website: panunkashmir.in e-mail: [email protected] ASHMIR Let Truth Prevail KS entinel JKENG 00333/26/AL/TC/94 JK No: 1213/18 Regd. JK-219/2008 Vol. 13. No: 3 March 2008 Pages 24 Price Rs. 20/ INSIDE Panun Kashmir expresses strong

FOCUS concern over encroachment of Geelani's bluff...... Page 3 ANALYSIS Pakistan has not abandoned Pandit property in Kashmir crossborder terrorism...... Page 4,5 KS Correspondent INTERVIEW Our hopes have been JAMMU, Mar 14: Panun shattered....Page 6 Kashmir has expressed INTERACTION strong concern over the PK holds Round Table with policy of attrition being pur- Media...... Page 7 sued by the state administra- REGIONAL AFFAIRS tion vis-a-vis Kashmiri Hin- Zardari's statement rattles dus. many feathers in This was stated by Panun Kashmir...... Page 8 Kashmir leaders at a press REVIEW ARTICLE conference in Jammu today. US lacks consensus to Panun Kashmir leadership confront Pak military charged that there were glar- leadership...... Page 9 ing instances of NEWS ROUND-UP Panun Kashmir leaders addressing media persons in Jammu...... Page 10 administrational/institutional connivance in divesting MEDIA SCAN be taken against the en- Kashmiri Hindus from their being taken over without the ate defections in the Displaced *Ostrich like in Chhatisgarh croachers. 2) Every type of properties, shrines and busi- consent of owners for so- Community on the issue of *Zardari on Kashmir discrimination against Dis- nesses. The frontline called public utility purposes. Bifurcation of Ration Cards. *Pragmatism on Kashmir placed Kashmiri Hindu Em- ...... Page 12 organisation of Kashmiri In the instance of this Panun Kashmir also ex- ployees should be done Hindus alleged that residen- kind,"there is no parallel in his- pressed strong concern over ANALYSIS away with. 3) HRA and CCA *Pakistan's ceasefire tial property and shrine lands tory of independent India. non-reimbursement of rent for should be immediately re- with local Taliban of Kashmiri Hindus were Panun Kashmir leaders Pandits' houses occupied by leased with retrospective ef- collapses...... Page 13 being grabbed relentlessly charged. security forces in Kashmir. It fect. 4) In the Bifurcation of TRIBUTE through forcible and fraudu- Mr. Kuldeep Raina, General also raised the issue of non- cards the divisive policy Antartica Hero...... Page 13 lent means. It also high- Secretary Panun Kashmir said reimbursement of core fund should be stopped forthwith. ESSAY lighted the role of state FSL that Govt. was dithering over for critically sick members of The secular agenda and 5) No Kashmiri Hindu prop- which reportedly had given the passing of Temples Protec- Displaced Community. Kashmiri Pandits erty should be taken over by a contradictory report on the tion Bill. "This has given an op- The leaders charged that in- ...... Page 14-15 the State Govt. without the fraudulent grab of the prop- portunity to free booters to stead of addressing the prob- EXPERIENCES consent of owners. 6) All erty of a displaced Kashmiri grab and encroach upon the lems of Kashmiri Hindus the Sarda-A-Memoir...... Page 16 genuinely needy persons liv- Hindu. Charging grab of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines," Mr. communally motivated sec- HERITAGE ing outside the camps should property Panun Kashmir Raina alleged. He added, "Even tions in the state administration Ancient temples of be allotted the Quarters. 7) leaders presented case stud- cremation grounds and Holy have devised another strata- Sindh...... Page 17 Immediate release of Core ies of Mrs Bindroo, Mr Pyare Springs are not being spared". gem to humiliate the Displaced TRADITION Fund for the Health Care. 8) Lal Tickoo, Sh. Moti Lal Mr. O.N. Trisal, President Pandit Community. Changing Festivities Galore- Immediate scrapping of 'Idle Shivratri...... Page 18 Kaul, Sh. Mohan Lal Pandita All Kashmiri Pandits Solidarity nomenclature of 'Leave Sal- Wages' nomenclature. 9) PHILOSOPHY etc. Some of the victims of Conference said the state gov- ary' to 'Idle Wages' reflects Immediate release of Special Kashmir Shaiv the property grab-Sh. Pyare ernment was pursuing an anti- the extent to which the state Employment Package for Darsana...... Page 19 Lal Tickoo, Sh. Moti Lal Kashmiri Pandit agenda. "This government is hostile to 20000 Kashmiri Pandit Koul and Sh. Mohan Lal was reflected in non-redressal Kashmiri Hindus. AESTHETICS youth. Parimoo paints Pandita were also present at of Pandits' deprivations," he Panun Kashmir demanded Aishwarya Rai...... Page 20 the press conference. added. He said that HRA and that 1) all encroachments, It reiterated the demand CCA were being denied to Dis- HERITAGE "A process which was whether forcible or fraudulent, for setting up of Ministry of Nalanda Ruins...... Page 21 started by Mufti Mohd. placed Employees. Mr. Trisal should be removed. A special Rehabilitation at Centre to Sayeed regime and continues alleged that Kashmiri Pandit Tribunal headed by a sitting look after Kashmiri Hindus. PROFILE youth were being denied em- Prof. Alexei ruthlessly even today is more judge of Supreme Court should Senior Panun Kashmir leader ployment and said that the ad- Sanderson...... Page 23 alarming. Under this process be constituted to give relief to Mr. S.K. Kitchloo was also Kashmiri Hindus property is ministration was trying to cre- the victims and punitive action present at the press confer- ence. KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 THOSE WHO LEFT US 2 Panun Kashmir and Kashmir Sentinel condole the demise of the following members of the community. 1. Smt. Jai Kishori Koul W/o Late Sh. Hirday Nath Soibugh Distt. Budgam Kmr; presently residing 31. Smt. Danwati Tickoo W/o Late Sh. Ram Chand Koul of Gouripora Rawalpora Sanat Nagar, Sgr; at Govind Nagar, Sector-3, Gole Gujral Jammu. Tickoo originally resident of Bhagwanpora presently residing at H.No: 64 Sector-4, 5/10/2007 Verinag Kmr; presently residing at H.No: 114/2 Pamposh Colony Janipur, Jammu. 28/9/2007 11. Sh. Vijay Kumar Bhat S/o Late Sh. Makhan Lal Block-A, Roop Nagar Enclave Jammu. 15/10/ 2. Smt. Shobhawati Bhat W/o Late Sh. Jagar Nath Bhat of Wadwan Budgam Kmr; presently residing 2007 Bhat of Gond Chakpura, Bagati-Kanipura Kmr; at Krishna Nagar, Miransahib Jammu. 5/10/2007 32. Smt. Shobawati Pandita W/o Late Sh. Dina Nath presently residing at H.No: 475, Sector-IInd, 12. Smt. Kamlawati Koul W/o Late Sh. Maheshwar Pandita, R/o Tral Kmr; presently residing at H.No: Vinayak Nagar, Muthi, Jammu. 28/9/2007 Nath Kaul R/o Abul Wana Hirman Teh. & Distt. 20, Lane-1, Block-A Roop Nagar, Jammu. 16/10/ 3. Smt. Somawati Zutshi W/o Late Sh. Prem Nath Shopian Kmr; presently at Muthi Camp Phase- 2007 Zutshi of Nai Basti Anantnag, Kmr; presently IInd Qtr. No: 83/F Jammu. 6/10/2007 33. Sh. Dalip Koul S/o Dr. G.L. Koul (Rais) originally residing at 785-A Opp. Shakti Academy Janipur 13. Smt. Uma Shree W/o Sh. Nath Jee Pandita R/o resident of Nazuk Mohalla Anantnag Kmr; Jammu. 29/9/2007 Checki-Vessu Anantnag Kmr; presently residing presently residing at C-75, Om Nagar Udhewalla 4. Smt. Rattan Rani Drabu W/o Sh. H.N Drabu at Dhar Road Sattani Udhampur, Jammu. 6/10/ Bohri, Jamm. 16/10/2007 34. Sh. Kashi Nath Koul S/o Late Padam Nath Koul, originally resident of Drabiyar Habbakadal Sgr; 2007 R/o Bana Mohalla Sgr; presently residing at 101, presently residing at Kothi No: 317, Phase-I 14. Sh. Soom Nath Thusoo S/o Late Sh. Sirkanth Amit Nagar Muthi, Jammu. 16/10/2007 Mohali Chandigarh. 29/9/2007 Thusoo of Karihama Kupwara Kmr; presently 35. Smt. Kanta Devi W/o Sh. Shamboo Nath Jotshi 5. Sh. Shamboo Nath Koul S/o Late Sh. Gawasha residing at H.No:6, Zero Lane Anand Nagar Bohri R/o Bagh Jogilankar Rainwari Sgr; presently Ram Koul, R/o Sona Masjid Ragunath Mandir Jammu. 7/10/2007 residing at H.NO: 270-M, Durganagar Sector-2, Sgr; presently residing at 129-Ganesh Vihar 15. Sh. Kanwal Krishen Jalali S/o Late Sh. Vish Nath Jammu. 16/10/2007 Lowre Muthi, Jammu. 29/9/2007 Jalali of Rainawari Sgr, Kmr; presently residing 36. Smt. Indrani Koul W/o Late Sh. Amar Nath Koul 6. Smt. Sumitra Ji (Mohan Rani) W/o Sh. Triloki Nath at Trikuta Nagar, Ext. Jammu. 7/10/2007 originally resident of Mohalla Kah Bazaar Bhat of Kullar Phalgam Kmr; presently residing 16. Smt. Shobawati Bradoo W/o Late Sh. Sham Lal Anantnag, Kmr; presently residing at H.No: 208- at H.No: 81 Opp. Govt. Middle School Bradoo originally resident of Zaindar Mohalla Sgr; A, Sector-I, Vinayak Nagar, Muthi Jammu. 17/10/ Vishwakarama Lane New Plots Jammu. 29/9/ presently residing at C/o Dr. V.K. Gupta Mohalla 2007 2007 Top Sherkhania, Jammu. 7/10/2007 37. Smt. Renuka (Dhar) KoulW/o Sh. Sunil Kumar 7. Smt. Prabhawati originally resident of Mohalla 17. Sh. Omkar Nath Pandita S/o Late Kanth Ram R/ Koul of 320, Sector-17, G, Vasundhara Gaziabad Kocha Nidan Rainawari Sgr; presently residing o Tachloo Shopian Kmr; presently residing at (UP). 17/10/2007 at B-128, S-2 Ramparastha Colony Gaziabad Trilokpur Gole Gujral, Jammu. 8/10/2007 38. Smt. Shanta Ji W/o Sh. Sarwanand Bhat originally (UP). 29/9/2007 18. Dr. M.K. Bhat S/o Late Dr. SC Bhat originally resident of Khee Jogi Pora Kulgam Kmr; 8. Sh. Mohan Krishen Koul of Dantar Anantnag Kmr; resident of Karan Nagar Sgr; presently residing presently residing at H.No: 229, New Plot presently residing at H.No: 21, Lane No: 2, at 36-A, Tirath Nagar Talab Tillo, Jammu. 9/10/ Jammu. 17/10/2007 Udheywalla Bohri Jammu. 30/9/2007 2007 39. Sadhvi Ratni Misri D/o Late Sh. P.N. Misri 9. Smt. Lalita Koul W/o Sh. Makhan Lal Koul of 84- 19. Sh. Dalip Kher S/o Late Sh. BN Kher of 89, erstwhile resident of Maleteh Bagh Zaindar Bagh Jogi Lankar Rainawari Sgr; presently Jawahar Nagar Sgr; presently residing at 83- Mohalla Sgr; presently residing at Shalimar Garden, UP. 17/10/2007 residing at H.No: 939/A Opp. Blocks Govt. Qtrs. Postal Qtrs. Sector-17, Noida. 9/10/2007 40. Smt. Krishna Dhar W/o Sh. ML Dhar originally Subash Nagar, Jammu. 30/9/2007. 20. Sh. Chaman Lal Moza R/o 49-Ext. Subash Nagar, resident of Karfali Mohalla Sgr; presently residing 10. Smt. Tulsi Devi W/o Late Sh. Gopi Nath Raina of Jammu. 10/10/2007 at 7, B/2 Shiva Enclave Sector-2, Pamposh Chinigund Verinag Anantnag Kmr; presently 21. Sh. Sham Lal Dhar S/o Sh. Neel Kanth Dhar of Badiyar Bala Sgr; presently residing at Ajmir Colony Janipur, Jammu. 18/10/2007 residing at Transport Nagar Migrant Camp (GSI) 41. Smt. Neha Pandita W/o Moti Lal Pandita R/o Jammu. 30/9/2007 Rajasthan. 10/10/2007 22. Smt. Nancy Dhar W/o Late Sh. Mohan Lal Dhar Trahpoo Achabal Anantnag Kmr; presently 11. Sh. Jawahar Lal Peshen S/o Late Sh. Anand residing at Muthi Camp Phase-1st, Qtr. No: 392, original resident of Budgam Ali Kadal Sgr; Raina R/o Tikkre Kupwara Kmr; presently Jammu. 18/10/2007 presently at H.No: 20, Lane No: 2 Roop Nagar residing at SRA-49-C, Shipra Raveera 42. Smt. Krishna Dhar/Pran Lata W/o Sh. ML Dhar R/ Enclave Jammu. 11/10/2007 Indrapuram Gaziabad (UP). 30/9/2007 o 7-B/2 Sector-2, Shiva Enclave Pamposh Colony 23. Smt. Harmali Bhat W/o Late Sh. Dina Nath Bhat, 12. Sh. Bishambar Nath Rayu (Koul) originally Janipur, Jammu. 18/10/2007 R/o Malmoh Magam Kmr; presently residing at resident of Dadikadal Tankipora Sgr; presently 43. Sh. Shamboo Nath Kachroo S/o Late Sh. Krishan Qtr. No: 459, Migrant Camp Nagrota Jammu. 11/ residing at 442/B, Housing Colony Janipur, Lal Kachroo originally resident of Mangalpora 10/2007 Jammu. 30/9/2007 Anantnag Kmr; presently residing at Lane No: 24. Sh. Bushan Lal Munshi S/o Late Sh. Gopi Nath 13. Smt. Raj Dulari Charagi W/o Late Kashi Nath 11, Guda Keran Barnai Bantalab, Jammu. 19/10/ Munshi R/o Mallapora Habbakadal Sgr; presently Charagi originally resident of Budgair Ali Kadal 2007 residing at 78, Gobind Nagar, Talab Tillo, Jammu. Sgr; presently residing at Nangal Road, New 44. Smt. Sham Rani Koul W/o Late Sh. A.N. Koul of 11/10/2007 Overhead Tank Katra Jammu. 30/9/2007. Sheelteng IInd Bridge Habbakadal Sgr; presently 25. Sh. Makhan Lal Dhar S/o Sh. Parkash Joo Dhar 14. Sh. Bushan Lal Raina (Razdan) S/o Late Sh. residing at H.No: 47, Lower Laxmi Nagar, Sarwal. original resident of 390 Jawahar Nagar, Sgr; 19/10/2007 Lassakak of Salia Anantnag Kmr; presently presently residing at Qtr. No: 2311-B SBI Colony, 46. Smt. Devki Koul W/o Late Sh. Gopi Nath Koul, R/ resident of 357, Sector-4 Gangyal Jammu. 1/10/ Sector-42 Chandigarh. 12/10/2007 o Sheshyar Sgr; presently residing at 25-JD Gupta 2007 26. Smt. Asha Ji Raina S/o Jawahir Lal Raina of Colony Khirki Ext. Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. 20/ 15. Sh. R.K. Hakhu S/o Pt. Isher Bhat Hakhu of Malyar Hanand Chawalgam Anantnag, Kmr; presently 10/2007 Habbakadal Sgr; presently residing at C-42, residing at Qtr. No: 150, Mishriwalla Camp, 47. Smt. Arandati Razdan W/o Late Sh. Jagar Nath Cosmos Floors Ardee City Sector-52, Gurgaon. Jammu. 12/10/2007 Razdan originally resident of Batyar, Alikadal Sgr; 2/10/2007 27. Sh. Arjan Nath Pandit S/o Late Sh. Srikanth Pandit presently residing at Manish Bhavan Wazir Lane, 16. Sh. Piaray Lal Gulla S/o Late Sh. Kanth Ram Gulla R/o Umangari Anantnag, Kmr; presently residing Bohri Jammu. 20/10/2007 R/o Bagi Sundar Bala Chattabal Sgr; presently at H.No: 63, Shankar Nagar Salian Talab 48. Smt. Pooja Malla W/o Sh. Suraj Malla originally residing at H.No: 148, Lane-6, Kabir Nagar Udhampur. 13/10/2007 resident of Bagh-e-Mehtab Sgr; presently residing Poonch House, Jammu. 2/10/2007 28. Sh. Hira Lal Peshin S/o Late Sh. Arjna Nath at 83 IInd Floor Ashoka Enclave Part-III Sector- 17. Sh. Makhan Lal Munshi S/o Late Sh. Dina Nath Peshin of Nunner Budgam Kmr. 13/10/2007 35, Faridabad. 20/10/2007 Munshi R/o 56/70-Patel Nagar Lane-2, Talab Tillo, 29. Smt. Sheela Parimoo W/o Late Sh. Makhan Lal 49. Sh. Roop Krishen Koul S/o Late Sh. S.N. Koul, R/ Jammu. 3/10/2007 Veshin of Karan Nagar, Sgr; presently residing at o Lane-6, Block-B, Roop Nagar Enclave Jammu, 8. Smt. Pushpa Rani Misri W/o Late Sh. Raja B-25, Sector-6, Noida. 14/10/2007 originally resident of Danwari Chattabal Sgr. 20/ 10/2007 Pushkar Nath Misri of Mohalla Radio Station, 30. Sh. Jawahir Lal Thusoo S/o Late Sh. Sarwanand 50. Smt. Rattan Rani Koul W/o Late Sh. Shankar Nath Ward No: 6, Poonch Jammu. 6/3/2007 Thusoo originally resident of village Gotangoo Koul originally resident of Manzoo Martand, Mattan 9. Smt. Sushma Koul W/o Tej Kumar Koul R/o 235- Kupwara Kmr; presently residing at H.No: 17, Anantnag, Kmr; presently residing at D-49, South 15 Patel Nagar, Talab Tillo, Jammu. 5/10/2007 Lane-4, Surya Vihar Patta Bohri, Jammu. 15/10/ Ext. Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. 20/10/2007 10. Sh. Sushil Koul S/o Sh. Badri Nath Kaul of Village 2007 KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 3 EDITORIAL LETTERS A rare strotam Sir, Please refer an article on GEELANI'S BLUFF Sharadapeetham written by Sanjay Godbole in the issue of December 2007. We are YED ALI Shah Geelani, the extremist leader ership or even the civil society. The latter continues to happy to note strotam from of fundamentalist Jamaat Islami in a recent harangue that Pandits were made to flee under a well- the article. Actually we were trying to find it which was planned conspiracy by the then Governor Jagmohan. Sstatement asked the Pandit community to ‘re- not available so far. turn’ to their homes in the valley. Unlike past, this time Geelani’s statement was given wide coverage We shall be highly Geelani did not add the caveat that Pandits on their in the valley press. Even few toadies in the Pandit com- obliged if you publish com- munity were quoted to hail Geelani as a ‘Secular Mes- plete strotam in praise of return should join the jihadi terrorist movement and Goddess Sharda. Please let denounce Security Forces.However, the pro-Pak siah’. They were made to denounce “special or secu- us know also about the poet leader insisted that Pandits should prefer to stay with rity zones”. Why is Muslim leadership opposed to ‘Se- who composed it. No doubt it is a historical strotam. local Muslims in the valley and not reside in special curity Zones ‘for Displaced Kashmiri Hindus? A lead- --K.D. Tiwari ership or sections of civil society which not only re- security zones. Barra-7, Kanpur Geelani alleged that vested interests made Pandits mained indifferent but even tacitly connived in religious- flee the valley under a ‘conspiracy’. He even claimed cleansing of Pandit minority, cannot be expected to Kashmir that ‘militants never did any harm to Kashmiri Pandits voice opposition to security zones on secular grounds. Sentinel: They oppose official security for Displaced Kashmiris nor would they ever do’.Geelani is known for pro-Pak Well Done because they know it too well that the persecuted and pro-Jihadi views.Syed Salahuddin,the leader of Sir, Hizbul Mujahideen and terrorist conglomerate ,United Pandit minority would be loathe to return in conditions I am a keen reader of Jihad Council, based in Pakistan, once described of insecurity .Secondly ,even if some members return Kashmir Sentinel and over a period of time I got con- Geelani as “leader of the movement” they would remain at the mercy of anti-national ele- vinced that this magazine is Dropping caveat on Pandits’return does not indi- ments, waiting for another round of ethnic-cleansing truly living to its name. The cate any change in Geelani’s views on Pandit Ques- to happen. issues especially the the- tion. If his interview to the local press is seen in total- Geelani or for that matter other separatist lead- matic ones which you pub- lish from time to time are a ers have a compulsion to drop the old caveat on ity there are ample indications that he continues to precious treasure for the oppose Pandits’ return by loud-mouthing Goebellian Pandits’return.Even while doing everything to stall re- future progeny. The dedi- lies on ethnic-cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus. turn of Kashmiri Hindus they cannot afford to take a cated well learned people in- public stand to justify it. There is global censure of volved with this magazine Who else than Geelani and other leaders of his ilk deserve all praise. Well should be blamed for this wholesale cleansing?Jihadi Kashmiri separatist movement and the civil society on done. Keep the Good Work and secessionist movement, strongly endorsed by the issue of Pandits’ religious –cleansing.Kashmiri going. --Ajay Kaul Geelani,suppressed all forms of religious and politi- Pandits’success in keeping alive the political visibility Rehari Colony, Jammu cal dissent and engineered a brutal religious-cleans- on their genocide, exposing the duplicitous character ing to build an exclusivist Theo-fascist society. Hun- of Muslim communalism during the Roundtable meets Real Feast dreds of members of Pandit community were done and subsequent recognition by GOI that Kashmiri Sir, Pandits were a key factor in solution to Kashmir have Reading Kashmir Senti- to death through selective killings by JKLF,Hizbul nel is a treat. Your latest is- Mujahideen and other outfits of “freedom made secessionists of different hues and communal- sue of Feb 2008 has cor- (jihadi)Movement”. What did Geelani do to denounce ists in Kashmir jittery. Devising new stratagems to rectly reflected the situa- tion vis-a-vis Pak spon- these killings? When Geelani harangues ‘militants hoodwink national and global opinion and search for sored terrorism and ‘Pandit faces’ to counter legitimate aspirations of never did any harm to Kashmiri Pandits’ he can be America's new strategy in given latitude for the lapse because amnesia is a Kashmiri Hindus has become a compulsion.Geelani’s Middle Cast. known entity in old age. acrobatics on Pandits return are to be viewed in this More over the interview context. of Dr Ajay Chrungoo has Kashmiri Pandits of Sangrampora, Wandhama, redoubled my faith in Telwani, Nai Sarak and others who stayed back were Displaced Kashmiri Hindus can be expected struggle launched by Panun foolhardy to trust ‘assurances ‘doled out by different to return only when Central Govt. creates durable se- Kashmir. The archival ar- ticles covering the aspects separatist leaders. They had to pay a heavy price for curity, economic and political frameworks for their re- of aesthetics, tradition, so- it. Those who do not learn from history are condemned habilitation, taking into consideration the causes of re- ciety, heritage, history and to repeat it. No Kashmiri Pandit who has undergone ligious-cleansing and institutionalized discrimination the book review was a real feast. the experience of past two decades and retains some pursued against them by successive state govts. since --B.L. Raina 1947. Kashmiri Pandit organizations have done well sensitivity can even remotely think that Pandits can Topsherkhania live again in Kashmir on assurances of separatist lead- by calling Geelani’s latest bluff. Jammu KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 ANALYSIS 4 Pakistan has not abandoned Crossborder Terrorism-II fered major reverses due to fo- forced the security apparatus to By KS Correspondent nessmen-with terrorist links. lence: On February 21 a CRPF jawan Decrease in incidents of ter- cussed counterinsurgency op- set up an anti-naxalite cell in the No change in Pak intentions: Mudassir Yousuf R/o Botengo, rorist violence can be attributed erations. During 2007, eighty- capital. eneral assessment Sopore, posted at Newa was ar- to many factors: seven terrorist leaders were neu- The confessions of a high- among security experts rested for terrorist activities. He Changes in capacities and tralized. Top leadership of all the ranking Maoist, Somen, arrested G and security agencies is was carrying an IED with a timer compulsions in Pakistan: three terrorist groups active in recently from Kolkatta's outskirts that decrease in levels of vio- device for blasting it in Pulwama. Due to involvement in FATA J&K-HM, LeT and JeM was has sent alarm bells ringing in lence in J&K is not due to any This had been given to him by and other violent areas eliminated. The Hizbul West Bengal. He revealed that change in Pakistan intent. Re- Hizbul Mujahideen 'command- Pakistan's capacity to sustain Mujahideen, which suffered loss the Maoists were planning ports say that Al Qaeda camps ers'. Early this month five past levels of terrorism in J&K of 179 top cadres since 2003 is in strikes in many urban centres in in Wazirstan and Dir district of overground workers travelling has diluted. Nearly 85000 of its disarray. IGP Kashmir SM Sahai Bengal and have built up strong NWFP have half a dozen camps in a TATA Sumo were arrested troops are battling Al Qaeda-Pak has said that Hizb faces a similar bases inside Kolkata. The run by Kashmri outfits. LeT and on the outskirts of Doda town Taliban combine in FATA. Paki- situation as JKLF faced in 1994. Maoists have also succeeded in JeM cadre were being imparted while smuggling a The terrorist infiltrating various educational training in suicide-bombing and consignment of arms groups are finding institutions. making explosives by Arab and from Qazigund to it difficult to find On March 1, 2008 Uzbek trainers. Same reports say Doda. As per police replacements of Uttarakhand police arrested two that the cadre of these outfits these were to be de- their cadres at dif- Maoists from Lalkuna and were fighting alongside Taliban. livered to LeT 'Divi- ferent levels. Nanakmatta towns in the state. Another report quoting Army sional Commander' Shift in Strat- IGP Kumaon range said the ar- sources said that around 150 or Shabir Itoo, operat- egy: rested Maoists were planning to 200 LeT terrorists were report- ing in Gundna, There is a shift target certain important installa- edly waiting to cross over into Bharat (Doda). Two in Pakistan's strat- tions, including banks, police J&K. Pakistan is sending terror- months back they egy in fomenting stations and other government ists into India on legitimate Paki- had smuggled Rs 2 Crossborder ter- offices in Uttarakhand. stani passports. This fact came lakh Hawala money rorism at two lev- Security agencies are still to notice when 4 terrorists of a to two LeT opera- els: groping in dark about exact con- Lashkar-e-Toiba cell were ar- tives in Doda. *Dispersal of tours of ISI-Indian Maoists rested in UP Counter-terrorism Security agen- terrorism outside nexus. officials say the Lashkar's large- cies believe that new J&K and cre- It is the Islamist terrorism in scale use of Pakistani passports Pak Army Chief ation of 'Indig- the Indian heartland that has at- was intriguing, given Pakistan's General Kiyani was enous terrorism tracted much attention. Islamists claim that it was making efforts maintaining status in Indian heart- have been targetting in particu- to distance itself from terrorism quo as far as Pak land. lar south and western India, be- directed at India. There are also army's role in mili- *Creation of a sides UP. In 2007 nearly 140 ci- credible reports that say that tancy was con- United political vilians were killed in various ter- over 3000 youth from J&K cerned. Lt. Gen. ML voice within J&K rorists attacks in different cities- (mostly from Kashmir Valley) Naidu, Vice Chief of in its favour. -Varanasi, Lucknow and Faizabad were undergoing or imparting Army staff has said Dispersal of in Uttar Pradesh, Ajmer, training in camps in Pakistan that "the Pakistan Terrorism out- Hyderabad and Panipat. Cadres with. Dreaded terrorist Mushtaq army and the ISI side J&K: of two major Islamist outfits-Stu- Latram is said to be the coordi- have ordered a "tac- Pakistan spon- dents Islamic Movement of In- nator of these camps. Security tical freeze' in J&K in sored Islamist ter- dia (SIMI) and Tabligi Jamaat agencies have already cautioned view of the unstable rorists are increas- have been found involved in ter- the government not to walk into internal security situ- ingly focussing rorist activities and in setting up the trap of allowing these youth ation in Pakistan. on the Indain sleeper cells. HUJI and LeT out- free passage, particularly at a The Pakistan army's heartland. Escala- fits are active in terrorist activi- time when assembly elections grand strategy of tion of ULFA and ties in Indian heartland. J&K is were around the corner and ter- wresting Kashmir Security forces rescuing lambs during a gun battle in Maoist terrorism gradually emerging as a launch- rorists in disarray. Some separat- from India and Chewdara, Beerwah, Kashmir. also reveals ISI di- ing-pad for terrorist attacks ists-friendly politicians in Kash- "bleeding India mension. On Feb- across India. Investigations into mir have been raising this de- through a thousand cuts" has stan is also facing serious inter- ruary 11 a 'peace terrorist attacks reveal that each mand to appease separatists. not changed; only the tactics nal security problems. In the re- broker' between the Centre and of these attack had a linkage to A report quoting Military In- have changed as the Pakistan cent past Pakistan moved at least banned outfit ULFA, Lachit the Kashmiri Jihad in terms of telligence said that ISI was in- army, is itself bleeding profusely 9 brigades of various strike Bordoloi was arrested in connec- human and logistics support. ducting Pathans from southern from self-inflicted wounds". troops, including two from the tion with an alleged plot to hi- Explaining the reasons for the Afghanistan and northwestern Also, sleeper cells were lying low Crucial I Corps (also known as jack an Indian Airlines aircraft shift in strategy to focus on Pakistan to make up for the loses and waiting to strike at a more Army Reserve North) Kharian- from LG International Airport in heartland, Kanchal Lakshman Hizbul Mujahideen has suffered opportune time. Assembly elec- based 17 Infantry Division, to- Guwahati to Pakistan. His name observes: recently. Some of the terrorists tions in J&K are due to take wards violent Afghan border. It came up during interrogation of "This shift in the pattern of nabbed recently by security place later this year. After the re- is first time that Pakistan has un- a ULFA terrorist. As per Stratafor violence from J&K to other lo- forces give enough indication cent success achieved by secu- dertaken an 'unprecedented ULFA Chief Paresh Barua has cations offers Pakistan great about the Pak intent. On Febru- rity forces, the morale of terror- depletion of troops from borders business operations throughout 'deniability and also enables it ary 15 two Kashmiri terrorists ists is low and self-preservation against India'. Pakistan can thus India, Bangladesh and Persian to harness the grievances-real hailing from Kulgam were nabbed is a major motive. ill afford high levels of violence Gulf. This includes Hotels, Con- and perceived-among the Indian from Narwal Fruit Mandi in Kanchan Lakshman, Re- in J&K or any major incident sulting firms, driving schools, Muslims..." Jammu by security forces while search Fellow at the Institute for which could provoke Indian re- tanneries, Departmental stores, The LeT outfit has been able they were negotiating a deal for Conflict Management, in a Stra- taliation. Shrimp trawlers, Travel agen- to enlist Indian Muslim youth to purchase of a car to trigger a blast tegic review notes: There is also political uncer- cies, Investment companies, Soft orchestrate attacks across India. in Jammu city. The terrorists, as "Pakistan's intentions re- tainty at the domestic level. Pak drink factories. Reports say that Unlike earlier, when ISI was per police, had been deputed by main unchanged; its terrorist military establishment and anti- following setbacks in J&K ISI targetting semi-literate Muslim HM operatives based in Kulgam reserves are intact; Islamist ter- Musharraf political parties are has directed LeT and Jaish-e- youth of madrassas and poorer and had been asked to contact rorist groups have established locked in a grim struggle for shar- Mohammad outfits to coordinate sections the cadres joining the couple of Khalistan Zindabad some autonomous capacities for ing of political power, the out- activities with ULFA to escalate Islamist terror outfits now are Force (KZF) activists. The ar- operation, independent of Paki- come of which remains as yet subversive violence in Assam, software and engineering profes- rested terrorists revealed during stani state agencies; and the unclear. This has led to some Nagaland and Manipur. sionals from upper middle class. interrogation that there was huge South Asia and wider Asian re- confusion within Jihadi ranks in Maoist activities have been These youth subscribe to Al flow of fake currency to terrorist gion teeters on the brink of spi- Kashmir. They are unsure noticed even in such areas like Qaeda ideology. outfits to take care of food, shel- ralling instability. In the long whether their supplies lines Delhi, Uttarakhand and Kolkata. ISI has been cultivating se- ter, purchase of vehicles and war against Islamist terrorism, would continue. Intelligence of- A report published in Indian Ex- lective politicians, particularly in making payments among terror- the partial relief in J&K would ficials say, "Even their handlers press (29 January, 2005) said 16 UP, Andhra Pradesh and ists and families of terrorists well prove the calm before a ris- are not clear how things will police stations in New Delhi have Maharashtra who provide tacit killed. Terrorists were exchang- ing storm". shape in the future". been declared prone to 'Maoist logistic support for setting up ing fake currency with some busi- Decrease in Levels of Vio- Terrorist leadership has suf- infiltration'. The threat has (Contd. on Page 5) KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 CONTINUATION 5 Pakistan has not abandoned Crossborder Terrorism-II

(Contd. from Page 4) sible. To keep the pot boiling because of its being the state Malik. 1993 constitution empha- model praised by him earlier, wel- sleeper cells. Uttar Pradesh is Pakistan is endeavouring to based party will ceremoniously sizes "right of self-determina- comed 4-point formula of emerging as new battle ground raise a united political voice in highlight the pre-53 status for tion" as basis to settle Kashmir Musharraf, offered truce on some for Islamist terrorists. According its favour. It has initiated a pro- the state. In the forthcoming issue and calls for tripartite talks. conditions, banned use of IEDs, to South Asia Terrorism Portal cess to engineer unity among elections in Indian Kashmir PoK Prime Minister, Sardar welcomed unity but described there were 57 incidents of terror- various separatist outfits, includ- tacit blessings of Pakistan Atiq Ahmed Khan, terrorist con- Shabir Shah's decision to join ist subversion in UP between ing two factions of Hurriyat. would fix upon NC. Pertinently, glomerate United Jehad Coun- Mirwaiz's Hurriyat as a 'hasty' April 2001 and 2008. 34 out 70 Kanchan Lakshman observes," neither militant nor political cil and Laskhar-e-Toiba have one. Salahuddin is linked Kash- districts have been identified as The objective appears to be to means would be pressed on to ob- publicly endorsed unity move. mir Jamaat Islami and Hizbul affected by terrorist subversion. gradually transform the pre- struct the impending elections Shabir Shah said that participa- Mujahideen. Patron of Kashmir Experts agree that ISI's strat- dominantly terrorist movement in Indian Kashmir by the sepa- tion of UJC into tripartite talks in Jamaat Islami, Sheikh Ghulam egy in focussing on Indian into a more wide-based move- ratist parties. However, the de- future was inevitable. Intrigu- Hassan went a step further say- heartland have a larger objec- ment of political extremism, mand for freedom and tripartite ingly, PDP and NC have called ing while Jamaat Islami would tive. Kanchan Lakshman notes: backed by calibrated terrorist talks will remain on the politi- for direct talks between Hizbul appeal for boycott but would not "ISI's strategy of "using dis- operations, to secure a stronger cal charter of APHC. Addition- Mujahideen and Centre. On Feb- enforce it. Hussain added that for enchanted Muslim groups in position at the negotiating table ally, the squeals of Pakistan For- ruary 5 LeT expressed its sup- Jamaat Islami elections have one area (Mumbai and Gujrat and achieve what has not been eign Office will continue to ask port to the exercise and asked all "lost relevance". for instance) has the 'domino ef- possible on the ground through for the implementation of UN separatist leaders in Valley to To build up tempo for politi- fect' of creating or inspiring terrorism alone". resolutions and claim support- wind up their individual outfits cal extremism against India equally violent groups else- Kashmiri separatists/terrorist ing Kashmiris by political, and unite under one umbrella to APHC-Mirwaiz has been bring- where in the country, so that a ing stridency in anti-Indian ac- potential for large-scale vio- tivities. It has raised demand for lence is steadily built up". He transfer of remains of Maqbool refers to the interrogation report Bhat, has been orchestrating of a terrorist arrested in 2002 in massive funeral gatherings at the the Kashmir Valley which said killings of terrorists, irrespective that the Indian security forces of their being locals or foreign will encounter organised Islam- mercenaries; staged caged pro- ist terrorist movements in vari- test on alleged harassment of ous cities of UP and across the former terrorists and their fami- Hindi heartland within the next lies, called withdrawal of Special few years. Lakshman warns, "In Powers to Armed Forces. the proximate future, the Jihadi Mirwaiz Umar has said that he network will look to gradually was opposed to status quo in transform political dissent into J&K. He endorsed 4-point for- a violent form of political polar- mula of Musharraf and declared ization and subversion in a num- that Hurriyat would not seek so- ber of additional theatres within lution with constitutional frame- India". work of India. Another reason for ISI's fo- Two fundamentalist/pro- cus on enlisting greater number separatist oganisations--Jamaat of Indian Muslim youth is to cre- Islami and Jamaat Ahli Hadis ate 'homegrown terrorists' so while endorsing unity did not that Islamist insurgency in Indian join APHC-Mirwaiz and called for heartland is projected as an 'in- restoration of 1993 Hurriyat con- digenous' one. This would serve Separatist leaders in Kashmir trying to rake-up anti-India Sentiment. stitution. Two pro-Geelani the purposes of 'plausible groups-Dukhtaran Millat and deniability'. If these indigenous Majlis Itihaadul Millat dubbed terrorists in India are able to outfits are increasingly relying moral and diplomatic means". "fight" for Kashmir cause. For unity move as a drama. Yasin serve the subversive interests of on other means like mass pro- Series of events that started the first time in 15 years there Malik too is cool to the idea. Pakistan over the next few tests, influencing viewpoints unfolding since January last put was Tele-address by Geelani and APHC-Mirwaiz has said that months Pakistan may be able to through coercion of the local larger Pakistani game in perspec- Shabir Shah to a Jamat-ud- it would open its offices in all the enact deception of ordering 'clo- media, prevailing on bar asso- tive. Shabir Shah, head of sepa- Dawah (LeT) Conference on districts of J&K and Delhi to sure' of some India-specific ciations to file human rights ratist Democratic Freedom Party 'Kashmir Solidarity' Day on "create awareness on Kashmir Jihadi terrorist outfits. This abuse cases and nudging some joined Mirwaiz Umar faction of February 5, 2008. Senior Dawah and for interaction with leaders would help it to cut the number of the political parties to carry Hurriyat Conference on January leader Hafiz Abdur Rehman in India". It also said that APHC of its own citizens sent into In- forward the agenda of separat- 14. He proposed six point for- Makki while welcoming Hurriyat was not averse to elections for dian for executing acts of terror- ism. Altaf Qadri, a political ana- mula for unity, including resto- unity also called for inclusion of referendum. Some separatist ism. lyst based in New York attributes ration of 1993 constitution. The Yasin Malik. Gen. (Retd) Hamid friendly lobbies in Delhi have Allabaksh, a strategic expert the unity drive to 'sinking peace latter rejects scope for bilateral Gul, former ISI Chief and public been floating demands to bolster locates another factor in ISI's process' between India and Pa- talks, dialogue and solution to supporter of Dawah said that separatist leadership. They have design to 'indigenise' terrorism in kistan! He assigns other factors Kashmir within Indian Constitu- "liberation" of Kashmir was not been calling for holding separae India. He says", It can run on its also--proactive role played by tion. Shah had been expelled from possible till US left Afghanistan. Round Table Conference for own steam in the unlikely event Musharraf is no more going to Hurriyat Conference in 1996 for UJC chief Salahuddin, a ter- separatists. Reports coming from of the exporting nation actually be there and secondly, the time meeting Frank Wisner, the then rorist leader based in Pakistan is the Valley say that separate forced to dismantle the entire was not appropriate for seeking US Ambassador. APHC had boy- making attempts to return to groups would be putting up edifice of its officially sponsored solution as per Pakistani de- cotted the meeting. Kashmir to play a "role on lines many independent candidates in terror business." sires. India wields more clout Two years back APHC- of Geelani--an adamant anti-In- the forthcoming assembly elec- 3. Creation of United Politi- and power than Pakistan and no Mirwaiz was recognized by dia voice in the Valley". He has tions in the state with an aim to cal Voice in its favour: country would like to displease Musharraf as the real Hurriyat. claimed threats in his life in Paki- influence the new government Two decades of terrorist vio- India in view of its emerging This had irked Syed Ali Shah stan. In a significant statement for seeking major tactical conces- lence has led to some fatigue economy. He notes, "To retain Geelani, who heads the extrem- in line with new ISI strategy sions. Decrease in level of vio- among the local populace in reigns of the movement (sepa- ist Hurriyat faction. Recently, Syed Salahuddin in an interview lence has another political objec- Kashmir. Credibility of terrorists ratists) and strategic imperatives Geelani declined twice invita- with Mohammad Islam, editor of tive for separatists. Through and overground separatist out- as opposed to India in explicit tions sent to him by Pakistan Kashmir News Service said that friendly politicians demands are fits is at its lowest since erup- control the new growing alliance embassy. On February 4, 2008 terrorists would target neither being raised for unilateral cease- tion of Islamist insurgency in will have a loose form of Pakistan High Commissioner, political rallies nor candidates or fire, free passage to Kashmiri 1989-90. International isolation, organisation but with decentral- Shahid Malik himself went to see voters". He added, "those will- youth in Pakistan, de- domestic instability, decimation ized leadership. These political Geelani to win his support for ing to take part in the polls are militarisation, compensation to of Jihadi ranks in J&K and In- parties would demand for any so- unity. Geelani put two condi- free to do so. The guns would families of Jihadis killed. These dian resistance to succumb to lution that it outside Indian con- tions--Stopping dialogue with only act when the security forces demands are aimed at helping Pak blackmail has convinced Pa- stitutional framework". He Delhi and restoration of 1993 would use them". Salahuddin terrorists to re-group. It remains kistan that even short-term tac- adds: "On the other hand, most Hurriyat Constitution. He left has also disowned 'Save Kash- to be seen how UPA government tical concessions are not pos- likely the National Conference happy after his meeting with mir Movement', rejected Irish would call this bluff. (concluded) KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 INTERVIEW 6 Our Hopes have been shattered, says Dr. Ajay Chrungoo KS : Where does Panun Kashmir as a society would re- votebank was Kashmiri Pandits were welcome to return to movement stand today ? main handicapped This is the concluding part of the destroyed Kashmir and have nothing to fear from. Ear- AC: Panun Kashmir as a movement is more in formulating Conversation with Dr. Ajay Chrungoo, through political lier, he would rant that Pandits would not be relevant today than it had ever been at any genuine aspira- Chairman Panun Kashmir. The 1st part was gerrymandering allowed to come till they joined the separatist time during the past 17 years. Infact ,for the tions. Any solu- published in our previous issue. of the electoral movement. To what do you attribute this first time since independence Kashmiri Hindu tion which advo- --The Editor constituencies. change? politics is under focus at national & interna- cates compromise After our AC: There is no change of heart so far as tional plane. Panun Kashmir’s consistent and with communalism and separatism in Kash- uprootment this Geelani is concerned. His ideological and po- patient work has started yielding results. In- mir would be self-defeating. has suffered further through dispersal and litical views, which endorse ongoing funda- fluential think-tanks at national level, work- KS: What has been the impact of Panun manipulation of our electoral roles. Even mentalist-secessionist movement, have no ing on Kashmir, are realizing that any settle- Kashmir at the community level ? in Habbakadal constituency our voting strength place for peaceful coexistence religious mi- ment on Kashmir would remain an elusive AC: Kashmiri Pandit community thinks is shown as 11 thousand, way down from 22 norities. At the same time of important dream unless Kashmiri Hindus’ issue is settled that the political visibility on its genocide has thousand. More than 60% of voters in changes have taken place during the past two as per the aspirations of Kashmiri Pandits. been possible solely because of efforts of Habbakadal constituency today are shown as years to which Geelani has to respond by This is a major achievement. Panun Kashmir. There is a Pandit question non-Hindus. So, where is the votebank? devising new stratagems to hoodwink public KS: What are Panun Kashmir’s engage- today because there is Panun Kashmir If the attempt is to show that Pandits sup- opinion. ments at the national and state level ? movement. port demo- In the internal dialogue process i.e. in Round AC: There are three dimensions of Kash- Panun Kashmir cratic process Table and Working Group meets, different di- mir problem. One, Indian sovereignty is being has made a radi- that also mensions of Muslims politics are getting ex- challenged not only by Pakistan /Terrorists cal departure sounds a dubi- posed. Kashmiri Pandit perspective was ef- (through crossborder Terrorism and diplomatic from traditional ous exercise. fectively projected and well received. This has bluff) but also by certain vested interests in Pandit politics Pandits have implications for local Muslim politics vis-a- the Indian civil society and neo-secessionist where leader- always cher- vis Hindus of state, for country as a whole political lobbies in Kashmir. Attempts are be- ship settled for ished the ideals and for global peace. Muslim separatist lead- ing made to create conceptual and political few crumbs or of democracy. ership is under international pressure to ex- space for forcing India to dilute its sovereignty personal favours We ask how plain its stand on Kashmiri Hindus-their eth- over Kashmir through models like ‘shared/ through compro- our electoral nic-cleansing and rehabilitation. At the same joint sovereignty (Trieste/ Andorra mod- mise with Mus- participation is time separatist leaders and even sections of els), ‘Greater Autonomy’, ‘self rule’, so on lim Communal- going to make a mainstream parties do not want to address and so forth. All this will lead to an autono- ism. Social and po- difference to us problems of Kashmiri Hindus and reject reli- mous Islamist Kashmir where there will be no litical awareness in if our genocide gious pluralism. place for nationalist groups and religious mi- the Pandit com- is not reversed. To escape international opprobrium they norities. Secondly, there is the issue of eth- munity has under- We believe gim- seem to be working on two strategies-one, to nic- cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus and other gone a sea change. micks of 'po- say publicly they are not opposed to Pandits' Hindu groups in Jammu region. Lastly, Ter- Today Kashmiri litical party' return, while doing everything to stall it. Sec- rorist regimes are trying to hold Kashmiri civil Pandit commu- slogan has a ondly, the separatists and elements friendly society hostage to their diktat. Terrorists have nity is seeking sinister dimen- to them in the political establishment are tar- suppressed all forms of political dissent concrete frame- sion too. It is a geting few Hindus still holding on in Srinagar. through violence. Those who stood up to the works for rever- diversionary During the past 17 years these Kashmiri terrorists have been brutally slaughtered and sal of its geno- exercise, aimed Pandits in Valley have been pushed to penury humiliated in a way that would put civilized at trivialising and destitution. Who is facilitating interac- cide. Panun Kashmiri Pandit families shifting to the societies to shame. Communalisation and Kashmiri tions between the separatist leadership and Kashmir per- security zone in Sheikhpora, Budgam Talibanisation campaigns too are influencing spective is visible Pandits' prob- few hundred Kashmiri Pandits in Valley and Kashmiri society and polity. even in cultural lems and his to what end? Soon after this engagement there Panun Kashmir is trying to sensitise and social responses of the community. permanent re- were demands that "Pandits Temples/Reli- people at the national level to the dangers to Even credible NGOs are seeking opinion of habilitation. The basic objective of this exer- gious institutions should be put under the Indian national security from crossborder and Panun Kashmir. By evolving a survival doc- cise is to convert 'issues' of the community care of Auqaf Trust" and "We appeal to ‘homegrown’ terrorism and Islamic fundamen- trine that would stand the test of time Panun into 'non issues' and vice-versa. We would the separatist organisations to help pro- talism. We are also telling the nation that policy Kashmir has helped the community break its not be surprised if there was connivance of tect our identity and rights". These two of ‘secularism being divisible’ ( secular policy isolation and shed psyche of defeatism. We the local establishment in this. Peddlers of strategies are to be seen in a broader ISI strat- outside Kashmir and communal one in Kash- believe this is vindication of the ideology of this slogan are those people who have always egy in which there is a shift in thrust. Pakistan mir) will not work. If the only Muslim major- Panun Kashmir. been fence-sitters and have no record of doing wants to build a strong united political ex- ity state of India cannot tolerate a small Hindu KS: There is a view that Kashmiri Pandits any credible work in the community. Their tremist voice in Valley, which is stridently minority what would be the message for build- should have their own political party as all attempts to keep Pandit community's inter- India. Engagement with Pandits serves many ing secularism as an ideological foundational political parties have failed the Pandit Com- ests hostage to communal leadership in Valley purposes-acquire secular legitimacy for anti- principle for Indian nation-state. This argu- munity. Do you endorse the view? would not succeed. national platform and countering Pandits in- ment has started making impact. Kashmiri po- AC: There can be no two views that all KS: In the past there was demand for terests by creating 'Pandit faces'. Reports say litical leadership which has never treated political parties in the state-NC, PDP, Con- 'constituencies in exile ' also. What are your that lot of money is being spent on this exer- Kashmiri Pandits as equal partners in society gress, Communists etc. have publicly shown views? cise. This engagement has acquired urgency is feeling jittery. Attempts to seek ‘Pandit that interests of Displaced Pandit Commu- AC: Panun Kashmir believes that political soon after GOI started internal dialogue pro- faces’ to counter legitimate aspirations of nity do not count in their political strategies. rights for the community will flow from con- cess and recognized Kashmiri Hindu factor as Displaced Kashmiris stem from this compul- We do not agree that floating a political party stitutional reorganisation of the state which an integral part of the problem. sion. of its own is a solution to this political exclu- would take care of interests of all sections of KS: What has been the response to this Panun Kashmir is succeeding in bringing sion. ‘Political Party’ slogan is based on a people in the state. 'Constituencies in ex- 'engagement'? home the point that the dilution of Indian sov- premise that Pandits have a strong vote-bank ile' is a communal demand, based on com- AC: The Kashmiri Pandit community sees ereignty over Kashmir would not only im- which can be translated into legislative munal ghettoisation of the community. We through this game, which is aimed at creating a peril Indian unity but would also strengthen strength. This slogan is dubious and aimed to reject the demand with the contempt it de- strong anti-Indian platform. Kashmiri Pandits communal and secessionist forces in the state. mislead Pandit community. An illusion is serves. On one hand, the vested interests who are patriots and would not even remotely sup- How would Kashmiri Hindus remain secure sought to be created that even without re- raise political party slogans or demand 'Con- port something that harms country's inter- in a place where Indian control would be weak versal of genocide Displaced Pandits would stituencies in exile' base these on communal ests. They also hold fast to the view that 'sym- and communal-secessionist forces rule the continue to enjoy political rights. We have principle but dub Panun Kashmir, which seeks bolic tokenism' advocated by Muslim com- roost? two strong objections against the 'Politi- unfettered flow of Indian constitution, as com- munal establishment can be no substitute for Lastly, we are impressing upon that un- cal Party' slogan- One, there is no solid munal. reversal of genocide. Pandit opinion is more less we counter communalism and fundamen- votebank of the community. In the past this KS: Jamaat Islami and Hurriyat leader, consolidated today that at any time. talism and eliminate terrorist regimes Kashmiri Syed Ali Shah Geelani recently said that (Contd. on Page 7 KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 INTERACTION 7 PK HOLDS ROUND TABLE INTERACTION WITH Media, members of Community Sentinel Correspondent the issues which Panun Kashmir promotes” said the leader. NEW DELHI, Feb 24: Panun Kashmir held Shalinder Aima, Editor, Kashmir Sentinel a round table interaction with media persons gave a brief account of Panun Kashmir philoso- of displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. The phy and ideology. He stated that Panun PK leaders highlighted the challenges faced by Kashmir’s political vision emerges out of a the displaced community and stated that the civilizational paradigm and connects it to a venture had been organized to come closer, modern world view of liberal and pluralistic ethos. learn from each other and contribute to the He lamented how the Indian state and political cause of nation and Kashmiri Hindus. establishment invariably have been engaging Dr. Shakti Bhan, Chairperson Daugh- Muslims through proposals and formulae which ters of Vitasta, welcomed the media persons essentially are a compromise with Muslim com- and introduced the subject of the meeting. She munalism. “This compromise is always being emphasized the need to correct distortions and projected as the victory of Indian secularism. stated that Panun Kashmir has to promote All this is happening because of a very well the national cause in J&K state, make allies defined process of an ideological and institu- and friends who would support the displaced tional subversion. It is in this environment that people in their struggle to get Panun Kashmir. Panun Kashmir has to struggle for not only the While the first half of the meeting focused rights of the displaced Hindus of Jammu and on the role of media in today's world, the sec- Some of the participants at the Round Table Conference at IIC New Delhi Kashmir but also for correcting the national ond half included a role of Jammu and Kash- ever has been happening in Kashmir was never discourse on Kashmir”, he stated. mir media viz a viz current political situation to continue their struggle for a separate home- a freedom struggle? Why does the government The meeting was attended among others by in J&K. land in the Valley. He emphasized that Panun Kashmir had relentlessly campaigned to correct and the establishment shy away from accepting senior Kashmiri Pandit media professionals, in- Sh. Vijay Tikoo, Vice Chairperson PK, ad- the national vision about Jammu & Kashmir the fact that Kashmiri Hindus have been sub- cluding Sh. Manohar Trakroo, Sh. A.N.Dhar, vocated reorganization of the J&K state with and articulated the real dimensions of the Is- jected to genocide? Why does the government Sh. C.B. Koul, Sh. Ramesh Bhan, Sh. B.N.Betab, carving out of a homeland for the Kashmiri lamist terrorism and its genocidal impact on construct a genesis for Kashmir problem di- Sh. Ramesh Khazanchi, Mrs. Asha Khosa, Sh. Pandits on the North and East of river Jehlum. Kashmiri Hindus. “Over the years we have re- vorced from reality of an unfolding Jehad?” J.L. Raina, Sh. Rakesh Khar, Sh. Siddharth Zarabi, Kamal Wangnoo, secretary, PK -NCR-New alized that subversive forces operating in all Dr. Chrungoo emphasized that in an age of Sh. Rockey Pandita and Sh. Sanjay Kaw. Delhi said that his organization demands that spheres of life including the opinion making information, Press and Media persons have a The first session was also attended by emi- seven lakh displaced Pandits including those institutions have crippled the nation’s response responsibility to report events in the correct nent Kashmiri Pandit Nephrologist from New who were forced to leave Kashmir in past be to the challenges in Jammu and Kashmir” he perspective and not to give in to sham ideolo- York, Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, and his associates settled in the homeland so that they can live stated and explained how the loyalties of the gies and a secularist habit of hiding facts. “Ac- from US and Canada. Among others who con- with dignity and honour. citizens of India were being purchased to pro- tive advocacy of what is right and active con- tributed were Dr. Shashishekhar Toshkhani, Prof. Panun Kashmir chairman, Dr Ajay mote the separatist cause. testation of what is wrong and false, is the only G.L. Pandita, Capt. S.K. Tickoo, Prof. Chrangoo said that the Kashmiri Pandits put- The PK leader asked, “Why did it take so way to defeat subversion. We have invited you M.L.Raina, Sh. R.N.Naqaib, Sh K.L. Zutshi, Sh. ting up any where in the world are committed long for the government to realize that what- here to join us to become active advocates of Ashok Khusoo and Sh. Ashok Ogra. Our Hopes have been shattered, says Dr. Ajay Chrungoo (Contd. from Page 6) cre he said Kashmir Pandits cannot go back been shattered. these families shift permanently to Jammu KS: What has been the role of mainstream and described massacre 'as an act of ethnic- KS: The govt recently said that it was not because of the attrition they face there. Dur- ing the past 17 years neither the government parties? cleansing'. Yet on other occasions he blames averse to setting up a 'Sarda University' in nor others have taken even nominal care of AC: The role of mainstream parties, to Jagmohan for it. What else can you call it other Kashmir. Isn't it a good augury? them. Rather, they were being coerced to is- say that least, has been disappointing. Soon than politicking? Not only NC but other par- AC: We have to judge this offer in a broader after GoI recognized Kashmiri Pandits as s context. If the government is unwilling to ad- sue statements against Kashmiri Pandits and ties as well refuse to accept the reality of eth- in favour of separatists. All this has been cov- crucial factor in Kashmir problem there was a dress any of Kashmiri Pandits' problems why nic-cleansing as point of departure for fram- ered by the press. There have been killings rat race among different Muslim-dominated ing policies to end Pandits' ongoing genocide. should it go so far as to set up a university of this type. It is being floated as a trial ballon to also at regular intervals-Sangrampora, parties to create 'Pandit faces' to counter Panun KS: How has coalition government re- Wandhama, Telwani, Nai Sarak, that of Hriday hoodwink Kashmiri Pandits that their aspira- Kashmir demand. Kashmiri political leaders sponded to Displaced Kashmiri Pandits' prob- Nath Wanchoo. In fact, latter's family put an tions are being met. The bigger game is to use have been orchestrating a campaign that Pandit lems during the past 5 years. advertisement in paper to show how Wanchoo it to justify setting up of religious universities community was in disarray, with divided AC: The only gesture so far has been that was betrayed. This will give you an indication in the Valley and demands of 'greater au- leadership. Round Table meets exposed this 250 quarters have been allotted to the refu- of what sort of life they were leading. tonomy', 'self-rule'. Who are the people in the campaign as a farce. During these meets while gees. Even this took the government one year This statement of Wajahat Habibullah has community floating this demand of Sarda Uni- Pandit leaders spoke in a unified voice Mus- to be read with the other part of the interview after the quarters were ready. Govt's own of- versity? What is their public stand on Kash- lim leadership reflected sharp divisions not in which he enlogises Yaseen Malik and JKLF, ficials had been warning repeatedly that any mir and Kashmiri Pandits? Answer to all this only between different parties but within in- which initiated the pogram of ethnic-cleans- delay in shifting refugees would be bad in view would put 'Sarda Univer- dividual parties also. This was true of NC, ing of Kashmiri Hindus. In the situation this of the conditions of the sity' proposals in perspec- PDP, Congress etc. So far as 'toadies' factor is nominal presence of Kashmiri Pandits lives in old dilapidated quarters. tive. There could be other concerned you can have them in every com- The government contin- CONTINUATION Valley they can be easily coerced. Is motivations for the spon- counterposing of these Pandits to the main munity. There are no more than 1-2 dozen ues to dither on the issue sors-personal benefits that will accrue from such individual among Pandits whole role in of 'bifurcation of cards, employment package body of Displaced Pandits part of a larger this exercise. Ideally, it would have been a nice game-plan to coerce the former to support the past and recent past has thoroughly dis- and other deprivations. Ethnic-cleansing is thing to have Sarda University which would JKLF? It looks Wajahat's own proclivities lie credited them in the community. It is Panun an extraordinary situation. It requires ex- promote Kashmir's historical identity. In view with exclusivist variants of Kashmiri Muslim Kashmir only which defends community's traordinary responses to address the gamut of the political overtones such a university interests and carries its mandate. subnationalism. In a Working Group in which of genocide. You cannot allow routine pa- would serve no purpose. Without addressing he was thrusted from the backdoor he floated KS: Dr. Farooq Abdullah said recently rameters to address these. Lately, there has the issue of return of Kashmiri Pandits what a proposal which would lead to communal that NC would appoint a high level group to been blatant encroachment of Kashmiri Pandits' would be relevance of such a university? balkanisation in Jammu. There was an earlier study 'What Pandits want'. He also alleged residential and shrines property. The govern- KS: Wajahat Habibullah, a former se- controversy also when he wrote a paper 'Po- Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's hand in 1986 ment is doing nothing to stop it. Influential nior bureaucrat has hinted that Kashmiri litical Economy of Kashmir Conflict'. It communal violence against Pandits. Please politicians-mafia nexus is also said to be in- Pandits still in Valley should decide the fate received wide censure in the country. comment. volved in it. Moreover, a new phenomenon is of Kashmiri Pandits. He said "None of the KS: Wajahat Habibullah is an official AC: Dr. Farooq Abdullah has never been being seen whereby Kashmiri Pandits' prop- Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley were invited Interlocutor on Kashmir. consistent in his statements. We would like to erty in particular is being acquired without (to RTC). Will the Pandits who left the Val- AC: That is unfortunate. India is a great ask him if Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's hand the consent of owners for so-called 'public ley decide on its future or those who are still power in the making. A number of our inside?" Please comment. By the way how was there what did he and his government do utility purposes'. This is a grave situation. neighbours and some outside powers are try- many Kashmiri Pandits continue to live in all these years to initiate probe into it and take To rub salts into our wounds the Revenue ing to thwart this. We are facing a plethora of Valley? action. NC has been making right noises while department claimed that Pandits' exile was a national security problems. There should be in opposition. When it was in power its re- AC: I think you are referring to Wajahat Institutional based appraisal of threats and self-imposed one'. Recently 'leave salary' has Habibullah's interview to the Kashmir Af- solve was not to tackle any of Pandits' prob- solutions desired to maximise country's been substituted by 'Idle wages' to further fairs (a US paper). The most liberal estimates lems. So far as Mr. Omar Abdullah is con- interests. This would insulate country's humiliate the frontline victims of terrorism. put the number of Pandits in Valley to be not cerned he did try to address some of the is- Kashmiri Pandits had a feeling that a na- national security policy from politicking more than 2800. Also, half of the members of by individuals and political parties and also sues. This has not gone unnoticed. In Geneva tional level party would have a national these individual families live in Jammu while help forge a strong consensus on national Dr. Abdullah blamed Jamaat Islami for Pandits' perspective where it would treat all sec- others stay put in Kashmir to look after busi- security. religious-cleansing. After Wandhama massa- tions of people equally. Our hopes have ness, property etc. Every year a number of KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 REGIONAL AFFAIRS 8 Zardari’s statement rattles many feathers in Kashmir In 1957 Prime Minister By Special Correspondent Pakistan faces a severe crisis. had army rule for eight years. committed to resolve the Kash- Feroz Khan Noon had made a There is full fledged insurgency wo major policy Have they solved it. I don’t need mir issue “in line with UN reso- similar statement that Pakistan in NWFP, with Jihadis demon- pronouncements by to convince them, it talks for it- lutions.” Referring to this should put Kashmir on the strating their reach to strike at T leaders of Pakistan Peo- self”. He said, “I want to take Zardari had said, “I am not backburner and normalize rela- state targets even in such ples’ Party (PPP) and Pakistan (the relations) to a stage of such getting hostage to that issue.” tions with India. One of the rea- sanitised cities in Punjab-Lahore Muslim League (N) have taken confidence-building that the fear Nawaz Sharif’s silence is sons for the coup (1958) was the and Islamabad. Pak military es- Indians by surprise. While factor diminishes from both significant. government's more conciliatory tablishment’s credibility is at its Indian newspapers covered angles. People-to-people Even the subsequent state- approach towards Kashmir and lowest. This has been accentu- these but coverage itself was contacts should be improved, ment issued by spokesman of India. Ayub's coming to power ated by the ongoing conflict be- low-key, with little comment. then trade, interdependence of PPP, Farhatullah Babar to clarify marked the start of tension along tween the civil society and On March 1 in a major depar- trade, if Indian industry depends Zardari’s views on Kashmir said the cease-fire Line. Between Musharraf on one hand and the ture from Pakistan’s long-stand- on Pakistan energy and I depend “PPP believed in conflict man- 1988-99 Pak military actively latter’s refusal to step down fol- ing position PPP Chairman Asif on the Indian market for my agement and simultaneously cre- tried to undermine the various lowing defeat of his party in the Ali Zardari expressed readiness product to be sold, we are both ating a trading bloc of the two attempts by the civilian govts. recently held elections. to set aside the Kashmir issue to interdependent, financially countries to improve living con- to seek accommodation with In- Secondly, Americans, who focus on other aspects for im- integrated industry-wise.” ditions of people of South Asia dia. Pak military establishment still are exploring options to co- proving relations with India. He PPP Chairman even hinted and at the same time improve institutionalized ideas of mili- erce PPP and PML-N to back emphasized that the relations that Pakistani political establish- confidence as a key to resolving tarism with two-nation theory. Musharraf, are losing leverage between India and Pakistan ment was likely to endorse his outstanding issues. People be- Besides the military, the ISI, drug to influence events in Pakistan. should not be held hostage to line on Kashmir and India in near lieved that peace required pa- lords and Jihadi groups them- By and large, Americans have the Kashmir issue and that the future. He said, “I think the eco- tience and that confidence build- selves form a powerful nexus of not only been favouring con- two countries can wait so that nomical dependency that I’m ing measures were required to vested interests that have ben- tinuance of Pakistan military es- future generations resolve the talking about, nobody has really create a climate for durable efitted from the Jihad against In- tablishment in power but have dispute in a mature manner in an made the Pakistanis aware what peaceful relations. The PPP is in dia. By de-emphasizing central- also been endorsing the latter’s atmosphere of trust. Mr. Zardari position they are (in) and what favour of normalisation of rela- ity of Kashmir issue and endors- line on Kashmir and Indo-Pak further reiterated that he was de- they can gain. When they real- tions with India as well as en- ing better relations with India relations. Ashley Tellis has in his termined to break the barriers and ise that they can change, the hancement of SAARC as a trad- on durable basis Zardari and recent study made startling dis- mindsets that deter trade be- world will change. Economically, ing bloc.” Sharif are promoting their own closures on how the US estab- tween the two countries. it’s a thousand percent leap we’ll The statements of PPP have survival vis-a-vis the military es- lishment had been tacitly PPP Chairman, whose party is get into and the benefit of the come as embarrassment to some tablishment. The civil society, accepting Pakistan’s all set to take over the reins of thousand percent leap is going lobbies in India which have been particularly in the wake of recent sponsorship of Cross Border the govt., made these remarks in to (have an) effect across the claiming that “Pakistan would conflict with the military estab- Terrorism against India even an interview with CNN-IBN pro- board.” Zardari said that he not settle for anything less than lishment, may also toe the line after 9/11. gramme ‘Devil’s Advocate’, run would strive for political consen- ‘joint management’ of J&K”. of Zardari. Zardari is talking of Zardari and Sharif who have by Karan Thapar. Zardari’s sus on building strong relations These lobbies have been press- trade and economic interdepen- suffered much incarceration at views endorsed Indian position. with India by emphasizing the ing for keeping Kashmir as the dence with India in which the hands of military realise well Zardari said: “The idea is that role of SAARC and modern tech- “core issue” and 'solving' it on Pakistan's energy is exchanged that Pak military has tried to build we feel for Kashmir, the PPP has nology. He added that elected priority basis. They have been for Indian market and modern legitimacy for itself by playing always felt for Kashmir. We have leaders can carry people with emphasizing that India could technology. Pakistani middle up Indian threat and making a strong Kashmir policy. We them even on sensitive issues. ‘cut a deal with Musharraf by of- classes and the trading-Indus- Kashmir as the central issue in have always had one. But hav- Zardari made following fering unilateral concessions.’ trial lobbies will benefit from it. Indo-Pak relations. Zohra Yusuf, ing said that, we don’t want to points: The ground reality continues to Zardari's line is also in tune Council Member of the Human be hostage to that situation. 1. Kashmir issue should be be different. Two leading dailies with realism. In an interesting Rights Commission of Pakistan, That is a situation we can agree set aside for future generations of Pakistan have come out with study titled "From Jinnah to goes to the extent of saying, “I’m to disagree (on). Countries do, to tackle in a mature manner in lead editorials, supporting PPP Jihad-Pakistan's Kashmir not sure if the Army even wants we have positions, you have an atmosphere of trust. line on Kashmir (See Box). There Quest and the limits of Real- Kashmir.” In her view, the Army positions. We can agree to 2. All the barriers and has hardly been any worthwhile ism", Arvind Bahl notes fights for Kashmir for only do- disagree on (the UN resolutions) mindsets that deter trade be- criticism of Zardari on this issue "Pakistan's continued quest to mestic purposes. everything. We can wait. We can tween the two countries should from the civil society or the obtain control of the Kashmir Ayesh Jalal in her study “The be patient till everybody grows be broken. Economic interde- political establishment. Valley represents a case of a State of Martial Law: The ori- up further. May be the coming pendence was the key to devel- Shortly before Mrs. Benazir state pursuing an action that gins of Pakistan’s Political generation grows up even oping harmonious relations. Bhutto’s assassination, National cannot be explained by cost-ben- Economy of Defence” observes further and then let’s interact as 3. Pak army cannot sort Kash- Security Advisor MK efit analysis or the rational cal- that around the time of the 1947- human beings and come to a mir issue. Narayanan had said that India’s culation of its national inter- 48 war and shortly afterwards, position of love. Today, there are 4. Elected leadership of Paki- experience with Benazir Bhuttoo ests. Bahl makes following while the Army’s top brass was fixed notions. When stan can create consensus on during her previous reigns had points: the Kashmir Valley has in two minds about the feasibil- dependency increases (and) we this approach. not been good. So what makes little strategic significance to ity of a military solution for Kash- have matured enough (and) The other pronouncement PPP renege its earlier stand on Pakistan. The latter satisfied its mir, it used the Kashmir issue to we’ve got trust between us, then came from Mr. Nawaz Sharif, Kashmir and Indo-Pak relations. strategic needs in the first war increase its role in domestic nobody has fixed issues.” Chief of PML-(N) the following There are two dimensions to this. (1947-48) when it conquered a politics and justify large arms Pakistan’s stated position is day. He stressed that the new One, there has been no scholarly third of Kashmir's territory, in- purchases and an expanded mili- that Kashmir has to be tackled govt. in Pakistan should review study on PPP’s role in this con- cluding the areas closest to tary, which the govt. agreed to simultaneously along with other the causes for the Kargil war, in- text. Even when it made positive Rawalpindi, the headquarters of largely because of Kashmir. The issues in Indo-Pak parleys. cluding the role of Gen. gestures towards India, the mili- its army. It cut off India from Af- Kashmir issue was the primary Zardari said that when bilateral Musharraf, and fix responsibil- tary establishment stymied it. ghanistan and NWFP where means by which the govt. relations improve, the two na- ity for the conflict with India. Benazir Bhuttoo thought that by there was great hostility towards justified a strong alliance with tions can come back and tackle The former Prime Minister going one up in competitive Pakistan and the desire for a the US, which was not very thorny issues with the benefit of recalled that the Charter of agenda (anti-India and Jihadi) separate Pashtun homeland. popular at the time. The alliance improved ties. He added that Democracy signed by PPP and she could build a larger profile Preventing a linkage with Af- helped make the military an Kashmir issue should be set PML-N nearly two years ago for herself vis-a-vis the military. ghanistan prevented India from almost impregnable force in aside for a wiser generation and committed both parties to Retrospectively, it looks she was extending its influence West- Pakistani society. Prof. Younus a better time. “As it is, it’s going setting up a commission to naive. She lost friends and paved ward and potentially encircling Samad of Bradford University to be a no border world in the review the Kargil conflict. While way for her destruction. Sec- Pakistan, which Pakistan wanted remarks, “Ultimately the end”, he emphasized. Zardari re- stressing the implementation of ondly, there have been major to prevent. The 1947-48 war also justification for the massive jected the view that the Kashmir the charter in letter and spirit, developments at the regional provided Pakistan with a direct defence budget is Kashmir, and issue could best be sorted out Nawaz Sharif made no reference level and within Pakistan to link to China and Central Asia. the army manipulates the issue while the army is in power in Pa- to Kashmir. which Zardari and Sharif are re- Even many of Pakistan's kistan. He asked, “Well, we’ve In the charter both parties had sponding. in order to defend its vested interests.” (Contd. on Page 11) KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 REVIEW-ARTICLE 9 US LACKS CONSENSUS TO CONFRONT PAK MILITARY LEADERSHIP By Special Correspondent forts at economic revival, nuclear this group, particularly its senior eastern Afghan provinces. The elements. Peculiarities of the po- weapons program, and equities leadership. It does not sound litical structures in the FATA and MERICANS across the protection of the terrorist infra- in the conflict over Kashmir, to surprising for Pak military estab- the corrosive changes that have political spectrum are structure that supports these avoid becoming a target itself in lishment looks to Afghanistan as been occurring there is also ham- engaged in a serious groups has produced undesir- A the campaign against terrorism. part of strategy to increase its able blowback effects because per intelligence activities. Tradi- debate on how to deal with Paki- Highly differentiated strategic deptth A client state tionally, the ties between the stan. Emergence of Federally the actors traditionally involved Counter Terrorism Policy: headed by Taliban fits the game. political agent a (mid level civil Administered Tribal Areas in perpetrating terrorism in Ashley Tellis states that in the Tellis underlines the fact that Pak servant) and the tribal maliks (FATA) of Pakistan as a safe Kashmir increasingly assist the ‘War on Terror' Musharraf has military forces have appre- were critical to the production of heaven for Al Qaeda and revival Taliban and al Qaeda in pursued a highly differentiated hended far more al Qaeda cadres good intelligence. Social trans- of Taliban, particularly in South- operations, not only against counter terrorism policy. He iden- than Taliban operatives. He also formation over the past several ern Afghanistan has brought ur- Afghanistan but also the United tifies four different terrorist debunks the Pakistani explana- decades in which maliks are gency to this debate. The Ameri- States and even Pakistan itself.” groups-domestic-sectarian tions that it was difficult to being slowly supplanted by new cans have been pumping huge Pro-Taliban Military leader- groups, anti-Indian terrorist identify Taliban from Pak religious leaders, the maulvis money into Pakistan to seek its ship: groups, the Taliban, and the al Pasthuns. (who viewed issues of political help in countering Al Qaeda- Senior Pak military officers are Qaeda. The fourth group-Al Qaeda loyalty primarily through Taliban. Since 2002 Washington at variance with US line on As domestic sectarian had to he engaged and targeted religious or ideological lenses.) has given $ 10 billion in overt Taliban for many reasons: groups, which had unexpected by Musharraf for a different These radicalised maulis view security and economic assist- 1. US partiality towards growth in power during the reason because of the protection of the Taliban and al ance and continues to compen- Durrani Pashtuns, urban privi- 1990s, became a serious chal- consequences for US-Pakistani Qaeda cadres in the FATA as a sate the Pakistani military for its leged political elite and the lenge to domestic order in Paki- relations. Washington had just politico-religious obligation. counter-terrorism efforts with calculated neglect of Ghilzai stan Musharraf first targeted embarked on a ferocious Tellis assigns another reason for roughly $ 1 billion in annual re- Pashtuns, rural-uneducated these groups engaged in violent campaign against al Qaeda poor intelligence. He says imbursements. Americans are peasantry. Latter constitute bouts of bloodletting within the worldwide. Tellis makes a claim strategic intelligence collection beginning to wonder whether ranks of Taliban and have deep country. Musharraf was thus that most senior Pakistani in Pakistan is disproportionately Pakistan was doing its part in the ties to the tribes that have selective in targeting groups military officers were also genu- oriented toward targeting India. ‘war on Terror.’ There are two dominated the FATA for whose objectives were out of inely horrified by the attacks and The increased use of the internet views in the United States. One centuries. There are also fears sync with the military perception fearing for their own country’s by Taliban and al Qaeda opera- group wants to coerce Pakistan that heightened and targeted anti of the national interest or those future.” In the war against al tives, including the growing uti- with varying degrees of discrimi- -Ghilzai campaign may lead to re- engaging in Jihadi violence Qaeda Pakistan helped US with lisation of encryption software, nation. Second view continues newal of demand for independ- within Pakistan. facilities and access to carrying makes it difficult for Pak agen- to advocate uncritical support ent ‘Pashtunistan.’ The second set of groups, the out 'Operation Enduring cies to monitor, such communi- for Musharraf, the discredited 2. Fears that large scale mili- terrorist groups patronised by Freedom, in Afghanistan. cations systematically given Pa- military dictator. tary operations in FATA may ISI and the army as part of spon- Occasionally, it cooperated with kistan’s relatively low techno- A comprehensive study titled further inflame tribal sensitivities soring CrossBorderTerrorism Americans in intedicting terrorist logical capacity. Another handi- ‘Pakistan’s Record on and lead to internal polarisation against India were given immu- financing and apprehending and cap for technical intelligence is Terrorism Conflicted Goals, in Pak society nity. Two arguments were rendering terrorist targets for that Taliban Al-Qaeda are rely- compromised Performance’ by 3. Most of the ISI officers in flaunted. Pakistan’s participa- prosecution abroad. At the ing on “Snail Mail” and human Ashley Tellis, an influential the field support Taliban for na- tion in war on terror was intended behest of Americans Pakistan couriers for their operational Amercian academic and tionalist, ideological or personal among other things to protect its launched ‘Operation al Mizan’ planning. erstwhile adviser to Under reasons. freedom of action in Kashmir. by moving over 85,000 Regular Social Disruption: The secretary of state, Nicholas Tellis observes that ‘the Pa- Secondly, it refused to designate Pak army troops into FATA. arrival of the Pakistan Army in Burns, recaptures this debate kistan Campaign against the terrorists in Kashmir as Over 700 al Qaeda operatives strength in FATA has resulted by suggesting major Taliban is hobbled by convolu- ‘terrorists'. After December 13, were captured and handed over in social disruptions that have recommendations. Tellis also tion and hesitation.’ The result 2001 attack on Indian Parliament to the US. Pakistan also forced undermined its counter terrorism made a Testimony (based on this is that Taliban and its sympathis- there was some pressure from some though by no means all effectiveness. The Pak army’s study) to the House Foreign ers have entrenched themselves the US. Tellis observes,” The im- senior al Qaeda operatives such The Special Services Group, Affairs Committee on January 16, in all the seven administrative plementation of these actions.... as Khalid Sheikh and Ramzi composed of non-Pashtun 2008. agencies of the FATA, with a was at best half hearted and in- Binalshibh to disperse inwards elements is viewed as an Pakistan and Taliban growing expansion of their influ- consistent. Consequently, to within Pakistan. Nearly 600 unwelcome intruder in FATA and A. Motivational and Institu- ence in the NWFP. The Taliban this day Musharraf has not Pakistani soldiers were killed in receives little cooperation from tional Complexities: movement and its sympathisers sought to eliminate the the campaign. Al Qaeda and Pa- the local populace. The Frontier Tellis claims that Musharraf have moved beyond the tradi- Deobandi terrorist groups kistan Taliban campaign in FATA corps composed primarily of himself is strongly committed to tionally stateless regions close operating against India. He only is now targeting Pakistani state tribal levies is the resident purging both Al Qaeda and the to the Durand Line and into more modulated their activities, as such. paramilitary force and is sympa- Taliban. He says, “ all senior Pa- settled areas within Pakistan. depending on the extent of Ashley Tellis summarises Pak thetic to Taliban-al-Qaeda and kistani military officers are Taliban movement in FATA/ satisfaction he derives from the states handling of terrorist remains deeply suspicious of agreed that Al Qaeda presence NWFP is graduating from ter- prevailing state of diplomatic re- groups: Pak state and the US. Pak in the FATA must be eliminated, rorist operations into a Nature lations with India and the “Its (Pakistan’s) larger cam- Infantry -11th Corps now the diversity of views with re- insurgency with capacity for progress secured in the ongoing paign against terrorism has... pressed into service has no gard to the Taliban is positional warfare and coering India-Pakistani peace process.” been conspicuously selective experience in counter-terrorism considerable." Tellis cites many local opponents into cooperat- The third groups relevant to and perhaps self-serving. operations. Hostile terrain and seasons for this. He attributes ing to sustain the newly secured Pakistani operations against Although it has secured major the heavy fire-power of Taliban- Pakistan's inadequate safe haven. The survival of the terrorism consisted of the gains in eradicating some do- al Qaeda have led to relatively performance to Islamabad’s Taliban sanctuary in the FATA Taliban- the Pashtun remnauts mestic, anti-national sectarian coarse counter-terrorism tactics inability to defeat the terrorist has led to the talibanisation of of the regime ousted from power terrorist groups and has that are invariably derided. groups, operating from its soil the area more generally. This has in Kabul. After their defeat the contributed disproportionately Resort to lethal suicide attacks to many factors that ‘go beyond' helped continuing regeneration core Taliban leadership along to the ongoing campaign against by terrorist elements is leading its admittedly serious of al Qaeda in the area. with their Pak Pashtun Collabo- al Qaeda, it has been much more to increasing weariness with the motivational deficiencies to rators retreated into FATA reticent to conclusively B. Societal and Operation counter terrorist operations in combat terrorism’ (NWFP) in Pakistan. Taliban had eliminate those terrorist Challenges. Pakistani society in general. Initial compulsions: been created by ISI out of the entities operating against India Other reasons for inadequacy Musharraf has sought to Tellis says Musharraf cast his Ghilzai confederation of in Kashmir and elsewhere and in the campaign against Key address this national fatigue by lot with US after Sept 21, 2001 Pashtuns (dominant in south against Afghanistan in the Taliban and al Qaeda elements going for ‘episodic strategies of attacks mainly as a result of deep eastern Afghanistan) and from FATA, as well as those groups in FATA include: appeasement built around fears about what US enmity other Pashtun Tribes inhabiting operating against Afghanistan i. Poor tactical intelligence, “peace accords” with the pro- might imply for Pakistan’s long- the FATA. Musharraf deliber- that routinely transit back and because of ISI officers being Taliban locals in South and standing rivalry with India, ef- ately avoided any targeting of forth to the southern and sympathetic to radical Islamist (Contd. on Page 11) KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 NEWS ROUND-UP 10 A website Cabinet allots 100 Shah government in the State. Term- cellphone intercept in which the to leaders of the group. Already six ing the PDP patron as 'shrouded Hizbul's district chief for Pulwama activists of SiMi involved in terror- launched for kanals of Stateland politician', Dr Abdullah sad that he was caught talking to someone about ist activities in Kerala, Tamil Nadu to Jamiat-e-Ahlihadis (Mufti) was responsible for all the an IED blast. The call was traced to and Bangalore recently have been Kashmiri Pandits anti-people and anti-Kashmir ap- the CRPF jawan. Bhat was recruited arrested. As per police Yahya had KS Correspondent KS Correspondent proach of New Delhi. On safe re- in 2006. Police said he was contacted taken a LeT terrorist on a secret tour turn of Kashmiri Pandits to Kash- by a Hizbul 'Commander' from To help build stronger contacts Feb 16: The J&K cabinet alloted of Kerala in 2007. mir Valley Dr Abdullah said he Baramulla soon after his recruitment. among members of Kashmiri Pandits 100 kanals of state land to Jamiat-e- Hurriyat constituent, wished he could ask the same ques- After he was posted to Pulwama, in diaspora a new website Ahlihadis organisation for establish- tion to some "divine power to reply Bhat was reportedly introduced to 3 others blacklisted www.kashmiribhatta. In was ment of an Arabic University, a hos- it". the outfit's district 'Commander'. In March 7: Union Home Ministry launched on February 17, 2008. Over pital and a common facility Centre the last fortnight this is second inci- has blacklisted a constituent of 400 members of the community liv- at Narbal, Narkoora, Budgam. MUF leader joins PDP dent of security personnel-terrorist Hurriyat Conference-Muslim Con- ing in Delhi attended the launch of Feb 14: Muslim United Front 100 VDC members nexus. ference led by Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat the portal. The brain behind the (MUF) leader and Chairman of without honorarium along with Jamaat-e-Islami subsid- website is Dr. Hira Lal Saraf, a noted Kashmir Resolution Movement VDC member's iary Fala-e-Aam Trust, Public Re- philanthropist and an intellectual. since 1992 (KRM) Abdul Khaliq Haneef joined father, 2 daughters lief Trust and Akandar Trust under Feb 25: State BJP accused the PDP at Srinagar. He had contested The novel feature about the the Foreign Contribution Regulation government of not providing hono- 2002 assembly elections after snap- killed website is that it will have first ever Act. e-directory, containing addresses of rarium to more than 100 Village De- ping ties with the separatists. Hanief Three members of a Village De- Kashmiri Pandits spread all over the fence Committee members, ap- termed PDP's major policy initia- fence Committee member's family Pak Ambassador globe. pointed after 1992. It said "even rec- tives aimed at the resolution of Kash- including his father and two daugh- goes missing The e-directory would provide ognized and aided committees were mir issue as pragmatic. He said that ters were killed when terrorists hurled a grenade on his house at Soni Feb 1: Pakistan's Ambassador to addresses and telephone numbers of not provided their dues for the last since Kashmir Resolution Move- Top in Haidar village of Arnas, Reasi Afghanistan Tariq Azizuddin went community members. five months" ments agenda coincided with that missing while driving to Kabul of PDP he decided to join the party. district. VDC member himself was The website would have other Steep rise in liquor injured alongwith 4 other family through Khyber agency. He is be- features as well e.g. features on his- He demanded end to "human rights lieved to have been kidnaped by sale in Kashmir violations, release of all political members. There are two dozen VDC tory and culture, luminaries of the militants in the Khyber agency. On National Conference sought a ban members in Soni Top, most of whom detenues, repealing of 'draconian' the same day in a separate incident community, almanac information, on liquor sale in the state after gov- are majority community members. laws, including AFSPA, return and two workers from the Pakistan places of tourist importance. It will ernment figures suggested that alco- The main accused Abdul Rashid Mir rehabilitation of divided families Atomic Energy Commission were have an option to faciliate interac- hol consumption had registered a R/o Challad was arrested in a swift across the border. also abducted by masked men from tion among community members. steep increase in the Valley. In 2007- operation. Mir was affiliated to PIL filed on Muslim the country's northwest. 08 Kashmir Valley consumed 4 lakh Hizbul Mujahideen. Cabinet regularises battles of liquor. While figures for Migrants' Colony Red Alert sounded on UK convicts Indian- Displaced Kashmiri Jammu in the same period was 3.85 Plan origin recruiter lakh bottles. Beer consumption in terrorists' plot to Pandits's substitutes Feb 13: J&K High Court has is- Mohammed Hamid, 50, de- Pandits's substitutes Valley too has gone up from 1,65000 sued notices to State's Chief Minis- smuggle explosives scribed as one of Britain's leading KS Correspondent bottles in 2006-07 to 4,00,000 in ter, Chief Secretary and 4 other top in fruit trucks recruiters for Islamist extremism, has 2008-08. At present only two li- officials for setting up of Kashmiri been found guilty of running secret Feb, 16: The J&K Cabinet or- March 6: An alert was sounded censed outlets-one near Srinagar can- Muslim Migrant Colony on a forest terrorist training camps in one of the dered regularisation of the substi- after the recovery of two grenades tonment and another inside-govt. land in Jammu. The PiL, filed by most important counter-terrorism tutes posted against posts of Dis- owned hotel Heemal-are authorised from an apple box in Naroda fruit Chairman of National Panthers market, Ahmedabad few days back. prosecutions since 9/11. Hamid, a placed Pandit employees. The or- to sell liquor in Valley. Party Bhim Singh, alleged that 623 Jihadist of Indian-origin, whose fam- ders were issued for three depart- The apple box had been transported 'Private developers kanals and 10 marlas of forest land in a truck from Kashmir to Gujrat. ily had migrated to Tanzania is said ments-Indian System of Medicines, from outside can buy were being transferred to JDA for have set up secret training camps in Health and Medical Education and setting up of the colony. Meanwhile, Hardcore terrorist Lake District and New Forest. He Education Departments. land, says Beig J&K Chief Minister has denied it. eliminated in had been involved in this for nearly Deputy Chief Minister 550 kgs of poppy a decade. 4 of his trainers were in- Kashmiri Pandits Muzaffar Hussain Beig was quoted Chatroo volved in failed suicide bomb attacks seek probe by media having said that fundamen- seized in Kulgam March 9: A top-ranking Hizbul on the London underground on July talists in mainstream political par- Feb 25: J&K police seized 550 Mujahideen involved in several kill- 21, 2005. Hamid had close links KS Correspondent ties were derailing the move to al- kgs of poppy husk in Homhalibug ings and subversive activities was with Tablighi Jamaat. gunned down in an encounter at Feb 23: Displaced Kashmiri low outsiders to buy land for infra- area and arrested 4 persons in this America says LTTE is structure development in the state. connection. Chatroo in Kishtwar. Identified as Pandits in Kupwara condemned at- He said, "Let me dispel the myth Mohd. Qasim alias Babbar, a no- deadliest terror tempts to grab temple property in LeT terrorist involved that people in other parts of the mad was presently residing at Kupwara town. Members alleged outfit country cannot buy land in J&K. in UP blasts, Gorimar in Chatroo Babbar and had that the temple property was delib- joined terrorists in 2001. The FBI (US) described LTTE There are provisions in our consti- associate killed as the "most dangerous and deadli- erately set on fire which also dam- tution by virtue of which non-state Terrorists aged a hall and some shops. The Feb 15: Abdul Rehman alias est extremist" outfit in the world and subjects can buy land in the state". Rehman Bhai, a Pakistani terrorist manipulating stock cautioned donors not to give money Pandits have approached Deputy He added that politicians were op- Commissioner and demanded a affiliated to LeT outfit and a local to charities, established as front posing the govt. move because of terrorist Moin Ahmad Mir were markets, says BJP probe into the matter. They alleged organisations by LTTE to raise funds fear of militants. Subsequently Mr. elimiminated in an encounter at Feb 18: BJP President Raj Nath for terrorist activities. It blamed the that there was a subtle move to grab Beig said he was quoted out of con- Niloora-Aglar (Pulwama) on the in- Singh blamed terrorists for recent rebel group for inspiring terrorist the temple property located in the text. tervening night of February 14 and fluctuations in the sensex. Express- networks across the globe. In India heart of the town. Dr. Farooq Abdullah 15. Slain LeT terrorist was involved ing concern that upto 40% of in- security agencies suspect nexus be- in the November 23 blasts in vestments in the stock markets were tween LTTE and Moaists. Maikash Kashmiri's puts blame on Mufti by the Foreign Institutional Inves- Varanasi, Faizabad and Lucknow Dawood is in collection of poems Feb 15: Dr. Farooq Abdullah, courts in which 13 people including tors (FIIs) through Participatory senior leader of National Conference 4 lawyers were killed. In another in- Notes (PN) system-he wanted a Pakistan, says and musical album and former J&K Chief Minister de- cident in Fatehpur Mandi in Poonch probe to ascertain the antecedents Interpol released scribed Mufti Muhammad Sayeed's district terrorists cut the toe of a ci- of investors. The recent crash in the released PDP as real Muslim United Front stock market led to losses worth Secretary-General Interpol, vilian in his house. Two masked ter- Ronald K.Noble revealed, almost KS Correspondent of 1986. In an interview on local TV rorists had entered a house and asked crores of rupees to small investors. Channel, Take-One Dr. Abdullah Last week senior BJP leader LK accidentally, in Mumbai that Feb 17: Maikash Kashmiri for food. When the family members said, "He (Mufti) was part and par- Advani had also voiced similar con- Dawood Ibrahim, mafia-don turned Literary society released poetry refused to comply and raised an alarm terrorist was in Pakistan. India had cel of Congress when we had alli- the terrorists retaliated. cern and demanded strong punish- collection of Pt. Kailash Nath Kaul ance with it (Cong) but he propa- ment to offenders. been demanding extradition of mafia- 'Maikash Kashmiri' at a simple but CRPF jawan with don who is involved in Mumbai se- gated his own agenda and instead he Top SiMi terrorist impressive function in Jammu. The and supporters campaigned against 'Hizb links' arrested rial blasts. Pakistan had been deny- collection titled 'Saz-e-Rag Jaan' is ing his presence and planted reports the alliance to garner votes for J&K Police arrested Mudasir held fourth in the series. Rich tributes that he was in Iran. Noble evaded MUF". Dr Abdullah blamed Mufti Yosuf (22) from his house at Feb 22: Bangalore police arrested questions on the global terrorist. He were paid to the doyen of Urdu po- for triggering a communal clash Botingoo, Sopore for links with a top SiMi functionary, Mohd. also expressed that Interpol cannot etry. A music album "Yaadon Ke (communal violence against Hizbul Mujahideen. He had pro- Yahya Kamakutty, 32, hailing from nab him since Interpol cannot dic- Chinar", based on the poetry of Kashmiri Hindus) in South Kash- ceeded on leave for 10 days after Mukkam in Kozhikode (Kerala). tate terms to any country. He pointed Maikash and sung and composed by mir in 1986 only to harm NC. The planting a ½ kg IED at the CRPF The SiMi activist, a former software out that the terrorist problem can be the ghazal maestro Seema Anil Sehgal former Chief Minister said Mufti Battalion headquarters in Pulwama. engineer has been described as a key effectively tackled at the diplomatic was released in a separate function. was even responsible for fall of GM The police were alerted by a link to SiMi activities in India and level. KASHMIR SENTINEL February 2008 CONTINUATION 11 US lacks consensus to confront Pak military leadership

(From Page 9) “Taliban today has become much as operatives belonging to than support in him to accelerate would lead to internal polarisa- North Wazirstan. The indig- more difficult because its “terrorist groups of global the political transformation of tion of Pakistani society. enous residents are tasked to previously weak hierarchical reach,” meaning al Qaeda, were Pakistan towards democracy to Tellis suggests two options prevent crossborder movements structure has become even more being regularly apprehended by secure victory in the war against that US should demand: of terrorists into Afghanistan and diffuse with truly diverse enti- Pakistan, the ISI’s links to and terrorism. i) Islamabad start systemati- further attacks on Pakistani ci- ties coordinating as necessary, protection of other regional Tellis rejects options of cally targeting the Taliban lead- vilian and military targets. They but each also carrying out their terrorist organisations would “smart sanctions” and unilateral ership as part of the current US military action against terror- are also to ensure the ejection own local agendas. The complex- not become critical liability in counterterrorism concept of op- ist groups within Pakistan. He or the surrender of all foreigners ity of Islamabad's relations with US-Pakistani relations.” This erations. says this will deepen the already from the FATA, in exchange for many of the constituent elements allowed Pakistan to sustain its ii. Pakistan permit the CIA and in the Taliban coalition does not strong suspicion within the which the Pakistani army would ties with Kashmiri terrorist the components of ‘Operation help.” Al Qaeda collaborates Pakistani military about US withdraw to the barracks, groups and Taliban remnants. Enduring Freedom’ to acquire with the Taliban to assist the Tellis says that US’s focus on al regional goals. Tellis claims that suspend its combat operations greater insight into the existing latter in recovering control of Qaeda also led to US overlooking designating Pakistan as an and defer to the tribes to resolve terrorist networks operating Kabul while continuing to Pakistani decision to ignore the adversary would be more within Pakistan. disputes relating to the status of dangerous in view of its being a preserve a sanctuary in the FATA Taliban as a target of counter Tellis also supports the US particular individuals. Tellis precariously poised Muslim in the interium. terrorism operations. US failed to military proposal to enlist and observes that this strategy is state with nuclear weapons and Consequences of US see how Taliban survival could arm some key tribal leaders in the doomed to fail as ‘it did not an unsavoury record of neglect: lead to regeneration of al Qaeda. FATA to fight against al Qaeda appreciate the extent of proliferation activities. Tellis blames US for pursuing The Americans thus lost an op- and the Taliban. He also makes radicalisation in the FATA and Intriguingly, Tellis is an advo- an approach that only permitted portunity to consolidate its advocacy for retaining the tribes’ new determination to cate of continuing with the Pakistan to conclude that the political and military gains in Af- Musharraf, ignoring the ground protect their al Qaeda and current policy, even while admit- ‘War on terrorism was in fact ghanistan. Tellis says “belated reality that he remains the major Taliban cortege against the Pa- ting that Pakistani officials “seek eminently divisible’ (i.e. allow- Pakistani actions against the stumbling block for orderly kistani govt. and the United to exploit the US aversion to a ing Pakistan to patronise Taliban and its leadership may political transition toward States, which were viewed as conflictual relationship with Pa- terrorist groups against India). end up being far less successful democracy in Pakistan. greater threats.” Tellis observes,” the (US) admin- kistan to play both ends against than they otherwise might have Ashley Tellis: Operational context.: istration’s diplomacy, by been if executed a few years the middle: Collecting US aid Pakistan and the War on Tellis says that Taliban after declining to hold Musharraf earlier." while protecting their terrorist Terror: Conflicted Goals, com- its ouster from power has became accountable for breaching his US Policy options: clients...” Tellis says that senior promised Performance. an even looser network of affili- serial promises to end Pakistani The US has been empasizing Pak military officials fear that in- ated individuals and groups. Its support for terrorism, enabled inalterable political support for tense counterinsurgency opera- The Washington Quarterly. implication is that destroying the Islamabad to infer that so long the person of Musharraf rather tions in the FATA and elsewhere Spring, 2008. Zardari’s statement rattles many feathers in Kashmir (From Page 8) mir Valley but Buddhist Ladakh, notable successes in Kashmir. including J&K Chief Minister, mir this 4-point formula will concerns regarding the rivers of an area which is not the goal of Moreover, Pakistan has failed to Mr Gh. Nabi Azad and Cabinet also be relegated to the pages of Kashmir were taken care of in Pak policy makers. 60 years of get international support to an- Minister Mr. Abdul Gani Vakil history. The theme songs that this war. The Mangala River, confrontation with India--4 wars, nex Kashmir Valley from India. welcomed it. There have been no resonated in Kashmir for 5 which irrigates a large part of support for an insurgency and Pakistani columnist Ardesair comments from BJP and the Left years will evaporate. And the West Punjab, lies in Mirpur, a part billions of dollars on defense, Cowasjee notes," We have no parties. political parties that had picked of PoK. It flows twenty miles has not brought Pakistan closer allies in this particular The reaction of Kashmiri par- up the theme songs from this within Pakistani Kashmir terri- to obtaining control of the Kash- struggle; and the entire world ties to Zardari's statement has formula will have to look for a tory before entering West mir Valley than it was in 1947. is as sick of the word Kashmir also provided amusement to skylark to sing a theme song for Punjab. This confrontation has led to its as it is of the word Palestine". mediamen in Kashmir. ZG the year 2008". Arif Hussain, a Pakistani dismemberment in 1971, threat to Pakistan's insurgency in Muhammad, a Srinagar-based Zardari's statement and major commentator notes that Fear that internal stability from Jihadi Kashmir is no more a low-cost journalist and author of 'The successes achieved by security he who controls the rivers is groups, international isolation option. It does not have smoke Cindering Chinars' and 'Kash- forces in Kashmir has left PDP psychological rather than ac- over sponsorship of Jihadi state screen of 'indigenous insur- mir in War and Diplomacy' in agendaless. Mufti Mohammad tual. It is considered by experts terrorism, fragile economy, per- gency'. There is the cost of his comment 'The theme songs Syed's immediately reaction growing Islamic Fundamental- that Indian cannot divert the manent military rule etc. failing of Kashmir', mocks at Kashmiri "that Kashmir problem hasn't ism at home and having large water in the case of the Indus, state. The immense costs of leadership. He says that disappeared' and call for settling and likewise in the case of the defence budget. Lastly, it puts Kashmir policy are much greater Musharraf's 4-point formula pro- the Kashmir issue in internal and Jehlum any attempt to do so Pakistan at risk of facing a than any strategic benefit from vided theme songs not only to external dimensions reflects des- would be fruitless. As far as the obtaining all of Kashmir. Paki- much stronger power in case of 'pro-right to self-determination peration rather than appreciation Chenab is concerned, she can stani Major General (retd.) escalation of conflict. groups' but also to mainstream of ground realities in Pakistan divert it at Mehru, a place in In- Mahmud Ali Durrani in his book. It is a matter of time that parties like NC and PDP, which dian territory outside Kashmir. 'India and Pakistan: The Lost of sooner than later Zardari's loud saw reflection of their own con- and Kashmir. Kashmiris in gen- According to Hussain Haqqani Conflict' and the Benefits of thinking on Kashmir and rela- cepts of 'greater autonomy 'and' eral have remained indifferent to and Arif Hussain Pakistan's Peace' (OUP) observes that Pa- tions with India would become a 'self-rule'. ZGM writes, "The PDP's prescription of 'hiberna- main reasons for wanting to ob- kistan would find difficult to sus- compulsion for Pakistanis due youngest Abdullah who has in- tion'. This has not gone unno- tain Kashmir are ideological, tain mounting defence budget to contradictions within Paki- herited the party played in this ticed. Nobody takes note of rather than strategic. while agreeing that the Indian stan. tune like Yehudi Menuhim with APHC (G) leader Syed Ali Shah Yossef Bodansky's argument economy can sustain defense Kashmiri Reaction: his full orchestra and perhaps Geelani. He has outbeat even that 'a new rail line that will con- spending at current levels. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Presi- created a niche for himself in Goebbels by raising figure of nect Karachi and Central Asia The magnitude of change dent of National Conference, the Pakistan establishment. The Kashmiris killed, from 1 lakh (as must pass through Indian Kash- that Pakistan seeks to the status with much exposure to Interna- (PDP) selectively played upon claimed earlier by Geelani and mir to be engineeringly and quo in Kashmir is the kind of tional and regional politics, lost the theme of de-militarization other separatists) to 6 lakhs. no time in welcoming Zardari's economically effective' is flawed. change that can only be obtained and made it look as the redeploy- A section of Kashmiri politi- Through this rail link Pakistan statement. Subsequent state- when a country is defeated in war ment of forces to the places out- cians who thought 'emotional wants to "established hegemony ments by two senior NC leaders- and defeated very badly. India has side the public gaze. Other part- politics' had permanence fear (over) the Westen gateways to overwhelming conventional su- Messers Omar Abdullah and ners in the ruling coalition also losing their constituency follow- China" and be the linchpin be- periority. It successfully dis- Abdul Rahim Rather address a found melodious tunes to play ing Zardari's statement. Their op- tween China and the Islamic lodged Pakistanis from Kargil, different constituency-competi- upon their bagpipes in his 4- position has to be seen in this world. Part of J&K which is rel- defeated Pak sponsored insur- tive politics and NC's own legacy. point formula. It seems that like evant to this rail link is not Kash- gency in Punjab and achieved Senior State Congress leaders, many other formulas on Kash- context. KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 MEDIA-SCAN 12 OSTRICH-LIKE IN CHHATTISGARH BJP and Congress lack political resolve and leadership to counter Naxalism By K.P.S.Gill sponsible. leadership. And the two major I agree with the assessment or is it linked to economic con- What strikes one is the ex- made by Prime Minister OR meeting the threat to political parties are busy play- cerns’? It is instructive to see tremely comic and laughable po- Manmohan Singh that Naxalism law and order, the first ing games. When the recent that in Chhattisgarh, the groups litical situation, except that the poses the greatest danger to the requisite is political will. Naxalite-inspired agitation in which provide the cannon fod- F consequences of such political West Bengal reared its head, country. Because unlike terror- der and the cadres to Naxalites Unless there is political will to actions are so tragic that the ists who are active in one state, confront the forces of terror, both these parties were de- is not confined to one social Home Minister of the country Kashmir, Naxals are rampant in a nothing effective can be done. lighted. The BJP went to the ex- group. There are thousands of gives the charge of fighting Naxal large number of states. For ef- Chhattisgarh has fundamental tent of supporting the agitation other tribals who are not sym- terror to the Chief Minister of the fective management of prob- drawbacks which pose a con- in West Bengal. So on what ba- pathetic to the Naxal cause. I fail state, notwithstanding that both lems, proper systems have to be stant threat to the conduct of sis is the BJP supporting to understand why the govern- the Chief Minister and the Home in place. ‘ Is there a connection focused and sustained cam- Naxalism in West Bengal and ment cannot address their prob- Minister have the constitutional between the Naxalites and the paign against Naxalism in the opposing it elsewhere? lems. If not addressed, the rank obligation to carry out the task to ISI? Well if you look at their state. The political doublespeak of the Naxals will only swell. protect the livelihood of innocent websites, Naxals say they have These are a few factors that over Naxalism is a grave failure Apart from law and order and people in this country. I have al- troops in Pakistan and Afghani- have to be taken into consider- and political parties need to in- pathetic implementation of de- ready spoken on numerous oc- stan. There is also the issue of ation. Number one, there is com- trospect. The police in Chhat- velopment programmes, there is casions about the setting up of a crass political opportunism. plete lack of political will and tisgarh have been given a terrible decline in the capacity proper unified command, its its Whatever political parties say number two, there is a severe armoured vehicles. Merely add- of Chhattisgarh to fight Naxals. something that has not hap- on different platforms, during lack of effective machinery to ing a few battalions and giving I completely support the creation pened. It has failed in Assam. A election time, they are not above tackle Naxalism. Lack of experi- them armoured vehicles is hard- of Special Forces on the lines of poor cousin of the same is sought tying up secretly with Naxalites ence and effective leadership ly upgrading security. Greyhounds in Andhra Pradesh to be set up in Chhattisgarh, with to win elections. For instance, among those given the task of The police station, which is to deal with this very special much acclaim and one can easily even though Mahendra Karma confronting Naxal terror, ram- the basic unit in this regard, has problem. I am aware that human foresee Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, of the Congress is opposed to pant corruption in the recruit- to be strengthened and enabled right groups will raise objections, continuing to flourish. the Naxals in Chhattisgarh, it ment of police forces, control of to meet whatever threats ema- which they usually do when the That the Home Minister rep- would be no surprise if his party all transfers and postings which nate within the area of jurisdic- state begins to get active and resents the Congress and has an understanding with the are made from the state Secre- tion. This has unfortunately not seeks a handle over the proceed- Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, the Naxalites during the time of elec- tariat leads to a situation in been done anywhere and this is ings. BJP, shows a complete bank- tions. Helps them get votes. Is which no one is ever held re- the reason why the situation (Source: The Sunday Indian, ruptcy of political resolve and continues to deteriorate. Naxalism a law and order issue 2 March, 2008)

necessary, decisions. While it is pregnable support of the people reassuring to listen to Mr. as well as the constitutional le- Zardari making these wise com- gitimacy. Once the newly- ZardariZardari onon KashmirKashmir elected leaders have passed the ments, a large number of leaders crucial test of government for- SIF ALI ZARDARI, co- Kashmir issue because the two cate ground-realities began to across the political spectrum in mation, it should be interesting chairperson Pakistan countries "can wait" so that fu- initiate a re-thinking among vari- this country are well familiar with to watch the developments People's Party (PPP) ture generations resolve the dis- ous tiers of the Pakistani leader- the desirability of the proposed A along the avenue identified by has aired his views on pute in a mature manner in an at- ship in the past. Benazir Bhutto approach. Mr. Zardari is brim- Asif Zardari. Pakistan's future foreign policy mosphere of enhanced "trust". and Rajiv Gandhi tried to loosen ming with what others have (Source: The Post, March 4, 2008) for the first time since his party The need, at the moment, is to the shackles of a close-end ap- lacked all these years, i.e. an im- emerged as the single largest eliminate the factor of fear. In a proach but were foiled. A decade parliamentary party in the Feb- significant vein, he readily en- later, when a different set of Pragmatism on Kashmir ruary 18 general elections. He dorsed the idea that the Kashmir elected leaders, i.e. Atal Bihari was speaking to Indian journal- issue could be put ;aside just as Vajpayee and Nawaz Sharif em- ...... This is not to say that we are anywhere near the resolu- ist Karan Thapar on CNN-IBN's India and China had set aside barked upon the journey to tion of outstanding disputes. But where India has shown in- programme Devil's Advocate. their border dispute to focus on friendship, the derailed carriages transigence, even provocation, on the glacial military outpost Naturally, the Indo-Pak relations, other aspects of their ties. When ended up in the freezing heights that is Siachen, there has been welcome albeit slow movement especially the thorny questions bilateral relations improve and the of Kargil. The metamorphosis of on Sir Creek and the demarcation of coastal waters. The histori- concerning Kashmir, were ex- two peoples come closer through global political ambience in the cal injustice meted out to Kashmir of course remains the major pected to hold the centre-stage heightened level of economic in- wake of 9/11 necessitated that stumbling block. But here too both sides have shown a willing- in such an exchange. In a pleas- terdependency, they would be both countries revise their strat- ness to disagree amicably and not let a fight that has been ant surprise, Mr. Zardari has re- better placed to tackle thorny is- egies correspondingly. Presi- fought on and off for 60 years to impede progress on other layed some very promising vibes sues, Zardari expatiated. dent Musharraf held out a hand fronts. In this connection, Mr Asif Zardari’s recent statement which, if translated into action, The statement marks a shift in of friendship at the Kathmandu that Pakistan and India should not be held “hostage” to the can usher in an altogether new Pakistan's standing position that SAARC Conference in January Kashmir issue makes sturdy common sense. He pointed to the phase of relations between the Kashmir issue has to be tackled 2002 and Mr. Vajpayee visited example of India and China who have seemingly shelved their peoples of both neighbourly along with efforts on other fronts Islamabad in 2003. border disputes to concentrate on a more holistic, and mutually countries who have been at to improve relations between the However, the comprehensive profitable, approach to bilateral ties with a focus on trade be- each other's gullet for more than two countries. While the Indian dialogue has made little substan- tween the two Asian powerhouses. There can be no quick-fix half a century. Here is the gist of leadership has insisted over the tive progress since then while solutions to problems so ingrained in the public psyche — on Mr. Zardari's observations in past years that the two countries the years have ticked along. The both sides of the border — and there must be a willingness to the said interview. He expressed set aside the Kashmir issue be- invisible snag on this side of the show patience and foresight. The will and aspirations of his willingness to set aside the cause of its complexity and work divide has been the strictly lim- Kashmiris must remain central to any future solution. Those Kashmir issue to focus on other for developing relations in other ited constitutional and political who think that keeping an open mind on Kashmir is tantamount aspects for improving relations fields, particularly trade, Pakistan legitimacy of the Pakistan lead- to ‘abandonment’ do a great disservice to the Kashmiri people with India. He emphasised that has been firm that the central po- ership. A handicapped leader- and the citizens of Pakistan and India. There can be no winners the Indo-Pak relations should sition of the Kashmir issue could ship is always unlikely to take in perpetual hostility. (Source: Dawn, March 2 2008) not be held "hostage" to the not be compromised. The intri- potentially unpopular, even if KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 ANALYSIS 13

tional Institute of Strategic Stud- By Special Correspondent ies in London warned that Taliban groups based in Paki- Pakistan’s Ceasefire with OR the past few months stan pose a significant interna- Pakistan’s new military tional threat .The researches at Fleadership has been pur- the institute said the ‘neo- suing a new line in FATA areas, Taliban’ groups operating in affected by local Taliban –Al Tribal areas may soon become a Local Taliban collapses Qaida violence. The line on global menace. which military developed an un- For sometime Military- On March2 in Lahore at derstanding with the Tehrik-e- Taliban understanding went least 6 persons were killed and Taliban was that ‘in Tribal areas smooth. But Tehreek-e-Taliban several others injured as four si- at the onset of a planned mili- resumed suicide attacks on Pak multaneous blasts rocked the tary offensive there, both sides govt.targets.On February16, 38 campus of a Pakistani Naval War would attempt to keep losses to people were killed in a suicide College. The series of suicide the minimum’. This meant that bombing attack in the town of bombings coincided with two they would go through the mo- Parachinar in Kurram region visits to Pakistan by Admiral tions while Pakistan ‘fulfilled’ its (NWFP) ,outside PPP office. Michael Mullen .Another reason obligations in the eyes of the On Feb.25 Pakistan army’s for Pak army—Tehreek Taliban world in cracking down on Surgeon-General Lt. Gen. understanding was to pave way militancy.Gen. Kiani’s move was Mushtaq Ahmed Baig was killed for Musharraf’s exit and limit to banish Tehreek-e-Taliban to with 7 others when a suicide ‘War on Terror’ to tokenist raids rear positions while at the same bomber blew himself up near his against Tehreek Taliban. Pak time facilitating tribal staff car at a busy intersection army is faced with another prob- lem—pro-jihadi elements in Jirgas(councils) to devise a in Rawalpindi.There was another Pakistani security officials examine the scene of the suicide attack on the office of an inter- Army in NWFP and in Punjab strategy to combat the Taliban. attack in Lahore on Tuesday. Local Taliban declared an ‘in- national aid organization in the province(mostly non-commis- definite’ ceasefire on February NWFP in which 4 people were sioned officers) are leaking in- 6.It said that ceasefire declara- killed. formation to militants .In some can’ divisions in the military, to fighting in FATA and other res- tion followed talks with the In yet another attack on Darra cases they have been hand-in – project himself as the best op- tive tribal areas. In another de- Govt.but Pak army spokesman Adam Khel in NWFP a suicide hand with them in attacking of- tion to serve US interests in the velopment Pak military has pre- denied any knowledge of such bomber blew himself up on ficer and camps. Attack on Na- region. vailed upon Jamaat –ud –Dawa(a talks. Reacting to deal with Paki- March 2 at a large meeting called val War College is believed to Reports say top military brass new name for Lashkar-e- stan Taliban, US State Deptt. by Tribal leaders pushing for have been staged by members was putting its weight behind Toiba),to denounce attacks on said ‘it would oppose any truce peace in NWFP.It killed 40 of the camp. Musharraf.At a Corps Com- Pak civilian targets and Pak that resembled an earlier deal people. Thousands of people, The recent missile attack by manders Conference in the gar- state.Jamaat-ud –Dawa said it struck by Musharraf with hailing from 5 tribes had as- a US Predator drone on terror- rison city of Rawalpindi on does not believe in armed Tehreek-e-Taliban.It said that sembled to finalise a resolution ists in the tribal area on March 6 March 6, Gen. Kiani rejected struggle against “Muslim rulers Washington was opposed to calling for punishing any one further sealed the fate on Army- suggestions of “distancing of in Islamic countries.” It said any deal that would let armed who sheltered or helped mili- PakTaliban deal.8 jihadis were the army from the president”, “such activities (armed struggle) Islamic militants continue to op- tants, including those of al killed in the attack.Meanwhile,in adding that “any kind of schism, not only weaken the Muslim erate on Pakistani territory’. Ad- Qaeda and the Taliban. In Swat the biggest operation in past 12 at any level” wouldn’t be in the nation….but also provide an miral Michael Mullen, Chairman valley on Feb.29, a suicide months so far, Gen. Kiani ,Pak national interest. The meeting opportunity for non-believers of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said bomber blew himself up at the army Chief ordered 1000 raids in took place soon after Admiral ...to succeed in their nefarious in a report to Congress that a next funeral of a slain police official several cities and hundreds of Mullen had met in Pakistan with schemes.” The Jamaat also said attack on the US would most in Mingora town, killing more suspected terrorists were ar- top military leaders, as well as that it believes that bomb blasts likely be launched by al Qaeda, than 40 people and injuring rested. The operation was Musharraf.Pak military also at public places, damaging pub- operating in “under-governed” 60.The newt day, another suicide launched soon after the killing agreed to US military plan, as per lic property; random killing of regions of Pakistan. bombing in nearby Bajur killed 1 of the Surgeon-General reports, to send 100 American innocent people, raping women Meanwhile,Nigel Inkster ,se- person and wounded 19 others, .Musharraf is trying to revive trainers to work with a Pak para- and other crimes against human- nior risk analyst at the Interna- mostly security personnel. ‘pro-American’ and ‘anti-Ameri- military force, Frontier Corps, ity are “blatant acts of terrorism”. Antartica Hero Shri MK Kaul passes away By L.C. Kaul May 2000, as Director (Selection Antarctica (1985-86), organised ured in "Reference Asia (Asia's Grade). by the Department of Ocean De- Who is Who of Men & Women HE Antartica Hero, af In 1969, he was married to TRIBUTE velopment (DOD). He was one of Achievement-Volume Fifth- fectionately known to his TRIBUTE Nirmala, daughter of Shri P.N. among the veterans whose vi- 1989)". large circle of friends and T Dhar residing at Hauz Khas, New sion and endeavours culminated Shri Kaul's invaluable contri- admirers as 'DOD', left for his Delhi. Shri Kaul had settled at in the birth of the National Cen- bution to the study of Himalayan heavenly abode, on 18/2/2008, Faridabad in 1985 in his own tre for Antarctic and Ocean Re- glaciers and Antarctic Sciences after having suffered a sudden house (No: 67), Sector 17. He is search (NCAOR) at Goa. He was will ever be admired by future brain haemorrhage, on 10/2/2008. survived by his wife, a daughter, a member of several committees generations. In recognition of his His untimely and tragic demise a son and a grand daughter. of DOD and NCAOR and Indian distinguished services, Shri has left all his relatives, friends Kaul received the prestigious During a span of 39 years of National Committee for SCAR and colleagues dumbfounded 'National Mineral Award (1987- active service, he was engaged (Scientific Committee of Antarc- and heartbroken. Fondly known 88)' from the Govt. of India. in geological, glaciological and tic Research). He attended sev- by different names- 'Baba', As an individual, intensively mineral surveys in J&K and HP eral National and International 'Babuji' and 'Kaul Sahib', he was human person, sublime simplic- Himalaya and on the icy conti- Conferences and made valuable a karmayogi, an extraordinary ity, helpful attitude, sweetness nent of Antarctica. He was scientific contributions to Indian human being par excellence, a of temper, soft-spoken, with an trained in Mountaineering from and Foreign journals. As the Edi- scientist of limitless talent and all-around personality, a man of Himalayan Mountaineering In- tor of the publication 'Inventory courage. learning and erudition in his pro- stitute, Darjeeling, in 1968 and of Himalayan Glaciers' - a Born on 9th May 1940 at ditions which included expedi- fessional sphere, Shri Kaul was in skiing from the Indian contribution to the International Bagh Jogi Lankar, Rainawari, tions to Nun Kun, and to Rulung a self-made man by dint of his Institute of Skiing and Hydrological Programme (Tech. Srinagar, Shri Kaul passed his (Ladakh) and Nehnar glaciers in hard work, commitment and dedi- Mountaineering, Gulmarg, in Pub. No: 34, GSI), he contributed M.Sc. Geology in 1961. He J&K, Gara, and Gorgarang gla- cation. He will live for ever in the 1973. Shri Kaul was the member significantly to an endeavour served Indian Bureau of Mines ciers in Kinnaur, HP and to Ant- heart and thoughts of his rela- and also the leader of several which was the first of its kind in from 1962 to 1965 and Geological arctica. Particularly noteworthy tives, friends and colleagues. multidisciplinary and the Asian region. Based on his Survey of India (GSI), thereafter, was his role as the leader of suc- May his noble soul rest in interdepartmental scientific expe- scientific achievements,, he fig- till his superannuation on 31st cessful fifth Indian Expedition to peace. KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 EXPERIENCES 14 The Secular Agenda & Kashmiri Pandits State is not to be confused with BY SHAILENDRA AIMA tion of Holyoake’s own writings discourses etc. some important questions. Was are not available – at least not secularism or atheism. Secular- An early challenge to the the Government of India justified easily. But, happily, wholly reli- ism as has been defined is in ac- theory and practice of secular- in resolving to undertake the res- ASHMIRI PANDITS able material is available to show cordance with the ancient reli- ism in India was provided by the toration work of a temple have prided themselves the unmistakable views of gious traditions of India ". (em- episode involving the recon- (though as a result of Gandhi's K for several centuries as Holyoake and Bradlaugh. In phasis provided). struction of Somnath Temple in suggestion the money was not being learned, broad-minded and 1851, a definite stage in the emer- At best this means that, in the Gujarat . As is well known to stu- provided by the Government)? modern in several aspects of life gence of explicit secularism was Indian context, in a secular soci- dents of Indian history, Somnath If such a decision was taken and behavior. Besides, they reached by the founding of the ety everyone should be free to temple was destroyed in AD 1025 in a Cabinet meeting over which have been astute in state-craft Central Secular Society by practice his or her religion. It by Mohmed Gazni and the the Prime Minister presided, was and most adjusting. Their adapt- Holyoake. The Society issued a means equal respect for all reli- Shivalinga was broken into he justified in protesting to the ability has been an envy of their statement of secularist doctrine gions and cultures and non-in- pieces. Since then the Hindu President about the latter's par- competitors as well as compatri- proclaiming: terference of religion in the gov- sentiment had been strongly agi- ticipation in the function and in ots. 1 science as the true guide of ernment affairs. Also, according tated and reconstruction of the chiding Munshi for associating To these qualities of head and man, to the Indian Constitution no temple and the installation of a with a work of Hindu revivalism? heart, Pandits have also taken 2. morality as secular, not reli- discrimination will be made on new consecrated lingam had It is true that the Prime Minister's pride in the adage of being secu- gious, in origin, the basis of caste, creed, gender been strongly desired by believ- protest and rebuke occurred af- lar. In fact, it has been one of the 3. reason as the only author- and class. Similarly all citizens of ing Hindus. ter the 'secular Constitution' Pandit luminaries, Jawahar Lal, ity, India irrespective of ones reli- After India attained indepen- came into force but no Govern- who thrust the term not only on 4. freedom of thought and gion, caste or gender have right dence in 1947, moves were initi- ment could have disassociated Pandits but on the entire Indian speech, and to vote. According to articles 14 ated towards the reconstruction with the implementation of a de- nation and state. 5. that owing to the uncertain- to 21 all will enjoy same rights of the temple. K.M. Munshi, in cision taken by it. Genesis of Secularism ties of survival we should without any discrimination on his 'Pilgrimage to Freedom' re- These questions have been The Cambridge advanced direct our efforts to this life any ground. calls that Sardar Patel, as Deputy rendered irrelevant by the con- dictionary describes secularism only. Justice P.B. Gajendragadkar, Prime Minister, pledged the Gov- duct of the later Prime Ministers as “the belief that religion should George Holyoake was no less who, as the Chief Justice of In- ernment of India to the recon- (not excluding Jawaharlal's not be involved with the ordinary an atheist than Charles dia, had inaugurated the seminar struction of the historical temple daughter) and the Presidents social and political activities of a Bradlaugh. Holyoake had been on Secularism organized by the and that the Cabinet, presided traveling at State expense to reli- country” and secularist as when sentenced to six months’ impris- Indian Law Institute in New Delhi over by Jawaharlal Nehru, de- gious places and for religious something is secularized, reli- onment for making the blasphe- , delivered Kashinath Trimbak cided to reconstruct the temple functions. gious influence, power or con- mous statement that God should Telang Endowment Lectures in at Government cost. But Gandhiji M.N. Roy had already com- trol is removed from it. It syn- be retired. It should be remem- February 1970 on 'Secularism advised Sardar Patel not to have mented on this phenomenon in onyms are often atheism or ag- bered that Holyoake published and the Constitution of India . the temple constructed and sug- his article in 'The Radical Human- nosticism. 'The Trial of Theism' in 1858. It is On the subject he stated as fol- gested that sufficient money ist' of 14th May 1950 as follows: The term “SECULAR” was also recognized that his coining lows: should be collected from the What is necessary is not fac- "The word ‘secular’, like the used for the first time about 1846 of the word ‘secularism’ was an people for this purpose. This ile profession of secularism, but word ‘religious’, is amongst the by George Jacob Holyoake to attempt to give atheism some re- advice was accepted and a com- a movement for the populariza- richest of all words in its range denote "a form of opinion which spectability. In March 1870 there mittee for overseeing the project tion of cultural values. The pro- of meaning. It is full of subtle concerns itself only with ques- was between Holyoake and was appointed under the chair- cess of secularization, assuming shades which involve internal tions, the issues of which can be Bradlaugh a debate on the manship of K.M. Munshi. The that it is desired by the Govern- contradictions, and of these con- decision of the Government, tested by the experience of this proposition that “the principles ment, cannot be promoted by tradictions the conventional dic- therefore, became irrelevant. life" of secularism do not include legislation or executive orders. tionary meaning can scarcely What followed is important. The fundamental principle of atheism” Holyoake in support of But men at the helm of affairs give a correct view”. The Constitution of India came Secularism is that, in his whole the proposition canvassed that could help, if they did not will- The Constitution of India, till into force in January 1950 and in conduct, man should be guided “… the secularist concerns him- ingly swim with the contrary cur- the 42nd Amendment in 1976, did December of the same year exclusively by considerations self with this world without de- rent, as they do as a rule. The not contain the word ‘secular’ Sardar Patel passed away. derived from the present life it- nying or discussing any other President of the Republic, Gov- self. Anything that is above or except incidentally in Article Munshi invited President world, either the origin of this, or ernors and Ministers of the beyond the present life should 25(2)(b). Prof. K.T. Shah was the Rajendra Prasad to perform the the existence of that”. States and the lesser are fre- be entirely overlooked. Whether Bradlaugh, on the other hand, only member of the Constituent ceremony of the installation of quently taking leading parts in God exists or not, whether the held “that the logical conse- Assembly who made a valiant the deity and requested him to public religious ceremonies. This soul is immortal or not, are ques- quence of secularism is the de- effort to get a provision regard- accept the invitation only if he demonstrative religiosity is en- tions which at best cannot be nial, the absolute denial of Provi- ing the secular character of In- was sure of fulfilling the prom- tirely different from religion as a answered, and on which conse- dence ”. In short, Holyoake said dia included in the Constitution. ise. This was because Munshi part of one's private life. quently no motives of action can that ignoring God was enough; The following amendment, suspected that Jawaharlal Nehru A very comprehensive study be based. "Things Secular is as Bradlaugh insisted that God moved as Amendment No.366, might jeopardize the President's separate from the Church as land should be banished. This minor was defeated on 3rd December commitment. However, the Presi- of the Constitution of India and from the ocean" (English Secu- difference between them did not 1948. dent Prasad stood by his com- also of the social and cultural larism, 1). affect their common conviction "The State in India being secu- mitment and performed the in- conditions in India with a view What ever far one would that secularism demanded com- lar shall have no concern with stallation function on 11th May to determining whether ' India is stretch ones imagination, the plete separation of the Church any religion, creed or profession 1951. a secular State' has been made word secular ends up connoting from the State and the abolition of faith; and shall observe an at- It seems Jawaharlal Nehru did by Prof. D.E. Smith in India as a rejection of religion and religious of all privileges granted to reli- titude of absolute neutrality in not take well the association of Secular State. It has been rightly considerations. It asserts the gious organizations. all matters relating to the religion Munshi with the work of the res- regarded as a pioneering study freedom from religion and the The Indian Context of any class of its citizens or toration of Somnath temple. For, on the subject. Contrary to popu- government imposition of reli- However, in the discourse on other persons in the Union.” Munshi says : lar understanding, Prof. Smith gion upon the people, within a secularism in India , Dr. To be sure, neither this “At the end of a Cabinet meet- does not assert that India is a state that is neutral on matters Radhakrishnan’s view of secu- amendment nor the speech which ing Jawahar called me and said 'I secular State. To the question of belief, and gives no state privi- larism is enough to inform our- Prof. Shah made in support of the don't like your trying to restore whether India is a secular State, leges or subsidies to religions. selves on the subject: amendment would have brought Somanath. It is Hindu revival- his answer is a qualified ‘Yes’. And in another sense, refers to a "No group of citizens shall about a situation of “a wall of ism”. The reason why he does not an- belief that human activities and arrogate to itself rights and privi- separation between the State and This Cabinet meeting was of swer in the negative is that he decisions, especially political leges which it denies to others. the Church”. But it would have 23rd April 1951 because in a let- poses the question, What is the ones, should be based on what No person should suffer any put a brake upon the State func- ter which Munshi wrote on 24th meaning of the term ‘secular it considers to be evidence and form of disability or discrimina- tionaries freely using the State April 1951, he recalls "Yesterday State’ in the Indian context? fact, not on beliefs that secular- tion because of his religion but finance and the machinery for you referred to 'Hindu revival- There were several features of the ists consider superstitious. Secu- all alike should be free to share pilgrimages and other religious ism'...". This letter sets out the Constitution which were larists hold that public policy to the fullest degree in the com- activities. Prof. Shah’s amend- history of the restoration work strongly suggestive of secular- should be free from religious in- mon life. This is the basic prin- ment would have also prevented with which, as the letter sets out, ism. The prevalent cultural indi- fluence. ciple involved in the separation the State media, especially radio the States Ministry was closely cators were supportive of secu- Unfortunately, primary of Church and State. The reli- and television, from broadcast- associated. larism. sources in the nature of collec- gious impartiality of the Indian ing bhajans, prayers, religious This episode gives rise to (Continued on Page 15) KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 CONTINUATION 15 The Secular Agenda & Kashmiri Pandits

(From Page 14) quering foreign lands and de- him. When Mr.Mohammed Ali tion as well as the D.E. Smith for- betrayed his hatred and abhor- On page 40 of his book, he stroying idolaters' temples was was speaking at a meeting held mulations donot incorporate the rence for the Kashmiri Hindus formulated his famous table enu- a virtue in itself, …. Except for at Aminabad Park in Lucknow he Muslim world view. when he would openly proclaim merating five characteristics of foreigners and a handful of aca- was asked whether the senti- “How to reconcile the (un) the slogan of (raliev, Chsaliev ya the three religions - Hinduism, demics, everyone knows this in ments attributed to him were Secular and the Islamic world- galiev) – merge, leave or perish. Buddhism and Islam - which in- private, but a situation has de- true. Me. Mohammed Ali with- views” is the perpetual di- It was again Sheikh and his com- dicated whether they were veloped over time whereby it is out any hesitation or compunc- chotomy of the Indian secular- petent team of Goebbels who favourable to the secular State. difficult to say so publicly for tion replied:...... ists. They insist, implore and successfully floated the myths Of five factors, four were posi- fear of sparking a return to the "Yes, ...... I do hold...... a even browbeat on avoiding, ig- of Pandit prosperity and their tive in the case of Hinduism and days of violence, or encourag- fallen Mussalman to be better noring and even forgetting the exploitation of Muslim masses. Buddhism while four were nega- ing the zealots who want to cre- than Mr. Gandhi." Muslim question, the wounds of The Hindus were the pariahs tive in the case of Islam - which ate an exclusively Hindu rashtra. As the controversy swelled, which, persisting from partition whose exclusion from state and meant that the possibility of an More than half a century after Maulana Mohammed Ali gave in 1947 get carried over to society was the requisite for Islamic society becoming secu- Independence , with the raw his version of the reason for his Kashmiri Pandits’ cleansing and Muslim empowerment and awak- lar is practically nil. wound still exposed and un- statement. to every, where around us. And ening. It was not only the In- India is a country where reli- healed-in Kashmir, in Gujarat , … In a letter to Swami instead of confronting the ideo- dian secularists who sided with gion is very central to the life of and in the failure to normalize Shraddhananda he wrote: “The logues of two-nation theory, the the rank communalists of Kash- people. India ’s age-old philoso- relations with Pakistan-history fact is as … some Mussalman Al Qaida, and their infinite off- mir in spreading these lies and phy as expounded in Hindu cannot be faced squarely in case friends have been constantly shoots operating from Pakistan, canards, but even a section of scriptures called Upanishada is a genie is unleashed. The attempt flinging at me the charge of be- Bangladesh, Iraq, Iran, Malaysia, opportunist Hindu leadership of sarva dharma samabhava, which by the NDA government to re- ing a worshipper of Hindus and Sudan, Chechnya, et al; the the state, including some means equal respect for all reli- write school textbooks was in a Gandhi-worshipper. ….. I had, secularists like Nehru get angry Pandits, prided themselves as gions. The Upanishadas further part a response to this imbalance, therefore, on several occasions and denounce any act of Hin- secularists and liberals. go to assert “Ekam sada, viprah but it was handled so badly and plainly declared that in the mat- dus as revivalist, obscurantist These so-called opportunis- bahudha vadanti”, meaning, so crankishly that it made mat- ter of religion, I professed the and fundamentalist. They not tic, secularist Pandits even today therefore, that the TRUTH is one, ters worse. The idea that an ar- same belief as any other true only indulge in Hindu bashing, don’t get tired of singing the and that wise men define it dif- chaeological dig beneath the Mussalman, and as such I they also end up providing ex- songs of false bonhomie and ferently. foundations of a mosque at the claimed to be a follower of the cellent camouflage to the sub- secular traditions of Kashmir , Sociologist Ashis Nandy ('A birthplace of a mythological fig- Prophet Mohammed (peace be versive antinational acts and which they claim to be Billion Gandhis,' Outlook, June ure might, if successful, provoke upon his soul) and not of propaganda. “Kashmiriat”. They tell the up- 21) too finds it absurd that an some sort of national revelation Gandhiji. And further that since Pandits & Secularism rooted exiled Pandits who are inappropriate European import is or realignment indicates the scale I hold Islam to be the highest gift As already stated Jawahar Lal languishing in tattered camps, to being forced on India . Says of the existing problem.” of God, therefore, I was impelled Nehru was a great proponent of return to Kashmir and co-exist Nandy, “To go to an Indian vil- The Dichotomy by the love I bear towards secularism. And since the with their Muslim brethren, while lage to teach tolerance through It is clear therefore that Secu- Mahatmaji to pray to God that Pandits in Kashmir looked up to themselves enjoying a siesta in secularism is a form of obscene larism in India is trying to exist He might illumine his soul with him as their mentor and a role their plush air-conditioned suites arrogance to which I do not want between two glaring opposites. the true light of Islam. I wish, model, they also followed suit. in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, in the to be a party,” acknowledging And in fact, instead of resolving however, to emphatically declare It is a different matter that many US or any other far away land. that tolerance is an inherent part the basic notions of nation build- that I hold that today neither the Kashmiri Pandits with an intrin- Many of them hobnob with the of the Indian character, some- ing, it has unleashed a plethora representatives of Islam nor of sic capacity to understand the Muslim political establishments thing the professional 'secular- of issues that is threatening the the Hindu, Jewish, or Parsi faith inevitable did not tread the secu- for seeking berths in Legislature ists' find hard to accept. very survival of the Indian na- can present another instance of larist path and committed them- or Cabinet. And when a victim Patrick French writing on tion and the state. Central to this such high character and moral selves to complete integration of protests, these secularists call what keeps India united ob- entire debate on SECULARISM worth as Gandhiji and that is the J&K, with India . Nehru de- him depraved, senseless, - “a serves : “Once the British had is the Muslim question and the reason why I hold him in such bunked them as communalists typical batta coming from the conquered territory and painted Muslim identity politics. The high reverence and affection. I when they met him in Delhi in smelly streets of Habbakadal”. the map red, it became easier to Nehruvian attempts at rewriting deeply revere my own mother, 1950 and asked them to support Not only that they advices him see what needed to be opposed. or contriving the history has be- and if contentment and grateful- Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on forgetting Kashmir , if he re- A common sense of pride and come a hot topic for debate ness under all circumstances be and to support the special sta- fuses to cohabit with Islamic pre- purpose grew, with khadi as the Whether it did any good or not, the true meaning of Islam, I claim tus of J&K away from the con- cedence. first truly pan-Indian symbol. but it definitely has done a great there is no person, howsoever stitutional frame-work of India . Secularism – to these Secu- The freedom movement evicted havoc with his own community. well-versed in religion, who has Article 370 excluded the state lar Pandits is : the alien rulers easily compared Prem Nath, who is notorious understood it better than she. of J&K from the Constitutional (i) A false sense of to the long and bloody battles for his Pakistani leanings, quotes Similarly, I regard Maulana Abdul frame-work of India and gave Kashmiriyat, for nationhood elsewhere in the Gandhi’s letter to him in his book Bari as my religious guide. His J&K its own constituent assem- (ii) A denial of Pandit assertion, world, giving an optimistic mo- 'The Kashmir Crucible'. loving kindness holds me in bly, its own Constitution and (iii) Belief in the Myth of Pandit mentum that inspired the Gandhi writes, “In a Muslmaan bondage. I deeply admire his sin- Flag. In fact, it created a nation disunity, and struggles of other occupied state like Kashmir a Hindu ruler cerity of heart. But in spite of all within a nation, a de facto Mus- (iv) Lack of pride and ignorance people…. After Independence , can rule only by abdicating”. this, I make bold to say that I lim state in a federal India in the of his ethno-religious tradi- the new leaders wrote history in Maulana Mohammad Ali, a have not yet found any person name of secularism, where the tion. their own image, and set about great freedom fighter and secu- who in actual character is en- Muslim majority of Kashmir uniting the country in a way it larist had to say the following titled to a higher place than Ma- should enjoy all privileges and These secularists would never had been united before. about Mahatma Gandhi, “How- hatma Gandhi …….But between freedom of an independent na- never engage the perpetrators, Jinnah's role in the nationalist ever pure Mr. Gandhi's character belief and actual character there tion. For accepting the suzer- but would scrap the victims. movement, and the fact that his may be, he must appear to me is a wide difference. As a follower ainty of the Indian Republic ; And while talking about serious demand for Pakistan had been from the point of view of religion of Islam I am bound to regard the they were guaranteed both and structured dialogues, they precipitated by the failure of the inferior to any Mussalman creed of Islam as supe- physical and economic security would flee in the event of an in- Congress to cut a deal with the though he be without character”. rior...... is entitled to a against aggression and depriva- formed, logical, coherent, Muslim League in the 1930s, or Ambedkar, who was to nar- higher place than that of any tion. Not withstanding the le- thought-provoking cliffhanger to recognize his representative rate this about-turn (of the Ali other non-Muslim irrespective gality and finality of the Instru- meant at them. It is better that importance, was edited away. Brothers) with much relish in of his high character even ment of Accession that the Ruler the Secularists, who are often Further historical elision was re- support of his thesis that Mus- though the person in question of J&K signed with India , the rank opportunists, and many a quired too: it became necessary lims cannot coexist with non- be Mahatma Gandhi himself.” Indian state cajoled the Muslim time cowards, sense the mood to pretend that the Muslim inva- Muslims, recorded the sequel. I have quoted from Gandhi’s leadership of Kashmir in negoti- and fall in line. What India needs sions of earlier centuries had "The statement created a great experiences, only because there ating accession that was made especially at this moment are the been undertaken in order to con- stir," he wrote. couldn’t be more (un)secular a conditional. It was a comic situ- aggressive virtues, the spirit of test political space and bring ke- Many did not believe that Mr. person than Gandhi. He was ation that wrought tragedy after soaring idealism, bold creation, babs, qawwali and ice to the Mohammed Ali who testified to deeply religious and at the same tragedy upon the entire non- fearless resistance and coura- people of Hindustan . A reading so much veneration for Mr. time showed equal respect for all Muslim population of J&K state geous response? Timid and of victorious contemporaneous Gandhi was capable of entertain- religions. And in case that is the in the coming years. apologetic secular agenda is re- texts gives a rather different im- ing such ungenerous and con- definition of secularism in the The tallest secular leader of dundant in the context of both pression, suggesting that con- temptuous sentiments about Indian context, then this defini- Kashmir , Sheikh Abdullah, had the Pandits and India . KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 EXPERIENCES 16 Sarda-ASarda-A Memoir-IIMemoir-II Papa's instructions Raghu reciting numerals or tables. While Kaka's food too started coming the teacher taught one class, an- from our kitchen. other would join gymnastics Shortly before snowfall game. By Nirmal Kusum Raghu Kaka and Gopala would It was the talent in teacher that Kachru dig a ditch in a corner of the attracted Papa to engage him as courtyard. Then Grass would be our tutor. The teacher lived in a ne day a cow laid. In one portion Potato- village called Goos in Machipur accompanied by a cute Shakarkandi (Molasses) and in area. This is little what I can O calf landed at our quar- the other Reddish-Turnip would recollect. Papa had been to this ter. This created hustle-bustle in be stored. Another layer of grass area on Inspection tours many a the premises. Mother felt happy was then spread over the stored times. We also visited the area that she would have an oppor- vegetables. These would remain once in the company of Masterji. tunity to catch glimpse of the unspoilt and fresh till the onset The school had closed down for holy cow daily. The cow was of summer. This used to be vacations. We stayed for 2-3 named 'Gauri' and the Calf as nature's Fridge those days. nights there. Masterji had taken 'Nandi'. In the beginning we Vegetables would remain in good us to his home also. The way to A view of Shardapeeth village. would be a little hesitant to come condition for months together. his house lay through fields. His near the cow. Gradually, this When I grew of age I learnt that house, made of wood was a good hesitancy was overcome. We this practice of storing Potato, one. In one portion the family had Mother was hesitant to accept pears called 'Sadiyan' in Pahari would make the cow eat grass Reddish, Turnip and other grown pumpkin, cucumber etc., these. Her dilemma was how parlance. We would enjoy their with our hands and caress by vegetables underground was while in the other beds looked could she refuse something that company. On occasions they stroking her skin. prevalent during winters in full with green-leafy vegetables. reflected affection. would feel alarmed on getting Once Papa returned home, rid- Srinagar and other places as well. Dry bushes surrounded the At home we children spent rebuke from Isamil. We would not ing a stout, good-looking horse. The local term for this practice house on all sides but the half the time within residential like this. Without dismounting the horse was 'Khav'. courtyard was neat and clean. premises and the rest outside, Among them was a cute girl, he entered the gate. The usual When Beans-Turnip was the The cowshed and the paddy Everybody in the family would Kulsuma, lean and beautiful, with practice was that he would get menu Gopala would put lot of store of theirs, like most of the wake up at 5 AM. By 6 O'clock big watery eyes, long black hair down from the horse outside the turnip into it. It would be put on houses in the village, had breakfast would be served. Soon strung into small bunches—rest- gate. The horse would then re- the hearth quite early in the day. thatched roofs. thereafter, we would begin our ing like a net on her back. At times turn alongwith its owner. No By evening these would be The parents and the elder studies. At I or 10 o'clock we I would drag her to my home. sooner he dismounted the horse ready. At the time of supper brother of Masterji, Amar Singh would take lunch. Papa would Mother would display affection Gopala and me ran up to see him. Gopala would complain, "I had received us with warm affection. take lunch at 9.30 AM. He would by serving snacks to her and giv- We started gazing curiously at put lot many turnips. Where The shop was located near the be in his office by 10 AM. After ing clothes. Kulsuma's mother the horse and Papa. have these gone?" Mother would house of elder brother. It had all the lunch I would take my used to bring us milk and grass Papa disclosed, "this horse try to reason out," These might the provisions of daily use. brother along while going out. for cow and horse. I would play belongs to us now. How is it?" have got dissolved". Gopala Mother purchased few items Sometimes we would go up a the game of dolls with Kulsuma. Our eyes brimmed with joy. We would not be convinced and here. That evening the family had nearby hill or play with flowing Mother would make dolls at replied, "Very beautiful". My blame, "Surely, Raghu Kaka hosted a dinner for us. water making dummy bridges on home. Later I also learnt this art. brother who too came running might have gulped these". Raghu We went around the village, small water- outlets or 'houses' I would like stitching clothes for said," Papa, we will also ride the Kaka and Gopala shared good playing games of Kabbadi and on banks. We would also dolls and decorating them. I viv- horse". relationship, with Gopala hide and seek. Masterji had in- prepare mock vegetables/bread idly recollect how I once forgot Mother was witnessing the according fatherly respect due formed mother, "There is also a etc. 2-3 children from two houses to make the neck while preparing scene from the Verandah, with to him. They cared well for each Sarda shrine here. Those who in the neighbourhood would also sweater for the doll. It could not Muna in her lap. other. Occasionally, they would cannot make it to Sarda temple join us. One of them, who was of be put on the doll. I laugh at my The new saddle on the horse enter into a brawl. located higher up, can pay obei- my age, was tailor's son. He used mistake, for later I had to use scis- looked dazzling. It was bright Sometime later, a teacher sance to the Goddess here and to read in Masterji's school. He sors to cut the neck for the doll. brown in colour, with a long lin- named Arjun Singh was engaged have her darsana". Papa's actual would return home by noon, with Our daily routine was to play ear white spot in the Centre. By for us by Papa. He was normal- purpose in bringing us here was Takhti hanging around his shoul- around small nullahs, climb trees, now Raghu Kaka had also joined trained and did not have any to take us to this shrine. He had ders, and join us for playing. enjoy swings, make dummy us. He moved forward and put knowledge of Hindi. The teacher kept Raghu Kaka for our com- Occasionally my brother, me watermills around nullahs. We the two children on the horse would teach me Urdu, English pany, while he himself went on and Ismail would go towards the would fashion a thin trickle of back. Patting and stroking the and Math Tables. My younger inspection tour. Masterji and his downhill slope. We would climb water on a stone in such a way back and the neck of the horse brother was being taught alpha- mother also remained with us. small hills, move across nullahs, that it would start moving We Raghu Kaka took the horse bet and numerals. Two younger The shrine was not too far and run on green velvety grass and had been trained in this around the courtyard for 1-2 brothers were yet to come out of was a small one. Few Purohit cross on our way grazing cows technique by Ismail. He could rounds. I too desired to have a mother's shadow. families lived there. The road to and galloping horses. We would do many variations of this. Ismail ride but didn't express. After dis- By temperament the teacher the shrine lay through dense pluck flowers and take little ripe would also make good pellet mounting Billoo and Nanhe from was simple and humble. Being groove of walnut trees. There fruit of the shrubs, besides bows for us and teach us how to the horse Raghu Kaka called me, the lone teacher of the village were lot many Chinars as well. meeting the hilly children. take sharp aim. "Come dear, you also have a ride school he had to attend to every Masterji had told us that these Initially, the latter would feel shy. Nature was bountiful here. on the new horse". work—opening and closing of chinars were very old. For sometime we would gaze Different varieties of trees, veg- Raghu Kaka was a peon in the the school, conducting prayers, The sanctum sanctorum of silently at each other. Then they etables, herbs etc. were seen at department. It took him little time ringing the bell, teaching and at- the temple housed well sculpted would mix up with us and every step. Ismail would acquaint to become part of our family. He tending to the accounts etc. Stu- little idols. Fresh flowers had converse, play and share joyous us with their local names-Cholai had lost his wife. His two mar- dents from few neighbouring vil- been put on these idols. Ghee moments. At times, we would Ka Sag, Bathua (a pot herb), (Big ried sons, their families and an lages also attended the school. lamp was also burning. After the wonder why they should giving leafed sour sag), Hund, Palhaq, unmarried daughter lived in a vil- The teacher would handle multi- puja tea (Kahwa) and rice bread us so much respect. Was it Vena, BunFasha, Ajwain, lage, 8-9 miles from Sarda. In def- ple tasks at the same time quite (Childasa) was brought for us because we wore clean clothes Kisrode etc. Wild roses were in erence to his age the office staff competently. One class would be from the house of purohits. Some or had fair complexion? But they abundance in the area. We used to call him as Raghu Kaka. busy writing Takhties (wooden ladies and children also came to too had fair complexion. would select Bunfasha flowers Once he fell sick due to fever and boards), another would be busy meet us. They had brought wal- Sometimes they would pluck with care. cough and grew too weak. On playing, yet another would be nut, apples, maize and sattu. jujube fruit for us or get small (Contd. on Page 22) KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 HERITAGE 17 AncientAncient TTemplesemples ofof SindhSindh

and came to Somnath for These give an oblique reference attacking and destroying the to many such holy pilgrimage temple. During the British sites. There is a holy water tank regime, one Capt. Recks situated at Nagarparkar which studied this terrain owes its origin by dint of the geographically. According to legendary story given in him, ‘Parinagar’ was an Mahabharata that Bheema important and large port in the kneeled down here. This pre-Christian era. A large tribu- Kunda admeasures 30' x 20' in tary of the River Sindhu con- size. By Sanjay tributed its flow into the Ara- In the direction of North Godbole bian Sea. The river was called West from ‘Nagarparkar’ lies a ‘Hakdi’ at that time. Subse- place called ‘Achalshor’ where there are natural springs. There is a temple of Lord Shiva and a charitable rest house built by ‘Satramdasa’, where many ascetics dwell. A natural spring stem- ming and originating at the foot of a mountain near the old town is called ‘Zarano’ in the local dialect. There is also a cave in the mountain at the east side of nagarparkar, which can accommo- date about 25 persons. During emergency VICTIMS OF NEGLECT: the compound of Sardhro, housing three and period of crisis, Hindu temples. the womenfolk was A JEWEL IN THE DESERT: Jain temple, Nagarparkar. safely put in the cave and the opening of the HE ‘Thar’ Division in Paki quently on account of cave was closed with stones and ing to Hindu and Jain faiths. yard in the front side of the tem- Tstan has an expanse of twenty onslought of natural calamities the men faced the enemies. This During the pre-independence ple, in the North direction; and thousand square kilometers. Dur- such as earthquake, the river place was called as ‘Bavanji times, all these temples were there are acmes in the shape of ing the census of this area in the changed its course and many Bibo’. A Fort was built near always thronged by pilgrims. Umbrellas, on the top of the tem- year 1981 A.D., it was revealed that towns and villages vanished in Nagarparkar by one Shri. Govind These are, however, in a deserted ple. After entering the temple 0.5 million people were settled the blue. The ‘Kutch’ province Rai, which was levelled with the state and in neglected from the Southern end, one can over there. Geographically, this was created due to turmoil on ground by the British. conditions in that the patrons of have glimpses of the rectangular 'Thar’ (desert) has been created out account of earthquakes and ‘Ghordharo’ is an ancient place them have settled in India spaces [Khana: means the space of heaps formed from the sandy subsequent drying up of the near ‘Karunjar’. The place is re- But these temples are, even between two consecutive pillars] dunes, saltish residues and Arabian sea in parts. Sindh has vered as a sacred place in Sindh, as on today, known and are re- and the acmes over it. Long ago, oysters from the kutch desert and many ancient legacies such as it exists from Vedic times. There ferred to for their Architecture way back, some idols had been carried naturally over there over a temples, Mathaslamaseries, is a lake called ‘Lorai'. The water and legacy. In an area at the foot installed there. Since, now that, period of years. The desert of kundassacred tanks and such from this lake goes right upto of ‘Karunjar’ hills, within a pe- these idols are no more existent, ‘Thar’ was controlled by the other ancient holy places. The ‘Katch’. There are many ancient riphery of 50 kilometers, there are the acmes and the pillars and the ‘Rajputs’ (a warrior community). Government of Sindh had pub- remains in the Vicinity of five Derasars (Jain temples). Out Umbrellas are all in a broken Many rulers from Rajput dynas- lished a Gazzettier in Sindhi lan- ‘Ghordharo’ of these, two temples are in good state. At the back side of the ties such as Sodha, Sumera, Sanna, guage. Mr. Jagdish Rathi, a This ‘Thar’ desert and the shape and structurally sound. main market at Nagarparkar, there Rathod etc. ruled here. Mehmud Sindhi author, sent me a few ‘Thar’ region has also been al- Out of these five Jain temples, exists a Jain temple in a neglected Gaznavi traversed the Thar desert pages from this Gazzetter. luded to by many literatures the most famous is called ‘Gori and deserted state. The temple from Pakistan in their works. Mandir’ and is at a distance of has acmes in the shape of “trian- Similarly, special mention has 40 km. in the North-West direc- gle and there is a lot of carved been made by some travellers tion from ‘Karunjar’. This tem- work on the walls and the pillars. about the sand dunes, desolated ple was built, it is believed, since There are many sculptures barren lands and peaceful olden times. It was built during depicting Jain Mythology. Way tranquillity of this region. the regime of rulers from ‘Sodha’ back, there were many painting ‘Mazrul Islam’ a famous author dynasty, who ruled the province and sketches also. But these are and storyteller has said that his of Sindh during 1376 A.D. Since all destroyed and sculptures are heart and Thar’ are identical with no inscriptions are available in broken. The colourful tiles set in the same desert. In the South the Mandir, confirmed conclu- the temple have also vanished. East direction of Thar lies the sions and inferences can not be There is no one to look after the ‘Nagarparkar’ district which is drawn as to the establishment of temple. When there was parti- still undeveloped, there are huge the same. This temple is of the tion, the Jain community, en egg-shaped hills measuring 12 size of 39 M x 15 M and is built in masse, chose to go to India. HOME TO RICH FOLKLOR: Temples at Sardhro. miles long and 1000 feet high. Jodhpur stone, which is quite The ‘Karunjar’ hill, for the There are many temples belong- akin to Marble. There is a court (Contd. on Page 22) KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 TRADITION 18 Festivities Galore-Shivratri By Upender Ambardar Chandrashekhar-the moon- spiritual process. special significance for the newly- curds and conical sugar preparation crested, Gangadhar-the bearer of Lord Shiva also represents the wed Kashmiri Pandit brides. They called 'Kand' are offered to the ESTIVALS and sacred days Ganga, Girisha-the mountain Lord, life cycle of living beings. It is due return back to their in-laws bringing 'Vatak-Raz', represented by the have deep roots in our socio- Mahakal -the Lord of death, to this very fact that walnuts are with them new clothes and 'Nout' amidst elaborate ritualistic religious traditions. They F Pashupati-the Lord of beasts and used in the Shivratri puja. Walnuts, 'Hayrath-bhog' in the form of cash pooja and chanting of the holy man- form a significant part of our cul- Vishwanath-the Lord of Universe. known in Kashmiri as 'doon' is a seed, and kind. It is on this day that veg- tras, collectively known as 'Vatak- tural heritage. Their celebrations lead HE is the Lord of his spiritual con- which in reality represents a com- etarian or non-vegetarian food are Pooja'. to spiritual upliftment, soul purifi- sort, the Goddess Parvati, which in plete life-cycle i.e. the beginning and cooked as per the family ritual or As part of the ritual, special veg- cation, moral enrichment besides reality is the cosmic energy. The end of life. It is also a miniature rep- 'reeth'. It is followed by 'Gada-Kah' etarian or non-vegetarian dishes ac- self-discipline. The festivals sustain union of Lord Shiva with Shakti resentation of our universe and is (Phagun Gatapach Kah), wherein cording to one's family ritual or our spirits, add colour, zeal, variety is Shivratri. Every Monday is sa- symbolic of our respect for the en- fish is cooked as per the family tra- 'reeth' are offered to the 'Dulij'. The and zest to our existence and in the cred to Lord Shiva. Generally, the tire cosmos. The four kernels of the dition. This day has got tantric sig- day following 'Hayrath' called process help to keep our traditions fourteenth day of the dark half of walnut are also believed to repre- nificance as per the Hindu mythol- 'Shivachaturdashi' is locally known and time tested rituals alive. Kash- each month is called Shivaratri. But sent the four directions of the hemi- ogy. On the following day called as 'Salam'. Salam is a day of greet- mir has been a seat of spiritual and the one that falls on Phalgun (Feb- sphere and the four Vedas. 'Vagurbah', a small earthenware pot cultural strength since ancient times, ings and festivity. On this day, all ruary-March) is Mahashivratri. As Mahashivratri falls on the known as 'Vagur' is installed amidst Kashmiri Pandits are basically the family members and near rela- Mahashivratri known as 'Hayrath' darkest night of the year, it elaborate rituals in the pooja-room, Shaivites and Shaivite philosophy tives are given pocket-money called in Kashmir is a symbolises the darkness of igno- locally known as 'Vatak- has attained growth and strength in 'Hayrath-Kharch' by the head of the twenty three days Kuth'. the serenity of cool and calm sur- family. festival, which Late in the evening roundings of Kashmir. The worship During Shivratri days, playing of starts from Phalgun after performing 'Vagur of Lord Shiva and his Divine con- indoor-game with the sea-shells, lo- Krishna Paksh Pooja', cooked rice, veg- sort Parvati is an inseparable part cally called 'Haren-gindun' is a usual Pratipada (Phadgun etarian or non-vegetarian of our tradition and culture. Shivatri, practice especially among the chil- gatapach Oakdoh), dishes depending upon locally known as 'Hayrath', is sa- dren. Late in the evening of the first day of the one's individual family cred festival of Kashmiri Pandits. 'Amavasya' known by the name of dark fortnight. It cul- 'reeth' or ritual are offered This ancient and auspicious festival 'Doon-Mavas', pooja is performed minates in Phalgun. to the 'Vagur'. This day has immense religious and cultural either on the river bank (Yarbal) or Shuklapaksh is followed by 'Hayrachi- sanctity. It's sanctity finds a promi- at home as per the family tradition. Ashtami, known as Truvah' (Triyudashi), nent reference in the sixth century The practice of performing pooja of 'Tila Aetham'. On which is the auspicious Sanskrit text, 'Nilmat Puran' of walnuts taken-out from the 'Vatak- Shivratri, the sun and and most sacred day of Kashmir. Shivratri festival has also the moon are usually Mahashivratri. On this Nout' called as 'Vatuk Parmozun'. been highlighted in the famous philo- in the Zodiac sign of day, an elderly lady of 'Doon-Mavas' is also known as sophical work 'Shivastrotravali' of Aquarius or Kumbh the family fills-up the 'Demni-Mavas' as some families Utpal Dev, the great Shaivite phi- Rashi. Kashmiri earthen-pitcher desig- (Gourit families) prepare meat losopher of the eighth century. One Pandits perform nated as 'Vatak-Nout' preparations in combination with of the greatest Shaivite, Shivratri Puja called with fresh water and a turnip as per their family ritual. AbhinavGupt has also paid saluta- Vatak Puja on the in- good number of walnuts, It is a usual practice in most of tions and obeisance to Vatuk tervening night of usually 101 or 151. This the house-holds, who perform Bhairava in his famous Trika philo- Triyodashi and ritual known as 'Vatuk- pooja at the river-banks to allow the sophical work called 'Tantraloka'. Chaturdashi, while Barun' is performed be- head of the family to enter the Even the renowned historian in the rest of the fore the sun-set. The houseonly after he promises bless- Kalhan's 'Rajtarangni' also bears country, people ob- 'Vatak-Nout' is a sym- ings and boons in the form of health, an invocation to Lord Shiva at the A Shivshakti painting by artist G.R. Santosh. serve Mahashivratri bolic representation of wealth, education, employment, very start of the text. The famous on Chaturdashi. Lord Shiva, whileas a peace and prosperity to each and treatises like 'Sivadrashti' by Shivratri is also smaller earthen-pitcher, every member of the family. The Acharya Somananda, 'Shivstotravali' known by the names of rance and Lord Shiva is said to mani- locally called 'Choud' placed adja- conversation in Kashmiri, which by Utpal Dev and 'Pratyabhijna Mahashivratri, Kalratri and fest Himself during this night to en- cent to the 'Vatak-Nout' represents takes place between the head of the Darshnam' by AbhinavGupt have Talaratri. Shivratri, the night of Bliss, lighten the universe by removing the the Goddess Parvati. The smaller family (who is outside the closed contributed immensely towards the has a special significance as the Di- ignorance. earthenwares such as 'Sanivari' (two enrichment of Kashmir Shaivism. door, and senior lady of the house vine Mother symbolically merges As per a prevalent belief in Kash- in number), 'Machvari' (2-4 in num- Kashmir Shaivism, also called Trika goes like this, "thuk or dubh-dubh', with the divine Lord, thereby es- mir, the Divine Couple of Lord Shiva, ber) a hollow cone-shaped 'Sanipatul' Shastra is the philosophy of triad, kous chuv?, Ram Broor 'Kya Heth?, tablishing non-dualism in the Abso- and Goddess Parvati visit the devo- representing lord Shiva and a which comprises Shiva-the Univer- Anna Heth, Dhana-Heth Doarkoth, lute form. It is also believed that tees' homes on the night of 'Dhupzoor (an earthen dhoopstand) sal consciousness, Shakti-the Divine Aurzoo Heth, Vidya, Kar-bar, Te Jyotir Linga appeared on the earth Mahashivratri and are said to stay are suitably placed near the 'Vatak- energy and Nara-the human soul. It Sokh Sampdha Heth.' at midnight during the intervening as Divine Guests upto Amavasya, Nout'. In addition to them, two bowl regards the entire creation as His Shivratri 'naveed' in the form of night of Triyodashi and Chaturdashi known as 'Doon Mavas' locally (fif- type earthen-wares 'locally known manifestation, which is real and not water-soaked walnuts and 'rotis' is to remove darkness and ignorance teenth day of Phalgun as 'Dhulij' are also placed in close illusion. We worship Lord Shiva in distributed among near and dear ones from the world. As such the great Krishnapaksh). Preparations such proximity to the 'Choud'. The His both forms of Shiva and Shakti. during the period of 'Doon-Mavas' night of Shiva is said to commemo- as cleansing of the house and wash- 'Dhulij', 'Sanivari' and 'Machvari' are Shakti for us is the Goddess to Tila-Ashtami, locally known as rate the auspicious advent of the ing of the clothes for celebrating the believed to represent Bhairvas, Raginya, Sharika, Kali or Durga, who 'Tile-Aethum', which falls on divine Mahajyoti or Supreme light. Mahashivratri festival are done from 'Gandharvas'- (the celestial musi- are the energy aspects of Lord Shiva. Phalgun Shuklapaksh Ashtami. According to the holy Hindu scrip- 'Hur Oukdoh', the first day of cians) and the other deities of the Worshipping Lord Shiva leads to the On Tila-Ashtami, a number of tures, the festival of Mahashivratri Phalgun Krishnapaksh to 'Hur- 'Divine-Barat' (the celestial marriage cosmic mother, who offers solace, earthen oil lit lamps are placed at also signifies the day on which Lord Shaeyum' (Sixth day of Phalgun of Lord Shiva and Parvati). protection and divine grace to one different places starting from one's Shiva saved the world from total an- Krishnapaksh). 'Hur-Satam' is the A small bowl called 'Reshi-Dulij' and all. nihilation by drinking the deadly day when special dishes as per the occupies a special place near the home to the river-bank (yarbal) and Accordingly, the ultimate Truth 'Haalahal' poison, produced during individual family ritual or 'reeth' are 'Vatak-Nout'. Only cooked rice and also one of the oil lamps is made to or Supreme Reality is Lord Shiva the great churning of the ocean cooked. milk are offered to it. The 'Nout', float on the river with its base seated Himself and the whole creation is (Samandhar Munthun). According to On 'Hur-Athum', the devotees 'Choud' and 'Dulij' etc. are referred on grass ring or 'arie'. The day of His manifestation. sacred texts at this time a forceful prior to their forced migration used as 'Vatuk' and are seated on special 'Tila-Ashtami' also signals the end He is consciousness and Bliss. natural upsurge of energy is said to to visit Hari-Parbat Srinagar for pedestals of dry grass made in the of the severe cold of winter and ad- Everything emanates from Him and take place in the human system, night long meditation and Bhajan form of circular rings locally called vent of the pleasant season of spring, everything merges in Him. He is in which advances the process of soul Kirtan at Chakrishwar and as 'Aarie'. locally known as 'Sonth'. On this us and we are in HIM. In reality, purification and enlightenment. This Pokhribal temples. It is on 'Hur- The 'Vatuk' is decorated by ty- day, the change-over of season is Kashmir Shaivism is a spiritual energy in combination with the sig- Navum' that womenfolk visit their ing mouli (narivan) i.e. string of dry celebrated by children by burning quest for an inward journey and nificant planetary positions help in parental homes. On their return, they grass embellished with marigold old fire-pots (Kangris), stuffed with search rather than an outward one. the upward flow of the energy flow bring alongwith them the 'Kangri' flowers and 'bael-pater', which is dry grass and tied with long ropes It is the exploration and realization in the human beings. These energy (the traditional fire-pot), a pack of known as 'Vusur'. Tilak is also ap- are rotated around in the air, all the of the divinity within ourselves. forces help us to overcome the salt, 'rotis' (bread) and some money plied to 'Vatuk'. Incense, dhoop, time uttering the words of 'Jateen- Lord Shiva is also known as Karmas and raise one's conscious- locally called 'Atagut' as 'Shivratri camphor and ratandheep form the Tantah'. It marks the final good-bye Mahadeva-the Great God, Triloki ness beyond the veil of illusion re- Shagoun'. Next comes 'Dashmi' main ingredients of ritualistic mate- to the holy festival of Mahashivratri Nath-the Lord of three worlds, sulting in the intensification of the called 'Dyare-Dahum', which has a rial called 'Vatak Samgri'. Milk and or 'Hayrath'. Umapati, Gauripati, Parvatipati, KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 PHILOSOPHY 19 Kashmir Shaiv Darsana By Shail Gulati look for, because all is shiva! And it brings us to an important “Kashmira parvati paroksha, tat Kashmir the land of great Divine learning understanding of the dynamics of swami ch Maheshwara” Kashmir is the Darsana: as beautiful as Parvati manifest, and is much more, we could say it is which are 64, were lost.. and recorded, in turn by his dis- It is not only the fruit of the col- who’s Lord is Shiva himself. absolute monism, with a gentle re- So Shiva came again as ciples, notably Jaideva singh, John lective past, that has been placed in This ancient proclamation from spect for theism, in that light, it has Srikanthnath to reveal the philoso- hughes, Baljinathji pandit, our present by our preceptors, but the scriptures of kashmir, and duly sometimes been called monistic the- phy to Rsi Durvasa. Jankinathji kaul ‘kamal”, Mark also, that the fruit contains the seed recorded by Kalhana in the ism, or theistic monism. Ancient texts record that Rsi dyczkowski and George Balesaar.. for the collective future. Rajtarangani, tells in the most inti- The sacred texts are principally Durvasa, reoriented it in this In one of his talks,Swamiji in- Salutations, therefore, to all who mate terms of the presence of Shiva three types, the Agama sastras, the lifecycle,and taught it to formed that it was after King are yet to arrive, for they are Shiva and Shaivism in Kashmir. Spanda sastras, and the Prtyabhijna Tryambaka,who is also said to have Lalitaditya requested Atrigupta, the too! It is all our play, for ourselves,so Indeed, from time immemorial, sastras.For our purpose, these lived in Kailash, around the end of great scholar from let us play it well! Indeed there is an this land has been the seat of great would be, the Siva sutras and the 3rd century A.D. and whose suc- Antarvedi(Madhya pradesh), to adage in shaivism that says, to wor- divine learning in general, and Shaiv Vijnanbhairava,The Spanda karikas, cessive generations,in turn,revealed live in Kashmir,and there was no ship Shiva, be Shiva! darsana in particular,Starting in this and the Prtyabhijnahrdyam. and thus developed the darsana by authority left in the rest of India on Saiva Yoga life cycle, with the revelations of Swamiji takes care to point out word of mouth, in the preceptor dis- the important bhairav tantras, from Saiva Yoga is revealed by Lord Lord Shiva to Rsi Durvasa, who ciple tradition..About fifteen genera- that time it started being called Kash- in his book, Kashmir shaivism,the Shiva, who, perenially mindful of passed it on to the mountain dwell- tions later,a disciple of the line came mir Shaiv darsana (and nowadays,in secret supreme, that there are dif- spirituality,is ever eager to share his ers of Kashmir by the lineage of and settled in Kashmir. english, kashmir shaivism.) So,what ferent types of contacts between penchant with devi,his beloved Trayambakaditya, matured and The teachings, and the revela- had begun in Kashmir, once again masters and disciples,beginning with consort,and transfer illumination transmitted through a galaxy of per- tions continued...The Darsana, ripe settled there. Atrigupta was the fore- Shiva himself, as teacher, and .His poetic agamas (replies) to the fected beings like Somananda, Devi in response to her Utpala, Vasugupta, nigamas(querries),are recorded in the Abhinavagupta,Lalleshwari, and in tantras, puranas,samhitas and siva our own time, by Swami sutras for the benefit of sincere Lakshmanjoo. The vale has also had seekers.They are called the innumerable other perfected beings Shaivagamas.And these are the like Bhagwan Gopinath and Nand revelational learnings of the rsis. bab, and great scholars like Concisely, The Shaiv philoso- Baljinathji pandit and jankinathji phy is : kaul kamal.It, has even had,great That in the beginning all is saints like Adi shankaracharya and Shivashakti. Swami Vivekananda as visitors, who, A primal urge, pratham by the time they left,were visibly spanda,arises in Shiva to roll out a enriched .While shankara actually whole universe. established the shivlinga on the hill His Shakti enables him to do ex- named after him, Swami actly that.We honour her as jag Vivekananda declared and recorded janani, mother nature. to his gurubhais about the presence All creation forget their pristine beginning, by a spiritual of Mahadeva, in Amarnath, and ev- concussion,called anava mala, the erywhere else in the land,and also primal forgetting. Once the divine of the Devi, at kshir bhawani. beginning is forgotten, other limita- Kashmir Shaiv Darsana, Rev- tions are quick tocreep in, omni- elations of Lord Shiva, Form an science becomes worldly condi- extremely profound school of Amarnath Cave tioned knowledge,omnipotence be- Non -dual philosophy and expe- comes limited,specific ability, and riential spirituality. omnipresence is reduced to a body/ The revelations teach that man in itself, began to ripen in the mani- collective bodies. is indeed God who has forgotten his fest world also. father of Abhinavgupta. sadashiva as student,and coming All creatures accumulate experi- own divine nature, and all of life’s Transmitted through the afore- And though some element in down to the fifth contact, where, ences in their worldly sojourn. This play, is to ultimately Re-cognize that mentioned galaxy of perfected be- some thoughts, for example in the the teacher is still some form of di- is almost always in pairs,joy Godhead, which has never left him, ings, it began to flourish in the heav- krama school,or even in the lower vine shiva, but the discipe is a mor- sadness,hot cold, dark light and so it is only veiled . enly kashmir, encapsulated in the upaya of siva sutras accomodate the tal. But that the ultimate initiation on.We understand that all is tran- Those, to whom the philosophy Trika philosohpy,which deals with seekers duality,the darsana is Largely (parasambandh) can take place in sient. is revealed, are the darsatas, ‘the the series of triads, the Para Non dual, It spans both monism ( any state of these five contacts. He, We begin to look for seers’, also called rsis. (supreme,shiva), apara(the lowest, all beings are one principle) and therefore gives us hope, that this is permanence.The journey back to The word Darsana, means essen- jiva) and parapara (the intermediate monotheism (God is supreme), or the great potential of the pristinity begins.We turn to Mas- ters and the Darsanas, and We do tially, ‘revelation’, or ‘seeing’. Im- link, shakti)..comprising of four sys- simply, God is all,and in all. darsana,that it may be transmitted arrive at our own self realisation.. pliedly, it also comes to mean phi- tems, The pratyabhijna system, the The understanding of God, here, not just as a given philosophy, but Shiva yoga is beautifully ex- losophy, or spiritual school of kula system, the krama system, and however is a little more advanced as direct revelation, possibly also pounded by the sage vasugupta,in thought, especially when it is then the spanda system . than the Brahman of Advait Vedanta, explaining the revelations that com- the “Shiva sutras”, expounded by the rsi to successive inasmuch as the Shiva of Advait prise the Siva sutras,to sage The important Bhairava tantras, Alternatively deemed the disciples. Vouchsafed in the ancient Shaiv Darsana is replete with his vasugupta, who came much later than which were lost and then reintro- Shiva Upanishad, this teaches of past to his rsis in His abode of duced by Shiva Himself, teach ab- own Shakti,it is not something ex- rsi Durvasa, and in recorded histori- Kailash, it is said to be as old, as, cal times,in a mortal human frame. three out of four possible systems solute non duality. traneous to him, like maya. And so, of Shiva’s mystic way,graded to perhaps the first teachings of Salutations to Shiva, Lord of Baljinath pandit, honored scholar while,like the Upanishadic suit the seeker’s present level of Shiva,beginning from the primal all!,to His consort Devi, at whose of the Kashmir shaiv darsana, says Mahavakya,even Kashmir shaiv attainment. The four upayas Satyuga.... for practical purpose, behest, he first poemed the divine the ancient system was called leads you to the truth, that you are (plans) are: many lifecycles ago.. Advait shaiva darsana. THAT supreme consciousness, yet verses, for us to re -cognize our di- Anupaya or Ananda upaya. And Lord Shiva came as Till today the non dual tantras the understanding of Maya being a vine self, to Durvasa, and the rsis, Sambhava upaya or iccha Svacchandanath to teach.. He taught are the core of the darsana. part of Shiva’s own swatantrya to Swami Lakshman jee, and so upaya. the shiva tantras, the rudra tantras, In our own time, another per- shakti (absolute free will), marks the many other benefactors, some, who Saktopaya or jnana yoga. and the bhairava tantras, succes- fected being,Swami Lakshman joo advance of Advait Shaiv over Advait may not now be known, but who Anav upaya.Also called kriya sively, the dual, the intermediate, and appeared,and once again gave out the Vedanta. are represented simply, by the Shiva upaya. the non-dual . priceless,and paramount divine heri- It is also distinct from the mo- they taught us we all are. These will be taken up in due By the time of Kaliyug, how- tage, for all to re -reach...His his nistic theism of Shaiva siddhanta, This, is actually, the brief of the writings. ever, the important bhairava tantras, teachings, and writings were learnt inasmuch as its tilt on non duality, Darsana,that you are the shiva you Aum Namah Shivaya! KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 AESTHETICS 20 Parimoo paints Aishwarya Rai as 'Nayika' By Dr. R.K. Tamiri to bring his face into the pictorial as nayika of Parimoo. While nayika in great women characters in 'archetypal Indian Women'. rof. Ratan Parimoo's recent space has drawn accolades from art replacing Mona Lisa's face with that Kashmiri traditions. There are four paintings, titled paintings, titled 'Parimoo's critics. of Aishwarya Rai Parimoo places Initially, Parimoo wanted to Parimoo's Chaurapan-chashikia, PChaurapanchashika-Ico- Prof. Parimoo is just 72, by no Rai in the role of different women choose some typical characters two each done in oil and water nography of a Nayika', were on means an old man by present stand- characters, mystical and legendary Aishwarya played in different colour. Chaurapanchashika is a term display at the Jehangir Art Gallery, ards. Yet he paraphrases his new that one comes across in literature films. It did not work, partly be- derived from mid-16th century set Mumbai from 16th January, 2008 series of paintings, which he began cause the film directors were not of miniature paintings done in a to 22nd Januray, 2008. Prof. in 1999, as his Old-age-style my giving her face the variety of expres- characteristic style depicting the Parimoo, the internationally known ultima maniera'. Probably, an sions and nuances that Parimoo essence of each verse from Bilhan's Art Historian of India and a native ocular pathology around this time wished to recreate. Secondly, he poetry in which he remembers his of Kashmir has remained Head of which led to partial impairment of took it as a challenge to work with ladylove. About the parallel in his the Department of Art History vision in his left eye made him think hand-drawn skills rather than relying paintings Parimoo says, "Each and Aesthetics at the prestigious so. These new series of paintings, on Computer/Digital system. painting is a piece of poetry M.S. University of Baroda. An titled 'Retrospective Exhibitions' By adapting imageries from something parallel to the verbal alumini of the same University, Prof. were on display at Bombay (1999) widely circulated publicity film delineation about the woman's Parimoo's painting experience and Baroda (2000). posters Parimoo engages face. In that case it is a sort of extends to over five decades. In these 'old-age' style paintings Aishwarya's filmic characters with ghazal or doha, in which Prof. Parimoo has held over forty the hostile imagery of the 1970s has certain art historical monuments, chiselled features and startling Art Exhibitions, displaying his been replaced by an imaginary milestones, personalities etc. In one eyes are noteworthy. The latter painted works. He held a First one- female face, called in Indian such painting he juxtaposes the had a commercial interest I man show in 1958 at his hometown, tradition as nayika. Interestingly, character of Nandini of 'HDDCS' would like to put these paintings Parimoo subtitles his paintings as to the Kajra Re dance posture. In Srinagar. His studies on the painting Dr. Ratan Parimoo in the class of Srinagara poetry of the three Tagores— 'Encounter with Nothingness', an another painting Rai as a Gujrati of Sanskrit literature". Abanindranath, Gaganendranath Parimoo's choice of Aishwarya and Rabindranath are considered to Rai as nayika is based on her unique, be a classic on the theme. Prof. non-conventional facial beauty Parimoo's major works include— (chiselled features and hypnotic "Studies on Modern Indian Art' (lotus shaped) eyes. He picked her and 'Studies in India Sculpture: up after seeing the film, 'Hum Dil Essays in New Art History'. He De Chuke Sanam'. Parimoo's has also published a well-researched perception of Aishwarya Rai is more monograph on Narayan of a multifaceted nayika who is Murtazghar, Kashmir's celebrated warmly accepted and acclaimed 'as painter-sculpture-artist of 19th a popular icon than a beloved'. He Century. also rejects the 'male-gaze theory' Parimoo has been greatly influ- as an explanation for the manner in enced by two formidable European which he has constructed the painters—Leonardo da Vinci, the handling and delineation of her eyes. Italian Renaissance painter and He says, 'It is notworthy that I do Henri di Toulouse Laurtrec, the not show the actual eye of the French Post Impressionist painter overlooking male face". who worked during the last quarter In technique while working in oil of the 19th Century. Vinci is know on canvas Parimoo exaggerates to us as painter of Mona Lisa', while colours and gives some emphasis to Laurtrec was a pioneer in painting line especially when details are to the popular mass culture. Prof. be delineated. Through use of Parimoo observes that in terms of brighter colours Parimoo attempts pictorial qualities Laurtrec's work to establish chromatic harmony of presents a formidable challenge as a tones, shades and hues. He adheres painter. to a kind of naturalistic form and is At the Indian level Parimoo is a Nayika as Model of Raja Ravi Varma's Sarasvati being painted by Ratan Parimoo, oil careful that the oil version does not great admirer of Raja Ravi Verma. convans, 2007 end up looking like a large miniature He speaks high about Verma's painting or an imitation of European handling of oil pigment, exemplary old master painting. expression derived from Jean Paul and art. princess stands in front of Lakshmi compositional skills and Prof. Parimoo is the second Sartre's celebrated work, 'Being and Parimoo has painted Aishwarya Vilas Palace of Baroda, deployment of expressions derived reputed artist to paint a popular Nothingness'. The influence of Rai as Venus de Melos (proverbial symoblising commonality with from Indian theatre and dance. Prof. Bollywood icon, the first being MF French existentialism on Parimoo is Greek Aphrodite), Venus of Aishwarya's popularity in the Parimoo delivered Raja Ravi Verma Hussain. Parimoo says his work has clearly palpable. That is why he Botticelli, Radha of Kangra painting, public sphere. The contrast with Centenary lecture in 2005 at Cochin. a totally different context from that asserts that his 'female image is Bani Thani of Kishangarh, Kajra Re is very distinct. References to these influences are of Hussain. The latter had a entirely a figment of imagina- Khajurahu Apsara, Raja Ravi In the painting 'LA to Amritsar' being made to emphasise parallels commercial interest and also per- tion, that it does not really exist'. Verma's Sarasvati and Maharani the Golden Temple is the locale. By between the established European sonal acquaintance with Madhuri At the same time Parimoo is (Maharani Chimanbai, queen of Sir imparting a special sunshine effect tradition and Parimoo's recent Dixit. Also, Hussain does not paint paintings wherein students of art/ reluctant to keep this female face as Sayaji Rao Gaekward of Baroda) and on Aishwarya's face Parimoo vague. To give an identity to it he Umrao Jan. The most comprehen- attempts to bestow the entire Madhuri's face. He just writes her artists paint variations of earlier mas- name in the title. Parimoo had no ter's themes. adopts the face of Mona Lisa of sive painting is the one that adapts painting a Punjabi Character. The Leonardo da Vinci. His paintings Raja Ravi Verma's 'Galaxy', which painting 'Paro holding Arti Lamp' contact with Aishwarya Rai. Framework of Parimoo's thus became a variation of Mona comprises a number of singers and despicts Aishwarya in a Bengali The identity of Mona Lisa till recently done paintings is Lisa as well as variations of his self- musicians, all of whom are women. Context. In the painting 'Nayika recently was a mystery. German 'portraiture'. It was in 1960 he portrait. Parimoo terms this Parimoo makes a nationalist as Temple Dancer' there is researchers have claimed that Mona began his serious affair with the excercise as 'Parimoo looking at statement (during the colonial period adoption of the widely circulated Lisa was Lisa del Giocondo, the 'portrait' by painting portrait of his Mona Lisa'. of India) by interpreting this dance posture from 'Dhai Akshar wife of a wealthy merchant in artist wife, Naina Dalal. Since then In the next step Parimoo links painting as representing Indian Prem Ke'. Parimoo has introduced Florence named Francesco del he has been feeling quite confident this up with the mass culture of our women of all regions and faith. While in the latter the ambience of a temple Giocondo. This claim is based on about delineating faces and likeness. times. He substitutes face of Mona adopting this painting Parimoo dancer, a Devadasi. By locating her dated notes by a Florentine City Parimoo began handling his self- Lisa with that of Aishwarya Rai, the endows all the women in the paint- in western and Indian pictorial official, a friend of Leonarda da Vinci. portrait since 1970s, the period popular icon of Bollywood. ing with the face of Aishwarya Rai. traditions Parimoo tries to show that Incidentally the painting, now on which also witnessed his obsession Srinagara poetry texts call model as It is rather surprising that Aishwarya Rai stands for the display at the Louvre in Paris, is with 'hypnotic eyes'. His attempts nayika. So Aishwarya Rai emerges Parimoo has not tried to locate his 'Universal Woman' and certainly the called La Gioconda in Italian. KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 HERITAGE 21 Nalanda ruins---- A revelation of India’s past wisdom

By J N Raina to know that Nalanda University , which originally covered an HIS time I made it to area of 50 square km, was set on Nalanda; the seat of an fire by Mohammad Bakhtiar cient learning. The ruins T Khilji of Afghanistan. The fire of Nalanda (giver of knowledge) kept on raging for six months, are magnificent and touching. destroying its three marvelous The very name of Nalanda, a libraries --- Ratnasagar, world heritage site, had been Ratnodiadni and Ratnarangika. conjuring me since long. An earthquake later tumbled Four years ago, I could not down the residual structures in reach the rendezvous, as the 65- the 13th century AD and every- km-long road from Gaya to thing was covered under huge Nalanda was in a bad shape. Al- boulders of mud. Now there is a though the bus I had boarded railway station in Bakhtiar’s was in good condition, it halted name on the Nalanda-Patna at several places for one reason track. or the other, making the journey Fanatic Muslim invaders tiresome and boring. The bus were against Buddhism, monas- had virtually to crawl on stones. teries and monks, the guide told One of its tires got burst, forc- me. Several monks were killed ing me to cut short my journey and many more were forced to at Rajgir, a famous pilgrimage flee to other parts of India and centre, just 12 km short of abroad. Most of them found ref- Nalanda. uge in Tibet. Much of the tradi- But luckily enough, this time tion of Nalanda had been carried it took me and my wife just two- into Tibet by the time of the Ruins of Nalanda University. and-a-half hours to reach Muslim invasion of the 12th cen- Nalanda from Gaya, indicating tury. The invading army also monks, Mingxian and Huikuan the fact that conditions in Bihar destroyed huge collection of the Kushana style of architec- visited Nalanda recently after a are improving. Bihar’s new Chief images of Buddhist and Hindu manuscripts and other works, ture, but the impact of the Pala four-month long journey on foot Minister Nitish Kumar, heading gods and goddesses. There is a which was obtained as a result dynasty is widely visible from China’s Shanxi province, the BJP-Janata Dal (U) coalition unique multiple spouted vessel of centuries old scholastic stud- throughout. The excavations tracing the route undertaken by government, completed one year of clay. It was used during those ies. suggest that a large part of the Hieun Tsang 1300 years ago. in office in November last. days at the time of worship. According to Pali scriptures, university has so far remained The two Chinese travelers were People by and large are happy Snakes would streak into the Nalanda was a mango grove. undiscovered. The buildings are received by the Indian authori- with his method of governance. vessel to consume milk .The mu- Lord Buddha often used to stop divided by a central walkway that ties at the Memorial Hall. Nitish Kumar has promised his seum was set up in 1971. It has a at a place called Pavarika, which goes south to north. The mon- Taxila University, now in people ‘good-quality roads’ this collection of ancient manuscripts used to be quite prosperous and asteries or Viharas are to the east West Pakistan, was destroyed year. Construction has begun on and Buddhist statues. There is a teeming with people. of the central alley and the under similar circumstances by ‘war footing’. collection of copper plates, ceil- Nalanda was the birth place temples or Chaityas to the west. the Muslim invaders. When For- The world-famous Nalanda ing plaques, coins, carved of Sariputta and Maha- Thickness of the walls of eign Minister Pranab Mukherjee University had flourished from bricks, pottery and small heaps Moggallana, two chief disciples monasteries and residential visited Taxila recently, and the 5th century AD to the 12th of burnt rice. of Buddha. Sariputta died in the buildings ranged from three feet walked through the excavated century AD. The world’s first An inscription of King room in which he was born. The to a maximum of 12 feet, provid- sites of the ancient Buddhist residential university had been Yashovarman of the 7th century room later began to be regarded ing a cooling effect as that of university, he was excited to re- housing about 10,000 students describes Nalanda as a “ Row as the most sacred spot. It was modern day AC’s. Out of 108 mark: “ If we do not forget the and 2000 teachers. of monasteries with their series converted into a shrine. Emperor monasteries, only 11 have been continuity, we may find solu- When I walked through the of turrets licking the clouds”. Ashoka gave an offering to the excavated so far. tions to the present……. The ruins, keeping pace with my Now there is a proposal to set ‘Chaitya’ (temple) of Sariputta . Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang continuity of history could be- guide Anil Kumar, I was mentally up a new residential university In fact, Ashoka is regarded as , who had stayed in Nalanda, come a binder for the present, taken away into an era which saw at Nalanda to be constructed in the founder of Nalanda vihara. first as a student and then as a and remembering this continu- India leading in imparting knowl- phases. It will cover an area of He built a stupa in Nalanda in teacher, for 17 years, was given ity might help us find solutions edge to the world. The courses about 21 square km. the third century BC. Nalanda the titles of “ Master of the Law” to the present stand-off”. of study included Buddhism, *(The writer is a Veteran was known throughout the an- (Dharma Charya), “ God of ASI has done a commendable Vedas, Hetu Vidya (logic), Journalist, based in Pune) cient world for its learned and Mahayana” (Mahayanadeva) job by saving the excavated Shabda Vidya (grammar) and renowned teachers like Acharya and “ Preceptor of Salvation” monuments from further ruin. Chikitsa Vidya (Medicine). The Nagarjuna, Silabhadra, Arya (Mokshacharya). According to Nalanda, the site of a great university had received royal JKENG 00333/26/AL/TC/94 Deva, Santarakshita and Hieun Tsang, who had come to temple city of yore, is now an patronage from Emperor JK No: 1213/18 Dingandga. Nalanda in the 5th century AD, important tourist attraction. Harshavardana of Kannauj and Regd. JK-219/2008 My guide told me that it was Nalanda formed an important Hundreds of tourists hailing Pali Kings. Printer Publisher B.N. Kaul for and Alexander Cunnigham, an expert zone of activity for Lord Buddha. from China, Japan and South East As we meandered through on behalf of Archaeologist during the British There was a rigorous oral exami- Asian countries could be seen Panun Kashmir Foundation. the ruins in good sunshine on rule in India, who discovered the nation of students, conducted hovering there. Careful excava- Editor: SHAILENDRA AIMA February 12, 2007, the guide nar- ruined sites of Nalanda Univer- first by erudite gatekeepers. tion has identified many stupas, Computer Graphic: rated the history of Nalanda from sity in 1861. The ruins were ex- Many students were turned monasteries, hostels, temples, S.K. Babbu King Kumar Gupta, who had laid cavated first in 1915 and then by away who failed the preliminary meditation halls, lecture rooms Printed at : The Kashmir Times firm foundations of the univer- Press, Gangyal, Jammu the Archaeological Survey of In- test. To study at Nalanda was a and structures which speak of sity in the 5th century AD, to its Owned by: dia (ASI) from 1915 to 1937. The matter of pride. However, no de- the grandeur of Nalanda. destruction. The university was PANUN KASHMIR excavation work was then given grees were granted. Neither there The excavated treasure has further extended (after it was es- FOUNDATION up. The total area of the exca- was any requirement for a spe- been preserved and shelved in Published from PANUN KASHMIR tablished by Kumar Gupta) by vated site is about 14 hectares. cific period of study. A memorial the Nalanda Archaeological Mu- FOUNDATION, 149 Ram Vihar, Old Harshavardhana in the 7th cen- All the edifices are of red bricks. has been built in Hieun Tsang’s seum nearby the ruins. The guide Janipur, Jammu-180007 (INDIA) tury AD. After 200 years, it was The gardens are beautiful. The honour near the ruins. led us to the museum where we Tele/Fax: 0191-2538537 rebuilt by king Devapala of the e-mal: [email protected] university was constructed in Two Chinese Buddhist could see valuable objects and Pala dynasty. But it was painful KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 CONTINUATION 22 Ancient Temples of Sindh

(From Page 17) it enjoys special importance due immerse them in the lake. The ‘Nagarparkar’ to ‘Sardharo’ the aged had carried out his penance on the Hindus of the Sindh is like a per- to a legend mentioned in Hindu parents of the girl acted upon the and the women can also have hills of ‘Sarodhar’. There are prints manent holy place. The town of scriptures; and therefore this advice of the priest and the girl glimpses of this holy place. A few of his feet here. Janab Khosu further Sardharo is situated centrally place is held in high esteem by got totally rid of the sufferings. days back Mr. Maqbool Ahmad un- added that prior to Partition, this amongst these hills, which are the masses. This legend runs as In kind remembrance of this, the dertook a detailed survey of the region was famous for Communal harmony. Many fairs were held and composed of Granite stone with follows- Once upon a time, a parents of the girl erected three temple and published an illustrated various festivals were celebrated. a reddish tinge. In total there are couple of deer and doe was temples by the side of the lake. report of the same in Herald. He also Yogis and Saints flocked here. In the three temples and the Shiva- returning homewards in the Due to geographical situa- appealed to the Govt, authorities to take concrete steps to preserve and precincts of this area many remains Parvati temple is very famous. valley of ‘Karunjar' and the deer tion, ‘Nagarparkar’ is accessible conserve this valuable heritage of of Jain, Hindu and Buddha idols There is a temple of the Goddess slipped’ from a high cliff and fell with great difficulties. In the historical importance. In the year were surfaced. An image of Lord on the Dharohar hill. Sardharo olden days the pilgrims took two in the lake below. It got drowned 2003 A.D. Mr. Aziz Sanghdar, Shiva was also found. In addition next to ‘Hinglaj’ is considered to and died. The doe rushed full days to traverse a distance prepared an exhaustive report about ancient utensils and containers, be the 2nd important holy place (Contd. from Page 17) of 490 km from Karachi to reach the neglected and ignored remains along with other remains were also in Pakistan. People come here for forward to rescue the deer and ‘Nagarparkar’. But now with the existing in this area. Janab Zulfikar found. In the area surrounding immersion of the bones of the in doing so, got herself construction of concrete roads, Syed, too, published a report about ‘Sarodhar’, ‘Agriculture’ was pro- dead in the ‘Kunda’ over here. entangled in a nearby bush. Her one can reach ‘Mithi’ from ‘Karunjar’ under the name and title fessed on a very large scale. The For the upkeep of this holy place, head got stuck in the bush and Karachi within 7 hours. ‘Mithi’ ‘Lost world’. honey was exported. Today, there the ‘Nehalpuri’ family consisting rest of her body bogged down happens to be the district head Some days back, I was ac- is only one household of the Jains. of 8 members is permanently set- in the lake. Subsequent to this quarters of the 'Thar Parkar’ quainted with Mr. ‘Jethanand’ a The Name of ‘Nagarparkar’ has its tled here. incident, the doe was reborn in a desert area. From ‘Mithi’ one can "resident of ‘Dhano’, a town in origin with three words. Nagar means The residents of Sindh treat merchant family of ‘Patan’ She, reach ‘Nagarparkar’ within a Sindh. Mr. Jethanand gave me a city, Par means to go beyond or tran- and rever the fountain water as unfortunately suffered from short period of 3 hours. From reference to a Baloch gentleman scend the limits and kar means to do holy as the water from the river chronic headache (migraine) and ‘Nagarparkar’, with the assist- Janab Ali Khosu, who is 94 now - according to Mr. Khosu. Janab Khosu has his formal Ganges. On the auspicious day could not be cured of this ance of local guidance one can and has thorough and in-depth education upto the second standard of Mahashivratri around twenty disease in spite of treatments and go to ‘Sardharo’. Lodging and knowledge of the history of Sindh - and that too in Sindhi medium. On thousand devotees come here to medications. A Brahmin priest Boarding arrangements of pil- very recently, G.O.T.V., had broadcast a programme about Janab account of his affinity for culture offer their prayers and Puja. In from the town, with the help of grims can be made by paying Khosu. and history, he has visited all the this temple there are some idols his deep studies and intuitive charges of Rs. 1500 per day at When contacted, Janab Khosu holy places of pilgrimage and has of deities and some paintings of the residence of a local man. powers visualized the past of informed that upto the year 1971 studied ‘Ramayana’, ‘Mahabharata’ God and Goddesses. Though this unfortunate girl and told her There is no road in good condi- many Jain ascetics visited this holy and history to great detail. He has this temple is nothing special parents to retrieve the remains tion for going to Sardharo from place. About 1200 Jains were settled sharp memory even now and he has from architectural points of view, of the head of the doe and ‘Nagarparkar’. Hence the pil- in Nagarparkar and the Jain a flare to teach and elucidate the grims have to pass many population in ‘Parshvanath Gori’ cultural history of Sindh to many obstacles and obstructions. was 2000. But majority of them scholars and students he comes in According to a local resident migrated to India. There is a water contact with. Sarda-A Memoir-II Shri. ‘Maun Puri’, though the tank here (Kund) which has natural Erudites like Janab Khosu are Hindu Panchayat Committee is sources of water, which subse- furthering the cause of the study of (From Page 16) the fruit. In addition to domestic looking after the up keep of the quently joins the river water. This the cultural pride of the past and Ismail, son of Ibrahim Gujar was work Ismail would also take care temple; it is not in a position to kund is called ‘Mrigakund’. A Huge the bygone areas. And surely it is.a favourite servant of Papa. He of the apple tree as well. Frankly raise funds to make proper fair is held here by end of ‘Kartik’ matter of pride for all of us that he was smart and Jack of all trades. speaking, there was no need of arrangements for lodging and (the 8th month of Hindu calendar.) continues with his endeavour with He would remain busy most of care. People living in the vicinity boarding of the pilgrims. If, There is a temple of Lord Shiva at the same zeal. the time—putting fodder to the were down to earth honest according to Shri. Maun Puri, the Sadhu Bela near Sakkar, where a fair horse in the stable or giving it people. The tree bore abundant Govt, makes adequate arrangements is held in the month of June. The (The author is a noted bath and making its feet rough, fruit, yielding many boxes. One to construct a permanent Road from famous Hindu ascetic, ‘Parashar’ archaeologist, based in Pune). uneven; milking the cow, sweep- of these was sent by Papa to his ing the courtyard, helping move- boss, DFO. We had also ment of papers in the office, distributed the fruit among Tai- Splendour of Kani Jamavar: A Revival putting tobacco in the hubble lor, Potter, the staff of the depart- bubble, ferrying things down ment, Ismail, Kulsuma and oth- By. L.C. Kaul February 2008, by the State 'assessments and Kashmir from Ist floor, laying bedding etc. ers. The apples tasted very well. N collaboration with the In Minister for External Affairs, Shawl' supported by practical Ismail would also play with chil- Mother had also prepared a jar dia International Centre (IIC) Govt. of India, Sh. Anand demonstrations of natural dye dren and narrate stories. His fa- full of jam. INew Delhi, Samvedna Sharma, who praised Samvedna manufacturing, by experts from ther had given up nomadic life Another incident of those Culture and Heritage Trust, Culture and Heritage Trust and Alps Industries Limited, to lead a settled one in the village, days that comes to my mind is presented 5th annual public the two authors, for their Sahibabad, Ghaziabad. a little away from Sarda, down how we played Badminton game awareness programme-an valuable work, in trying to revive Peter Harris, a Canadian below. He was engaged in agri- by pitching two poles for the net exhibition and seminar on the the unique heritage of Kani weaver, designer and yarn maker, culture. Few cattle which this in the courtyard in front of of- subject of 'Heritage Art Of Jamwar Weaving. held discussions and interaction family had were taken care of by fice. At times Papa would also Kashmir: Kani Jamavar On 16th and 17th February with artisans from Kashmir, fol- his wife and daughter. join us. The two shuttlecocks Weaving', from 15th to 17th Feb- 2008, alongside were held semi- lowed by Keshav Prasad, an ex- gave away after heavy use. We ruary 2008, at the IIC, with a rare nars, demonstrations and work- pert, on the role of government We had free access to fields had to improvise one by putting collection of antique heritage and shops on 'researchers and au- in Kani design. Arvind Kaul, of Tailor and Potter. Their ladies 1-2 feather of a cock into the thors of Kashmiri Shawls and would get roasted maize or Cob. This invention made us exquisite Kani Shawls, Trustee, Samvedna, had Jaggery-Walnuts for us. At the happy as game started again. Its showcased as an exhibition at Carpets' by Vidhu Ganjoor and interaction with artisans from outer limit of their field a raised fall-out was that our rackets got the art gallery, courtesy of Sozy Buzz Burza; 'natural dyeing of Kashmir, through 'questions and area could be seen. In the Centre worn out sooner, stopping the by Mujtaba Shah. Pashmina' by Prof. Dr. M.L. answers', pertaining to source of of this natural platform was a big game altogether. However, this The exhibition and book- Gulrajani from IIT, three repre- the exhibition of heritage-Kani apple tree. This year it had borne did not deter us from inventing launch (second edition of 'Kash- sentatives of Rohit Bal, fashion shawls. On the 16th February at good fruit. At the request of new games. mir Shawls and Carpets', written designer and trendsetter on 6.30 pm artisans, experts and the Tailor and Potter Papa had (To be continued) by Vidhu Ganjoor and her hus- 'Kani in modern day fashion guests were entertained by purchased the tree for this (Translated from original band co-author Buzz Burza) apparel', followed by Frank Sozy: The Divine Sufi Music, or- season. They got money and we Hindi by Dr. R.K. Tamiri) were inaugurated on 15th Ames (from New York) on chestrated by Mujtaba Shah. KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 PROFILE 23 Prof. Alexei Sanderson-A Scholar Extraordinary By Kuldeep Raina Major works of Prof. 16) The visualisation of the ashmir Saivism Sanderson include: Deities of the Trika (1990) continues to 1) Atharvavedins in Tantric 17) Saivism and the Tantric K fascinate scholars in Territory: The Angirasa-Kalpa Traditions. In the world's Reli- India and abroad. During the texts of the Oriya Papippaldins gions ed. S.Sutherland, L. past 2-3 decades some of the and their connection with the Houlden, P. Clarke and F. Hardy finest researchers on Kashmir Trika and the Kalikula (2007). (RKP-1990) Saivism have been non- 2) The Date of Sadyoj Yotis 18) Saivism in Kashmir (1987) Kashmiris—Dr. KC Pandey, Dr. and Brahaspati (2007) 19) Trika Saivism (1987) N Rustogi, Dr Mark Dyzchowski, 3) The Saiva Exegesis of 20) Krama Saivism (1987) Prof. Bettina Baumer, Prof. Alexei Kashmir (2007) 21) Krama Saivism (1987) Sanderson etc. 4) Swami Lakshman Joo and 22) Mandala and Agamic Of late, Prof. Alexei His Place in the Kashmirian Identity in the Trika of Kashmir Sanderson's researches have at- Saiva Tradition: In (1986) tracted much attention. His land- Samvidullasah, .ed. by Bettina 23) Review of Paul Eduardo mark study "Purity and Power Muller-Ortega's The Professor Alexei Sanderson with Shaivite Guru Swami among the Brahmans of Kash- Triadic Heart of Siva: Laxman Joo mir" (published in The Cat- Kaula Tantricism in the egory of the Person: Non-Dual Shaivism of enriched by new questions, new practitioners. One has to be able Anthropology, Philosophy, Kashmir (1990) evidence, and a growing to enter into the spirit of their History etc. M.Carrithers, 24) Review of Lilian knowledge of the wider context world, to be with them inti- S.Collins and S.Lukes, Silburn's Sivasutra of the events or thoughts that mately, to see what they are Cambridge University Press Vimarsini of Ksemaraja concern you". saying and why they are saying (1985), pp. 190-216) has (1983) *"The understanding of it, to go beneath the surface of introduced a new dimension in Recent works of Prof. Saivism can only aspire to ob- their texts. There has to be the study of Kashmir Saivism. Sanderson: jectivity if it includes a sincere empathy". In this Prof. Sanderson has 1) Religion and the effort to see how things are in *(The author is Gen. Secy. traced the evolution of saktism State: Initiating the the subjective perception of its Panun Kashmir)

in Kashmir Saivisim. Monarch in Saivism and 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789

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Prof. Sanderson studied the Budhist way of 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Classics (1969) and Sanskrit Mantras. 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789Shivratri in the age of SMS (1971) at Undergraduate level 2) The Saiva Sources of 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 at Balliol College, Oxford. He the Buddhist Yogini 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Professor Alexei Sanderson 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789Shivratri in exile and in the age of SMS has assumed then came to Kashmir (1971 to Tantras. 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789significance in a different context. It has become an 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1977) to study Kashmir Saivism 3) The Saiva Age: An 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789occasion to re-emphasize resolve to preserve Kashmiri 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 with Swami Lakshman Joo, the Baumer and Sarla Kumar, New Explanation of the Rise and 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789language and religious lore. Nature of SMSs Kashmiri 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Delhi, DK Printworld, 2007, pp Dominance of Saivism During 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789Pandits sent to one another on the occasion indicates this: great Guru of Saivism. After six 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 93-126. 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 years he returned to Oxford, the Early Medieval Period. 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789*Lasiv te mojood rooziv taraki kariv—Maj Bhawani deenav joining as Lecturer in Sanskrit 5) The Lakulas: New evi- 4) Saivism and Brahiminism in 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789bod aai. Herat hond chuva poshte. dence of a system intermediate 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 there and also remaining Fellow the Early Medieval Period. 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 of Wolfson College from 1977 between Pancarthika Pasupatism *Quotes on scholarship that 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789*Thuk Thuk Kuschuv? "Ram Bror”.Kyah hyth?? Aan

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 to 1992. From 1992 to the and Agamic Saivism (2006) illustrate Sanderson's academic 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789hyth,Dhan hyth,Sokh hyth. Potra Gash ,Dushmanan Nash. 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 6) Religion and the State 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789‘Hairath Mubarak’. present he has occupied the approach, selected by his stu- 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Chair of Eastern Religions and Saiva officiants in the territory dent and web page designer from 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789*Herat Mubarak Anugreh tu Barkat. 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 of the Brahmanical Royal Chaplai an interview in the book 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Ethics in the same University 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 (2005) 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789*Heyrath mubarak. Aai ta bata ,orzu ta dorkuth,naviv Pholiv and as the holder of that post Mastery: Interviews with 30 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789ta lasiv.Bajah gasiv .Happy Shivratri. became a Fellow of All Souls 7) A commentary on the open- Remarkable People by Joan 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 ing verses of the Tantrasara of 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789*Herath Mubarak.Foliv tu Naviv. College. Evelyn Ames. 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Abhinav Gupta. (2005) 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Prof. Sanderson's field of spe- *"An effective scholar needs 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789*Om. Har Har Mahadev.Om. cialisation is medieval religion 8) The Saiva Religion Among three things: learning the ability 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 the Khymers (2003-2004) 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 in India and Southeast Asia, fo- to see connections and, above 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Herath Mubarak

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 cusing on the history of Saivism, 9) Remarks on the Text of all, (an) intellectual ability to dis- 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789Bhagwan deenav orzu ta Dorkuth, Aai ta bata ,Luktiyan its relations with the state, and Kubjikamatatantra (2002) tinguish". 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789maai, badiyan yazat,dayi sanz Ruzinav Kripa. 10) History through Textual 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 its influence on Buddhism and *"The first rule of work must 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Vaishnavism. Prof. Sanderson is criticism in the study of Saivism, be readiness to examine your 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789*Bel tai madal ven gulab pamposh dastay..Poozai lagas 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 the Pancaratra and the Buddhist positions and to modify or aban- 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789parm Shivas Shivnathas tai …TOHI HERATH Mubarak also engaged in training students 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Yoginitantras (2001) 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789Sariney Saan. at undergraduate, postgraduate don them without delay or em- 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 and post-doctoral levels. No stu- 11) Meaning in Tantric Ritual barrassment as soon as you 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 *Bhagwan Shankar Karin tohanz Sari 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 (1995) 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789manokamnayenpura—Herath mubarak dent of Kashmir Saivism can af- know they are inadequate". 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 12) Vajrayana: origin and 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 ford to miss Prof. Sanderson's *"Intellect is the ability to see 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789*Om Sarva Mangal mangalay works. function (1995) what the crucial issues are, to 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 13) The Sarvastivada and its 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789Shivay Sarwarth Sadikay Scholarship: ask the right questions and then 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 During the past 24 years Prof. critics (1995) to understand the implications 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789Sharnay Trimbkay Gouri Sanderson has published over 14) The doctrine of of the evidence". 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Malinivjayottaratantra (1992) 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1100 pages of articles on Saiva, *"Your perspective on a 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789Narani manasvay

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Vaishnava and Buddhist Tantra 15) Introduction to Basic is- question must always be 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789Shivratri mubarak. in South and Southeast Asia. sues of Saivism (1993) 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 KASHMIR SENTINEL March 2008 24 LETTERSLETTERS OFOF SIRSIR AURELAUREL STEIN-IISTEIN-II C/o The President Corpus of securing photographs to illustrate all could show the mistri the right spot with C/o East India United Service Club Christi College, Oxford ancient sites, ruins etc. for a new edition a suitable rock on which the inscription London S.W. March 17, 1939 On Board The CU NARD R.M.S of my Rajatarangni translations. It has should be cut. There was a rock which My dear Ram Chand, ANDANIA, Jan. 14, 1930 been interesting to revisit all these old Sir Aural always referred to as his indly see Pt. Nityanand soon and My dear Ram Chand, places with which I first became “tomb”, where he would have wished find out whether he has received write this on my voyage back from acquainted from 52 years ago. his ashes to be buried, but of course K that was impossible as he died in Kabul. the payments which I arranged in Oct. Ithe United States when your letters of I hope you are keeping fit and carry Nov. 10, 18 and Dec.14 all duly reached on your tasks without difficulty . If you know this particular rock and it and again in January to be made to him presents a suitable surface for cutting by the Inup. Bank in remuneration of me. The last which you had sent by air Yours Sincerely, mail arrived just before I embarked. --A. Stein the letterings, that would be the most the Sanskrit and Kashmiri translations appropriate site or if unsuitable, a rock I thank you for your full report and all C/o Postmaster Bhawalpore from Don Quixote. Has he seen the nearly could be selected. Jan. 10, 1943 communications I addressed to Pt. good wishes which I heartly return. Now would you, when the time My dear Ram Chand Zadoo on the subject, also as regards I myself have had a successful but come, be kind enough to take the mistri any thanks for your letter of the fair copying of the Sanskrit strenuous time in the United States, up there and show him a suitable spot? where I received a very friendly welcome December 24, received two days translation. M I am having the letterings for the from old and new friends. I had to give a ago and the good wishes it brought me. I I should also be glad to learn from inscription drawn on paper full size and long number of lectures in Boston, am very glad to know that all goes well Nityanand which Pandit he would shall send this to you or to whom you Washington and other places, which with you and your family even though say. When I hear that you can give us recommend for supplying reliable were evidently much appreciated. you are for time separated from them. information to a Dutch Scholar about help asked for. The Executors would pay I am glad that the danger of floods is I myself reached this ground safely by all expences and I feel sure that out of customs, ceremonies etc. mentioned in the first week of December and have now et last realised and proper measures regard for Sir Aurel Stein's memory you the Nilamata. taken to deal with it for the future. since been able to carry on my survey of would gladly do this act of kindness. old site in the desert down to this border I hope you are keeping well and I expect to be very busy in England I should be glad to have your opinion receive due encouragement from those until March when I propose to travel back of Sindh. The most effective help is being on these proposals, by Air mail as early rendered for my work by the authorities under whom you work. With all good to Kashmir eventually via Japan. So my as possible. wishes. hope for return there may be delayed until of the Bahawalpur State. Thanks to the I should also like to hear of your own excellent car supplied by its ruler. 1 have Yours Truely , sometime in May. In any case I wish to well being and your present occupation. been able to cover a great deal of ground find you and all others, who care for me, With kind regards. --Aural Stein with comfort and speed even among the 22 Manor Place Oxford in full health. Yours Sincerely , sand dunes which cover most of the area --Hunderson Tred Andrews 2. 7 - VI - 1939, I long to see the Marg again. Please to be visited. My dear Ram Chand, let Alia and others who served me well; In a few days I hope to proceed via 33, Sydenham Hill, 7th May, 1947 our full letter of April 16th reached have my Salam, when they come to call Karachi, to Lasbela territory, which at your ,home, London S.E. 26 Yme last month, while I was still kept adjoined Makran. Here the Winter has Dear Ram Chand, very busy by exploratory work in the Yours very truely, brought an unusual amount of rain, very --Aural Stein t is proposed that the inscription of deserts of Trans-Jordan. I have Just re- beneficent to this dried land. I hope to Iwhich I attach a copy, should be at turned to England for the Summer and Naples (Italy), regain Kashmir by the beginning of April, Jan 25, 1935 least 24 inches by 16 inches so that it have my hands very full of tasks there if all goes well. should come easily upon a single My dear Ram Chand also as you will understand on the I am very sorry to learn Pandit suitable rock and would not take too was very glad to receive a fortnight results of my long journey. Nityanand’s departure. Wishing you much time to cut. The kind of the letter ago your letter of Dec. 21, with the I am keeping quite fit and enjoyed I good health and satisfactory prospects. to be used is that of the fragment (B) picture of yourself for which I thank you Yours Sincerely my strenuous work in the desert parts. herewith. I shall in the course send you much. I am at present travelling an the --A. Stein But an exacting time is now before me a careful drawing of the letters of the Continent of Europe and can find but 33, SYDENHAM HILL, whole inscription for the guidance of so please do not expect more news from little time for letters. Here in this beautiful London, SE 26. England. I hope if all goes well to regain the mistri, who most copy them exactly. country of Italy there is so much of 14th April, 1947 But first I should be glad If you would Kashmir next spring and shall then be ancient art, remains and interesting ruins Dear Pandit Ram Chand Bali, let me have a complete estimate of the glad to see you again. to be seen. lthough it is several years since I had cost including all charges that I may put With all good wishes for your health I was sorry to learn from your letter Aany news of you, I have often before the Executors for their approval and labours, of the sad condition of Pandit thought of you and wondered what you and sanctions. When this work is fin- Yours Sincerely, Nityanand, the last of my old Kashmir were doing. I visit now in the hope that ished it should be photographed and --A. Stein scholar friends. May it be given to me to this letter may find you. The immediate copies of this prints sent to me to pass C/o Postmaster Srinagar see him in better health, on my, hoped reason for my writing is to ask your kind on to the Executors. 18 - 12- 1939 return to Kashmir towards the close of help in a matter connected with the I appreciate your suggestion that the My dear Ram Chand Bali, May. I also wish that the Winter, which is memory of our mutual friend, the Late Sir rock should be in a sheltered position any thanks for your letter of reported to be so cold all over northern Aurel stein. and the surface to contain the His executors desire to place upon November 30, received today on India may provide Cashmir with enough inscription should be sunk to a depth M snow so as sure plentiful irrigation for Mohind Marg an inscription, recording of say two inches which would give a my way to Srinagar. I was glad to have his use of the Marg as his favourite good news from you. No previous letter the crops of this year. certain amount by additional protection. I propose to return to Oxford and camping place during many years, and it The letters should be cut fairly deep. had reached me ,while in England where is proposed to have an inscription out on As the exact spot selected by Sir Aurel after I completing my task in Iraq and London at the end of next month and shall there be kept very busy with work a suitable rock, stating two facts: for his “tomb’’ can no longer be Trans-Jordan, I passed five busy until may departure by the beginning of The first thing to be done is to find a identified. I think your proposal that a month; May. So you not expect news from me mistri, who can cut the lettering on the suitable rock, as near as possible to his rock and who would be willing to go to I propose to make a tour on the North until later. Please give my kindest good camping ground should be chosen. This the Marg to do it. I had in mind Munshi Western Frontier after staying at wishes to Pt. Nityanand , who will go we must have to you to decide. Srinagar for about two weeks now. My Mohammad Ramzan, who was the You see I am taking full advantage of well to remain at Jammu until the late instructor in building construction in the hope is to return in May for another Spring. your kind offer of assistance and I know summer's work in Mohindmarg. I have Amar Singh Technical Institute during, it will be a pleasure and satisfaction to Wishing you the best, my Principalship of that Institute. Did you kept quite well and had a pleasant Yours Sincerely, you to keep in commemorating this know him and could you get in touch with connectoris of our beloved friend with journey out from England. All good --A. Stein him for you may know of some other the Marg where we often so happily wishes for your health and continued Camp C/o Postmaster, Srinagar competent Mistri who could do the work. satisfactory progress in the State shared his camp, and his company in November 13, 1940, I should be very glad to know your those beautiful surroundings. service. My dear Ram Chand, opinion. Yours Sincerely, am Just now completing my tour in You are the only one now in Kashmir, --Yours Sincerely, --A. Stein IKashmir Valley made for the purpose who knows the Marg well and only you Tred Hunderson Andrews