TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU Excelsiordaily Established 1965 Now, Taliban controls Pakistan Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra Harsha Kakar tion documents. Bodies of killed Pak nationals, chief stated that the Taliban and the TTP are ‘two insecurity. fighting for the Taliban, are received in Pakistan faces of the same coin.’The Taliban is employing The third fear is that the Taliban, unlike the DDC Chairpersons sore mran Khan in an interview with the New York and taken out in processions, draped with Pak the TTPto blackmail Pakistan. It could be this fear nineties, has received global recognition and may Times, stated, ‘Given that the US gave a date national flags. which is directing Pakistan’s behaviour towards not depend on Pak’s instructions as in earlier Iof withdrawal, from then onward, our lever- The Pak air force threatened Afghanistan of the Taliban. times. While its government, even if it captures about ''bureaucratic apathy'' age diminished on the Taliban. And the reason is air strikes in support of the Taliban. Afghanistan Pakistan knows that the Taliban and Haqqani Kabul, may not be globally recognized, however, that the moment the United States gave a date of accuses Pakistan of backing the Taliban, which network control the TTP, which targets the Pak it knows that it has the ears of major powers, main- nce more, Chairpersons of District Development exit, the Taliban basically claimed victory.’ SM Councils are up in arms against the alleged Pakistan denies. The world is aware that Osama army, CPEC and Chinese citizens. In its spare time ly due to its promise of not permitting terrorist Qureshi, Pakistan’s foreign minister, in an inter- Bin Laden was officially sheltered by Pakistan, TTP members operate with the Taliban in groups to operate within. Nations may prefer bureaucratic indifference and non- redressing of O view to an Afghan television channel also made with Imran Khan even describing him as a mar- Afghanistan. The TTP is responsible for maxi- direct interaction with the Taliban, ignoring Pak- their genuine demands. In order to run the District the same comment by stating that Taliban leaders tyr. Pakistan’s Madrassas are factories from where mum civilian casualties, which Pak claims in the istan. Thus, the Taliban could also very well dump Development Councils (DDCs) smoothly, the demand are based in Afghanistan not Pakistan and hence Taliban recruits are churned out. Pakistan’s glob- Global War on Terror. If Pak reduces support to Pak. has been raised for a dedicated Finance Commission Pak’s influence over them has reduced. al standing, already at rock-bottom, would sink the Taliban, the TTPlaunches devastating attacks. The Taliban is unlikely to recognize the Yet the Taliban are globally identified based further, in case Tal- Recent ambushes Durand Line to assuage feelings of Pashtuns on for financial needs of the Panchayat Raj Institutions. In on their residence, as the Quetta or Peshawar Shu- this connection, there can be no two opinions about iban spills beans on The third fear is that the Taliban, on Pak army patrols both sides of the border. Such a step would ra. The Pak army spokesperson, Maj Gen Babar the nature of support resulting in casual- enhance Pakistan’s vulnerabilities. Even current- some problems really being faced by the DDCs in run- Iftikhar, mentioned in a TV interview, ‘Pakistan it receives from unlike the nineties, has received global ties is an indicator of ly, despite all claims of close coordination with ning the Councils properly but sweeping and generalis- has no favourites among the Afghan stakeholders. them. the power of Taliban the Taliban, the Pak army has deployed tens of ing those in respect of all Councils especially regarding The Afghans have to choose their leadership. Pak- A major reason recognition and may not depend and its allies on thousands of soldiers along its Afghan borders to alleged non- cooperative attitude by the administration istan is only a facilitator of the Afghan peace why Pakistan Pak’s western bor- protect it, not from the Afghan army but the Tal- process – not a guarantor.’Pak has always desired on Pak’s instructions as in earlier cannot simply be in place except probably in rare remains on the Grey ders. iban and its allies. a government in Kabul, which is subservient to List is its failure to times. While its government, even if it Taliban can Turkey, which announced its intention of con- cases which needs to be addressed properly. That is it and largely anti-Indian. Hence, till recently it primarily because more emphasis is being laid on act against UN pro- adversely impact tinuing to defend the Kabul airport, even after US preferred the Taliban. With reality sinking in, its scribed terrorist captures Kabul, may not be globally Pak’s economy. and NATO forces leave, has come under flak from strengthening such grass root democratic institutions views are changing. groups and their recognized, however, it knows that it Influx of refugees the Taliban. The Taliban have threatened to attack by the UT Government and if there are specific Pakistan’s interior minister, Sheikh Rashid leaders, including from the deteriorat- Turkish troops. If Turkey withdraws, it would be instances where some bureaucratic steadfastness Ahmed, tore apart all claims of his colleagues, the Taliban. For a has the ears of major powers, mainly ing situation in a sign of weakness, if it continues, its troops could when he mentioned in a TV interview, ‘families proves as a stumbling block in the pursuit of having long time Pak sup- Afghanistan would be targeted. It is bound to approach Pak to push of Afghanistan's Taliban live in this country, ported, funded and due to its promise of not permitting be an economic the Taliban to lift its threats. Time would dictate respective district areas developed properly, why including in the capital city of Islamabad, and should they not be sorted out well in time? trained the Taliban, terrorist groups to operate within. nightmare for Pak- which side would bend, Turkey and Pakistan or sometimes members of the insurgent outfit are including coordinat- istan. In a recent the Taliban. In this connection, any effort and for that matter rais- treated in local hospitals.’ Taliban negotiators, ing its operations statement, Pak- Pakistan nurtured the Taliban as snakes in their ing any genuine demand by the DDCs for better func- based in Doha, visited training camps and hospi- and directing its global outreach. The impression istan’s information minister Fawad Chaudhary backyard. These snakes have now grown so pow- tioning and to being in a position to fulfil the develop- tals treating their injured in Pakistan, while on a projected was that Pakistan held power over the stated that Pakistan would not permit Afghan erful that members of the household are fearful of mental aspirations of the people in respect of their visit to the country early this year. Rashid’s com- Taliban and could influence its outlook. refugees to enter their cities. The refugee move- them. The Pak-Taliban scenario has reversed. ments added credence to Pakistan possessing con- With passage of time the scenario has ment has commenced. It could become a flood as Currently Pakistan’s economy and security of its areas must be properly addressed by the Government. trol over the Taliban. For being more responsive to the public needs and to reversed. The Taliban currently holds the key the situation deteriorates. It can only be reduced western provinces is in the hands of the Taliban Reports emerging from Afghanistan mention along Pak’s western provinces and over its econ- in case the Taliban stems movement from regions and not the reverse. Pakistan has lost the game it be in a position to address their area-wise problems, Pakistani citizens amongst Taliban fighters killed. omy. It is Pakistan which depends on the Taliban within its control. Reversely, the Taliban could commenced. It is the Taliban which is now in the the DDC Chairpersons having sought certain powers Pakistan’s serving army officers have been arrest- for its security. In his interaction with senators, on encourage refugee movement and along with driver’s seat. ed in Afghanistan with their Pak army identifica- to be conferred on them while meeting the Lieutenant the future scenario in Afghanistan, the Pak army them push in members of the TTP to add to Pak’s The author is Major Gen (Retd) Governor in a deputation recently, needed to be con- sidered favourably. Satish Singh Manhas then the commission must con- The main problem which irks most of the DDCs is sider, the nomination provision he recent stand of politi- for them or else denying vast the alleged overlapping of responsibilities which though cal parties, social organi- Delimitation process in J&K majority their rights at the cost of last time, when in early March this year, there were Tzations, NGOs, individu- reservation may lead to social protests by some members in respect of "low " honorar- als and civil society in front of the sole criteria, it may go against ups in papers or some statements randa or even social media. So tricts. So one uniform formula and political unrest. The commis- ium and other matters, the issue had been discussed Delimitation Commission is all Jammu, Udhampur and Srinagar from the political leaders in low the delimitation is nothing less cannot be applied practically to sion must focus on this aspect on about personal concern and agen- etc. So far none seems to have tone. Aam Aadmi from valley is than an uphill task. The Delimi- the whole Jammu and Kashmir. and resolved too. The DDC Chairpersons and Vice equal consideration. Many peo- da projection. Delimitation of offered a viable solution, either watching silently or is not tation Commission must have Like, if in Jammu it has to be pop- ple have suggested one formula Chairpersons had accordingly been given the rank of constituencies is being mixed although everyone has tried to interested in this political and this in mind. The way Delimita- ulation, in Kishtwar it must be the Ministers at par with Mayors in status protocol thus the or the other other for the entire with development, administra- gain over the others. But that will social media mudslinging. tion Commission activated after terrain/area and accessibility to UT but that is not going to work issue of responsibilities should have been not erupting tion et al et al. whereas in actual lead to discrimination and not a Delimitation for what? To all party meet at Delhi seems they administration. Whereas in considering the unique landscape again. However, it is in the fitness of things that the practice delimitation is only for real delimitation which require give justice to those denied or to are in a hurry to finalize. But it is Udhampur and Reasi for Dudu of the UT. So population for Jam- Lieutenant Governor having agreed in principle to be giving political representation to different formulas for different give representation to those to be seen that an acceptable solu- Basantgarh and Bhomag apply mu, Srinagar can increase its areas keeping in view the unique unrepresented or to bring parity tion is the need of the hour or else the same criteria. Even Pargwal personally holding monthly meetings with representa- people on equi basis, which may seats. And area as criteria can be area for some districts and feature of the UT, like it a mix of in administrative and political again the regions will be pitted in Jammu district qualify for the increase seats for Doda, Kishtwar tives of Panchayati Raj Institutions to sort out things population for others. Justified hills, plains, mountains etc. So a sphere. Delimitation sometimes against each other, and that same consideration should allay fears of any type of administrative apathy. and Reasi etc. So overall, the delimitation cannot be based on single formula at all is not going is being confused with develop- disharmony between Jammu and Next confusion in public commission has to adopt differ- Such monthly meetings not only would provide each same single criteria for the whole to work for the entire UT rather ment, although it has no role Kashmir may lead to further dis- mind is about the reservation for ent formulas for different areas side to put forth its viewpoint but pending issues too UT keeping in mind the unique it may be otherwise which almost directly. Some people talk about turbance, may be politically, or which, the commission must see districts wise, the only viable could be sorted out speedily thus lending further nature of the landscape. It must has been done for the Kashmir area as the main criteria to delim- otherwise. Jammu and Kashmir not only population as the crite- solution acceptable to all. strength to these democratically elected institutions to be based on different criteria for region in the previous delimita- it the constituency, others plead has a unique geographical exis- ria but previous representation as Increasing the seats for hilly dis- different districts keeping in tion when it got 46 assembly seats for population; some argue in tence on globe. At some places, well or else it will create a sense tricts like Doda, Kishtwar, Ram- function effectively. mind the nature of its existence. and some of its assembly con- favor of topography geography it has large areas with minimum of injustice. Like in the erstwhile We have highlighted the fact earlier also that the ban and Reasi on the basis of area For example, "Area for the hilly stituencies like Gurez and Kar- etc, others contend administra- population like Dachhan. Paddar Doda district, Ramban and and Jammu and Srinagar on the people have high expectations from the DDCs and their districts and population for the nah got its share even for a petty tive convenience and social and in Kishtwar district, Gurez in Bhaderwah have already been basis of Population can lead to a functionaries. Since it is for the first time such elected plains''. So giving the same for- number 17555 and 32000 votes political cohesiveness. Taking Kashmir etc. At others it has reserved in the past for SC. So workable result. Councils have come up, it is likely that some minor mula for the entire UTis definite- in contrast to Jammu west's more into consideration the geography, small areas like Jammu west and this time some other constituen- Now coming to the census, problems could crop up which though needing resolu- ly going to discriminate some than 1.5 lakh. Even these days' topography, population concen- Srinagar city with huge popula- cy should be given a chance. many people have doubt about districts at the cost of others. Sup- social media is abuzz with their tration, as a unique feature of the tion in Srinagar and Jammu dis- Likewise for ST, who are going the census 2011. In order to clear tion should not prove as hindrances and humps in the pose entire UTis delimited on the opinion. Jammu is leaving no UT, delimitation for Jammu and tricts. At others it has very tough to get the political representation general but effective functioning of the DDCs. If again, the dust, if census is carried out basis of population then Jammu stone unturned to cash the occa- Kashmir is not that easy like any- terrain even unapproachable like fot the first time, courtesy in the UT prior to finalization of demands like better accommodation, better protocol and Srinagar districts are going to sion to highlight the political dis- where in the country. But what Chatroo etc, and others like the removal of article 370/35-A etc Delimitation Commission final and status, personal staff to them, ancillary facilities etc benefit hugely but Doda, Kathua, crimination meted out to it from is the most suitable; and all districts of Jammu and Srinagar and 5th August 2019 reorganiza- report, this can help make a keep the Council heads unnecessarily engaged there- Ramban, Kupware may lose. On the last 70 years. Kashmir is appealing is still not seen in pub- etc which are economically pro- tion act? but if there is no propor- smooth sailing for the Delimita- with, how come focus on developmental activities can the other hand, if area is taken as almost silent barring a few write lic domain or on papers, memo- gressed being the capital dis- tional population of ST's/SC's, tion Commission. take place? More stress on performance and less on expending more energies and time on minor and frivo- lous issues should be the objective of the DDCs. While all the demands raised should be looked into on merits Impact of climate change on mountain economy and ecology by the Government, at the same time, a scenario of projecting of helplessness or a matter of prestige till Prof B. L. Kaul three decades to the climate change and its' reper- ecological impact. Often the problems and reasons have become home for manufacturing chemicals cussions on mountain ecosystem, suggesting need thereof are intertwined, thus making the whole and consumer articles, which seldom enjoys any their getting conceded is unwarranted. A mechanism, ountains cover 24 percent of the Earth's however, needs to be evolved where an air of better for sustainable development policies. development issue very complex in Himalayan geographic advantage of resource nearness, but land surface, host 12 percent of its peo- The current situation of Himalayan ecosystem mountains. The socio-political leadership contin- continues to add to the environmental and socio- coordination between the bureaucracy /other officers Mple and supply fresh water to almost half is very critical and challenging as shown by the ues to steer the development fulfilling the econom- economic problems. and the DDCs' structure could be created to pre-empt of the world's population As sources of water, ener- recent Rishi Ganga- Dhauli Ganga flood fury and ic aspirations of the people in the short term but Even the so-called industrialization in the any chances of misunderstandings. Finances and allo- gy, and agriculture and forest products, and as cen- the Kedarnath tragedy in 2013 which claimed thou- leaves greater challenges of environmental and mountain region has failed to create livelihood for tres of biological and cultural diversity, recreation, cation of funds should not be made any issue and a uni- sands of precious lives. These should serve as long term economic vulnerability of the region and mountain people as the very nature of these indus- and tourism, mountains are important for at least warnings of the severe threat to the very existence other regions dependent on it. tries is different from the skill set. Instead, it has form policy about allocations towards each category of half of the humanity. Despite their resource rich- of the venerated Himalayas affecting lives of mil- The Gross Domestic Product and Per Capita caused in-migration from plains adding more the PRIs should be provided timely. What is all needed ness, mountains have become economically mar- lions of people who live among its valleys crags income focused development plans have led to social challenges. The multipurpose dams created is effective functioning of the PRIs and for that not only ginal lands where poverty is pervasive. The ruth- in the Himalayan regions, to protect the water and the Government, such institutions too need to walk an less exploitation of natural resources in the name energy security of plains, have had huge environ- extra step. of economic development, often from downstream hinterlands have milked the mountainous regions mental and socio-economic impact in the region. of the world to such an extent that now these areas The benefits accrued to local mountain economy, Recruiting agencies are environmentally vulnerable and pose potential from such large projects are yet to crystallize. As danger zones in the wake of climate change. human wants are endless, the economic develop- and selection process Paleologic records indicate that global warm- ment keeps on marginalizing. Powerful though the ing in the past has caused vegetation zones to shift Himalayas are, they are highly fragile and vulner- hy should the recruiting agencies as also the to higher elevations, resulting in the loss of some able to human interference and natural ecological appointing authorities in Jammu and Kashmir species and ecosystems. Simulated scenarios for threat thus calling for an urgent attention. take the process of selection and making temperate-climate mountain sites suggest that con- The economy influences the livelihood in both W positive and negative way, or vice versa so far as appointments in Government services to go all as per tinued warming could have similar consequences. its' impact on environment and ecology is con- their whims instead of following the set rules is a perti- Species and ecosystems with limited climatic ranges could disappear and, in most mountain cerned. The economic development ushered in the nent question. Selection process of the candidates regions, the extent and volume of glaciers and the mountain region although created many new liveli- should normally be done in a reasonable timeframe extent of permafrost and seasonal snow cover will hood opportunities, have moved the people away which should be the norms even in the absence of the be reduced. Along with possible changes in pre- from their traditional livelihoods, thus creating far statutory provisions but despite such provisions being cipitation this would affect soil stability and socio- reaching socio-economic and environmental con- in place coupled with repeated instructions by the economic activities such as agriculture, tourism, sequences. Government, usually inordinate delay for no specific hydropower and logging. Resources for indige- The integrated approach of sustainable devel- nous populations and recreational activities would opment in view of Climate change is possible by reasons is caused in the entire process. If the recruiting also be disrupted. keeping the balance between sustainable economy process is outsourced and delay is caused due to Thus the climate changes along with the and sustainable environment, by way of creating unspecified reasons, blacklisting such an agency would increasing population pressure shall continue to and peaks. large scale industrialization of Himalayan region. and sustaining sustainable livelihoods in the send clear messages of meaning absolute business by have wide-ranging impacts on mountain ecology, Unchecked deforestation, faulty land use prac- Tax benefits, cheaper lands and investment friend- Himalayas. It shall secure a bright future for the the Government and entertaining no alibis. mountain people and on their economy apart from tices, settlement of burgeoning population on ly measures have been the main attractants as the region, its' ecology and people in particular and for Not only is this unwarranted practice of delays creat- creating serious challenges to the economies of the mountain slopes, unregulated construction of type of industry being established are miles away the humanity in general. It shall go on to create a plain areas which depends on the river water and ing enough room for speculations but weakens the lev- roads and encroachments of forest lands for the from the core competence of the region. The cities sustainable mountain society in perfect unison energy. There is increased global attention, in last with human spirit. els of the trust of the aspiring and successful candi- creation of arable lands have caused adverse geo- like Parwanoo, Haridwar, Rudrapur, Jammu etc. dates in the entire system which should be avoided at (The views expressed by the authors are their personal) [email protected] all costs. However, it is not disputed that due to host of reasons like an injunction from a court, constraints of unspecified and unpredictable nature etc some delay Child labour may take place and may disturb other parameters like Sir, Because of this children are forced to leave their school and opt for menial jobs to support their families for their liveli- Aspirations of people the due date or the validity period and a change or an "The best way to make children good is to make them hood. Parents prefer their children to become earning hands Sir, amendment to a rule. In that case, since the delay happy." (Oscar Wilde) The above quoted line by a famous and damn care about their education. They make a living out caused would be due to unavoidable reasons, a relax- poet and author Oscar Wilde is very true, as children are the of their suffering. Child Labour Day aims to shed light on Shortly after the swearing in ceremony of new faces inducted in the cabinet of future of the world. the Central Government, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted with the ation in a rule could be allowed or the fixed timeline the problems of the child labour, highlighting the need to However, in present world there is growing concern following message. “I congratulate all the colleagues who have taken oath today stretched a bit further. However, timely processing of defeat any form of economic exploitation of child. the selection / waiting list or any other list is believed about the children, who instead of being in schools or at play and wish them the very best for their ministerial tenure. We will continue working are being forced to work so that they can survive. Instead of But, it should be borne in mind that mere celebration of to be the general accepted norm which can be altered , to the full aspirations of the people and build a strong and prosperous India". pen to write with and toys to play with they are given tools this day every year cannot help children who are still groan- If the Prime Minister truly wishes to work to fulfill the aspirations of the peo- amended or deferred only under exceptional circum- to work and make a living. This has given birth to a grue- ing under this evil. The aim of this day is to end all those ple with his new brigades, then he inevitably needs to draw his attention to the nec- stances and that too with the permission of the General some social evil called child labour. means which hamper the physical and mental development essary aspirations of the people which have been piling up day by day and they are Administration Department. Moreover, the nature of the The child labour has eaten vitals of our society. The chil- of children. It is our responsibility in particular to work for price hike of petrol and diesel and growing unemployment etc.Thousands of youths assignment being of sensitive nature, it requires not dren are seen as cheap working machines. They are either the end of this evil. Let's pledge to bless their withered bod- are waiting for job creations by the government for a long time. The government ies with passion and make their dead veins flow with blood only complete and irrefutable transparency but speed too young to work or are involved in activities that are haz- needs to sort out the problems of the people with no further delay, if it actually ardous to their physical, mental, social or educational devel- again. as well. Any wilful delay must definitely be account- needs India to be prosperous. opment. Sayar Ahmad Rather M.Muddassir Shaikh ed for. Poverty is indeed the main reason for the child labour. Kulgam (Kashmir) On e-mail