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Gender and Conflict

Situation in Kashmir

REKHA CHOWDHARY KASHMIR ISSUE

Look Back, Look Farward

By Talib Malik

Whose was

Kashmir to be ?

RAKESH ANKIT

EpilogueJ & K ’ S M O N T H L Y M A G A Z I N E ISSN : 0974-565

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Contributed by Belgian Association for Solidarity with J&K

REFLECTIONS ON KASHMIR SITUATIONN N Vohra,

Governor, J&KMirwaiz Umar Farooq,

Chairman APHC-MM Y Tarigami,

MLA, Secretary J&k State Committee, CPI-MTaj Mohi-ud-din

Minister Public Health Engg., Irri. & Flood Control,Rigzin Jora,

Minister of Tourism & CultureNasir Hussain Munshi,

Councillor LAHDC-KTsewang Rigzin,

Associate Editor EpilogueLobzang Rinchen,

President Ladakh Buddhist AssociationPhunstog Namgyal,

Congress Leader, Former Union Minister Tsering Dorje,

LUTF Chairman & CEO LAHDC

Prof Saifuddin SozPresident Congress Party J&k UnitMuzaffar Baig,Senior PDP Leader Bilal Lone,Chairman J&K People's ConferenceBashir Manzar Editor Kashmir Images, Srinagar Hashim Qureshi

Chairman J&K Democratic Liberation PartyProf. Abdul Ghani Bhatt,Chairman Muslim ConferenceAak Kacho,Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC-KargilThupstan Chhewang,Senior Leader LUTF, Former MPRigzin Spalbar,Former Chairman & CEO LAHDCMohammad Shafi Lassu, Anjumian Moin-ul-Islam, Leh

C R O SS L o C TR A D E

I N D A RK C L O U D SSI LV ER L IN I N GT W O Y E A R S O F



CROSS LoC TRADEROSS LoC TRADE

I N D A R K C L O U D SN D A R K C L O U D S

S I L V E R L I N I N GI L V E R L I N I N G

T W O Y E A R S O FT W O Y E A R S O F

C O N T E N T

Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in

Epiloguebecause there is more to know

www.epilogue.in

I N FOCUS

Cross LoC Trade

27 Darks Clouds and a Silver LiningZafar Choudhary & Suba Chandran

28 The story so far 28 Trade “to” Other Kashmir or Trade

“Through” Other Kashmir? : TheProblem of Perceptions

28 South Indian Coconuts and ChineseGarlic in Cross-LoC Trade : TheProblem of Proxies

29 Interview : YV Sharma30 I send Apples, You may like to send

Onions, or Ajwain : The problem of aBarter Trader

31 Interview : Nazir A Dar 32 I don’t know whom I’m trading with :

The problem of connectivity34 More New Routes or Strengthen the

Existing ones ? : The Problem of Expectations

35

Problems Galore, but there is a Silver Lining35 Interview : Rakesh Gupta36 Interview : Mubeen Shah36 Interview : Shabaz Khan38 Srinagar - Muzaffarabad

Trade in Times of Unrest40 Poonch - Rawalakote

A Report from Trade Center

Volume 4, Issue 10, October 2010

Prologue 2

Contributors to this Issue 3

Kashmir

Look Back, Look Ahead 5

Talib Malik

Another questions to ponder over 7

in Kashmir Basheer Ahmad Peer

Column

History of Ladakh in the Mughal 43Historical SourcesProf. Jigar Mohammad

Exclusive Series

Whose was Kashmir to be ? 45

Rakesh Ankit

Book

Gender and Conflict 48

Situation in Kashmir Rekha Chowdhary

Editor Zafar Iqbal Choudhary

Publisher Yogesh Pandoh

Consulting Editor D. Suba Chandran

Manu Srivastsa

Associate EditorsIrm Amin Baig

Tsewang Rigzin

Zorawar Singh Jamwal

General Manager Kartavya Pandoh

Art Editor Keshav Sharma

Research Officer Raman Sharma

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

Printed and Published by

Yogesh Pandoh for Epilogue NewsCraft from Ibadat House,Madrasa Lane, Near Graveyard,Bathindi Top, Jammu, J&K - 180012and Printed at : DEE DEE

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

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

1



PROLOGUE From the Editor

2

f you leave Kashmir issue to the people, there is no issue at all. This

may be an over simplification of the problem that has been plaguing

India-Pakistan relations and challenging the tranquility within Jammu

and Kashmir for decades but there is one process which is pointer to

Ithe growing public sentiment for normalizing relations and enhancing

contacts across the divides. Politics plays at different levels. In Kashmir,

anything which ignores the proverbial core issue is opposed strongly.

Contacts across LoC offer healing touch to hundreds and thousands of those

suffering the wounds of separation from the dear ones for decades but the

process does not address the core issue. So what should be done? Do what is

doable in these circumstances or keep the reunion hostage to politics? The

former is more plausible. As a result of sustained dialogue and as

compliment to the public mood, India and Pakistan launched cross LoC bus

service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad in April 2005 and later

extended the service between Poonch and Rawalakote in 2006. In 2008

Cross-LoC trade was launched simultaneously on both routes. Though both

initiatives were described as major confidence building measures but

actually these were thrown as challenges on the people of Jammu andKashmir on both sides of divide. Crossing the divide has never been as easy

as said. One has to put in an application, wait for three to 18 months and go

through a range of hurdles before being able to board the Cross-LoC bus

service. Over 20,000 applications are still pending. In case of trade,

scenario is even worst. No infrastructure, no banking, no courier, no

telephone, no currency exchange and still there is trade which is going up by

every passing week. By every passing week people are trying to send a loud

and clear message to the government on both sides that they are against the

divides and they want the lines blurred. Is there anyone taking this

message? As far as the public involvement and eagerness to transcend the

barriers is concerned, the process of Cross-LoC interactions should be taken

beyond limited travel and symbolic trade. Cooperation in tourism,

education and healthcare are the other possibilities which should be

explored. Reflecting upon the popular sentiment, the civil society groups

and conflict transformation organizations are already pushing for

cooperation in these areas. Governments in New Delhi and Islamabad must

take this message seriously.

Feedback : [email protected]

ZAFAR CHOUDHARY

Time To Go Beyond

Limited Travel, Symbolic Trade

JUNE 2008

NOVEMBER 2009

The process of Cross-LoC interactionsshould be taken beyond limited travel

and symbolic trade. Cooperation intourism, education and healthcare arethe other possibilities which should be

explored

Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010www.epilogue.in



CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE

Ankit, Rakesh; (Forgotten History Maini, Varun (In Focus, P40); is

p45) is a young historian from Bihar. based in Poonch

As a Rhodes Scholar recently he

Malik, Talib (Perspectives, P5); is astudied various missing links in the

social activist based at Rajouri. Hemaking of Kashmir conflict. Based

retired from an administrativeon his first hand study, he is

position in J&K Governmentcontributing exclusive series to

Epilogue

Mohammed, Prof Jigar; (History,

p43) is professor of History at the

University of Jammu. He is

associated with Epilogue since

inception as Editorial Advisor on

History of Jammu and Kashmir

Peer, Basheer Ahmed

(Perspectives, P7); is based in

Kupwara, north Kashmir andChowdhary, Rekha (Books &

working as a researcher with NewReviews, P48), is Professor of

Delhi based Charkha DevelopmentPolitical Science at the University of

and Communication NetworkJammu

Sandy, Sandeep Singh (In Focus,Hussain, Bilal (In Focus, P38); is a

P36); is a scholar of Political Sciencefinancial Journalist and writer. In

and currently engaged with a New2009 he attended the McGraw-Hill

Delhi based peace NGOPersonal Finance Reporting Program

Courses, supported by The

International Center for Journalists.

Currently he is associated with

premier daily, Kashmir Times

Chandran, D Suba; (In Focus, p27)

is Deputy Director at Institute of

Peace and Conflict Studies. Author

of many books and an acclaimed

expert on Kashmir and Indo-Pak

relations, he is Consulting Editor of

Epilogue Magazine

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


3



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he state of Jammu and Kashmir

signed the instrument ofTaccession on October 26, 1947, in

an extra ordinary situation, subject to

the condition that a plebiscite would be

held in the state when Law and order

situation allowed it. Anyhow the same

could not be held till date because of

various checks and balances operating

from within and without. Mahatma

Gandhi once referred Kashmir as the

"Crown of India" but did not call it her

head. A crown is a part of one's image

but not of his essential being, and this

perception is at the root of Kashmir's

claim to Autonomy or Azadi. Actually

there never was an organized

movement in Jammu and Kashmirbeing a Muslim majority state, while the The Indian leadership takingfavouring accession to India even amongleaders of Indian National Congress advantage of this situation offered theHindu population. It was the raiderswanted Kashmir to make a choice in help only on the condition, that thewho forced this state to accede to Indiafavour of secular India rejecting two- state accedes to India with full sport ofin search of security and support. It wasnation theory on the basis of which National Conference, the predominantat this crucial juncture of 1947, whenPakistan had already taken its birth. The political party under its undisputed

the Indian sub-continent was destined Maharaja found it difficult to decide in leader Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah. Soto gain independence and the fate hadfavour of the either side or remain the state of Jammu and Kashmir wasto shape it into two sovereign states ofindependent. It was only when and compelled to accede to India but onIndia and Pakistan. Due to geographicalemergency arose on account of tribal three subjects only, i.e. Defence,placement of Jammu and Kashmir, itentry into the state that Maharaja had external affairs and communication.had a chance to join either of the twoto find out external sport to face the The interim government of the statedominions. The leaders of Pakistanchallenge. that was formed under the leadership ofexpected it to join their dominion, as

TALIB MALIK

KASHMIR ISSUE

Look Back, Look Ahead

It becomes a moral duty to reorganize the state on taking into consideration its multi-dimensional dissimilarities

in culture, language, ethnicity, geography, history and political perceptions of Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh,

Rajouri-Poonch and Udhampur-Doda and work out a political mechanism which could make each region the

master of its own destiny and grow freely under an umbrella of a larger autonomy with well-know economic

dimensions

kashmir Opinion

5



Sheikh Abdullah in October 1947 tried the Sheikh Abdullah's arrest, the Beig-Parthasarthy accord and

its best to secure and safeguard the Autonomy of the state was destroyed Sheikh Abdullah's assumption of power

special position for the state and bit by bit in connivance with the state i n 1 975 s e e m e d a w e l com e

succeeded in corporating it into legal legislature elected through massive development, but the manner in which

and constitutional framework of Indian rigging and use of naked force. the Late Girdhari Lal Dogra was asked to

union through an agreement between Indianisation of the state might have step-down as leader of Congress

center and state leadership. Thus on the worked if it had functioned honestly, Legislature Party to make way for Mufti

promulgation of the Indian constitution but by unfair and foul means, India Mohammad Sayeed in mid-1975, with an

on January 26, 1950 it was made clear attracted much of the popular disgust eye on the office of the Chief Minister by

that only two articles i.e. Article 1, and discredit. Moreover communal the Congress withdrawing support to

which declared Jammu and Kashmir to riots of 1950 and anti-autonomy Sheikh Abdullah was yet another

be a part of Indian Union, and article agi tat ion of Jammu-based Parja exposure. Anyhow, his impressive

370, which defined the special status Parishad made common Kashmiri fear electoral victory in 1977 in what has

granted to it, will apply in-full to the been considered to be the most fair

state. It stipulated that Legislative election in the state, an era of peace

Authority of Parliament in respect of and prosperity prevailed in the state tillJammu and Kashmir would be confined his death in 1982. All the separatist

to the matters specified in the powers seized to exist in Kashmir. Dr.

instrument of accession only. Farooq ' s impress ive e lectoral

performance in the state in 1983 wasAccording ly a const i tuent

outcome of the same legacy. The rootsAssembly was formed in the state in

of present crises in the state can be1951. The Assembly was assigned the

safely traced back to Dr. Farooq'stask of framing of its own constitution

dismissal in July 1984. It was during thefor the state within the framework of

Governor/President rule in 1986-87 thatspecial position it was agreed upon.

the extremists started gaining strengthAnyhow, the central leadership under

and the state parties with secularcommunal pressure, forced Sheikh

ideology like the National ConferenceAbdullah to change the promised

started losing ground, and new facesAutonomy of 1950, and come to a newwith more non-secular tinge startedcompromise with the central

gaining popular sport in the valley.leadership, that resulted in what came

to be known as the "Delhi Agreement of However it is not yet clear,

1952" . But , in sp i te of th i s probably not even to the separatist

understanding the relations between leadership what exactly they want andthat their autonomy was in danger. Thethe two did not sustain any longer. The to legitimize their demand andresponse of Sheikh Abdullah as theirstate leadership was pressurized again e x p e c t a t i o n s . K a s h m i r i s a r eleader was only natural and the wayfor a new agreement. The political sophisticated enough to realize that onlyhis voice was muzzled, that killedevents of 1953, that led to the a high level of autonomy or Azadi can becreditability of India in their eyes. Thedismissal of Sheikh Abdullah, the most the goal. What about the surroundingstory of the later accords i.e. Indirapotent advocate of the state's Muslim-majority regions of Kargil,Gandhi - Sheikh Abdullah accord ofAutonomy, facilitated the process of Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri and Poonch if,1974 and Rajiv-Farooq accord of 1986grater merger of state within the at all, it is to become a sort of "Mini-was not much different. It is arguedIndian Union, beginning with the Pakistan"! Such a blatant communalthat conditions of disorder, militancyParliament order of 1954, which left approach will carry disturbing potentialand recent struggle, have caused byonly the provision the "State Subject" and may not necessarily reflect thethe insensitivity of the government ofof sum effective worth with the state, interests and sober decision of manyIndia to words its commitment toso for as article 370 was concerned. In people and repeat the communal riotsJammu and Kashmir that led to the risethe decade and a half that followed of 1947. A man of wisdom may notof militant separatism.


What the times demand is honesty,

courage, vision and creativity toexplore a course which all the sidescan accept. The best and possibleway to resolve the existing deadlockis to implement the article 370 in thetrue spirit and restoring to pre-1953

position. There is no otherdemocratic way sensing the popularmood in the entire state. Therestoration of autonomy within the

frame of Delhi Agreement of 1952would definitely give a sense ofachievement to the people ofKashmir

kashmir Opinion

6



appreciate it in 21st century. In a way it umbrella of a larger autonomy with

is the revival of two-nation theory well-know economic dimensions. In

which has already died it's own death in the case of Jammu and Kashmir, what

1971 with the formation of Bangladesh. we need is a just and beneficent

Bangladesh has become 4th poorest out regime which is responsive to the

of almost 200 countries of the world. needs of the people, particularly the

Day in and day out, the people of youth. We must insist upon an

Bangladesh are caught, both male and educational curricula stressing to the

female, on Indian borders and in you ng s tud en t s th e ne ed o f

International market to be sold out of understanding each region. A dialog be

poverty. The condition of Pakistan is not encouraged among the , people of all

much different. An undeclared war is the regions and sub-regions of Jammu

being fought within and outside Pakistan. and Kashmir state at an informal level,

The question has reached of its own survival. including interregional study-tours.

The northern regions of Gulgit and Al though p sycholog ical and

Biltistan etc, once a part of Jammu and biological studies show that humanKashmir, are fighting for their "right to beings attain maturity only after

vote" for the last more than 65 years. reaching middle age, they are not in a

The position of so-called Azad Kashmir position to form any sound opinion on

is not different. The champions of the realities of life and need a mature

Jamat-e-Islami, at the head of the wisdom. The beautiful valley of Kashmir

recent agitation have already served its created by God, is well on it way to

"Purpose" in Pakistan. Their entire being ruined by man. We have to work

literature stands banned in Bangladesh. sincerely to save it in the interest if all

the humanity. We have to stop countingIf we do not want to repeat

our dead-bodies and number of dayshistory all over again but benefit by

involved in it. You are free to usethe lessons from it, we should avoid

peaceful methods, but you are notsuch fatal risks. Being the custodians

entitled to use violence. What the timesof the faith, we are not supposed makedemand is honesty, courage, vision andan "island" of Islam, but to carry the

creativity to explore a course which allmassage of the creation plan of God to

the sides can accept. The best anda common man. We should clear the

possible way to resolve the existingdoubts of the people of Jammu,

deadlock is to implement the article 370Ladakh and other regions and try to

in the true spirit and restoring to pre-win their love and cooperation for a

1953 position. There is no othermutual goal. Peaceful co-existence is

democratic way sensing the popularthe only way of existences in this

mood in the entire state. Theworld. It becomes a moral duty to

restoration of autonomy within thereorganize the state on taking into

frame of Delhi Agreement of 1952 wouldconsideration its multi-dimensional

definitely give a sense of achievementdissimilarities in culture, language,

to the people of Kashmir. However itethnicity, geography, history and

must settle down the demands ofpolitical perceptions of Jammu,

autonomy of other region and sub-Kashmir, Ladakh, Rajouri - Poonch and

region as well. All other options areUdhampur - Doda and work out a

behind logic and relevance but suicidal.political mechanism which could make

each region the master of its own

destiny and grow freely under an

Views expressed by author are

his personal


kashmir Education

BASHEER AHMAD PEER

Another

question toponder over

in Kashmir

Despite the euphoria over schools

re-opening in the Valley, is all

really well with the education

system, existing now for decades?

If indeed Kashmiri youth need all

the opportunities to compete with

best and brightest in the country

surely, this merits a closer look

and possibly concerted action on

the ground.

ashmir has been under severe

duress for the last three months

Ktaking a heavy toll on everyday

lives of ordinary citizens. As is often the

case in areas of conflict, the worst hit

and the most vulnerable are the chil-

dren. With schools not being able to

function, anxious parents cloistering

their wards at home, they faced a dis-

turbing scenario of uncovered syllabus

and perhaps even the possible loss of an

academic year. Mercifully, after a long

gap of 100 days, schools in Srinagar and

parts of the valley re-opened signaling a

phase of peace, normalcy.

This is perhaps a good time to pon-

der over whether all is well with the sys-

tem of education in the state, not only

in times of stress but in its normal func-

tioning? Does the education system

which is the key to the development of

7



any region, really reach the children in who made his region proud when he out of 33, passed in the government

districts, in rural pockets of Kashmir? Is topped the IAS recently. An icon, the school in 2009.

the opening of schools in the valley, no stuff of dreams of many a young Nilofar Jan, supervisor of the

doubt a positive step forward, enough Kashmiri, the aspiration of the region Anganwadi centre sees it from the

reason to cheer for the hundreds of stu- as it were. The situation of schools larger perspective of Education play-

dents across Kashmir? however in Faizal's home district is far ing a crucial role in enabling the vil-

The J&K State Board of School from desirable. Ghulam Muhammad lage children to join the mainstream of

Education was constituted in 1975 Dar from Kunnan says “For name's society. Sadly there is much to be

with a view to make elementary, sec- sake, we have two schools, a primary desired in the quality of education

ondary, higher secondary education and a middle school in our village but these children are getting. “The ques-

accessible to all. there are no facilities available. The tion is in this age of computer and tech-

The vision was far-reaching and quality of teaching is very poor. Besides nology, if children are deprived of

the purpose lofty. Let us remember the students don't have proper seating basic facilities can one say that the

that this was also a different period of arrangements.” Education Board is fulfilling its respon-

Kashmir's turbulent political history, The primary school in Dar sibilities? Are these only tall claims on

long before militancy had set in. To Muhallah reflected this sorry state. paper?”

nurture talent in the youth, ingrain the Basheer Ahmad Lone, the school head- So is there any room for euphoria

best values in them and enable them master remembered when the school because schools have opened in the val-

to join the mainstream in the country opened in 2005 under Sarva Shiksha ley after a long gap? No, this merely

were the guiding principles. The Abhiyan (SSA) with only 33 students. indicates that the conditions which

introduction of professional courses While the numbers gradually increased prevented normal funct ioning of

and university level education was also to 66, the infrastructure remained the schools have been removed. This has

visualized. same. been lauded by different sections of

Today this dream seems far- The school is still run in a rented society within Kashmir about the value

fetched. For children in rural areas as place which is in bad shape. There is no of education, the importance of regu-

in the border district of Kupwara, toilet; no play grounds any drinking larity in school routines and curricu-

school systems are in shambles. In water facilities. Rues Lone, “I am also lums. What one is not hearing are

Kunnan village, a mere 7 km from the suffering with the children. Who voices addressing the gross lacuna ondistrict headquarters, it is a story of should I go to narrate this story? When I the ground.

neglect of basic facilities. Abdul Aziz visit education department, officials Euphoria apart, there is some-

Shad, Numberdar( village headman) of avoid me. The progress of children is suf- thing telling about the pattern of

the village, said, fering.” response to the reopening of schools

“There are 400 houses in our vil- Villagers, who would like to send and educational institutions. The

lage, but even with such a large popu- their children for quality education, Minister for Education, Peerzada

lation, we have been ignored by the know in their hearts that this remains Mohammad Sayeed made a statement

government, whether it is education elusive; it is the preserve of only those saying that in all 80% students

of he a lt hc ar e f ac il i ti es . We who can afford private schools for attended schools in rural areas

approached concerned authorities and their wards. Lone is quite categorical whereas urban centers recorded a 30-

political leaders many a times but sent “While government schools lack in 40% attendance.

back with promises. I wish we had edu- basic facilities, private schools even Th is su re ly indi ca tes tha tcated youth --they would have certainly have playing facilities. Our children de sp ite the viol ence that has

helped the village.” have talent, but no means to nurture wracked the region in recent months

Kunnan village as indeed the it” . The con trast is pai nfu l. and the complex tapestry of political

whole of Kupwara district, infact Muhammad Irfan, a villager says “Pri- forces in the state today, rural

Kashmir itself has a role model, Dr. vate school gives 100% result in VIIIth Kashmir has given thumbs up for qual-

Shah Faisal, the medical practitioner every year, while only three students, ity education.


kashmir Education

8




and dear ones in the recent tumult. The work allows enormous scope for divergenty thoughts are occupied entirelySecurity Forces, whose personnel have viewpoints. The various differences canby the sad happenings in KashmirM also suffered significant injuries, need to and must be resolved through sustainedin the past two months. Sincerevisit their strategies and tactics of dialogue and discussion and not throughearly June this year, normalcy of life in thecrowd control for securing maximum pro- confrontations and violence.Valley has continued to be disrupted by antection of human life.unending series of stone pelting protesta- All necessary steps to restore peace

tions, burning of public property and The recurring calls for strikes, pro- and normalcy must be taken on the mostattacks on the law enforcement agencies. cessions and day to day protestations, by immediate basis. Once normalcy is effec-

These incidents have led to continuing con- whomsoever given, have resulted in the tively restored a purposeful dialogue mustfrontations with the Security Forces and stoppage of all business, trade and eco- commence with all those who have beengenerated a cycle of violence which has nomic activities, with a particularly agitating in the past months. The Centre,

resulted in many persons being injured adverse consequence for those who earn on its part, would need to early launch and

and 47 being killed, many of whom were their bread by daily toil. The impaired vigorously pursue a sustained political ini-young men and even women and chil- functioning of the governmental machin- tiative in J&K.

dren. Whatever may have been the why's ery has impacted adversely on the delivery Like other States in the country, J&Kand wherefor's of the obtaining disorder, of public services and slowed down the has also been striving to march ahead in allthe loss of lives is an extremely sad con- entire developmental process. arenas of human and economic develop-sequence. My heartfelt sympathy goes The educational sector has suffered ment. However, on account of the pro-to the families who have lost their near the most irreparable damage. The contin- longed period of militancy and recurring

uing disturbed environment has resulted in internal disturbances the overall develop-

the complete disruption of the academic ment of the State has remained signifi-

schedules - schools, colleges, training cantly deficient on several importantinsti tutions, and universities have fronts. For achieving the goal of peace,

remained closed in the past weeks. progress and prosperity it would be neces-

sary for all political parties, all theThis year, foreign and domestic tour-social, cultural and religious organisa-ists had been arriving in large numbers.tions, and all other stake holders inHowever, the continuing turmoil broughtJammu, Kashmir and Ladakh to workthe tourist activities to a quick end andtogether closely and determinedly. It isadversely affected the livelihood of thou-also necessary that every element of thesands of families who live off the tourist,civil society urgently organises itself totravel and hospitality industry. With theplay a proactive role in promoting sanityabsence of doctors and paramedical staff,and harmony.the functioning of hospitals and medical

care units has been very badly affected, Concerted efforts are also required

enhancing the miseries of the sick and to enhance the functioning of the adminis-

the injured. The functioning of the judi- trative apparatus and promote honesty,cial apparatus, upto the State High transparency and good governance in

Court, has also been disturbed. every sector of governmental functioning.

We must work devotedly to build strongThe people of Jammu & Kashmir haveand vibrant Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakhbeen concerned, for many years now,regions in which all our people lead satis-about certain issues relating to the State'sfied lives in a harmonious environment,relations with the Centre. It is indeed for-free from hunger, want and fear.tunate that our liberal democratic frame-

NN VOHRA

Governor, J&K

As President of the Belgian

Association for Solidarity withJammu and Kashmir, PaulBeersmans has been visiting allparts of Jammu and Kashmir onboth sides of Line of Control,including Gilgit and Baltistan,since 1994. He interviews theleaders, civil society members

and common man on the streetto bring in neutral view points.In his latest study tour, Paul wasrecently in Kashmir Valley andLadakh where he conductedinterviews between June 24and July 10, 2010 when the

unrest was at its peak. He hascontributed to Epilogue thecompilation of reports based onthe interviews. For more seebasjak.org

kashmir Perspectives

9




tone pelting is not for young boys. They should be home, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. You should ask the

study and prepare their exams instead of provoking the common man in the market and decide yourself what is goodSsecurity forces. If you use violence as an instrument of and not as good as it should be. As far as Kashmir is concerned,

dispute, there can't be peace. The gun can never decide: noth- we are not at all communal and I can assure you that the

ing can be achieved by violence or force. Also in Palestine, we Amarnath Yatra will go on without incidents although Syed Ali

have seen that intifada only brought misery. One should Shah Geelani tries hard to communalise this issue.Track II diplomacy is on. The dialogue between India andrespect life: live and let live. Let there be peace through dia-

Pakistan has been resumed. The Centre invited the separatistlogue and discussion. Separatist leaders should use only demo- leaders for negotiations in order to normalise the situation andcratic means to further their aims.

There are positive and negative aspects in the gover- to find a lasting peaceful solution. What happens now is to the

nance of every country. In my position it is difficult to com- detrimental of the people: they are fed up with all this. Only a

ment on performance of the present coalition Government small group of extremists is terrorising the whole Valley.

he ongoing protest is a manifestation for freedom and for a political resolution of the long-standing Kashmir problem and notagainst any religion as is being projected by some news channels and communal elements. Amarnath pilgrims are guests ofTKashmiris. Since ages, Kashmiris have been facilitating and will continue to facilitate a smooth Yatra. Our protests are

against the human rights violations and unabated killing of innocent civilians by the police and aathe security forces.

The movement has now passed on to a new generation and they would carry it forward. Our youth are being killed bytroopers and cops with impunity. We feel that J&K has turned into a police state and there is complete lawlessness. By trying tosuppress the freedom movement by force, New Delhi has already lost Kashmir.

The youth are forced to pelt stones when their peaceful protests are quelled by use of disproportionate force. If any force isused to sabotage the peaceful protests, the reaction from the people will be harsher and the Government will be solelyresponsible for its consequences. Youth have taken over the baton of freedom and there is sheer sentiment on the streets. It ishigh time for people of India to know the truth and understand that our movement is indigenous and for a just cause.

If the mainstream parties are concerned and serious over the sufferings of people, they should join APHC-M and leave theAssembly politics aside, they should come out of their rhetoric shell and lend support to the resolution of the dispute. Noelection, no administrative changes or economic packages can be substitute to the right of self-determination of Kashmiris. It iswell established that Kashmir is not a military problem. It is a political problem and we are not averse to talks with New Delhi if itreleased the political prisoners, undertake demilitarisation and revoke the special powers to the security forces. India and Pakistanshould discuss the Kashmir dispute on priority. Other issues including water sharing, trade links, etc. can be discussed later.

I want to maintain that if any member or leader of APHC-M gives any statement, it will be in his individual capacity. Only theAPHC-M spokesperson and I are empowered to make statements on behalf of the conglomerate. People want the unity among thepro-freedom camp. They want to see a united leadership. I want to maintain that it is not a leadership issue but giving the rightdirection to the movement and taking it to its logical conclusion. For the larger interest of the movement, I have been trying toforge unity and I hope it will soon bear fruit.

Prof SAIFUDDIN SOZ

President Congress Party J&K Unit

MIRWAIZ UMAR FAROOQ

Chairman APHC-M


10




he international community has double standards. A series of human rights violations in which young

They don't pay attention to the Kashmir issue whereas children were killed took place. The Government's initialTPalestine gets all attention. The international media response was to justify and defend the culprits. The Chief

keep silent: nobody recognises their protest. The Minister displayed indifference and immaturity towards the

authorities and the security forces are fabricating fake anguish and pain caused to the bereaved families. From the

encounters, they are manipulating incidents, they are lying. side of Omar Abdullah there was no reaction, no

This results in more alienation of the people. Kashmiris condolences, no announcement of investigation, no

want recognition that atrocities are there, that the security statements of sorry, no punishment of the responsible police

forces are committing human rights violations. officers.

What happens now is an accumulated sense of Boys who grew up with violence are not afraid. They

hopelessness and despair due to a combination of different are determined to pelt stones. Nobody can stop them. On

factors. There is the failure of the process of dialogue and the other hand, we may not hide the reality. It is not

reconciliation between India and Pakistan and between the excluded that ISI, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Taliban exploit the

Centre and the various stakeholders – mainstream politicians situation although the boys are not motivated or paid by

and separatist leaders – in J&K State. them. I am not ruling out that some leaders are being paid

by them and making money out of it, but certainly not theseSo many initiatives have been taken: behind the scene

young boys.dialogue, Round Table Conferences and installation of five

Working Groups. Not a single recommendation has been This is a very serious situation. We must find a way

implemented: it was a waste of time. out. I ndia and Pakistan must resume dialogue. I n India,

there are 160 million Muslims. Most of them are illiterateWith Pakistan, there was Track II diplomacy. Hadand poor. You can find them all over India. What willMusharraf not run into difficulties, there would have been

happen if Taliban finds its recruits in these masses? This is aan agreement between India and Pakistan. Due to

problem not only for India and Pakistan but also for the'conspiracy of elements of history', the probable agreement

entire world. India and Pakistan, together with thewas aborted. The situation worsened after the Mumbai

democratic countries of the world must address the Kashmirterrorist attack in November 2008.

issue. Negotiations must be result oriented. Don't let theThere is a complete failure of governance from the sideKashmir issue be a local problem. It is a problem for theof the present coalition Government. The pro-people policywhole region, the whole world.of Mufti Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad was reversed under

There are no negotiations between the separatistthe present leadership. The dreaded Special Task Force that

leaders and the State Government. For that, they mustwas disbanded by the then Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed was

have the permission of the Pakistani Government and therevived by the present Government. The killing of innocent

militant organisations. Apparently, they don't have thispeople was started by that force, not by the CRPF.

permission yet.The present Government dispensed the pro-peopleBesides all the aspects mentioned above, I hold thepolicy of taking the common people of the State into

leaders of Kashmir primarily responsible for the mess inconfidence and thus creating a political buffer between the

which we are today. It is customary for the leadership ofcommon man and the security forces. Corruption increased

Kashmir to blame mostly the Central Government andmanifold. The administration and the bureaucrats became

sometimes Pakistan, ISI and military of Pakistan. Of course,indifferent to the problems of the people. People's

there are a lot of people in Pakistan who would like togrievances are not heard. How can they then be addressed?

MUZAFFAR BAIG

Senior PDP Leader


11




settle scores for the creation of Bangladesh. I don't

deny that they would like to exploit every situation in

Kashmir that they can find and in the rest of India. I

accept that as a great possibility and probability. But,

it is time that we, people who are in politics in J&K

State, must accept our responsibility.

We have failed our people, we have failed the

nation and the less we accept our responsibility, we will

keep on blaming India, the Indian leadership, the Indian

security forces, the Indian army, our own people. We

will have conspiracy theories, we will say this happened

in 53, that happened in 75, then this happened to

autonomy or resolutions, we will say we are not getting

enough funds, they don't trust us, we don't trust them.

We have to look into our own hearts and mind and

we have to find reasons why we are today caught in thisvicious circle. We have betrayed our young generation,

we have embodied them into this impossible dream.

We have spoken one language in Kashmir, another in

Delhi. When we go to Pakistan and when we had

meetings with Musharraf we apologised to them for

having acceded with India. We say our fathers and

grandfathers have committed a treachery because we

have acceded with India. We go to Delhi and we speak

a different language.

We have been telling our young generation that

you deserve independence, that India is a Hindu

country. We have been misleading them. If today our

young children are out on the streets and theychallenge our police people and security forces, they go

and challenge them to shoot them and they are shot at.

We are responsible and I don't know how long we will be

responsible for killing our young people and betraying

them. A young child of nine years gets killed and I feel

responsible, I am responsible.

I belong to a system which has lead to this

situation and we think of small political gains. Even the

mainstream political parties are trying to score small

political points. We are betraying our own population,

our own people.

These young children are the product of violence.

They are born after 1989. They have seen only

violence: go, blood, betrayal. Even today, whether

they are separatists or they are mainstream parties: we

don't have the collective wisdom or collective courage

to go and tell them the truth. We are not prepared to

tell them the truth. We have betrayed the nation and

our children.

MY TARIGAMI

MLA, Secretary

J&K State Committee, CPI-M

ur party asks the State Government to exhibit

utmost caution and restraint in its response toOthe emerging situation. We express deep anguish

over the spate of civilian killings across the Valley. We

emphasise that the situation should not be seen through

the prism of law and order problem, nor as an issue of

whether the State police or CRPF is responsible for thepresent situation. We believe that the blame game

between the Centre and the State Government over the

civilian killings will drift the situation towards more

chaos, and both governments are expected to respond

to the situation with a rational and humane approach.

The present situation is the manifestation of the

long pending political discontentment among the people

of J&K and demands serious political process, dialogue

and deliberations. The political initiatives taken by

India and Pakistan a few years ago had undoubtedly

given the people of the State a ray of hope but

unfortunately, those political processes have come to a

halt.

The peace process started during Manmohan-

Musharraf time and the subsequent interactions through

Track II and back channel levels had created an

atmosphere where flexibility was witnessed in the

maximalist attitude of the two countries. Certain

confidence building measures were also taken and had a

significant impact on the ground.

The prevalent situation of the Valley yet again

should make the Centre realise the importance of

initiation of a serious all inclusive political dialogue with

the people of J&K we hope the Centre will adopt a pro

active approach vis-à-vis the composite dialogue with

Pakistan.

The State Government with the help of the Centre

should address the genuine grievances of the youth, who

felt disillusioned. We firmly believe that the people

have the right to protest, but they should remain

cautious, lest their sentiments can be exploited by the

vested interests for their nefarious designs, at the cost

of blood of innocent people.


12




here will be no peace unless and until we understand The problems in the mind and the heart of the peoplethat Kashmir is a problem. Both sides must cool down must be addressed. We must keep our mind open:Ttemper. The killings should not have happened. We are Kashmiris don't forget the main issue. In addition, the

not at all happy with the present wave of violence. The failure Indian mindset must change. We are not extremists orof the dialogue and the peace process is at the origin of this fundamentalists and we will never accept extremism oreruption of frustration. It is high time to move forward. India, fundamentalism.Pakistan and the Kashmiris must feel that things are moving To a certain extent, the secret process was on and slowlyforward, that progress be made. Until this is done, the moving forward but it failed and died a dead in a very initialproblems will remain. stage. We are not against a dialogue but it must be result

Development and good governance is fine, but don't oriented, there must be a time frame and it should not be forforget the main issue: Kashmir is the main issue. Everyone the sake of dialogue only. At my knowledge, there are nowould fail in the present circumstances: Omar Abdullah, contacts between APHC-M and the State Government, orGhulam Nabi Azad or Mufti Sayeed. Only a change in the status between Omar Abdullah and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. It must bequo can lead to a solution and to peace. stressed here that we are not the only political players.

ntil we don't discuss the Kashmir problem, engage the separatist leaders in the dialogue and work out a kind of solution youcan't stop this wave of violence. It will have ups and downs, there can be some lull for a period of time but as long as theUproblem is there, violence will erupt again. Security forces are using brutal force. Young boys are being killed. Remove

the bunkers from the residential areas, let people speak, let people give vent to their frustration. Don't harass them, don't killthem. If you don't allow people to express their view, they will turn into extremists, fundamentalists.

We have now one of the most corrupt regimes we ever had. People are totally fed up with this Government. NC never solvedthe problem politically. They always used brute force. Omar Abdullah is a young Chief Minister killing young people.

Everyone is fed up: shopkeepers, businesspersons, the common people. Because of the harthals, strikes and curfews theydon't have business or income. They have loans they can't pay. The bank is after them. Everyone is suffering: the shopkeepers, thestudents who can't go to school, patients who can't go to the hospital. Only the Government employees are happy: they are paidwithout having to work. Security forces are humiliating Kashmiris: they are behaving like oppressors, like an occupational force.

The separatist leaders became jokers. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq tries only to stay alive as separatist leader, therefore he iscompeting with Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Openly, there are no relations between APHC and the State Government. In reality, theyare hypocrites. They are all very friendly with each other and socialising during receptions and festivities.

I fully agree: it was not fair from Syed Ali Shah Geelani to demand the reduction of the Yatra from two months to two weeksjust ten days before the Yatra started. His intention was clearly to create problems for the Government and in this, he succeeded,resulting in too many people being killed during these demonstrations. If Syed Ali Shah Geelani is serious without a hiddenagenda, he should start now airing his objections for the Yatra in 2011. He can discuss limiting the number of pilgrims, he candiscuss environmental aspects and waste control, he can discuss improvement of infrastructure. All these are technical,structural aspects. They should be discussed in a serene atmosphere without stirring up emotions or giving it a communal turn.

BILAL LONE

Chairman J&K People's Conference

HASHIM QURESHI

Chairman J&K Democratic Liberation Party


13




he agitation taking place now is directly related to Lashkar-e-Toiba. They are behind

this unrest. They changed their strategy: from direct confrontation, they shifted toTindirect actions. Now, they use a human shield of young boys in a much-organised

manner. They abuse the discontent among people and involve innocent civilians. It is very easy

to instigate people by appealing on their emotions, by introducing slogans like azaadi, by referringto the sacrifices of the past. These are all slogans. This is a very dangerous situation. They want

complete chaos. We have to be very careful and now that we see through their real plan, we can

take the necessary measures.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani tries to communalise the situation. He is a puppet in the hands of

Pakistan. Kashmiris are religious and tolerant. They will not harm religious gatherings. The

Yatra will be safe: nothing is going to happen but we have to be cautious. We have taken the

necessary security measures.

There is more transparency, more developmental works, an active employment policy,

continuing hydro-electrical projects, etc. The first phase of the Baglihar Dam is operational.

The second phase started.

Secret contacts between the Centre and the separatist leaders are taking place. The

Indian Prime Minister wants a solution and I hope something consistent is going to happen.India and Pakistan have almost decided about a plan and it can be announced at any time. It

can be Musharraf 's four-point plan or any other plan. Any plan that brings peace is acceptable. If

Pakistan accepts that plan, violence will stop automatically. We must take Pakistan on face value.

There is lack of trust: we must build up trust. Our first priority is peace: for the people of Kashmir,

for the sub-continent, for the whole world. The Centre and J&K State have responsible

Governments: they will take care of the national and Kashmiri interests.

There are no points of agreement between PDP and the State Government. PDP is

opposing everything the Government initiates. Their job is to find fault in everything we do.

They are not directly but indirectly supporting what is going on now. We can't expect

anything better than that. The Congress-NC coalition will continue until the end: there are no

problems or frictions between the coalition partners. We will make our six years, perhaps there

could be some reshuffle in the Cabinet after three years. This is a normal process. Changingloyalties of politicians is totally banned according new laws that were introduced.

There are no communal tensions at all. In Jammu Province, Hindu extremist elements

supported by BJP made a call for strike but they failed completely. People don't like

communal agitation. What happens now has nothing to do with communalism: only vested

interests are at the origin of this violence.

TAJ MOHI-UD-DIN

Minister Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control, Senior Congress Party Leader


14




eople are suffering. Those who live from ?This is the beginning of a vicious circle:

'street life', the vendors, shopkeepers and demonstrations, people killed, morePbusinessmen suffer very hard. In addition, the demonstrations, more people killed, ….

common man suffers: schools are closed, patients Only when there is a call for strike orcan't go to the doctor or the hospital, tourists are demonstrations from Syed Ali Shah Geelani peoplecancelling reservations and staying away. die in confrontations with the security forces. One

There is a pattern in the ongoing wave of should not only blame Omar Abdullah for what is

violence, it is clear that someone is pulling the going on. Also, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and separatist

strings: leaders instigating young boys to use violence

against the security forces are responsible for what?It starts always in the same season: May, June,happens.July;

Under Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed, there was a?The same young people are coming on theray of hope. Things were going in the rightstreets;direction: there was the composite dialogue?They shift the 'battle field' up and down frombetween India and Pakistan, roads across the LoCNorth to South of the Valley;were opened, there was people-to-people contact.

?First, a noble aim is inducted. This time, itThere was no reason for the people to be unhappy orwas the ultimatum for the reduction of thefrustrated. It was thanks to these positiveYatra from two months to two weeks becausedevelopments not because Mufti Sayeed was aof environmental reasons. Syed Ali Shahmagician.

Geelani started this deliberately, knowing very Since Musharraf was dethroned and the Mumbaiwell that it was impossible to accept thisterrorist attacks, all came to a standstill. Syed Aliultimatum ten days before the Yatra started.Shah Geelani opposes negotiations, dialogue, and

?After the 'noble aim' has been inducted,the implementation of CBM. A troubled situation

demonstrations and agitation starts. Youngvindicates his stand, he must keep the pot boiling.

boys are at the head of these demonstrations.He also wants to assert that he is the only leader.

Whatever separatist leaders say, these are notHe goes with his own program. Initially, he was

peaceful demonstrations. There is stoneagainst stone pelting and wanted peaceful

pelting and they are even using slingshots beingdemonstrations but the hardliners in his surrounding

a deadly weapon. The separatist leaderswere angry. Consequently, he had to change his

defend this kind of demonstrations. Even stand and now he justifies stone pelting but stillMirwaiz Umar Farooq justified the use of this claiming these are peaceful demonstrations.kind of violence. The administration made mistakes: they should?During these 'peaceful demonstrations' and have imposed curfew after the first killing incident.

confrontations with the security forces Eventually, they did it but after eleven more peoplesometimes demonstrators got killed. Once this got killed. All positive developments of the past arehappens new demonstrations, this time against washed away. Instead of concentrating onthe human rights violations committed by the development, most of the energy is spent on the lawsecurity forces and the killing of innocent and order situation. Omar Abdullah failed topeople, start, and connect with the people.

BASHIR MANZAR

Editor Kashmir Images, Srinagar


15




hat happens now is certainly a planned strategy. It took months

to work out this new plan. They are shifting the battlefield on aWpattern: then the effort is in Kupwara, then it is in Anantnag,

then it is in Sopore, then it is in Baramullah, then it is in Srinagar. Always

changing the location of the battlefield. We can call this agitational

terrorism or even provocative terrorism.

There is also a shift in strategy:

- they are promoting civil disobedience;- they are promoting the new slogan 'quit Kashmir';

- they are using very young boys in the frontline, and

- militant activities are at low ebb in order to focus on the human

rights violations of the security forces.

Now there is curfew and the situation is under control but I don't

know what will happen when curfew is lifted. I hope we will be able to

control the situation and that normalcy will be restored in a week time.

APHC-M is supporting the initiatives of APHC-G. In the media and

comments, much more attention is given to the hardliners and this could

give the impression that the moderates are marginalised. However, this is

not so, they are very much there and participating in the ongoing unrest.

As far as development is concerned, there is a lot of progress. OmarAbdullah is a progressive Chief Minister. He has a lot of support from the

Centre. Tourism was going to be the best year ever. A good number of

people made houseboat and hotel reservations but due to the present

uncertain situation many reservations were cancelled.

In Jammu, the Sangarsh Samiti, supported by BJP and some Hindu

fundamentalist movements, tried to give the unrest a communal turn but

they didn't succeed. The people of Jammu didn't forget what happened in

2008.

There are no common points between PDP and the Government. The

latter blames PDP to incite youth to create problems for the Government.

They are sponsored by Pakistan in order to force India to resume

negotiations.

There is no animosity as such between Mirwaiz Umar Farooq andChief Minister Omar Abdullah. Both are young, educated, intelligent and

articulated. Mirwaiz is a part of the new strategy although not having a

hand in it. The Kashmiri civil society is so complex: there is double

speaking and even triple speaking and this makes it difficult to know

exactly the situation. Kashmiris are very volatile. Corruption is all-

pervasive, all over the State. This is not being checked enough.

RIGZIN JORA

Minister of Tourism and Culture

ABDUL GHANI BHATT

Chairman Muslim Conference

he situation is what it is: same Valley,

same people, same struggle forTfreedom, same army, same killings,

same bloodshed with this marked difference

that it is the blood of our youth, of our

future. That is the difference between the

previous killings and now. Young boys fall to

the bullets of the security forces. OmarAbdullah has huge problems to face. I think

in a situation like the one obtaining in

Kashmir, if you chose an angel to run the

country, even he will also have to face the

music. It is a huge, complex problem.Statements on behalf of the Indian

leadership are not encouraging by any

standards. They say troops open fire in self-

defence. Full-armed soldiers in full-

protected dress just can't open fire on a

young boy. The Indian Prime Minister said

there should be zero tolerance regarding

human right violations. Now he is justifyingkilling of children in Kashmir. Why this

difference? The situation is so embarrassing

that even the pro Indian leaders like Omar

Abdullah and Mufti Sayeed also endorse the

position APHC-M has taken in regard to the

solution for the Kashmir issue. Omar

Abdullah stated the Kashmir issue is a

problem that should be resolved through

dialogue between India, Pakistan and the

Kashmiris in the interest of the whole South

Asian region. What Indian leaders say is

insulting for us Kashmiris. Kashmir as a

problem needs a solution. The fact of the

matter is that you can never think in terms

of bringing peace or improving relations

between India and Pakistan until the

problem is amicably resolved.Afghanistan and Kashmir seem to me to

be interlinked. India and Pakistan are


16




operating against each other on the soil of

Afghanistan. This will cause headache to

US strategists in that country. Peace in

Afghanistan therefore is unmistakably

linked to peace in Kashmir. We will have

to resolve disputes: this is why the USA is

encouraging India and Pakistan to talk and

to resolve disputes as well as preparing to

engage Taliban to talk with the

Government of Afghanistan.If talks between India and Pakistan

proceed on a positive note and in the

process solutions are worked out,

including Kashmir, I suspect vested

interests will feel frustrated and create a

situation like the one in Kashmir today.Extremist elements are out to undo the

efforts that the sensible people put in

towards finding as solution to the

problem. The Government should come

down heavily on them.Communalism is absolute no problem

as far as Kashmir is concerned. The

Indians themselves during the rule of

Governor Jagmohan introduced this

element of communalism in Kashmir.

During his first tenure in 1986, he

communalised the atmosphere by stirring

up communal frenzy and emotions. Duringhis second tenure in 1990, he

communalised, criminalised and

commercialised the whole system.PDP is not instigating the present

wave of violence. In fact, they are angrily

disturbed at the turn of events. They

don't want Kashmir going to dogs but

understand the Kashmir issue has to be

addressed. It is the people of Kashmir

that is doing this, it is not PDP. They are

up against injustice, killings and Indian

hegemony.APHC-M had no secret contacts with

the State Government or with the

Centre. No purposeful contacts have

developed between them. APHC-M hopes

that a serious dialogue will happen soon:

hope maintains people alive and things

going on.

The behaviour of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is irresponsible:tHe is too young and inexperienced;tHe doesn't have a consistent policy;tHe is giving premature comments on dramatics events that happen. He

makes irresponsible statements. As a result he is backtracking, he has tochange his stand, he has to apologise;tIt seems he has no good advisors and if he should have them he doesn't

listen to them or they give wrong advices. The senior NC politicians don't

seem to have any positive input. Also the political advisor to the ChiefMinister doesn't come into the picture;tWhile Kashmir was burning, he was enjoying life in Leh. When he

returned from Leh he was only a few hours in Srinagar and went then toGulmarg to enjoy life there, andHe is young, intelligent, wants development, has a vision but he doesn't

understand the Kashmiri psyche and that is the most important. He has nocontact with the people. How can we expect something from him?

We also wonder where the other politicians – Ministers and Members ofthe Legislative Assembly – are. They should be in their constituencies, theyshould listen to the people, they should bring the healing touch. Now theyare just blaming each other and adding to the confusion. They are fillingtheir pockets, making easy money. Nobody is sincere. All parties are playingdirty politics and just looking after their own interests. The mainstream

politicians are behaving irresponsible thus alienating even more the commonman: he can't go anywhere with his sorrows and problems. Also thebureaucrats and the administration have to be blamed. There is corruptionat all levels.

There is lack of leadership in Kashmir in the mainstream group andamong the separatist leaders. Charismatic, experienced leaders like MuftiSayeed, Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad are in Delhi. Meanwhile,they are leaving the political floor to the separatist leaders who are filling upthis vacuum. Syed Ali Shah Geelani seems to be the strongest leader.Mirwaiz Umar Farooq tries hard to strengthen his position.

The Government totally failed. I don't see any positive result. Nothingremarkable has happened. After being 18 months in power, his predecessorsMufti Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad had showed already remarkable andcommendable results. They had done very well at the ground level, theywhere in contact with the people. Omar Abdullah is only inaugurating theprojects started by the previous Government.

For a solution, there should be a common platform. Everybody (thebiggest question however is: who is everybody?) should be involved and onlythen can emerge a solution acceptable to all. Let us start by implementingthe recommendations that came out of the Round Table Conferences andthat where projected by the five Working Groups. Until date, not a singleone has been implemented.

NASIR HUSSAIN MUNSHI

Councillor LAHDC-K


17




or us here in Kargil, we don't see any negative points in this coalition

Government, only positive points. We are very happy with the coalitionFGovernment and with the ruling of Omar Abdullah. They are very positive

with regard to Ladakh in general and with regard to Kargil in particular. There is

harmony, the relations are going well and we are tackling our own problems with

the support of the State Government and the Centre. We are not creating

tensions and what happens in the Valley is not our first priority. The separatist

leaders in general and APHC in particular don't have any power base or support in

Kargil although they pretend to be the sole representative of all Kashmiris: we have

nothing to do with them.There are no communal tensions at all here in Kargil. There are no

Buddhists in the city, as a result, there is no need to have a Buddhist temple

here: this was already ruled by the court many years back. We have some three

Sikh families here, they have their gurdwara and we don't have any problem with

that.There should be some negotiations so that the dispute between the

'movement' and the authorities is settled permanently. It can be between the

Centre and the separatist leaders, or between the State Government and APHC,or between India and Pakistan, or a combination of these possibilities as long as

it leads towards a lasting, peaceful solution. Due to the situation in the Valley,

we do also suffer: there are problems with the supply of essential goods, the

number of tourists went down drastically.We don't want to be punished for what happens in the Valley. We are

Kargili: we want peace, development and progress for our district (total district

population 120.000, Kargil city population 15.000). Some of the demands are:

extension of the airfield from 3.000 feet to 6.000 feet so that larger civil

airplanes can reach here. Another demand is a tunnel under the Zojila so that

there is road connectivity whit the Valley and the rest of India throughout the

year. We also ask the opening of the Kargil-Skardu road across the LoC. The two

other regions of J&K State have road connectivity across the LoC, so there should

be no problems to open this road. We don't see where the problems could be.The Hill Council is operating in a positive manner. There is no animosity

between the majority and the opposition. Every member of the Council is

working for the betterment of the people. Kargil is also included in projects and

schemes of the Economic Reconstructing Agency (ERA). They supply funds for

building a new township as we have space and expansion problems. A lot of

developmental and infrastructure schemes are in progress.

AAK KACHO

Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC-Kargil


18




am not convinced that there are positive results for this State Government.

Initially there were many expectations. Everyone thought this young ChiefIMinister could be able to bring about a change, to stop corruption. Alas, he

didn't make it. In 2009, he faced the Shopian tragedy leading to

demonstrations, harthals, strikes, curfew. This year, there is Geelani's

ultimatum to reduce the yatra from two months to two weeks. Again, there aredemonstrations, harthals, strikes, curfew. People got killed in confrontations

with the security forces leading to more agitation, more victims. This is a

vicious circle. The separatist leaders are terrorising the Kashmiris, they are

creating chaos. This is an irresponsible behaviour.

We, here in Ladakh, don't know what happens in the Valley. It doesn't

affect us: it is far away and we have nothing in common, they are totally

different. The only negative effect on us is that we have less choice in

vegetables. However, this could be turned into a positive effect: now, our

farmers cultivate more different types of vegetables. To a certain extent, also

tourism is affected although on a very small scale. The Manali road (the link

between Leh and Manali situated in Himachal Pradesh) is being improved. Once

this is done, we don't need Kashmir anymore, then we have a direct link with

mainland India.Kashmir always discriminated and neglected Ladakh. They damaged our

culture, our distinct identity. Thanks to the installation of the LAHDC-L, we can

decide to a certain extent our future. Here, in Leh district, we Buddhists are

an overwhelming majority but on the total population of J&K State, we are just

a small minority of less than two hundred thousand. The State Government

must give due rights, also to minorities, in the same way as we do here in Leh

district with the Muslims being a small minority in this district: we treat them

properly, they get their due share, there is no animosity among the two

communities.

Everyone refers to negotiations between the Centre and the State

Government and the separatists. But we, Ladakhis, must also be involved in

any negotiations. Why should they talk only with those who use violence and

create chaos? Being a very small minority in J&K State, we Ladakhis will only

be safe if we are granted Union Territory status within India.

When it comes to politics, it is difficult to come on one platform. We have

seen this again on 12 July 2010 when PDP boycotted the call from Chief Minister

Omar Abdullah, for an all parties meeting. At crucial times, politicians should

join hands. PDP boycotted this meeting because they only want to topple this

Government, they don't care about the people.

TSEWANG RIGZIN

Associate Editor Epilogue


19




or the time being, I will not participate in any elections but of course, I continue to support

LUTF and the LUTF councillors of the LAHDC-L. The council is very upright, honest, notFbiased, not corrupt, not favouring individuals, not using its power for personal favour. All are

very upright and their integrity is above any doubt. There is not much talking but more action.

Things have changed a lot here in Ladakh. More money is coming in with the tourists and people are

getting more selfish: money and greed. This affects also their political expectations: this could havean impact on the outcome of the next LAHDC-L elections in October this year.

We got a lot of hope from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah but Congress dominates the coalition.

We are hopelessly. He doesn't come to the expectation. He is not able to do what he should do. I

don't see positive points. A lot of money has been wasted, got down the drain. The authorities

should be more selective on projects and not just spending money. Here in Ladakh we don't receive

our due share. Distribution of funds should not only be based on population: also surface, distance

and accessibility must be taken into account.

After 1 ½ year in power, some concrete steps should have been taken but this is not the case.

The State Government should speak clear language. Omar Abdullah has to tackle the situation in the

Valley: it is not our business, not our problem. The mainstream, coalition politicians should speak

one language and shun from demagogic manipulations. We Ladakhis can't exist with this kind of

society, that is not our way of living: alienation is total. Therefore, our only way out is Union

Territory status. Kashmir is total communal, we have every reason to feel insecure under thisKashmir domination.

Apart from some smaller incidents, there is no communal tension, although the undercurrent is

there. We don't want to disturb peace and harmony, we have to remain together. In Kargil district

some 20% of the population is Buddhist, in Leh district we have some 18% Muslims. All over Ladakh

region, Buddhists slightly outnumber Muslims.

Some kind of process is on regarding the Kashmir issue, but the hardliners never will participate

in a dialogue: they created the present situation in Kashmir, they want chaos, they must keep the

pot boiling whatever happens. They receive their orders from across the border. How can there be

a meaningful dialogue if they have a hidden agenda, how can a solution be found if there is no clear

initiative, no clear aim, no clear demand coming from the separatist leaders? Even among the

mainstream politicians, there is no unity. So many demands are floated: staying with India, going to

Pakistan, joint management, self-rule, autonomy, independence, partition, status quo, soft borders,

etc.

The Round Table Conferences and the Working Groups flopped: nothing came out of these

initiatives. It is also wrong to focus only on dialogue with the separatist leaders. This is a wrong

signal. The democratically elected politicians have the mandate of the people. The separatist

leaders must participate in the democratic process, only then we will come to know their real

support. In addition, too much attention is given to Kashmir as if only they have demands. Also,

Jammu and Ladakh have their expectations but they are completely neglected.

THUPSTAN CHHEWANG,

Senior Leader LUTF, Former MP


20




adakhis are not happy at all with the present situation. We want separation

from Kashmir, we want Union Territory status. We will struggle until we reachLour goal. J&K State Government has nothing to give us. Whatever we get is

coming from the Centre and we will continue receiving this support from the Centre,

whether we oppose or support Kashmir. We have nothing to do with Kashmir. What

Kashmir wants is their problem: we don't interfere in that. If they are heading forself-destruction, that is only their choice. They are floating so many demands: staying

with India, joining Pakistan, pre-1953 situation, independence, autonomy, self-rule,

etc. They should first sort out what they really want, then this should be given to

them. We, here in Ladakh want Union Territory status for the whole of Ladakh: all

political parties in Leh support this demand. There should be no problem to give us

what we ask. We don't know what Kargil exactly wants: sometimes they are with us,

sometimes they are airing other ideas. They did the same regarding the installation of

the Hill Council: initially they were against, now they are so happy with their LAHDC-

K. Regarding the claim for Union Territory status it will be the same, they need time

to realise what is good for them.

Our Ladakh Buddhist Association is a non-political organisation. We are only there

to defend the interests and the rights of the Buddhists. We support the demand for

Union Territory status as this serves the interests of the Buddhists, not because this is

a political issue. On the other hand, we don't interfere in the upcoming elections for

the LAHDC-L: we are not bothered whom wins, let the best win.

There is no discrimination between Muslims and Buddhists in Ladakh. There is

no distinction between the two communities. In Leh district, Muslims are free to

build houses, they are getting jobs, they are running business. Unfortunately,

Buddhists being a minority in Kargil district don't get the same fair treatment from

the Muslim majority population there: they don't have a cremation ground, they are

not allowed to run a shop, they are not allowed to have a place of worship, they

are not allowed to repair their temple as the Muslims and the united political

parties oppose this. If we wanted, we could do the same here in Leh district

towards the minority Muslim community but we don't: we are peace-loving people.

We want communal harmony, not communal confrontation. Since 1947, Muslimsrule J&K State, all of them have full support. They are a part of the majority

population in J&K State whereas we Buddhists are just a small minority. We don't

get our due share, the Valley dominates us. Minority groups don't get their due

share. There surely is discrimination but because Buddhists are peace-loving

people, others take advantage of our tolerance. However, there is a limit, we don't

want to be exploited because of that.

LOBZANG RINCHEN

President Ladakh Buddhist Association


21




resently, the State Government has the full support of qLadakh was once an independent Himalayan Kingdom.

the Centre. It is a challenging job due to the The reign of the Namgyal dynasty lasted until 1842Pprevailing situation. All coalition partners give full when the Dogra Maharaja from Jammu annexed Ladakh

support to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Things forcibly into his Dogra Empire.

improve now. The State Government requested for internal qKashmir became a part of the Dogra Empire in 1846

and international dialogue and negotiations. Talks for a when the British colonial power sold the Kashmirresolution and for implementation of more CBM must together with its population to the Dogra Maharaja ofcontinue. There must be a solution for the internal set-up Jammu.of the State and also India and Pakistan must work out a qAfter hundred years of Dogra rule, Ladakh along withsolution. Jammu and Kashmir became an integral part of India in

Everything was on the right track. Everything was October 1947 when Maharaja Hari Singh signed theflourishing and the Centre announced many developmental 'Instrument of Accession' with India.packages. Suddenly, there was this mischievous qFrom the very outset, Ladakh's political merger withintervention from across the border resulting in the present J&K, against the wishes of the Ladakhis, did not formsituation in the Kashmir Valley washing away all the gains. any natural cohesion. Except for the Dogra's suzeraintyThe positive evolution got derailed and it will take time to as a commonality, Ladakh is fundamentally differentput things on track again. As a result, the common people from Kashmir and Jammu in all respects: culturally,suffer. ethnically, linguistically.

The situation in Kashmir doesn't concern Ladakh much: qAfter Sheikh Abdullah, the most popular politician init affects us slightly as far as governance is concerned. We Kashmir, succeeded in dethroning Maharaja Hari Singh,wish the situation goes back to normal the soonest. We are the then ruler of the Dogra Empire, and shifting thenot in direct contact with the Kashmir (more than four

power base of the State from Jammu to Kashmir, thehundred km away) and it is difficult to know what happens.

only commonality we had didn't exist anymore.We don't have inside information. Only through the media,

qLeaders of Kashmir can never be leaders of the Ladakhiswe come to know, to a certain extent, about the ground

and our assimilation with the people of the Kashmir issituation.

next to impossible.PDP is a political party being at loggerhead with NC.

qAny attempt at handling the Kashmir issue by ignoringOne can't expect them to cooperate, as they are an

the aspirations of the Ladakhis will beopposition party. Nevertheless, even as opposition party

counterproductive.one has responsibilities. They should look at the larger

qThe solution lies in tackling the problem separately forinterest of the State and the people. This they are not

the three regions. The Government of India should notdoing: they are only after their own political, vestedfeel shy of finding out separate solutions for the three

interests. On the other hand, NC is not treating PDP as thedistinct regions of the State. We, therefore, strongly

main opposition party, they don't give them duedemand separation from J&K State and granting of theconsideration, they are blaming PDP for all ills. They are allstatus of Union Territory with Legislature to Ladakh tointo politics for their own vested interests.protect and preserve its distinct linguistic, cultural,

Our demand for Union Territory status is based andethnic identity.justified on historical facts:

RIGZIN SPALBAR

Former Chairman and CEO LAHDC


22




slamist fundamentalists are communal. It is them against us Buddhists and Hindus, us the

kafirs, us the infidels. There are also sectarian fights between Shia and Sunni. TheIsituation in Kashmir is quite fluid. Fundamentalism is too much on the rise. They create

the problems and they receive assistance from across the border, from extremist,

fundamentalist organisations in Pakistan. Their aim is to create chaos in the cities and in the

urban areas.

The Government of India is not coming forward with initiatives for negotiations with the

separatist leaders because they are too much divided: to whom should they speak? What

should they discuss? The separatist leaders are not at all interested in talks with the Centre:

now they are dictating what happens in Kashmir. They exploit the sentiments of the people

in the name of Islam and this is not only in Kashmir, it is all over the world.

The full picture has not come out so far and this makes it a very complex situation:

qMirwaiz wants the right of self-determination;

qNC wants autonomy with pre-53 situation;

qCongress Party wants full integration within India;

qPDP wants self rule for a re-united J&K;

qOthers are in favour of joint management,

qSome separatist leaders want total independence, and

qSome other separatist leaders want integration within Pakistan.

For us, here in Ladakh the situation is clear. We don't accept one of these proposals: we

want completely march with mainstream India by obtaining Union Territory status with

legislature. On this, there is a complete unity among the political parties, be it LUTF or

Congress Party. If we remain with J&K under a new worked out setup, we will be oppressed

by Kashmir just like it is since decades.

We don't understand why the Centre gave the full six years of tenure of Chief Minister to

Omar Abdullah and not half/half NC/Congress Party. This is a serious mistake of the high

command of the Congress Party in Delhi. In addition, Ladakh doesn't have representation in

the State Coordination Committee. This is unfair: as a result we have no say in the policy

making.

So far, Omar Abdullah couldn't make much impact on any front: not in the

developmental field and corruption is rampant. In addition, he couldn't handle the present

situation and the army had to be called in again. He didn't succeed in his governance.

PDP is basically supported by the separatist leaders as we have seen during the

Legislative Assembly elections in 2008. There are no common points between PDP and the

coalition Government. NC is their main rival.

PHUNSTOG NAMGYAL

Congress Leader, Former Union Minister


23




he situation in Kashmir is very fluid. It is going a controlled with the gun. The present State Government is

very serious way: on the one hand they are using a weak. They don't want to take the bad name although inTkind of Gandhi formula, a kind of civil disobedience the long run they will be blamed for what happens. If

and 'Quit Kashmir' movement, and on the other hand they there are no killings anymore, the situation will improve.

came down from using the bullet and started stone pelting If not, they will lose all credibility. There should be a

(using catapults and slingshots), damaging and burning tactical move from the side of the security forces to

vehicles (civilian and security forces), forcing shops and control these so called peaceful demonstrations. The

service stations to close down, cutting hair of drivers present agitation is out of control of hardliner Syed Ali

defying the call for harthals, etc., like 'intifada' in Shah Geelani, who started all this. Now, mobs have taken

Palestine, provoking the security forces and forcing them to over the streets. The State Government must implement

intervene. Pakistan, and especially ISI, are the advisors, rule of law. Kashmiris are fed up with all this, they are

the master mind behind this. terrorised by these mobs. Normal life came to a

Right now it is very dangerous. The situation can't be standstill.

ndia can't handle Kashmir or Pakistan. The Home show. They push him in front, he is full of good intensions

Minister made a mess of it. India should have cornered but it is a very complex situation and he is not experi-IPakistan on terrorism. In stead, Pakistan cornered enced enough. His father Farooq Abdullah is very clever,

India on human rights violations in Kashmir. For India, it is he doesn't want a change or to take over: now people

more difficult to handle the situation in Kashmir. criticise Omar Abdullah, not himself.Although, the demonstrations are not peaceful at all – they Omar Abdullah did nothing drastic, nothing new in the

are pelting stones, using catapults, burning cars – the secu- economic or developmental field. The Kashmiris are so

rity forces must show restraint. This is a very dangerous used to get everything. There is no limit in the packages

situation. coming from the Centre. There is an enormous waste of

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is very nice and doing money, they are so corrupt. His predecessor Ghulam Nabi

his best but he is in a coalition and Congress runs the Azad took some measures with limited success, but now

MOHAMMAD SHAFI LASSU

Anjumian Moin-ul-Islam, LEH

TSERING DORJE,

LUTF Chairman and CEO LAHDC


24




The State Government as a whole is ineffective. NC militants have the support from the Pakistani leadership.

politicians are used to rule in an authoritarian way. Now, The whole Pakistani machinery, the army and ISI support

they have to share power with Congress and work out the militant outfits and the 'movement' of the separatist

compromises. Senior NC MLA's are also frustrated leaders. They finance them, they give them logistic

because they didn't get a ministerial post. NC is not that support. This is an open secret. Unless Pakistan is

sincere with its coalition partner: in Ladakh they support honest, there can't be a solution. Pakistan also has

and pamper LUTF, not Congress. Also in Jammu, they are internal compulsions: all mainstream political parties in

weakening Congress. Pakistan support the Kashmir 'movement' openly. It is in

In Ladakh, there are no communal tensions, except their manifesto. They don't want the movement to die.

some small incidents not worth mentioning. Some We have nothing to do with the Kashmir issue.

extremists tried to stir up emotions but common sense Kashmir creates problems, they are not happy, they don't

succeeded in defusing tensions. Buddhists don't eat meat know what they want. They should sort out their own

three days a week. The Ladakh Buddhist Association problems and future. We don't follow them in their self-

wanted to impose this rule on the restaurants. This is an destruction policy. We, here in Ladakh, know exactly

unreasonable demand as we have so many tourists in what we want. There is only one aim supported by all

Ladakh. We opposed this demand with success. India is a parties: we want Union Territory status for the whole of

secular country: those who don't want to eat meat are Ladakh. We must take along Kargil district in order to

free to do so. The same goes for those who want to strengthen this demand. We must put more effort in

enjoy it. All this is a question of tolerance and mutual discussing with the Kargili people, we must build trust

respect. between the two districts. We are sure they will realise

J&K State will remain the same, whether there are that their future lies with Union Territory status for the

talks or not, as long as the separatist leaders and the whole of Ladakh.

corruption is at every level, the sky seems to be the limit. and employment, economic infrastructure, tourism, trans-

port and communication, link roads, information technol-There is communalism all over J&K State and even all

ogy, non conventional energy, urban development, etc. Allover India. There are a lot of conflicts on regional basis.

this and much more has to be looked after by the HillJammu and Ladakh are not at all happy with the rule of

Council.Kashmir. Ladakhis held a darna (=sit-in) in front of raj

bhavan (= Governor's residence) against the Kashmiri domi- For the future, at one time there must be a solution.

nation and in favour of Union Territory status. The maximum India can give is autonomy but the

demands of the separatist leaders are much different.In a few months there will be Hill Council elections in

They are so divided among themselves. They must firstLeh district: the struggle is between Congress, now in oppo-

come together and work out a plan, come forward withsition, and we LUTF. Our performance was very good. We

clear demands. Only then we can start discussing. Ifmust now go to the people and explain them what we did.

they want to keep J&K State intact, their plan must alsoWe spent all the financial support we received from the

include the protection and the position of the minoritiesCentre for developmental packages in a proper way andin the State. India is in a defensive position, only talking,people feel the change.

whereas Pakistan is doing something on the ground: theyThe Hill Council has a huge responsibility. All depart-support the separatist leaders, they train militants, theyments, except police and power supply, are under thesend arms, ammunition, communication equipment,Council: agriculture, fishery, forests, horticulture, hus-money, etc. I don't see any light at the end of the tunnel:bandry, irrigation, social care, health care, education,it will be a very long process.youth and sports, drinking water, rural sanitation, industries


25



OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER, DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL ORGANISATION,

J&K JAMMU

SUBJECT : Strict implementation of provision of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules in respect of manufactureand sale of Oxytoxin, which id reported to be used clandestinely by daily owner and farmers growing

vegetables - reg.

Reports have appeared in the press as well as electronic media regarding the misuse of Oxytoxin

Injections by the farmers to increase the size of vegetables. Similar reports were earlier received in

respect of the clandestine use of Oxytoxin by the dairy owners to extract milk from cows and buffaloes. The

Oxytoxin Injection is required to be packed in single unit blister pack only for sale and is required to be

dispensed on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner only. It is therefore impressed upon all

the dealers/manufacturers to strictly follow the Provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rule

1945. The Department shall initiate stern Administrative Action against offenders indulging in misuse of

Oxytoxin injection like cancellation of Licenses granted for carrying out sale/manufacturing. Besides legal

action as warranted under Rules shall follow Administrative Action.

The general public through the mode of this notification is appealed to share information related to

misuse of Oxytoxin Injection by Dairy owners and farmers to grow vegetables with the Department on

following helpline number : 01912538527, 01912538626, 01912597445, 01942471191, 9419180734.

The complainants can also mail their complaints on following email address :

[email protected]

No. : DIP/J-5640

Please Help Us to Serve You Better

LIKE :-

tJaundice Gastroenteritis Diarrhoea Typhoid DysenteryBy adopting following simple measures :-

1. Use boiled cooled water for drinking purposes.2. Chlorine tablets for domestic use are freely available in all Health Institutions.

3. Store water in clean utensils and keep them covered.

4. Don’t eat stale, uncovered eatable items exposed to dust and flies.

5. Wash vegetables and fruit thoroughly with clean water before use.

6. Keep the food items covered so that flies do not contaminate the food.

7. Always wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet and before eating food.

8. Avoid defecation near the source of water supply.

9. In case of loss of body fluids, use oral rehydration solution (ORS). Dissolve one packet of ORS in

one litre of boiled cooled water and use it within 24 hours and prepare fresh one for next use.

10. Patients suffering from any of the above mentioned diseases should report to the nearest Health

Institution for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

t t t t

N o . : D I P / J - 5 8 3 8

HEALTH EDUCATION BUREAUDIRECTORATE OF HEALTH SERVICES, JAMMU

PREVENT WATER BORNE DISEASES

A dopt A H eal t hy L if e S t yl e



in focus Cross LoC Trade


orgotten by New Delhi and Islamabad after billing it as mother of all

Confidence Building Measures, the Cross-LoC trade between two parts of

divided Jammu and Kashmir is sustained by the stakeholders despite allodds. India and Pakistan are again back to back and prolonged turmoil in

FKashmir is leaving very little for incremental measures to help ease

tension but beneath surcharged political surface there is an eagerness and will among

the divided families on both sides of divide to revive and maintain contacts. Full of

hurdles and losses, Cross-LoC trade is proving as just one way of crossing the political

divide by strength of emotions.

Two years have passed since the cross-LoC trade began in October 2008. While New

Delhi and Islamabad consider this as a great cross-LoC confidence building measure,

business community in Kashmir valley and across the LoC are not too happy with what has

happened so far. While the governments provide statistics to prove the quantum of trade

taking place across the LoC, the business community emphasis on quality and practical

problems. On the other hand, NGOs and individuals have been pushing for opening new

routes, besides the existing two routes and call for expansion of the list of items being

traded.

With no logistics and mechanism of formal trade in place, the observers had long written

this exercise off but after two years of experiment there are hopes of a push to this non-

conventional trade. It is a barter trade and the traders are not dreaming of any

miraculous approach of New Delhi and Islamabad to make it formal enough for profits.

Realising that Governments on both sides are not too serious in making the Cross-LoC

trade a profitable proposition for stakeholders, the traders have narrowed down their

expectations and demands to just one area –remission of payments often blocked on both

sides. There is some positive development on this issue after strenuous efforts of the

business chambers. After some back channel discussions with authorities in New Delhiand Islamabad, there is a paper in circulation between Chambers of Commerce and

Industries in Jammu, Srinagar and Muzaffarabad for feedback of traders on a banking

proposal. After feedback from traders, the proposal would go to the Reserve Bank of India

and State Bank of Pakistan for their approval. The Srinagar Chamber and Muzaffarabad

Chamber are in consultation on the proposal while views from Jammu Chamber are still

awaited, Epilogue has learnt.

D SUBA CHANDRAN & ZAFAR CHOUDHARY

CROSS-LOC TRADE:

D ark C louds and a Silver Lining

The Editors and the

Management of Epilogue Magazine

place on record a

deep sense of

gratitude to the

Conciliation

Resources, a

London based

international

conflict

transformation

organization, for

supporting this

special issue on

Cross-LoC trade in

many ways. Many

comments, ideas

and feedback were

obtained by the

editors through

interactions with

stakeholders in

meetings supported

by the Conciliation

Resources in one or

the other manner.

27




Divided families vs businessmen

The Cross-LoC trade was essentially a Confidence Building Measure to lessen tension in Kashmir and enhance contacts of

Kashmiris on both sides of Line of Control. Trade statistics of two years suggest that it is the Poonch-Rawalakote route in Jammu

province which is seeing huge trade activity and not the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route. Regular weekly trade volume running into

Crores of rupees on Poonch sector as compared to trade in few thousands to few lakhs of rupees on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad

sector may be showing a failure of CBM in Kashmir Valley but it is not like that. In fact, whatever little it may be, the Srinagar-

Muzaffarabad sector is involving more original stakeholders who are keenly investing in revival of relations and not business. Withleading Srinagar businessmen having almost completely pulled out of Cross-LoC trade in view of logistical hurdles and recurring

losses, the trade on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route is sustained mostly by members of the divided families from north Kashmir

districts of Baramulla and Kupwara. They are doing trade mostly with their known relatives on other side of the divide. In case of

Poonch-Rawalakote also members of divided families are involved but the major quantum of trade is due to involvement of a dozen

of proxy traders working on behalf of businessmen in other parts of country like Punjab and Gujarat.

Trade “to” Other Kashmir or Trade

“Through” Other Kashmir?: TheProblem of Perceptions

South Indian Coconuts and Chinese

Garlic in Cross-LoC Trade: The

Problem of Proxies

ore than the infrastructural problems, the biggest problemMtoday, is the frustration, between the traders and the gov-

ernments, on the objectives of the trade. While the government

designed this as a “trade to other Kashmir”, the traders expected

it will be a “trade through other Kashmir”. Without understand-

ing the likely fallouts of this difference, due to political pressure,

the governments of India and Pakistan agreed to start the trade

without reaching an understanding on who will trade and to

where. While the Kashmiri traders wanted to see this as a transit

trade, ensuring their goods reaching to the Gulf and European

countries through Rawalpindi and Karachi, they did not want todo this as an international trade, but a cross-LoC. Hence the prob-

lem of currency came into being in the cross-LoC trade. Even

today, the government and the traders are unable to reach an

understanding on what currency should the trade be organised.

As a result, it stands a barter trade.

he government, to be fair, failed to foresee, the exploitation

Tof cross-LoC trade by non-Kashmiri traders, and the use of

non-Kashmiri goods. Today, despite understanding the problem,

The story so farhat are the major problems of the existing cross-

WLoC trade? Should there be additional routes, for

political purposes, or should the existing routes be

strengthened and made to deliver, before expanding

further? Should any new efforts to strengthen the

cross-LoC trade be prioritized, in terms of what needs

to be done immediately, and what needs to be done,

once there is confidence?

To begin with, one should understand, that the

primary problem of cross-LoC trade was it inception

itself, without proper home work by both sides and also

traders across the LoC. As a result, neither there was a

proper understanding of what is needed on the other

side, nor whether there is a surplus on this side. It was a

political decision by the governments of India and

Pakistan, to continue with the cross-LoC interactions.

Whatever may be the reasons for not doing the

homework, or announcing it in a hurry, Manmohan

Singh should be congratulated for taking that bold

step. But unfortunately, he also seems to suffer from

the same syndrome, that of his illustrious predecessor,

Vajpayee– one step forward and two steps backward.

When the cross-LoC trade was announced, the local

traders in J&K, were jubilant, and took part enthusias-

tically, despite the non availability of banking system,

lack of communication network, and the decision to

conduct a barter trade. As the trade enter into its thirdyear, there are five specific sets of problems and a sil-

ver lining.


28



the government of India is groping for

options on how to prevent non-Kashmiri

traders. The primary problem for the

government is – on the one hand it does

not want to stop the trade, on the other

hand it is unable to implement in the

right spirit. Since, it was originally

planned to be a cross-LoC trade, it was

decided that there would be zero duty,

on the items that were traded through

the two points near Poonch and Uri.

Here lies the primary problem and rea-

son for primary frustration amongst the

local trading community.

Since this is a zero duty trade,

those non-Kashmiri traders, primarilyfrom Punjab (on both sides of the Indo-

Pak international border) and even from

Gujarat and Sindh, jumped into this

trade and started exploiting the 'no

duty' provision. All they had to do, is to

find 'proxy traders' in J&K, who act as

agents, taking a percentage of the

trade. While the Kashmiri traders from

J&K could not call their counter parts on

the other side (due to non-availability

of telephone connections, due to secu-

rity reasons), traders in Punjab and

Sindh have no such problems. Tradersfrom Indian Punjab and Gujarat could

call traders on the Pakistani side and

vice versa. As a result, there was a

better communication in terms of what

is needed, what could be sent, the

nature of surplus and the cost of items

on both sides.

Also, with all respect to the traders

of J&K across the LoC, the traders in

mainland India and Pakistan are better

organised, thanks to the bilateral trade

for a long period. They have established

not only contacts, but also trust

between each other; hence this makes

them easy to undertake the cross-LoC

trade, despite being on barter system.

Suddenly, there is a dip in the bilateral

trade between India and Pakistan

through the Wagah border, because the


What is your assessment of Cross-LoC trade?

There is a lot to say on whether it is a trade or just goodwill

gesture. However, I would like to make only point –in whatever

manner trade is going on, some people are engaged in the

process and they want to carry it on. I am yet to come across

anyone who is against Cross-LoC trade. People want the system

streamlined and it is time the government looked into it.

Do you think the Cross-LoC trade served its intendedpurpose?

It is difficult to comment on this aspect. If you talk in terms of

business, I don't think it is a fair process, there are a lot of unfair

means being resorted to. If you talk in terms of Confidence

Building Measure, I think the spirit needs to be revived.

How is the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industriesinvolved in the process?

Chambers have been offered very little to do and our

Chamber is doing pretty little. We appreciate the importanceCross-LoC trade and take the matter of its streamlining at all

appropriate levels but there is no direct involvement. We are

quick to react when a trader or a group of traders bring any issue

to our notice, we take up matter with government and write to

other authorities but Chambers are not much in picture beyond

that.

How do you look ahead?

First of all efforts are required to be made to remove the trust

deficit which is currently prevailing. On one hand there is no

official mandate available with the Chambers and on the other

hand there is hardly any interaction between three Chambers.We have started some talks on payment remission mechanism

but again these discussions become victim of lack of contact.

There is no clarity from any side, much less from the

governments. But yes, people want to carry on with trade and

we will continue to highlight this sentiment.

INTERVIEW

YV SHARMA

President,

Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Jammu


29




Can Chambers regulate it better?

Following a meeting between Indo-Pak Joint Working Group on Trade, there was an in principle understanding that modalities of

Cross-LoC trade shall be settled by the Business chambers of Jammu and Kashmir after their visits and meetings on both sides. A

visit of traders from AJK Chamber of Commerce of Industries to Srinagar and then Jammu was facilitated by both governments in

October 2008 but a similar visit of Jammu and Kashmir traders to PaK is still pending despite several requests to State and

Central Governments. In November 2008 Chambers in Srinagar and Jammu were asked by the State Government to send list of

40 members for clearance of their travel to Muzaffarabad. The travel proposal is still pending. Chambers of Commerce andIndustries in Jammu and in Srinagar are of the opinion that regulation should be left to them for making trade practical. One of

the ideas is that the individual traders register with the respective chambers in Jammu, Srinagar and Muzaffarabad and the

subsequent Cross-LoC trade is between Chamber to Chamber. In this case the Chambers can become price determining authority,

can facilitate of sale and purchase of goods and remission of payments. Individual traders are averse to this idea which they see

as monopoly of Chambers but the Chambers argue that a scattered system is bound to collapse.

I send Apples, You may like tosend Onions, or Ajwain: TheProblem of a Barter Trade

sts of today, cross-LoC trade today in the 21 cen-Atury is taking place almost like the barter tradethof the 16 century. A trader from Sopore, for the

apples he sent may get a few trucks of onions or gar-

lic, irrespective whether he wants or not. Second,

there are no adequate telephone facilities between

both sides of Kashmir; while traders (and others)

could call from the PoK to the Indian side, citing secu-

rity reasons, the Indian government has blocked peo-

ple from J&K calling the other side. This is where

banking facilities, telephone connections and the

removal of barter trade will help make the cross-LoCtrade between the two parts of Kashmir and not two

parts of Punjab. Also, this is where the strengthening

of the local trade bodies in respective regions and

the Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Being

an economist, Manmohan Singh should not need any

one to tell him, how to organise trade. Perhaps, he is

not being told about the practical problems; or does

not have the political will. Both will be a political

disaster to an important cross-LoC economic initia-

tive.

Both are valid criticisms and there is already a

positive movement, (though painfully slow) on boththese issues. There have been negotiations on

addressing the banking facilities; it has been decided

mainland traders would prefer to send their goods to Kashmir. On

the other hand, the Kashmiri traders find it difficult to trade,

despite its zero duty, because it is barter trade. Thanks to the long

hiatus in trade, and their traditional trade net work linked with the

rest of India and Pakistan, Kashmiri traders do not have a successful

network across the LoC. As a result, there is less trust, especially

when the trade takes place on barter system, and with no tele-

phone connections.

The story of Moong Dal and Coconut will tell an interesting yet

pathetic story of the cross-LoC trade. Moong Dal, which is cheap on

the other side, (Rs 20 a kilo in Muzaffarabad, when compared to Rs

80-100 in Jammu or Srinagar) is traded in bulk in the cross-LoC

trade from Pakistani side to the Indian side. Unfortunately, this

Moong Dal, instead of hitting the local markets of J&K, thereby

reducing the price of it, is being silently shipped away to the rest of

India. Coconut, though not in the list and is not produced anywhere inJ&K has been the most favourite item, crossing Poonch into Rawalakot

in substantial number. Same is the case with the garlic, which the

Pakistani side gets from China and sends it to the Indian side.

This proxy trade, has also created a new set of 'traders' or

'agents' who are few in numbers, but suddenly rich and have the

potential to send huge consignments to the other side, worth

crores. Since, the proxy traders do not invest, he has no problem in

being an agent in sending goods in crores. The primary traders on

both sides of Punjab take care in terms - what items to be sent and

in what quantity. This rich proxy traders, are trying to undermine

the local trading network; since the governments do not want to

stop the trade, for political reasons and the fear of a failure, they

yield to the threat of the proxy traders and silently watch thehijacking of cross-LoC trade and the suffering of the local traders

and people.


30



to open a branch

of J&K Bank in

Muzaffarabad,

and a branch of

A J K b a n k i n

Srinagar. This will

also address the

problem of the

currency in which

the trade is to

take place. For

political reasons,

there has been a

huge objection,

on the use of

international cur-rency, for it

would signify, an

i n t e r n a t i on a l

trade and not

intra-Kashmiri

trade. Emphasis

on the non-use of

international cur-

rency is hypo-

c r i t i c ; w h e n

those who want

to trade criticise

the governmentsnot seeing the

trade as an eco-

n o m i c C B M ,

objecting the use

of an interna-

tional currency is

equally political.

Especially, when

the traders are

more interested

in transit trade

through the other

side, all the wayt o m a i n l a n d

Pakistan, and

then to Dubai and

E u r o p e f r o m

Karachi.


Two years after its launch, how do you look at the current status of Cross-LoCtrade?

Literally, the Cross-LoC trade is merely breathing to indicate that, yes, it isalive…rest is nothing. It is a half hearted symbolic initiative of the Governments ofIndia and Pakistan which is being sustained by sincerity of Kashmiris, particularlythe members of the divided families.Do you think this trade served the intended purpose in any amount?

Let me say first thing first. Cross-LoC trade is based on clear violations of thebasic principles of trade. The mechanism with which this is being run brings the par-ties disappointment and frustration. This is what the trade is proving.

I would say that yes it served some purpose to the extent that it brought mem-bers of the divided families together and it made people to think, after a gap of 60years, that they can deal with their relatives on other side of the divide. There is oneway of looking at the positive aspect –even absence of logistics and payment mecha-nism the trade is going on, though in small measures, that is the success. But attributethis success to the members of divided families and not the authorities.Trade volume on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route is very poor as compared to thePoonch-Rawalakote. Do you think Kashmiri traders are not much interested?

This is wrong. Traders of Kashmir Valley are more interested in Cross-LoC trade

than anyone else. On Poonch-Rawalakote route there is a huge proxy racket –tradersfrom others parts of country send across their goods and enjoy benefits of price dif-ference. Uri route is far away from the mainland Indian markets which is whyPoonch route is preferred one. On the contrary, on Uri route we have the real stake-holders, the members of the divided families who are sustaining this process withtheir emotions.Had there been proper infrastructure, logistics, banking etc?

Sky would have been the limit.How is Kashmir Chamber involved in pushing the trade?

We are trying to make all possible efforts. We took up the matter with PrimeMinister Manmohan Singh in June this year and he assured us of his personal inter-est to set things right. Nothing has happened since then.A proposal on payment remission is under discussion. What is your view on that?

We are not aware of any such proposal. Kashmir Chamber is a democraticallyelected representative body but we have not been consulted on any such thing. What is the status of Joint Chamber?

Joint Chamber has lost relevance, whatever it had. It was agreed upon to transferthe chair to Kashmir Chamber in November 2009 which has not happened even in2010. In am in touch with President of Jammu Chamber and can't recall when was mylast contact with Mr Zulfikar Abbasi, the president of the Joint Chamber.

INTERVIEW

NAZIR A DAR

President,

Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Kashmir


31



I don't know

whom I'm trad-ing with: The

Problem of

Connectivityqually nonsensical isEthe reluctance of the

Indian government to

allow people from J&K to

use telephone facilities to

call the other side. Though

the government today has

magnanimously allowed toset up five points/lines,

from which a trader could

call the other side, this is

simply not sufficient. Of

course, something is

better than nothing, but

then, is this a right

approach? Recently five

telephone lines were

established in Poonch and

Uri exclusively for Cross-

LoC traders to make calls

to other side but tradersare reluctant to use those

phones. “Business needs

privacy and one of the con-

ditions for using these

phones lines is that one

has to talk in presence of a

government official”, said

a trader.

One could understand the

dilemma within the Indian

government, especially

with the Prime Minister'sOffice (and perhaps the

Ministries of External

Affairs and the Commerce)

wanting to move ahead,

while the Home Ministry,

e spe c i a l l y i t s w e l l

entrenched intelligence


A POSSIBLE BANKING MECHANISMThe Business Chambers on both sides are considering a proposal on a possible banking mechanism. This

proposal appears to have come after a preliminary discussion between authorities in New Delhi and

Islamabad. The proposal is currently at circulation stage while a proper discussion is yet to take off. The

Federation Chamber of Industries and Commerce Kashmir (FCIK), parallel lobby to the Kashmir Chamber

of Commerce and Industry is reportedly coordinating discussions between Muzaffarabad Chamber,

Jammu Chamber and the nearly defunct Joint Chamber. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry

is apparently out of the loop at this stage.Epilogue had an access to the document which suggests two viable banking options. Highlights of

the proposal are given here:

Exporter in J&K Importer in PoK

Goods

Credit Debit

Goods

Importer in J&K Exporter in J&K

Escrow Account

Trade Facilitation Account PoKwith J&K Bank Ltd. in INR

Exporter in PoK Importer in PoK

Goods

Debit Credit

Goods

Importer in J&K Exporter in India

Trade Facilitation Account in J&K

with a Bank in PoK


32




OPTION - 1CONDITIONS :

1. The escrow account is to be opened by J&K Bank Ltd in the name of 'Trade Facilitation – PoK Account' In Indian Rupees only with zerobalance.

2. All contracts for export from the import to J&K should provide for payment only through the escrow account.

3. Invoices in support of the trade transaction should be raised in Indian Rupees only.

4. The credit/debit transactions in the account will be subject to the following conditions :

4.1 CREDITS :

a) Credits to the account will represent amount due to the exporters in PoK towards payment for the import of goods in to J&K.

b) The credit transaction should be support by a commercial invoice duly certified by a State/Central Government authority aboutthe value and origin of goods, for the transport of goods from Pok and J&K. (This is in order to ensure there is no over invoicing orunder-invoicing of goods and no third country transactions are routed through the account).

c) The bank should verify the documents to title to goods i.e. lorry receipts issued by transport operator approved by appropriate

authority.4.2 DEBITS

a) Debit in the account will represent amount due from the importer in PoK towards payment for the export of goods from J&K.

b) The debit transaction should be supported by a commercial invoice duly certified by a state/Central Government authority aboutthe value and origin of a goods, for the transport of goods from J&K into PoK. (This is in order to ensure there is over-invoicing orunder-invoicing of goods and no third country transactions are routed through the account)

c) The bank should verify the documents of title to goods – i.e. Lorry receipts issued by an IBA approved transport operator.

5. Interest shall be payable/receivable for the credit/debit or the balance in the escrow account as mutually agreed by the twobanks.

6. J&K Bank will ensure that the KYC requirements of importers/exporters are complied with for all the transactions routed throughthe escrow account. Strict control over the use of balances in the account may be put in place to avoid financing of any nontrade/suspicious activities in India.

7. The balance in the escrow account will not be allowed to be remitted outside India but should be adjusted towards payment of foodsexported from India.

8. The overdraft, if any sanctioned by the J&K Bank Ltd., shall not exceed Rs. 500 lakhs at any time.

OPTION - 2At present trade between India and Pakistan is transacted via the ACU dollar and ACU Euro. The trade across the line of control

can be transacted the same way but this will raise a variety of issues, including that of classification of this trade as foreign trade. Also,it will not meet the aspirations of the local traders. As such we have to devise a system for settlement of cross LoC trade outside the ACUmechanism which will be operated in Indian/Pakistani Rupees.

MECHANISM :

It is proposed to institute a system along the following lines:

qJ&K Bank will open a Pakistani Rupee (PKR) nostro account in a Bank in Pakistan having a presence in POK.

qAny bank in POK opens an Indian Rupee (INR) nostro account in J&K Bank.qImport and Export transactions will be settled through these accounts.

Regulatory Requirement :

Since PKR/INR is not traded in India/Pakistan, Reserve Bank of India in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan will have to providea window for buying /selling of PKR from/to J&K Bank to fund the rupee nostro account or absorb the surplus balance in the account.

State Bank of Pakistan will have to provide reciprocal facilities to their Bank in POK.

To cover the exchange risks, RBI and SBP may buy/sell the PKR/INR at a fixed rate for a period of three months of six months.


33




What happened to joint Chamber?

At the non-governmental level the formation of 'Jammu and Kashmir Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries' was the perhaps

the biggest Confidence Building Measure. Two years after its formation as the Joint Chamber is as good as dead. This was an

agreement between Presidents of Jammu, Srinagar and Muzaffarabad Chambers of Commerce and Industries to have an apex

body of traders with equal representation from three chambers and rotational chairmanship. Zulfikar Abbasi who headed the AJK

Chamber's delegation to J&K in October 2008 was offered the inaugural chairmanship for a period of one year. Next was the term

of Kashmir Chamber and then Jammu Chamber. Since then there has been a change of guard at all three Chambers, there are

new men at the helm even as Abbasi continues to be the Chairman of Joint Chamber. The President of Srinagar Chamber Nazir

Ahmed Dar does not remember when he last spoke to Abbasi and same is the case with President of Jammu Chamber. In fact, the

Joint Chamber could never take off. Immediately after its formation, the three Chambers were required to nominate members forthe Apex body which the Jammu and Muzaffarabad Chambers did but the Srinagar Chamber could not do till date due to a split

within. By rotation, the Chairmanship had to be conferred to Jammu Chamber this October but it has not reached even the

Srinagar Chamber. Lack of opportunity to meet is one major reason which has rendered the Joint Chamber almost defunct. A

website of the Joint Chamber was registered in Jammu which expired last year. The web hosts, Ideogram Technologies told

Epilogue that they were never approached by any party for renewal.

More New Routes or Strengthen the

Existing ones?: The Problem of Expectationsesides the banking facilities and telephone connections,Banother major issue has been the demand to open more trade

routes across the LoC. Jammu-Sialkot, Nowshera-Mirpur and Kargil-

Skardu axes have been suggested a new trade routes. What should

be the approach? Should there be focus on opening new trade

routes, or should there be a concentration on strengthening the

existing arrangements, before opening new routes? Should the ener-

gies be prioritized?

Jammu-Sialkot, undoubtedly is the most popular demand,

given the historical and cultural linkages between these two great

cities. But, given the fact, that it is an international border, there isno cross-LoC tag attached to it. This axis, certainly needs to be

opened, but perhaps from a popular or an international/bilateral

trade perspective, and not from a cross-LoC angle. Kargil-Skardu

axis is again a popular one for divided families, more than a trade

route. Unless India and Pakistan wants to open the entire stretch

linking Tibet and Sinkinang, and revive the romantic Silk route for

trade, opening just Kargil-Skardu road for trading purpose may not

be beneficial. Instead, both countries could consider opening this

route for trade-in-services, primarily for tourism, that is trade- in-

goods.

agencies, blocking the forward movement.

One only hopes, the matured and bold Union

Home Minister over rides certain exaggerated

intelligence concerns, and make the cross-LoC

trade deliver for larger strategic objective.

The recent statement by Jairam Ramesh,

though in a different context is valid – that the

Home Ministry is extra cautious, at times, even

to the extent of blocking new initiatives. None

will be able to better understand this issue

than Jairam Ramesh, for many of his economic

initiatives relating to our neighbours in the

east and west, during his previous tenure in

commerce ministry, could not materialise, due

to security concerns from the Home ministry.

Blaming one ministry, however is not anexcuse; after all, the final decision lies with

the Prime Minsiter. Even if there has to be a cer-

tain cost and risk, it is worth taking them, as

long as it serves the larger objective why we

started the cross-LoC interactions in the first

place. This is where Manmohan Singh has to

continue, what he has started in 2005. Taking

one step forward and two steps backward, has

been the Union government's legacy in J&K,

and this is not acceptable.


34



Problems Galore,

but there is a Silver

Liningf course, there are numerousOproblems. Given the tensions

between India and Pakistan, and thelack of connectivity between twoparts of J&K, problems are bound tobe there. Especially, with a sectionamongst the business communitytrying to monopolize and hijack thecross-LoC trade, genuine business-men are likely to be at the receivingend. There is bound to be startingproblems.

On the positive side, two issuesneed to be identified and built fur-ther. First and foremost, the enthu-siasm, endurance and the patienceof genuine businessmen to tradewith each other and make this ini-tiative a huge success, despite theslow progress from the governmen-tal side and the attempt to monopo-lize this trade by few selfish busi-nessmen from J&K and outside it.

Second, both India andPakistan, despite the problems at

the bilateral levels and ground levelmisuse the above mentioned selfishbusinessmen, both countries havenot stopped the trade.

The above two issues areclearly the silver lining, which couldbe the basis for a new beginning inthe third year. To conclude, in thethird year, both India and Pakistanshould consider strengthening thetrade two existing routes, by resolv-ing banking facilities and communi-cation issues; perhaps, opening newroutes for economic reasons, could

be considered for the fourth year,after necessary home work.Meanwhile, new routes could beopened for the meeting of dividedfamilies, for example betweenKargil and Skardu, as it happened inthe previous two routes, and thenfollowed by trade.


You were among the most active proponents of Cross-LoC trade.

Your organization hosted the Muzaffarabad delegation in 2008.

How do you look at the journey of two years?

The way I look at the Cross-LoC trade seems inspiring andst thencouraging. In 21 century you are practicing the means of 16

century. There is no infrastructure, no logistics and no

communication. People don't know who they are trading with. Still

there is trade. This is where I find the success. Credit goes to the

people directly involved in it.

Has the trade bridged gaps between two divided parts of Jammu

and Kashmir?

Can't say that but yes this process has paved a way for cooperation.

People are looked forward to enhanced contacts. For examples, my

family had migrated from Mirpur (in PaK) and I am too eager to go

there, meet people and find ways of dealing with them. There are

many people like me on both sides who see in Cross-LoC trade a

huge opportunity of reconnecting.You deal in medicines. What is the scope of medicines in Cross-

LoC trade?

If Cross-LoC trade was though on humanitarian lines,

medicines should have been the first thing to be sent across. On

other side of Line of Control, medicines are too expensive as

compared to this side. Export from other side would have helped

people a lot. Indian manufactured medicines are in huge

consumption in Pakistan but they are imported via third countries

like Singapore.

What is the way ahead?I am disappointed with performance of Chambers. They are not

doing enough in terms of lobbying. Having seen the Chambers and

Governments doing almost nothing in giving push to Cross-LoC

trade, we are in process of making an NGO to push the purpose. We

are very soon applying for visit of our delegation to the other side.

INTERVIEW

Rakesh Gupta

President,

J&K Pharma Association


35




It seems that the area

of Gilgit –Baltistan has

not prominently been

associated with theintra-Kashmir and

Indo-Pak dialogue.

This region has its own

geographical peculiar-

ity, sensitivities, stra-

tegic importance,

vision and legal stand-

ing. Shabaz Khan, a

Lawyer by profession

and founder chairman

of the Gilgit Baltistan

C h a m b e r o f Commerce shares his

percept ions with

Sandeep Singh Sandy.

What is your vision of the

Gilgit-Baltistan region in

its larger Strategic loca-

tion in this part of the

South Asia?

The GB has its pecu-

liar Strategic edge in the

region being as it is sur-

rounded by the central

Asia from the north,

Pakistan from west, J&K

from south and china from

east and is actually a

potential trade hub and

corridor among these sur-

In the initial years of discussions your idea on Cross-LoC trade seemed

entirely different from others. You mostly pressed for transit trade.

Two years after launch of trade, how do you look at the whole exercise

in terms of its political and economic benefits?

I did not press for only transit trade but I am still of the opinion that

transit trade is the trade by which all businessmen particularly from the

Valley will have a stake and will be an important component whatever is

the final settlement of Kashmir.

Cross-LoC trade was overwhelmingly described as mother of all

Confidence Building Measures. Was it really so? Has it actually

contributed in lessening the tensions?

When it was announced and particularly when Kashmir was in

flames during Amarnath crisis it was considered as one the most

important confidence building measures but although is still a

confidence building measure in the sense that when both Governments

(India and Pakistan) can do this they can if there is a will they can do a

final settlement also.) What, do you think, should be an ideal model for intra-Kashmir trade?

Ideal model is that both Jammu side as well as Kashmir side should

be able to do trade as doing with any districts within each region. This is

the ideal model.

Do you think the Kashmiri business community ever built any stakes

in the Cross-LoC trade as it never appeared as viable business option at

any time?

As already told that the whole Kashmiri business community can

have a stake when there is transit trade so that our major exports of fruit

and handicrafts can be marketed within Pakistan as well as beyond )How do you look at the future of Cross-LoC trade?

As presently Kashmir is in a situation where the people are asking

for Azadi and final settlement, the trade will go on as it is or the

government will in order to make it better agree to the recommendations

which have been made by KCCI as well as the joint chamber.

INTERVIEW

Mubeen Shah

Former President

Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Kashmir


36



Karakorum highway and that tourist There are different areas/items,rounding entities. In this regard, itflow can easily spill over to Leh and also where GB can facilitate the trade .theshould be projected by all the surround-to other part of the J&K as well. tourism, the hydro-power potential

ing entities for the prosperity of this (more than 50000mw), minerals (gold,How can we minimize the appre-region and to the benefits of all thesecopper, iron), fruits (apricot) etc. arehension of the Leh as the area withparties in the immediate surroundings.the visible areas for the trade andBuddhist population and less in com-Moreover, it has a special legal standingfuture collaboration between both partmon with the GB in term of Religiousin the Pakistan itself thus, can prefera-of Jammu &Kashmir and possibly withcomposition?bly be engaged with other countries inthe other surrounding regions.As I mentioned there is substantialthe periphery. It can be emerged as aWhat are your suggestions for thetourist chunk which is coming throughtrade zone and thus, as a result of, cantrade between different parts of theXingxiang-Khazgar road are substan-be the peace zone for the peace in theerstwhile J&K?tively from Japan, Korea and othersouth Asia.

south-east Asian countries having faith It seems that the trust deficit is theWhat are the hindrances to this strate-

in Buddhism. For this chunk of tourist, main hurdle between India andgic edge of this area or importance of

Pakistan. For any trade to move for-the GB?

ward, trust is essential and can also beThere is no denying the fact thatenhanced by the trade. In other wordsPakistan foreign policy is actuallytrust and trade are complimentary torevolves around the apprehension dueeach other. In addition to it, we canto the Indian stand .this bilateral equa-learn from the trajectory of the tradetion between these two nation arebetween GB and china where right frominvariably became as a hurdle to the eco-1985 to 1995, there was barter systemnomic boom of the this region and thebetween both the GB and China .Fromsurrounding areas as well. So, for peace1998, the passes were issued to the& prosperity in this part of the southmembers of the chamber of Gilgit &Asia, positive equation between IndiaBaltistan, as a result of this, the trade&Pakistan is inevitable.

Leh and surrounding areas can certainly volume jumped 100 times from the pre-Will Kargil-Skardu road assume anbe the destination for its monasteries

vious quantum of trade. In this regard,importance, if thrown open like two and also for the other as a natural tour- few elements of this successful experi-other LoC routes?ist destination. Moreover, tourism, ment (between GB &China) can be putThe socio-cultural ties of thetrade and economics have less to do into trial for the trade between botherstwhile Ladakh are known to allwith religion. parts of J&K as well.through the history of this region.How is GB different from the Rest of How you envision GB into the largerMoreover, this region seems almostthe erstwhile J&K in term of its settle- political arrangement if any in thelocked may be because of its topo-ment? erstwhile J&K?graphical peculiarity and as a result

GB has its peculiarity as the then Any solution for the erstwhile J&Kcut off from rest of the mainlandpresident Raja Shah Raees Khan of the should involve all the stakeholders forIndia and Pakistan ,so any openingIslamic republic of Gilgit took over on the peaceful political arrangement.will not be the merger but the reinte-October 31, 1947 and after fifteen days The aspiration of the GB will be for itsgration of this disintegrated region byon Nov, 16, 1947 he acceded to the autonomous entity as a province with

the Partition of the sub-continent. Pakistan. In this regards, GB is peculiar its appropriate space to have ties withThus, it is not only emotional but thein term of its settlement as compared to all surrounding regions. In this direc-humanitarian need of this biggest andrest of the erstwhile state of J&K. tion, it can also be a federating partdifficult region of the erstwhile stateWhat is the potential of GB in term of of a larger federal zone in this region.of Jammu and Kashmir.its resources as there is little informa- (This interview was possibleThe other visible and practical eco-tion in our part about the strength of with support of conciliationnomic benefits will also be there likethis area? resource)the huge tourist flow from the china by



37

Interview with

Shabaz Khan

founder president

Gilgit Baltistan

Chamber of Commerce




started on October 21, 2008 with much dates formed over 80 per cent of theespite, the all odds that Cross-

fanfare, when Governor N N Vohra import. But as the intra-Kashmir tradeLoC trade had witnessed in two

D flagged off the first trade convoy from remain ed su spende d fo r th re eyears time to a greater extent, ifSalamabad for Chakoti. Since then, the consecutive weeks in the wake ofnot succeeded but has survived tilltrade has witnessed many hiccups. prevailing unrest in Valley, no moredate. In the second week of September,Disruptions of this nature has affected supplies could be received exclusively2010 the Cross-LoC trade on Srinagar-trade but not to a greater extent. for the Holy month. Disturbances likeMuzaffarabad route achieved another

these imbalances the demand supplymilestone by crossing Indian rupee [INR] Trade During Unrestbase for any trade, in a situation like300 Crore mark. Officials at Trade The intra-Kashmir cross-LoCthis the traders and officials involvedFacilitation Centre [TFC] Salamabad, weekly trade remained suspended forwould have to adopt and deviseUri, on record have said that the intra- weeks together in wake of strict curfewmeasure which would have minimalKashmir trade reached Rs 300.34 enforced in the Valley. With the result,affect on the trade.between the two divided parts of no items were exchanged between two

A glimpse at the trade figuresKashmir. parts of Kashmir via Uri-Muzaffarabad amply shows how the trade has beenDuring the period, 132 sessions of route.

going on during these troubled times.the trade have been carried out since In the month of August, whichThe figures for the month of May, whenthe initiation of the trade. “Since the happened to be month of RamdhanKashmir was peaceful, were INR 8.15start of the trade in October, 2008, [holy month for Muslims] as well thecrore worth of exports and INR 13.45goods worth INR 122.45 crore have been demand for dry fruits in Valley hascrore worth of imports. During theexported from Kashmir Valley to increased manifold with the tradersmonth of June, goods worth nearly INRPakistan administered Kashmir, while here importing huge quantities from the10 crore were exported while goodscommodities valuing Pakistan Rupee AJK through the Line of Control.worth INR 16.75 crore were imported. In[PKR] 177.89 Crore have been imported According to the officials at TFC 2867the month of July, the total tradefrom the other side,” Trade Facilitation quintals of dry fruits worth Rs 3.175volume was worth nearly INR 19 croreOfficer Salamabad said. So far 3569 crore were imported in 39 truckloadsbut the value of the trade fell to INR 9.2truckloads laden with 227725 quintals from the Chakoti Trade Centre, AJK ,

crore in the month of August.of goods have rolled down from the TFC during two-day trade adding last weekSalamabad, whereas 261962 quintals of Trade During 'Normalcy'over 90 per cent of the imported itemsmerchandise have been received in comprised dry fruits alone, with dry The activity that was started with3798 trucks from the Chakoti Trade dates forming the major part. much fanfare has become the victim ofCentre. symbolism due to lack of properWhile, the demand for dates had

To mention, the LoC trade facilities critical for trade, like nostarted picking up in Kashmir in view ofbetween two parts of Kashmir was communication links, and non-the Ramadhan, when fresh and dry

BILAL HUSSAIN

SRINAGAR-MUZAFFARABAD

Trade in Times of Unrest

In every black cloud there is always a silver lining. The unabated unrest which has affected most of the businesssegments in the Kashmir valley, however, barring few hiccups couldn't influence the Cross-LoC trade betweenSrinagar and Muzaffarabad which went 'smoothly' during past four months of curfew and protests.


38



continue to be extremely stringent for

all residents, including businessmen.

Many experts here believe that the

trade across LoC could not go beyond

INR 300 crores provided both

governments show seriousness in the

trade by easing out process for traders

and provide all needed infrastructure

for the trade. Earlier there were

proposal that the JK Bank, only

company from J&K listed on stock

exchanges of India, would open a

branch in AJK. To mention the JK Bank

prior to partition in 1947 had two

branches in PaK, one in Mirpur and other

in Muzaffarabad.Till the facilities like banking,

telephone, it should be driven purely on

demand supply basis rather than

sticking to list of items by governments

and other important facilities for the

ex is tence of banks fo r money trade should not be restricted only to 21 trade would not be provided it is bound

exchanges. items; rather all the items produced to remain a symbolic trade.

and manufactured in the state ofThe traders on both sides of

Jammu and Kashmir should bedivided Kashmir currently are being

incorporated in the list. The list in noforced to go for barter trader. Business

way corresponds to market realities,chambers, industrialists, and traders

they believe.time and again had lamented that the

biggest hurdle in the trade is the Currently, trade is conducted only

absence of communication link. The on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9

current mode of communicat ion am and 4 pm. Another major hurdle is

between the traders from both sides is transportation. Only less 1.5 metric

through e-mail only. The traders here tons (MT) per truckload can cross the

are reiterating that they were not taken LoC due to infrastructural constraints

into confidence at the time of policy on both sides. Small shipment size

making. makes trade unfeasible as the fuel,

handling, cargo, and other costs are notIt won't be out of place to mention

necessarily proportional to the deliveryhere a quote of President, KCCI Nazir

weight.Ahmad Dar who lamented, “We at KCCI

are not at all satisfied with the ongoing Truck s ha ve to un lo ad at

trade; the requisite facilities that a checkpoints near the LoC, thentrade demands do not exist on both side reloaded onto local trucks and hauled to

of Kashmir and the way it is being the destination. Apart from the cost

conducted is not the way we envisaged element, this is especially problematic

it.” for perishable items.

While business bodies like Kashmir Moreover, traders have no means

Chamber of Commerce and Industry to meet and interact with their

[KCCI], had demanded that cross LoC counterparts. The visa restrictions


A glimpse at the trade figures amply

shows how the trade has been going

on during these troubled times. The

figures for the month of May, when

Kashmir was peaceful, were INR 8.15

crore worth of exports and INR 13.45

crore worth of imports. During the

month of June, goods worth nearly

INR 10 crore were exported while

goods worth INR 16.75 crore were

imported.


39




Chilly, Rajmash, Lemon, Banana,he cross LoC Trade started on Trade trendsGrapes, Walnut, Spices and Potato haveOctober 21, 2008 from Slamabad The trade officer and District

T been exported to POK. He further saidin Uri and Rangar in Poonch was Development Commissioner, Poonchthat all efforts are made to providethe third important CBM between India Kuldeep Lal Khajuria says that the tradegood facilities to traders to run theand Pakistan on Kashmir, after the transaction twice in a weak across thetrade smoothly. By and large necessaryceasefire of November 26, 2003 and LoC is quite in swing. There are 180 trad-cooperation from the other side is alsoopening of cross-LoC road for divided ers on this side and about 198 traders onavailable. Presently quarterly meetingsfamilies on the April 7, 2005 via the other side involved in cross-LoCbetween the traders of two parts ofSrinagar-Muzafarabad road and on June trade. More than 100 labourers haveKashmir are held regularly at zero point20, 2006 via Poonch-Rawalakote road. been engaged for loading and unloadingin which the traders sort out theirThe trade facility was started to provide the goods at trade centre Chakan daaccount matters.economic avenues to traders and qual- Bagh. The traders of Poonch, Rajouri

ity goods on cheaper rates to the people and Jammu apart from some traders The Trade Centreso that the friendly and congenial atmo- from Kashmir valley are also operating The cross-LoC trade centre was

sphere could be created in both the their trade via Poonch-Rawalakote established in 2008 on 42 kanal of landparts of Kashmir. During last joint meet- route. The trade transaction was in Rangar, about 8 kilometers froming of traders at Chakan da Bag zero started on 21st October 2008 with three Poonch town towards the LoC. Underpoint held on June 9, 2010, a PaK trader small load carrier of goods worth of Rs. first phase a truck terminal, examina-Mohammad Akbar said that may social 35000/- where as in the month of May tion hall, security complex, custodianfunctions at Rawalakote town now start 2010 the weakly trade had gone upto office, custom office, plant quarantinewith the serving of sweet pineapple, more than Rs.9 crores. The trade trends office and ancillary buildings were con-fresh coconut and lemon imported via from 21 October 2008 to 31st March structed. However, this accommodationPoonch to guests who in return start talk- 2010 are very very encouraging, was not sufficient for the smooth run-ing for more sweet relations between because 48 items worth of Rs. 127.67 ning of trade venture across the LoC.the two parts of Kashmir. Same feeling is crores in POK currency were imported Therefore a project of Rs. 4 crores hasnoticed on this side also. The advent of from POK in 1657 vehicles. On the other been sanctioned under second phase bytrade have also provided the way for hand 42 items were exported to POK in the central government for the con-

softening the rigid attitudes, smoothen- 1526 trucks costing Rs. 67.56 crores in struction of compound wall, godown,ing the friendly relations and start of Indian currency (presently Indian one administrative block, sitting hall fornew era of cooperation between the rupee costs 1.80 rupees of Pakistani cur- traders, weigh bridge facility and pur-two parts. During last 23 months lot of rency). Mostly Dal Mung, Onion, Garlic, chase of generator sets. However,trust, faith and confidence have been Ginger, Peshawari Chappal, Almond, Krishan Singh, Secretary Cross-LoCbuilt between the trader fraternities Herbs, Dry Grapes and Embroidery trade association says that they are fac-which have shown very healthy impact items are imported from POK and ing lot of problem at the trade centre.on ground. Coconut, Pineapple, Big Cardenas, Red There is no facility for sitting of traders,

VARUN MAINI

POONCH - RAWALAKOTE

A Report From Trade Center

It is yet to be called as trade in real sense but the barter of goods across Line of Control has significantly changed

the way people would think. Two years after its launch the technicalities have not softened and facilities have

not improved even by an inch but emotions have gone too deep.


40



no proper arrangements. Power supply items could not exported to the other also told that 15 additional items

is irregular. The traders are facing lot of side on trade day. He demanded that already approved have also not been

problems in unloading the trucks during there may be no upper limit of vehicles included in the trade list due to which

night hours without proper lighting sys- for export or import and all those the traders are facing lot of problem.tem. Since there is no whole body scan- loaded trucks reached the cross LOC Short term permitner facility available in the centre, the tr ad e ce nt er on e da y bef or e Presently short term visa is issuedgoods are checked manually which the trade day may be allowed for in favour of truck drivers who crossedtakes lot of time and very limited vehi- export after proper checking and com- zero line with loaded trucks after show-cles could cross the LoC on trade day. pletion of codal formalities. The cross ing the documents of their vehicles toThe District Trade Officer assures that LOC Trade Officer Mr. Khajuria told that security authorities. They returnedthe transformer is being setup to aug- the upper limit of vehicles have been back to the other side after unloadingment the power. A sitting hall for traders fixed by the security agencies because the trucks on the same day. The tradersshall be constructed in near future and the goods are checked manually and wants that such type of short time visaweighing bridge facility shall also be cre- security staff available in the centre is for three to five days may also be issuedated. not in a position to clear more than 25 in their favour so that they could visit

vehicles on a trade day. However he hasNo doubt, the administration is pro- the other side and place the orders after

taken up the matter with IGP Securityviding assistance to traders to encour- conforming the quality and rates offor increase of security staff so that atage the trade between the two parts of items from open the market. Theleast 50 trucks could cross LOC fromKashmir however the traders are having Custodian Trade, Ranjeet Singh toldeach side on trade day instead of 25.lot of grievances and some genuine prob- that this demand of the traders have

lems in smooth running of the trade Increase of items in trade list been projected to higher authorities forwhich are need to be addressed. The The second demand of the traders decision.traders of Poonch had gone on strike in was to review the list of 21 items ISD facility to traders for PaK May and June for about five weeks approved at the time of the start of Another demand of the traders waswhich was called off on the assurance of trade venture on 21st October 2008. As ISD phone facility for PaK so that theylocal Deputy Commissioner that their per SOP there was a provision for modi- could confirm the rates before placinggenuine demands shall be projected to fication and revision of list as per the the orders. In absence of phone facili-higher authorities for appropriate need of the people after every three ties number of traders had gone intoaction. months but this list have not been loss as they exported and imported the

The main demands of traders are revised up till now. There is a great pres- goods without conforming the rates andas under: sure from the traders that consumption suffered financially. The cross LoC trade

based items instead of production basedIncrease of loaded vehicles for export officer Kuldeep Lal Khajuria told thatmay be included in the trade list. Theand import on trade day. this was very genuine demand of thetraders also wants that all those itemsPawan Anand, the President of traders which was projected to highercheaper on the other side be allowed forcross LOC trade centre Poonch says that authorities for such facility. Now the ISDimport and export only then the tradethe limit of export of vehicles was fixed phone facility is available in Deputycan be boosted up. Mr. Pawan Anandat 25 on each trade day about a year Commissioner Office, Poonch, GM DICtold that the traders of both the sidesback when there were only 21 traders. Poonch and cross LoC trade centrehave show trust and faith on each otherNow the numbers of cross LOC regis- Rangar for the convenience of traders.and started business blindly on tele-tered traders have gone upto 180. Every The traders at any time can visit thesephone call from the other side withouttrader wants to export his goods to the booths and talk with counterpart on theany guarantee. In recent meeting ofother side every week on trade day. other side. Interestingly Ranjeet Singh

traders at zero point on 9th June 2010Since only 25 trucks are allowed to cross Custodian Trade told that no traderthe traders have jointly forwarded a listthe zero line. Therefore number of trad- have avail this facility from his booth soof 40 more items for inclusion in theers who books their goods from Jammu far. Pawan Anand represented that trad-approved list. This list was handed overand abroad are deprived of exporting ers don't want to talk business mattersto Trade Facilitation Officer, Gurmailtheir items to the other side in time. with their counter parts from the pub-Singh who had further sent the list toNumber of time, the fresh items like lic booths and government offices. Theyconcerned quarters for appropriateonion, potato and fruits gets spoiled at needs land line ISD facility for smoothaction but action is still awaited. It wascross LOC trade center because these business. However, as per the intelli-



41



gence agencies there is a security risk in the trade centre. This has happened in at the rate of Rs. 10,000/- per

the extension of land line ISD facilities case of Ginger, Garlic, Coconut, Ajwain truck, books the items on their names

for PoK. etc. This behaviour has put the traders and export and import the items and sell

to great trouble. The Custom Officer Mr. these items to whole sale dealers in out-Involvement Of Banks In Cross LoCMunish told that only those items have side the state. The local dealers are alsoTradebeen stopped by them which are not selling their imported goods to theThe trade across the LoC wasincluded in the trade list of this side or wholesalers of Jammu and abroad. Thestarted with barter system arrangementthe other side. For example, Ajwain people of J&K state on whose name thei.e. goods against goods are exchangedfalls under spices items and spices are trade was started are deprived of theseand money is not involved in the trade.not allowed for import from POK. There facilities. For example Dal Mung wasIn the initial stage it was given to under-is a need of proper instructions to receiving at trade centre Poonch fromstand that in a due course of time theCustom Officers for displaying the POK @ Rs. 32/- per kg in Indian currencybank shall be involved and trade shall bedetail of items falls under the list of 21 against the market rate of Rs. 106 per kgstarted through banks from both theso that the traders could accordingly in the bazaar of Poonch town. Instead ofsides. But this has not happened. Lot ofplace the orders. selling Dal Mung on cheaper rate atfinancial irregularities have been

Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu on reason-Public reactions and grievancesnoticed through barter system because

able rates, these items are dispatchedin absence of banks there is no proper The custom free trade across theabroad to earn more and more profit.account of goods importer or exported. LOC was the unique experiment of peo-Mr. K.K Kapoor a prominent citizen ofThere is a possibility of manipulation of ple to people friendly relations betweenPoonch told that the public was hopingfigures to avoid taxes. Therefore cross the two parts of Kashmir. The ideafor the quality items of POK on cheaperLoC trade be strengthened by switching behind this CBM was to create sweatrates in Poonch market but this has notover barter system to proper trade relations and contacts, provide eco-happened so far and the idea of creationwhere the financial transactions actu- nomic opportunities to traders andof good wills among the public haveally happens through the banking sys- retailers and quality items on cheaperbeen spoiled by the opportunist. Theretem. rates to the public on the other side ofis no benefit of trade to the common per-LOC. However this idea has not workedOfficial agency for sorting the tradeson except the traders.on ground in real sense. Some tradersdisputes.

In the above context, there is ahave hijacked the trade for their ownAs per the latest report from theneed of streamlining the trade venturebenefit instead of creating good will ges-traders there are number of traders of

in such a manner that the common peo-ture among the public. Presently theboth the sides who exported theirple should also get the benefit of thistraders have not opened any retail shopgoods to the other side but in returnCBM. For this purpose there is a need ofwithin any district of J&K from wherethey have not received the consign-the opening of retail outlets of PaKthe general public could purchase thesements against their goods. For exampleimported items through Super Bazar oritems. After importing the duty freeMohammad Akbar of PaK and Haji AbdulConsumer Affairs Department for thegoods from the other sides, the tradersRazak of Poonch of this side have turnedimported items at Poonch, Surankote,directly dispatch the loaded trucks frombankrupt because their counterparts onMendhar, Rajouri, Sunderbani, Jammu,cross LOC trade centre to Jammu,the other side have grabbed theirKathua, Udhampur and valley ofAmritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and othermoney. No doubt that the quarterlyKashmir with the banner that 'PoK places where they sell these goods tomeetings at zero points are held forgoods are available here'. The rateswhole sale dealers and earn lot oftalling the accounts but the defaultersof imported goods may also be con-profit. The people residing in Poonch,are not attending such meetings. Theretrolled by the administration and strictRajouri and Jammu are having lot ofis no official check on these traders atinstructions may be issued to cross LoC

resentment that these items importedpresent. Therefore there is a need of offi- traders for selling the goods in the localon cheaper rates from POK are not sup-cial agency of both the parts of Kashmirmarkets so that the goodwill gesturesplied to them. It has also been noticedwho could deal with these cases andcould be percolated to the commonthat some big traders of Delhi,help the victims on both the sides.man. Only then the trade venture canChandigarh and Amritsar are involved in Abrupt ban on trade itemsbe proved beneficial economically andproxy trade from Poonch-RawalakotePawan Anand says that Custom offi-become the piece bridge between theroute. They are purchasing the tradecers abruptly impose ban on some itemstwo parts of Kashmir.cards of some registered traders of J&Kwhen loaded trucks already reaches in



42



Column History


adakh's cultural relations with prosperity, they made Ladakh a part of space in the historical sources of thethCentral Asia and parts of India can Mughal India. More importantly, the Mughal empire. During the 17 centuryLbe traced from the ancient Mughals made a policy to acquire the A.D. the Mughal emperors' particularly

period. During the medieval period the knowledge of cultural life of the Shihabuddin Muhammad Shahjahan

process of Ladakh's interaction with the conquered areas. The acquisition of the (1628-58), extended the boundary of

different parts of Asia was intensified. It knowledge of the cultural life of the India upto the Transoxiana region.is known that Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani, a conquered and neighbouring areas of Ladakh was well connected with Central

sufi of Persia, visited Ladakh in 1383 en the Mughal empire was not only the part Asian countries. Both the commercial

route to Turkestan. It was medieval of the intellectual activities of the and diplomatic contacts of Ladakh was

period when the people of the co nt em po ra ry hi st or ia ns an d intensified with the Central Asian

neighbouring states of Ladakh came professional writers, but the Mughal Countries because of Ladakh being

clo ser to the Ladakhi s through emperors themselves were very much situated on one of the route between

commercial, literary and religious interested in collecting the information the Central Asia and North India. The

activities. It is an established fact that pertaining to the various cultures. In his historical works of the Mughal empire

some of the Central Asians were well autobiography the Mughal emperor during Shahjahan's period made Ladakh

versed to the routes to Ladakh during Jahangir (1605-27) not only mentions one of new themes of their regional

the medieval period. It is substantiated the events of his own empire, but he studies.

from that the Central Asians invaded also incorporates some information of Some aspects of the history andLadakh frequently from the first half of the non-Mughal empire areas such as culture of the seventeenth century are

th Tibet and Ladakh. He mentions thatthe 16 century onwards. Though it was very well depicted in the Shahjahan

with the exceptions of shawls otherMirza Haidar Dughlat invasion in 1532 Nama, a famous Mughal sourcewoollen materials were manufacturedwhich influenced the political life of dedicated to the Mughal emperorof better quality in Tibet. The wool forLadakh very much, there are references Shahjahan (1628-58). It was written bygood quality of shawls was imported toto the Central Asian invasions on Ladakh Inayat Khan. The latter belonged to anKashmir from Tibet and Ladakh. Theprior to it. Mirza Haidar Dughlat himself aristocratic background. His fathergoat which produced the wool for theadmits that his predecessors invaded Zafar Khan was the governor of KashmirKashmiri shawls was peculiar to Tibet.Ladakh. When Zahiruddin Muhammad and was assigned the work of theSimilarly the historians of the MughalBabur established the Mughal empire in conquest of Ladak and Tibet by theperiod make mention of the knownthe north India, Mughals' cultural Mughal emperor Shahjahan in 1637.historical facts pertaining to Ladakh incontacts with Kashmir and Ladakh were Inayat Khan held the post oftheir own account.further strengthened and expanded.

superintendent of the Royal libraryThe Mughals themselves came to India The Mughals' curiosity to have (Darogha-i-Kutub Khana) underfrom Central Asia. Consequently, they information of the socio-economic and Shahjahan. Thus Inayat Khan had bothretained their contacts with Ladakh. political aspects of the different the opportunity and capability of

neighbouring areas of their empireSince the Mughals planned to gathering information from differentinspired the contemporary historians tomake their Indian empire strongest and quarters about the events of Ladakh.widen the scope of their literary works.largest in the world in terms of Being the superintendent of the RoyalConsequently Ladakh found importantterritorial expansion and economic Library he enjoyed large facilities in

PROF. JIGAR MOHAMMAD

History of Ladakh in the

Mughal Historical Sources

43



terms of the collection of the book. His troops, his own followers and those of The Shahjahan Nama's description

social background enabled to collect the zamindars. Afterward, according to of the forts of Ladakh is very useful for

materials about the political and socio- Inayat Khan, followed the route of the study of the heri tage and

economic life of the seventeenth Gurach, which was 64 kos (two miles) architectural activities of Ladakh and

century Ladakh. far from Tibet. This was very difficult Tibet. It mentions that there were thirty

route. But Zafar Khan successfully made seven forts in Tibet and Ladakh. IanyatThe Shahjahan Nama gives various

journey through this route and reached Khan was very much impressed from thetypes of information such as political

a village called Sadpara. Inayat Khan strength of the forts of Ali Rai, Shigar,relations between the Mughals and

found a very useful gorge at Sadpara Garewcha and Ganjak. According to himTibet and the Mughals and Baltistan, the

village, which was used by the local these forts helped the local rulers andforts, the trade routes, agricultural and

people for defence purpose. He people considerably against the Mughalhorticultural productions and the

mentions: “…there (Sadpara) is a forces. He writes, “As soon as my fatherzamindars etc. of Ladakh and Tibet. It is

narrow gorge with a torrent flowing (Zafar Khan) saw the loftiness andknown that Shahjahan was the first

through. By throwing a dam across this, strength of the two forts, he feltMughal emperor who extended the

the enemy had formed a large lake convinced that it would be immenselyMughal empire up to Ladakh and Tibet.

which blocked up the road through the difficult to capture them either byThe planning of the conquest of Tibet centre of the pass, while on both sides storming or siege. The whole period forhas been described by Inayat Khan in a

there were frowning precipices. On one military operations in Tibet does notvery systematic way. For him the

side, where it was just possible to climb exceed two months, and if an armysubjugation of Ladak and Tibat was one

the steep ascent, they had built up a were to stay longer than this, the passesof the most prospering events of the

strong wall of stone and mortar from the would become closed by snow andMughal empire. He not only gives an

water's edge to the summit of the r e t u r n w o u l d b e r e n d e r e dexplicit description of the conquest of

mountain so as to present anyone from impracticable. Moreover, should theTibet and Ladakh, but also discloses

passing that way the opposite side being winter happen to be protracted one,that Shahjahan's father Jahangir

naturally so inaccessible as not to the troops would all perish for want ofplanned to establish the Mughal

require the precaution. The natives of provisions.” But Inayat Khan alsosovereignty in Ladakh, but he did not

Tibat had fortified this place long ago, ment ions that the soldiery andsucceed. According to him, “Although it

so that whenever any invading army peasantry o f Tibet were h igh lyhad been a favourite project with the

might advance against their country, dissatisfied with Abdal's rule. Suchlate emperor Jahangir to subdue thethey could ascend the heights and arrest situation helped Zafar Khan and thecountry of Tibet, the contemplated

their further progress. In fact, it was at latter exploited it. However, after aenterprise had never been carried into

this very spot that Hashim Khan, when long chase the Mughal succeeded inexecution. During the period of his

he marched against Tibat, was defeated capturing Abdal. Inayat Khan gives agoverning Kashmir, Hashim Khan, son of

and forced to retreat.” Abdal, a chief long description of the battle betweenQasim Khan Mir Bahr , once collected at

(Zamindar ) of Tibet, gave tough the Mughas and the Ladakhis. He alsothe late emperor's command an army of

resistance to the Mughal force. He mentions that some Tibetans weresoldiers and zamindars, and set out on

posted his army men along the height to recruited in the Mughal army.”the expedition. However, finding it

check the advancement of the Mughalimpossible to penetrate into the There were two major two of

army. Consequently, Zafar Khan had tocountry, he completely failed in his Ladakh and Tibet which attracted the

change his strategy and divide his armyattempt, and after great number of his attention of Inayat Khan very much,

in three columns so that Abdal's armyforce were killed and many more taken first through Gurach and through Lar.

was to be attacked from differentas prisoners, he effected a disastrous Both of these routes created difficultiesdirections. Inayat Khan again mentionsretreat.” for the travellers because of the

that when his father's army reached existence of high mountains, difficultShahjahan appointed Zafar Khan asSkardu, it became very difficult for him passes and innumerable gorges. Hethe commander of the army for theto make further advancement. The forts mentions Ladakh a weak country inconquest of Tibet in 1637. Zafar Khanof Tibet were the main obstruction in terms of cultivation. Wheat and barleycollected an army of 2000 cavalry andthe way of the Mughal victory of it. were the chief crops of the region. The10000 infantry out of the provincial


Column History

44



total revenue of Ladakh was one Lakh of

rupees. But it was rich region for the

extraction of gold and horticulture. He

observes, “It contains one stream from

the bed of which minute particles of not

over pure gold are extracted by washing

its slit, which privilege is formed out at

a yearly rent of nearly 2000 tolas of

gold. Most of the species of fruits

indigenous to a cold climate such as

apricot, peach, melons and grapes

thrive well in Tibat and the fruit is of

excellent flavour. There is also a variety

of reddish apple, the inside of which

resembles in redness. The mulberry,

cucumber, apricot, peach, melon andgrape all blossom at the same season

there.” This shows that the Shahjahan

Nama of Inayat Khan not only describes

the exploits of the Mughals in Ladakh

and Tibet, but more importantly it also

contains historical facts concerning the

socio-economic activities, heritage and

political situation of these regions.

The description of Ladakh by the

author of the Shahjahan Nama presents

the Mughal perception of Ladakh and

Ladakhis. It enables the modern

historians to study the historicaldevelopment and changes in Ladakh

from others point of view. Though the

historians of the Mughal empire were

very much influenced by the Persian

trends of historiography, they did not

underestimate the contribution of the

Ladakhis to maintenance and

flourishment of the regional identities.

The mentions of the Shahjahan Nama

pertaining to the history and culture of

Ladakh convey that the Ladakh was

treated one of the well establishedthhistorical regions of the 17 century

world and the Ladakhis as a regional

identity well placed on the map of the

world. The Mughal sources contributed

to the propagation of Ladakh's cultural

identity in non-Tibetan speaking

regions.


‘Whose was Kashmir to be? The Raja, his Pandits, Sheikh Abdullah, Azad1

Kashmir, the tribes or Russia?’

One of the most opinionated and influential British officials who chose to stay

on in the Indian sub-continent post-1947 was Sir Robert Francis Mudie. Born in 1890,

Sir Robert, KCIE, CIE, OBE, joined the ICS in 1914. He served in the United Province

from the end of the First World War to the outbreak of the Second and served as

Chief Secretary, UP from 1939 to 1943. He also held the charge of the ActingGovernor of neighbouring Bihar in 1943-44 whereupon he was appointed as Home

Member in the Viceroy's Executive Council for 1944-45. From Delhi he was sent to

Karachi as Governor, Sind in 1946 and he was there when Pakistan was born on 14

August 1947. As Karachi became the national capital and Jinnah moved there, he

sent Mudie to the sensitive Lahore as Governor, West Punjab and Mudie continued

there till 1949 before leaving Pakistan to head British Economic Mission to

Yugoslavia in 1951-53.

Mudie is, in some ways, the most extreme and most fascinating of the entire

British cast of higher civil/military officials present in India (and Pakistan) during

the Endgame of Empire. He hated the Indian National Congress and, in particular,

Jawaharlal Nehru with some passion. His writings and correspondences which are

available at the India Office Records, British Library (London) ooze with emotion

today much as they did when penned down 60 years ago. (MSS Eur F 164/48; MSS EurF 164/12) It was an axiom for Mudie that:

'Pakistan has a powerful, truculent and unscrupulous neighbour. She is a mem-

ber of Commonwealth and expects help and support against that neighbour.

Instead she sees Britain giving way to India on every point – why should she remain

with the Commonwealth? Pakistan will seek her friends elsewhere with disastrous

consequence to the whole of Asia and the Middle-East. Any attempt at “impartial-

ity” or detachment would simply be taken as another proof of Britain's pro-India

and anti-Muslim attitude'.

In notes written in September 1948, Mudie identified three threats to

Pakistan's existence: 'Afghan-Russian threat'; India supporting the 'Abdul Ghaffar

Khan agitation' and the conflict in Kashmir. He had no 'doubt whatsoever of India's

hostility to Pakistan and of their intention ultimately to destroy it'. He drew some

fantastic parallels:'Indian attack on Hyderabad is akin to the German attack on Belgium/Poland;

Hindus in sub-continent can be compared to the Southern Irish in Ulster and the

Hindu-Muslim equation can be drawn alongside as a parallel to the Spaniards-

Moors relations. A war between Indo-Pak would have violent consequences in the

Middle-East; would be taken advantage of by Russia and would be disastrous for

the Commonwealth'.

He was equally venomously forthright on the implications of the Kashmir con-

RAKESH ANKIT

Whose was

Kashmir to be ?

exclusive series New Research on Kashmir

45



4flict. In a letter to Sir Maurice Hallet come to the one-nation theory [being] quest'?

written in November 1948, Mudie wrote enforced by war'. Thus 'Pakistan [had Earlier, in October 1948, the CROthat 'war would bring whole of India to] aid the Pathan invaders and later its had already sent a note to the PM

within the Russian sphere/domination army had to enter Kashmir to come to emphasizing that:consequently threatening the Indian the aid of the local insurgents'. The 'fun- 'Whatever the merits of the caseOcean traffic'. It was self-evident to him damental problem is Nehru's refusal to might be and even if the blame forthat on Kashmir: accept two-nation theory and Muslim aggression lay fully on one side or the

right to rule themselves in Kashmir'.'India contemplates the invasion of other, the fact of war in Kashmir wouldPakistan – on the other hand, Pakistan For Mudie Pakistan was to be 'the present HMG in the UK with followinghas no intention of attacking. The only link between the Middle East Muslim most serious problems:

possible explanation of India's desire to states and the Commonwealth and the Issue of “stand down” which would hitobtain Kashmir – which would be a very rest of the world; also a bridge between Pakistandifficult province to hold – is their the Muslims of the Middle East and the Commonwealth membershipdesire to use it as a constant threat to South East'. This sense of the 'increasing Russian involvementPakistan as it is easy to attack the plains gravity and significance of the Kashmir Relations with the Islamic Middle East

5 from the hills. The possession of issue in the wider setting of recent Instability/chaos in the sub-continent'

Kashmir is as important to any power developments' was not restricted to It became an obsession with onewanting to attack Pakistan as the pos- Mudie. It was only most vehemently and all among the British thinkers andsession of Austria was to Hitler when he expressed by him. It was equally exuded strategists, officials/officers and evenattacked Czechoslovakia'. – if in more measured and diplomatic journalists that 'Kashmir can not be a

terms – by the UK High-Commissioner toHe was also clear about why HMG vacuum in power politics, with RussiaPakistan Sir Lawrence Graffety Smithshould – IF NEED BE – go out of its way to and China restive on the Himalayanand the Commonwealth Relations 6support Pakistan because: ramparts' . This added fuel to the fire ofOffice, London. In November 1948,'Pakistan is the barrier to another obsession – the diagnosis thatGraffety-Smith presented to the CROCommunism spreading south of the events after 15 August 1947 amountedthree over-riding anxieties for PakistanHimalayas and should be preserved to 'a Hindu-Sikh plot to seize the Punjabover Kashmir: a) 'Refugee exodus due tointact. This means that Kashmir, or at [later Kashmir after Hyderabad andIndian army's advance leading to crack-any rate all but the small Hindu area in Junagadh] and put all the blame oning economy and collapse; b) India 7the south-east should go to Pakistan them [Muslims]' . It was not just people

would deny Pakistan waters ofwhich was the best solution of a very in the cauldron of events but alsoJhelum/Chenab and turn West Punjabdifficult problem. Communist conquest observers from far and wide like Josephinto a dessert; and, c) If we can notin Sinkiang and Manchuria would lead Skrine – sitting in and watching from therestrain India, Pakistan would turn toto increased propaganda'. UK Embassy in Tehran – felt thus a fort-Russia. We believe this to be not black-His 'main thesis' as he explained to night before independence/partition:

2mail but genuine despair' . This messageHallet on 22 February 1950, long after 'The people who are least pleased was forwarded to Sir Alexander Cadoganthe initial dust had settled on Kashmir, at our going are the very ones who were– UK Permanent Representative to thewas that 'the Hindus, as a whole, are most insistent on our getting out – theUN – to show to the Americans anddetermined to conquer Pakistan and re- Congress Leaders. They have lostimpress the implications of its contentsunite India'. In a speech given at the Muslim India and are not all sure

3upon them. By this time, there was aInternational Islamic Economic whether they are going to keep Hindudominating feeling in London that:Conference, Mudie – while claiming that India without the support of British bay-

'The Indian case is built on the'Indo-Pak war must be prevented at all onets and British administrative expe-assumption that Kashmir is part of India 9

costs [because of the very real possibil- rience in the higher ranks' .and that consequently the Pakistanity of] Russian intervention' – declaimedAfter the Communist-coup in

troops there are aggressors. Whatever on Kashmir thus:Czechoslovakia in February 1948, the

the legal validity of these arguments,'Kashmir goes right to the root of third dimension emerged to completethe basic political reality of the situa-the matter. It is a negation of two- the triangle: 'Indians are reluctant totion has in the question whether Indianation theory – a negation of Pakistan's accept the proposition that the worldwants the future of Kashmir to be set-right to independence. It would out- must necessarily be divided up into twotled by the will of the people or by con- flank the West Punjab – should it ever and feel impelled to seek some way out


exclusive series New Research on Kashmir

46



of the present impasse’ . On Kashmir itself, the arch-villain

was all too real and all too easily available. John Shattock who

first served Maharaja Hari Singh as Joint Commissionerst(Ladakh, 1942-44) and then served New Delhi as the 1

Assistant Resident (Kashmir) led the chorus from within the

British 'official mind' in Srinagar to train the guns on the

Maharaja:

'It was Hari Singh's inability to decide before August 15,

1947 whether to accede to India or Pakistan that was to cause

all the troubles that ensued in the autumn when tribesmen

from the frontier and Pakistan invaded Kashmir and caused

Kashmir to accede to India backed by Indian troops. Lord

Mountbatten and Lord Ismay did their best in the summer to

urge Hari Singh to make up his mind but they failed. Clearly

Hari Singh did not foresee that his hesitancy to decide the

state's future would have the results that followed in Gilgit,

Poonch and the Western area of the State. I, too, was sur- prised at the precise turn of events but my view all along had

been that as the sub-continent had been divided on the basis

of religion then the three “problem” states must accede on

the same basis eg. Junagadh to India, Kashmir minus the

Jammu Hindu area to Pakistan and Hyderabad to India – oth-10

erwise there would be disaster'.

And then there was the UN – variously looked upon as 'pa-

thetic' and 'inviting ridicule over Palestine and Kashmir' among

the British official class, particularly those serving the

Government of Pakistan. The UNCIP was to be met with an

aggressive explanation, along the following lines, as

Cunningham expounded to Caroe:

'If I had to give evidence to the UNO Commission, the point that I would go on stressing would be that every man

who has gone to fight there (and everyone who has supported

him here and I would admit that some officials have sup-

ported them sub rosa) has done [so] because he felt a real obli-

gation to go and protect his Muslim brethren in Kashmir.

Nothing that we could have done by force up here would have

stopped them, and if we had tried to use really effective force

the result would have been massacres of Hindus and Sikhs all

over the place in our territory'.FOOTNOTE :

1. Randolph Holmes, 'Khyber Frontiers in Turmoil', MSS Eur F 265/18, TNA, p. 111

2. 18.11.48, T. No. 1395, DO 142/521, TNA

3. T. No. 1195, DO 142/521, TNA

4. 20.11.48, Comments on T. No. 4026 from Delhi to London for Attlee's consid-erations, DO 142/521, TNA

5. S. No. 85/48, DO 142/521, TNA

6. Randolph Holmes, 'Khyber Frontiers in Turmoil', MSS Eur F 265/18, TNA, p. 129

7. 21.10.47, Joseph Skrine Papers, MSS Eur F 154/29, IOR

8. 30.7.47, Joseph Skrine Papers, MSS Eur F 154/29, IOR

9. MSS Eur D 1033/13, Esmond Walter Lumby Papers (India Office, 1934-48),

Report for April 1948, IOR

10. MSS Eur F 226/27, John Shattock Papers, IOR

11. 2.4.48, MSS Eur F 164/19, Cunningham Papers, IOR

9


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bookS Review


The 'Kashmiri identity' is seen as the pri- reviewed book Islam, Women &Violenceespite plethora of work on themary identity and women's identity is in Kashmir: Between India and conflict situation in Kashmir, oneD seen as subservient to that. This Pakistan, is to be seen in the challeng-rarely finds the story of conflictexplains as to why much of the conflict ing task of raising the most uncomfort-written from the perspective of women.narrative is masculinised and gender able questions about women, religionBasically it is the marginalisation of

context is relegated to the background. and conflict situation and seekingwomen in the society, in general, andThere is a sort of uneasiness about con- answers in a gender-oriented paradigm.the masculine representation of con-fronting issues from gender perspec- She presents a nuanced understandingflict in particular that makes womentive. The sense of unease is further of the intersection of religion and gen-invisible. However, it is not only the con-intensified when the gender issues are der that goes much beyond the gener-flict situation, women's accounts areplaced in the context of religion. ally available simplified and one-missing from the social and political nar-

dimensional understanding of the impli-The value of Nyla Ali Khan's muchratives of Kashmir. Issues related tocations of conflict for women – openingwomen, in any case, do not find muchin the process many layers and revealingspace in the public domain here. Notvarious shades of complex reality.only there is a lack of gender sensitivity,

Though the book provides abut a general apathy towards women'sdetailed account of the Kashmir conflictconcerns. The gender context of politicsand goes into the details of the politicaldoes not hold even symbolic signifi-discourses related to partition, plebi-cance and many a times one is struck upscite, autonomy and integration andin the situation of politically incorrectdeals with the political debacles as wellpositions vis-à-vis women. We are refer-as militarization of Kashmir, the presentring to a State where the Statenote is specifically focused on thoseCommission for Women could remainchapters that deal with the gender-headless for more than six year withoutrelated themes.creating much political ripple; where

women still have to find their rightful The intricacy of Nyla's gender per-

place in the Panchayati Raj Institutions; spective is to be found in her even-

and where frequent attempts have handed treatment of the implications of

already been made to formally disqual- conflict for women. She refers to the vul-

ify women from holding the status of nerability of women both due to the

Permanent Residents if they marry out- state as well as non-state actors. Whileside the state. In fact, in the context of the state forces are held responsible for

this last issue, the political class across committing acts of sexual violation and

the ideological spectrum in Kashmir humiliation and loss of dignity oftakes a formal position that the context women, the non-state actors are alsoof women's identity and rights remains seen to be indulging in brutality againstsecondary to the context of the larger women. Thus reference is made to theproject of Kashmiri identity and rights. realities of J&K marked by the 'over-

REKHA CHOWDHARY

Gender and Conflict

Situation in Kashmir

48



whelming presence of paramilitary lar nationalism and ethno-nationalism the justice and fairness. Here she refers

troops, barbed wire and invasive are inscribed' and most barbaric acts to the controversial though unsuccess-

searches; dispossessed youths trained in are justified. (109-110) Further in the ful initiatives aimed at denying the

Pakistani traning camps to unleash a name of the community and nation, Permanent Resident status to the

reign of misguided terror; custodial kill- backwardness is imposed on women. women married outside the state.

ings in detention centres, and mothers Nationalisms of all kind and their Exclusionary nationalism com-

whose faces tell tales of woe waiting feminisation through the concepts of bined with religious fundamentalism,

outside those gloomy centres to catch a 'homeland' as the 'motherland', she according to Nyla, shuts down all voices

glimpse of their unfortunate sons (an argues, 'serves in effect to preserve the of dissent and generates a process of

exercise in futility); and burqa-clad native woman in pristine retardation.' homogenisation that directly affects

women living in fear of the wrath of fun- (113) The nationalist discourse while the women. Erosion of cultural

damentalist groups as well as paramili- creating the dichotomy of the syncretism and its substitution for cul-

tary forces bent on undercutting their inner/outer emphasises the inviolabil- tural homogenisation has the conse-

self-respect.' (101) Giving a detailed ity of the inner domain which is used not quence of restricting the freedoms that

analysis of the conflict, Nyla argues that only to essentialise the identity of women have been traditionally enjoy-

it is not merely the coercive force (used ing. On the whole conflict has aby the security forces, militants, for- masculinist discourse and praxis -

eign mercenaries and government spon- 'Power relations within the prevalent dis-

sored militants alike) but the overall mil- courses of patriarchy and fundamental-

itary culture which makes autonomous ism mediate the Kashmiri women's iden-

life difficult for women. It is this culture tity. The valorisation of her subordina-

which socialises boys and men into the tion is underwritten by praxis that legit-

conflict psyche with substantial impact imizes gender identities, which are nec-

on women. essary to patriarchal and fundamental-

Conflict perpetuates the gender ist dominance'. (124) It is in this context

hierarchy and controls over women. that she critically refers to the

With the identity of the family, commu- Dukhtaran-e-Millat, the only women's

nity and the nation written on the body organisation to be playing a major role

of women, conflict brings about new in the separatist politics. What Nylarestriction on women solely with the pur- finds objectionable in the role of

pose of preserving the honour of the Dukhtaran is the diminution of woman's

family, community and the nation. Nyla person in the name of religious interpre-

refers to the suffering of women who tation and her representation as a burqawomen but also to subjugate them tohave been 'dishonoured' and thereafter clad, faceless and voiceless culturalthe larger cultural/national context.shunned by their families. icon.Reading this analysis of Nyla, the popu-

What bothers Nyla about the con- Nyla would rather see woman as alar metaphor that 'the identity of a com-flict situation is the manner in which bru- person in her own right, woman as hav-munity is written on the bodies oftalities committed both by the state and ing an agency – a woman like Parveenawomen' becomes very clear in the con-non-state actors are justified in the Ahangar who has risen above her per-text of Kashmir. One can see as to howname of nationalism – whether Indian sonal grief and has made her victimisa-the burden of maintaining the purity ofnationalism or Kashmiri nationalism. It tion as a basis of collective solidarity.the culture and ethnicity is placed onis a matter of great concern to her that Parveena Ahangar's Association ofwoman, and how in this process her lifethere is lack of women's autonomy as Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP)is restricted to the metaphoric innertheir subjectivities are subjugated to is an example of women making a state-domain. In more than one way, she isthe centrality of nation. 'In effect', ment of 'personal as political'. Throughconfined to the inner domain andargues Nyla, 'Kashmiri woman is con- Parveena she highlights the courage ofboundaries are clearly laid down for her.structed as a parchment on which the Kashmiri women and portrays them asForbidden from stepping outside the cul-discourses of religious nationalism, secu- women who are not mute spectators buttural threshold, women may be denied


The intricacy of Nyla's gender per-

spective is to be found in her even-

handed treatment of the implications

of conflict for women. She refers to

the vulnerability of women both due

to the state as well as non-state

actors.

books Review

49



who are intervening and 'speaking from private realms where they were once conscripting the role of women, Nyla

their locations about current political more governed by normative gender makes a case for the progressive roles

realities.' (103) roles. Even when they joined the public prescribed for women within Islamic

life, they were not able to assert their norms.This is where Nyla's book makes a

agency and often were bogged down tocontribution to the understanding of Nyla Ali Khan's book provides us

the secondary position. She is specifi-conflict from the perspective of gender. with a fresh insight into the issue of reli-

cally critical of the insignificant role ofShe goes beyond the sense of victimisa- gion, women and conflict in Kashmir. It

women in the formal decision makingtion and puts the spotlight on agency raises very important questions about

positions and objects to the reductiveand empowerment of women. The focus the gender identity not merely vis-à-vis

portrayal of women members of theof her work therefore is on the way the larger Kashmiri identity but also the

State legislature as merely objectifiedwomen have been surviving in patriar- religious identity. Significantly, rather

beings. She holds the responsibility forchal social setting and the way they than shying away from bringing to the

this to the asymmetrical gender hierar-have been negotiating in small spaces surface the contradictions, she con-

chies legitimised by the forceful dis-available to them. Defining empower- fronts them boldly and critically analy-

semination of fundamentalist and mili-ment, she states, 'for me, empower- ses them. It is in this process that Nyla

tarized discourses which lead to thement is a process that enables the makes very crucial academic as well asdebasement and prostration of women.margibalzed to make strategic life- political intervention in the ongoing dis-

choices regarding education, liveli- Nyla's intervention in the conflict course.

hood, marriage, childbirth, sexuality, analysis via religion is very interesting

etc, - choices that are critical for peo- as she is able to open various layers and

ple to lead the sort of lives they wish to is thereby able to project a holistic pic-

lead and which constitute life's defining ture from a gender perspective. Not

parameters. It is important to keep in only she offers a powerful critique of

mind, however, that women are con- fundamentalism and misguided repre-

strained by and grapple with the norma- sentation of religion but she is also able

tive structures through which societies to develop an equally powerful critique

create gender roles.' (114) Although she of western empir ical analyt ical

argues that the level of woman's approaches which seek to trivialise reli-

empowerment varies according to fac- gion, especially Islam. Religion, arguestors such as class, caste, ethnicity, eco- Naila, does not necessarily subjugate

nomic status, age, family positions etc, women, it may also provide them the

she portrays the agency in the context space to assert their agency. Giving an

of power relations in which women are example of her own upbringing and her

placed. own orientation towards religion, she

notes, 'I was raised in a secular MuslimThe attempt to portray the agency

home where we were encouraged toof woman takes Nyla to a historical sur-

speak of the 'liberation of women' and ofvey of the role of women in Kashmir dur-

a culturally syncretic society. I wasing the pre-1947 political movement

taught that Islam provides women withand during the tribal invasion. She

social, political and economic rights,reconstructs the role of National Militia

however invisible those rights are in ourand the Women's Defence Corps in the

society. It was instilled in me that Islamvoice of some of the actors of the time,

gives women property rights… the rightespecially Krishna Misri and Sajjida

to interrogate totalizing social and cul-Zameer. However Nyla notes with regret

tural institutions; the right to hold polit-that the agency of women forcefully

ical office ….' (114) Unlike the westernasserted in 1947 did not lead to their

understanding which focuses on funda-emancipation. After playing a very sig-

mentalism and seeks to portray Islam asnificant role, women reverted to their


Book Review of Islam,Women &Violence in

Kashmir: Between Indiaand Pakistan

Author: Nyla Ali KhanDelhi: Tulika, 2009

books Review

50



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One Little Step Towards

A Shared Values

Community



Vaibhav Anand is a 2008 batch

chemical engineer from Delhi College

of Engineering and a 2010 batch MBA

from FMS, Delhi. He is currently

employed by Citibank. His interests lie

in writing fiction and poetry.

Narendra Mani Ganesh is a 2008 batch

mechanical engineer from Delhi

College of Engineering. He is currentlyemployed by Siemens Power. His

interests lie in traveling.

he novel is set in the backdrop of a premier Business School campus (FMS, Delhi) in the years 2007 through 2009, when the worst

recession of our lifetimes hit the world. It is inspired by a true story. The story is told through the eyes of Hari Parmeshwar - aTsimple & romantic person, madly in love with Meenakshi. Hari is an IT engineer with 4 years of work experience, who dreams of

being a writer. The story begins with Hari cracking the FMS MBA interview which is supposed to be his ticket to the big leagues. Little does

he realize that God has other plans.

At FMS, he meets & befriends Matar- a surd who becomes his best friend, Scooby-a self proclaimed ladies' man and Bastard- a

mysterious genius. Their friendship deepens over drunken parties/ nights on town, copied assignments, Scooby's everlasting attempts atgetting laid, presentations in which they end up making public fools of themselves, run-ins with the law, intra class rivalries & tiffs

society applications, intense pre-exam mugging & summer placements. The story of Hari's first year moves forward peppered by Hari's

narrative wit and piquant banter between these four friends.

epilogue magazine, october 2010

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