epilogue magazine, january 2010

8/7/2019 Epilogue Magazine, January 2010

1/60JammuJany200V4suPcR3PaRNK320www.epoin

Change Jammu, Kashmir,Ladakh should expect innext decade - By Suba Chandran

FORGOTTEN HISTORYon how British Army helped

Pakistan in 1947 against India in KashmirRakesh Ankit

How Peace, Dialoguebecame keywords in lastdecade - By Rekha Chowdhary

the DECADE

in

REVIEW

NEXT DECADE

plusThe ideas for

2000

2009

P34P40 Epilogue Exclusive P46

In terms of form and content, is a model of its kind. It would bewonderful if it could find imitators, so that every state of India could have itsown informed journal showcasing its politics and culture.

Epilogue

EpilogueISSN : 0974-5653J&KS MONTHLY MAGAZINE

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

RAMCHANDRA GUHAAuthor if India After Gandhi

Anniversary Special

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Flawed War On Corruption

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Self Rule : Autonomy Plus, Azadi Minus

Killings Down From 4 Digits to 3 Digits

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Deepening Regional Divides

LoC Becoming Line of Contacts, Trade

Cut, Copy, Paste Culture

Honesty Returns to Democracy

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Great Economic Boom Change by Vote

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Epilogueb e c a u s e t h e r e i s m o r e t o k n o w

www.epilogue.in

EditorZafar Iqbal Choudhary

PublisherYogesh Pandoh

Consulting EditorD. Suba Chandran

Associate EditorsIrm Amin Baig

Tsewang Rigzin

General ManagerKartavya Pandoh

ManagerAdarsh Rattan Bali(Marketing & Advertisement)

Art EditorKeshav Sharma

Research OfficerRaman Sharma

Phones & emailOffice : +91 191 2493136subscriptions : +91 99060 27136Editorial: +91 94191 80762Administration: +91 94191 [email protected]@epilogue.in

Printed and Published byYogesh Pandoh for Epilogue

NewsCraft 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 : JKENJ/2007/26070ISN : 00974-5653Price : Rs 30

CONTENTS

Contributors to this Issue 2Prologue 3Letters 4

Exclusive StoriesThe Defiant Douglas 46Rakesh Ankit

FeaturesPut in Kashmir in your Dream... 49Manisha Shobarjani

IN FOCUS

The Decade in Review

The Decade that Changed8Jammu and Kashmir for EverZafar Choudhary

Rethinking Political31Paradigms in J&K

Nyla Ali Khan

9/11 Changed the Way World33Would Look at KashmirM Ashraf

Key Words of the Decade :34Reconciliation Dialogue, PeaceRekha Chowdhary

Terrorism has Decline, But38Peace is Still Miles AwayM Shamsur Rabb Khan

The Decade of Ahead40Jammu, Kashmir and LadakhD Suba Chandran

Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2010

Vol. 4, Issue 1www.epilogue.in Epilogue, January 2010

1


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CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE

Ankit, Rakesh; (Recent History, p46) Chowdhary, Prof Rekha;(In Focus,

is a young historian from Bihar. As a p34) is professor of Political Science

Rhodes Scholar recently he studied at the University of Jammu. A

various missing links in the making of frequent columnist with leading

Kashmir conflict. Based on his first newspapers, she has written and

hand study, he is contributing edited a number of books on politics

exclusive series to Epilogue of Jammu and Kashmir

Ashraf, M; (In Focus, p33) is a regular Khan, M Shamsur Rabb; (In Focus,

columnist on politics and current p38) works with Indian Institute of

affairs but known best for his travel Dalit Studies at New Delhi

writings. Retired as Director General

of Tourism in J&K, he runs a website Khan, Nyla Ali; (In Focus, p31) is athat features Kashmir writer and scholar and author

all his writings of (most recently) Islam, Women and

Violence in Kashmir: Between IndiaChandran, DSuba;(In Focus, p40) is and Pakistan. She is a professor of

Deputy Director at Institute of Peace English at a US University

and Conflict Studies. Author of many

books and an acclaimed expert on Sobhrajani, Manisha;(Features, p49)Kashmir and Indo-Pak relations, he is is a Delhi based independentConsulting Editor of Epilogue researcher working at various aspectsMagazine of Kashmir conflict. She divided her

time between Delhi and Jammu and

Choudhary, Zafar; (In Focus, p8) is Kashmir

Editor of Epilogue Magazine and also

Executive Editor of Early Times, daily

newspaper from Jammu

www.kashmirfirst.com

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


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From the Editor

Vol. 4, Issue 1 Epilogue, January 2010www.epilogue.in

PROLOGUE

and assess the impact they made int Epilogue, December andpublic life. If success is not an absoluteJanuary are two specialstatement, failure too is not.months every year for aTherefore, in January we repositionreason which is not veryourselves, pick up the issues we failed

Auncommon. Many in the

to deliver at last year, draw out a freshworld do almost exactly the same whatagenda and set tone for the New Year. Aswe do these months -taking stock of thewe complete one year of public servicepassing by year in December and settingpublication and prepare to step intotone for the new year in January. Yet,another year of sensible journalismwhat makes this period of the yeardevoted to social change it gives aspecial at Epilogue is the fact that itunique sense of satisfaction as also,coincides with our anniversary. The lastsometimes, some amount of discontent.month of 2009 and first month of 2010Satisfaction is about what we were ablemake all the more importance for usto do beyond our capabilities andthan any other month or period of yeardiscontent is on what we could not dodid in our three years of existence. Thisdespite a possibility. This is an honesttime, it is not just end of an year and

statement about our state of affairs andbeginning of another, it is also end of ahere is an example: This issue offers youdecade and beginning of another and ata review of the decade and this is decade of 2010s. The wishlist is not justEpilogue it becomes much morecoming to you in the month of January. wishful but is a careful sketch of whatimportant we have completed threeIdeally this should have been the we should expect and what should do toyears of our struggle with words ofDecember 2009 issue and January 2010 achieve the best in Jammu and Kashmirsanity and sense and have entered intoissue should have discussed the ways for which deserves all the best.fourth year of renewed commitment tolooking at the next decade. Refusing to While presenting this special issuesensible, secular and tolerantsleep over our failures is an important to our esteemed readers we hope thatknowledge economy in Jammu andingredient of our professional attitude. the mutual trust we exchanged overKashmir. Usually, in December weWe hate to say let bygone be bygone past three years not only remains intactmake introspection into what we did inwhen possibility of correction exists. As but also doubles in the coming years asthe year, we look at the change we tried

January issue brings to you a review of we believe that Epilogue an emergingto make and we do an audit of ourthe decade of 2000s it also reflects that institution of public trust is anperformance. The audit is not about theour makeup of failure of past is never at enterprise equally owned by each onenumber of copies of magazine we werethe cost of future. Therefore, one of its readers. Happy New Year, Happyable to sell or the space we were able tosection of this issue chronicles the New Decade and Happy Reading!book for advertisements. In fact, we sitdecades of 2000s and other section Feedback :back and take account of the issues we

[email protected] a wishlist for the forthcomingdealt with, analyse their importance

ZAFAR CHOUDHARY

Note to the Owners of Epilogue

JANUARY 2009

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ARUN JOSHI

Deputy Editor,

Hindustan Times

among the people of this state, often described in termsorld begins somewhere. It begins from here- theW of a disputed territory, nuclear flashpoint, land where we live. In this case, it is Jammu andhotbed of militancy, beautiful butKashmir. That is, from where a voyagebloodied, that there was somethingfor strategic journalism began. Threemore in it- both inside for theyears ago, Epilogue, hit stands, with

residents to see and analyze. And formany skeptical minds questioning theoutside world to view it differently.wisdom of talking in depth of the

This magazine has done that.issues, for which the readers didn'thave time to read. Undoubtedly, it is an

achievement in itself. It has givenStill ruled by the colonialsomething to all of us to feel proud of.mindset, where there is a quest toIt has infused a sense that it can belook for what West is saying about ourdone. Its editor, Zafar Choudhary, hasland, our people and our issues,set a trend, in establishing a fact thatwhether it concerned our politicalthe worldview is not in the think tanksvoices, and economic development oror journals based In Washington D C orotherwise, our farming community orLondon or Brussels. It is here too, andwater. We tend to turn to the westerneven without the help of borrowedperiodicals. And, whatever is said bymagnifying glasses and thoughts fromour people, enterprising youthful

the west J&K has its own intellectual capital. There is aminds, with fresh ideas, is seen something without merit.need to see it. The pages of Epilogue offer a plenty ofEpilogue has changed that.that.First thing first, it has generated an awareness

Epilogue is quiteinteresting andobjective source ofinformation onJammu and Kashmir.I look forward to

reading it regularly

SANJAY BARUEditor, Business Standard

(Former Media Advisor to PM)

I have found thejournal interesting.May be you need tobroaden your convasto look at what hasbeen happening in

PAK and the Northern Areas and athe solutions on offer or desiredAlso the surrounding scene - Tibet,Xinjiang, Afghanistan - the lastbeing closely linked todevelopments in J&K. And, ofcourse Pakistan

BG VERGHESE

You are doing anexcellent job

WAJAHAT HABIBULLAHChief Information Commissioner

Its editor, Zafar Choudhary, hasset a trend, in establishing a factthat the worldview is not in thethink tanks or journals based InWashington D C or London orBrussels. It is here too, and evenwithout the help of borrowedmagnifying glasses and thoughtsfrom the west J&K has its ownintellectual capital.

ON THIRD ANNIVERSARYNotes to Epilogue

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NYLA ALI KHAN

Author of Islam, Women &Violence in Kashmir

magazine that does not subscribe to myopic ide-sit miles away from home romanticizing theologies rejuvenates the mind and resuscitatesIlegendary beauty of Jammu and Kashmir; nur-the spirit. In a region which has experiencedturing nostalgia for a past that can never bearmed insurgency, resurgence of religiousrecovered in the form I was most familiar with;fundamentalisms, militant nationalism,cherishing the pervasive tranquility brought ongendered violence, increasing militarization;by my contemplation of the intricately carvedsome genuine attempts to fight for the right ofshrines, architecturally superb temples, and

self-determination of themesmerizing monasteries ofpeople of J & K; some disin-Jammu and Kashmir; filled

genuous attempts towith longing for the call ofentrench regional and reli-the mountains that beckonsgious fault lines, Epiloguethe diasporic subject tohas successfully created areturn; irate at the commu-space for the critical analy-nal, regional, and linguisticsis of nation-building, iden-divides created by destruc-tity politics, state-tive forces; experiencing asponsored violence, dis-helplessness at being unablecriminatory politics, etc.to put together the pieces ofAlthough still young,the political puzzle that con-exactly three years old,tinues to remainEpilogue is creating airresolvable; shivering at thehealthy and vibrant dis-cold-blooded manipulations

course community.of our political and bureau-Epilogue has opened up an alternativecratic machinery, I riffle through the past issues

way of negotiating the construction ofof Epilogue magazine.conflictual identities. I congratulate ZafarEpilogue voices not just politically savvyChaudhary for having undertaken a laudablebut culturally sensitive opinions as well. It pro-venture. I wish Epilogue the very best in itsvides a forum at which heterogeneity in termscommendable attempts to engage multipleof cultural, political, social, and regional ideol-voices and opinions.ogies, is fostered and encouraged. Reading a

Epilogue is creating a healthy and

vibrant discourse community.

Epilogue has opened up an

alternative way of negotiating the

construction of conflictual

identities.

ON THIRD ANNIVERSARYNotes to Epilogue

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During Earthquake Avoid

Gathering around damaged areas or buildings.

Wasting water as it will be required for fire fighting.Moving seriously hurt people.

Spreading rumours which lead to panic & worsen the situation.

It Caught Indoors

Keep calm

Stay away from glass windows, doors, almirahs, mirrors etc.

Get under a table or a study cot so that you are not hurt by falling objects.

Do not rush towards doors or staircase, which may be broken or jammed.

If You Are OutdoorsIf open space is available nearby, go there.

Keep away from tall chimneys, buildings, balconies and other projections.

Do not rush through streets; hoardings or lamps may fall on you.

Disaster Management Centre,

Divisional Commissioner Office,

Jammu (J&K)

Issued by : Department of Information, Jammu & Kashmir, Jammu

No. : DIP/J-7093/2009 Dated : 19-12-2009

EARTHQUAKE - DOS & DONTS FOR PROTECTION

Keep strong passwords and easy to remember using alphanumeric andspecial characters and more than 08 in numbers

Dont accept packages that have not been ordered and while makingpayments through credit cards online, check if the website is secure as the

card verification value (CVV) is also required and be cautious of websites thatrequire your card details before actually placing in an order.

Install antivirus, fire wall and SPAM blocking software on your P.C.

Dont keep your blue tooth open to all us as you may receiveobscene/pornographix text, images and viruses and ordinarily do not handover your mobile phone to un-authorised service centers in order to avoidcloning. Security pin code be used to avoid misuse of mobile phones.MMS/SMS received should be checked before opening the messages.

Dont get trapped while receiving e-mails from unknown destinationsdeclaring you winners of huge lottery prizes and do not reply such e-mails.

Candidates desirous of job management over seas are lured by fake e-mailsto appear in the interviews without being authorised for the same.

No. : DIP/J-7053/2009 Dated : 19-12-2009

DONT BECOME A VICTIM OF CYBER FRAUD


12/60

Vol. 4, Issue 1www.epilogue.in

related violence in last seven days. Repeating thisumming up a decade into a particularsentence thrice, Omar emphatically added, this isdefinition for a place like Jammu andfirst time ever since the inception of militancy that noKashmir is a difficult task. In this part ofone was killed in seven days in row. Omar'sworld almost everyday offers something toS statement, backed by ground inputs from differentwrite about, something to record. For us inagencies, became news worth reporting. It really wasthe news business there is no dearth of takes. But thean exception to the order even though the statementcourse of reporting news, its contours and process ofwas made in the times when number of killings ininterpretation is changing. Those who have beenmilitant violence has come down from some 3000reading Jammu and Kashmir in the press may recall

plus in year 2000 to 300 plus in 2009.that mid 1990s newspaper headline of a Kashmirijournalist Yusuf Jameel's report which read: no one

was killed today. No killing reported from any part

of the state in given news cycle of 24 hours made it a

news simply because that was unprecedented, off the

routine and something happening first time in several

years. Completing his 50 days in office, then Chief

Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad claimed on December 22,

2005: no custodial death or disappearance was

reported from anywhere in state in last 50 daysthis

is first time ever since 1989 (when militancy broke

out) that not even a single incident of violation of

human rights was reported in 50 days straight.Azad's claim, though contested by human rights

activists, was an exception to the order. Let's trust

him. If 50-day period was an exception then the order

must have remained horrible. It really was. Most

recently, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on

December 5, there has been no killing in militancy

The Decade that ChangedJammu and Kashmir for Ever

Epilogue, January 2010

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Vol.4,Issue1,JANUARY2010

The Decade in Review IN FOCUS

ZAFAR CHOUDHARY

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A new chapter the mindset the way people would ing the militant training camps and

think, look at the issues and apply launch pads, discussions veered aroundThe whole story is changing in

approaches to their resolution have the market supply and demand scenarioJammu and Kashmir and decline in mili-

gone through massive change. The of groceries. In times of price escala-tant violence is not the only difference

desired change is though yet to come. tions how much onions and coconut ker-being made here. It is said that events

nels they were able to import fromdon't make history but catastrophes do. Every event important than previous

Jammu and Kashmir in exchange ofBut for October 2005 earthquake, there As following pages give youmoong daal and peshawari sandalwas absolutely nothing catastrophic in glimpses of some important develop-became the dominant talk and not theJammu and Kashmir in 2000s still this ments and events of the decade, italleged discourse of pushing grenadesdecade can be seen as most momentous becomes pretty difficult to vote anyand assault rifles. Militancy has not diedof all, may be in the post 1947 period, event lesser important than the other.and so is the case with support it getsfor a long list of reasons. There were For example, on November 11, 2004from Pakistani side but the decade ofslow processes which culminated into when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh2000s has at least changed the meaningbig changes. Worst part of our story is announced a small cut in militaryof Line of Control. People prefer muchthat Jammu and Kashmir has always strength in Jammu and Kashmir (by a

to call it line of contact.been best known for the conflict within very negligible number out of totalitself for over a century and a half. Post- Modified tones, tenorsnumerical strength), the analysts and

1947 phase only renewed the conflict Thundering voice of National

and redefined the parties outside its Conference leader Dr Farooq Abdullah is

territory and reversed the poles of con- still fresh in ears as he would, in earlier

flict within. Looking down at past years of the decade, pitch for bombing

decades of redefined conflict and then of Pakistan and its administered

analyzing the developments through Kashmir where the terrorist camps

each year and each decade, the decade allegedly thrived. He would often

of 2000s arguably becomes the most threaten breaking necks of separatist

momentous of them all. Ten years have leaders and putting them behind bars

changed the course of history even for being agents of Pakistan. Not more

though its basic elements remain the than five years later, his son Omar's visit

same. The biggest change has been in to Pakistan, his photographs withPakistan President General Pervezscene watchers billed the moveMusharraf placed in the local press andas biggest confidence buildingappeals to the Prime Minister of Indiameasure of the century. Monthsfor considering the proposals coming inlater when first post-partitionfrom Pakistan became a new politicalpassenger bus was flagged offstatement to live with in Kashmir.from Srinagar for MuzaffarabadThough it was a counter of the Peoplescapital of Pakistan administeredDemocratic Party which had already leftKashmir on April 7, 2005, thethe separatists with hardly anything toscene observers described thetalk about which it didn't, Nationalmove as mother of all confidenceConference stepped into new politicalbuilding measures. In Octoberrealities. Between their frequent visits2009, when trucks load of goodsto Islamabad, widely televised meetingswere sent rolling down betweenwith Pakistani leaders, campaign fortwo divided parts of Jammu andwithdrawal of troops from civilian areasKashmir, the meaning of Line ofand strong demands for making JammuControl, keeping even the bloodand Kashmir fully autonomous, Omarrelations apart, further changed.and Mehbooba Mufti came to representIn Pakistan administereda new shade of separatist politics whichKashmir, always accused of hous-

IN FOCUS

In times of price escalations how

much onions and coconut kernels

they were able to import from

Jammu and Kashmir in exchange of

moong daal and peshawari sandal

became the dominant talk and not

the alleged discourse of pushing

grenades and assault rifles.


Vol. 4, Issue 1 Epilogue, January 2010www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 1www.epilogue.in

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Vol.3,Issue12,DECEMBER

2009

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Vol. 4, Issue 1 Epilogue, January 2010www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 1www.epilogue.in

the end of last decade of last century rift that had been created between

but it was in 2002 that it arrived at the regions and communities over the

scene as a political party with a well years. The worst part of the story

defined manifesto and a viable regional remains that the political parties played

alternate of the National Conference. their typical regional and religious cards

PDP ruled for three years but carved out to secure the vote bank in view of ensu-

a role for decades. Credit goes to Muftis ing assembly elections. It was perhaps

and their PDP for making politics com- the announcement of elections that dis-

petitive as it was proved in subsequent

elections of 2004 (Parliament), 2008

(State Assembly) and 2009 (again

Parliament). The Congress which ruled

the state directly or through NC leaders

controlled by it for over a quarter cen-

tury till being in 1987 for unholy elec-

toral practices in partnership with NC,again resurrected the lost ground in

2000s and ensured that it continued toworked within the four walls of Indian

have a role for many years. While NCconstitution. There is a new political

and PDP become the ace regional com-positioning breaking far from the past.

petitors, this decade made Congress aIn past the Kashmiri leaders, even

key holder to the power enjoyed a stintSheikh Mohammad Abdullah, became

with PDP, is doing so with NC and is likelysymbols of hate in Kashmir when they

to share power for many years aswere darlings of Delhi. And when they tracted attention from the street bat-regional parties cut their roles to spe-talked about aspirations of Kashmiris, tles that had become order of the day.cific constituencies due to sharpeningDelhi put them in jails for years. Summer of 2008 will be remembered inregional political temperaments.Therefore, the decade of 2000s pro- history as worst time of decades in

Deepened regional dividesduced leaders which had equal accept- Jammu and Kashmir.Amidst the innumerable highability both in Kashmir in New Delhi. For

points of the decade, the lowestbeing pro-Kashmir now it is not neces-remained the widening schismsarily required to be anti-Delhi and vicebetween regions, an enlargingversa. New emerging leaders likedeficit of trust and practice ofMehbooba and Omar have proved thispolitics on religion under thewell.garb of regions. Amaranth landWidened democratic spacerow of 2008 just came as a trigger

For 50 years people in Jammu andto burst the bottled up regional

Kashmir did not have choice to make onanger of Jammu against Kashmir

who should rule them. Elections wereand Kashmir against Jammu. At

either rigged and governments wereone point of time state appeared

fixed up or in other circumstances peo-at the brink of collapse but the

ple had to make choice between resilient spirit of a saner major-National Conference and Congress theity defeated the biggest post-

unpredictable role switchers. There1947 communal challenge. It was

was no third option, no competitive poli-first time in several decades that

tics and very little space for democracy.religion came out of the usual

The decade of 2000s changed the scene.garb of regional discontent to

Peoples Democratic Party of Muftitell its story louder and show the

Mohammad Sayeed had born towards


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Vol.3,Issue11,NOVEMBER

2009

IN FOCUS

In past the Kashmiri leaders, even

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah,

became symbols of hate in Kashmir

when they were darlings of Delhi.

And when they talked about

aspirations of Kashmiris, Delhi put

them in jails for years. Therefore,

the decade of 2000s produced

leaders which had equal

acceptability both in Kashmir in

New Delhi. For being pro-Kashmir

now it is not necessarily required to

be anti-Delhi and vice versa

At one point of time state appeared

at the brink of collapse but the

resilient spirit of a saner majority

defeated the biggest post-1947

communal challenge. It was first

time in several decades thatreligion came out of the usual garb

of regional discontent to tell its

story louder and show the rift that

had been created between regions

and communities over the years.


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election in Jammu andn his Independence Day address toKashmir was held inthe nation from ramparts of RedI transparent manner in trueFort, on August 15, 2002, when Primespirits of democracy. This isMinister Atal Behari Vajpayee promisedwhere India suffered anfree and fair elections in Jammu andimage problem globally. ItsKashmir, it meant a lot not only for theis no secret that Congressupcoming assembly elections later sameof the Nehru-Gandhis andyear but also for the history of KashmirNational Conference of theissue, the way it was to be defined inAbdullahs of Kashmirfuture and the approaches to its

entered into a joint projectresolution.Omar's loss in Ganderbal constituencyto blatantly rig the 1987 elections. ItThere has been dispute in Kashmiris like me being thrown out of Jamiawas this electoral blunder whichand over Kashmir involving the peopleMasjid. Separatists had nothing sayproduced people like Syed Slahuddin,of Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi andabout credibility of elections beyondthe chairman of United Jehad CouncilIslamabad but it remained a politicalthat.and Mohammad Yasin Malik, the leadermovement till 1988-89. The breakout of

It was first time ever in the historyof JK Liberation Front.militant violence and an aggressiveof Jammu and Kashmir that there was aThe rigged assembly had soon to goseparatist campaign for independencechange of regime by vote. Till 2002, J&Kand for next six years possibility ofof Kashmir or right to self determinationsaw governments of the Nationalelections could not arise. 1996 electionsstems out from the corrupt electoralConference and the Congress atwhich returned National Conferencepractices touching all time high in 1987.different intervals but the change ofwith two-thirds majority were againstThere is hardly anyone inside or outsideregime always came from New Delhi and

seen as rigged by the Indian forces tothe state who can testify that any not from the peoples. 2002 electionsinstall a government of their choice.restored public faith in the institutionsVajpayee's promise of 2002 was,of democracy. If 1987 elections sowedtherefore, a defining moment.dissent which burst into armedElections held in August-rebellion, the 2002 elections reiteratedSeptember same years came tothat there was space for democraticbe internationally recognized asmeans. It proved to be the tried andfairest and freest possible. Andtested formula of democracy that 2002there were enough proofs of thewas the last year since 1989 thatt r a n s p a r e n c y . N a t i o n a lregistered upward trend in militantConference was reduced to justviolence. An all time high of 450728 seats from 58 in the House offatalities (including civilians, security87 it won in 1996. As the resultsforces and militants) were recorded inconfirmed defeat of NC's Chief2001, which dropped to 3022 in 2002,Ministerial candidate Omar2542 in 2003 and around 370 in 2009.Abdullah in the constituency

The honest practice of democracyloved, nourished and won by hisresulted not only in decline in militancygrandfather and father, thebut also attracted the non-believer inHurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umarelections. There is little to doubt thatFarooq reacted by saying:

DEMOCRACY

Change by Vote, Vote by Change

IN FOCUS

RESULT 2008 2002

National Conference 28 28

PDP 21 16

Congress 17 20

BJP 11 01

Panthers Party 03 04

Others 07 18

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elections, per se, are not a resolution of

the Kashmir issue, but the wideningdemocratic space, of course, offers a

way of negotiations that serves the

interest of peoples.

It was the confidence restored in

2002 that the subsequent elections in

2004 (Indian Parliament), 2008 (State

Assembly) and 2009 (again Indian

Parliament) saw an increasing voter

participation and many separatists

crossing fence to join the mainstream

ranks. In our editorial opinion 2002

elections were the biggest confidencebuilding measure setting into motion

the Kashmir peace process.

IN FOCUS

43.69% of the total electorate cast

their votes in 2002 assembly

elections, which were regarded asfairest and freest of the history.

This election restored peoples trust

in democracy. Participation

improved in 2008 assembly

elections in which 61.49% of the

electorate cast their votes. 21.67% of

total electorates of Srinagar district

voted in 2008 elections where 2002

turnout was mere 05.13%

here are different perspective and different ways of looking at it. If

1990s was the decade of violence, 2000s was for the end of it.TThough 2001 accounted for highest annual killings ever in militancyrelated violence since 1989 but that was the last year which saw an upward

trend in violence. Experts point to many reasons international pressure on

Pakistan following 9/11 US attacks, crackdown on militants and terrorists

as also on the their training and funding as part of global war against terror,

security forces adopting a proactive approach, New Delhi and Islamabad

engaging into peace process and so on and so forth. Well reasoned and the

strongest of all opinions, however, is that the transparent elections of 2002

restored public faith in democracy and therefore reduced space for

dissent on which militancy thrived. Year 2000 accounted for 3288 killings

(including civilians, security forces and militants). There was sudden jump

of around 1500 fatalities in 2001 which accounted for 4507 killing but that

was the last highest figure. In 2002, annual fatalities in militant violence

dropped to 3022 and in 2003 the figure was 2542. 2006 was the last year of

four digit killings which recorded 1116 fatalities and the graph of militant

violence further dropped to 777 in 2007, 551 in 2008 and little over 370 in

2009 (till third week of December).

VIOLENCE :

4 Digit Killings in 2000,3 Digits in 2009

June 16, 2006 : A woman lieutenant of the Indian Army,

commissioned just 10 months ago, commits suicide by shooting

herself in Udhampur, headquarters of the army's Northern

Command, apparently because she was dissatisfied and

unhappy with her job. Lt. Susmita Chakraborthy of the 5071

Army Service Corps (ASC) Battalion did not leave any suicide

note. She had undergone four psychiatric counselling sessions inMarch, army authorities in New Delhi said. She is the first

woman officer of Indian Army to commit suicide. Army and

police officials in Udhampur said the 25 year old officer went to

the officer's mess near her official quarters Thursday evening

and asked the sentry for his rifle as she wanted to get

photographed with it. The unsuspecting sentry handed his

weapon and, within moments, Chakraborthy shot herself with it.

First Suicide by Woman Soldier

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brigade, he found himself amidst quitehen Mufti Mohammad Sayeed,familiar audience.along with his daughter

Between 1999 and 2002 Mufti andWMehbooba, former Ministerhis daughter Mehbooba became yetGhulam Hassan Mir and Supreme Courtanother definition of political patience.lawyer Muzaffar Hussain Baig launchedAt many places they addressed publichis Peoples Democratic Party in 1999 themeetings ranging from 90 minutes topolitical beings made quite fun of him.120 minutes where not more than 100But there was one man who took Muftiheads formed the audience. They wentand his party bit too seriously noneon with the popular slogan of replacing

other than the then Chief Minister Dr gun with dialogue. While theyFarooq Abdullah. National Conferenceaddressed Delhi in harshest words forhad two-thirds majority in theover presence of guns in the state, atLegislative Assembly and Mufti hadthe same time they made ferventhardly any crowd puller on his side.appeals to the militants to out downNeither had he had any infrastructuretheir rifles for sometime to pave way fornor organisation. Farooq would stillthe dialogue. PDP suffered thereact to every statement of Muftiallegations of being a creation of Newappearing in the press. Many tookDelhi but then people increasinglyFarooq's outbursts as his personalstarted seeing it as a viable regionaldisliking for the Mufti. The apparentlypolitical alternate, an alternate for theresource-less Mufti was perhaps gettingNational Conference, a democratichalf of his work done by Farooq at no

tens of thousands of peoples Farooq space for expression of dissent.cost. In his public meetings attended bywould go on lashing out against No ve mb er 2 00 2 be ca me a

Muftis for hours. It was an historical milestone in Jammu and

unintended dividend for Mufti Kashmir when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

he and his party were being took over as firs t non-National

introduced to the people by none Con ference, non -Congress Chief

less than Farooq Abdullah. He Minister. His party had campaigned for

was getting introduced to a wide free and fair elections and in 2002 it was

range of audience who started change in regime by vote. PDP could not

taking him seriously for the regain power in 2008 but its presence at

seamless criticism coming in the political scene of Jammu and

from the most powerful person in Kashmir has fulfilled and important

the state. When Mufti revisited ingredient in the democratic spacethe areas visited by Farooq where people have choices to make.

SECOND OPTION

PDP : The Regional Alternate

IN FOCUS

The apparently resource-less Mufti

was perhaps getting half of his

work done by Farooq at no cost. In

his public meetings attended by

tens of thousands of peoples Farooq

would go on lashing out against

Muftis for hours. It was an

unintended dividend for Mufti heand his party were being

introduced to the people by none

less than Farooq Abdullah. He was

getting introduced to a wide range

of audience who started taking him

seriously for the seamless criticism

coming in from the most powerful

person in the state.

2003, November 26: India agrees to a Pakistani offer of acease-fire along their borders along Jammu and Kashmir. Thecease-fire goes into effect the same day and remainsoperational to date.

The Long Lasting Ceasefire

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n June 2001, the National

Conference cadres from all nooksIand corners of the state poured intoSrinagar City the summer capital of

Jammu and Kashmir for a mega event

crowning of Omar Abdullah, 30, as

President of the party. The baton was

being passed on from father, Farooq, to

son. In almost similar fashion Farooq

had inherited the charge of party affairs

from Omar's grandfather Sheikh

Mohammad Abdullah. As Sheikh was

popularly known almost all his life as

Sher-e-Kashmir (the Lion of Kashmir),

critics mocked Omar as Cub-e-Kashmir.

Farooq was then State Chief Minister

and Omar a Member of Parliament and

also a Junior Minister in central

government of the BJP headed by Atal thorns in it. First challenge: how to take future. But in his life time Sheikh putBehari Vajpayee. It was all too much too along the senior leaders of party. There them behind son Farooq and they had toearly for Omar but the task ahead was were people like Mohammad Shafi Uri follow. Expectations were bit real to

gigantic. Inheriting a powerful legacy and Abdul Rahim Rather who worked take charge from Farooq but then it waswas bit natural but the crown had many with Sheikh and hopes to share charge in Omar's turn to deliver. All these

IN FOCUS

CUB-E-KASHMIR

Arrival of 3rd Generation Abdullah2002 elections came in as lowest point

in Omar's political career. Not only that

his party National Conference had to

fall down from grace, he himself lost

his election in the constituency where

his grandfather and father won many

elections without even campaigning.

There was nothing to explain this

embarrassing loss. Before critics

declared Omar a dud and his party the

story of past, the Cub-e-Kashmir proved

that he had the capacity to build upon

the qualities of Sher-e-Kashmir. He

resigned as Minister of State in

Vajpayee government to send a signal

that all was not over and it was the

time to prepare for challenges of future

October 4, 2004 : In an unprecedented development largelyseen as a big boost to the confidence building measures betweenIndia and Pakistan, a group of 18 Pakistani journalists reachedJammu the winter Capital of Jammu and Kashmir, on October 4,2004. The journalists crossed over the Wagah border where theirIndian counterparts received them with open arms. Thedelegation, part of a process to throw open people to people

contacts on both sides of the divide, travelled to Jammu andSrinagar under the aegis of South Asia Free Media Association(SAFMA). This was the first such visit since India and Pakistangained independence from Britian in 1947. It followed pledgesfrom both countries to ease visa restrictions. The journalists saidthey wanted an objective look at the situation in the disputedregion. They held interactions with scribes in Jammu andSrinagar, met top government officials, separatist leaders andother groups during their visit.

Pak Scribes in J&K

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discussions of dissent, however, disgruntled leaders who lost elections re po si ti on ed hi s s tr at eg y a nd

remained confined to the backrooms but also two sitting legislators left party refurbished the ideology. The stands of

and some newspaper stories attributed to join the ruling camp mainly Peoples ho t pu rsui ts and tough armed

to unnamed sources. In a matter of time Democratic Party which was briefly operations as taken by his father

all rallied behind Omar. The first being seen as a complete replacement Farooq in earlier years of 2000s were

challenge was handled well. 2002 project for the National Conference. not only done away with but also the

elections came in as lowest point in 2004 Lok Sabha elections did not hold Abdullah junior embarked on a apology

Omar's political career. Omar was the much promise for Omar's party. NC seeking campaign. Admitting that NC

Chief Ministerial candidate of the party. could win only two of the six Lok Sabha made mistakes in past, Omar delved and

Not only that his party National seats. Then started appearing signs of built on the slogans that went well with

Conference had to fall down from rift within the grand Abdullah family popular emotions in Kashmir Valley.

grace, he himself lost his election in the and emergence of to well defined With some intelligent rephrasing, he

constituency where his grandfather and lobbies one loyal to Omar and other to started talking in the language of the

father won many elections without even father Farooq. The Peoples Democratic moderate Hurriyat and the PDP. From

campaigning. There was nothing to Party, which had already left the being pushed into oblivion he was back

explain this embarrassing loss. Before separatists grappling for slogans, had into competition. That is the story ofcritics declared Omar a dud and his already struck and emotional note with political survival of Omar Abdullah.

party the story of past, the Cub-e- the Kashmiris and often there were Though his party did not make any

Kashmir proved that he had the capacity designs to push the Abdullah party to improvements in 2008 elections over

to build upon the qualities of Sher-e- brink. their 2002 performance but Omar's

Kashmir. He resigned as Minister of survival instincts earned him some trustBetween 2004 and 2008 Omar

State in Vajpayee government to send a of New Delhi and Congress thoughtshuttled frequently between New Delhi,

signal that all was not over and it was Omar must get an opportunity toSrinagar and Jammu and struggled hard

the time to prepare for challenges of deliver. From his grandfather's grandsonto resurrect the lost ground but there

future. While out of power it is a in 2000 to Chief Minister in 2009, forwere no impressive signs of gains.

difficult task to hold the flock together. Omar this was the decade of his arrivalTowards 2006 through 2008, Omar

This challenge was really daunting for on political scene of Jammu andseemed to have learnt a lesson on what

Omar. One after the other, not only the Kashmir.was now selling well in Kashmir. He


November 19, 2000 : Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayeeannounces that security forces will suspend combat operations

against militants in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy monthof Ramadan. Ceasefire offer earns Vajpayee wide accolades. The

ceasefire, frequently opposed and sabotaged by militants bymassive strikes as also by security forces by crackdowns, is

extended periodically for next six months. However, on May 23,2001, taking all by surprise, New Delhi abruptly ends the six

month old ceasefire with the militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

While ordering to renew its operations, India invites PakistanPresident General Pervez Musharraf for summit level talks withthe Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee at Agra. GeneralPervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee meet

in Agra on July 14, 2001, for a three-day summit but the talksfail to produce a joint statement on Kashmir. In a media coup

taking Indian establishment unaware, Musharraf indirectlyblames Advani for failure in arriving at a joint statement on

Kashmir.

Internal Ceasefire

IN FOCUS

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Therefore, the NC contested 1996 assembly elections on plankor over half a century, there have been a dozen and halfof Greater Autonomy and claimed that its landslide victory wasformulas and proposals for resolution of Kashmir issue.F an endorsement of autonomy agenda. Vajpayee governmentSome floated by political groups and think-tanks othersasked NC to get autonomy demand stamped by legislaturebased on conflict resolution models applied in different partswhich Farooq Abdullah did through an assembly resolution inof world. And Greater Autonomy proposal of the National

2001. New Delhi took the last call byConference, of course, remained the indig-rejecting autonomy demand outrightly.enous and most popular of them all.There was some resentment, largely unex-Drafted and redrafted, designed and rede-pressed, in NC camp but appeared thatsigned at different stages, the GreaterAutonomy formula's epitaph has been writ-Autonomy proposal became highest talkingten. Party did not make it a poll plank inpoint of the times in mid 1990s when2002 elections.National Conference leader Dr Farooq

It was towards the end of 2005 that aAbdullah set it as a pre-condition before

new formula arrived at the politicalNew Delhi for participating in the assemblyscene. General Pervez Musharraf ofelections which India was keen to conductPakistan floated the idea of 'self rule'. Into set its democracy record in Kashmir

less than a month Peoples Democratic Party picked it up as itsstraight after half decade of Governor/ President's rule. Prime

agenda for resolution of Kashmir issue addressing both inter-Minister Narasimha Rao hinted at even going beyond autonomynal and external dimensions. Initially there was some criticismwhen he made his famous statement of 'sky is the limit', fromof PDP for what peopled called as toeing Pakistan's line for itsBurkina Faso where he was visiting at that moment. Rao's suc-political survival. The PDP, however, made self rule as its corecessor HD Deve Gowda assured consideration of Autonomy

political manifesto and started working at its various contours.report but wanted Farooq's party to contest elections first.

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IN FOCUS

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Self-Rule : AutonomyPlus, Azadi Minus

Other formulas often discussed for

resolution of Kashmir issue are:Kashmir Study Group's KSG-I and KSG-

II, South Tyrole Formula, Good Friday

Agreement, Mirwaiz's Farooq's United

States of Kashmir, IDP's Kashmir

Condominium Proposal, Bhim Singh's

Reorganisation Suggestion.

June 2, 2005 : In a historical development, a nine memberdelegation of Kashmiri separatist leaders, mostly from moderatefaction of All Party Hurriyat Conference, reach Muzaffarabadthe capital of Pakistan administered Kashmir. The delegationheaded by Awami Action Committee chief and APHC leaderMirwaiz Umar Farooq left Srinagar in the Karwan-e-Aman busservice linking two parts of divided Kashmir. They neither used

the Indian passport or Pakistani visa for the travel. The groupscrossed into Pakistan administered Kashmir from the Chakothicheck point on the Line of Control to receive an officialreception and a popular welcome on a 63km route to the statecapital Muzaffarabad. The visit, first to Pakistan administeredKashmir and Pakistan by the separatist political leadership ofKashmir, is in response to an invitation from President PervezMusharaf. But the invitation was declined by the radical APHCgroup headed by Syed Ali Geelani because of his opposition tothe trans-Kashmir bus service.

When Separatists took theCross-LoC Bus to Muzaffarabad


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Experts believe that self rule proposal has blessings of both

New Delhi and Islamabad after discussions at diplomatic

level. In 2006 General Musharraf said that a document on self

rule prepared at 'New Delhi desks' was handed over to him by

JN Dixit, a former diplomat and an aide in Prime Minister

Manmohan Singh's office. Self rule calls for a semi-sovereign

state of Jammu and Kashmir with no redrawing of borders,

fullest autonomy for regions and formation of regional coun-

cils. PDP launched its version of self rule document at the eve

of 2008 elections and made it a part of its poll manifesto.

Incidentally, in 2008 elections the National Conference

talked more about employment and welfare schemes made

just passing reference to its Greater Autonomy proposal.

Seen as something 'autonomy plus' and 'independence minus',

the self rule proposal emerged a major political milestone of

the decade. National Conference has indicated that it is will-

ing to accept formula which is accepted to the people of

Jammu and Kashmir. This may have been political compulsion

of NC for being in ruling arrangement with the Congress but

the fact remains that self rule proposal has left very little

even for the separatists to propose as a solution which can be

acceptable to all parties engaged with some climbing up and

some climbing down. The best thing about self rule formula is

that it has been put to public discussions. PDP has been hold-

ing a series of discussions and seminars since 2006 explaining

to people broader contours of the proposal and seeking their

feedback. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was handed

over a copy of self rule document in 2008, said in October

2009 that proposals like self rule and autonomy were worth

discussion.

IN FOCUS

Congress as

HindutvasAgent of Change

he 1996 assembly elections returned Congress and

BJP as two opposition parties with almost equalThonours. Congress bagged eight seats and BJP sevenbut the former's tally was later reduced by one when

Mehbooba Mufti resigned to launch Peoples Democratic

Party with her father. In Jammu region, the Congress andBJP are seen as each other's competitors. The competition

is not limited to just the number of seats they bag but it

goes beyond it. Ludicrous but true both parties pursue

almost same agenda of regional chauvinism, ultra

nationalism and Hindutva. The only different in their

approach is, if there is any, that Congress goes little soft

and packages the BJP agenda in pseudo-secular attire. In

the decade of 2000s it went a step ahead of BJP to

trivialize and regionalize the politics. Perhaps it was first

time in the post-independence history of India that a

national and secular party like Congress stooped

dangerously low to divide the state within the state on a

regional-emotional plank for winning an election.Congress placed its 2002 assembly election campaign

around the theme that it was for giving Jammu region its

first Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, a Kashmiri speaking

Muslim born in Doda district which is a part of Jammu

region. Congress focused its entire energies in Jammu and

its leaders did not travel much in Kashmir Valley. On

campaign trail, the Congress left hardly anything for the

BJP to talk to its audience. It talked of regional

empowerment of Jammu region and campaigned for an

end to political dominance of Kashmir. It won the

election but lost ground to the BJP and other forces of

Hindutva. Congress bagged 15 seats from Jammu region

and 5 from Kashmir while BJP ended up with just singleseat. Congress was back in power arrangement (in

partnership with PDP) after 20 years. The PDP had an

obvious Kashmir centric agenda which gave the BJP and

allied forces to bash Congress on its promised

empowerment of Jammu region. In November 2005

Ghulam Nabi Azad took over office from Muftin bis ee ls

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Vol. 4, Issue 1 Epilogue, January 2010www.epilogue.in Epilogue, January 2010

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Vol.3,Issue3,MARCH

2009

April 13, 2005

: 21 years after

initiation of this

project by them

Prime MinisterIndira Gandhi,

Prime Minister

Manmohan

Singh flagged

off on April 13

2005, the

Jammu-

Udhampur

train, which promises to bring the rest of the country closer to

the state. The train is named as Utter Samparak Kranti Express.

After flagging off the train in Jammu the Prime Minster says, I

feel very happy to be flagging off the train on this particularroute. The train was thought of by Indira Gandhi in 1984. With

this, Kashmir's connectivity with the rest of the country will be

strengthened.The Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav said at the event that

work is apace for timely completion of prestigious Rs. 7000

crore Udhampur-Katra-Qazigund-Baramulla railway line by way

of accelerating the work on this national project simultaneously

at various stages of the three phase project.

Udhampur on National Rail Map

region. Jammu got the Chief Minister indepe nde nts and lat er joi ned

and Congress power but in the process Congre ss in 2004 as ass oci ate

they perhaps did not realize the members. Six other winners were the

amount of damage they had done to new faces who defeated the NC

the state politics. Realities backfired ca nd i da te s or i nd ep e nd en ts .

on the Congress in the summer of 2008 Therefore, only three of the 15 from

when not only had to loose the power Congress' class of 2002 could make to

in a humiliating manner but also the 2008 assembly. Eight of the 11

con cede ground to rig ht wing seats won by BJP in 2008 were held by

organizations on the Amarnath land Congress in 2002 elections. Many

row. It was the regional empowerment suggest that BJP enjoyed the gains

and Duggar identity project of of Amarnath land row but the fact of

Congress conceived and executed in the matter is that it was Congress

early 2000s which did it in towards the which helped BJP by campaigning for

end of the decade. BJP's tally jumped its agenda over many areas. These

from one seat in 2002 to 11 in 2008 ten years can well be remembered asassembly elections. Congress tally in a decade which Congress gifted to

Jammu region dropped from 15 to 13 BJP; it did what the BJP or itsMohammad Sayeed to become first

but three among the winners were previous avatars could not do overever Chief Minister from Jammu

those who won 2002 elections as decades.

In last ten years Congress has done to

Jammu and Kashmir politics what

saffron brigade could not do even at the

height of its communal campaigns.

Instead of addressing the genuine

grievances of regional imbalance,

Congress projected the case of Jammu

region as a victim of half-century

dominance of Kashmiri Muslims. This

regional model of politics which

projected the regional heroes and

symbols invited a backlash from

Kashmir and threw regions and

communities apart. Amarnath land row

was perhaps culmination of this

politics.

IN FOCUSThe Decade in Review

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oncentration of troops in Jammu and Kashmir has been

a continuous process since 1947 but reduction in theirCnumbers was something unheard of when this historicdevelopment took place in 2004. months after Congress led

United Progressive Alliance government took over at Center,

Prime Minister Manmohan planned his first to Jammu and

Kashmir in November when state was eagerly looking towards

Delhi for its new Kashmir policy.In what could be described as biggest confidence building

measure of the century, the Central Government announced a has decided to reduce the deployment of troops this winter.cut in troop deployment in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision While deployment details are never officially confirmed, it iswas announced on November 11 after a meeting of Cabinet widely alleged that around two-thirds of India's total Army andCommittee on security. While a demand for troop cut had been paramilitary troopers are stationed in Jammu and Kashmirthe most popular in Kashmir, of late Pakistan too started asking which is a bad publicity internationally.India for this as a confidence building measure to push the Following Government of India's historic decision, anpeace process. The announcement, a fresh initiative to push estimated 3000 Army soldiers moved out of Jammu andforward a peace process with Kashmiri separatists as well as Kashmir on November 20, 2004. This was first time ever (atwith Pakistan, comes a week ahead of Prime Minister least since 1989) that any number of troops was moved out ofManmohan Singh's scheduled visit to Jammu and Kashmir. In a Jammu and Kashmir. Around 3,000 troops of three different

statement in this context, a government spokesman says, in army units involved in counter-terrorism operations have beenrecognition of the improvement of the state, the government de-inducted from the border district of Rajouri, this is what a

Defence spokesman said that day.

The process in small periodic cuts in the number of troops

continued the following years. Most recently Defence Minister

AK Antony told the Parliament in December 2009 that 30,000

troops have recently been moved out of Jammu and Kashmir

FIRST TIME, PERHAPS, SINCE 1947

New Delhi CutsTroops Strength

The Army units would now be judged

not by the number of militants they kill

but by how successful they are in

winning hearts and minds of people

around themArmy Chief Gen JJ Singh,

February 1, 2005

IN FOCUS

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Vol.3,Issue2,FEBRUARY

2009

December 29, 2005 : The State Legislative Assembly

approves a constitutional amendment bill unanimously

with more than two-third majority curbing defectionsfrom a political party and restricting strength of the

Ministry to 20 percent of total strength of both Houses

of Legislature. Jammu and Kashmir has 89 member

legislative assembly (including two nominated and

members) 36 members legislative council making

combine strength of both houses 125. With the passage

of this bill the total strength of ministry is caped at 25.

Ministry Strength Capped at 25


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Mufti government went after theesolving Kashmir issue throughalleged corrupt officials and terminatedpolitical dialogue instead ofsome 60 of them in batches of 20 each.Rmilitary means gave the PeoplesThe highest point in Mufti government'sDemocratic Party a mass appeal inwar against corruption was a caseKashmir Valley, it was its campaignthrough Vigilance Organisation against aagainst corruption in public life thattop bureaucrat Ajit Kumar. Casehelped Muftis overthrow Nationalpertained to purchase of jute mats forConference and clinch the seat ofschools during National Conferencepower. Since its formation in 1999, PDPregime. It was felt that governmentmade end to corruption a central themewanted to reach to some NC leadersof mass campaign. It accused Nationalthrough this case. It became such highConference government of eating intoprofile case that Ram Jethmalani camevitals of society by unbridled corruptionto defend Ajit Kumar at Jammu but hein public life. Overthrowing thecould not get any relief. Kumar wascorrupt regime of National Conferenceplaced under suspension, arrested andbecame a popular slogan. Following fewreleased on bail.highlights from the war againstGhulam Nabi Azad took over as Chiefcorruption suggest the basic flaws, lackMinister in November 2005 and declaredof will and over-politicisation of awar against corruption as his topmostmenace which continues to remain apriority. He would talk about corruptionchallenge in Jammu and Kashmir.

and the means to end it umpteenthPromise was honoured immediatelytimes a day. He dubbed almost everyoneafter coming to power in November

2002. Same month, a special session of

state legislature was convened to table family friend of Mufti Mohammada Bill for establishment of an Sayeed and retired judge ofAccountability Commission which, Supreme Court, Justice RP Sethihowever, ran into rough weather for was made its first chairman.some constitutional lacunae and lack of H o w e v e r , e v e n b e f o r econsensus. The Bill could be legislated o p e r a t i o n a l i s a t i o n o f in 2004 and sometimes later an old Accountability Commission, the

GOVERNANCE

False War Against CorruptionWhile Chief Minister Mufti

Mohammad Sayeed and his successor

Ghulam Nabi Azad declared war

against corruption as their topmost

agenda in office, the graft culture in

public offices and its symbolic

reflections touched all time high in the

decade of 2000s. Officers sacked by

Mufti on corruption charges were

rehabilitated by Azad and vice versa.

Cases were registered against Ministers

and one of them was accused of

demanding graft by a legislator in

assembly. The big ticket anti-corruption

watchdog, Accountability Commission

remained embroiled in murky

controversies before its chairman

resigned in May 2006. Commission is

headless since then. Transparency

International said in 2004 survey that

J&K is second most corrupt state in

India while its 2008 survey did not

point to any improvement.


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l.3,Issue1,JANUARY2009

May 21, 2002 : Widely respected moderate separate leaderAbdul Ghani Lone of Peoples Conference is killed by indentified

gunmen during a public meeting of Hurriyat Conference in

Srinagar. The ghastly incident, seen as a big blow to a possible

peace dialogue, happened at time when Prime Minister Atal

Behari Vajpayee was visiting Jammu and Kashmir. It was widely

believed that Lone was expected to meet the Prime Minister to

kick-start dialogue between Kashmiri separatists and New Delhi.

A Dove Shot Dead

IN FOCUSThe Decade in Review

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in the state as neck-deep in corruption and said

that the 'disease' was far more serious that he had

thought of. Amidst this din, he not only reinstated

but also specially re-designated a post to

honourably rehabilitate Ajit Kumar who was the

symbol of Mufti's war against corruption.

Meanwhile, Azad continued to fire officers in the

batches of 20s as Mufti did. One of the officers

terminated from services by Azad government

was the Director Rural Development Kashmir,

Syed Asghar Hussain. After being sacked by Azad

as part of his anti-corruption tirade, Hussain did

not have to wait much for a new role.

He was welcomed in the PDP and became

party's state secretary. Highest symbol of Azad's

war against corruption, Asghar Hussain is now aMember of the Legislative Council or the House of

Elders on PDP ticket. This is how the officers seen

corrupt by Mufti were rehabilitated by Azad and

vice versa. Another case is more interesting than

the two above. In the first list of 20 officers

sacked by Mufti government was one Jagjeet

Singh Jagga, a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

He took refuge in National Conference and

then switched over to the Bahujan Samaj Party,

contested and lost 2008 assembly elections and is

now an office bearer of the Peoples Democratic

Party.


IN FOCUS

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Vol.2,Issue12,DECEMBER

2008

Ladakhi research scholar turned bureaucrat in one of his

articles to Epilogue earlier this year argued that Ladakh hardlyAfinds any mention in the political discourse of Indian statewhich proverbially stretches from

Kashmir to Kanyakumari. If this

observation was not true, the politics

of Ladakh would have been the most

interesting media story to be followed

and discussed in the studios.

Ladakh has always craved for its sepa-ration from rest of Jammu and

Kashmir and direct association with

Union of India as a Union Territory.

This sentiment oscillated between

many zeniths and nadirs over 50 years

till the movement became most inter-

esting theater of politics in the decade

of 2000s. When Kashmir Valley was

being promised the fairest ever elec-

tion of the history, the Leh district bor-

dering China launched a stormy

revolt. All local leaders reached a con-

sensus to dissolve Ladakh units of allpolitical parties. All flags were

downed; BJP, Congress, NC et al were

taken off the Ladakh political map to

give birth to Ladakh Union Territory

Front (LUTF). The unanimity on cre-

ation of Union Territory was rare and

complete as no elections were held

there. Leh districts has two assembly

constituencies and both candidates

were sent to assembly unopposed,

uncontested. Nawang Rigzin Jora who

represented the Leh segment became

a Minister in the PDP-Congress coali-tion government. Before Rigzin and his other colleague could shout

for separation in assembly hall, Delhi and Srinagar decided to act

swiftly and smartly. In January 2003, CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

announced empowerment of Leh and Kargil districts through

Autonomous Hill Development Councils to the extent that they

became classic case of 'State within State'. The Union Territory senti-

ment not only mellowed down but also local units of political parties

Storm in

Himalayan Enclave


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Vol. 4, Issue 1 Epilogue, January 2010www.epilogue.in Epilogue, January 2010

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Vol.2,Issue11,NOVEMBER

2008

were quietly revived. Rigzin Jora later joined

Congress and said that his aim was empowerment of

the Ladakhi people and Hill Development Councilwas a major step towards that end. The LUTF stood

divided between Thupstan Chhewang (Member of

Parliament 2004-2009) and Rigzin Jora with latter

emerging much stronger and closely connected with

the Ladakhi people. Gradually Congress returned as

a dominant power in Leh and Rigzin won 2008

assembly elections the toughest ever. Interestingly,

in 2009 there came a complete about turn in Leh

when the local Congress unit wrote to the Prime

Minister asking him to clarify as why Ladakh was

being held a colony of Jammu and Kashmir for last

60 years. Second time in the decade the Union

Territory moment is once again at its highest.

IN FOCUS

Administrative Map Redrawn

8 New Districts CreatedJuly 6, 2006 : One of the most important developments of the decades

of 2000s was that it changed the administrative map of Jammu and

Kashmir. In a historical decision with far reaching political

ramifications, the Jammu and Kashmir State Cabinet headed by

Ghulam Nabi Azad approved the creation of eight new administrative

districts in the state for equitable development of all the areas. Chief

Minister Azad says, for 30 years, the recommendations of the Wazir

Commission had been hanging fire. The commission had recommended

setting up one district in Kashmir and three in the Jammu region. We

have today decided to set up eight new districts, four in the Kashmir

region and four in Jammu. The Justice Nath Wazir Commission, set

up by then Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah in the late 1970s,

had pointed out disparity in distribution of resources for the three

regions of the state and its recommendations, deemed politically

controversial, were not implemented by various governments that

came to power during the past three decades. The new districts

announced are Ganderbal (to be carved out of Srinagar), Bandopore

(to be carved out of Baramulla), Kulgam (from Anantnag) and the

Shopian hill district (from Pulwama). Thus, there would be two new

districts each in south and north Kashmir. Until 2006 there were 14

districts in the state. In the Jammu region, the new districts that came

into being are Samba (carved out of Jammu district), Kishtwar (carved

out of Doda district), Reasi (carved out of Udhampur district) and the

hill district of Ramban (also from Doda district). Cabinet also approvedthe creation of new administrative sub-divisions in the State.


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they were rendered, people lost ver ifi catilmost eight years back, shortlyinterest in the telephony. o n s ,after the beginning of newInterestingly, it was the cellular b i l l i n g s ,Acentury, Jammu and Kashmirtelephony which later emerged r e c h a r g eseemed to have been thrown back toas a biggest revolution of the coupons so on andthe Stone Age. Precisely at the timedecade in Jammu and Kashmir. In so forth. Havingwhen the worldwide web (or www) was2003, not only the long distance calls become an essentialon a fast track changing face of India,and internet services were restored but part of the life of peoples,the Vajpayee government cut thealso mobile phones were allowed to cell phone changed the profileconnections in Jammu and Kashmir.

enter Jammu and Kashmir. With then of state and it s peop le s. On lyInternet services were withdrawn andChief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed towards the end of decade, it waslong distance calls barred. Obviously onmaking the inaugural call to Prime known that more than four millionthe popular excuse of militants usingMinister through a BSNL cellphone in people in Jammu and Kashmir had atcommunication facilities, this widelyOctober 2003, the entire state was set least one cell phone connection. J&Kprotested disconnect was ordered, inringing in an unprecedented manner. has a total population of little over 11January 2002, at a time when costs andThe villages where television is yet to million. Therefore, the growth of tele-the time of getting a telephonereach, the people who can't read or density in this remote state is believedconnection were just cut and peoplewrite their own names became the cell to be one of the highest in the country.used to queue up for a connection.phone owners in following years. Moving Statistics came out at the time whenJammu and Kashmir had already beenacross the capital cities or the muffasil New Delhi repeated its 2002 arrogancekept out of the range of cell phonestownships the most prominent signs of to put a blanket ban on pre-paid cellwhich had arrived in rest of India in midbusinesses people did were reflected phone service. Government said that1990s to connect peoples and

through the signboards or billboards of service providers compromised therevolutionise businesses. Hopeless, asthe cel l phone companies. customer identity verification norms

Thousands of youths with while issuing pre-paid connections and

backgrounds of engineering or felt that militants were using them.

ma na ge me nt joi ne d the Over 38 lakh connections were

executive jobs with cell phone reported to be of pre-paid nature. This

companied and thousands more order, however, did not discourage

picked up the allied services people from staying connected. They

sales of connections, sales and are again queued up to get their

services of handsets, customer service mode changed to the post-paid.

STORY OF CHANGE

Life Goes Mobile

IN FOCUS

ee

i

LifGo

sMoble

p

n

PreaidB

aniJ&K

October, 20, 2004 : The Bharti Enterprises owned Airtelbecomes the first private telecommunication operator to launch

mobile telephony services in Jammu andKashmir. Earlier the Bharat Sanchar NigamLimited was operating the mobile service inthe state since October 2003 that was

received with a tremendous public enthusiasm underliningpeople's urge for leading a normal life as mobile service enteredJammu and Kashmir much later than it hit the country.

Airtel : First Private Mobile in J&K

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2,Issue10,OCTOBER

2008


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www.epilogue.in

2000, Feb 2: Dr. Justice B.P.th

Saraf is sworn in as 20 Chief

Justice of Jammu and Kashmir

High Court

2001, Sept 12: Justice H. K.st

Sema is sworn in as 21 Chief

Justice of Jammu and Kashmir

High Court

2002, May 5: Justice B. C. Patelnd

is sworn in as 22 Chief Justice of

Jammu and Kashmir High Court

2005, Feb 4: Justice S. N. Jha isrd

sworn in as 23 Chief Justice of


2007, Jan 25: Justice B. A. Khanth



2007, June 7: Justice Aftab Alamth



2008, Jan 7: Justice K.S.th

Radhakrishnan is sworn in as 26

Chief Justice of Jammu and

Kashmir High Court

2008, Sept 4: Justice Manmohanth

Sarin is sworn in as 27 Chief

Justice of Jammu and KashmirHigh Court

2009, Jan 3: Justice Barin Ghoshth

takes over as 28 Chief Justice of

Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

Earlier he was Judge at Patna

High Court

Change of Guard

At High Court

IN FOCUS

Regional Divide

on Propertiesof Daughters

question whether the daughters of Jammu and Kashmir married

off outside the state are entitled to have property rights eruptedAinto one of biggest political controversies of the time dividing thestate on lines of region and religion. While Kashmir Valley supported a

proposed legislation denying property rights to women marrying outside,

the Hindu majority in Jammu region termed it black law and opposed

staunchly. A discussion on Bill in the Legislative Council on March, 10 2004nearly led to collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party Congress

government. PDP wanted the Jammu and Kashmir permanent residents

(disqualification) Bill to become a law while Congress threatened to walk

out of the coalition on this issue. The Bill earlier same month passed in

the Legislative Assembly when Congress failed to take note of its

repercussions. Amidst a nationwide political fury and complete shutdown

in Jammu, the discussions on Bill in State Legislative Assembly remained

inconclusive offering a face saver to both PDP and the Congress. On June

11, 2004, the Bill lapsed as government failed to convene a session of

legislative assembly to discuss the proposed piece of law, as required

under rules, within three months after legislative council was adjourned.

The PDP, however, reiterated its commitment to the issue and vowed to

bring the Bill afresh.PDP made a renewed bid but numbers in the assembly did not

favour it. On August

27, 2004, the

controversial Jammu

and Kashmir

permanent residents

(disqualification) Bill

fell on the floor of

the legislative

assembly, as

Congress the major

partner in the

ruling alliancevoted against the

Bill. The Bill was

finally buried after

it got only 47

votes, falling 12

short of the needed

number.


Vol. 4, Issue 1 Epilogue, January 2010Epilogue, January 2010

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Vol.2,Issue9,SEPTEMBER

2008

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Rs. 24,000 Crore

and Moreike Dr C Rangarajan, the former Governor of Reserve Bank of India, many

believe that route to recovery in Jammu and Kashmir can partly be takenLthrough economic development. As the decade of 2000s saw impressivedecline in militant violence, it was the economic boom unleashed in all parts of

state which engaged thousands in myriad activities. Since Jammu and Kashmir is

not an industrial state and the Information Technology is yet to make its required

presence, it was the infrastructure led boom which offered economic spin-offs to

almost everyone.

The highest point in this decade of infrastructure was on November 17, 2004

when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced a Rs 24,000 Crorereconstruction program. This was in addition to numerous schemes and projects

separately funded by different central departments and other agencies like

World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

Announcement was this mega funding was made by the Prime Minister

during his two-day Jammu and Kashmir visit on November 17 and 18. Unveiling

the bag of sops, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also announced an

unconditional dialogue with all those who eschew violence and resolve to work

for accelerating pace of peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Manmohan Singh reaches Srinagar, in his first visit as Prime Minister, a week after

dolling out peace sops by ordering the troop reduction in the insurgency hit

state. Addressing a public meeting at Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium, the Prime

Minister said that if the conditions improved and infiltration was brought under

control, there could be further cut in troop deployment. Striking an emotionalchord with the violence hit

people of Kashmir, the Prime

Minister says, I have a

dream and a firm belief that

we can and we shall built a

new Kashmir which will

become a symbol of peace,

hope and prosperity. Our

government is committed to

an unconditional dialogue

with anyone and everyone in

the State who abjures

violence. We will talk to allthose who have concern for

Kashmiris. My door are open

to those who want to meet

me to usher in peace I have

no conditions but their

i n t e n t i o n s h o u l d b e

genuine.

July 5, 2004 : Kashmir

simmered with anger on July 5,

2004 as its oldest school burnt

down in a mysterious fire

destroying one of the world's

oldest copies of the holy Quran

and thousands of other rare

Islamic texts. The destruction

shocked the valley and other

parts of state, with the loss of

the 105 years old Islamia Higher

Secondary School and its 30,000

book library where some of the

region's most prominent figures

studied. People spilled over the

streets in protest in Srinagar.

Hundreds of the school's

students staged a protest march.

The school, set up in 1899, was

a landmark symbol of the

building reduced to the charredbrick skeleton, with soot and

burned out book and furniture

strewn around the premises. The

library, which included one of

the rarest manuscripts of the

Quran, handwritten by Usman

bin Affan the third 'Righteous

Caliph' of Islam was completely

destroyed, said Shahid-ul-Islam,

party secretary of the Awami

Action Committee. No one

claimed responsibility for the

blaze. The school was run by a

religious and educational trust

led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq,

Kashmir's highest Islamic leader

and head of the Awami Action

Committee the movement to

modernize Islam.

Rare Copy of Quran

Lost in IslamiaSchool Blaze

IN FOCUS

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ol.2,Issue8,AUG

epilogue magazine, january 2010

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