria, Bhatti, Feerozal Mahabharata. It has been used by the Islam. While considering the sentimen-Gakhar, Manhas, Manial, Chib, Thakkar, warriors and the Rulers, with passage of tal attitude, physical features, racial and Kamlak etc. As such there are more time there were many kshatriyas. The and genealogical background of the than 54 sub-castes of Muslim Rajputs primogeniture allowed only the oldest Gujjars and Bakarwals, it is observed existing in the area.male offspring of a king to succeed him, that the clan is purely a Rajput clan. But the rest were known as Rajputra.The GUJJARS: The Gujjars are an eth-on account of the regional variation word Rajput is claimed to be a changed nic group in India and Pakistan. In India, their recognition is different from that term of Rajputra. Gradually it became a the Gujjars follow Hinduism, Sikhism of the fact; they do not perceive them-caste. Rajputs regard themselves as and Islam. The Hindu Gujjars belong to selves as Rajputs. Period of their con-being descended from the Vedic warrior the traditional Kishatriya Varna in version to Islam is treated to be the class known as the Kshatriyas. Hinduism, while the Muslim Gujjars are same as the conversion of the other considered to be a Potwari tribe in India The majority of Rajputs in Rajouri Muslim Rajputs, of the area. Majority of and Pakistan. The historical background District are the Muslims and their origin the Gujars are illiterate due to which of the community is associated with the is claimed from Rajasthan, Gujarat, they can be exploited easily by their Rajputs clan of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. political leaders. The Major economy of In India Gujjar population is found in Though the Muslim faith is against belief the Gujars community is comprised of Delhi, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, of a person being born from sun, moon,

MAZAMMAL HUSSAIN MALIK

Social Structure and Perceptions of Regional Disparities

21

Agriculture, government jobs, cattle

rearing and few among them are rearing

Sheep and goats and leading semi

nomadic life, during winter they

migrate with their herds to the foot hills

of Peer Panchal, and in summer season

in search of pasture they migrate to high

up in the mountains.

The Gujjars of Rajouri-Poonch are

divided into innumerable sub-castes but

major among them are, Dhakkar,

Khatana, Badana, Sood, Paswal, Kalas,

Benth, Bijran, Chauhan, Chechee,

Sango, Rana etc. associated with the

Rajputs clan of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

KASHMIRIS: The term refers to the

people who are inhabitants of the valley

of Kashmir, but generally the term is

used in its broader concept for the peo-

ple of Jammu and Kashmir by the people

of rest of India. But in Rajouri and

Poonch Districts, Kashmiris are the peo-

ple who speak Kashmiri language with

Pahari language. A small section of the

people in Rajouri district is speaks

Kashmiri language. They reportedly

migrated from valley of Kashmir to

Rajouri and Poonch districts since the

time immemorial, their major concen-

tration of the community is observed in

Thannamandi Tehsil of District Rajouri

and Buffliaz, Chandhimarh and

Loranmandi in District Pooch, as these

are the adjoining Mountainous areas of

Kashmir Valley. The old persons of the

community are claiming themselves as

traditional manual labourer working in

the areas for centuries, majority of the

community members leading miserable

life in extreme poverty. Their historical

background is similar to that of other

Kashmiri Muslim in the valley of Kashmir

as they had been converted to Islam

from Kashmiri Pandhits. Caste stratifi-

cation among the Kashmiries is not so

rigid as among other Muslim communi-

ties of the areas. They have matrimo-

nial relations with all the Muslims irre-


Agriculture

Area sown more Cropping Gross Area Gross Area than once as %age of intensity irrigated irrigated as net sown area %age of gross

area sown

Rajouri 81.51 181.51 82.76 8.51

Poonch 66.97 166.97 6691 14.48

J&K State 53.9 153.9 471134 41.45

Post Offices

Area Sq.km Population

Rajouri 125 21.04 4525

Poonch 64 26.16 6814

J&K State 1691 .60 7021

Banking

District Average area Population CD Perceptive BPLper bank branch coverage per Ration Plan population(sq. km) bank branch outlay

Rajouri 64.15 14925 24.39 1206.97 25.1

Poonch 79.71 22467 22.61 1347.09 33.67

J&K State 104.74 13268 49.19 1053 21.63

Per Capital Net District Domestic Product for the Year 2002-03 (P)

Rank District Per Capita Income Rank District Per Capita Incomeat current prices at current prices

1 Srinagar 17896 1 Pulwama 9509

2 Leh 17555 2 Kathua 9328

3 Jammu 16323 3 Leh 8228

4 Kathua 16193 4 Jammu 8198

5 Pulwama 15406 5 Rajouri 8114

6 Kargil 14581 6 Udhampur 8042

7 Baramulla 13997 7 Poonch 7993

8 Udhampur 13870 8 Srinagar 7815

9 Anantnag 13868 9 Budgam 7736

10 Rajouri 13725 10 Kargil 7504

11 Poonch 13049 11 Anantnag 7042

12 Budgam 12698 12 Baramulla 6837

13 Doda 11573 13 Doda 6814

14 Kupwara 9999 14 Kupwara 5407


22

spective of the caste. They are liberal whole of the country. Clean occupa- by the male members of the society.

like Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri tional group in Rajouri District claim Majority of the respondents (93%) elic-

Pandhits. As such Kashmiri Hindus themselves as Qureshi, Mughals and ited that female members are not given

(Pandhits) are different from else- Thakkers, such as Barbars, carpenters, importance in the familial or matrimo-

where. (Subash Kak, 1996). Major Black smiths, weavers, Muslim jewel- nial decisions. Majority of the respon-

castes among Kashmiries are Bhat, Mir, ers, etc, but in the real sense they have dents (89%) expressed their views that

Khawaja, Bhanday, Maghray, Khans been converted from clean occupa- they give preference to the male child

Kandru, Itto, Muttoo and Sheikh. There tional Hindu castes. Their economic birth instead of female child.

are more than 130 caste titles of activities are confined to their tradi- Marriage among people of the

Kashmiries of the Valley of Kashmir but tional occupational system, still they Region is considered to be most impor-

few among them are existing in the area use the out dated techniques in their tant. These are performed according to

under study. activities due to which they are poor the traditional rituals of each caste

and lead miserable life. OTHER COMMUNITIES: - These group. The marriage among the people

communities are comprised of Sayeed, It is taken into consideration that is purely endogamous, inter caste mar-

Qureshi, Mughal, Pathan and Sheikh four Muslim caste categories and Hindus riage is considered as a serious threat,

(muslim banghi) and They are claiming as well as Sikhs are dwellers of the among four caste categories of Muslims.

their origin in golf countries. The caste remote and hilly Districts, whose socio- Gujars are purely endogamous, but in

structure of these communities is not cultural affinity and language is binding rear cases Rajputs (Male) can marry out-

similar to that of the whole Indian strength of their cultural heritage. side the caste but never give their girls

Muslims. In all the studies of caste Which have been nourishing their age to any of the other castes of the

among Muslims the term 'Ashraf' (Arabic old secular out look, extending common Muslims. In the past marriage proposals

words meaning honourable) is used for culture, speaking common language, were initiated by the Barbers but with

the Muslim of foreign origin and con- residing on the foothills of Panchal passage of time custom has been

verts from Hindus of higher birth. And Range starting from Budhal to changed, and now friends and relatives

Risely (1908) in Bengal used the term Muzaffarabad. They extend very pecu- perform the practice, the mate selec-

'Ajlaf' for the Muslims engaged in clean liar familial pattern, marriage customs tion is made by the parents, and early

occupational group like, barber, car- and rituals which are not observed in marriage is a common practice among

penter, laundrymen, potter, tailor, and other parts of the State. the people of Rajouri and Poonch

Rangrez. 'Arzal' for the Muslims engaged Districts. The rate of divorce is very low FAMILY AND MARRIAGE PATTERN:

in unclean occupational groups like, among the people in the area. The family as primary institution per-

Bhangi (scavenger), Cobbler (Mochi). Matrimonial disputes are settled by the forms the same functions every where.

elderly members of the areas and few In Rajouri and Poonch Districts But pattern of the family in one society

cases are settled by the courts. except Sayeeds, 35% of the total popu- is different from the other. The family

lation of these communities are origi- pattern in Rajouri-Poonch is purely The study indicates that majority

nally belong to the Ashraf category of joint, male dominated, traditional and of the respondents (72%) prefer early

the Muslims, majority of the Ajlaf claim- orthodox. Modern urbanization and marriage of their sons and daughters

ing themselves as Ashraf are the Muslim industrialization has hardly impacted due to mass illiteracy, orthodoxy, out-

Dooms(drum beater) Mouchies (Cob- the family structure and values. caste threat and prevailing insecurity

bler) and Banghies (scavenger) using caused by militancy and allied factors, On the basis of study of the Region,

the title of Sheikhs with their names. Majority of the respondents (97%) among 651 respondents majority of

The historical accounts refer that this observe caste endogamous marriage, them(74%) practices joint family sys-

section has been converted from 02% to 05% of the marriages are per-tem, because (83%) of the population is

untouchable Hindus due to the suppres- formed by love or elopement. In the comprised of Paharies and Gujars and

sion of rigid caste system of Hindus and past polygamous pattern was also per-their means of subsistence is agricul-

social disability. During the process of formed but major change has taken ture, cattle rearing some among them

Islamization they changed their caste place in this custom, as only 2% to 3% of are semi nomadic, this type of setup

and claim themselves as Sheikh which is the people prefer more than one wife. requires manual force.. In whole area

higher caste among Muslims in the Dowry system is very simple, majority of the parental property is inherited only



23

the respondents (91%) expressed that

they give buffaloes, cows, goats, sheep,

spinning wheel and other domestic

materials, where as, 09% of the popula-

tion, imitate the modern practices of

dowry system and spend major amount

according to their income structure,

Marriage bonds are maintained in accor-

dance with the religious citations and

social sanctions. They generally wear

silver ornaments like jumka. Kangan,

Sierie(necklace), long, Challa, Payal,

but among some people the gold jew-

elry is considered as the status symbol.

ECONOMIC CONDITION: - The

Economic condition of the people of the

District Rajouri is miserable and inade-

quate, according to census 2001, the

major occupation is agriculture and

allied activities due to the Geographical

disadvantage, mass poverty and illiter-

acy the people are economically back-

ward, the small farmers have little

pieces of land holdings, kacha houses,

most of the agricultural area is located

on the hill slopes where irrigation and

tractor facilities can not be availed. On

the other hand due to snow fall only

Kharief crop is possible in their fields, in

addition to that there is lack of employ-

ment, and manual workers go outside

the state in search of job. Major econ-

omy of the people is agriculture but it

can be expected that a single source of

income which cannot fulfill the basic

amenities of a particular community

does not deserve to be recognized as

the economy of the community. On the

basis of study, the whole economic

structure of the districts is divided into

four categories: (i) Population with

Agricultural activities, (ii) Population

with Government services. (iii)

Population with cattle rearing, (iv)

Manual labourer. 48% of the total work-

ing population is engaged in agriculture

economy while, 13% of the working

Population is engaged in government


NREGA : Statement for the last two years as on ending December, 2008 & 2009

District 2008-09 2009-10 upto Jan 2010

Works Works Works Works executed completed executed completed

Pulwama 219 46 777 187

Kupwara 1797 658 1406 489

Bandipora 54 4 265 16

Shopian 58 0 293 71

Budgam 169 13 495 133

Sri nagar 5 1 38 12

Ganderbal 87 6 224 165

Kargil 440 145 370 89

Anantnag 632 77 1200 424

Leh 55 0 96 28

Baramulla 47 0 1088 174

Kulgam 347 58 607 206

Jammu 1163 669 2810 269

Samba 288 138 399 115

Kathua 199 03 767 102

Rajouri 1238 334 1970 978

Poonch 1761 1582 2692 756

Reasi 517 193 647 221

Ramban 705 546 1027 423

Kistwar 1309 950 1934 1395

Doda 1687 1646 2127 1076

Udhampur 335 0 736 192

Total 13112 7069 21968 7521

Agriculture

District Reported Area Cultivable Area Cultivable Area as %age(ha) (ha) reported area

Rajouri 253340 54039 21.33

Poonch 11381 27918 24.41

J&K State 2415801 803466 33.26

Estimated literary rate for 2009 (Excluding 0-6 population(

Male Female

Rajouri 59.19 70.76 46.07

Poonch 62.54 71.11 54.78

J&K State 67.89 74.96 59.71


24

services, where as, 23% of the total pop- ity among them at the same level. The 'Woman and child' health care and the

ulation depend upon cattle rearing, 16% major causes of educational backward- precautions, which are to be taken dur-

of the total population is working as ness are their rigid Caste system, tradi- ing pregnancy. Early marriage is also a

manual labourer. Among them 09% of tional beliefs, orthodoxy, extreme pov- cause which leads to increase in the

the labourers are working outside the erty and mass illiteracy and non avail- maternal mortality rate. Some migra-

state, as, in Mumbai, Punjab, and H.P., ability of educational facilities. They tory labourers are the HIVAIDS infected

on account of non availability of work prefer the children to graze the cattle in under treatment at ART Center Medical

avenues in the State. The major portion the field or (male children) to work as College Jammu. . labourer and earn money to fulfill the of the youths is unemployed The econ- PERCEPTION OF REGIONAL

basic needs of the family, instead of omy of the district is not satisfactory DISPARITY:

sending them to the school. They are and more than 60% of the population is The Jammu and Kashmir State of not aware of the legal restriction on the living below the poverty line. The North India having area of 222,200 sq. child labour. youths of the area is badly effected by km. including area occupied by China

the prevailing limited economic HEALTH CONDITION:- In the and Pakistan with 10,069,900 popula-7resources . Due to extreme poverty and region majority of the people are suf- tion (census 2001), its three cities are

unemployment some people even fering due to lack of health related Jammu, Srinagar and Leh (Ladakh). The

indulge in illegitimate sources of earn- facilities, the area has not been facili- State has four types of unique cultural

ing, either they smuggle forest wood, tated with the modern health care sys- blend that differentiate it from the rest

make local wine (in Khawas, doungi tem, according to the survey of (EPOS of the Country. The Socio-cultural and

Grarti and some other areas) or join mili- health India 2004-05) In Rajouri there demographic structure of the State is

tancy in the State for their means of sub- are 146 sub center, 40 PHCs,7 functional roughly comprised of five distinct parts

sistence. CHCs, and one District Hospital. More namely Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh,

than 80% of the sub centers are without EDUCATIONAL CONDITION:- Chenab Valley and Rajouri-Poonch.

their own buildings, all the Medical sub Educational condition of the Districts is Zhese five regions have their own Cs are with out public utilities for male not good though census figures of 2001 separate linguistic identity, Kashmir is and female and also without the toilet, indicates the 57.65 literacy rate in represented by Kashmiri language, labour rooms, telephone facility, even Rajouri, it stands at the 6th place in the Jammu is represented by Dogri language

the PHCs are running in similar condi-district wise literacy data, but it is Ladakh is represented by Ladakhi com-tion. The District Hospital is also ill expected less than this, and further prised of Balti, Dardi and Shina and equipped. The district health adminis-decline is expected in the higher Rajouri-Poonch is represented by Phari tration is divided in to four Medical reaches. According to Education comprised of Gojri and Poonchi lan-blocks namely Sunderbani, Darhal, Department of J&K, (2007-08) the guages. For interregional interaction Kandi.and Nowshera one CHC in District has 1250 educational institution Urdu or Hindi is used as Communicative Nowshera which caters about 121627 at primary level and 366 institution, at language. Though the four region of the populations, in block Darhal 2 CHCs upper primary level. The people have State are different from each other in which cater about 172460 populations, not been encouraged to send their chil- socio-cultural, ethnic, linguistic and only one CHC in block Kandi which dren to the school. Majority of the stu- demographical background but they caters about 141000 populations. In the dents cannot complete even their have maintained the Indian tradition of area more than 58% of the deaths cases school education up to the 10th level, so unity in diversity.are associated with Maternal- mortality dropped out from the school due to the The regional disparity is the term, (district Hospital record 2007-08). 84% financial constraints of the parents and which indicates the developmental of the deliveries in the hilly areas take uncertainty of future career. The data imbalance among regions or it may be place with out trained personnel indicates that, 45% to 55% of the chil- said that regional disparity is the result (FMPHW), as in hilly areas Medical dren's population of the District goes to of common efforts for the development Termination of Pregnancy services are school. Among them 48% of the children of all the regions with out systematic not available, due to which Infant dropped-out from the school from first evaluation of level of backwardness. Mortality rate is also very high. 81% of to middle class level, and female Balanced regional development does the women of the area are not aware of dropped out children constitute major- not mean equal development of all the



25

regions of the state or nation but it Kashmir valley has also caused much District as well as the migrants of 8needs socio-cultural and economic havoc to the region. Since 1947 the Kashmir . Following directives of the

development to its fullest potential so region has long history of dejection, Supreme Court government agreed to

that the fruits of development can be plethora of untold miseries and chroni- facilitate the displaced but due to defi-

shared by all the regions. It is generally cle disparity being a neglected part of ciency of funds assurance could never

considered that the existence of any the state. The successive Governments transformed in to the practice. All the

community is closely associated with its in the State, political parties and other organizations and social activists have

racial, ethnic, social and regional his- organizations are unable to perform failed to provide justice to the victims

tory. (Sukhbir Tamang 2009) expected role for the rehabilitation of of terrorism and State apathy. In any

aggrieved and neglected masses due to In so for as regional disparity of the political issues the people of the region

their own limitations, but exploit them area under study is concerned, it have no space, the aspirations and opin-

on the name of castes and enhance the remained a battle field of various wars ions of the people are not taken in to

inter caste distrust. since the Paula Dynasty, it was more account. Violation of human rights and

affected during the turmoil of 1947 and During recent past political turmoil atrocities on these people remain unno-

tribal raids. the prosperity of the region in 1989 over 700 families comprising ticed and are not reported any where.

has taken its hugely turn witnessing 6300 persons migrated from their The true representatives of the people

heartrending episodes of genocide and respective areas and settled in different of Kashmir and Jammu have never vis-

mass exodus, moreover two wars of towns like Jammu, Rajouri and ited this area are completely unaware

1965 and 1971 have been fought in the Nowshera, they have not been provided of the geographic, ethnic, linguistic and

region which effected socio-cultural any relief including ration or cash for cultural composition of the State. Same

and demographic structure of the want of funds. The State Human Right is true with Government of India, in the

region, besides wars majority of the pop- Commission couldn't proved to be effec- process of maintenance of peace

ulation of the region has been the victim tive in the process of rehabilitation of between India and Pakistan the interac-

of cross boarder bullets, mines network- the people of Rajouri and Poonch as tion of youth of both the countries has

ing of the boarder areas, which lead to more than 15 cases had been recom- been extended but youth of effected

the loss of their lives, moveable and mended by the SHRC to the State gov- regions have not been involved in the

immoveable property. (Hasham Ali ernment to consider all the internal dis- process.

2007) placed persons of Rajouri-Poonch at par The administrative data, of differ-

with the boarder migrants of the Jammu The on going movement in the ent departments, particularly the eco-


Households, Household size and Household Services

District Area No. of House Households servicesHouseholds hold size Electricity Latrine Sale drinking Availing Without any

water Banking service specified assets

Total 81850 5.9 56384 18333 23905 31097 27643

Rajouri Rural 75253 6 49933 12543 17920 27061 26838

Urban 6597 5.1 6451 5790 5988 4036 805

Total 59644 6.2 33251 17908 21348 21372 21135

Poonch Rural 55239 6.3 28989 14.37 17237 18037 20593

Urban 4405 5.4 4262 3871 4111 3335 542

Total 1551768 6.5 1250738 824602 10111589 566133 399767

J&K State Rural 1161357 6.6 868341 485434 638004 344778 362009

Urban 390411 6.4 382397 339168 373585 221355 37758

Total 191963935 5.4 107209054 69887599 149581740 68230642 66198648

India Rural 138271559 5.4 60180685 30304359 101251117 41639949 55988658

Urban 53692376 5.3 47028369 39581440 48330623 26590693 10209990


26

9nomic survey of the State and primary In education sector, Jammu has programmes and policies, insincere

survey of the investigator have indi- 2,278 government and private run pri- efforts of the Government and political

cated that Socio-cultural and economic mary, middle, high and higher second- leaders.

condition of the region is relatively back- ary Schools, where as, in poonch and SOLUTION AND IMPLICATION: -

ward from other three regions of the Rajouri, the number is only 10,65 and The Government of Jammu and Kashmir

State having mass illiteracy out dated 1,400, respectively. Due to which the has tried to mitigate the regional dis-

customs, traditions and rituals, major- rate in Jammu is 77% whereas it is parity by providing scheduled tribe sta-

ity of the population is leading tribal 51.20% in poonch and 57.65% in Rajouri. tus in 1991, to a section of the society

way of life with rigid caste system. In Jammu District five model vil- and also granted reservation for back-

Modern governmental efforts, limited lages have been created by the ward areas. The provisions have created

opportunities and external impact Government, where as, only one in intra regional conflict between ignored

could not change the attitude of the peo- poonch and two model villages in and reserved sections; it has created

ple of the area. While examining the Rajouri have been established. In another problem which is threat to the

ethnocentric attitudes of the people of Jammu among 30,000 household 29000 unity of the region as well as the State.

other two regions of Jammu and are getting electricity and 28000 are Thus pick and choose approach for a par-

Kashmir it has been observed that getting drinking water, where as in ticular section for the developmental

majority of the people about 85% to 90% Rajouri and poonch among 60000, only process has not proved to be successful,

use the term 'Gujjar' to identify the peo- 34000 are getting electricity and 22000 as the whole region is socially, educa-

ple of Rajouri-Poonch, the term 'Gujjar' are getting drinking water. When alloca- tionally and economically backward.

in J&K State refers to the victim of tion of District funds are considered Regional disparity is a major prob-e x t r e m e p o v e r t y a n d s o c i a l Rajouri-Poonch get meager funds in com- lem it can take ugly turn until it is han-

10backwardness . It is to be considered parison of the other Districts of the dled properly at the gross root level, as

that when common man of the other State. the Rajouri and Poonch Districts are

regions has general perceptions of the The regional disparity is also more sensitive from defense perspec-

regional backwardness of the area observed in employment opportunity as tives; it is in the interest of the national

under study, so it does not require any admitted by the former chief Minister security to bridge the gap that has been

technical rating scale to measure the Mufti Mohammad Sayyed in march 2005 created since a long time. Observed

regional disparity. in the assembly session indicating that Socio-cultural and economic backward-

In developmental aspects disparity total strength of the administrative offi- ness caused by regional disparity can be

can be observed when the work perfor- cers is 3,032 out of which 1, 23 were solved by the diversified and demo-

mance has been evaluated in context of from Rajouri and Poonch, In other cate- graphically relevant approaches of the

roads connectivity of the areas, the gories of Government jobs the region is State and Central Government as well

roads which have been initiated in 1974 lagging behind in comparison of other as the united efforts of the political lead-

still could not become motor able, one districts of the State. In University of ers and educated youths of the region

among them is a road to connect Jammu only three faculties, (one each successful and progressive policies and

Ra jou r i -Poonch H i ghway w i th in education, law and economics implications related to the economic

Thannamandi having only 21 Km dis- Department) one Library Assistant and development are functional only when

tance. Where as most of the roads and one computer Assistance (on contrac- both the providers and the recipients of

allied facilities have been provided in tual basis) representing 8, 56,000 popu- the facilities and opportunities have the

the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh areas. lation of Rajouri and Poonch indicated empirical knowledge of the thrust

Rajouri-Poonch Mughal road leading to in census 2001. areas. Facilities can be managed but the

the Valley of Kashmir has some what sim- target group (Recipient) requires large Major causes behind the fact is the

ilar history. The economic survey of the scale counseling related to the general mass illiteracy, unawareness, ortho-

State for 2006-07 indicates that the awareness to avail the overall develop-doxy, traditional and rigid caste system

road length per 100 sq. km., in Jammu mental opportunities. Thus, the fore-which leads to the intra regional caste

District is 70.81 km; it is 34.17 km and most duty of the local educated youth conflict, poverty and backwardness of

12.66 km in poonch and Rajouri districts and political leaders is to enlighten the the community and ineffective political

respectively. illiterate and poor people about the pro-approaches, irrelevant developmental



27

gressive way of life and utilization of Hill Districts of Assam (North Cachar and level in to confidence by ensuring trans-

their talent for the betterment. On the Karbi Anglong), Major part of Darjeeling parency and accountability in the

other hand the Government should pro- District of West Bengal, Nilgiris District focused areas, as it is going on in the Leh

vide loan facilities with reasonable of Tamil Nadu, and 171 Talukas of WGDP and Kargil districts of Ladakh region.

rates and subsidies to the people of the comprising (63talukas) Maharashtra, Similar approach should be adopted for

region for the establishment of small (40) Karnataka,(32) Kerala, (33) Tamil Rajouri and Poonch Districts of Jammu

scale as well as large scale industrial Nadu and(03) Goa. In the developmen- Region. This opportunity for the region

units. The whole region should be tal process of the Hilly areas Hon'ble will change the perceptions of discrimi-thbrought on the Map of national as well as nation among the people with respect Prime Minister remarked at the 54

thinternational tourism on the pattern of to employment and promotions of meeting of NDC on 19 December 2007,

valley of Kashmir, as these areas are also career prospects especially because of as, “Many of the smaller hill States have

famous for their scenic beauty with the higher level of development. It will raised problems unique to their geogra-

rich socio cultural heritage. The govern- accommodate the diverted youth who phy. They have specific connectivity,

ment of Jammu & Kashmir has provided have been exploited. This role of the transport and infrastructure problems.

subsidy to the poor for the improvement Center and State Government in influ-Norms applicable to the rest of the coun-

in Horticulture of the hilly areas but it encing development and regional equal-try are not easily relevant to them. I

should be further improved so that fruit ity will gain the confidence of the people. therefore propose to constitute a Task

industry particularly of Walnut, apple, Force in the Planning Commission to spe- At the end, it can thus be con-

apricot and almond etc, in the areas can cifically look into the problems of hill cluded that Rajouri and Poonch twin

be established that acquire the best States and hill areas and suggest ways in boarder Districts have their separate

market during the season. Training which we can ensure that they do not historical background with separate

camps should be organized to impart suffer in any way because of their socio cultural identity and Muslim domi-

technical training to the people related locational peculiarities.” In the light of nant caste ridden society, remain battle

the trades by seeking the help of NGOs the of above remarks the proposal for field of three indo Pak wars, different

and experts of the relevant depart- Autonomous Hill Development Council from any other area of the State in all

ments. The youths of the region should should be submitted for the consider- aspects of social life. The region is the

be encouraged to generate avenues of ation of the Government of India. The victim of backwardness, poverty, unem-

self employment. The establishment of State government is well aware of the p loyment and i l l i te racy. The

various industrial units, Tourism plight of the region it should make simi- Government efforts could not bring the

Industry and fruit industry will generate lar efforts that were made for District region up to the mark of expected

new types of diversified jobs in the Kargil in 2003. More over political lead- developmental equality with other

areas to improve economic condition. ers should be sincere and active to regions of the State. The developmental

Regional equality can be main- achieve the target, the prevailing posi- balance is expected to be maintained by

tained if the autonomous hill develop- tion is profoundly favourable as the J&k the provision of Rajouri-Poonch

ment council is provided for the region State has political influence in Union Autonomous Hill Development Council.

in the ambit of Rajouri-Poonch autono- Cabinet with two Ministers having This would be the most effective and

mous Hill development council, on Strong political background. democratic step for the eradication of

Ladakh Pattern, it would be most effec- all types regional imbalance. And espe-The concept of Hill development

tive approach for the development of cially the opportunities will accommo-council fructified for the development

the whole region. Hill area Develop- date and ensure the rehabilitation of of Leh district of ladakh in 1995, on the

ment Programme was identified in 1965 the diverted youth. pattern of Darjeeling hill development

by a Committee of NDC first phase area council, it was established in Kargil dis-

to be covered by WGDP (Western Ghat trict in July 2003, by the strong support

Development Programme) that was rec- of government of Jammu and Kashmir.

ommended in 1972 by the HLC set up for Its aim is to register prompt monitoring

the purpose. After the formation of of the developmental works, working

Uttarkhand (2000) the designated areas plans made, taking public representa-

covered under HADP/WGDP are: Two tive even at panches and surpanches


Projections 2010

Population Density/Sq. Km

Rajouri 611927 233

Poonch 471797 282

J&K State 12843799 127


28

In focus



dea of using a festival to promote

tourism in J&K is not a new one; Ithose who have witnessed the

Ladakh festival, in all its colorful glory

and culturally rich historical past,

would agree how it has brought the

region, its people and culture to the

limelight. Of course, there are other

places – from Dal lake to Gulmarg and

from Bhaderwah to Basohli, which can

easily boast the same – in terms of their

rich culture, colorful people and beauti-

ful places. The irony of J&K, however

has been - there are numerous such

regions in J&K, unfortunately remaining

in the periphery, physically isolated and increased emphasis on a Jammu festival is the constituency of the former Chief psychologically looking inward.as well. In 2007, the Jammu festival was Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad.Ladakh festival, now celebrated celebrated for three days, which subse- The Pir Panchal region, consisting during August every year, attracts global quently became a fortnightly festival, of Rajouri and Poonch districts has the attention and tourists who visit the land starting 2008. Although it attracted a potential to be promoted with a similar of moon, as it is popularly referred, to huge crowd, especially since the per- festival at an international level. Doda enjoy the culture, people and places. formers at the festival came from all and Bhaderwah also are a part of this While Ladakh has its own set of loyal over the world, it remained confined to mountain range, but for the purpose of tourists, mostly with an adventurous Jammu town. Bhaderwah, another this essay, only these two districts are streak; the Ladakh festival has region in J&K, also had its own festival being concentrated. Besides the tourist expanded its tourism base, with an ever recently. While none can deny the cul- potential of this region, there is also an greater number from within J&K, else-tural and tourist importance of this essential strategic need for such a festi-where in India and across the world, beautiful valley; the festival seems to val here (and in other border and inte-especially Europe, visiting the region. have been organized for the fact that it rior districts of J&K). For the last few years, there has been an

D SUBA CHANDRAN

Pir Panchal Regional Festival Intergrating Rajouri and Poonch with the Mainstream

This essay focuses on two districts in the Jammu sub region of J&K—Rajouri and Poonch, along the Pir Panchal range of the outer Himalayas. The primary objective is to highlight the conflict transformation (both positive and negative) in this region during the recent years; to explore the opportunities of an Pir Panchal festival bringing the various communities together and build peace from below; integrate the border districts with the national mainstream.

29

AN IPCS REPORT

ALONG THE MUGHAL ROAD : The Forts & Sarais of Chingus

tions of Bollywood numbers being years. To their credit, Poonch and hile each district of J&K has its W beamed from Radio Bagh for example, Rajouri have never witnessed the dis-own unique history, culture, festi-than from India! placement of minority communities on vals and traditions (and in some cases,

a large scale, unlike what has happened Thanks to the above, there is a feel-even language), the politics of violence in the Kashmir valley over the last two ing of helplessness amongst the local and over emphasis on militancy within decades. While the Kashmiri Pandits communities, that their interests and the state and New Delhi's obsession with felt insecure and were forced to leave welfare have been taken for granted by Kashmir valley and J&K as a 'security the Valley and settle elsewhere as 'in-the Union and State governments. state', unfortunately, have isolated the ternal refugees'; there has never been a There is a clear need for the State and people and their proud culture in this large scale displacement of the Hindus Union governments to address this feel-region. and Sikhs in Poonch and Rajouri.ing, otherwise, it may end up creating Rajouri and Poonch districts, are

Today however, there are clear located in one corner of the J&K, and fault lines. While there have been no the country as well. To get from Jammu major communal riots between differ-to Poonch, it takes a back-breaking ent religious communities in recent eight-hour journey in private operator-years, the tension is palpable. There is run vehicles, most of which are tempo an increased feeling amongst the travelers or Tata sumos. Poonch is per-Muslim community that militant Hindu haps, one of the few district headquar-organizations such as the Bajrang Dal ters in the country, where the State are trying to increase the communal Road Corporation runs only two services cleavage in the region. The increase of from the state capital. Like in many religious yatris to the Buddha Amarnath other districts, the JKSRTC does not shrine, situated at Mandi, a few kilo-have a depot either in Rajouri or in metres away from Poonch town, is seen Poonch. A comparison with the neigh-as a deliberate move to communalize bouring states of Punjab, Himachal and the situation, by diverting the Amarnath Haryana, would reveal the disastrous yatris into this region. The recent state of state-run busestorching of shops in Poonch during the The condition of the roads is rela-

one more region within J&K, which feels Amarnath Shrine land allotment contro-tively better today, with the road alienated. versy is also viewed by the Muslim com-between Jammu and Rajouri being dou-

Second, besides the alienation feel- munity as a Hindutva agenda to polarize ble-laned and metalled. The road ing, the political, and sociological the community along regional lines.between Rajouri and Poonch however, is importance of Rajouri and Poonch dis- On the other hand, the dominant still under renovation. Here, news tricts is important. Composed primarily perception, shared by the Hindus and papers get delivered only in the eve-of Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, the popu- Sikhs, is that since they are a silent ning, electricity is erratic, and private lation is diverse. Further divisions (the minority, their sentiments are being mobile operators are yet to make a dent Gujjars, Bakerwals, Rajputs, PoK refu- taken for granted by the government, in the area. The BSNL communication gees, and ethnic Kashmiris), cutting which is only interested in appeasing network, when it works, and the Airtel across religious lines, make these two the Muslim community. Most of the are the people's only link with the rest districts not only colourful, but on the developmental expenditure, the minor-of world. Television network is far flip side, also politically volatile. ity community complains, goes into behind reaching these districts; even if

While these two districts are addressing the concerns of the majority they do, there is no guarantee, that peo-known for its communal harmony and Muslims in these twin districts. One ple can view them, for electricity is peaceful co-existence, tremors of com- example, that repeatedly finds mention always a problem here. In fact, people munal tensions have been felt in recent is that there is no degree college along are more tuned to listen to the imita-


The Pir Panchal region, con-

sisting of Rajouri and Poonch

districts has the potential to

be promoted with a similar

festival at an international

level. Doda and Bhaderwah

also are a part of this moun-

tain range, but for the purpose

of this essay, only these two

districts are being concen-

trated.

PIR PANCHAL REGION

UNDERSTANDING THE STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE


30

the 40 km stretch of road between Nowshera and

Rajouri, which is dotted primarily with Hindu com-

munity settlements, most of them PoK refugees.

On the other hand, there are two degree colleges

and a university along the 20 km stretch between

Rajouri and Thana Mandi. In a communally sensi-

tive situation, perceptions assume greater power

and influence than the reality.

Besides the communal divide, there is a slow,

but strong divide taking root between the Paharis

and Gujjars, especially since the time the latter

were granted the status of a 'scheduled tribe' (ST).

The Paharis (meaning 'people of the hills'), com-

prise a category of people, which cuts across reli-

gious lines. They feel that granting the ST status to

the Gujjars has undermined their position and

undercut their opportunities, as they believe that

both, the Gujjars and Paharis come from the same

geographic, social and economic terrain. The

Paharis believe that with such a decision, the

future of their forthcoming generations has been

put at stake. Hence, they have also started

demanding that the same status or its equivalent

be granted to them. Whereas the Gujjars oppose

any extension of this reservation to the Paharis.

This simmering divide which is becoming more pro-

nounced, could erupt at any time.

Third, strategically, Rajouri and Poonch

shares its borders with Pakistan occupied Kashmir

and has witnessed the Indo-Pak wars of 1947, 1965

and 1971. The 1947 war, in fact, divided the erst-

while Poonch region into two; with most of its dis-

tricts, including Rawlakot and Kotli, falling onto

the other side of the Line of Control (LoC), under

Pakistan's occupation.

Today, Mendhar, Surankote and Poonch sub

regions are three main arteries, that the militants

use to cross over to Kashmir valley. Peace and sta-

bility in these two districts are absolutely vital for

any long term solution to Kashmir valley. Though

there is a boder fence today, it is not totally fool

proof. Given the nature of topography, and the

fact that no single barrier erected in the history of

mankind has actually stopped the movement of

determined human beings, LoC fence, is unlikely

to be the solution. The way ahead, clearly is to

keep these border districts safe, by making them

peaceful.

he rationale for the Pir Panchal international festival in these two dis-Ttricts stem from the following positive factors relating to conflict

transformation in this region.

While the strategic significance of this region and certain negative

developments have been highlighted in the previous section, there have

also been a few positive developments in the last few years. Given the fact

that both, Rajouri and Poonch have largely gone unnoticed on the regional

and certainly, on the national radars; these positive developments should

be expanded further. At least two encouraging developments are worth

mentioning – decline in militancy and greater cross-LoC movement of

divided families. While militancy reached a peak in the late 1990s in this

region, in the last few years, it has been gradually dying out, even if it is

not already dead. There are presently, no or very few local recruitments.

In most cases, the militants for the lack of local support, use these dis-

tricts as a transit to Kashmir valley, across the Pir Panchal, than to stay

here and indulge in violence.

The security forces – both the army and local police have worked hard

to bring the militancy down. Thanks to these factors, the people feel far

more secure and relaxed, especially with a decrease in the regular gun and

artillery fire from state and non-state actors – both overt and covert.

Unlike few years ago, today, once could travel in any road, without any

fear.

Second, the opening of the Poonch-Rawlokot road to enable members

of divided families visit each other, has opened the eyes and hearts of peo-

ple living across the LoC, by breaking the numerous myths and false propa-

ganda unleashed by state machineries on either side. People are now able

to see for themselves what is really happening and can therefore, make

their own assessments, based on their experience of realities at the

ground level. This perhaps, has been the most remarkable development in

the region in the last six decades.

The above-mentioned developments need to be built on, and a Pir

Panchal festival, as has been explained subsequently, can prove

immensely helpful in this regard.

PIR PANCHAL FESTIVAL AS AN AGENT OF CONFLICT

TRANSFORMATION & BUILDING PEACE FROM BELOWow to address the conflict transformation mentioned above? How to Harrest the negative growths and strengthen the positive develop-

ments? How can an regional festival play a role in this?

Creating Awareness about Rajouri and Poonch in the rest of J&K and

India

There is an unmistakable need to market this region to the rest of

J&K, India and abroad and the proposed Pir Panchal international festival

will precisely do this . Unfortunately, J&K is largely seen as synonymous



GETTING READY

FOR THE CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION

31

with violence and conflict. Even if there and scenically splendid districts along referred then), Sudhanati, Kotli, and

is any discussion on terrorism—it is the LoC, the publicity that they require Bhimber districts of Kashmir under

restricted to tourism in Leh, Dal lake and deserve. Once people from other Pakistan control. In fact, “Azad

and Gulmarg, or the pilgrimage to the parts of J&K and the rest of India start Kashmir” and “Pakistan occupied

Amarnath and Vaishno Devi shrines. visiting, they are likely to act as brand Kashmir” are misnomers. Except for a

While undoubtedly, places like Srinagar ambassadors of Poonch and Rajouri, just few ethnic Kashmiris, mainly in

and Leh deserve the attention they as every visitor to Dal Lake and Ladakh Neelum and Muzaffarabad districts

receive; this should not undermine the does, bringing in an ever increasing num- across the LoC, the rest of the people

capacity of other places l ike ber of visitors. More importantly, the and districts have more in common

Bhaderwah, Kargil, Poonch and Basholi rest of J&K will also understand more with the people of Rajouri and Poonch.

to attract and enthrall visitors. With a about Rajouri and Poonch. The fact, that there are more divided

disproportionate focus on the former, families in these two districts and that Bringing the Communities Together

the latter areas seem to have been aban- the Poonch-Rawlakot bus service is Second, the Pir Panchal festival is doned by the tourists – whether those m o r e f a m o u s t h a t t h e U r i -equally important from the perspective visiting for purposes of religion, plea- Muzaffarabad bus, are reflections of of cementing the ties between religious sure, or adventure. Poonch and Rajouri the actual reality. and ethnic communities. As shall be abound with places of scenic beauty, Today, although the people of this seen subsequently, the Pir Panchal festi-and opportunities for trekking and other region are divided by the LoC; before val will have to include the different cul-adventure-related activities, and also 1947, they celebrated their religious tures and religions that are cohabiting shrines and other places of religious and secular festivals together. With the in this district. As mentioned above, importance. inauguration of the Poonch-Rawlakot there are fault lines within these societ-

It would be pertinent to ask how bus service there has been considerable ies, which have otherwise largely been

many of the tourists who have visited interaction between people on either peaceful and kept themselves away

other parts of J&K for adventurous and side, especially amongst the divided from violence.

religious purposes, have toured Rajouri families. The proposed Pir Panchal festi-A secular Pir Panchal festival is and Poonch districts? For example, val is likely to expand this interaction likely to address this cleavage and while the numbers to the Vaishnodevi beyond divided families and attract peo-remind the people of different faiths shrine, has substantially increased in ple even from across the LoC to cele-and denominations of the common his-the recent years, how many of them vis- brate the festival. Already, those who tory and rich cultural heritage their ited Rajouri and Poonch? If only these have been visiting from across the LoC, region is endowed with. During the attractions were marketed well, then have been taking part in or observing maharaja's rule in the pre-1947 period, this region would not be thought of as a some of the secular events in India, such secular melas in the united Poonch were godforsaken place. as its republic and independence day commonplace and helped emphasize

celebrations, and have also been Besides the tourists from outside the cultural diversity of the region and attending some religious festivals that J&K, it is unfortunate that there are not the need for the people to live together have taken place in numerous Sufi many even from within the state who in harmony. shrines in Poonch and Thana Mandi, near has visited these regions. Many govern- Restoring the Past GloryRajouri.ment employees – from teachers to tour- Third, such a regional festival is

ist officials, who have been appointed in Attracting the Diaspora and likely to revive the historical and cul-these districts, have been candid Preventing Brain Draintural ties that undivided Poonch enough to accept that it was their first Finally, such an international festi-enjoyed before 1947. Much before visit ever to these regions. Even after val is likely to attract the diaspora of becoming the subjects of Poonch rajas their posting however, many of them this region back to its roots and in the – under independent rulers, or under have admitted that till date their own process, provide the much-needed expo-the influence of Mughal or Sikh rule, family members, including spouses and sure to the people of Rajouri and the people of Rajouri and Poonch dis-children have not visited these places. Poonch, besides arresting the brain tricts on the Indian side, had frequent

A Pir Panchal festival, will bring to drain. Before 1947, Poonch was the and intense interactions with the peo-these culturally and religiously diverse main center of learning and till date, ple of Bagh, Haveli (as Poonch was



32

the Poonchis are known for their

high level of literacy within the

region. Since 1947, especially

since the wars in 1965 and 1971

and the establishment of the LoC,

Poonch has been relegated to one

corner of India, linked to the rest

of world by just one road – Poonch

to Jammu via Rajouri and Akhnoor.

Earlier, the people of these two

districts would interact with the

people of Kashmir through the

Poonch-Uri passage and the rest of

Punjab mainly through the

Poonch-Rawlakot, Mendhar-Kotli

and Nowshera-Mirpur accesses.

With the erstwhile Mughal road

also having gone into complete

disrepair, external connectivity

for the people of this region

became primitive and extremely

difficult. Additionally, the failure

of successive governments in J&K

to provide better governance has

resulted in the decline of the

socio-economic standards within

this region. As a result, many peo-

ple from these regions are settled

today in the rest of India and

abroad

Lack of adequate resources

and opportunities in these two dis-

tricts have also forced a brain

drain from these two districts.

Today, there are more well edu-

cated people from these two dis-

tricts, living elsewhere, than from

the region where they belong to.

Except for a few dedicated and

concerned noble souls, the rest

have migrated for all practical

purposes. An international festi-

val, not only would revive the

rich culture and provide its peo-

ple, the much needed exposure,

it will also arrest the brain drain

and bring back a section of

Diaspora and be a part of it again.

hat should the proposed international festival include? What can be done imme-Wdiately, without investing much, and what can be left for later, which might

require long-term planning and greater investment? And who should lead it – the gov-

ernment or the civil society, or both?

The last question is easy to answer. Such a festival should be a private-public

partnership – for without the two, this initiative cannot be made as a long term suc-

cess. While the top should assist, this initiative should essentially be a bottom up

approach, where there is sufficient input and space for the civil society. Otherwise,

one cannot discount the possibility of a government tamasha, depending on the ruling

government's equations with those elected from the region.

The nature of the proposed international festival could be both secular and reli-

gious – covering historical, archeological, anthropological, cultural and entertain-

ment subjects. To start with, the Pir Panchal festival could be a five-day affair, with

most of the activity concentrated mainly in Rajouri and Poonch towns. Subsequently,

this can be extended to ten days or two weeks, covering other towns as well, includ-

ing Mendhar, Surankot, Kalakot and perhaps even Bafliaz. The focus of this festival

could be on the following:

Shahdra Shrine and the Poonch Triumvirate

Shahdra Shrine, near Rajouri town, undoubtedly is the most important sufi

shrine of the entire J&K, promoting harmony and peace for several decades. The

shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah, after whom, the local university is named after, is a sym-

bol of hope and reverence for many people from different faiths – Muslims, Christians,

Hindus and Sikhs. A clear torch bearer of Sufi Islam, this shrine is perhaps the greatest

secular tradition, which every one should cherish and embrace.

Besides the Shahdra Shrine near Rajouri, the Buddha Amarnath temple, Sai

Miran Shrine and Nangali Sahib Gurudwara of the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communi-

ties, situated within a span of twenty kilometers near Poonch, is a symbol of religious

harmony. No other region in J&K has such important places of worship belonging to

three different communities, situated next to each other. Both Sain Miran and Nangali

Sahib are located along the banks of the Drungali Nallah (rivulet); with Sain Miran

perched atop a hill, close to the LoC, from where one can see the villages on the other

side, and Nangali Saheb almost at the confluence of the Drungali Nallah and Poonch

river. Besides their religious significance, both these places are also a visual treat for

tourists. Budha Amarnath, on the other hand, is situated on the Loran Nullah, from

where one can see the snow-clad Pir Panchal.

One could start from Poonch town, offering early morning prayers at Budha

Amarnath, visit Nangali Sahib in the noon, take part in the langar (community lunch)

and spend the evening in Sain Miran and return to Poonch the same day.

The Gujjar and Pahri Cultures

For the sociologists and the anthropologists, there are two distinct cultures –

Pahari and Gojri, each with its own folk songs, dances and literature. Unfortunately,

these cultures are declining, as the patronage they earlier enjoyed has been wither-

ing away. While before 1947, the Mahrajas used to be the chief patrons of these cul-

tures, post-1947, thanks to the neglect by the state and violence during the last two

decades, these cultures no longer have the platform and space they deserve. There



PIR PANCHAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL:

THE COMPONENTS

33

are numerous well-meaning people

within the region, who are extremely

concerned and enthusiastic about reviv-

ing their declining cultures.

Mushiara, recital of Urudu poetry is

another popular entertainment in these

two districts, which is also popular in

other parts of the State. Easily, a series

of such events could be organized in five

days in different towns of these two dis-

tricts. The local police in the recent

months have organized such events in

Mendhar, Poonch, Surankote and

Rajouri, which have been a huge success

amongst the local civil society. Recently

in 2009, the Cultural Academy of J&K

along with local civil society organized a

painting exhibition at the national level

in Rajouri. Pahri paintings having a

unique space, (though practiced mainly

around Basholi) could be a part of this over Europe and Canada already come Panchal. This road is dotted with sarais

international festival. to Leh to cycle to Khardung La, a dis- (inns) constructed by the Mughals to

Wrestling, Stone Lifting, Trekking, tance of 40 kms, and if promoted prop- help their movement.

Cycle Race and Pir Panchal Car Rally erly, one could expect a decent partici- While many of these sarais are in

pation from these countries to take part Recently during February-March dilapidated condition or encroached,

in the proposed Pir Panchal festival.2010, the local police organized Volley the forts in Chingus and Thanna Mandi

ball matches, which were a huge suc- More importantly, a car rally, start- before and after Rajouri in the Mughal

cesses in these two districts. Besides ing from Rajouri – taking the circuitous road have tales of history. Chingus hosts

such well known sports and activities, route to Mendhar and Poonch via the intestines of the Mughal emperor

this region has certain secular events, Bhimber Galli can get back to the start- Jahangir, while Thanna Mandi is a treat

peculiar to this region, including wres- ing point and should be an interesting to watch, especially the Queen's quar-

tling, 'stone lifting' and 'wrist holding'. one. Once the most popular Mughal road ters and her bathroom. Noor-e-Chamb,

Though the state has supported some of is ready, there could be a car rally across situated in the Pir Panchal is a water

these events as part of the region's rural the Pir Panchal – starting from Srinagar falls, where the Queen Noor Jahan used

sports culture, especially among the and ending up in Jammu via these two to bathe. Besides, there are numerous

youth, these activities could become districts. huts across the Pir Panchal.

the highlight of the Pir Panchal festival. Remnants of History: Chingus, The elders in this region also con-

To attract participation from other Thanna Mandi, Noor-e-Chamb and sider, much before the Mughals, other

regions of J&K and beyond, more events the Mughal Road should have also taken this road. They

could be included in the fest. For exam- even consider, that those who attended For those archaeologists and peo-

ple, a cycle race from Bafliaz to Dera-ki- the Second Buddhist Council in Kashmir, ple interested in history and heritage,

Ghali (the highest point on Poonch- during the period of Kushanas in first AD, there could be no better place than the

Bafliaz-Rajouri) road, or a trekking com- should have gone via the road. Though Chingus and the entire Mughal road in

petition from Loran to Gulmarg across this cannot be historically proved, it this region. The Mughal road, as the

the Pir Panchal or even a race – cycle or sounds logical. Perhaps, they traveled via name suggests, is the road used by the

motor – along the Mughal road from Loran near Poonch. If true, then Mughal Mughal rulers, to move from Agra to

Bafliaz to Sophian, could attract people road, predating the Mughals, should be Srinagar via New Delhi and Lahore,

from all over the world. People from all one of the oldest road in the country!before crossing Rajouri and the Pir



34

THE POONCH TRIUMVIRATE : Shrines of Sai Miran

galows. The roads need to be developed take part in such a festival. So will the learly, the need for a Pir Panchal C urgently. Unfortunately, despite being a cultural and business groups of the festival and its implications for the national highway, the Jammu-Poonch region. In terms of organizing the event, society and nation cannot be underesti-road is perhaps one of the worst roads in the local administration in Poonch or its mated or overlooked. How does one pur-the entire country. Other access roads tourism department can take the lead, sue the matter further? What needs to also need to be developed along with with support from civil society actors be done at the societal and state levels?proper wayside amenities. and foundations.Budget and Funding

It will be an impossible task to Pir Panchal Festival across the LoC Such a festival needs support from attract national and international tour- At a later stage, when the govern-both the state and society. Clearly, the ists in the absence of such basic infra- ments are confident, they could even local society cannot organize such an structure. Imagine a 200 km plus high- invite people from across the LoC; peo-event on its own. The direction and fund-way, with a signboard that proudly ple across the LoC on the other side, ing support will have to come from the declares “Welcome to the Jammu- share the same culture and history. In State and Union governments, in the Poonch national highway”, but is full of fact, it could become a great CBM in same manner that it has assisted the potholes and without any decent road- itself, if this festival is to be extended organization of the Ladakh and Jammu side restaurants and washrooms! and celebrated simultaneously in festivals. The same way, the govern-Providing this basic infrastructure Bhimber and Rawlokot as well, and the ment could not organize such an event, should be the joint responsibility of population moving across for a period of without the local support. There is a both, the state and union governments. three to five days!need for the private-public partnership. Including Civil Society Actors Looking upto Omar and JoraThe civil society should also organize

Civil society actors can be called All that is needed is a vision. With itself, than just complaining that the upon to help in organizing the events of young and dynamic Chief Minister and State has to do everything. the festival. Both, religious and secular Tourism Minister in the form of Omar Creating Necessary Infrastructurecivil society groups will be extremely Abdullah and Rigzin Jora, this should be From travel to accommodation, interested in being part of the festival a cake walk for them to organize. The there is a need to improve the basic infra-and will also have a stake in organizing entire region and the rest of India will structure of the district. Intervention of it. The trusts of Shadra Sharief, Sai be indebted to them, for taking such an the State is crucial in this sector, in terms of Miran, Nangali Sahib and Budha initiative. Don't forget, 2010 is the year improving the connectivity and provid-Amarnath, will be more than willing to of tourism for J&K! ing adequate facilities for people to

move around, stay and take part. As men-

tioned above, the JKSRTC operates few

services in this regions. There are hardly

any accommodation facilities available;

and given the current infrastructure, the

district headquarters, may not be able

to accommodate even 100 people in the

government and private hotels and bun-



THE FESTIVAL AHEAD

District Wise Handicrafts and Handloom Industrial Co-operative Societies (2005-06)

District No. of Societies Percentage of Total Membership (Nos)

Rajouri 80 3.45 6.44

Poonch 61 2.63 1387

J&K State 2318 26939

Registered Vehicles by District as on 31.3.2007

Name of Registered Vehicle Vehicle the district Buses Mini-buses Trucks Cars Jeeps Tests 3-wheelers 2-wheelers Others Total %age No. of Regd.

LD vehicles share Vehicles per100 sq km Lakh of of area population

Rajouri 9 151 92 231 38 106 194 2270 326 3517 0.62 134 622

Poonch 7 151 34 128 20 140 71 851 146 1548 0.27 92 355

Total J&K State 9077 13042 35598 112162 11222 14747 28614 320755 25091 570308 100.0 563 4804

%age share 1.59 2.29 6.24 19.67 1.97 2.58 5.02 56.24 4.40 100.0

Density

35

In focus



ne of the most remarkable

achievements of the ancient civi-Olizations was the Silk Road. For

the first time in the history of mankind,

a road connected different countries

and nations from the Mediterranean to

the Pacific Ocean, combined their mate-

rial, art and spiritual cultures. For many

years, people interchanged handi-

crafts, goods, ideas and beliefs. By

doing this, the road brought peoples

from various countries closer to one

another. The Silk Road was also known

for the beautiful monuments along its

route. Monuments such as Ichan-kola

ensemble in Khiva, historical monu-

ments of ancient Bukhara, Samarkand,

Shakhrisabz, have acquired worldwide

significance. Armenian and Georgian

temples and monasteries are renowned

the most feasible and shortest route to Jammu-Srinagar Highway through the for their grandeur. The Silk Road is today

the Kashmir Valley passing through Banihal Tunnel. The road passes through one of the most significant tourist sites

Bufliaz-Shopian, now known as the Buffliaz, Poshana, Chattapani, Peer Ki as it brings mankind closer to the histor-

Mughal road. The Mughal emperors used Gali, Aliabad, Zaznar, Dubjan, Heerpora ical heritage of many nations who for

this road to conquer Kashmir during the and Shopian. thousands of years lived along this road.

sixteenth century. Akbar used this route The World Tourist Organization has been The Mughals constructed various

to conquer Kashmir in 1586. The road implementing long-term tourist pro- monuments on this road, which are pres-extends between Bafliaz, a town in the jects, aimed at promotion of tourism in ent to date. In Chingus in Rajouri, Poonch district, to Shopian of Pulwama this region. Emperor Jahangir died during his return district in the Kashmir valley. The road The road that was used by the from Kashmir and his body was kept at a is 84kms long and situated in the state Mughals in Jammu and Kashmir in the fort at the place. They built a rest house of Jammu and Kashmir in India. It passes sixteenth century has the potential to on this road, which still exists at over Pir Panchal mountain range. The endeavor for the same feat. Reviving Muradapora. There was another rest road brings the Poonch and Rajouri dis-this road can bring people within house at Nayn Sukh (Fatehpur), a grand tricts closer to Srinagar in Kashmir val-Jammu and Kashmir closer to one Sarai at Thanamandi and a terrace at ley. This makes for an alternate road another besides connecting it to the Noori Chamb water falls, named after route to Kashmir valley from the rest of rest of India. When the Mughals con- Jahangir's wife, Noor Jahan. A grand India, other than the highly crowded quered Kashmir in 1586 AD they chose rest house was constructed at the moun-

PIA MALHOTRA

MUGHAL ROAD: The Charm of Rajouri, Poonch

36

UNDER RECONSTRUCTION : The heritage Mughal Road across the Pir Panjal

tainous peak at Chandimarh on the range of Pir Panjar. Alliabad; the site of it was in a better condition, but since

Mughal road, which still stands there. a small rest house, one of the many built the forces evacuated, the place has

Besides, numerous smaller rest houses for travelers on this scenic road. become ramshackle.

were built at Alyabad, Ziarat of Peer Khampur; one of the three Sarais being Noori Chamb; this place was

Baba at Pir-ki-Gali, Dubjian, near the protected and looked after by the cen- named after Jehangir's wife, Noor

Sculptures springs. There is also a rest tre through the Archaeological Survey of Jehan who used to visit this place fre-

house, which is now dilapidated in India. quently. The place is essentially a

Heerapura in Shopian. Chingus; a place on the Mughal waterfall which is surrounded by beau-

The new road was proposed in the road where Emperor Jehangir is sup- tiful terraced gardens. The waterfalls

1950's for improving the economy of posed to have died on his way back from itself are not very easily accessible, as

Poonch and Rajouri. Chief Minister Kashmir. His body (his intestines) was they are neatly tucked away, almost in a

Sheikh Abdullah had taken up this pro- kept in a fort near this place. The cave, away from all the roads and one

ject in 1979 and named it “Mughal Chingus fort was built with an exclusive has to trek down to the spot. It has a

Road”, but it came to a halt as militancy room for the King and the Queen. The very peaceful and verdant look to it.

took over. Similarly, Mufti Mohammad fort also had separate areas where the The place, being hidden from view, has

Sayeed of the Jammu and Kashmir King could address a public audience not been frequented very often, and

People's Democratic Party, was inter- and a private audience. It is believed hence has a very pristine look to it.

ested in the culmination of the project. Thanna Mandi Sarai; The Mughals

The actual process of construction was used to stay here during their journey

started by him and he laid the founda- from Delhi to Kashmir and vice versa.

tion stone for the Mughal road. The con- Thannamandi is significant because a

struction of the road was started in 2005 severe conflict took place here between

to be completed by 2010. It is proposed Shahi Khan (Zain-ul-Aabdeen) and his

to be open to traffic by summer of this brother Sultan Ali Shah of Kashmir. This

year for light vehicles. Initially, there battle for Kashmir, which was fought at

was opposition to the construction of Thannamandi, decided the fate of

the road because it would fragment the Sultan Ali Shah who was killed and Shahi

wildlife. It was also claimed that the Khan who after defeating his brother at

road would get early snow in winter and Thanna ascended to throne of Kashmir

would be not be operational. in 1420 AD under the title of “Sultan that the doctor who operated on the The Mughal road has numerous his- Zain-ul-Aabdeen-Badshah”. On the Emperor was also buried at the same

torical monuments and forts on its orders of the Mughal emperor Jehangir, spot. The fort is an extensive construc-route. These constructions have a big Sarai of red bricks was constructed tion with a massive dome like structure immense historical value and are also here. Jehangir had visited this place as the main entrance. Once inside the extremely beautiful. Unfortunately, about 13 times. This Sarai has now been fort, one is surrounded by a thick brick-most of these buildings have just been captured by the security forces to com-wall enclosure. The fort was supposed ignored by the government and are lying bat militancy in the area. The forces to cater to the king's large armies and ramshackle in the state. If the govern- have made rooms and washrooms inside cavalry and has numerous stables and ment develops these buildings along the the Sarai, which is unfortunate, as the feeding rooms inside the brick walls. Mughal road, it will create much needed place is just slowly languishing. The fort was built along the river bank tourism and economic development in There are also some temples of and the Mughal road runs behind the the state. It will additionally make for a Dogra's period that are in a decrepit fort. The government, in its attempt to very beautiful and scenic drive! state now. This place is also known for promote tourism in the place, had con-

ChandiMarh; one of the scenic its “Chikhri” wood craft. The main sig-structed tourist huts, where people stops on the Mughal Road in the Pir nificance of the place, however, is the could come and stay, but unfortunately, Panjar Mountains and verdant wood- shrine Shah Dara Sharif, the shrine of the fort itself is now in a dilapidated con-lands. A grand Mughal Serai still stands Baba Ghulam Shah which attracts fol-dition. It was initially under the coun-here at the pass through this mountain lowers from all over India. The shrine ter-insurgency forces and at that time,



The Mughal road has the potential to

improve connectivity among the vari-

ous regions in Jammu and Kashmir

besides connecting Kashmir to the

rest of India. Political parties and peo-

ple belonging to all sections of society

have been demanding the opening of

the Mughal road

37

thdates back to the 19 century. It is altitude here is 11460 feet in compari- Mughal road and the Jammu-Poonch

believed that Gulab Singh, once the son with 5412feet at Bufliaz its starting road link. The government of India

army general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh point. In fact there is a proposal to dig a should promote this project as it will

of Punjab, got this shrine constructed. tunnel between Zaznar and Ratachamb, promote interaction across the LoC,

It is believed that Gulab Singh had gone which will significantly shorten the dis- besides promoting trade. The old

to meet Baba Ghulam Shah, who had tance bypassing Peer ki Gali, and mak- Mughal road connecting Lahore-

predicted that he would have a huge ing the road more dependable during Bhimber-Nowshera-Bufliaz-Shopian can

territory, including the place that they bad weather. Light vehicles have be re-opened by converting it into a

were meeting at. In time, his prediction already started using this prestigious four-lane project to foster friendship

came true and Gulab Singh became the road on a trial basis and the completion between India and Pakistan. One of the

Maharaja of the state of Jammu and of the double laning will change the ways to connect Jammu and Kashmir to

Kashmir. When Gulab Singh went back future tourism and economic prospects the rest of the world is through develop-

to thank Baba Ghulam Shah, he had of the State. Besides, it will serve as a ment and economic progress. Increasing

already left. Gulab Singh, then decided great way of connecting the various connectivity and developing the Mughal

to get a shrine,the Shah Dara Sharif con- areas within Jammu and Kashmir. road is the simplest way of achieving

structed at that place. The shrine is vis- this. The government should revive the The Mughal road has the potential

ited by Hindus, Muslims and Christians. old monuments and forts built by the to improve connectivity among the vari-

There is also a belief that an orange tree Mughals, on the Mughal road. This will ous regions in Jammu and Kashmir

in this shrine contains the potential to enhance the beauty of the road and besides connecting Kashmir to the rest

cure people of many skin ailments. encourage more tourism and hence of India. Political parties and people

more economic development to the Peer ki Gali This is one of the high belonging to all sections of society have

state of Jammu and Kashmir. altitude points on the Mughal road. The been demanding the opening of the


District profile of LIC for the year 2005-06 and 2006-07

District Year No. of Sum First Year Average Percentage Percentage GrowthPolicies Assured Premium sum assured contribution

(Crore (lakh Rs.) per policy Policies Sum Policies Sum Ist yearRs.) (000 Rs.) Assured Assured Premium

Valley 2005-06 40976 350.05 4461.24 85.43 32.16 35.24

2006-07 54331 444.21 10263.52 81.76 31.90 36.63 32.59 26.90 130.06

Rajouri 2005-06 6942 48.25 877.24 69.50 5.45 4.86

2006-07 9289 42.05 2484.70 45.27 5.45 3.47 33.81 -12.85 183.24

Poonch 2005-06 3195 21.50 417.72 67.29 2.51 2.16

2006-07 3814 17.36 917.98 45.52 2.24 1.43 19.37 -19.26 119.76

Jammu 2005-06 86433 643.34 10495.45 74.43 67.84 64.76

Division 2006-07 115991 768.48 23217.87 66.25 68.10 63.37 34.20 19.45 121.22

J&K State 2005-06 127409 993.39 14956.69 77.97 100.00 100.00

2006-07 170322 1212.68 33481.39 71.20 100.00 1000.00 33.68 22.07 123.86

Live Stock Population by Districts 1997 and 2003 (P)

S.No. District Live Stock Lakh Nos. Live Stock Average Live stockIncrease/Decrease (2003) per 2003 per household2003 %age 1997(%age) over 1997 Sq. Km of area (No) 2001 census (No)

1 Rajouri 11.811 11.93 7.514 57.19 449 15

2 Poonch 8.108 8.19 4.906 65.27 484 14

J&K State 98.993 100.00 91.751 7.89 98 6


38


The nomads in the areas are using The key species of birds found in the ir Panchal Range in Rajouri and the high pastures in the Pir Panchal area are Common Buzzard, Monal Poonch districts of Jammu and P Range since ages. Nomadic pastoralism Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Golden Kashmir is a unique landscape as a way of life developed relatively late Eagle, White Backed Vulture, Pintails, bestowed with matchless high altitude in human history, arising only about Mallard, Paradise flycatcher, Treepie wetlands and Biodiversity. The high alti-9,000 – 10,000 years ago in Southwest and many other rare and important spe-tude wetlands in Pir Panchal range Asia at roughly the same time as agricul- cies of migratory birds which use high besides supporting the livelihood of ture. The earliest nomadic pastoralists altitude wetlands of Pir Panchal as tran-nomadic communities of Gujjars and lived in Southwest Asia, herding mostly sit points during migration on the Indus Bakerwals are also the habitat of the sheep and goats. Slightly latter, there is flyway. The key mammal species found rare and endangered species of wildlife. evidence in south Asia of sizable cattle- in the region are Markhor Goat, Musk Many rare and endemic species of the herding culture. Pir Panchal nomads rep- Deer, Barking Deer, Black Bear, Leopard medicinal plants are also found in the resent one of the great examples of the Cat, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Porcupine area. The lower slopes in the range have nomadic pastoral way of life once com- etc.thick growth of Pine and Deodar trees. If mon in many regions of the world. Like other parts of the Himalaya, we move further up some higher slopes

With its varying altitudinal range, this region also has a huge number of in the Pir Panchal pass have very good Pir Panchal Range has a good diversity of medical plants which are being used to patches of Junipers as well. Also in the birds as well as mammals. In fact alti- prepare traditional medicines since higher reaches there are vast open mead-

time immemorial. The important tude is the main factor which deter-ows commonly known as murgs and medicinal plants recorded from this mines the distribution of various unique these are used by nomadic graziers dur-region are Rhod io l a , Rheum, species of flora and fauna in the region. ing summer months.

PANKAJ CHANDAN

Biodiversity, High Altitude Wetlands

WHITE BACKED VULTURE at Pir Ki Gali near Mughal Road.

DESTRUCTION of a patch of Junipers as a result of construction of Mughal Road.

In focus


39

Tanacetum, Meconopsis, Dracocephalum, The revival and construction of the be a all weather road and will be less

Aconitum etc. five century old Mughal road will open prone to land slides. Before the road

up this remote area to further develop- construction activities started, this This region has some very pristine ment. If proper management and con- region used to be the most pristine area high altitude wetlands. Almost all the servation measures are not taken in of the state. There is no doubt that high altitude wetlands in Pir Panchal time then these high altitude water bod- development is must but at the same range are glacial fed freshwater bodies ies and the unique wildlife of the area time we need to ensure that this devel-which feed water into the small rivers

opment should have minimum impact originating from the region. At resent on the ecology of the region. For this it WWF is carrying out the scientific docu-is vital that a sustainable tourism action mentation of the 27 high altitude plan must be prepared before these frag-wetlands in the Pir Panchal range. The ile areas and especially the wetlands of scientific documentation involves stud-Pir Panchal range are thrown open for ies on the flora, fauna and water quality tourism activities. The primary objec-of these wetlands. At the same time tive of this plan should be to manage the the various threats to these wetlands ecosystem of the area. especially the emerging threat of cli-

mate change is also being docu- Keeping in mind the importance of

mented. Some key high altitude the area for its various wildlife species

wetlands where WWF is presently con- and high altitude wetlands, the entire

ducting the scientific studies are region has also been proposed as a Pir

Nandan Sar , Katoria Sar, Chandan Sar, Panchal National Park. It is important

Koker Sar, Neel Sar, Ding Sar, Sukh Sar, that more and more research studies

Simar Sar, Akal Dakshini and Bhag Sar. about the lesser known wildlife of the will face a serious threat. At present the At present the key threat to these area should be initiated. For long term work on the construction of Mughal wetlands is tremendous grazing pres- conservation of the region all the stake-Raod is in full swing and this has led to sure as a result of the livestock owned holders in the area should be involved in huge impact on the fragile ecology of by nomads. In some wetlands like Neel the conservation process. A major edu-the region. This 84 Km road will connect Sar and Bhag Sar the problem of cation and awareness campaign also Bafliaz area of Poonch district with eutrophication as a result of the nutri- need to be initiated and common Kasmir region and will serve as an alter-ents entering to these lakes from the masses should be made aware about the nate road between Jammu and Kashmir nearby nomadic camps has also been unique flora and fauna of the region and regions. It is also believed that this will documented. need for its conservation.


Some key high altitude wetlands

where WWF is presently con-

ducting the scientific studies are

Nandan Sar , Katoria Sar,

Chandan Sar, Koker Sar, Neel

Sar, Ding Sar, Sukh Sar, Simar

Sar, Akal Dakshini and Bhag Sar.

Katori Sar RODIOLA imbricata a medicinal plant near Nandan Sar.


40

column

Governance


wo recent information retrieved entry wound on the frontal part of their by the Central Government to go for a

by Right to Information (RTI) Act bodies. While Atif received all gun shot few crucial amendments to the RTI Act Tactivists suffice to the serious wounds on his back, Sajid was pumped could seriously limit the people's power

holes in the functioning of two different bullets on the upper portion of his head. to hold government functionaries

government departments: PWD in A close examination of the autopsy accountable for their actions. The pro-

Ranchi and Special Cell of the Delhi report only suggests that none of them posed amendments that the govern-

Police. Against his application, seeking were killed in 'combat' position', as nor- ment is considering to put in place

to know the reason for an inordinate mally happens in fierce encounter. The include refusal of “frivolous or vexa-

delay in laying a metalled road to a vil- highly secretive report, which the tious” applications, non-disclosure of

lage in his district, Sunil Kumar Mahto, a Special Cell of the Delhi Police refused “discussions/consultations that take

Ranchi-based RTI activist, received a to make public despite repeated place before arriving at a decision”, i.e.

shocking reply. In writing, the Public demands by civil society groups further file notings. The proposed amendments

Information Officer (PIO) of PWD, strengthens the barrage of uncanny in the RTI Act being considered also

Ranchi provided the documents that questions raised from all quarters chal- include the need to exempt the office of

clearly stated that the road had been lenging the authenticity of the Batla Chief Justice of India from the purview

laid two years ago and that a total of Rs House encounter in which the two of the RTI Act, as upheld by the Delhi

28 lakh was spent on the project, albeit youngsters from Azamgarh, along with High Court in its ruling this January.

in actuality no work was done. Mahto Special Cell cop MC Sharma, were There was news about Prime Minister Dr.

went on to file more RTI applications to killed. Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi hav-

unmask the officials responsible for the ing exchanged correspondence on the The efforts of Mahto, Sahil and hun-

sheer irregularities and was able to issue: while Mrs. Gandhi favoured status dreds of other activists across the coun-

know the government officials, who quo, PM wanted some crucial changes. try are surely creating an environment

embezzled the money meant for public towards better governance via unearth- In her address to the Parliament in

welfare. Among them, a few officials ing the official misdemeanours as well June 2009, President Pratibha Patil had were suspended, while cases against as helping the people to benefit from assured that the government would others are in the process. the Right to Information Act, 2005. Not strengthen the RTI Act, analysts are of

Another daring RTI activist, Firoz only RTI Act has helped people in send- the view that the proposed amend-

Alam Sahil of New Delhi, after a sus- ing a strong message to the politicians ments, in the name of strengthening the

tained efforts and painful wait of 18 as well as the officials that they are Act, would only weaken the law and

months, was able to obtain the autopsy entrusted with task of dispensing their reduce transparency. Quite recently, report of the two suspected terrorists – duties with utmost integrity, but it has Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Atif and Sajid – who were gunned down also prompted people to campaign Wajahat Habibullah, too, pointed out in the Batla House encounter in across the length and breadth of the the consensus of the Commissioners September 2008. As in the case of road country to curb corruption, which is eat- according to which there is no need to construction project in Ranchi, the ing away the very objective of people's bring about amendments in the existing autopsy report, received on March 17, welfare through countless programmes laws. However, voices in favour of 2010, conclusively establishes the fact and schemes being implemented by the amendments have gained ground since that none of the two received any bullet government. However, the recent move the sheer inability of the bureaucracy to

M SHAMSUR RABB KHAN

Strengthen RTI to Right the Wrongs

41

handle the pressure from citizens filing cance of file notings can be gauged from only puts the government in quandary

RTI applications. Moreover, government the fact that it could save millions of but takes away the right of the people,

officials have felt the heat of being held rupees staked in numerous schemes for who must be made the part of all issues

accountable for their actions, and that India's development. For example, the that are significant for the welfare of

they are not secured by law anymore to high cost electricity agreement the country. Except for security inter-

hide that they had been doing for between Dhabol Power Company ests, privacy issues, and trade related

decades. While the “increase in the (Enron) and the Maharashtra State rights, no other information needs to be

number of RTI applications and appeals Electricity Board (MSEB), which guaran- kept secret since the information is gen-

r e v e a l t h e g r o w i n g a s p i r a- teed by the Maharashtra Government erated for the people. In principle, a

tions/expectations of the common citi- and Government of India, was not an file in public authority is not compila-

zens from the Lok Sabha”, as noted in ideal, and which saw massive protests tion of documents containing trade

the Status Report from the Secretary from local people. In April 1993, the secret or a copyright material, but it is

General-Lok Sabha, the government offi- World Bank questioned the project's eco- the statistical data, opinions, prece-

cials, who leave no stone unturned in nomic feasibility, citing the high cost of dents, pros and cons and the economic

maintaining secrecy over their deeds cost to the public exchequer meant to

and misdeeds, find the Act as the great- develop people's welfare or directed to

est means of their exposure. answer the possible public demand.

Coming to the proposed amend- Furthermore, the information con-

ment related to Section 8 of the RTI Act tained in the file notings is not personal

that deals with “exemption from disclo- property of the government officials,

sure of information”, the government is who express their legally-bounded opin-

very much keen to add to this Section ions that are based on the project pro-

the “discussions/consultations that ceeding, outcome and overall perfor-

take place before arriving at a deci- mance that could used for future assess-

sion”, or 'file notings'. Since government. It is not the property of the

ment officials are reluctant to register incumbent government either. In a work-

their frank opinion while passing or ing democracy, government representa-

rejecting a file because they are aware tives are liable to the people; there-

of the fact that some dedicated activ- fore, if the Cabinet, on any important

ists can access it in the future, they issue of public interest, ends without importing and using liquefied natural want the 'file notings' to be exempted reaching any viable decision, then it gas (LPG) compared to other domestic from the purview of the RTI Act. If we should reveal the reasons for it. In place sources of fuels. Why did this happen? believe that those opposing the amend- of keeping the people in the dark, the Because the terms of agreement were ments claim that it is only the corrupt Cabinet should come out with complete kept secret and were not made public in who would benefit if 'file notings' were proceeding, which includes the refer-spite of the repeated demands from exempted from RTI Act, then why would ences of different opinions given by vari-NGOs and activists in Maharashtra, the an upright officer fear anything, and ous ministers on vital issue related to the officials, particularly the police was why would the government pay heed to welfare and development of the people. accused of high-handedness with pro-the opinions of such bureaucrats? And Examples of other countries such testors, who smelled foul play. It proves since it is through 'file notings' that cor- UK, US and Australia are sufficient to that right to vital information that are rupt officials can be unmask, amend- prove that file notings are not hidden in invisible folds of file notings ment to it can make the RTI Act a tooth- exempted from the public access. In our must be known to the people. less tiger. The sheer reluctance of offi- country, this has also been the tradition In a healthy democracy, it is highly cials in procuring sought after request, in case of both the Judiciary and imperative that the decisions taken by or deliberate delay in providing asked Parliament that continue to function the Cabinet should be known to the peo-information shows that those in the openly and without any adverse effects. ple except the information that are sen-helm of affairs do not like the people to But, it is the bureaucracy that presently sitive and security-related issues. be aware of their working. The signifi- functions under the obdurate veil of Deliberate hiding of information not


ColumnGovernance

In her address to the Parliament in

June 2009, President Pratibha

Patil had assured that the govern-

ment would strengthen the RTI Act,

analysts are of the view that the

proposed amendments, in the

name of strengthening the Act,

would only weaken the law and

reduce transparency.

42

secrecy. Hence, any move to amend RTI the CIC, it would surely lead to the CIC is sincerely implemented. If the UPA gov-

directed to delete file notings from the being flooded with an unmanageable ernment is indeed serious about making

public domain would mean a retrograde number of petitions. some changes to the Act, it should

measure, which would only be aimed at repeal Sections 27 and 28 of the Act that However, the most hotly debated

bureaucracy appeasement. And it is give the “power to make rules by appro-amendment to RTI Act relates to the

quite clear that by such a backward mea- priate government”, and should make judiciary. Why should the judiciary,

sure, the government would help the the law uniform for all states and public especially the office of Chief Justice of

officials, who are the ultimate benefi- authorities. For instance, many states India be exempted from the ambit of

ciaries if they are left to maintain and public authorities, till date, have the Act? Why oppose to induce account-

secrecy. Also, it would a serious denial drafted their own RTI rules which are ability in a non-accountable judicial sys-

of rights to the people of their own contrary to the basic sections of the Act tem? There is an element of surprise

information. itself. While the government has made here. When the Delhi High Court

it clear that it would consult all stake-The other proposed amendment is rejected the Supreme Court's plea to

holders before making any amendments related to the rejection of “frivolous exempt the Chief Justice of India's

to the RTI Act, the impending appeal to and vexatious” applications. This is

the Supreme Court by itself holds the nothing but an official trick to reject

key in this regard.the applications under the RTI Act out-nd We must, therefore, know that the right at the outset. In this regard, the 2

promotion of accountability and trans-A d m i n i s t r a t i v e a n d Re f o r m s

parency in the working of the public Commission (ARC), 2005 suggests an

authorities, which is the stated objec-amendment to Section 7 of the RTI Act

tive of the RTI Act, does not stop merely by inserting sub-section (10) that

with revealing the government's deci-states: “PIO may refuse a request for

sions to the public, but it also demands information if the request is manifestly

that the government makes it possible frivolous or vexatious, provided that

for the people to know the grounds on such a refusal shall be communicated

which important decisions were taken. within 15 days of receipt of application,

It is against the idea of people's empow-with the prior approval of the appellate

erment that they are denied the right to authority.” No doubt, addressing a large

have access to file notings by officials, number of applications does amount to office from the RTI Act, the Supreme and thereby, keeping them at bay so a waste of government resources. But to Court has appealed to itself and an that they could not evaluate the process allow PIOs the right to label an applica- order is expected soon! By and large, all of decision-making. We must acknowl-tion “frivolous and vexatious” may lead stakeholders – from the Supreme Court edge the services of Satish Shetty, an to gross misuse of the clause. Since PIOs of India to the common man – must RTI activist killed mysteriously in have been found rejecting a good num- understand that Act is still young rather January this year in Pune, Sunil Kuma ber of petitions on this ground, any fur- a perfect legal provision and its implica-Mahto and Firoz Alam Sahil, along with ther amendment would embolden them tions are yet to be understood by gov-hundreds of others across the country, to reject many more applications, ernment officials. What is needed is the who are working tirelessly to enhance which may not be quite so “irrelevant or full implementation of the Act in its pres-good governance via exposing the mis-frivolous.” For example, if a worker ent form. The Act, it must be under-demeanours of the officials and helping under the National Rural Employment stood, is not directed against officials induce transparency and accountability Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) files appli- for setting personal scores, but it is a in the system. Finally, if we want to save cation to know the exact amount of healthy tool to put in place good gover-those in authority from further going wages due for him could be interpreted nance through transparency and down into the quagmire of corrupt prac-as “frivolous” by a PIO, but, in actuality, accountability, and right to the people tices and people from being made con-it is not. In case of an amendment that to know how the officials work, is the stant victims, we need to have the RTI requires any rejection by the PIO on backbone of healthy democracy. We can Act in place as it is.“frivolous” grounds can be appealed to assess its implications only after the Act


columnGovernance

Examples of other countries such

UK, US and Australia are sufficient

to prove that file notings are not

exempted from the public access.

In our country, this has also been

the tradition in case of both the

Judiciary and Parliament that con-

tinue to function openly and with-

out any adverse effects.

43

exclusive series

New Research on Kashmir


dictably enough, that theoretically, in rigadier (Sir) Henry Lawrence 1947 there were three options for Scott Kt, CB, DSO, Bar, MC was B Maharaja Hari Singh and his Prime born in 1882 and died aged 89 in Minister Rai Bahadur Ram Chandra Kak: 1971. He was commissioned in the accession to India; to Pakistan and inde-British Indian Army in 1903 and served in pendence. Mesopotamia during the Great War of

He confirms that constitutionally, 1914-18. After returning to India, he Hari Singh was empowered to make the was appointed as Instructor, Senior decision. Unlike Lord Mountbatten, Officer's School from 1921 to 1923 and Jawaharlal Nehru, Sheikh Abdullah and rose to become the Quarter-Master subsequently many historians, Scott General between 1929 and 1931. He does not merely repeat the feeling that commanded the strategically signifi-had Hari Singh been pragmatic, urgent cant Kohat Brigade from 1932 to 1935 and decisive over July-October 1947 sub-and was made ADC to King George V sequent events could have been (1910-1936) in 1934-35. In 1936, Scott avoided but seeks to explain it. He gives began his eleven-years long employ-two reasons for the Maharaja preferring ment as the Chief of Staff, Jammu and the comparative autonomous peace of Kashmir State Forces, which was due to his realms: a) his historical and zealous end in November 1947. In the summer of guarding of 'state laws' against any form 1947, he was invited, as in the past, to of closer integration with British India stay on for another year. He asked for which – in August 1947 – extended with time to consider this and eventually While the copies of the former report is equal force to India and Pakistan; and, decided, in view of the developments available in The National Archives of Her b) his horror at the unfolding of post-described below, that he would prefer Majesty's Government, Kew Gardens independence partition, migration and not to accept an extension. He informed (Richmond, Surrey) – in file series DO massacre in Punjab which saw 100, 000 His Highness Maharaja Hari Singh and 142 and FO 371; the latter note – MSS Eur people regularly passing through accordingly his resignation was D 862 – can be consulted from among the Jammu towards either side. accepted. He left Kashmir on 29 files at the Oriental and India Office

Scott now proceeds to analyse the September 1947 and gave a final report Collections, British Library, London.

three above-mentioned options and on 8 October 1947 about “the situation Let us begin with “the options in begins by giving the reasons which made in J & K State”. Simultaneously, he also 1947” which has a broad sweep of per-accession to India an unattractive left a note on “the options in 1947”. sonalities and politics. Scott begins pre-

RAKESH ANKIT

HENRY SCOTT

The Forgotten Soldier of Kashmir

Chief of Staff, Jammu and Kashmir Forces, between 1936 and 1947, Brigadier Henry Lawrence Scott, in his note on 'options in 1947' says that theoretically there were three options for Maharaja Hari Singh and his Prime Minister Rai Bahadur Ram Chandra Kak: accession to India; to Pakistan and independence. He confirms that constitutionally, Hari Singh was empowered to make the decision

Scott served under Kak for 5 years (1942-47), first when Kak was Minister-in-Waiting and then when he became Prime Minister. He enjoyed close relations with Kak and agreed 'entirely' with Kak's view 'that Kashmir should remain on friendly terms with both India and Pakistan and must, for economic reasons and because 85% of the population if Muslim, have close relations with Pakistan'. Scott charges that over the months of July-August 1947, Hari Singh increasingly came under the influence of the Deputy Prime Minister Rai Bahadur M. M. Batra, a Hindu Swami, who had great influence with the Maharani, and the Maharani's brother, Chand, who was appointed the “Household Minister”.

44

option for Hari Singh. He lists 'the fear of

economic domination; Nehru and the

Indian National Congress' history of

being, [generally], anti-princely state

rulers and, [in particular], anti-Hari

Singh as they were pro-Sheikh Abdullah,

also Nehru had been refused a visit

[thus] exacerbating animosity; acces-

sion to India would have reduced Hari

Singh's [personal] powers and privi-

leges; atleast 80% of his subjects were

Muslims and while [the] Sheikh had a

following in the valley of Kashmir; in

western Jammu, Poonch, Gilgit, [and]

Muzaffarabad, a move to India would

not have been acceptable; and, in the

Gilgit agency, [in particular], were the

Gilgit Scouts (under the command of was more than likely itself to take such most probably it would have. In the opin-Major Brown, a British officer lent by action. The economies of the state and ion of the Maharaja and his Hindu and the Crown Representative, recently of the [West] Punjab were closely inte- Sikh subjects these objections far out-taken over from the Government of grated. The principal land communica- weighed the advantages of accession'. India) upon whose loyalty to the state tions of the state with the outside world As for the third, improbable, under this particular issue, no reliance passed through Pakistan. The prosperity option of independence, according to could be placed'. of the agriculture of the Western Punjab Scott, Hari Singh and Kak laboured for it In comparison, to Scott's mind, is dependent on the waters of two of the 'until the dismissal of the latter [11 accession to Pakistan offered many great rivers of the state, the Jhelum and August 1947] and the great raid of advantages. 'The very great majority of the Chinab (sic.). It was most unlikely, October 1947 put an end to the dream. State subjects were Moslems closely con-to say the least, that Pakistan would per- It was hoped that the Stand Still nected by religion and race with the mit, without a struggle, the headworks Agreements concluded with both India Moslems of the Punjab. It was obvious of these great canal systems to pass into and Pakistan would ensure a peaceful that the Moslem League would use all its the control of India or even probably of passage from British suzerainty to inde-great influence with the Government of an independent J & K State. The princi- pendence. They hoped to maintain a Pakistan to persuade the latter to take pal source of the State government's reasonable degree of peace and good action to ensure the union of atleast income derived from the sale of timber order within the State in spite of the hap-Poonch and Gilgit to Pakistan. Failing felled in the State forests and floated penings in India and Pakistan. It was Government's action the Moslem League down the Jhelum and Chinab rivers for hoped that if the State were but able to

sale in the Punjab'. ride without disaster through the period

But Scott understood that the idea of revolutionary strife disturbing the

of union with 'Moslem Pakistan was most two Dominions, the position and policy

repugnant to the Maharaja and his would be capable of calm discussion and

Hindu and Sikh subjects on religious consideration and, if then desirable,

grounds. It was on the support of the revision'.

Hindu Rajput subjects that the throne Scott then points out the two fac-

of the State had rested since its birth. tors which, above all else, 'rendered

Accession to Pakistan it was thought hopes of securing and maintaining the

also would result quickly in the massa- independence of the State illusionary.

cre and expulsion from the State of the First, the widespread disturbances and

Hindu and Sikh inhabitants, as indeed consequent rupture of the communica-


Scott's final report in his capacity as the Chief of Staff of Jammu and Kashmir State Forces, dated 8 October 1947, is a different, rather detailed, affair. It has five sections and they represent the entire spectrum of the concerns and the interests at play in Jammu and Kashmir over the summer and autumn of 1947

exclusive seriesNew Research on Kashmir

45

tions of Pakistan and India had put an cratic and popular governance – were minority position but also realised

end to the sales of State timber in alive to the advantages they enjoyed as Congress' power and ability against Hari

[West] Punjab. Moreover, the State subjects vis-à-vis accession to Singh. It plotted an unsuccessful coup in

Government of Pakistan urged by the either Dominions. For Scott, it was the the summer of 1947 but Abdullah was

Moslem League and with a view to 'ironic impartiality' with which the tribal promptly arrested and nothing hap-

applying pressure on the State had raiders looted Hindu/Muslim inhabit- pened beyond local disturbances as the

placed an embargo on those sales. By ants of the valley alike that made them Muslim officers and officials of Hari

the autumn the State was really bank- welcome the Indian accession and Singh's administration were mostly sup-

rupt though it managed to scrape along Indian troops, albeit temporarily. portive of the MC. Nehru sought to visit

by internal borrowings and other expe- Abdullah after Kak/Singh had him

dients that could not have served for arrested but was denied entry on State

many months and certainly would not soil. This increased the existing enmity

have financed serious military opera- between the Congress and the Maharaja

tions even on the State scale. Second, and also between the former and Kak.

the other factor was the military situa- At this point, Scott brings in an element

tion which was precarious in the of personal hatred and even hostility

extreme. J & K State covered an area between Abdullah and Hari Singh/Kak

a p p r o x i m a t e l y a s l a r g e a s which is well-documented and between

France…Throughout August-October two Kashmiri Pandit families of 'the Kaks

1947 State forces had been thoroughly and the Nehrus' – which has not seen

stretched in managing the refugee prob- much work.

lem in Jammu and establishing law and The MC, the state branch of the

order; peace and harmony in sensitive Moslem League, was bitterly opposed to

areas'. Since 1846, British Crown had the NC and to the Congress. Like its

been responsible for guarding Kashmir rival, it agitated for a more democratic

against external aggression hence its form of government. Scott judges MC's

State forces were not adequate. It had agitation as 'more sincere' and asserts

been dependent for arms on the British that MC's adherents, throughout the

Indian army and now with two new State, probably outnumbered those of

Dominions – both eyeing it – Kashmir was the NC while even in the Kashmir valley

suddenly militarily extremely vulnera- – until the conduct of the raiders from

ble. October 1947 – the supporters of the MC

Despite this precarious military were, probably, about equal in numbers

and economic situation, the Maharaja with the supporters of the NC'. Scott

and his Prime Minister, as Scott puts it, says that throughout June-July 1947 the

were 'determined to play for independ- MC was content to sit back and watch

ence' [as] their choice was one between the quarrel between Hari Singh and

'frying pan and fire' (independence or Sheikh Abdullah and the reverses suf-Scott presents Sheikh Abdullah's accession to either dominion). fered by the latter at the hands of the

National Conference as 'predominantly former which, in Scott's words, 'were by Next, Scott turns towards the a Muslim body of the valley of Kashmir. no means displeasing' to the MC. Scott domestic politics of the state and 50% of the Muslims of the valley were confirms though that the organisation relates the manoeuvres and antics of members of the NC while its member- and discipline of the MC were definitely the Hindu and Sikh Sabhas which did not ship was open to Hindus and Sikhs. inferior to those of the NC and local lead-desire any change in the status of the Outside the valley, however, its support ers were inclined to take a line of their State or its administration; the National dwindled to 5-15% of the population. own regardless of the central policy, in Con fe rence (NC ) and Mus l im While NC agitated for democratic gov- particular in Poonch. He argues that it Conference (MC) whose rank and file – ernance it was not whole heartedly for a was only after the dismissal of Kak, the despite being more attracted to demo-closer integration with India and to its subsequent tilt of Hari Singh – under the


Scott analyses why accession to India was felt as an unattractive proposal for Maharaja…'the fear of economic domina-tion; Nehru and the Indian National Congress' history of being, [generally], anti-princely state rulers and, [in par-ticular], anti-Hari Singh as they were pro-Sheikh Abdullah, also Nehru had been refused a visit [thus] exacerbating animosity; accession to India would have reduced Hari Singh's [personal] powers and privileges; atleast 80% of his sub-jects were Muslims and while [the] Sheikh had a following in the valley of Kashmir; in western Jammu, Poonch, Gilgit, [and] Muzaffarabad, a move to India would not have been acceptable; and, in the Gilgit agency, [in particular], were the Gilgit Scouts (under the com-mand of Major Brown, a British officer lent by the Crown Representative, recently taken over from the Government of India) upon whose loyalty to the state under this particular issue, no reliance could be placed'.


46

influence of the coterie around him – not that then at least a mark of under- onstrations in his favour within the state

towards India and the unexpected suc- standing with the Congress'. The new PM by his followers and admirers'. He hopes

cess of the State Forces against the – Jannak Singh – lost little time in apply- – no doubt in hindsight – that 'At the

rebels in Poonch that the Moslem ing, what Scott calls, 'a policy of small time, Mr. Jinnah made this request,

Conference declared for accession to pin pricks to Pakistan' thus confirming early autumn; it is probable he could

Pakistan and its leaders fled Kashmir. have secured to the State the peace he

promised during his stay'. He is con-Scott sheds some useful light on

vinced that 'the refusal [of Jinnah's Ram Chandra Kak and his position. He

request] further alienated the Moslem finds favour with Kak's policy to secure

leaders in Pakistan and in the State'. and maintain the independence of the

state with a view to saving the State Scott's final report in his capacity

from the inter-communal strife that as the Chief of Staff of Jammu and

was raging in Punjab. He praises Kak for Kashmir State Forces, dated 8 October

all that he could do – rather successfully 1947, is a different, rather detailed,

– to ensure a friendly or atleast not affair. It has five sections and they rep-

actively hostile, Pakistan and Moslem resent the entire spectrum of the con-

League. He informs that till Kak was the cerns and the interests at play in Jammu

PM, Pakistan maintained troops along and Kashmir over the summer and

the two main roads leading into the autumn of 1947.

State and allowed no raiding and that Scott begins by talking about the

the embargo on the sale of Kashmiri tim- law and order situation. When he left,

ber and on the importation from Kashmir had been quiet, except for the

Pakistan into the State of petrol began trouble in Poonch in late August and

after Kak's departure. However, it is September, and he elaborates. 'The pop-

equally clear from Scott's account that u la t i on i n Poonch i s l a rge l y

Kak was not so particular about main- Mohammadan, although the proportion

taining friendly relations with India and of Muslims is not so high as in the

the Congress, coloured by his 'personal Kashmir Valley and some other parts of

dislike for the Congress and family feud the State. The Hindus, mostly Dogras,

with and antipathy for Mr. J. L. Nehru'. and the Sikhs live largely in the towns.

Scott fears that these factors uncon- The Muslim community in Poonch

sciously influenced Kak in his decisions includes tribes, the Sattis and the

to have a show down with the National Suden, who are akin to the Punjabi

Conference in the summer of 1947 and Mussalman, have served in the Indian

to forbid Mr. J. L. Nehru to enter the Army in considerable numbers and are

State; although he tempers this by argu- fairly well-armed, and the Doons, who

ing that given the atmosphere, it was by have no martial tradition and possess

no means certain that that trial of few arms. Towards the end of August, a

strength was not just about to be initi- party of about 30 Muslims from the

ated by Sheikh Abdullah. Nehru did Punjab entered Poonch and incited the

enter the State and was put to arrest Sattis to march on the capital, to

and confinement. There after, there is demand Kashmir's accession to the change of policy. Scott also had a no doubt in Scott's mind that Nehru and Pakistan. A considerable number, swell-word to say about the celebrated the Congress 'and even Mr. Ghandi (sic.) ing to 10, 000, agreed to go to Poonch, refusal to Jinnah from coming to intrigued in the State for the dismissal primarily in order to represent their Kashmir for a month or two holidays. He of Kak' and their success was regarded own local grievances, their principal reveals that 'Mr. Jinnah undertook to by Pakistan and the Muslim Conference complaint being the high prices of food-take no part in politics during his stay in as 'marking a change of policy from stuffs. They decided to march on the State and to forbid any kind of dem-friendliness to hostility to Pakistan…if


In comparison, to Scott's mind, acces-sion to Pakistan offered many advan-tages. 'The very great majority of State subjects were Moslems closely con-nected by religion and race with the Moslems of the Punjab. It was obvious that the Moslem League would use all its great influence with the Government of Pakistan to persuade the latter to take action to ensure the union of atleast Poonch and Gilgit to Pakistan. Failing Government's action the Moslem League was more than likely itself to take such action. The economies of the state and of the [West] Punjab were closely inte-grated. The principal land communica-tions of the state with the outside world passed through Pakistan. The prosperity of the agriculture of the Western Punjab is dependent on the waters of two of the great rivers of the state, the Jhelum and the Chinab (sic.). It was most unlikely, to say the least, that Pakistan would per-mit, without a struggle, the headworks of these great canal systems to pass into the control of India or even proba-bly of an independent J & K State. The principal source of the State govern-ment's income derived from the sale of timber felled in the State forests and floated down the Jhelum and Chinab rivers for sale in the Punjab'.


47

Poonch via a little town called Bagh, of

about 3, 000 inhabitants, many of whom

are Hindus and Sikhs. Bagh is garrisoned

by a company of the Kashmir State

Forces. They were told by the local civil

officials that they would not be permit-

ted to enter Bagh, and they thereupon

surrounded the town. A small detach-

ment of State Force Signallers proceed-

ing towards Bagh was attacked by the

Sattis, who killed one or two of them

and then attacked the town, but were

easily driven off. Reinforcements were

sent to Bagh from Srinagar and relieved

the town without great difficulty. The

insurgents then collected at several

places on the banks of the Poonch River

where they were attacked by the State

Forces and dispersed without offering

any serious opposition. The total casual-

ties did not exceed 20 Muslim insur-

gents, about a dozen Hindus and Sikhs

and a few State troops'. Mentioning the

refugee problem in the State, Scott (1942-47), first when Kak was Minister- unpopularity with Hari Singh and his writes that at least 100, 000 Muslims in-Waiting and then when he became team by protesting against the treat-from East Punjab, and about the same Prime Minister. He enjoyed close rela- ment accorded to Kak. number of non-Muslims from the West tions with Kak and agreed 'entirely' with Scott also relates a little-known Punjab, had been allowed and escorted, Kak's view 'that Kashmir should remain episode of September 1947 when he on their escape from or to Gurdaspur on friendly terms with both India and received a telegram from the Pakistan through the State and that at the time Pakistan and must, for economic rea- Army HQ, Rawalpindi asking whether 'in of his departure there were had been sons and because 85% of the population view of impending political changes' some 60, 000 refugees in the State. if Muslim, have close relations with Scott would consider that the British Scott served under Kak for 5 years Pakistan'. Scott charges that over the military families should leave Kashmir. months of July-August 1947, Hari Singh Scott met the Maharaja, apprised him of increasingly came under the influence the contents of the telegram, enquired of the Deputy Prime Minister Rai whether any change in policy was con-Bahadur M. M. Batra, a Hindu Swami, templated and, receiving Hari Singh's who had great influence with the denial, drafted a telegram to Maharani, and the Maharani's brother, Rawalpindi saying that no political Chand, who was appointed the “House- changes were contemplated and there hold Minister”. Scott holds this coterie was, there fore, no need to evacuate desirous of joining India; getting Kak British families. The Maharaja approved dismissed, prevented from leaving the and initialled the draft telegram. Apart State, and publicly humiliated (a from the usual summer visitors, who left Commission was appointed to enquire before the winter set in, the number of into various misdemeanours alleged to British residents in Kashmir was around have been committed during Kak's long 3-4, 000. Most of these had settled service). Scott claims that he courted there, more or less, permanently and


Scott understood that the idea of union with 'Moslem Pakistan was most repug-nant to the Maharaja and his Hindu and Sikh subjects on religious grounds. It was on the support of the Hindu Rajput subjects that the throne of the State had rested since its birth. Accession to Pakistan it was thought also would result quickly in the massacre and expulsion from the State of the Hindu and Sikh inhabitants, as indeed most probably it would have.


48

New Research on Kashmire x c l u s i v e s e r i e s

By RAKESH ANKIT

By George :

The Cunningham Contribution(Vol. 4, Issue 3, March 2010)

Pandit Ramchandra Kak

The Forgotten Premier of Kashmir(Vol. 4, Issue 4, April 2010)

By George :

The Cunningham Contribution(Vol. 4, Issue 3, March 2010)

owned houses, houseboats and other reached there. He met Liaquat and compares the incapable, weak and ill-

property and, in Scott's opinion, were informed the PM that no petrol was, in organised pro-Muslim League MC

unlikely to leave voluntarily. Scott was fact, reaching Kashmir despite the for- against the well-led pro-Congress NC.

convinced that if Kashmir acceded to mer's repeated assurances that Pakistan Scott also grasped the duality within

India there will be 'such serious trouble' government had given definite instruc- Sheikh Abdullah and observed that

that special arrangements will be nec- tions that there was to be no breach of while he has always been pro-Congress

essary to evacuate willing British sub- the Standstill Agreement with Kashmir. and anti-Pakistan, 'there is some evi-

jects but thought that many of them will He dismisses the excuse given by dence that he realises that accession to

probably prefer to remain and take Pakistani authorities that this was due India would lead to serious economic

their chance rather than leave all they to the reluctance of the Mohammadan difficulties and certainly to war

possess behind them. drivers to travel on the road between between India and Pakistan'. Scott also

Rawalpindi and Kashmir owing to the speculates on possible Indian military With a mix of hurt, shock and

presence of large number of Sikhs. He involvement by noting that the so-betrayal, Scott recounts how the very

pointed to Liaquat that Kashmir had called 'new' road from Jammu to next day Sheikh Abdullah was released

used half its reserves of petrol on evacu- Pathankot (the only link connecting from jail and, offered a post as Minister,

ating Muslims from East Punjab and this Kashmir with India without entering promptly went to Delhi to see Nehru.

atleast should be supplied by Pakistan. Pakistan) would not be of much value to Another NC leader, Ghulam Nabi Baksh,

Kashmir for military purposes because, who had been externed from the State, On 'future developments, Scott's

first, this long-existed fair-weather was permitted to return. One or two report is very prophetic. Kak's successor

road would take about 2 years to be leaders of the rival (pro-Muslim League) as PM was Jannak/Janak Singh, an octo-

turned into an all-weather one and sec-MC were imprisoned. Scott also found genarian Rajput in favour of union with

ond, for a considerable distance, it runs that orders were being issued by the India who 'conveniently' was laid down

close to the Pakistan border. Scott could Maharani's brother to the State Forces by lumbago soon after assuming charge.

not have visualised the heavy Indian Air without his knowledge. These develop- Deputy PM M. M. Batra, the Hindu Swami

force involvement. ments, and the apparent intention of and the 'Household Minister' Chand

the Kashmir Government to tie up with emerged with the most influence on Giles Lytton Strachey wrote, in the

India, made Scott's mind up and he Hari Singh and they all strongly favoured preface of his spectacular Eminent

decided to decline the offer of a year's union with India. Without mincing his Victorians (1918): 'The history of the

extension. Mr. Powell, the British IG of words, in an accurate statement, on Victorian Age will never be written: we

Police, had a similar experience and, what would happen should Kashmir know too much about it. For ignorance

having made up his mind to go, was – in accede to the Indian Dominion, Scott is the first requisite of the historian –

fact – relieved of his appointment. Scott writes: '…trouble is certain, not at its ignorance, which simplifies and clari-

was succeeded by his Brigadier General most serious immediately from within fies, which selects and omits, with a

Staff, a steady Hindu Dogra Officer, and the State – though the Muslims of placid perfection unattainable by the

was neither informed nor asked about his Poonch and Jammu are fairly well- highest art'. Much the same can be said

views about his permanent successor. armed – but from the incursion of the about the Kashmir conflict, too. Such a

fanatical tribes of Hazara and the Black vast quantity of information and opinion Scott claims that he saw no evi-

Mountain and the Muslims of Jhelum and have been poured forth and accumu-dence of specific activity by the

Rawalpindi. The 9 battalions of the lated since the events of 22 October Government of India to persuade

State Forces, largely Hindu, could not 1947 – and, indeed even before – that a, Kashmir to accede to India. He holds the

effectively cope with such an invasion'. no matter how scrupulous, narration clique around the Maharaja, 'working

can no longer help to depict the water-like beavers', for such a development by He asserts that the vast majority of

shed year of 1947. The above attempt every means short of a declaration. Kashmiris have no strong bias for either

represents a different strategy reveal-Equally, he was convinced that, what- India or Pakistan and prefer to remain

ing hitherto obscure personalities and ever may be the policy of Karachi, the independent of either Dominion and

their perceptions thereby bringing to local officials in Rawalpindi were defi- free to earn their living, but they realise

fore – at times new/different truths and nitely 'turning on the heat' on Kashmir that a hostile Pakistan could seriously

at others confirming/negating the old.by ensuring that no petrol or sugar disrupt Kashmir's economy. He again



49

ladakh affairs

Education


seful and relevant educa- exams fail, the million dollar question instruction against Assamese has posi-

tion for all will not only help to be answered was whether the stu- tively enhanced achievement of pri-

India tear down its social dents have failed the system or the sys- mary grade children of Bodo tribe.

inequalities but will also go tem has failed the students. SECMOL Mohanty further argues that denial of

a long way in its nation build- (Students Educational and Cultural education in mother tongue results in Uing process. Way back in the 1960s Movement of Ladakh) an NGO set up by “childhood of tension and total rejec-

American President Lyndon B. Johnson a bunch of local students in 1988 to tion of a relationship with the larger

had realized it when he stated that ''the reform the education system started society, as was the case when the Bodo

answer to all our national problems with the principle that 'if 95% of the Movement started'' Moreover, imposi-

comes down to a single word: education''. product fails, not just in schools, in any tion of languages other than the mother

system whether it is car factory or a jam tongue on the minorities violates their '' Education for all'', as envisioned factory, then it is not the product, it is Fundamental Rights guaranteed to pre-under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the system...that has defect, and the serve minority language under UNESCO campaigns, is a great challenge system has to be changed''. Thus began a Article.29-30 of the constitution.as well as an opportunity. One of the movement aimed at improving the sys-most vulnerable groups that lag far Keeping such a prospect in mind, tem.behind their more fortunate fellow ONH tried to do away with the imposi-

countrymen— also likely to remain unaf- In 1994 Operation New Hope (ONH) tion of Urdu, the official language of

fected in the foreseeable future— by was jointly launched by Ladakh J&K, as the medium of instruction in

the ''education for all'' campaign is the Autonomous Hill Development Council Ladakh. Urdu used to be the medium of thtribal community. Given the different (LAHDC), SECMOL and village commu- teaching in Ladakhi schools till 8 stan-

cultural ethos, language, custom, and nity members as a modus-operandi of dard and from there on the medium

beliefs of the tribal communities, the the reform process. The goal of the ONH used to shift to English. But for the lack

government must look at tribal educa- was integration and cooperation among of an accepted grammar and script of

tion from their perspective: their the three pillars of education— spoken Ladakhi till date, ONH strived to

needs, problems, fears, strengths and Government, Community and Civil keep English as the medium of instruc-

weaknesses. Society— with the long term aim of what tion from 1st to 10th standard. In this

it calls the 3Hs for Ladakhi children: a way the burden of grasping two alien lan-Ladakh is one such tribal area. Skilled Hand, a Bright Head and a Kind guages has been somehow reduced, but Since independence, education has Heart. It identified major defects inher- not completely done away with. lacked proper attention from the gov-ent in the education system there and ernment. This is evident from the poor Rationalizing the Curriculumtried to redress them according to their passing percentage of only 0-5 in Before ONH, Ladakhi children in respective nature and gravity. matriculation from 1947 to 1998. Every first year of school used to learn from

year, 95% of the students were sent back Adopting Understandable Language books supplied from outside. They had home with a 'rejected' stamp after Educationists all over the world rec- to learn the alphabets by connecting 'E' spending ten precious years of their ommend that the medium of instruc- with elephant; 'F' with fan, 'Z' with zebra lives in school and having learnt pretty tion, at least in initial stage, should be although they had never seen an ele-little. Education was, then, the name phant or a fan or a zebra. Their books the mother tongue. Mohanty and for a disaster in Ladakh. talked about the monsoon phenome-Perregaux, for example, have found

non, without any one word about the When 95% of students appearing in that replacing Bodo as a medium of

THINLAS DORJAY

VICIOUS CYCLE TO VIRTUOUS CYCLE:

Ladakh's Tryst with Education Reform

50


Too young to be addictsParents pulling out children from JNV Leh as

drugs make way to prestigious campus; school is without a fulltime Principal for a year

awahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) centers are considered models in the Jcountry because these institutions are supposed to “provide good quality modern education to the talented children predominantly from the rural areas, without regard to their family's socio-economic condition”.

However, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Leh, probably the country's highest JNV branch, has been left without its principal for almost one year now. Recently there have been some disturbing reports of students indulging into all kinds of shocking activities including use of alcohol, smoking and becoming addict to hazardous substances such as rubber solution and correction fluid within the premises of the school campus.

On March 21, 2010 few students were found lying unconscious under the influence of inhaling some addictive substances within the school campus. Similarly last year, many of class 12th students were found lying drunk in a nearby village called Sabu. On being asked, officials of the school, including the in-charge principal, Manoj Kumar, while denying having found any student lying unconscious, admitted and confirmed the fact they recovered some addictive substances from some students last month on the campus and also admitted that some students were found drunk last year outside the Vidayala campus. Students maintaining anonymity of their identities told Epilogue that use of alcohol, smoking and inhaling of drugs like substance etc have become so widespread in the school that many new students learn it so quick.

After this incident of students becoming unconscious because of use of such substances, many worried parents have started taking out their children from the institution. Phontsog Stobdan from Nubra has discharged his son, Tsewang Norboo, of class 10th from JNV and got him admitted into the government high school Panamik in Nubra which is closer to his village. “My son was one of the students who were found lying unconscious because of inhaling some rubber solution. From that moment I didn't feel like keeping my son far from home. In JNV monitoring of hostel seems to be very poor because teachers were not really aware of what's happening within the school compound”, says Stobdan.

There is a Parent Teacher Counsel (PTC) in the School but the meeting of the PTC takes place only once a year. In the wake of last month's incident, the authorities have decided to call a PTC meeting shortly. When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Leh AK Sahu told Epilogue that he was not aware of the situation and was intending to visit the school.

It is disheartening that an institution like JNV, which is considered a model in the country, is left without the head of the institution for a year which has apparently led to the present state of affairs. JNV Leh, which runs from 6th to 12th class, has about 600 students, who are mostly from far flung areas of Leh and Kargil districts.

TSEWANG RIGZIN

(Under NGI Media Fellowships)

intricate irrigation system in their local-

ity. This led to a reality where firstly

they could not understand what the

books were talking about and had to

resort to rote memorizing, and; sec-

ondly many of the teachers began to

realize that there is learning defect

inherent among the Ladakhi children.

This also led to a feeling of inferiority

complex among the Ladakhi kids.

Under ONH, the curricula of the

books for primary classes were restruc-

tured and localized. These books are

accepted by the State government to be

taught in Ladakhi schools. Today, thanks

to ONH, all Ladakhi children study about

Yak, the glaciers and the canals etc in

their primary classes. They also learn

chapters like ''Wild Life of Ladakh'', '' Life

in a Farming Village'' etc.

Building Teachers' Capacity

Adding to the agony of the frac-tured system was the non-availability of trained and competent local teachers in Ladakh. Subsequently, teacher hailing from Kashmir and Jammu, proficient only in Hindi or Urdu, used to be engaged in Ladakhi schools where chil-dren could speak and understand Ladakhi only. Moreover, the non-local teachers generally used to take trans-fers in Ladakh as a punishment leading eventually to their insensitivity vis-à-vis the local children. Hence, some of them had the tendency to label Ladakhi chil-dren as ''backward'' and ''uncivilized''. Their attitude, action and words in classes stem from this labeled percep-tion. While local teachers were lacking in training, competence and sensitivity to teach Ladakhi children. In short, the overall happenings in classes impacted child's self-esteem and achievement motivation negatively. It is estimated that 60-80 percent of the tribal children in India are pushed out by the end of pri-mary education. ONH prioritized local teacher trained in child-friendly/local teaching-learning method so that the children can relate to them very easily.

Activating the Community

ladakh affairsEducation

51

tion and root cause of failure of 95% of Ladakh too, like other tribal com-their children. Since majority of the chil-munities, was distinguished by minimal dren in Ladakh are first generation participation of the community in edu-learners, ONH campaign used graphic cation reform. Parent's responsibility illustration, films, plays, songs etc to ended once their child was admitted in make their parents understand the a government school. In many cases things in proper perspective. A very they even discouraged their children interesting graphic illustration used by from pursuing education. The general SECMOL was the Wheel of democracy assumption was that education for their (adapted from the idea of Cyclic children was something imposed from Existence in Buddhism). It showed edu-above and or at least something that the cation system through a Vicious cycle government should care. Creating a (failure of education system—wherein demand for education among the peo-community members do not prioritize ple was a challenge for the Local gov-education and run after subsidies and ernment and SECMOL. other secondary facilities from the Thus began a campaign to sensi-Government leading to a chain of igno-tize, to raise the awareness and influ-rance virtually leading to increased fail-ence of the community i.e. make them ures, drop-outs) and Virtuous cycle (suc-understand the importance of educa-


When 95% of students appearing in exams fail, the million dollar question to be answered was whether the students have failed the system or the system has failed the students.

SECMOL (Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh) an NGO set up by a bunch of local students in 1988 to reform the education system started with the principle that 'if 95% of the product fails then it is not the product, it is the system...that has defect, and the system has to be changed'. Thus began a movement aimed at improving the system.

Can Ladakhi students study in Ladakh? Probably no! There is a strong civil society movement in region for

education but government is not coming up with required

infrastructure and manpower

LOBZANG STANZEN

espite a revolutionary movement in the region for excellence in education, Ladakh is doomed to finish poor, if not fail, for Dthe lack of basic infrastructure which has to be created, run and monitored by the state. If you want to see the Ladakhi

students they are found more in Jammu, Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun and other cities than Ladakh itself. In Ladakh they can

just think of education and can't actually attain it as the matching education system is yet to come up.

Up to high school the facilities are fair, but not good. Now as we talk of higher secondary, there are only few schools and

that too with inadequate number of lecturers, lack of other facilities like laboratories and libraries etc.

As we talk of colleges, there are only two colleges in the heart of region, one in Leh and another in Kargil. Students in

colleges face the same problems of lack of lecturers and professors and other facilities as colleges should have. In addition,

the exams are delayed and held late, due to which it takes more than three years to complete the degree course. These and

many more force the Ladakhi people to send their children outside the region for attaining even the basic education. What to

talk of excellence, Ladakhi students are unable even to pass the matriculation examinations.

The promising development in the region is that Ladakhi students are now well aware of the importance of education in

Ladakh and despite all the problems they work hard to achieve success and are doing excellent in many professions. The

students studying outside Ladakh are spreading education awareness when they go back to their home town.

The credit for all these goes to the dearest parents who support and encourage their children to face all the

problems happily. It is also pointed out by concerned people that economically it is a big drain because more than Rs 20

Crore are spent by these students from Ladakh attaining education in different parts of country. This amount is almost

the same as Ladakh earns from its only industry -tourism. Those who are concerned and those who are in power should

improve the system in Ladakh, to prevent such drain.


52

cess of education system—wherein com- school in remote Turtuk recording a 100

munity members prioritize education percent result. In schools, the teaching

leading to their active participation as approach has changed from '' chalk, talk

active stakeholders in the system). and stick'' to ''child-centered, joyful and

According to Sonam Wangchuk, one of meaningful learning'' while text books are

the main founders of SECMOL, ''with culturally rooted and geographically rele-

such illustration we found that even the vant, and teachers are locals and rela-

simplest villagers could see that if they tively well trained.

were to break this cycle of failure. Then Happy Beginning, Sad Endingit had to start with the people them- Be it educational reforms in Ladakh selves. Therefore it is the people's prior- or any other reforms in other parts of ities (as voters) that that must change” India, such reforms and changes generate

Under ONH, the progressive mem- resistance and reaction in its course. It bers in villages were formed into Village always goes directly against the existing Education Committees (VEC) with at set up, the Chalta Hai attitude people

rdleast 1/3 of women and 2 students from and against the established interests of the school of concerned village as its the powers that be. Ladakh has its own member. Since its inception, VEC played story of reforms, resistance and reaction. an important role in keeping vigil at After the progressive role played in teachers, maintaining and improving the ONH, SECMOL has had a fretful disap-school infrastructure and looking into the pearance from Leh in 2007. In a sequence complaints and connivances of the teach- of events following the controversy ers. Moreover, VECs also activated com- between then DC of Leh and NGOs, MK munity to contribute physically, like the Dwivedi, the DC framed Sonam Wangchuk building of Residential Higher Secondary and SECMOL on very flimsy grounds like School at Durbuk block where the local ''anti-national connections with China''. community voluntarily came forward Unfortunately, the local leaders with labour and materials required for remained mum and dull and did not try to the construction of the school building. resolve the matter, despite their appreci-Today the same school is being consid- ation of work done by Wangchuk earlier. ered a grand success story in the entire This unfortunate event ultimately led Ladakh. SECMOL to withdraw from further reform

In short, since community life in and collaboration with the Local govern-Ladakh, like any tribal society, is based on ment. However, the good news is that the cooperation (non-competitive) and col- Ladakhi students studying outside Ladakh lective joy, initiatives like the VEC (Jammu, Chandigarh, Delhi, Deradun, acknowledges the social fabric and val- Varanasi etc.) have seemed to realize the ues thereof. importance of education. Recently, a sem-

inar namely ''An interactive seminar on The joint effort of the Local govern-education with Sonam Wangchuk'' ment, civil society and community ogranised by Ladakh Student Union started bearing fruits. During the last few Jammu saw thousands of students turn-years Ladakh witnessed perceptible ing up with representative from all changes in the education sector at every Ladakhi Students Unions from different level. At the level of community, people parts of the country in the jam-packed are much more awakened vis-à-vis edu-Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu on cation. At governmental level, the Vision

stDocument 2025 for Ladakh prepared by the 21 of Feb. 2010. In the same breath,

LAHDC in 2005, education has been put they emphasized their concern for edu-

on the priority list. In 2003, the matricu- cation, back in Ladakh. Now, that seems

lation result went up to 49% with a Govt. to be a happy beginning once again.


In 1994 Operation New Hope (ONH) was jointly launched by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), SECMOL and village community members as a modus-operandi of the reform process. The goal of the ONH was integration and cooperation among the three pillars of education— Government, Community and Civil Society— with the long term aim of what it calls the 3Hs for Ladakhi children: a Skilled Hand, a Bright Head and a Kind Heart

Before ONH, Ladakhi children in first year of school used to learn from books supplied from outside. They had to learn the alphabets by connecting 'E' with elephant; 'F' with fan, 'Z' with zebra although they had never seen an elephant or a fan or a zebra. Their books talked about the monsoon phenomenon, without any one word about the intricate irrigation system in their locality

Today, thanks to ONH, all Ladakhi children study about Yak, the glaciers and the canals etc in their primary classes. They also learn chapters like ''Wild Life of Ladakh'', '' Life in a Farming Village'' etc

The general assumption was that education for their children was something imposed from above and or at least something that the government should care. Creating a demand for education among the people was a challenge for the Local government and SECMOL

After the progressive role played in ONH, SECMOL has had a fretful disappearance from Leh in 2007. In a sequence of events following the controversy between then DC of Leh and NGOs, MK Dwivedi, the DC framed Sonam Wangchuk and SECMOL on very flimsy grounds like ''anti-national connections with China


53


ladakh affairs

Opinion

baseless. Under this circumstances the describe Ladakh as the third important or its unique cultural and Nambarder (village head) of Demchok region of the State without which topographical features Ladakh F village in Changthang, the eastern Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete. If it is increasingly becoming a famous region bordering China in Ladakh, has is so then why they haven't demanded tourist destination especially among reported that Government of India is and provided a separate central univer-the western adventurers. However, not paying serious attention to save its sity for Ladakh too? Every Ladakhi is not unfortunately being a part of Jammu land from Ladakh side. Whereas in the equally affordable to send their chil-and Kashmir State, the region has been name of protecting Kashmir, thousands dren to study in far off places like suffering unusually. Government of of precious lives of human beings have Jammu, Srinagar and other parts of India claims that it is putting in all possi-been lost to the ongoing political tur- India for education. As a result of which ble efforts to develop the Ladakh region moil of the valley in the last two education becomes something for those in the Himalayas. However it has been decades. The Nambarder has further only who can afford it. observed in the last few decades the threatened to show their disloyalty to There are two degree colleges in developments in Ladakh have taken India if they are not provided with the Ladakh which are left without adequate place for the army operations against basic facilities and situations like the basic facilities and faculty members. All China and Pakistan. Leh district which current incursions are not checked on basic rights ensured by mother India are borders both China and Pakistan has time on the border. It is pertinent to being snatched by vested Kashmiri seen some developments to some mention here that people in Ladakh administrators and politician. Like any-extent whereas in Kargil district the bravely and selflessly helped to protect where in the country Ladakhi students peripheral areas are still all the same as the Indian soil from invasion across the are equally capable and intelligent to they used to be in 1960's. It has also borders during different wars, be it pursue different higher studies pro-observed in the recent days that 1962 with China or 1971 and 1999 with vided that we have facilities such as a Government of India has downplayed Pakistan. It seems to me that lots of University at home like the other report of the Chinese incursion into the funds are being allocated to Kashmir by regions of the state. Indian Territory in Ladakh region. The the Government of India and also differ- Culture genocide is taking place in Deputy Commissioner of Leh, who vis-ent academic institutions are being Ladakh in the name of education. Right ited the area where the incursion have developed in Kashmir as well as in from the age of 16 years when the chil-reportedly taken place, officially Jammu for the development of youth of dren passed their tenth class, students placed on record saying a large chunk of these regions. But comparatively in Ladakh have to think about going out-area was illegally captured by the Ladakh seems to have been neglected side Ladakh to cities like Srinagar, People's Liberation Army of China. But by the Government. Why? Is Ladakh Jammu etc for their higher studies. on the other hand, very surprisingly, the

Hence they have to spend the critical lesser important government of India? Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram period adolescence as educational refu-In their speeches many politicians through media refutes this report as

STANZIN KHEWANG

DON'T NEGLECT IT; Ladakh too is in India

Time and again Ladakhis are made to believe that whatever little development is there in the region is all an unintended dividend of spending on defence infrastructure to check China and Pakistan. Ladakhis are, however, craving to be seen as citizens of India

54

gees far from home. This cir-

cumstance affects the teen-

agers in different ways as

when the return to their home-

land after completion of their

studies.

Since the future of a com-

munity and society lies in the

hand of youth and if youth are

living in such an environment

(far from their culture and

identity) it may affect badly

in preserving the cultural iden-

tity. So seems to be a policy of

the Government to deterio-

rate the culture propagation

and preservation in Ladakh. If

such a scenario continues,

then ultimately Ladakh would

become a story to be narrated

to the future generation.

So many foreigners are

coming to Ladakh because of

the unique and beautiful cul-

ture being preserved in its

original form by the people. If

this culture faded, then no

tourism related economic

growth will take place.

Nowadays, you will find so

many Ladakhi youngsters who

are not even familiar with the

letters of Tibetan script –

which is used to write

Ladakhi.

This ongoing menace or

the cultural onslaught needs

to be curbed before it's too

late. We are still keeping very

high expectation that the gov-

ernment will extend every

possible help to preserve the

unique culture, develop the

peripheral areas and provide

basic facilities to every

Ladakhi which may instill

them with the sense to owe

their country. “truth shall pre-

vail”.

tressing need for greater awareness

regarding different sponsored Sschemes and bank loans among the

masses at grass root level, the Deputy

Commissioner of, Ajit Kumar Sahu has said

that desired results could be achieved by

implementing agencies only after educat-

ing common people properly at grass root

level. He asked the line department to

invite Bankers as and when they

holdsawareness camp in the district for cre-

ating awareness among the people about

different sponsored programme and loans

schemes, so that farmers and other con-

cerned could be acquainted about the dif-

ferent welfare scheme.

Recently Sahu chaired a meeting of

District Consultative Committee and It was told in the meeting that under District Level Review Committee to review JKSES, RS. 313.80 lacs was targeted to be credits under Action Plan 2009-10, perfor- sponsored for 175 cases during the year mance of banks in key areas related to 2009-010,out of which 126 cases have been deposits advances priority sector lending finalized and disbursed Rs. 306.81 lacs up to for the quarter ending March 2010. The rep- ending March, 2010. Similarly Rs. 36.23 lacs resentatives of various Banks and District disbursed among 15 beneficiaries under Officers of different departments of Leh PMEGP (KVIB) and Rs. 23.60 lacs disbursed district attended. among 64 beneficiaries under SGSY.

Chief Manager Lead Bank Office, Leh It was further informed that under dis-Bhardawaj gave a detail performances of trict credit plan 2009-010,the district has Banks achieved up to ending March, 2010. received an achievement of Rs.88.84 per-The meeting had threadbare review of cent as on ending March,2010. Under the SGSY/JKSES,ST,KVIB,DIC SJSRY etc with spe- plan over Rs.22 crore were provided under cial emphasis on DIR, SHGs, Kissan Credit priority sector while Rs.24 crore were pro-Cards, Women beneficiaries in general and vided under Agriculture and non-farming financial literacy in particular PMEGS etc. sector.

It was informed in the meeting that Rs The Chief Manager Lead Band Office, 8781.63 lacs have advanced under priority Leh informed in the meeting that Annual sector, Rs 126.59 lacs under Agriculture, credit plan target for the year, 2010-11 of Rs.1342.16 lacs under weaker section sec- Leh district will be the order of Rs.43 crore, tor and Rs. 470.90 lacs have been advanced of which Rs.3439.60 lcas under priority sec-under women sector respectively as on tor and Rs.860.04 lacs under non priority March 31, 2010. sector respectively.


Leh Deputy Commissioner AK Sahu asked the line department to invite Bankers as and when they holdsawareness camp in the district for creating awareness among the people about different sponsored programme and loans schemes

Bankers told to reach the masses

ladakh affairsOpinion

55

n order to take a stock of the

developmental activities and also Iredress the grievances of the people,

the Minister for Tourism and Culture

Nawang Rigzin Jora conducted a two day

tour of Durbuk block of Changthang areas in

the middle of April. Giving the different

geographical terrain of Changthang region

and the huge developmental vacuum

therein, the Minister gave full assurance to

the people of Tangtse and Durbuk that he

would try his best to convince the

Government to sanction special Sub

Division status to Durbuk Block which has

been a long pending demand of the people.

Taking serious note of the illegal

encroachments around the beautiful

Pangong Lake, the Minister Rigzin Jora

issued strict instructions to the Sub

Divisional Magistrate, Nyoma and

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh to

stop all the construction encroachments

near/around Pangong Lake hence forth so

that the natural beauty of the magnificent

lake is maintained intact.

he Leh-Srinagar Highway, after remaining closed during winter months, was reopened for heavy vehicular movement from April 22 even as the Tlight vehicles had already started plying on the road from April 17th.

A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting held in Jammu on April 18 under the chairmanship of the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather.

The meeting discussed and finalized the plan for movement of vehicles on Leh-Srinagar Highway particularly on Zojila Pass, convoy timings for smooth flow of traffic and arrangements relating to disaster management enroute the highway.

The Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Public Distribution and Transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Chairman, Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Kargil, Autonomous Hill Development Council, Tsering Dorjay and Kachoo Ahmed Ali respectively also participated in the meeting.

The meeting also approved Convoy timings according to which all the heavy vehicles shall have to cross Drass-

Gumari stretch between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. whereas the vehicles from Srinagar have to cross Sonamarg-Drass stretch between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. However there shall be no time restriction for light vehicles except during road repairing to be undertaken by the BEACON between 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The meeting also discussed a 6 months truck movement schedule based on the requisition of various departments commencing from the month of May up to September 2010. As per estimates 18300 truck trips are required to build bumper stocks of foodgrains and other essential commodities including con-struction material and fertilizers.

It was decided that the total regulation and management of traffic move-ment on the highway would be managed exclusively by the Traffic department. However, the district police, Kargil would also be associated in regulating traf-fic especially on Zojila Pass.

Mr. Rather directed the concerned departments and agencies to immedi-ately put in place adequate men and machinery to regulate traffic on the highway.

Mr. Rather also asked the District Development Commissioner, Kargil to immediately formulate and put in place a comprehensive disaster manage-ment plan including first aid facilities to meet any exigency of emergency situ-ations in the wake of routine weather vagaries on the highway. He also called for setting up of a monitoring cell at Sonamarg on the pattern of Lower Munda to oversee flow of essential commodities and quality of food grains.

Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon said that Government would explore all possibilities to install an additional weighbridge at Sonamarg to cope up with the rush of vehicles adding that as per records, about 250 to 300 trucks pass through the existing weighbridge per day. He said Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution department and Food Corporation of India have planned to complete stock-ing/dumping of foodgrains and essential commodities for 18th months as com-pared to 16 months previous year by the month of September this year.

Mr. Jora called for dumping quality timber wood to meet the requirements of the people of Leh and Kargil districts. He also called for adequate stocking of essential commodities across Ladakh region.


Jora tours remote Durbuk block of Changthang

Leh-Srinagar highway reopens

ladakh affairsOpinion

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Download - Epilogue Magazine, May 2010

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