ASHMIR Let Truth Prevail KS entinel JKENG 00333/26/AL/TC/94 JK No: 1213/18 Regd. JK-219/2006 Vol. 11, No: 9 September, 2006 Pages 24 Price Rs. 12/- INSIDE Panun Kashmir Takes Out EDITORIAL ...... Page 3 PERSPECTIVE Anti-Terrorism Rally Kashmir Dispute- The Myth...... Page 4 KS Correspondent IMPRESSIONS JAMMU, Sep 2: Panun Kash- Round Table mir organised a massive "scooter- Conference...... Page 5 cum-car" rally to register their pro- PERSPECTIVE test against continued terrorism Pakistan do a and genocide of the Kashmiri Hin- dus. Accusing the government for civil society & a lack of any concrete policy to fight peace constituency terrorism, the Panun Kashmir exist...... Page 6 leaders demanded a comprehen- MEDIA-SCAN sive policy to deal with the men- *Pakistan Geo-Political ace. Reiterating the demand of Epicenter Of Islamist Homeland, the leaders demanded Jihad...... Page 8 establishment of Separate "Min- *Pak's Double Game..Page 9 istry for Rehabilitation" at the Centre and employment package SPECIAL REPORT to the tone of 20,000 for the com- Evolve Comprehensive munity as immediate confidence Policy To Fight building measures. Dr. Ajay Chrungoo, Chairman Panun Kashmir leading the rallysts in the campaign against Terrorism...... Page 10 Addressing the rally at Press the terrorism. --KS Photo JOURNALISM Club, Panun Kashmir Chairman A Terrorist & 'Innocent'....Pg 11 Dr. Ajay Chrungoo said that the political establishment in the of "Ministry for Rehabilitation" rooted from its origin. Dr Conversation...... Pg 12,13 country lacks 'vision and will' to Cover Story at the Centre to deal with all the Chrungoo asserted. ANALYSIS fight terrorism. He added that issues concerning the displaced Dr. Ajay Chrungoo described Rubiya Kidnapping leaders at the helm of affairs come the Central government and community. "State government creation of Panun Kashmir as & Kandhaar out with statements like "not to Parliament didn't react to the is contributing to the genocide means to reverse the genocide Hijacking...... Page 14 compromise with terrorism" every suggestion of 'Citizens Security of Kashmiri Pandits by denying and the exodus of the commu- now and then but no concrete ac- Bill' by the President even if the them their share in economic nity, PK Chairman, however, ear- DIASPORA nestly appealed the Centre to tion to match the words has re- Parliament was in session,” spheres of the state,” he said. Kashmir Pandit diaspora in delink all the issues related to the sulted in spillover of terrorism to Accusing the state govern- Every effort is being made by Himachal Pradesh...... Page 15 displaced Hindus from the State the whole country. ment to be a party to genocide the communal administrative set government and create a Minis- HISTORY Referring to the President APJ of Kashmiri Hindus, Dr. up to hurt the community even try of Rehabilitation for the Purushyar Abdul Kalam's address to the na- Chrungoo demanded creation after the community being up- same. Massacre...... Page 16 tion on the eve of Independence General Secretary Panun ART Day, Dr Chrungoo said that the Kashmir, Sh. Kuldip Raina de- *Veer Munshi relocates His President has censured the politi- manded an employment package Exile...... Page 18 cal establishment for lack of any for Kashmiri Hindus. Sh. Kuldip national policy to fight terrorism. Raina said that the strength of *Kashmiri Miniature Dr. Chrungoo wondered that the employment in the state services Painting...... Page 19 country which is faced with terror- has been drastically reduced BOOK-REVIEW ism for more than two decades without any further recruitment. Ugly Kashmiri .. Page 20,21 now has yet to frame a policy that At the time of exodus, there were LITERATURE can fight the monster of terrorism. about 14,000 displaced people in It may be recalled that President the state services but the num- A Verse Book which won first Kalam in his address had advo- ber has dropped to less than Sahitya Akademi cated "to transcend individual dif- 4000 while the number of employ- Award...... Page 22 ferences of opinion" for develop- ees in state services has in- Chronology of ing a "national approach" to eradi- Women activists (Daughter of Vitasta) led by Smt. Rajni creased and more than 2 lakh Events...... Page 23 Bhat, (3rd from L) protesting during the rally. -KS Photo cate terrorism.. "It is a concern that (Contd. on Page 7) KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 2

APPEAL THOSE WHO LEFT US Kashmir Sentinel and Panun Kashmir Foundation mourn their sad demise and pray for thepeace to the departed souls 1. Smt. Tara Wati Khah W/o Lt. Sh. Laxmi Nath Khah R/o R/o Sopore Kmr; presently at Kashmiri Colony Nafajgarh, New Delhi. Mattan Kmr. presently at Geeta Bhawan, Muthi Jammu. 15/8/2006. 1/8/2006 35. Smt. Rani Jotshi W/o Sh. Shyam Lal Jotshi, R/o Bul-Bul Lankar Ali 2. Smt. Prana Sopori W/o Sh. Avtar Krishan Sopori, R/o Kadal; presently at 213-C, Pocket-E, G.T.B. Enclave, Dilshad Garden Jamia Qadim Sopore Kmr; presently at New Delhi. 1/8/ Delhi 9. 15/8/2006. 2006. 36. Sh. Pushkar Nath Koul S/o Lt. Maheshwar Nath Koul, R/o Bana 3. Smt. Shyama Tickoo W/o Sh. P.N. Tickoo, R/o 63 A/2, Mohalla, Sgr; presently at Flat No: 11, Aurangabad. 16/8/2006. Roop Nagar, Jammu. 2/8/2006. 37. Smt. Kamla Wati Koul W/o Sh. Prithvi Nath Koul, R/o Nai Sarak Sgr; 4. Smt. Chand Rani W/o Sh. Kashi Nath Rania, R/o presently at H.No: 146, Paloura Doak, Jammu. 16/8/2006. Kulgama Anantnag; presently at H.No: 40, Sharika Vihar 38. Sh. Amar Nath Tickoo S/o Lt. Sh. Shanker Joo Tickoo R/o Shahpora Lower Roop Nagar, Jammu. Ganderbal Sgr; presently at W-536, Govt. Qtrs. Subash Nagar, Jammu. 5. Sh. Dawarika Nath Tickoo, R/o Model Town Panipat 16/8/2006. Haryana. 3/8/2006. 39. Sh. Prithvi Nath Koul S/o Lt. Sh. Neel Kanth Koul, R/o 4-Kani Mohalla 6. Sh. Niranjan Nath Bhat, R/o Kulgam Kmr; presently at Rainawari, Sgr; presently at H.No: 15, Sharika Vihar Roop Nagar, Smt. Pushpa Bali H.No: 26, Lane No: 1, Munshi Chak, Jammu. 3/8/2006. Jammu. 16/8/2006. 7. Sh. Nand Lal Dhar, R/o Lar Ganderbal Sgr; presently at 40. Sh. Shamboo Nath Kothidar S/o Lt. Sambar Chand Kothidar R/o Kani Smt. Pushpa Bali W/ 234, Sec-2, Lane No: 1, Anuradha Puram Upper Barnai Kadal Sgr; presently at H.No: 33-D, Lane No: 2, Durga Nagar, Sec-I, Jammu. 4/8/2006. Jammu. 17/8/2006 o Sh. Bhola Nath Bali 8. Sh. Brij Nath Koul, R/o Khanmoh Pulwama, Kmr; pres- 41. Smt. Prabhawati W/o Lt. Sri Nath Musa, R/o Bungana Mattan Kmr.; resident of Kachu ently at Pinjore Chandigarh. 4/8/2006. presently at H.No: 8, Lane No: 2, Sharda Colony Patoli Brahmana, Jammu. 17/8/2006. Mukam Distt. Baramulla 9. Smt. Laxmi Shori Saraf W/o Lt. Sh. Dnia Nath Saraf R/o Jogilanker Rainawari Sgr; presently at E-113, Amar 42. Sh. Vesh Nath Sadhoo, R/o B-1, Laxmipuram Chinore, Jammu. 17/8/ 2006. presently living at Qtr. Colony, Jammu. 4/8/2006. 43. Sh. Damodhar Koul S/o Lt. Chander Koul, R/o Anantnag Kmr; pres- No: 33, Block-H Phase- 10. Sh. Pran Nath Sumbaly S/o Lt. Pt. Aftab Bhat Sumbaly, ently at Bari Brahmana Jammu. 17/8/2006. R/o Sumbal Kmr; presently at B-133, Shalimar Garden II Muthi Camp is suffer- 44. Radha Krishan Bhat S/o Sh. Tika Lal Bhat, R/o Bandipora, Kmr; pres- Ext. IInd UP. 4/8/2006 ently at Mangal Nagar, Patta Paloura, Jammu. 18/8/2006. ing from a severe 11. Sh. Omkar Nath Koul S/o Lt. Sh. Maheshwar Nath Koul, 45. Sh. Shanta Devi Labroo W/o Sh. Brij Lal Labroo, R/o Bulbul Lanker Ali dieases and needs fi- R/o Bagh Jogi Lanker Rainawari Sgr; presently at Kadal Sgr; presently at 96-A, Lower Laxmi Nagar, Sarwal, Jammu. 19/ nancial assistance. Her Lucknow (UP). 4/8/2006. 8/2006. 12. Smt. Nancy Koul W/o Sh. MK Koul, R/o H.No: 146, Patta husband Sh. Bhola Nath 46. Smt. Bimla Ganjoo W/o Lt. M.N. Ganjoo, R/o Jawahir Nagar, Sgr; pres- Paloura, Jammu. 5/8/2006. ently at 153, Sec-7, Gandhi Dham Khuch Gujrat. 19/8/2006. Jee has already taken fi- 13. Smt. Indrawati Pandita W/o Lt. Sh. Jia Lal Pandita, R/o 47. Smt. Phoola Ji W/o Sh. Shadi Lal Razdan R/o Mattan Anantnag; pres- nancial loan for her treat- Baramulla Kmr; presently at Bakshi Nagar, Jammu. 6/8/ ently at H.No: 12, Sec-B, Dashmesh Nagar, Digiana. 20/8/2006. 2006 ment, but needs more for 48. Smt. Nirmala Braroo W/o Sh. Makhan Lal Braroo, R/o Zaindar Mohalla 14. Shri Shanker Nath Pandita S/o Lt. Sh. Madhav Ram Sgr; presently at Lane No: 3, Puri Kathua. 20/8/2006. the same. Smt. Pushpa Pandita, R/o Vessu Anantnag, Kmr; presently at 1/A, 49. Sh. Chuni Lal Pandita son-in-law of Tara Chand Sadhu, R/o Mattan; Devi is a young women Udheywalla Jammu. 6/8/2006. presently at Qtr. No: 376 Nagrota Camp, Jammu. 21/8/2006. 15. Sh. Amar Nath Dass, R/o Bomai Sopore Kmr; presently and needs a help of 50. Smt. Soomawati Bagati W/o Lt. Sh. Shyam Lal Bagati, R/o Jawahar at H.No: 40, Bank Colony Camp Road, Talab Tillo, Jammu. Nagar, Sgr; presently at Dhagwalgiri Aptts.Noida. 21/8/2006. around Rs 2 lacs at the 6/8/2006. 51. Smt. Jaya Machama W/o Sh. AK Machama, R/o 2/107, Pamposh earliest for immediate 16. Sh. Baskar Nath Pandita S/o Lt. Sh. Resh Dev Pandita, Colony, Janipur, Jammu. 22/8/2006. R/o Katrssoo Kulgam Kmr; presently at Om Nagar 52. Sh. Dwarika Nath Koul S/o Lt. Sh. Ganesh Dass Koul R/o Nai Sarak treatment. Panun Kash- Udheywalla Jammu. 7/8/2006. Sgr; presently at 1/106, Arjun Nagar Janipur, Jammu. 23/8/2006. mir through the columns 17. Sh. T.N. Kou, R/o Kralyar Rainawari Sgr; presently at 53. Smt. Mohini Kachroo W/o Sh. Bal Krishan Koul, R/o H.No: 355 Sec-3, of Kashmir Sentinel H.No: 4, Lane O Anand Nagar Bohri, Jammu. 7/8/2006. Gangyal Jammu. 23/8/2006. 18. Sh. Sita Ram Khera S/o Lt. Sh. Gurmak Das Khera (R/o 54. Smt. Phoola Ji Sopori, R/o Baramulla Kmr; presently at.. 23/8/2006. makes a fervent appeal Tangmarg Kmr; presently at Qtr. No: 847 Purkhoo Camp 55. Sh. Niranjan Nath Pandit S/o Lt. Sh. Tilak Pandit, R/o 3-Matra Chaya to all the baradari mem- Hase-III Jammu. 7/8/2006 Juhu Scheme Mumbai. 24/8/2006. bers and others who re- 19. Smt. Uma Wati Kachroo W/o Lt. Badri Nath Kachroo, R/ 56. Sh. Shyam Lal Dhar S/o Sh. Anand Ram Dhar, R/o Handwara Kmr; o Motiyar Rainawari Sgr; presently at 10-A, Tawi Vihar presently at Qtr. No: 78, Nagrota Camp, Jammu. 24/8/2006 ally respect the human Sidhra Jammu. 7/8/2006. 57. Sh. HN Warikoo R/o Drabiyar Habba Kadal Sgr; presently at 1/9 Vikas life, to please come for- 20. Pt. Pushkar Nath Bhat S/o Lt. Pt. Gwash Lal Bhat R/o Nagar Sarwal Jammu. 24/8/2006. ward and save the pre- Murran Kmr; presetnly at 22 Subash Nagar, Jammu. 8/ 58. Sh. NC Bhan S/o Lt. Prasad Ram Bhan, R/o Sagam Anantnag; pres- 8/2006. ently at H.No: 6, Lane No: 10, Barnai, Jammu. 24/8/2006. cious life of Smt. Pushpa 21. Pt. Janki Nath Koul, R/o Bonogam Tangmarg Kmr; pres- 59. Sh. Triloki Nath Tickoo, R/o Ratnipora Anantnag; presently at 25-C Devi. ently at Q.No: 413, Mishriwalla Camp, Jammu. 8/8/2006. Tawi Vihar Sidhra Jammu. 25/8/2006. Please send in your 22. Sh. Mohan Nath Bhat S/o Lt. Sh. Maheshwar Nath Bhat, 60. Smt. Parmeshwari Jutshi W/o Sh. Vesh Nath Jotshi R/o Bul-Bul Lanker R/o Wadipora Handwara Kmr; presently at Lane No: 8, Ali Kadal Sgr; presently at Ramprest Colony Gaziabad, UP. 25/8/2006 donations to online A/ Surya Vihar Bohri, Jammu. 8/8/2006. 61. Sh. Nand Lal Bhan S/o Lt. Pt. Shri Kanth Bhan, R/o Habba Kadal Sgr; C of her husband Sh. 23. Smt. Raj Dulhari Koul W/o Lt. Dwarika Nath Koul, R/o presently at Bagh-e-Bahu Jammu. 26/8/2006. 62. Smt. Shobawati Nehru W/o Lt. Sh. Shamboo Nath Nehru R/o Rajbagh Bola Ji Bali on A/C No: Jogi Lankar Rainawari Sgr; presently at 4756, Guru Nanak Wara, Amritsar. 9/8/2006. Sgr; presently at 8734-C-8 Vasant Kunj New Delhi. 26/8/2006. 108285713-3 at State 24. Sh. Moti Lal Kak S/o Lt. Pt. S.N. Kak R/o H.No: D-326, 63. Sh. Janki Nath Rania S/o Lt. Sona Ram, R/o Chenigund Verinag Kmr; Bank of India, ADB Ca- Lower Shiv Nagar, Jammu. 10/8/2006. presently at 213/K, Sec-2, Durga Nagar, Jammu. 28/8/2006. 64. Smt. Leelawati Ghasi W/o Lt. Pt. Pem Nath Ghasi R/o Sathu Sgr; nal Road, Jammu 25. Sh. Roshan Lal Dhar S/o Lt. Sh. Shamboo Nath Dhar, R/o Handwara Kmr; presently at Gali No: 79, Camp Road, presently at 649, Sec-A, Pockwet-B Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. 28/8/ Talab Tillo, Jammu. 11/8/2006. 2006. 26. Sh. Nand Lal Sumbli S/o Lt. Vishember Nath Sumbli, R/ 65. Sh. Triloki Nath Fotedar S/o Lt. Sh. Manajoo Fotedar R/o C-267, DDA JKENG 00333/26/AL/TC/94 o Nai Sarak Kakar Road, Sgr; presently at H.No: 93, Lane Flats, Saket New Delhi. 29/8/2006. JK No: 1213/18 No: 3, Kabir Colony, Talab Tillo, Jammu. 11/8/2006. 66. Smt. Rani Jee Gurtoo W/o Sh. Arzan Nath Kurtoo, R/o Channapora, Sgr; presently at 49-H, LIG Flats, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi. 29/8/2006. Regd. JK-219/2005 27. Smt. Janak Rani W/o Sh. Janki Nath Bhat, R/o Janglat 67. Sh. Bushan Lal Tickoo S/o Lt. Sh. Sansar Chand Tickoo, R/o Brah Printer Publisher B.N. Kaul for Mandi Anantnag; presently at A-86, Basant Nagar Anantnag; Kmr; presently at H.No: 10, Near Abhay Hr. Sec. School, and on behalf of Janipur, Jammu. 12/8/2006. Muthi. 29/8/2006. Panun Kashmir Foundation. 28. Smt. Chanda Devi Koul W/o Lt. Sh. R.C. Koul, R/o 68. Pt. Prem Nath Ji Koul, R/o Engineer's Corner Majharmal Crossing Sgr; Editor: SHAILENDRA AIMA Jawahar Nagar Sgr; presently at Lalleshwari Vatika presently at 3, Doordarshan Lane Tali Morh, Jammu. 30/8/2006. Computer Graphic: Faridabad. 69. Sh. Avtar Krishan Pandita S/o Lt. Pt. Prem Nath Pandita, R/o S.K. Babbu 29. Sh. J.L. Koul, R/o 34 JK Colony Phase-III Paloura Top. Ganeshpora Pahalgam, Kmr; presently at 707, Vinayak Nagar Sec-III Printed at : The Kashmir Times 30. Sh. Maharaj Krishen Koul S/o Lt. Sh. Amar Nath Koul, Muthi, Jammu. 30/8/2006. Press, Gangyal, Jammu R/o Karan Nagar, Sgr; presently at 42-Mahinder Nagar, 70. Smt. Raj Laxmi Ganjoo W/o Lt. Sh. PN Ganjoo, R/o 82-Sathu Barbar Owned by: Jammu. 14/8/2006 Shah Sgr; presently at 26, Durga Nagar, Jammu. 30/8/2006. PANUN KASHMIR 31. Smt. Kishni Khosa W/o Sh. Shama Lal Khosa, R/o Panj 71. Smt. Sheela Ji W/o Lt. LN Pandita, R/o Vessu Anantnag. 30/8/2006. FOUNDATION Bakhtar Road, Jammu; presently at E-44, Sec-39, Noida, 72. Smt. Rita Tutoo W/o Brij Lal Tutoo R/o Laxmipuram Chinore, Jammu. Published from PANUN KASH- UP. 14/8/2006. 31/8/2006 MIR FOUNDATION, 149 Ram 32. Sh. Tara Chand Dhar S/o Lt. Sh. Hari Ram Dhar, R/o 73. Sh. Jawahar Lal Zutshi S/o Lt. Sh. Pt. Madhusudan Zutshi, R/o Akingam Anantnag; presently at 727 Bagwati Nagar, Vihar, Old Janipur, Jammu- Dhobiwan Tangmarg Kmr; presently at 141-D, Durga Nagar, Sec-1, Jammu. 14/8/2006. 180007 (INDIA) Jammu. 31/8/2006 33. Sh. Janki Nath Raina, R/o Jawahar Nagar Sgr; presently Tele/Fax: 0191-2538537 74. Sh. Mohan Lal Koul S/o Lt. Sh. Sona Koul, R/o Utterso Anantnag; at H.No: 5, Tomal Bohri, Jammu. 14/8/2006. presently at H.No: 572 Lane No: 5, Suryavansh Nagar, Muthi Jammu. 34. Sh. Hardey Nath Razdan S/o Sh. Madhav Ram Razdan, 31/8/2006. KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 3

EDITORIAL LETTERS Ignore history of Mongolia. According to world re- Hurriyat nowned scholar E.H. Carr Internal Security Sir, history is a continuous dia- Roundtable conferences logue between the past and to achieve consensus on the present which has been N his inaugural address to the recent Chiefs counter inform the public. A press that plays equivocal Kashmir problems between accepted practically by all Ministers conference on internal security is between national interests and the enemies of the na- various shades of political the historians world over. sues, the Prime Minister waxed eloquent on tion is not an objective press but a sick press. opinion are good, rather Therefore, an objective and I best; but Prime Minister's updated understanding of the major threats confronting the nation. He said There is also need to counter the propaganda resorted exclusive bilateral talk to history would naturally not that the vital installations like nuclear establish- to by certain NGOs and, Human Rights groups and trace Hurriyat leaders, the self ignore the new inputs avail- ments, besides economic and religious places out their motivations. . Pankaj Mishra ,a well-known styled representatives of able to historians obtained faced grave threat from ‘fidayeen’. He added writer, in his newly released book describes Kashmiri Kashmir is blunder, like through either the traditional that the existence of ‘decentralized micro ter- terrorists as ‘Muslim guerillas’ and Indian security forces Gandhi's 9th September means like excavations and rorist outfits’ in various urban centres of the as ‘marauders who were indulging in mindless killings 1944 talk with self styled deep analysis of the ancient country was a serious matter. of the innocent Kashmiris to suppress militancy’. What exclusive representative of Sanskrit texts and other rel- Ahead of the conclave the report released have we done to counter this disinformation? Indian Muslims viz. evant matter available on by the Centre presented a grim picture by ad- During the past 17 years the Govt. has virtually done Mohammad Ali Jinnah; the subject on the one hand mitting that cross border terrorism had spread nothing to enlist the public support to counter which decimated national- and using the advanced to the hinterland and infiltration, in compari- terrorism.Infact there are instances where some ruling ist Muslim leaders like technology and scientific son to the same period last year, had trebled. party politicians have made attempts to negate the role Maulana Azad and Frontier methods to explore the hid- The agenda paper pointed to the rise in gre- of VDCs , Displaced Kashmiri Hindus, and other vic- Gandhi's (Khan Abdul den truth on the other before nade attacks in Kashmir, increase in the num- tims of terrorism. How can public function as counter Guffar Khan) hold on In- coming to any final conclu- ber of causalities in Naxalite violence and no insurgency wardens when they view how a section of dian Muslims. Conse- sion. quently, even the dis- Moreover there is a lo- respite in insurgency in North-East. Muslim society which fought valiantly against terror- illusioned followers of cality known as Mongol Addressing the security challenges, the ism in Kashmir stands abandoned while subversive poli- ticians continue to make hay and receive state legiti- Frontier Gandhi, who ear- Puri in Delhi, where Prime Minister outlined two new strategies vis- lier gave him 95 percent Mongols used to live once. à-vis the role of the public and the media. He macy? Terrorism has genocidal implications for religious legislatures; voted enmasse It gives a clear hint that at said the public needed to be sensitized in be- for Pakistan during plebi- some point of time in his- coming an ally in fighting the war against ter- minorities. Instead of receiving humane treatment from the state these victims of terrorism have been neglected scite. Will not Prime tory Mongols came to Delhi rorism. He desired to make it function as Minister’s short-sighted via Kashmir. Denis Healey and thrown in to the economic and political junkyard. ‘Counterinsurgency Warden’. About the me- action undermine the has very rightly said that. “It With every act of state apathy, terrorist regimes get dia ,Prime Minster ManMohan Singh said there present duly elected state is very easy to be brilliant if emboldened, while the victims stand permanently alien- was need to co-opt the media and getting it to government? History al- you are not bothered about ated. play a more positive role . In particular, he asked ways repeats itself, if ig- being right." Another crucial element in winning public support the Chief Ministers of J&K and North-East to nored. --Dr. B.N.Sharga is the image of the govt. in public about its capacity and be “specially sensitive to the nuances of each During Second World Manohar Niwas, sincerity in countering security threats. There is a gen- situation.” War Winston Churchill's Lucknow eral felling that the UPA govt. is playing soft on issues Prime Minister’s observations on the role treacherous rhetoric that so DN Kalla of national security. Its pronouncements on socially di- far he is Prime Minister, of media and the public assume significance in Sir, visive issues, repeal of POTA, soft-pedaling such sub- British Empire will con- view of negative role played by a section of Please refer the articles versive outfits e.g. SIMI,Ahli-Hadith etc. reinforce this tinue as before; against media and Govt.’s own laxity in not enlisting on Rainawari published in image. Every day the media unravels the links between "Crimea Conference decla- the July issue of Kashmir the support of the public. A section of the me- a section of influential politicians and the terror outfits. ration of freedom for all Sentinel. We feel nostalgic dia, including the national press, has over the slave countries world over What has been done to book these politicians and debar as well as reminiscent, as past seventeen years, played a sinister role in after the war; was totally them from the political power? these write-ups have re- pandering to the terrorists, and external and ignored by JV Stalin of Umpteen times the govt. has declared zero-level tol- minded me of our Kashmiri internal enemies of the nation. USSR, and President erance policy against terrorism. What has been the back- friend, Sri DN Kalla and his We need to ponder why a well-known me- Roosevelt of USA, which up strategy to implement it? How does the govt.’s role elder son, Shiban Krishn dia personality, who openly attacks Indian sov- brought quick victory. during the Rubiya Sayeed kidnapping and the Kandhar Kalla who used to reside at ereignty over Kashmir, consistently denigrates Likewise, need of the hour hijacking fit in it?We have also been claiming that In- in Bagh Jogi Lanker area is to ignore Hurriyat's rheto- Indian security forces battling terrorists and dia will not talk to Pakistan unless and until it stops situated in Rainawari. We ric, in order to deprive them hails India’s declared enemies as messiahs, is cross border terrorism. In practice we have been violat- have failed to establish any of misled peoples support, darling of many leading Indian newspapers. ing this policy. type of contact with them if any. There are countless instances which can be Lastly, how will we be taken seriously at the global since 1990. We tried our --Pran Salhotra quoted to show how a section of media is work- best and are still trying to level with such a low rate of conviction of terrorists? It Hoshiyarpur, Punjab ing against the interests of the country. Arun is not possible to counter terrorism without upgrading locate them and know about Shourie, a former editor and a senior minister the legal system and administrative instruments of fight- History writing their welfare but in vain. in the NDA Govt., is on record having said that ing subversion. President Kalam also raised this issue needs new We have not forgotten Riaz Khokhar was virtually running four na- recently in Srinagar. the Kalla family as its tional newspapers in Delhi during his stint as The Prime minister in his address observed that while inputs memory is still quite fresh Pakistan’s High Commissioner in New Delhi. countering terrorism we need to be careful and desist Sir, in our minds. We have pre- When we talk of co-opting media in the war from tarnishing the image of the entire community. It This is with reference to served some letters of the against terrorism, the Govt. needs to talk tough goes without saying that all communities irrespective the letter of Bilhan Kaul in Kalla family as we contin- the June 2006 issue of the ued our correspondence for to the editors and the press barons that the govt. of their religion, caste, and ethnicity, are national as- Kashmir Sentinel, which many years. would not countenance any compromise on sets. But then doesn’t more responsibility revolves on was a rejoinder to the We will be highly playing soft on issues of terrorism and sover- the particular community to isolate those individuals writeup of M.M. Munshi obliged to any reader of the eignty and integrity of the country. A less vigi- and leaders who are bringing bad name to the commu- published earlier under the Kashmir Sentinel who can lant public has allowed these motivated media nity by ganging up with the forces of subversion? Aren’t caption "Distortion of His- give information regarding men to go scot free without any censure. The we walking into the trap when we attribute ‘imagined tory". whereabouts of the Kalla matter also needs to be taken up with the Press victimhood’ and ‘manufactured rage’ to “legitimate Actually, it seems that family. --KD Tiwari Council .The Govt. needs to tone up its infor- grievances’ and not to Pan Islamism and conspiracies M.M. Munshi has no idea 21, Mig-1, Barra-7, mation wing to expose disinformation and hatched across the border by Pakistan? about the history about the Kanpur-20802 KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 PERSPECTIVE 4 Kashmir Dispute- The Myth

By Dr. M.K. Teng Muslim ruled States, but they dith- dom which drew its sanction from the partition of India. But its com- refused to countenance the Mus- either the composition of ered when the time to act and unite the precept and precedent of reli- mitment to refer the accession of lim demand for a separate Mus- the population of the the States with India arrived. In- gion. the State, accomplished by Hari lim State of Jammu and Kashmir, NPrincely States nor the stead of taking active measures to The Muslim League followed Singh to its people was a tacit rec- which did not form a part of In- self-determination of their peoples bring about the unification of the a meticulously designed plan to ognition of the right to a separate dia. The Interim Government was was recognised by the British, the States with India, they resorted to use the Muslim rulers of several freedom, which underlined the de- dismissed and the National Con- Muslim League and the Indian subterfuge.. major Princely States, situated mand for Pakistan. ference broke up. National Congress, as the deter- The Indian leaders turned to deep inside the Indian mainland Another ten months after the Pakistan, the Muslim separat- mining factor of the future dispo- Mountbatten and not the people to bring about the fragmentation August resolution of the Security ist and pro-Pakistan Muslim sition for the states in respect of of the States to bring about their of India. The Indian leaders Council was adopted the Indian flanks joined by a large section of their accession. integration with India. walked into the trap when they Government took a fateful step the leaders and cadres of the Na- After the 3 June Declaration, Mountbatten steered the States tried to balance the accession the and formally recognised the right tional Conference, called for a envisaging the partition of the Department to accept a balance Muslim majority state of Jammu the Muslims for Jammu and Kash- plebiscite in the State, which en- British India, Nehru demanded the between the Muslim ruled States and Kashmir with the accession of mir to a separate freedom, when abled the Muslims to exercise their right of the people of the Princely and the Muslim majority States. the Hindu majority States ruled by in May 1949, it agreed to exclude right of self-determination. They States to determine their disposi- The largest of the Muslim ruled the Muslim Nawabs like Bhopal, Jammu and Kashmir from the con- claimed that they had acquired in tion in respect of their accession States were deep inside the Indian Hyderabad and Junagarh. The stitutional organisation of India. consequence of the partition of In- Mohammad Ali Jinnah rejected mainland. Neither Gandhi nor strategy to refer the issue of the In November 1949, the Constitu- dia and which India, Pakistan as Nehru's demand as an attempt to Nehru objected to the course, the accession to the people of these ent Assembly of India incorpo- well as the United Nations had ex- thwart the process of the partition. Indian States Department fol- States tantamounted to the accep- rated provisions in the Constitu- plicitly recognised. Shortly, before the transfer of lowed. tance of the Muslim claim to a tion of India which left out the The Muslim separatist move- power, the Governor General of The Viceroy did not forgive separate freedom, the Two-Nation State from the constitutional struc- ment led by the Plebiscite Front, India, Lord Mountbatten advised Hari Snigh for having disregarded theory envisaged. The Indian pro- ture which it had evolved for the committed itself to an ideological the Princess to keep in consider- his advice to come to terms with posals to Pakistan to refer the ac- Dominion as well as the Princely framework which was based upon ation the geography and the com- Pakistan. He refused stubbornly to cession of Junagarh with that Do- States which had acceded to In- the distortions of the history of the position of the population of the deal with Jammu and Kashmir in- minion, accomplished by the ruler dia and after years of labour. The partition of India. The ideological States in reaching a decision on dependent of the Muslim States of the State on the eve of the trans- special provisions for the State, commitments of the Plebiscite their accession. Mountbatten pro- and in the long run did more harm fer of power, was a tame recogni- embodied in the Constitution of Front underlined : (a) that the right posed to the Muslim League as to Jammu and Kashmir than any- tion of the Muslim claim to a sepa- India, stipulated the application of of the Muslims to a separate free- well as the Congress to accept the body else in India did. He was the rate freedom. When Pakistan only Article if the Constitution of dom enmated from the partition of principles of the partition–geo- main proponent of the policy of made a counter-proposal to hold India to the State. A blanket limi- India and the creation of the Mus- graphical contiguity and the com- isolation, the Indian leaders fol- a plebiscite in all the three States, tation was imposed upon the ap- lim homeland of Pakistan; (b) that position of the population as the lowed towards Jammu and Kash- the Government of India was sud- plication of the rest of the provi- the right of the Muslims to a sepa- criteria of their accession. While mir. The way Mountbatten acted denly faced with a catastrophic sions of the Constitution of India rate freedom transcended the ac- the Congress leaders indicated as the Governor General of India choice. It promptly rejected the to the State. The Union Govern- cession of the State to India, their inclination to accept the pro- till 15 August 1947, and the way proposals made by Pakistan. ment was empowered to exercise brought about by the ruler of the posals, the Muslim League lead- he acted as the Governor General The Indian Government, for powers listed in the Central list of State; and (c) that as a conse- ership reacted sharply against the of the Indian Dominion after 15 unknown reasons, separated its the Seventh Schedule of the India quence of the partition of India, proposals and characterised them August 1947, left wide space open offer to refer the accession of the Constitution only in respect of the Muslims, constituting the ma- as an attempt to interfere with the for Pakistan to claim a separate State to its people i.e. the Muslims defence, foreign affairs and com- jority of the population of the rights of the Princes to determine freedom for the Muslim of Jammu for their endorsement. Why did munications which corresponded State, had acquired an irreversible the future of the States. At that and Kashmir on the basis of the not the Indian Government pro- with the powers delegated by the right to exercise their option to time the Muslim League was Muslim majority character of its pose to refer the accession of State to the Dominion Govern- join the Muslim State of Pakistan. deeply involved in shadowy ma- population. Not many months af- Bhopal and Trancore to the Do- ment by virtue of the Instrument In 1990, the Muslim Jehad ini- neuvers to support the Muslim ter the Security Council adopted minion of India, to the people of of Accession. tiated by Pakistan and the Mus- rulers of several major States to its first resolution on Jammu and the two States? The rulers of both The Interim Government of the lim separatist forces in the State, remain out of India and align with Kashmir in August 1948, the Mus- the States were opposed to join State, constituted by the National claimed their aims to be the unifi- Pakistan. It has been pointed out lims laid claim to a separate free- India and their people took to the Conference insisted upon the right cation of Jammu and Kashmir in an earlier part of this paper that dom for them on the basis of the streets and forced them to accede to frame a separate constitution for with Pakistan on the basis of the Pakistan invoked the partition to Muslim majority character of the to India. Hardly ten months after the State, which fulfilled the as- Muslim majority character of its legitimize its claim to Jammu and population. the accession of the Jammu and pirations of the Muslims who con- population to complete the agenda Kashmir on the basis of the Mus- The Government of India and Kashmir while the Indian armies stituted a majority of its popula- of the partition of India. The Jehad lim majority character of its popu- the Indian political leadership were still fighting to drive out the tion. The Interim Government ar- claimed that Muslims of the State, lation after the last two Muslim failed to rebut the claim made by invading forces, United Nations rogated to itself unrestricted pow- as the Muslims elsewhere in In- ruled States of Junagarh and Pakistan and the Muslims in foisted a resolution on India which ers and ruled the State by decree dia, had acquired a right to a sepa- Hyderabad were integrated with Jammu and Kashmir that the state envisaged a plebiscite to deter- and ordinance. Within six years of rate freedom which the Muslim India. was on the agenda of the partition mine its final disposition in re- its tenure, it completed the task of struggle for Pakistan had secured There is enough historical evi- of India. Not only that, the Gov- spect of its accession. The resolu- the Muslimisation of the State by the Muslim nation of India. dence available, which reveals ernment of India and the Indian tion of the Security Council, vir- enforcing the precedence of Islam The Indian Government and that in persuading the Congress political leadership failed to refute tually underlined the repudiation and the Muslim majority in its so- the Indian political class must leaders to accept the partition the the claim made by the Muslims of of the accession of the State to cial, economic and political realise that the Muslims of the British assured the Congress lead- the state to a separate freedom, India and opened the option for organisation. In 1953, the Interim State did not acquire any right to ers that after the Muslim majority different from the freedom that the the Muslims of the State to exer- Government claimed a separate separate freedom from the parti- provinces and regions were sepa- Indian people were ensured by the cise their choice to join Pakistan. freedom for the Muslim ‘nation’ tion of India, which brought Pa- rated to form the Muslim home- Constitution of India—a separate The Security Council Resolution of Kashmir. The Indian leaders kistan into being and any attempts land of Pakistan, the unity of the freedom which was determined by was the first step in the process of had conceded to the Muslims the to arrive at a compromise with the rest of India, including the states the theological imperatives of Is- the internationalization of the right to constitute a Muslim State Muslim separatists forces will lead would be preserved and not im- lam. The Indian leaders over- claim of the Muslims of the State of Jammu and Kashmir on the ter- straight to a second partition of paired any further. looked the fact that the conflict to a separate freedom. The Gov- ritories of India. Confronted by the India. The Muslim claim to a sepa- The Indian leaders rejected the which led to the partition of India ernment of India cried hoarse that demand for a Muslim State out- rate freedom on the basis of reli- claim Pakistan made to the Mus- was rooted in the claim the Indian it had rejected the Two-Nation side the territories of India, the In- gious is a negation of the unity of lim majority States as well as the Muslims made to a separate free- Theory inspite of having accepted dian leaders were flustered. They India. KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 IMPRESSIONS 5 Two Round Table Conferences-Impressions-II The Banner at the Conference By Dr. Ajay Chrungoo "I hope this time the government Kashmir, but the prime force to reference to it in his speech. 'I fers from a psychological trauma. he most conspicuous will not allow the absence of guide the discourse to uphold am in total disagreement with Can India trust us?...The provi- thing in the beautiful separatist leadership to become the national interests. The Mufti Sayeed on this issue. For sions which give power to cen- T conference room over- the gloom of this Round Table speech however had two short us demilitarization is totally tre to dismiss should be looked looking the majestic Dal Lake Conference as well.” “Not at all” comings. It ignored the reality of irrelevant...I make appeal to into. was the banner hanging behind he said and he actually meant it. terrorism and the issue of Mufti Sahib on the issue of de- And towards the conclusion the dias. Made of cloth which He conducted the proceedings religious cleansing of Hindus in militarization. Kindly drop this he contradicted himself. was not even properly ironed, in a far better way. He assured the state. These issues were ig- concept of demilitarization". .“security of nation is the secu- the contents 'Second Round the distinguished gathering that nored by BJP led NDA as well. Mufti also wanted Govt. of India rity of the people...and security Table Conference,’ were put all the participants will be UPA Govt. with the type of to help the family members of of people is the security of the quite unaesthetically. For a con- allowed to speak without any constituents it has could have terrorists killed by security forces nation...If there is threat to secu- ference in which top leadership time limitation. "We have kept sprung a surprise if these issues in the name of winning them rity of India then Centre can in- of the country and the state and two days for this conference pri- were addressed with the impor- back. A perversion of anti- tervene". The discomfort on the senior most bureaucrats were to marily to allow everybody to tance they deserved. terrorism perspective which he faces of Mufti Mohammad participate and discuss the speak whole heartedly.” He kept The deliberations that ensued has internalised as PDP vision Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti Kashmir issue, the quality of the his promise and there was no were interesting in the sense that and which was put to practice in was manifest while he made banners in an age of digital and chaos and lack of interest while it brought out the areas of agree- the name of 'healing touch these observations. In may be screen printing, had a story to the conference proceeded. ment and difference between the policy'. Or was it one more way realy interesting to explore tell. One could only read disin- It would be difficult to imag- National Conference and PDP to to subvert the national policy to whether these observations had terest or perhaps disinclination ine what would have been the the fore in a fair measure. The eradicate terrorism. anything to do for the decision of the local organisers in the con- tone, tenor and content of Prime local Congress leaders also ar- There was a comical brawl of PDP to remove him from the ference. There were also no writ- Minister's inaugural address if a ticulated views which reflected between Farooq Abdullah and council of ministers and as the ing pads, pens or pencils which section of Hurriat Conference both the regional preferences as Mehbooba Mufti which deputy chief minister. All these things not with- is customary courtsey for any would have participated. Not- well as strains to appear not to prompted laughter all around and standing one thing was very conference. The organisers per- withstanding this apprehension, be differing with the regional set the tone for NC to further elu- clear. While PDP and NC made haps did not expect serious de- Prime Minister's inaugural ad- parties for the fear of annoying cidate its differences with PDP. their presentations in the Round liberations which might require dress was crisp and aimed at set- them. Farooq while speaking said that Table Conference, is both the re- penning down of notes by the ting up the agenda for delibera- Farooq Abdullah in his flam- he will be the last person to wave gional parties support the rever- participants. tions. "Friends, I propose that in boyant and self righteous style a green handkerchief or flaunt a sal of the constitutional relation- IInd Round Table Conference today's Round Table Confer- delineated the difference be- piece of Pakistani rock salt in his ship of the Jammu and Kashmir was conducted in an atmosphere ence, we focus our discussions tween NC's position on greater hand to get votes in Kashmir. It state with the Centre. Both want of utter insecurity. The fidayeen on the following :- autonomy and that of PDP. was a indirect insinuation about that only the subjects enunci- attack on the Congress rally in First what are those political “Main Uss Kashmir Ko how Mehbooba Mufti had con- ated in the instrument of Srinagar had a grim message to institutions and arrangements Kashmir Nahi ducted her election campaign. To accession should form the basis communicate. The attacks on which can strengthen the rela- Maanta...Tumahara Kashmir this Ms Mufti retorted that at of the special status of Jammu tourists only underlined that lo- tionship between the State and Tumhare Paas Hai--Hamaara least she did not go to Pakistan and Kashmir. When Mufti said cal entrepreneurs of violence the Centre? We can focus on, Kashmir Hamaare Pass Hai”... and apologise in front of Gen- that he wants two systems and wouldn't mind disrupting tourist among others, security of the I don't consider that Kashmir eral Musharraf. The reference one country he was articulating flow to Valley if it was sending people, human rights and good (across LoC) as Kashmir...Let was to Omar Abdullah's trip to the NC political line in its true wrong signals of return of nor- governance. you keep your Kashmir and we Pakistan. Omar Abdullah's Second, how can the differ- have our Kashmir”. His concept presentation delved mainly on essence. NC always advocated malcy. Most significant was the a line where it wanted Jammu and hartal call given and the civil ent regions in this state, while of greater autonomy perhaps un- this issue.Omar clearified that he recognising their distinct identi- derlined the area on this side of had only apologised for certain Kashmir to exist on the territory curfew observed. The separatist of India but outside the leaders who might have had sec- ties be brought closer to each LoC. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed mistakes done by his grandfa- other? elucidated the PDP perspective ther but he never apologised for constitutional organisation of ond thoughts about boycotting India. This vision explicitly the conference were presented a Third what is the economic where he visualized greater au- accession which is final. He also future of the state? tonomy to both sides of LoC in elucidated that other parts of his advocated by the so-called mod- fait accompli--Toe the line or get erate Muslim leadership wants a exposed. All of them hurriedly Fourth, what are those steps Jammu and Kashmir. 'We want presentation were not publicized that are needed to restore public one country and two systems.' in a balanced way here. He said secular state of India to co-exist supported the boycott call. with a de-facto or dejure Muslim Civil curfew was total. It was self-confidence. Each region of The two additional aspects that he had squarely blamed Pa- Jammu and Kashmir has a dis- which delineated PDP's view kistan for not allowing the plebi- state of Jammu and Kashmir. glimpse of the stranglehold of The differences between NC Islamic terrorism on Muslim so- tinct identity. How can these be from that of NC and Congress scite to be held in Jammu and strengthened so that they can was its unflinching and Kashmir. "They never withdrew and PDP and within PDP got cial milieu. Message was clear. some exposure in IInd Round Command structures of public blossom? How can we unequivocal advocacy of demili- their forces from the state which harmonise relations between tarization. Mehbooba Mufti said was a precondition for holding Table Conference. But the most mobilization lay elsewhere. Sepa- ardent advocacy of Musharraf them? in support of the reduction of of plebiscite". He also said un- ratist leaders on whom GoI is line in this conference was not And finally, what are those troops in the state, “Yeh Koi ambiguously 'Sheikh Abdullah spending time and resources only done by PDP. CPIM too institutional arrangements which Anhoni Baat Nahi Hai, Yeh belonged to Union of India.'. stood redundant. The separat- joined the campaign to make it a can bring people from both sides Jammu Kashmir Ke Logoan Ke Internal dilemma and contra- ist leaders are not even masks. duet. Mohd. Yousuf Tarigami of LoC closer to each other". Dilon Ki Baat Hai”. The flavour dictions of the PDP line was However pleasant thing CPI(M) leader of the state went The speech had tried to take of this advocacy was as if Indian brought out clearly during about the conference was that overboard to criticise GOI for not care of the pitfalls of the agenda security forces were an occupa- Muzaffar Beg's presentation. this time the chief minister who properly engaging Musharraf for which was set up by government tion force and reduction of Certain comments he made were was also the host of the his self rule proposals. 'We in the previous conference. It at peoples' alienation was linked to in stark contrast to his presenta- conference received the partici- should have a flexible concept of least reflected that Government their presence. In fact PDP expo- tion in 1st Round Table Confer- pants with warmth. He did not sovereignty," he said. of India was not merely an arbi- sitions on the subject became so ence "ultimate goal is not to dis- appear gloomy because of the *The writer is the Chairman boycott of the Hurriat. This au- trator between pro-India and embrassing that Prof. Saif-ud-Din integrate but of Panun Kashmir thor told him in the reception hall, anti-India views on Jammu and Soz had to make specific integrate....Kashmiri Muslim suf- --To be continued KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 PERSPECTIVE 6

By Dr. Subhash Kapila rhetoric, has a genuine and abiding invest- Introductory Observations ment in a peace process with India. It does not exist. N India there does undoubtedly exist PAKISTAN:PAKISTAN: Western interpretations of the truthful- a sizeable ‘civil society’ which is a ness of intentions of Pakistan’s govern- product of its politically liberalized I ing military establishment for peace with society, democratic institutions and a gen- DO A ‘CIVIL SOCIETY’ AND A India are politically motivated to serve eral level of religious tolerance in a tra- their own strategic interests. They can- ditionally historic multi-racial society. It not be taken as ‘givens’ in India’s policy also emerges from a well educated middle ‘PEACE CONSTITUENCY’ EXIST? formulations. class and an enlarging one fuelled by its Secondly, having conceded that a size- high rate of economic growth. Credit also society and peace constituency in strongly reacted to any signs of Pakistan. This can only come about emergence of ‘civilian supremacy’ able number of Pakistani average citizens needs to be given in this regard to the aspire for peace with India, however, does with such groups pressing strongly in Pakistan’s governance. growth of political liberal institutions es- not obliterate the reality that this aspira- for restoration of democracy in Pa- A Pakistani intellectual Iftikhar H. Malik tablished during the British rule and fur- tion of such Pakistani citizens is not kistan. in a work on ‘State and Civil Soci- ther nurtured in the last 60 years of inde- ‘translatable’ to a determining political However, this author prefaced his par- ety in Pakistan’, makes the follow- pendent India. force to impel the Pakistani governing es- ticipation in the Pakistani GEO TV show ing observations: There is also a sizeable ‘peace con- tablishment to forge a viable peace with with the remarks that India at large today • The Pakistani State has successfully stituency’ in India, spurred more by po- India. expected that the ‘civil society’ and the refurbished itself at the expense of litical idealism than political realism that Hence, it is a mistaken notion for the advocates peace with Pakistan. Both ‘peace constituency’ in Pakistan would vital civil institutions – Constitution, Indian Government and the Indian taken together are then flaunted as icons come out with strong and vocal condem- pluralism, political parties, indepen- media to constantly flaunt that a size- by India’s political parties and the intel- nations of the Mumbai 7/11 bombings dent judiciary, free press and activ- able peace constituency exists in Paki- ligentsia (including the media) to rein- (whose trails led to Pakistan's ISI and its ist groups. stan and that it is an enlarging one. force their strategies of ‘political secular- protégé terrorist organisations) as ‘wan- • The imperatives for establishment of Further, that India as the larger country ism’ as opposed to the existential soci- ton destruction' of innocent lives were a a civil society in Pakistan have been can be generous and accommodative on etal secularism. crime against humanity. side lined. contentious issues as a contributory fac- In this context, a major question that In the succeeding weeks, this author • Totalitarianism, elitist monopoliza- tor towards growth of a ‘peace constitu- calls for an answer is that whether a cor- eagerly and hopefully awaited such re- tion, majoritarian coercion and eth- ency’ in Pakistan. This argument is un- responding ‘civil society’ and ‘peace con- sponses from Pakistan’s ‘civil society’ nic fascism which normally stand tenable. It is the people of Pakistan that stituency’ exists in Pakistan. Why this and ‘peace constituency’. Scanning the rejected by a ‘civil society’ are all need to be politically vociferous for peace question is important and calls for an an- English language Pakistani media there pervasive and predominant in Paki- with India and towards that end organise swer is because in India it is assumed that does not seem to have been any evidence stan. a mass political mobilisation which brings such societal segments do exist in Paki- of any heartfelt forthright condemnation The Pakistani author also makes an about a transformation of Pakistan's po- stan and such segments have similar as- forthcoming. important observation that a ‘civil soci- litical landscape in which a 'civil society' pirations for peace with India. If it ex- It is this which leads one to ponder ety’ cannot be taken as a given reality, it and 'peace constituency' emerge as strong isted then such segments would have whether in reality a ‘civil society’ and a has to be created and strengthened. Sadly, determinants of Pakistan's policies. emerged as strong pressure groups on ‘peace constituency’ exists in Pakistan? Pakistan even after 60 years of indepen- India can hope for that whenever de- Pakistan’s governing establishment and Pakistan: The Absence of a ‘Civil dence is bereft of a ‘civil society’ – an mocracy is restored in Pakistan, such a restrained them from use of terrorism as Society’ essential prerequisite of any modern and ‘peace constituency’ will emerge there. an instrument of state policy and the strat- Some may be able to discern a sem- progressive state. Currently it cannot be taken as a determi- nant for India’s peace dialogue policy egies of confrontation with India. blance of a ‘civil society’ in Pakistan from Indian policy planners and its think- formulations. On July 17, 2006, in the wake of the a handful of objective political commen- ing elite have therefore to take it as a given Concluding Observations Mumbai 7/11 bombing incidents in which tators, intellectuals and human rights ac- in their planning and formulations, that a Policy planners and decision- makers more than 200 innocent lives were lost tivists, Pakistan otherwise seems to be ‘civil society’ does not exist. in India, or even elsewhere, must resist and 700 wounded, this author was co- devoid of an effective and a widely es- As a corollary to the above, India can- the common failing of applying the tem- opted by Pakistan’s GEO TV channel in tablished 'civil society'. not count on an India-Pakistan peace dia- plates of political and social conditions a live show along with a former Pakistani The Pakistan nation-state projects logue to be carried forward on this the following deficiencies of a ‘civil so- premise. existent in their own country to other Ambassador to review the impact of these countries while devising policy formula- Mumbai blasts on the ongoing India-Pa- ciety’ in Pakistan: Pakistan’s ‘Peace Constituency’ as • Liberal political institutions are not a Reckonable Political Force: A Mis- tions and responses. In the instant case kistan peace dialogue. while India does have a ‘civil society’ and The main thrust of this author’s par- visible in Pakistan. taken Indian Notion • Pakistan has in the last 60 years re- India’s political compulsions for peace ‘peace constituency’ the same cannot be ticipation in the Pakistani TV show was said of Pakistan. gressed from the liberal political in- with Pakistan, for whatever external or as under: It is in India’s interests that such seg- stitutional framework left by the internal reasons, has been fed with the as- • India’s public opinion encompass- ments emerge on Pakistan’s political fir- British and down-slided into an au- sumption that an appreciable ‘peace con- ing an extraordinary wide political mament. But for these to emerge, India tocratic Pakistan Army – Islamist stituency’ exists in Pakistan and that this spectrum outpaced the initial will have to actively espouse and be Mullah gridlock. Liberalism stands political segment is an enlarging one. muted responses by the present In- pro-active in the cause for the restora- snuffed out. That a sizeable number of average dian Government. Public opinion tion of democracy in Pakistan, Democ- forced the establishment to come • Pakistani society stands polarized Pakistanis aspire for peace with India is racy in Pakistan is an imperative for out with stronger political re- between a feudal extravagantly rich conceded. People on both sides have India’s national security interests and sponses against terrorism emanat- ruling establishment and a vast eco- wanted peace. But what cannot be con- the surest way of ensuring this impera- ing from Pakistan. nomically weak lower strata of so- ceded is that a sizeable ‘peace constitu- tive is to make the ‘India-Pakistan • India at large expected Pakistan’s ciety. ency’ exists in Pakistan. And why it peace dialogue’ contingent on the re- President to honour his pledges to re- • Lack of any sustained economic cannot be conceded is that there are turn of democracy to Pakistan. There strain terrorism, Mumbai 7/11 blasts growth, as a result of exorbitant ex- two very good reasons for it. cannot be a purposeful peace dialogue were an indicator to the contrary and penditure on military buildup has Firstly, when we talk of ‘peace con- with Pakistan in the absence of represen- would therefore impact the ongoing retarded the emergence of a sizeable stituency’ the term has political con- tative and responsive political gover- peace process. and vocal middle class. notations. It implies that within the Pa- nance. • The future of the India-Pakistan • Pakistan is totally devoid of repre- kistani governing elite and establishment (The author is an International Re- peace dialogue and its substantial sentative and responsive political and whatever passes for representative lations and Strategic Affairs analyst. He success would depend heavily on structures and mechanisms. political opinion in Pakistan, a sizeable is the Consultant, Strategic Affairs with the emergence of a sizeable civil • The Pakistan Army has always segment exists, which as opposed to South Asia Analysis Group KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 CONTINUATION 7 Panun Kashmir Takes Out Anti-Terrorism Rally (From Page 1) concerned. "Azad failed to en- Even the court directions are ig- struggle but described it only don't realise the gravity at the appointments have been made thuse any confidence among the nored when they mean to give means for the rehabilitation of earliest, they will have to face the during the period. He added that community. He the exiled com- fate of the Kashmiri Pandits. they were denied even their own must come out munity in the share and not to speak of any with concrete Valley. Chiding Earlier, the rally started from special package. The attitude of measures to the Central gov- Panun Kashmir office old the government has contributed ameliorate the ernment for Janipur Jammu. After passing to the frustration among the com- problems of the compromising through many localities like Tali munity youth and therefore gov- community to with the terror- More, Patoli, Subash Nagar, ernment of India shall come out prove himself as ists, Mr Razdan Rehari, Amphalla, Panjtirthi, with a package to the tone of secular with na- described Shalimar Chowk, Jewel etc. the 20,000 at the earliest. tionalistic out- Qaudripartition rally concluded at Press Club Lashing out at the state gov- look," Raina of the state as Jammu with the rallysts burning ernment, Mr. Raina said that a added. only nationalis- the effigy of terrorism. The cruel joke was played with the Addressing tic means to rallysts, who were in large num- community by the Farooq gov- the rally, Sh ON solve the imbro- ber and included many non- ernment in name of special re- Trisal, President glio. Kashmiris, raised slogans cruitment. "Thirteen thousand All State Women ac- against terrorism and terrorists applications were submitted but Kashmiri Pandit tivist Smt. Rajni and in favour for their demands not a single person was em- Solidarity Con- Bhat warned all and were addressed by the PK ployed. To add to it the Mufti ference, came the nationalistic activists enroute. The rallysts government denied even trace of down heavily on Panun Kashmir activists concluding the rally with the burning forces to rise to were holding plycards written the applications," Mr. Raina al- Islamist terror- of the effigy of terrorism. the occasion with slogans like— leged. He demanded a probe to ism. He said that and fight the ter- "Encouraging Separatists pin down the responsibility for peace and terrorism cannot co- any justice to the community. In rorism with all their might. Refer- Amounts to Treason”, "Save the whole drama. exist. Accusing majority commu- such circumstances we appeal ring to the logic behind the Kashmir Save India” “Address Referring to the Prime Min- nity of the Valley for rejecting the Central government to deal organisation of the anti-terrorism the continued genocide of ister Manmohan Singh's own religious co-existence and suc- with the issue directly." rally, she said that terrorism is Kashmiri Hindus”, “Declare comment in Round Table Con- cessive state governments for Sh. B.L. Kaul, Secretary spilling over to the entire state Employment Package of 20,000 ference-II about the employment their anti-Pandit policies, Mr organisation said that the succes- but the civil society is in deep for the unemployed Kashmir of displaced Kashmiri Hindus, Trisal described Panun Kashmir sive state governments are in the slumber. She added that if people Hindus Youth.” Mr. Raina said that either Prime as only solution to mitigate the process of com- Minister is not taken seriously or woes of Kashmiri Hindus. He pleting the he does not seriously mean what added that indifference of the unfunished he says. state government has rendered agenda of the Describing "Distress Sale" as the community to the position terrorists to anni- With Best conspiracy of fundamentalists of "under class” from the status hilate the com- and terrorists, Kuldip Raina said of "middle-class". munity. He that as confidence building mea- Panun Kashmir Secretary added that in ab- Compliments From sure and in the interest of nation, Sh. Satish Sher said that for last sence of any in- all such deeds since 1990 shall two or three years, we have been tervention by the be declared as null and void. He demanding the creation of "Min- state govern- added that the party had raised istry for Rehabilitation". He ment, it is en- the issue with then interlocutor added that it is not an impulsive couraging the KC Pant also during a meeting demand but the attitude of the exodus of the in Srinagar. Mr Raina welcomed state administration for all these community from recent statements of J&K Chief years has forces us to make such the state. minister Ghulam Nabi Azad a demand. Justifying the de- Sh. Pushkar about terrorism and human rights mand, Mr. Sher said, "For a petty Nath Razdan de- violation but added that he had work, a displaced person has to scribed struggle proved no different than his pre- go from pillar and post and even for Homeland as decessors as the community is knock the doors of the judiciary. a long drawn GURU PACKER With Best Compliments From S.Qazi V.Qazi Manufacturers of Corrugated Card Board Boxes & Duplex Board Cartons S.V. 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Basant Nagar, Near Petrol Pump, Jammu KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 MEDIA-SCAN 8 Pakistan: Geopolitical Epicentre Of Islamist Jihad by the neurosis of pre and post with squinted eyes on the bulge parameters of 'intelligence op- mohalla nighrani independence philosophy and of the ballot box. erations' by the state Intelligence (neighbourhood watch) system, the unassimilated edges of his- The threat is not about 'secu- Branch units. They are restrained introduction of 'community po- tory. larism' or 'Hindu Muslim divide'; from operating in certain areas licing' and providing better tools The Pakistani establishment this is all about an undeclared of the 'secular fence, 'caste fence' for augmenting human, techni- and the ISI have deftly exploited multidimensional war involving and 'criminal niches.' cal, and electronic intelligence these gaps and unmatched edges India (irrespective of community These limitations have im- gathering systems. in collaboration with the Direc- and religion), Pakistan and peded 'police-intelligence opera- There is tremendous scope torate General of Forces Intelli- Bangladesh, overlorded by Inter- tions' in Assam, West Bengal, for integrating the state intelli- gence of Bangladesh and the Is- national Islamic Jihadist Inc, rep- and Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, gence tools with the Panchayat, lamic tanzeems patronised by resented by Al Qaeda al Sulbah Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Block Development, Gram them. and its global franchisees. Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Sevak/Sevika, Dakia, Journeying through the Af- Political parties on either side Tamil Nadu. There is plenty of Chowkidar, Dafadar, Lambardar By Maloy Krishna Dhar ghan killing fields, tangoing with of the imaginary 'secular fence' evidence to prove that politi- etc systems, wherever these still he 1993 serial bomb the Taliban and Al Qaeda and (like the Tropic of Cancer that cal interference continues to exist. It should be made manda- blasts in Mumbai, the resurgent global Islamist thrusts, divides India almost into two blunt the operational edges of tory for the 'neighbourhood po- T attack on Parliament, the Pakistan has emerged as the geo- equal halves) should understand the state's security tools. licing' cells to report suspect hijacking of IC-814 and the lat- political epicentre of Islamist that even before partition of the These forces are trained to matters to the nearest police sta- est but not the last devastating jihad with a binary centre in subcontinent certain Islamist operate irrespective of caste, re- tion. These tools have gone into serial bomb blasts on the Bangladesh. leaders had targeted Indian Mus- ligious, political and mafia affili- disuse and the state governments Mumbai suburban railway sys- Extension of Pakistan's proxy lims for carving out a Muslim ation of terrorists and jihadists. have not carried out any threat tem generated media fever, war through jihadist tanzeem First Nation, which they called But they are forced to discrimi- assessment from criminal, crocodile tears from politicians, tools to all conceivable corners Pakistan. The descendants of nate, refrain and restrain from jihadist, and mafia forces and motivated leakages by police and of India is a part of its strategic same Hulagu (grandson of operating according to the law have not equipped its police and intelligence agencies, communal war plan -- mostly carried out Genghis Khan, who ruled over of the land. intelligence tools to combat cleavage and erosion of faith in through subversive terrorist at- much of southwest Asia) con- Often the holy ghost of 'secu- these threats. the political system. tacks and sometimes with a quistadors are targeting to divide larism' invade the state legisla- Moreover, the State Intelli- The fever will subside; the Kargil-type forward thrust. India on communal lines, while tures and even Parliament for gence Branch and police have no rhetoric will be morphed to bal- It is, nonetheless, part of a the gullible vote-blinded politi- scrapping certain Acts of the institutionalised and speedy lot box paranoia, the police and planned war. cians still cling to their ballot country and for chaining the communication system to liase intelligence agencies will lapse India's internal security and boxes and keep dividing the tools of governance, simply be- with the central intelligence and back to routine servitude. And the seams of national unity and country from behind their re- cause Pappus want a few more security agencies and the intelli- the people, and the nation will solidarity have been repeatedly spective Tropic of Cancer. They votes (like the Madani case in gence and security agencies of continue to live with deep scars, threatened by jihadist operations fail to recognise that the cancer Tamil Nadu-Kerala). other states. It is imperative to fearfully anticipating the foot- carried out by ISI and DGFI- is real, and not an imaginary geo- Whenever serious terror at- discuss the important aspects of steps of other disasters. aided Pakistani and Bangladeshi graphical line. tacks occur and police/intelli- immigration control, detection India's war against internal tanzeems. This war, under the When will the responsible gence agencies start investigat- and deportation of illegal immi- disruptive forces, ethnic insur- facet of peace, is about to invade media and people ask them: 'You ing 'certain community leaders' grants and cracking down on gencies, pseudo-religious sub- every Indian home. damn idiots! It's all about na- start screaming about being 'iso- criminal-politician-terrorist nationalist terrorism, the Kash- On a scale of one to ten, the tional security and not ballot lated and targeted.' They never nexus. When shall the political mir gangrene and unresolved jihadi tanzeems and handful In- boxes and 'secular fencing'?' assure the people that they would breed agree to introduce 'Na- agrarian unrest and imbalance dian collaborators score success I do not think more space can evolve a mechanism to protect tional Identity Cards'? between urban and rural in about eight-and-a-half cases. be spared for the paranoid po- their community from being con- We fail, because our tools economy (brand named The Indian intelligence agencies litical classes. taminated by 'foreign instigators'. have been blunted and taken hos- Naxalism) has been weaved into and state police forces can claim The 'Permanent Government' Have they ever given calls tage by the vote and money hunt- the texture of daily routine. success in about two-and-a-half (bureaucracy-including intelli- from organised platforms to ing political class. The deformity in the criminal or three cases. On the scale of gence, police and security) has their community to refrain *Maloy Krishna Dhar is a justice system does not pain us the law of averages, this is clas- always been the steady spine of from collaborating with Paki- former joint director, Intelli- anymore. Restructuring of ethnic sified as failure. the Indian administrative system. stani and Bangladeshi con- gence Bureau, and author of political geography and increas- Why do we fail in over 85 per These elements of governance spirators? If not, what right do Open Secrets and Fulcrum of ing assertion of regional (provin- cent of cases? We fail because: should have succeeded in meet- they have to complain? As Evil-ISI-CIA-Al Qaeda Nexus cial) autonomy within the crash- With minor exceptions the ing the challenges coming from good Indians, they should have and other books. ing debris of the Federated Uni- political class -- the presumed across the borders. Unfortu- gone into the community with —Source: Rediffmail tary System are being absorbed custodian, driver and preserver nately, the ballot box baboons the message to rebuff Pakistani/ at regular intervals. Even after 59 of the Constitutional Democratic have either disarmed or de- Bangladeshi saboteurs. ATTENTION years of independence, the Re- Republic -- fails to recognise fanged and emasculated these When shall the nation ask SUBSCRIBERS public is yet to be fully federated that India exist beyond ballot precious tools of governance. these questions to vote-hungry and a new India Inc is yet to boxes. We fail at two crucial com- politicos? When shall the com- Please renew your emerge. India limps with pain On either side of the imagi- bat levels. The most important pulsions of electoral democracy subscription by nary 'secular fence', there is an combat force is the state police transcend the cubicles of polling and gasps with expectations. The remitting Rs 200/- to people are learning to cope. abominable amnesia about the and intelligence forces. Each dis- booths, 'secular fences' and historical roots of the jihadist trict and commissionary is adopt holistic administrative, Kashmir Sentinel However, India has not been through able to cope with the threat from thrust against India from Pa- equipped with a dedicated Intel- constitutional, legal and patriotic kistan, Bangladesh and other ligence Branch (different no- view against the jihadist thrust D.D. or Cheque regional and global Islamist payable to jihadist forces. This multidimen- global jihadist tanzeems. They menclature in different states) driven into Indian heartland from Kashmir Sentinel, sional cancer travels through the communalise or trivialise the and in some cases, anti-terrorist foreign soil? arterial system of the country grave threat to national secu- cells. India requires strengthening Jammu. rity, unity and integrity by Unfortunately, ideology and of the State Intelligence tools, along the scarred tissues of frac- —Business Manager tures and carcinogenic gaps left throwing mud on each other caste configuration decides the revival of the khabri (informers), KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 MEDIA-SCAN 9

Delhi. Th Afghanistan, officials have repeatedly accused Pak's Double Game Pakistan of harboring and aiding the revived Taliban insurgency, which has launched a wave of Two-sided policy against extremists unsustainable violent attacks and suicide bombings across the southern Pakistani army general. ‘The to break up the plot in Britain, he that Islamic militancy has been part of the country this spring question always is, should we said, Pakistani officials are permitted to flourish in Pakistan and summer. Pakistan has denied totally ban these organizations “determined to see only one side at the country’s peril. “Our tri- the charges and periodically or keep them for later use?” Al- of the coin,” but “the rest of the umphs in the war against terror arrested some Taliban figures, though the government has “se- world is bent on examining the have become advertisements of but there are widespread reports lectively” prosecuted extremist other side very closely indeed.” our failure,” he said. of insurgents operating freely on By Pamela Constable groups, he said, “at the concep- Until recently, Musharraf had In a recent interview, Riaz both sides of the border. ISLAMABAD - For the past tual level, it has deliberately fol- handled this balancing act with Mohammed Khan, Pakistan’s As for India, Pakistan is ea- five years, Pakistan has pursued lowed an ambiguous policy.” some success, Pakistani and for- foreign secretary, said his gov- ger to resolve the Kashmir issue, a risky, two-sided policy toward The basic problem for eign experts said. He formally ernment “opposes all terrorism” but its relations with New Delhi Islamic militancy, positioning it- Pakistan’s president, Gen. Pervez banned several radical Islamic and had worked diligently to ex- have been hostile for years and self as a major ally in the West- Musharraf, is that he is trying to groups while quietly allowing pose the role of Pakistanis in the remained captive to the persis- ern-led war against global terror- please two irreconcilable groups. them to survive. He sent thou- London plot. Pakistan has ar- tent violence in the territory. In- ism while reportedly allowing Abroad, the leader of this sands of troops to the Afghan rested a British national of Paki- dia has repeatedly accused Pa- homegrown Muslim insurgent impoverished Muslim country is border while Taliban insurgents stani origin, Rashid Rauf, whom kistan of sending armed insur- groups to meddle in neighbor- frantically competing with arch- continued to slip back and forth. sources described as a member gents across the border, but Pa- ing India and Afghanistan. rival India, a predominantly Meanwhile, his security forces of a banned sectarian group, kistan has insisted it provides Now, two high-profile cases Hindu country, for American arrested more than 700 terrorism Jaish-i-Muhammed. Pakistan Only political support to the of terrorism—a day of gruesome, political approval and economic suspects, earning Western grati- also placed under house arrest separatists. sophisticated train bombings in ties. To that end, he has worked tude instead of pressure to get the former head of Lashkar-i- But critics said Pakistan’s India in mid-July and a plot foiled hard to prove himself as a tougher on homegrown violence. Taiba, another militant group problems with Islamic violence this month to blow up planes staunch anti-terrorism ally. But this summer, a drumbeat blamed by India in the bomb- cannot be resolved as long as leaving Britain for the United But at home, where he hopes of terrorist violence and plotting ings. (Now released. - Ed) the military remains in power. In States - have cast a new spotlight to win election in 2007 after eight in India, Britain and Afghanistan Despite the arrests, Indian an unusual move last month, a on Pakistan’s ambiguous, often years as a self-appointed military have begun to blur the distinc- officials suggested that diverse group of senior former starkly contradictory roles as ruler, Musharraf needs to ap- tion between regional and inter- Musharraf, after sincere efforts civilian and military officials both a source and suppressor of pease Pakistan’s Islamic parties national Islamic violence. Paki- to curb militant groups, was now wrote an open letter to Islamic violence, according to to counter strong opposition stan, which has a large intelli- giving them freer rein in order to Musharraf, warning that the Pakistani and foreign experts. from its secular ones. He also gence apparatus, is now in the secure their electoral support. country is becoming Moreover, increasing evi- needs to keep alive the Kashmiri awkward position of denying They said that both the Taliban dangerously polarized and that dence of links between interna- and Taliban insurgencies on any knowledge of local and some pro-Kashmir militants a uniformed presidency only tional attacks and groups long Pakistan’s borders to counter militants’ links to bombings in had now gone beyond their exacerbates the problem by tolerated or nurtured in Pakistan, fears within military ranks that India and Afghanistan, while original aims and forged ties to politicizing the armed forces. The including the Taliban and India, which has developed claiming credit for exposing their al-Qaida. only solution, the group wrote, Kashmiri separatists, are making close ties with the Kabul alleged roles in the London “Whether this is a loss of is a transition to a “complete and it difficult for the, military-led government, is pressuring its airliner plot. control by Musharraf or a authentic democracy.” government here to reconcile its smaller rival on two flanks. “It is ironic that our very suc- deliberate shift in strategy, for — By arrangement with LA policy of courting religious “It is clear that our current cess in thwarting plots and ar- us the results are the same,” said Times- Washington Post groups at home while touting its policy of stout denial fools no- resting a large number of a senior Indian official in New —Source: The Tribune anti-terrorist credentials abroad. body,” columnist Irfan Husain terrorists reinforces the “The conundrum for the mili- wrote in the Dawn newspaper perception that this country is a tary still persists.” said Talat last Saturday. By allowing Is- bastion of terrorism,” said TARIFF CARD Masood, a retired-...... lamic militant groups to flourish Shafqat Mahmood, a former while seeking praise for helping Pakistani legislator, suggesting KASHMIR SENTINEL has always delivered greater value to you as an SNAP SHOTS advertiser and now gives you more reasons to display your advertisements. MORE READERS BETTER DISPLAY MORE FOCUS FOR BETTER RESPONSE

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Full Page...... Rs 25,000 Half Page...... Rs 12,000 Qtr. Page...... Rs, 6,000 Display per col./cm...... Rs 160 Width of Column...... 4.5 cms. Height of Column...... 33 cms. No. of Column...... 5 Contact us at BUSINESS MANAGER KASHMIR SENTINAL 149, Ram Vihar Old Janipur, Jammu-180007 A view of inundated Srinagar City (Sept. 2006). Tel: 0191-2538537 KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 SPECIAL REPORT 10 MARTYRS DAY OBSERVED Evolve Comprehensive By S.M. Pandita all forms. Referring to the reported invitation to JAMMU, Sep 14: Dedicating the 17th Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to represent the Martyrs' Day as "Anti-Terrorism Day", case of self-rule in the UN, Panun Kash- Panun Kashmir warned the Central Policy to Fight Terrorism mir chairman said that it is an irony that a Government that any compromise with the terrorists or terrorists regimes will be suicidal for the nation. Demanding a comprehensive and integrated policy to fight terrorism, the leaders asked the Centre to neutralize the internal subver- sion of polity and institutions. Speaking during the symposium "Ter- rorisms and National Response", organised to observe the Martyrs' Day, Panun Kashmir Chairman asked the Centre to treat fight against terrorism as "Central Subject" as terrorism is manifestation of war in new form and needs to be tackled accordingly. "Terrorism is a new war form of our times. It is not merely a law and order problem. And even Prime Minister and others at the helm of affairs admit it. As such it is imperative for the Centre that it should have constitutional leverage to intervene anywhere and anytime to crush terrorism," Mr. Chrungoo demanded. Accusing Indian state for not developing a national response to fight terrorism, Dr. Chrungoo referred to terrorist attacks that changed the course of policy of Israel, America and England but India has failed to frame any such policy to defeat terrorism. "A terrorist Penalists during the Sympoisum 'Terrorism and Nation Response' from (L to R) Sh. ON Trisal, Prof. Hari Om, attack in 1974 in Israel, led to national resolve of the country to fight-terrorism Swami Amaritanand Ji (Shankracharya of Shardaapeeth), Dr. M.K Teng & Dr. Ajay Chrungoo. --KS photo which is reflected in its actions even person from a country which is known regretted that the reluctance on part of Asking the political establishment to today. After terrorist attacks in America, for its vibrating democracy and the government of India or political identify the cause of the problem and build the country made stringent laws to deal democratic system world over is asked to leadership to link terrorism to Muslim fun- a national response, Mr Trisal said, "we with the menace and it is state policy not present the case of self-rule. damentalism, communalism and are living in host of contradictions. to negotiate with or give concessions to Dr. Chrungoo congratulated the separatism and efforts to compromise or Contradiction breed problems and the terrorists and bring them to justice in community for their struggle and said that reconcile with it will lead only to 2nd solutions nowhere insight. There would the shortest possible time. But our state it was the result of community struggle partition of India. Dr. Teng opined that be no solutions unless the problem is has failed to build such mechanism or that unrest in Kashmir is not seen now as no civil option is available to fight terror- identified. Then it is to be challenged and resolve", Dr. Chrungoo regretted. Dr. "freedom struggle" any-where unlike in ism in J&K, India or world. He added that challenge should be at national level," Chrungoo added that the Centre failed to the beginning of 1990's. He said that the the political leadership is still nurturing asserted Mr. Trisal. protect national interests and nationalist enemy has political, military and the dream of civil option and the Sooner Prof. Hari Om, Vice-President J&K Unit elements in the state that has led to suf- economic support structures behind it it is corrected the better it is. Dr Teng said of BJP, accused Islamization of polity in focation of even counter-insurgent and the community not only survived but that the real character of terrorism is the state and the Central government for leaders in the Valley, who had contributed struggled and kept the voice of dissent civilisational destruction and cultural lack of any concrete policy to fight terror- a lot in war against terrorism. alive. Referring to the designers' of genocide and cultural genocide is re- ism. Referring to the initiative of the United ' Memorial of Reflecting absence' at flected in vandalism of temples and Prof. Hari Om said that describing Nations to fight terrorism, Dr Chrungoo Ground Zero of World Trade Centre shrines in the Valley. symbols of our civilizations like said that India is a signatory to the reso- Comment" to encourage reflection and Launching a scathing attack on Hariparbhat and Shankaracharya as lution but has not followed the resolve. contemplation", Dr Chrungoo said that 'Healing Touch Policy", Sh. O.N. Trisal 'Koh-e-Maran' and 'Takht-e-Sulaiman' "The resolution asks for gearing up of the reflection and contemplation is President All Kashmiri Pandit Solidarity respectively in a book- let published by legal system and that there should be no manifest in our struggle. He exhorted the Conference said that stringent laws and State Tourism Department, J&K Bank legal immunity to terrorists. But India still community brethren to assert themselves revamping of security apparatus is Dairy and Calandar depicting one-Culture nurses the illusion that the menace can to tell the truth without fear. needed to fight the challenge. He said that and Custodian Department directive to be fought without gearing up the Dr. M.K. Teng, Chairman Advisory the terrorists are fanatics who have no settle custodian property cases as per judiciary", Dr. Chrungoo regretted. Panun Kashmir, in his address said that value for human life and they deserve no "Shariat Laws" reflect Islamisation of Dr Chrungoo alleged that "Jehadi the terrorism we are faced with has sympathy or the cover of Human Rights. state polity. terrorism and left wing terrorism have a ideological commitment and sanction of He said that terrorism can't be fought with Citing the examples of the USA and sinister covergence as both are directed a civilization and any compromise with it healing touch but an integrated plan is the UK, who took all possible measures against Indian civilisational ethos. Both would lead to second partition of the needed to fight it over. to fight out terrorism after being targeted seek to dismantle the continuity of the country. Decrying lack of vision of the Describing terrorism danger to human by them, Prof. Hari Om said that India has Indian Civilizations for achieving their po- government to fight terrorism, Dr. Teng society at large, Mr. Trisal said that failed to frame such policy. He said that litical goals”. Describing internal said that no civil option is available to terrorism cannot be and should not be the war against terrorism in India is guided subversion of the polity and the national defeat it. compartmentalized. He added that terror- by vote bank politics that saw the repel institutions reliable support structure of Accusing the leadership for putting a ism is terrorism and it is to be fought in all of "POTA". Prof. Om questioned the logic terrorism, Dr. Chrungoo said that disman- cover on real facet of terrorism, Dr. M.K. its manifestations with global resolve. behind the repel of the act. "The POTA tling of the subversive tentacles should Teng said, "The terrorism we are facing is There can be no justification to terrorism. was enacted to fight terrorism. But the be the core component of war against not just international or political, but it Criticizing peace process initiated by GoI, UPA government repeled it describing it terrorism. has sanction of a civilization and Mr. Trisal said that there can be no peace anti-Muslims that increased the alienation Demanding reversal of genocide of ideological commitment. It is in tone with process with those who are ideologically of the Muslims. How the law which was Kashmiri Pandits, Dr. Chrungoo said that outlook of world of a civilization". He committed to two nation theory. He said against terrorism could be described as it will reflect the will of the nation to defeat added that it is directed towards all the that when there is proxy war going on, anti-Muslims?" Hari Om questioned. terrorism. civilizations of the world that are not in porous borders will benefit the enemy. Describing Indian response to Dr. Chrungoo demanded that the tone with their outlook and even "Proxy War and porous borders, peace terrorism as symbolic, the BJP leader said judicial system needs to be galvanized President Bush has now realised that it is process and terrorism cannot go to- that the cult of terrorism needs to be and terrorism shall be delegtimised in its "destructive of our civilization". Dr. Teng gether", he added. (Contd. on Page 11) KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 JOURNALISM 11 A Terrorist and ‘Innocent’? KS Correspondent Naweedul Haq. The spokesper- stand arrested. Gh. Mohammad numbers of a number of terror- 2006 ignored the police version ree and socially son of the terrorist organisation Sheikh has also been found re- ists including Raju. The police and carried the statements of responsible press further added that Sheikh had sponsible for killing of Head was retrieving its text and voice local protestors. The photograph nourishes democratic in- been with their organisation for Constable Bashir Ahmed and data to establish that Sheikh was showed police in bad light. F several years and had partici- one SPO Hilal Ahmed at Sopore an active terrorist who had ac- Yet another English daily car- stitutions and strengthens civil society. In a conflict zone where pated in a number of operations on 12 June, 2006. Police added tively remained in touch with ried stories on three successive socially divisive insurgency has for Al-Mansoorian. that another arrested Afzal other terrorists up to the time of days August 10th, 11th and 12th. destabilized every institution of On the following day, Al Rather of Nesbal Sumbal had his killing. It featured two stories on 10th, titled 'Al-Mansoorian denies democracy and civil society, the Mansoorian retracted from its accompanied Sheikh in the kill- The protests continued on CRPF claim' and 'killing of stu- role of the press, particularly the earlier statement. What forced ing of constable Bashir and SPO the second day. On what basis dent: protests rock Valley'. The national English press, is even the terrorist outfit to do about Hilal. Rather had been arrested the agitators claimed that Sheikh stories highlighted the protests greater. Healthy reporting, un- turn? To give security forces a after lobbing a grenade at tour- had nothing to do with terrorist and focussed on police action. tainted by bias, helps the state bad name that it was killing "in- ists at TRC, Srinagar on July 11th. activities is not known. The These did not carry local to fine tune its counter- nocent" Kashmiris? people have been protesting Terrorist organisations over the killing of local police version about the terrorist insurgency strategies to have background of terrorist but gave least collateral damage; it also and their cover fronts have terrorists as well as foreign been pursuing it as a part mercenaries as well. prominence to Al Mansoorian aids the civilian population in the statement denying that Sheikh conflict zone to understand the of deft strategy during the The reporting of this case past 17 years. Many shows how press functions in was their cadre. CRPF version desirability of state action in was underplayed, Hizb state- combating the forces of Human Rights groups and Kashmir. Daily Excelsior, NGOs their survival to this. even while covering the local ment got more coverage. The subversion, violence and paper displayed photograph of disorder. Has the press done its Local Protests: protests, carried the detailed Locals staged protests police version. Its stories on Sheikh's funeral. The stories on job well? 12th and 13th 'Sheikh's killing. Al-Mansoorian Terrorist: that Sheikh was killed 9th and 10th carried the without any provocation heading 'student leader killed Bandh total, all of Valley shuts On August 9, 2006 a 22 year down' and 'youth killing: Geelani old youth Ghulam Mohd. Sheikh and reason. Some youth in Dalgate turns to be senior claimed that Sheikh was a militant', and 'police maintains calls shut down today', focussed son of Mohammad Sultan on bandh and gave prominent student of Amar Singh Sheikh was a militant- Sheikh resident of coverage to Geelani's reaction. College, where he was also students, politicians Towheedabad, Ashtengo, The paper carried photograph of President of Muslim protests'. The reporting by Bandipore, was gunned down by fundamentalist outfit holding Students Union. Separat- other dailies, however, CRPF in Dal Gate area in a shoot- protests. out. The previous week two ist politicians and an NC refused to carry the police Ealier, a Kashmiri-NGO, had CRPF jawans had been killed by MLA too joined the Fundamentalists (of Muslim League) version about the anteced- been claiming that a large num- protests. ents of the terrorist and terrorists in the same area. As per protesting against the killing of terrorist ber of Kashmiri youth were miss- The previous day the indicted police for tackling CRPF IGP Kashmir, AP Ghulam Mohd. Sheikh in Sinagar. ing. An enquiry by the then PDP- Maheshwari during a checking police had also recovered demonstrators. led government had revealed operation a terrorist took out a Sheikh's Airtel mobile A national daily carried the that most of these 'missing' grenade and attempted to target phone from his belongings. On Sheikh had got himself admitted story on August 10 and 11 under youth were either found at their the CRPF party but it went off. August 10,2006 the police gave in Amar Singh College Srinagar the heading 'After the killing, homes or were in terrorist The CRPF jawans retaliated more details about the terrorist. as recently as on 20th Aprilk 2006 police fury' and 'student's killing. training camps across the order. quickly and shot dead the It said Sheikh had functioned as but had not attended the classes People want truth'. These stories Many of the Kashmiri Pandits terrorist, a live grenade was also an important member of LeT, who regularly. SSP Srinagar, Syed carried the version of protestors too are missing. They were recovered from his belongings. functioned under code names of Ahfadul Mujtaba, told the press and claimed that JK Police broke declared to have been killed by For this quick action jawans were Fayaz and Naweedul Haq. that the detained LeT terrorist into A.S. College and rained terrorists but their bodies were given one-rank promotion (1 Sheikh had been close to the Raju had identified Ghulam lathis on students, injuring never recovered. The Kashmir lakh) cash and gallantry awards. detained top LeT terrorist, Mohammad Sheikh as one of his around 40, five of them critically. press also feels shy in reporting Even while police were verifying Mohd. Rafiq Sheikh alias Raju, close associates. Raju had The police version was under- the horrible brutalities committed antecedents of Sheikh, the slain who used to call him Jugnoo. As revealed that one Shaukat played. The correspondent by terrorists on innocent terrorist, Al-Mansoorian per police Gh Mohammad Sheikh Janwari of Batpora Bagat Sopore claimed that there were no tak- Kashmiri Muslims. A press that spokesperson, Abu Arqam, con- and his associates Wasim and had introduced Sheikh to him ers for police version. The two reports selectively and carries firmed to KNS, local news Tahir were involved in the murder and also carried 10,000 $ of the photographs showed students' blinkers on its eyes can neve be agency, that Sheikh was a senior of one Reyaz Ahmed Shushoo organisation's money from one protests. Another national daily called credible press. How a terrorist of his organisation who at SKIMS Soura on 28th May, terrorist to another. Sheikh's in its report '12 students hurt in terrorist can be innocent at the operated under the code-name of 2006. Wasim and Tahir already mobile phone carried telephone police station', on August 10, same time? Evolve Comprehensive Policy to Fight Terrorism

(From Page 10) Anand Sharma, Chief of Shiv CONTINUATION pation. implored upon Kashmiri Pandits tackled properly. He added that Sena of J&K Unit, exhorted all Swami Ji described martyr- to play the role of Karishna and the writing is an the wall and we Hindus to get united to face the interests of Muslim community dom of Tika Lal Taploo as warn- make every Indian as "Arjuna" need a national resolve without Islamist terrorism and fundamen- only and added that 'Healing ing signal for the nation. He said to fight the injustice and losing a moment. talism. Accusing the govern- Touch' policy has contributed to that Kashmiri Hindus took ref- terrorism. ment for the encouragement of uge in Jammu and other parts of Swami Ji said that the "Indian compromising fundamentalist and anti-national the country and if India does not Constitution" doesn't reflect the with the terror- forces only. realise the gravity of the situa- aspirations of Indian civilization ism, Dr Sharma He said that it is irony that tion, they will be left with sea as it has failed to protect the in- said that it is 1947 Hindu Refugees are yet only to seek refugee. Swami Ji terests of Indian civilization. irony that without right to property, em- decried anti-Hindu politicise of terrorists ployment and vote in the state. the Central government and di- Earlier, Mr. Shankaracharya released on the In his Presidential address, viding people in name of reser- inaugurated the programme by borders ex- Swami Amritanand Ji Maharaj, vations etc. lighting the traditional lamp and pressed their Shankaracharya Sharda Peeth, The Shankaracharya said led the gathering to pay floral commitment to reminded the Indian Parliament that Adi Guru Shankaracharya tributes to the martyrs. Two min- Jehad. Mr. of its resolve to liberate PoK and led the resurgence of "Sanatan utes silence was observed in Sharma alleged championed the commitment of Dharma" movement from Kash- honour of the martyrs. Panun People paying homage to the martyrs' during that the state civil society to see the PoK, the mir and asked Kashmiri Hindus Kashmir general secretary Sh. the symposium. government is seat of Divine Mother Sharda, to take lead in galvanizing Indian Kuldip Raina anchored the looking to the liberated from the illegal occu- society against terrorism. He programme. KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 CONVERSATION 12

KS: Where did you spend your early years? Do you originally belong to Kashmir? SS: My family originally hails from Rawalpindi. My father Dewan Chaman Lal shifted to Srinagar in Sati Sahni— 1916 after the death of his sister's husband, Mukand Ram Sethi. The latter ran a business in Srinagar. His sons—Kanwar Sen Sethi ( a well- known sportsperson) and Bajar Sen were quite young when Sh. Mukand Ram died. Dewan Chaman Lal asked A Conversation by his sister to come to Srinagar to be of help in running family busi- ness. My father was a Govt. Con- tractor and Supplier. During two Shri Sati Sahni is one of the most esteemed members of Journalist profession in J&K. In a career spanning six months of bitter winter the family would move down to Rawalpindi. I decades, he has combined high professionalism with deep integrity. As a War Correspondent he holds the rare was born in Rawalpindi in 1922. distinction of covering four major wars—1948, 1962, 1965 and 1971. Sh. Sahni has also been an ace photographer. KS: Did you have your school- ing in Rawalpindi? His rich collection of photographs would be envy of any top person in the profession of photo-journalism. As a SS: I joined Lahore's Sacred respected and veteran member of the profession he continues to guide and inspire new and upcoming Journalists. Heart School for few months, my Sh. Sahni has not only been a witness to an era, he has also been an active participant in many events. His ringside nanihal was there. Due to Lahore being quite hot I moved to Srinagar. view of many events would be valuable for students of contempory history of J&K. His publications include 'My I was a student of Mission School, Dismissal' and 'Kashmir Underground'. On the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the founding of this paper, Sheikh Bagh during the years when Canon Tyndal Biscoe was the Kashmir Sentinel had a detailed conversation with Sh. Sati Sahni (SS). Beginning with this issue Kashmir Sentinel Principal. I finished my Primary (KS) will be serialising excerpts of the conversation. --The Editor education in 1935, the same year Tyndal Biscoe also left Kashmir for England. Subsequently, his son Eric subjects were Physics, Chemistry, my bicycle. Mufti Sahib took me the aegis of Kashmiri Literary came to know about it, DP Dhar took over as the head of the Math, besides English. In B.A. I on his bicycle to home. He used to League he delivered a lecture in SP sent him to his Jagir. Student institution. Mission School, Sheikh switched over to History, Economics, live at Fatehkadal. When he asked College. Sadiq presided over the Federation became the hub for Bagh was started years after the English literature (Honours). I studied me how I would go back I replied function. Dr. KM Ashraf's lecture Congress workers coming from launching of Mission School, in SP College for four years. The that I can manage to walk down influenced us greatly. He was a tow- outside. In 1942 DP Dhar was Fatehkadal in 1896. Principals during this period were the distance to Exchange Road, ering personality and an ideologue President of J&K Branch of All Canon Tyndal Biscoe was an ex- Messers MA Ibrahim, Sunder Das where we lived. He didn't agree and of international stature. Soon after India Student Federation. Kashi cellent teacher and very affection- Malhotra and Mohammad Din carried me back on bicycle to his lecture, many erstwhile socialist Nath Bamzai was vice-president of ate to his students. He used to take Taseer. SP College during these years Gowkadal. Our teachers not only members of Communist Party J&K unit. Two incidents took place one period everyday for teaching boasted of some of the best teachers taught us well, they also saw to it students became card holding during this time. Bible. While teaching Bible, he made Kashmir has ever produced. These that we become better human members of Communist Party. Some underground messenger good use of illustrations by rolling included Prof. Jaya Lal Kaul, Prof. beings. These teachers had a value Shri Niranjan Nath Raina used the canvas scroll mounted on a asked us to get in touch with Sarat RC Pandita, Prof. SL Pandit, Prof. PN system. The teachers would ask to take my tuitions in Mathematics wooden stand. The scroll depicted Chandra Bose. The latter was serv- Qazi (all English); Prof. Sham Lal Dhar the students if they had any in 1939-1940. After I completed my in a chronological sequence the life ing in a passenger liner in high seas (Chemistry), Lala Tirath Ram difficulty. After College hours the academics he became my friend. He story of Jesus Christ starting from between Calcutta and Rangoon. He (Physics), Prof. BK Madan and Prof. students had direct access to the was one of the tallest intellectual, I his birth and ending at crucifixion. used to maintain contact with Mehmood in History. Prof RC teachers for removing their have ever come across. He had a Trekking and Swimming were overround Congress workers under Pandita was a great grammarian, he difficulties. Prof. Jaya Lal Koul phenomenal memory and great per- popular sports in the school. I did an assumed name. I was communi- used to spend 2 hours while was a great man. I used to spend suasive power. His articulation was Dal cross during my school years. cated this assumed name. My letter deliberating on the usage of one word. two hours daily with him at his of a very high degree, he was able to My classfellows at Biscoe School landed with Police Commissioner of Whatever perfection I have achieved residence. explain and convince. included Sh. Noor Mohammad (later Calcutta. British Intelligence was in English language I owe it to Prof. KS: Late 1930s and 1940s were KS: Did you ever take part in Chief Secretary, J&K Govt.), Sh. quite alert. The Commissioner sent Pandita. I was quite friendly with period of intense political activ- agitational politics? KH Khurshid (later Private Secre- the letter to Shri Gopalswami Prof. Mufti Jalaluddin, who was not ity in Kashmir. Did these devel- SS: I participated in the agita- tary to Jinnah) and Sh. Ali Ayyengar, Prime Minister of J&K my teacher. Mufti Sahib taught opments influence you anyway? tion launched by NC soon after its Mohammad Tariq. The latter came for enquiry and action. Shri Ram Lal Arabic, Persian and Urdu. I had direct SS: I got involved in All India formation. In this Latif Qureishi, a to be called Young Abdullah for access to Prof. Mehmood since he Students Federation politics. I well-known Lawyer was thrashed Nagpal (later secretary, J&K As- his being a staunch follower of the was President of the Dramatic Club. served as J&K General Secretary by police near Dhanjibhai Ka Ahta sembly) was his stenographer. Kashmiri leader. Tariq was a fiery At the College I used to spend lot of of the Organisation for two terms (now Govt. Press). The place used Nagpal knew me but his relations speaker in his youth. time playing Tennis. from 1939-43. The other General to the stand for Tongas plying be- with Shri DP Dhar were better. Ram KS: You passed your matricula- My classmates at the College Secretary was Ali Jawad Zaidi tween Srinagar and Lahore. Latif's Lal called on DP Dhar and informed tion too from the same school. included Sh. Lokesh Dhar, son of Prof. from Lucknow. He later joined father was a Hakim, his shop was in him that the Prime Minister had SS: No, after 5th class I joined S.L. Dhar, who later retired as Central Information Office and Maisuma-Kokerbazar area. The asked Shri DP Dhar and Mr Satpal SP School. Lala Desraj was my Brigadier from the Indian Army, Aga subsequently served as Private family hailed from Lucknow. Sahni to meet him at his residence at Headmaster. My subjects were Ashraf Ali, later Professor in Jamia Secretary to Bakshi Ghulam KS: You were close to Prof. MD 9:30 A.M the next day. English, Urdu, Math, Drawing and Milia, Sh. OP Malhotra, son of Mohammad for some time when Taseer also The PM residence was near Agriculture. I used to play hockey Principal SS Malhotra, who reached the latter was Prime Minister. SS: After the college studies Amar Singh Club. DP Dhar took me for School XI. I was considered to the post of Army Chief, Charanjit Students Federation aligned itself were over, my contact with Taseer be a good scout and was selected in along in his Tonga, Ram Lal took us Singh, who retired as Lt. General. One with Congress at All India level Sahib was through Sheikh Abdullah the first ever contingent from J&K to Mr. Ayyengar's Chamber. The of my classfellows-Mumtaz, son of and with National Conference, and Hafeez Jullundhuri. Taseer and for All India Jamboree at Walton, Prime Minister told Sh. DP Dhar, Chief Justice Abdul Qayoom was to when the latter was constituted in even Hafeez Sahib were quite liberal. Lahore in 1935. It took us four days "You are the son of a Jagirdar. The become a Corps Commander in late 1938. Everything changed after 1947. Even to reach Lahore, with halts at activities you are indulging in can Pakistan at Karachi. KS: Did you ever came close a liberal and emancipated person like Banihal, Ramban and Jammu. One jeopardise your Jagir”. DP Dhar re- KS: What difference you find to the Left? Hafeez Sahib turned into a of my classfellows at SP School, GC plied,” Sir, the point is why should between the teachers in your time and SS: I was influenced by the communalist. Pandey was to subsequently become my father suffer for my mistake”. today? Left but never became part of the KS: What impact did Quit In- a famous Sanskrit scholar. He retired Mr. Ayyenger took out the let- SS: Our teachers were very Left. Kashmir Literary League dia Movement have in Kashmir? as Vice-Chancellor of Rajasthan ter and asked, “whose signature is friendly, affectionate and had a helping was launched some time around SS: Kashmir became a haven for University. His father was this?” I replied, “signatures are attitude. In free time I used to visit 1938. Kh. GM Sadiq was Presi- Congress leaders who wanted to Accountant-General of J&K Govt. mine”. He enquired, “why did you staff room and meet teachers. I had dent, Messers Peer Abdul Ahad escape arrest. Aruna Asaf Ali and KS: Where did you have your write this?” I said, “I wanted to elicit met Mufti Jalaluddin 2 to 3 times. He and Jia Lal Killam were two Vice- Ganesh Prashad (a Marxist) re- college education? some information”. He continued, once invited me for lunch at his house. Presidents while I was made the mained in hiding here. The latter first SS: I passed my matriculation Our teachers used to come to college General Secretary. In 1939 Dr. KM stayed in attic of Sh. DP Dhar's “you can be sent to jail”. in 1937 and joined SP College. My on bicycles. That day I had not carried Ashraf came to Kashmir. Under house at Safakadal. When Police (Contd. on Page 13) KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 CONTINUATION 13

(From Page 12) was an able, efficient administrator. I submitted, “If I deserve it then I Maharaja Hari Singh knew that Pt. will go”. At the end he said in view Sati Sahni—A Conversation Nehru's cousin's daughter was of the complaint made by Police Mohammad, and Mirza Afzal Beg none from the NC came for 1948. Sh. DP Dhar and KN Bamzai married to Sh. Dhar's son Jawahar, Commissioner of Calcutta some ac- but they stayed close to Sheikh reception. were in Lucknow. Sadiq Sahib and yet he had full faith in him and tion had to be taken. The meeting Sahib and Sadiq only. Because of Jeweller was close to NC before Bakshi Sahib were in Lahore. Sh. KN perhaps he wanted to see it as a test lasted just five minutes. We were DP Dhar, KN Bamzai and JN Zutshi Jinnah's visit. His playing host to Aima, Kh. JN Zutshi etc. were in case. taken to Kothibagh Police Station, an intellectual group emerged which Muslim League leader created jail. Sh. Mohiddin Qarra was the real Pt. MK Dhar handled Quit an FIR was filed against us for in- was influenced by Soviet Constitu- differences between him and Sheikh hero of Quit Kashmir Movement. Kashmir as per the directions given. dulging in 'subversive activities". In tion and Planning. Out of these Abdullah. After his son migrated to Sheikh Abdullah's trial started in He had no sympathy for Quit the Police Station two of my cous- discussions came out the idea of PoK, Jeweller again came close to July 1946 at Badami Bagh Kashmir Movement, yet his ins came to see me, the Tonga driver Naya Kashmir. Sheikh Abdullah. cantonment. Pt. Nehru constituted sympathies were with overall cause had communicated to them the news Sh. BPL Bedi was asked by It was because of the influence a committee of defence headed by of India. As friend of Sh. MK Dhar of our detention. We DP and me Sheikh Abdullah to draft its mani- of Congress that Sheikh Abdullah himself for Sheikh Sahib's defence. and one who was close to NC were released after three days. festo. After its drafting it was played cool to Jenab. Sheikh Sahib The committee included renowned leadership, In my own way I tried Around this time (Sept. 1942) discussed in Sadiq Sahib's baithak was a PRESIDENT of States people like Sh Bhulabhai Desai and to see that misunderstanding Dr Zakir Hussain (later President and Working Committee of National Peoples Conference and a special Asaf Ali. While Pt. Nehru was on between the two sides did not grow. of India) visited Kashmir. He was Conference where it was formally invitee to Congress Working Com- way to Kashmir, he was arrested at Mr Dhar was a staunch nationalist not active in Quit India Movement. adopted with few changes. The mittee. He felt it was his responsi- Kohala by Sh. Maharaj Kishen but he had to perform his official Our group wanted to do political manifesto was released at a function bility to honour the trust Congress Dhar, District Magistrate and duties. activity independent of National in 1943. It was distributed to NC had reposed in him. Entire NC Governor of Kashmir. He was Sh Dhar had three sons--Kishen Conference. In this connection I was workers, Trade Unionists, student leadership sided with Sheikh Sahib. brought to Uri where he stayed in Kumar, Jawahar Lal and Pratap deputed by my organisation to meet activists etc. Since I was standing Only Mirza Afzal Beg wanted an Dak Bungalow for 1½ days before Kishen besides two daughters. After Dr. Zakir Hussain. He was staying close to Sheikh Sahib, I received its approach of 'Wait and See'. He had being sent back. Dr Rajender Prasad he was relieved off his duties in in Bombay Guest House at Boule- first copy with his autograph on it. his own reasons. Cripps Mission paid a visit to this bungalow when November 1947 he had no place to vard. He refrained from participat- In 1969-70, I lost this document of 1942 had failed, Cabinet Mission he came to Kashmir as President of go to. I arranged for his ing in active politics. We had decided when Sardar Teja Singh took it from was on way to India. Also, Mirza India. The Bungalow, burnt down accommodation at a place adjacent to invite him for presiding over the me for Governor Bhagwan Sahay. Afzal Beg was in Maharaja's by Tribal Raiders in 1947, was re- to my residence. He, his wife, son annual anniversary of our student It was never returned. In the original Cabinet. He wanted to see Viceroy's constructed and carries a Marble Pratap and a daughter who was a organization. I said to him since the manifesto the English and Urdu ver- attitude towards Jinnah. plaque commemorating Pt. Nehru's doctor in a government hospital Quit India Movement had engulfed sions were bound together. Circumstances and ideological stay there. Asaf Ali and Bhula Bhai, stayed for six months in the 3-room the entire country we wanted ti to KS: What was the impact of war affinity brought Nehru and Sheikh Desai represented Sheikh Abdullah accommodation. Later the family extend to our state as well. He said in Kashmir? Abdullah closer. Though Sheikh in defence. Pt. Nehru's decision to shifted to Udaipur when Kishan was it was a policy matter of Congress SS: Indo-Soviet Friendship So- started as a communalist, he turned head Sheikh Sahib's defence defying employed as Geology Engineer in leadership not to involve States in ciety was formed at the end of 1941 secular subsequently. His Congress Working Committee's de- Hindustan Zinc Corporation. It is it. Turning to the convention he or beginning of 1942. A branch involvement with Congress had a cision to go to Kashmir and then my regret that I never saw Dhars asked, “What will you deliberate in started in J&K also. It was a non- very positive impact on him. courting arrest at Kohala created tre- after May 1948. the convention”. I replied, “we will political body. Sadiq was its Though he was religious, yet he was mendous impact on common KS: You were also a member of express our solidarity with country- President, Sh. NN Raina was also secular in outlook. Kashmiri and NC workers. One Amar Singh Club? men”. He tried to dissuade me and active in it. I was its General KS: What was the impact of could see it visibly in Srinagar. KS: Membership was quiet turned me off saying, “They will Secretary for 18 months. Its task Quit Kashmir Movement? How did Cabinet Mission came to Srinagar difficult. Maharaja Hari Singh was put you in jail”. I asked, “why, we was to create public awareness it develop? in 1946. It met the Maharaja. NC the patron of the club. Because of are not raising the banner of revolt”. among the, people on the issue of SS: Simmerings within NC was had a plan to meet it but because of my past record and close links with I told Dr. Zakir Sahib, “If Congress Imperialist war vs Peoples' War. already there. Mirza Afzal Beg was public repression they could not Sheikh Abdullah and detention in jail will not agree to our demand we will Meanwhile Churchill's War Council Minister, Mian Ahmed Yar did not meet them. They later sent memo- getting membership was all the more start movement on our own”. He of British empire had included Ma- get berth in the cabinet. Within NC randum to Delhi and Lahore. difficult. At the same time my father asked me, “what you will do”. I told haraja Hari Singh as a member. For there was polarization along 'pro- KS: Sh. Maharaj Kishen Dhar's was a Darbari . When my him we will indulge in activities of me the situation was problematic. I Maharaja' and 'anti-Maharaja' lines. decision to arrest has been a matter membership application came up be- sabotage and our organisation had was involved with anti-war effort Jinnah's unsuccessful visit had acted of controversy. What are your views. fore Maharaja in September 1944, the wherewithal. He advised, because of my association with NC, as fuel to this polarization. In a ses- SS: In retrospect I feel he was the latter asked me, “How do you “Don't do anything that would AISF and Indo-Soviet Friendship sion of NC in Jammu Province it committed as an administrator to manage to do everything. Why do jeopardise your life. Don't do any Society. On the other hand my was decided that 'We have reached discharge his duties as District you want to become a member.” I work about which you do not know father was a Darbari (courtier). My limit of our patience and there was Magistrate of Kashmir in relation engaged in political activities, had well.” The meeting lasted just 30 min- mother was part of Maharani's need to start agitation against to political activities arising out of close ties with NC and with Sh. utes. Sardar Teja Singh had to Ladies Club, meant to boost war ef- Maharaja'. NC leadership had also Quit Kashmir Movement but his Maharaj Kishen Dhar. accompany me but he could not fort. in mind the Quit India Movement heart was sound and a nationalist I replied, “Sir, I am fond of reach in time. Since I was alone, I I was closely associated with NC which had yielded big dividends to one. This is substantiated by his role tennis. We do not have any court to had to justify to my organisation leaders like Sheikh Sahib, Bakshi Gh. Congress. So they thought they when he was asked to arrest Sh RC play Tennis. The Srinagar club is that I had indeed met Dr. Zakir Mohd. Someshwar, KN Bamzai, JN could replicate it in Kashmir by Kak in November 1947. He was reserved for the Britishers”. Then Hussain. I asked him to write a Zutshi, DP Dhar, Sadiq etc.. launching Quit Kashmir Movement. asked by the Chief Executive of he asked me, “have you left message for my colleagues in the KS: About Jinnah's visit in They forgot that people had given Emergency administration to politics”. I said, “I am in politics organisation. He wrote in the 1944. big sacrifices in Quit India handcuff the former Prime Minister but am not a part of any political notebook, “If a thing is worth SS: Jinnah during his Kashmir Movement. There were few such in grass ropes and then parade him group”. So I was admitted as a doing it is also worthdoing well”. visit in 1944 tried to win over Sheikh people in Kashmir. Many people through Srinagar. Sh Dhar refused member of the club. This advice changed the entire Abdullah but the latter did not bite wanted to use movement for to perform this task, saying he could I was not only involved in NC course of my life. Honestly speak- the bait. Sheikh Sahib told Jinnah personal aggrandizement and not meet this treatment to a former politics but also in social life because ing, whenever I make an attempt to plainly that he would not allow his personal gains. In May 1946 built Prime Minister. Sh Dhar was of father's business. Kashmir during do a new thing, this sentence rings party to go with Muslim League at further pressure on NC leadership. relieved of his duties. 1942-47 was centre of high voltage my mind. And I decide to measure any cost. Jinnah stayed initially in a Under Cabinet Mission Viceroy Mr MK Dhar was a great man political activity. Many nawabs and up myself whether I could do the houseboat for few days, later he was engaged in discussions with for whom I have immense respect. princes used to used to visit Kash- task. shifted to Ghulam Ahmed Jeweller's Congress and Muslim League lead- His son Pratap Kishen was my mir. Important political leaders like KS: How did Naya Kashmir house at Shivpora. Jeweller's son ers in Shimla. Sheikh Sahib felt that friend. I would spend lot of time Mian Mumtaz Daultana, Mian manifesto emerge? Ghulam Mohammad (later Finance Kashmiris would be left high and with Sh. MK Dhar. He was kind, Iftikharuddin, Mian Bashir Ahmed, SS: This idea had started devel- Minister of PoK in Sardar Ibrahim's dry and Maharaja Hari Singh may affectionate, a friend and a guide to Sheikh Sadiq, Sir Sultan Ahmed, MD oping in Sadiq Sahib's baithak (Karra Cabinet) was my friend since 1939- deal with Cabinet Mission on his me. He was an intellectual of high Taseer, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Hafeez building) since 1940. This baithak 40. Subsequently, I developed good own, bypassing NC leadership. NC order and did lot of reading. He was Jullundri used to spend summers in was sort of a club for NC and relations with GA Jeweller also. was preparing to launch the a strict disciplinarian. Those days Kashmir and stayed either in house- student activists, besides Once, because of my friendship with agitation. Prime Minister RC Kak even high officials were not given boats or bungalows. Through club I intellectuals. Punjab communist Gh. Mohammad I had the chance to prempted the situation by arresting official cars. Though he had a car came to know these people and at- leader Sh. BPL Bedi and his wife pay a courtesy call on Jinnah. A few overnight all the important NC which his son would drive, yet he tended many parties. On other Freda visited Kashmir in 1940. When days later GA Jeweller threw a big workers. By May 1946 itself all the would go to office at Tankipora from occasion I had the chance to play Pt. Nehru came to Jammu and reception party for Jinnah at Amar important workers were in jails. Kh. Poloview/Red Cross residence on tennis with them. It included Srinagar in June 1940, Bedis were Singh Club where all prominent Ahsanullah, a businessman who bicycle. He had no servants. Rajmata Gayatri Devi then Princess already in Srinagar. It was through citizens were invited to meet Jinnah, owned Army Agency business, had Pt. Maharaj Kishen Dhar was a of Cooch Behar State. My cousins Sadiq that Bedis came to know 1-2 ministers also attended the party escaped arrest. Later, he became very good officer. He would tour a and I would play tennis every Sheikh Abdullah, Bakshi Ghulam But on Sheikh Sahib's instructions Trade Commissioner in Delhi in lot to take stock of the situation. He evening at the club courts. KASHMIR SENTINEL ANALYSIS September 2006 ANALYSIS 14 Rubiya kidnapping & Kandhaar Hijacking— Confessions of Farooq & Arif raise more Questions

Special Correspondent Hamid Sheikh's father. They pearance from J&K just as the administration. The Army at been released...When I came he maxim is 'while speaking said release him because he is Russians had been thrown out Pathankot, I was told, had al- back to Delhi there I came to Tis duty silence is guilt'. It may ill. Two, they said put him on a of Afghanistan...Gujral Saab ready been alerted. If we decided know the whole story that some take sometime for the analysts plane to Tehran and they will and Arif had to sign because I to take over administration you judge of Allahabad High Court to know why Dr. Farooq manage the rest and I said no, would not budge. I told my chief are going to sit there and it will was sitting at Home Minister Abdullah, the former Chief that is not acceptable...Then secretary, you sign first and I be your responsibility to over see Mufti Sayeed's house and he was Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, suddenly at that time the home sent a 13 page letter to the the administration and the ac- negotiating a deal....In fact I was has chosen to speak on the two minister of India, Mufti used a President of India, detailing tion taken against any terrorist very upset and I asked people events, Rubiya Sayeed judge of the Allahabad High what had happened everyday. outfits and those who are giving why I was sent there?....Only kidnapping in Dec. 1989 and the Court who came home and used That document is lying with the support to the terrorists outfits. later I got to know that a lot of Kandhaar Hijacking in December lawyer today sitting with President of India". This was my brief. negotiations and bargaining was 1999, at this time again. Whether Hurriat. They knew where the Dr. Farooq's interview was ...I think the call was made going on between Delhi and Dr. he is performing a sacred duty girl was. He said he had come followed up by another one by from the Prime Minister's of- Farooq Abdullah. Farooq knew by speaking out the truth now with the authority from the Arif Mohd. Khan on the event fice, because this was what my stand was in the morn- or merely trying to overcome a Home Minister that all five would published by Tehelka on immediately after a meeting of ing—I wish he had told me dur- sense of guilt which is haunting be released. Mr. Dulat was told, September 9, 2006. Sh. Arif the cabinet committee on ing the day that he was being him? Or is he playing mere poli- look all five are going to be Mohd. Khan who was a senior security affairs...Either Cabinet pressurised. I really can't tell tics as many of the top leaders released, so there is no more minister in VP Singh's cabinet Secretary TN Sheshan or you today what I would have done of the country have been discussion to be held with you. had accompanied Sh. IK Gujral Director Intelligence Bureau then but it is certainly not part survival with critical issues of When the judge came to me I to Srinagar during Rubiya MK Narayanan spoke to me and of my nature to keep quiet when concerning the nation. said no. He said she is like your Sayed's kidnapping. His reaction then Mr. Arun Nehru spoke to something is happening which In a detailed interview to daughter and I told him she is to Dr Abdullah's interview as me from there only. He said—I is not acceptable to me. (After Tehelka weekly Farooq has more than my daughter. But I recorded by Tehelka as: "The am speaking from PM's office, returning). Everybody was con- apparently talked frankly and told him that the nation is on one first thing I would like to say is this has been decided and your gratulating each other. I was with a sense of introspection on side and daughter on the other that the decision to release the name has been specifically sitting at house sulking...In fact Rubiya Sayed kidnapping and and I am not going to sacrifice terrorists was taken by the included because you enjoy kind when he (V.P. Singh) had called Kandhaar Hijacking, both of the nation. I also told him that Prime Minister and the Home of image there which will give a me to his house before the gov- which lead to release of dreaded they are not going to kill her. Minister. This decision was not message to the administration ernment was sworn in, I had told terrorists. Analysts term the two There is no such evidence. But taken in the cabinet. Therefore that we mean business... I packed him that Rajiv Gandhi was events as major failures in then, in the middle of night then many people including me were my bags and left for airport. playing games with our handling terrorism as well as Prime Minister VP Singh called not even aware of what was go- Therefore I can only tell you the security...if you have any such abject capitulation of the state me saying, Doctor Saab we are ing on...These decisions are not brief I was given. I think intentions I am warning you or more precisely the leadership sending a team. Please release taken in cabinet at all. There is whatever little interaction I had right now that I won't be a party at the helm to terror. her. At 5 o'clock in the morning, a cabinet committee on Security with Mr Farooq Abdullah in the to that..I had walked out of the The interview provides I find at my door Mr Gujral, Arif Affairs and Cabinet Committee morning, I think I acted accord- meeting of Janta Dal office bear- insight into the murky field of Mohd. Khan and MK on political affairs that may be ing to that brief...He has already ers because he had gone to old Indian politics and perhaps the Narayanan...It was December involved. I was a member of nei- told you that I opposed the re- Delhi to meet Shahi Imam. VP subversive machinations at the and these guys were shivering. ther of these committees. In any lease of militants from Farooq's Singh is a senior leader and I highest level. The events leading I gave them Kahwa to warm them case none of these committees House. I went to the Chashma respect him but that does not to the release of Rubaiya Sayed up and told my chief secretary can formally decide to exert Shahi guest house and sat there mean that I agree with him....You are described graphically by him and Mr Dulat to brief them. I pressures on a state the whole day. I neither met any- can check with Farooq again in following words..."He (Mufti must say to the credit of Arif, he government. If that is being done body nor did I get a call from about how emphatic I was in the Mohd. Syed) called me. I had told Mr Gujral, I am sorry this then it is only by some anybody and that includes Inder morning at his house that no come home from the foreign trip is not what we have been told in individuals, who may be holding Kumar Gujral....I remember that terrorist should be released and and went to see him...I told him I the cabinet. What we have been high positions...It is true that I at one stage when there was I went to the extent of saying we don't have all the facts of the case, told is something different. He was woken up in the middle of some mention of releasing the are not the only country who are but as soon as I get back, I'll talk suggested they fly back to Delhi the night around 2:30 and the terrorists, I immediately butted faced with this problem, that to my colleagues, the chief to brief the PM and tell him to message I still clearly in, intervened in the discussion countries have successfully secretary, the intelligence use diplomatic pressure to get remember, that was given to me and said that this is not the brief fought the menace of terrorism. agencies. I went back and found the girl released. Mr Gujral said was that it appears that the state I have come with, that from what I said we can learn from them, my cabinet colleagues had in no, no we have got the authority government is in league with I was told on the phone when I then when faced with a similar their wisdom decided to release and if he (Farooq Abdullah) does those who are behind the kidnap- got a call from PM's office, re- situation they secure all the five. I said no, I am the not release the militants then we ping, that is why they seem re- leasing terrorists was not a part resignation of the minister and chief minister...you are giving are going to dismiss him...(He luctant to take tough measures of it. There appeared to be a dif- after the crisis is over they will to something you should not give said) straight at my face and I against the terrorists involved. ference of view points about the reinstate the minister...I said we in to. I said they are not going to said, wonderful, if the That is the reason why the state strategy to be adopted, about the should never give in to the eliminate that girl because Government of India wants to government is not taking enough action to be taken between Inder demand of the terrorists, there is so much world sink India, then go ahead and action. It is impossible if the girl Kumar Gujral and me. Then I because this way we may be able pressure, there is so much give it to me in writing. I told my has been kidnapped in Srinagar said if this the position then we to secure the release of the pressure from Saudi Arabia chief secretary to please take a that the state government has can refer the matter back to daughter but many more daugh- which is one of the most powerful note. That such and such team not been able to identify the Delhi...Either go back or talk to ters will be kidnapped and many Islamic nations as far as the has come that they have PM's hideout even after three-four them on telephone. I went to the more people will be killed by people are concerned...at the and Cabinet's orders that the days. I was told that the place guest-house and after that no- them." time they had also said, if you five militants have to be released where they have kept the girl has body spoke to me the whole Both the interviews seen to- can't release all the five, then at all costs. Whatever the cost already been established but the day...There was not much discus- gether make scathing indictment you may kindly release Hamid to the country and, therefore, state government is not taking sion at that time...It is only now, of the topmost people at the Sheikh,....They had given three whatever the onus, whatever any action...I was told in very on hindsight, I realise that I was helms. There is a definite streak solutions. One, take him to the happens here to the country will clear language that the reason kept in dark. May be because I of self righteousness also in the border at Uri and ask your be because of the Government of we have decided to send you is was taking a line which was disclosures—I was right, brave guards not to shoot and he will India. Get them sign this...Yes, I that you enjoy a very tough different...I was absolutely and the wronged one at that cross the border into Pakistan. insisted they sign. The minute image in Srinagar. Because we shocked...I was totally shocked, critical moment. Others were This was part of the negotiations they were released, you will be feel that the state government is that I couldn't believe it when I meek, panicky, devoid of vision my chief secretary and Mr Dulat surprised, the entire Valley was not taking action, therefore was informed around 5:30 in the and perhaps treacherous. The the IB officer stationed in in jubilation that we have been tomorrow morning we may evening that the girl has been disclosures leave many areas of Srinagar were having with able to throw Indians out, that decide to dismiss the state released and then I came to now doubt. this is the start of India's disap- government and take over the that some terrorists also have (Contd. on Page 19 KASHMIR SENTINEL DIASPORA September 2006 DIASPORA 15 Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora in Himachal Pradesh Shimla By Upender Ambardar and the spectacular 'Ashyana' enroute to Jatogh is the Prospect road near the Scandal Point. Both institutions, which speaks he district Shimla and 'Gufa' restaurants are major Hill, which has a temple of Kamna of them deal in Kashmiri volumes about their resilience comprises Shimla proper, attractions with the visitors on Devi. Mushabra, Kufir, Confer handicrafts, shawls, embroidered and determination to succeed in T Chopal, Rohru, the Ridge. About 2 kms. from the crowded Naldhera, wild flower phiran' and artifacts. In the alien surroundings. Though Chadgaon, Dodrakwar, Theog, Ridge atop the Jakho hills at an hall (a British settlement of Lord lower bazaar of old Shimla, physically detached from Kash- Narkanda, Kot-garh, Kot-Kahai, altitude of 8,000 feet is the an- Kitchener time), Chail and apple dozens of Kashmiri Muslim mir, yet a majority of them are still Jubal, Sunni and Rampur cient and most revered temple of orchard packed Phagu are the families reside collectively in the mentally and emotionally Bushur. Shimla, the capital of 'Sankatmochan' Hanuman. lovely and charming outskirts of local mosque. This complex rep- attached to their moorings, 'Dev Bhoomi' Himachal Pradesh resents a microsome or mini though after effects of cultural known as the 'Queen of Hills' is Kashmir as inside it's complex, displacement are also visible one of the most frequented sum- they own shops ranging from tai- among them. mer resorts of India. Situated at lor, barber, watch-repairing in ad- The second generation an altitude of 7,230 feet and dition to salted tea and delec- Pandit diaspora includes spread on both sides of the table 'Wazwan' shops. Besides doctors, engineers, information Ridge, Shimla is nestled in the being associated with domestic professionals, professors, lap of lush green thick forests of gas agencies throughout Shimla, scientists, civil servants (I.A.S. Deodar and Pine. Shimla is re- a few among them are 'A' grade and I.P.S. officers), technocrats, markable for the beauty of its civil contractors and labour sup- teachers and Bank officers, landscape, snowcapped moun- plying contractors. Some of them besides serving in various state tain ranges, vast stretches of lush are also connected with tourist departments. A few among them green foliage and above all pol- trade, acting as tourist guides, also own orchards. lution free atmosphere. Without tour operators and managers in The well-known Kashmiri any exaggeration, it is truly a private hotels. Inspite of their Pandits of Shimla include famous scene from the wonderland, long stay in Shimla, Kashmiri Bollywood actor Anupam Kher something out of a fairy tale. Muslims, have zealously and his father Sh Pushkar Nath Discovered by the British offic- guarded their religious and cul- Kher, Sh M.K. Kaw, the former ers in the year 1819 and declared tural identity, retaining their tra- distinguished civil servant, Dr. as the summer capital of the Brit- The Mall (Shimla). ditional dress, mother tongue Lokesh Koul, ex-Dean Academic ish India in the year 1864, Shimla and food habits. Affairs and Professor Emeritus draws it's name from the Goddess After their day's schedule, Himachal Pradesh University, Dr Shyamla, another name for the Hanuman is believed to have Shimla, which are ideal retreats they frequently tune to Radio VK Mattoo, Professor Deptt. of Goddess Kali. stopped here for a while during for nature lovers'. Srinagar to enjoy Kashmiri mu- Biosciences Himachal Pradesh Shimla is also known for it's his search for 'Sanjeevani Booti' Sanjoli, a lovely suburb of sic broadcast from that station. University, Shimla, Mr. Ravinder silence drenched atmosphere, for Lakshamana. About 2.4 kms. Shimla at an altitude of 7,400 feet Dozens of Kashmiri Muslim fami- Nath Koul, Director Inter State cool and refreshing mountain air, from the Ridge is Annadale, the is about 3 kms. from the Ridge. It lies are permanently settled in the Himachal Pradesh Electricity enchanting panoramic view and lush-green play ground and a has a temple of Goddess Durga village Teesa situated in the Board, Sh. Arvind Koul, ex-Chief awesome secludedness. Being picnic spot of the British times and a Buddhist monastery and about 117 kms. from Chandigarh and 4 kms from it is a densely is also approchable from lakar and 96 kms. from Kalka, the first forested Glen at an altitude of bazaar. The temple of Goddess gateway to Himachal Pradesh, 6,000 feet gifted with an ice cold Tara Devi about 11 kms. from Shimla is well connected both by water stream, Glen is a delightful Shimla near Shogi atop the excellent roadway and an engi- secluded spot for the nature lov- highest mountain top, besides neering marvel of narrow gauge ers. Little further away on the being a venerated spot is an un- rail link from Kalka. A travel by Mall road near Ambedkar believable picturesque site of the hill or toy train from Kalka to Chowk, is the Himachal Pradesh unspoiled charm. Shimla makes a fascinating and State Museum, which has a Shimla, a city of antiquity and always to be remembered rail fabulous and impressive modernity is a 'Home' away from journey. Moving at a gentle collections of art objects, Pahari the original home for about a speed of 22 kms per hour and paintings, antiques besides hundred families of Kashmiri passing through 102 tunnels, 809 numerous bronze and wood- Pandit community. They are bridges, a series of sharp curves work sculptures. mainly concentrated at New cum gradients and twenty pic- Further away on the same Shimla, Chotta Shimla, Sanjoli, turesque stations of Taksal, Koti, route near Choura-Maidan is the Fingasu estate, Nabha Annadale Barog, Dharampur, Solan, famous Indian Institute of Ad- and Summer Hill with a few fami- Kandaghat, Tara Devi, Winding vanced Studies, previously lies settled enroute Mall. it's way through the Prospect Hill known as Rashtrapati Niwas or Kashmiri diaspora in Shimla Viceregal Lodge. It is an impres- also includes a significant num- and Summer Hill, finally making The Ridge (Shimla). it's last stop at Shimla. It takes 5 sive British castle set amidst calm ber of Kashmiri Muslims, who to 6 hours to reach Shimla by and serene surroundings with a number about 2500 souls. They train, whileas it is only 4½ hrs. spacious garden and endless are usually referred to as 'Khans' tribal area of Barmur in Chamba Secretary and Chairman, run by road from Chandigarh. rows of huge pine trees. The here. A majority of them are en- district of Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh Public Service Shimla is also famous for the Rashtrapati Niwas is now home gaged in the laborious task of which borders Bhaderwah in Commission, Sh. PK Mattoo, Mall road and the Ridge, which to eminent scholars. A short dis- transportation of all types of Jammu and Kashmir state. They (I.A.S.) retd. Chief Secretary, Sh. are it's nerve-centres and heart- tance ahead of it is Summer Hill, household and consumer items are there for more than a O.N. Channa, the first Chief Sec- throbs. Mall road, the main shop- which is a lovely suburb of Shimla in the inaccessible hilly terrain hundred year and to utter retary, Dr C.L. Kundu, ex-Vice ping centre is dotted with end- at an altitude of 6,500 feet. It is of Shimla. Besides Shimla, they amazement, their mother tongue Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh less rows of shops, restaurants, well known for the 220 feet can be spotted even in the is Kashmiri. University, Dr. Pushkar Nath bars, famous Gaiety Theatre and Chadwick fall and the Himachal remotest and innermost places of A majority of Kashmiri Thusoo, ex-Director Agriculture magnificent heritage buildings, Pradesh University. Summer Hill Palampur, Baijnath, Mandi Pandits have come to Shimla in Department and founder Direc- which are the architectural mas- has quiet surroundings with Dharamshalla, Kullu Manali, the early fifties driven by the lure tor of Central Potato Research In- terpieces of the British times. secluded shady walks. It is an Shogi, Solan, Kangra and of better employment avenues stitute, Bambloi, Dr. Khushoo, Large crowds of all ages en- unforgettable joy to take a walk Jawalaji. and prospects. A significant scientist, ex-Director of Central joying pop-corns or ice-creams on the Summer Hill-Advanced Besides being roadside ven- number of them were education- Potato Research Institute, Sh. can usually be spotted, while Studies forest route, which I dors, they own a number of veg- ists, while others have contrib- Kundu, I.P.S. officer, Sh. B.L. pacing the length of the Mall in- myself have enjoyed umpteen etable and provision shops. Mr uted their skill and expertise in Pandit, retd. I.P.S. officer, Sh. numerable times. It lends a holi- times amidst forest fragrance Qazi Shah hailing from Qazigund various state departments. T.N. Ganjoo, a prominent educa- day and a fair like mood and at- laden fresh breeze. About five and a native of Hyderpora Mostly they have served as tionist and retired Headmaster, mosphere to the Ridge and the kms. from Shimla at an altitude Srinagar own showroom cum Headmasters, Principals and Pro- fondly known as Masterji, Sh. Mall. The majestic Christ Church of 8,137 feet above Boileagunj, shops in the prestigious Mall fessors in the state educational (Contd.on Page 17) KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 HISTORY 16

By Dr. Ramesh Kumar claim to traditional scholarship". The great Anthropologist calls arvati and her children Purushyar Massacre-II this clan 'as one of the most re- stayed with Rawal family spected and rich families of the at Brari Angan. Her P Descendants of Atma Ram Pandit village'. Pandits of Atma Ram's brother's wife did not like clan are Banamasis, their Ishta Parvati's continued stay at her well-bred soldier and popular nine shikars one after the other later restored. Devi is Jwaladevi of Khrew, while house. Soon she was forced to with the army. The new Gover- in a single day. Narayan Pandit had decided the gotra is Dev Vatse move out. Parvati got renovated nor Kanwar Sher Singh entered The Prince's Guru and Pt. not to marry. His brother Shiv Upamanyu Laugakshi. Their a small dilapidated Paddy hut Kashmir via Baramulla route in Ganesh Dhar, Chief of Revenue Ram too was a bachelor. It was Kulprohit used to be Pt. Jagar (Kuth) and shifted her family to January 1832. He did not have a Administration used to pray on the prodding of Mirza Kak, Nath Handoo of Srinagar. it. Her family survived on food smooth time initially. During the regularly at Devibal. It was a daily the great Kashmiri saint of Some of the prominent de- prepared in Ashram langar. first winter of his tenure, Kash- routine for Narayan Pandit to go Hangalgund that Narayan re- scendants of late Atma Ram Brari Angan, alongwith mir reeled under severe cold. All to Devibal to offer prayers to the lented. He married Pt. Sat Ram Gosaingund, Gautam Nag (in Pandit, who achieved excellence rivers and lakes were frozen. goddess. Guru on hearing the Pandit's (of Hangalgund) daugh- in religious and Sanskrit schol- Anantnag district) and Many domestic animals and prayer of Narayan Pandit felt a ter. Gosainteng (Baramulla town), arship are: cattle perished. The population little amazed. He made enquiries Mirza Kak had told Narayan Lakshman Pandit: Richest was among the places, where suffered due to scarcity of water about the identity of Narayan. that he will give birth to children sadhus, on pilgrimage to the holy person of his time in his area-he and fuel. The governor too had Parvati, whose family had suf- who will, be like Gul and Phul was a great philanthropist. cave of Lord Amarnath, used to his share of suffering. His offi- fered much political persecution, (genius and handsome) but Taet halt for many days. The natural Vasudev Pandit: Son of cial residence in Shergarhi fort, felt scared. She kept her son in Tah Maet (short-tempered and Narayan Pandit, Vasudev Pandit and spiritual ambience of these Srinagar, caught fire twice. The hiding. Finally, she was prevailed eccentric). Till 31 years of age, places appealed to the sadhus. was well known in Kashmir and entire shopping complex in the upon to produce her son before Narayan remained issueless. He in the rest of India for his erudite Narayan Pandit : neighbourhood decided to take One day, an eccentric sadhu scholarship in religious studies was engulfed in his cousin's son and social history. He was created a scene. He had de- the flames. Then Nidhan Rawal in manded Dal (Cooked Pulses) at known better by alias Vasudev fire took its toll adoption. Sub- Kuthari and was employed by the langar but was instead fo Ahlamar sequently, served milk. This infuriated him. Dogra Durbar as a religious locality (Badiyar Narayan's wife scholar. He was paid hefty sum He lost his cool and thrashed the bala), adjacent to gave birth to langar people with a trident. of Rs 500 per year. He was Habbakadal. It three sons-- trained by Pt. Sahib Ram Pandit, Since Narayan Pandit, the son of destroyed many Amarchand, Parvati, knew Hindi well, he was the author of Tiratha Samgraha. dwellings and Lakshman and Another well-known descendant requested by ashram-manage- caused immense Vasudev; ment to serve as interpreter for of Pt. Sahib Ram has been Pt. hardships to Lakshman was Mahanand pandit, a famed As- the visiting sadhus. This en- their residents. taken in adop- hanced the prestige of Narayan trologer and a former President A new diver- tion by Shiv of Priests' Association. Sahib Pandit. He was soon to catch the sion-Nav Sarak Ram, Narayan's attention of one of the great Ram belonged to Pandit clan, (Nai Sarak) was brother. known for high scholarship. This saints Bhol Nath who had at- created for pe- Prof. TN tained the power of 'Parkaya group reely intermarried with destrians. These Descendants of Atma Ram's clan. Seen also in the photograph Madan's field Karkun class. Sahib Ram's fam- Pravaresh’. As the tradition incidents have work: says the people with such is Bhawani, mother of Ram Nath Pandit. ily also trained besides Vasudev, been docum- The village of Shankar Pandit and possibly powers could turn themselves ented at length Brari Angan was Amarchand also. into lion etc. by Pandit Birbal Kachru in his the Prince's guru. The latter to catch attention of the re- Vasudev was very influential. This spiritually elevated chronicle. Majma-at-Tawarikh: asked him if he was the same nowned anthropologist, Prof. TN People were scared of him be- sadhu used to do his tapasya (of- Auckland papers describe person who recited a particular Madan in 1950s. He decided to cause of his eccentric behaviour. fering prayers) at the nearby Prince Sher Singh as 'clever and prayer at Devibal in his presence. study the twin villages of Janki Prasad, a non-Kashmiri was Sochalmaidan. Narayan Pandit bold', but 'wild and unprincipled'. When Narayan repeated the reci- Umanagri-Uttersoo for his field a senior revenue official. A would take milk to him. The saint, Traveller GT Vigne speaks of tation, the Guru held him in tight work. This anthropologist was widow asked Vasudev to get a impressed by Narayan, asked him, as needy and spend-thrift' embrace, telling him," your and so fascinated by these villages job for her son. Vasudev ignored him to accompany him to and 'cruel and rapacious', while mine guru are the same person and the cooperation extended to the normal protocol and just Amarnath. It snowed quite McGregore says the Prince was (Bhol Nath), so you are my Guru- him by the local Kashmiri Pandits shouted from Prasad's main gate, heavily during the yatra. The addicted to "wine and women to brother”. The Guru asked Pt. that he asked one of his students, "Appoint this widow's son as a saint offered his Lion-skin to the an excessive degree" and "a com- Ganesh Dhar to pay his regards Urvashi Misri to do a field study Tehsildar". The Revenue official young Narayan to keep him plete drunkard and debauchee". to Naryan Pandit as he was a on Pandit children and women away from cold injury. Narayan Dewan Wasakha Singh fed this great religious scholar. The two in the same villages three de- complied with Vasudev's "or- became his disciple and received appetite of the prince to remain asked Narayan about family's cades later. Kashmiri Pandits of ders". Such was the writ of 'Guru Upadesh'. Some years free to rule independently. economic position. Narayan re- Brari Angan remember well the Vasudev. later, Kanwar Sher Singh, son of Prince Sher Singh was fond plied that his family members had two scholars. This landmark Whenever religious scholars Maharaja Ranjit Singh, was ap- of hunting. The family Guru, a come as fugitives from Chenani study made Prof Madan a great came from outside, Kashmiri pointed Governor of Kashmir. well-learned Pandit and Sh. and made their living on ashram name in Indian Anthropology. scholars would request Vasudev The previous governor Bahama Ganesh Dhar, a revenue admin- food. This moved the Guru and This work was later published in to be their spokesperson in reli- Singh Ardali, who had taken istrator used to accompany him Pt. Ganesh Dhar. Narayan was 1965 under the title 'Family and gious discussions. It is said that over Governorship on 5 May, on these hunting jaunts. On one introduced to Prince Sher Singh Kinship—A Study of the Pandits Vasudev could recite over 60,000 1831, failed to govern. There was occasion Prince Sher Singh was at Uma Nagri. The former was of Rural Kashmir'. Two more verses from his memory without a Shia-Sunni riot, this affected on a hunting expedition in granted huge Jagirs (totalling 240 editions of this book came out any fault. Vasudev stayed at the shawl industry. Maharaja Ranjit Kuthar area and camped at Uma acres) at Uma Nagri (adjacent to subsequently. Prof. Madan did house of Keshav Nath alias Singh indicted Bahama Singh for Nagri. He did not pay any regard the mahant's land), Halqa his field work in these twin vil- Keshav Pulsi in Srinagar. After not taking preemptive measures. to Mahant Ramanand of Uma Uttarssu, Kreri, Ranipora, Halan, lages between January 1957 and his demise, Keshav Nath's fam- A leading Kashmiri merchant Nagri ashram. For some days Sherpora, Opassan, Krad, January 1958. References to Prof. ily asked Vasudev's family to Mian Samad Joo personally went hunting yielded no dividends. Cheikhgund, Ondo, Trahop, Madan and his book are being collect many bagloads of manu- to the Maharaja to narrate Bahma He also had syncope once. After Sonsun, Shangas-Nowgam etc. made in this write-up because the scripts and books left behind by Singh's callous attitude and in- recovering fromt it the Prince The rent was exempted, book throws some light on some Vasudev from his Srinagar resi- difference during the riots. was asked to meet the Mahant. Narayan's family was also kept Pandits, who hail from Atma Ram dence. Unfortunately, the family Maharaja decided to send his The latter told him he should re- outside the 'Karbegar' labour. Pandit's clan. did not realise the importance of son, Kanwar Sher Singh, who frain from hunting in Uma Nagri He was asked to collect the patta About this clan, Prof. TN this treasure. had distinguished himself in the which was Devi's area, where from Srinagar. Even after the land Madan says, "There is one Uma Vasudev was married to sis- Balakot battle against Syed even the birds and animals paid settlement, carried out by Sir Nagri family which boasts of ter of Pt. Shiv Nath Soma, who Ahmad Barelvi, the leader of the obeisance to the Devi. Mahant Walter Larence, Narayan many Sanskrit scholars (Pandit) as per one account, was Chief Muslim revivalist movement signalled the Governor to go for Pandit's family continued to be and astrologers (Jyotishi) in- Conservator of Forests of entire (Wahabi) on 23 May 1831. Sher hunting in the nearby Shergund in possession of 100 Khirwars of cluding Narayan Pandit among J&K. Pt. Shiv Nath, a resident of Singh, the son of Rani Mahtab area. This proved to be sound land. Some of the Jagirs were its ancestors, but today only two Kaur, was a cheerful, intelligent, advice. The Prince shot down confiscated by later rulers but of its male members can lay any (Contd.on Page 17) KASHMIR SENTINEL September 2006 CONTINUATION 17

Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora in Himachal Pradesh (From Page 15) Deputy Director, Planning Com- would always wear a hat and S.L. Koul, retired Principal, Sh. mission, Govt. of India, Sh. carry a walking stick. He would N.N. Raina, a wall known educa- Surinder Nath Koul, Retd. School often claim with profound sense tionist, Dr. Krishna Raina, ex- Principal, Sh. N.L. Raina, Deputy of pride "I am also a Kashmiri Head of the Deptt. of Hindi, Director Education (Retd.), Sh. Pandit." Raja Dhyan Nath owned Himachal Pradesh University. Nakhasi, Retd. Deputy Director vast stretches of orchards at New Dr. Prabhu Krishan Raina, ex- Education Department, Sh. O.N. Shimla. Sh. Kahan Chand is said Reader Himachal Pradesh Uni- Dhar, Retd. Superintendent to be the first Kashmiri Pandit to versity and presently Reader In- Forest Department and his son own a shop in the lower Bazaar dian Institute of Technology Sh. Sunil Dhar, a businessman Shimla near the start of Sabzi Khargpur, late Professor and a political activist and Sh. Mandi street. He is believed to Ravinder Kumar, ex-Head of the Jawahar Koul, Bank officer and have settled in Shimla before Department of History, Himachal a host of others. (To be taken- 1947. His provision store shop Pradesh University, Sh. T.N. up in subsequent issues). was frequented by the commu- Wangnoo, ex-Personal Secretary Late Raja Dhyan Nath, 'one nity diaspora for Kashmiri spices to the Governor Himachal time owner of Shimlas' famous and 'Kangri' , though his sons Pradesh, Sh. Shyam Lal Koul, ex- Ritz Cinema and Revoli Cinema have now shifted to dry fruits Deputy Director of Education is also said to have been an old and wholesale distribution of Journey to Shimla. Department and Retd. Principal, Kashmiri Pandit (non-Kashmiri light eatable items. In Rampur Sh. P.K. Raina, Retd. Principal, speakings). Raja Dhyan Nath is Bushur of district Shimla, two late Sh. Gobind Koul, Retd. believed to have settled here, brothers namely late Sh. Shyam Kashmiri and Sh. Bansi Lal One of their descendents Sh. Raj Asstt. Post Master, Sh. D.N. when Shimla was a summer capi- Lal and late Sh. Bansi Lal would Kashmiri were orchadists and Kumar Kashmiri is presently run- Bhan, Retd. Section Officer, tal of British Indian Empire. How- refer themselves as Shyam Lal fruit contractors. Before finally ning a S.T.D. Shop and another Himachal Pradesh A.G., Sh. ever, with the passage of time, Kashmiri and Bansi Lal Kashmiri. settling in Rampur Bushur, they one is serving in a Bank at Ramji Koul, ex-President of their ownership has now Their descendents have now were living in Sunder Nagar. Rampur Bushur. Kashmiri Pandit Association changed hands. adopted the surname of They claim to have come-out Shimla, Sh. K.N. Wali, Retd. The old timers recall that he 'Kashmiri'. Both Sh. Shyam Lal from Kashmir centuries back. --(To be continued)

'has an irrepressible but healthy his father, curiosity about, social happen- Srikanth too Descendants of Atma Ram Pandit ings in the village and great practised as- sense of humour. He once in trology. He (From Page 16) Khirwar to be paid to Pt. personalities—Mirza Afzal Beg, Prof. Madan's presence sur- retired as vil- Rainawari, who later settled in Maheshwar Nath. This was ac- Pt. Shiv Naraina Fotedhar and prised a fellow villager by show- lage Post- Jammu, became a legend for his cepted by the tenants. But Pt. Pt. Kashyap Bandhu, Saifuddin ing greater knowledge of the Master . A re- outstanding qualities. Vasudev Moshar Nath told the tenants Ghani (DIG Police). He was a first latter's genealogy than the latter ligious left behind a daughter married in that he would not accept a penny division holder in Matric. Better himself possessed. minded per- Kissu family and a son more than the officially fixed price known as Prem Nath Kuthari, he Sarwanand was a walking en- son, Srikanth Maheshwar Nath. Pt. Shiv Nath of Rs 8 per Khirwar. This put along with his brother Sham cyclopedia, who could recall at a had learnt Sanskritic tradition Soma wanted his nephew to be a Sarpanch in quandry, tenants felt Sunder remained Yuvak Sabha minute's notice the 200-year old from his father. Prof. Madan contractor but Maheshwar Nath that the former had played fraud Presidents, Kuthar area for a history of Uma Nagri and the praises his traits—being affec- was a man of simple disposition. on them. Maheshwar Nath also long-time. origins of the different Pandit tionate and informal. Pt. Srikanth He was just a matriculate but confiscated a charcoal-laden Sarvanand Pandit: He was clans of the village. As per Prof. lives as a refugee in Swarn Vihar knew English very well. Through boat, meant for his superior, a son of Prasad Pandit and grand- Madan, he had even kept a writ- locality of Jammu. his maternal uncle he was em- DFO. son of Lakhyman Pandit. He was ten record of some particularly Ram Nath Pandit: He is son ployed as a forester and reached Maheshwar Nath had three born in 1906. He was one of the notable events in the village dur- of Pt. Tarachand and grandson to the rank of Ranger. In his sons—Niranjan Nath, Kedar five members of 'convoy' of Prof. ing his lifetime. of Lakshman Pandit. He dropped times he was one of the few per- Nath, Mohan Lal besides a TN Madan. Because of dedica- For Prof Madan's fieldwork, out in F. Sc but retains good sons who used to read national daughter. Niranjan Nath and tion of these Pt. Sarwanand remained a key knowledge of languages includ- English dailies. Pt. Maheshwar Kedar Nath achieved eminence five people, informant. He admits that his ing English. He depended for Nath after his marriage shifted to in the field of journalism and were the Mahant of book has quoted more often from living on his land. Like his cousin his in-law's village, Levdora, associated with Times of India Uma Nagri Pt. Sarwanand's statements than Pt. Sarwanand, Pt. Ram Nath too Qazigund. Maheshwar Nath's and Indian Express respectively. with his sense from anybody else's, with the is well versed in religious scrip- wife, the only daughter of her Kedar Nath was a poet too. of repartee possible exception of Bishamber tures and social history of parents was an intelligent lady. Niranjan Nath was the first BA used to say: Nath Koul. In Prof. Madan's work Kashmiri Pandits. The way he Maheshwar Nath's exemplary from Atma Ram's clan. Late "They gave up Pt. Sarwanand found an outlet reels out the information about honesty and truthfulness in dis- Kedar Nath's son, Pawan too is their homes for his passion for ethnography. the social history of the Pandit charging his official duties made a journalist with Hindustan and wives and He acknowledges his contribu- community is truly amazing. He him renowned. Some of the inci- Times in New Delhi. A few years lost their tion by recording, "I had found has his own classification of dents are being recalled here. back he was staff correspondent night's sleep for his (Madan's) in him the key informant that the Kauls, Razdans, and the Priestly Once, he imposed fine of Rs 5/- of Indian Express in Jammu. sake'. He also nicknamed them ethnographer invariably seeks class. It is through him we can on his wife for bringing a wooden Vishn Pandit: He was the el- as 'convoy' because they used and cultivates. The opposition visualise what sort of great mortar (Muhul) illegally from the dest son of Lakshman Pandit. He to move about in the village to- between the public and the scholar Sarwanand might have forest. On another occasion he was a high level forest official. gether with Prof. Madan. private, the general and the par- been. He has diligently pre- attended a dinner at the nearby He used to read national English Sarvanand died as a bachelor. ticular, got resolved in his per- served the history and the gene- village of Nowgam. After the and vernacular dailies regularly. He lived off his land. He had his son. He was a source of informa- alogy of his clan. This author dinner was over, Pt. Maheshwar As per family sources, Vishn education at the local school tion about the private and ap- was even provided the name of Nath asked his hosts, "where Pandit had authored seven manu- and was for some time at the preciated the legitimacy of mak- Mugli's father-Musa Moghlu from did you get the wood of the scripts which remained unpub- Technical (art) school in ing it public". ceiling roof? You would have to lished. Srinagar. Sarwanand was a shy (which was inadvertently omit- pay fine for it". Once during a Shankar Pandit : He was the person and never wore turban or About Pt. Sarwanand's inter- ted in the first portion of this es- drought he had some dispute son of Nidhan Pandit (originally a pheran- in his life. est, bordering on obssession, say). However, in my opinion with his tenants, Pt. Maheshwar Rawal). Shankar was a Vedanti Prof. Madan in a rare tribute into prying into other people's Moghlu might have been a boat- Nath had inherited share of 350 scholar, who trained many describes Sarwanand as a "my" domestic affairs, Prof. Madan man, rather than a Goor (milk- kanals of land. Due to Kargili Kashmiris in Vedic scholarship. and said, "I think I met rara avis has an explanation: 'Denied the man). Shri Ram Nath's equally traders, price of Maize had shot He often engaged in religious in him." He sums up many traits opportunity of involvement in illustrious son and the author's up to Rs 50-60 per Khirwar. Ten- discussions with learned Pandits of Sarwanand as 'man of ortho- intimate relationships and friend, Sh. Satish Mohan Pandit ants expressed their inability to of Benaras and excelled over dox views and well-informed events, he had developed an holds Masters degree in English pay this price. Finally, Prem Nath them. It was his wish to pass his about the Sanskritic tradition', interest in them generally." literature, besides the degrees in Pandit, Sarpanch of the village last days at Haridwar and passed 'most unorthodox in his appear- Srikanth Pandit: He was the education and journalism. It was and a kin of Pt. Maheshwar away there. ance', 'intelligent with natural gift youngest member of Prof. through Satish's efforts that the Nath, intervened in the dispute Prem Nath Pandit: He was of an amazingly prodigious Madan's 'convoy'. Srikanth is author was able to harvest the to settle mutually acceptable son of Lakshman Pandit. He was memory', 'a shy lonely person son of Pt. Raghav Ram and friendship for procuring the clan terms. He settled Rs. 35 per classmate of leading political who had a raw deal in his life', grandson of Pt. Amarchand. Like story to preserve it for posterity. KASHMIR SENTINEL ART September 2006 ART 18

Encounter: t is a direct Veer Munshi I comment on the politics behind the problems. Two male figures are shown standing side by relocates his Exile side, with their back towards the viewer. The common Kashmiri stands na- By Kuldeep Raina has shown how a responsible his own history. Munshi asks ked, defenseless xile is a profound artist can serve the twin con- the people to remain vigilant. and vulnerable, tragedy. Those who do cerns— addressing the genocide Munshi's works on display shielding himself by not experience it and perpetual exile, besides the combine three themes: Divi- holding behind him a E sion—ideological, political. Be- cannot feel its pain. It shatters larger commitment to the issues small drawing with lief and identity divide the com- the victim. Fear, Displacement, faced by the minorities all over the lake and hills of Kashmir. The man in military uniform, the world and the victims of munities, Partition—which is carrying a rifle on his shoulder, has been brought to control Marginalisation, continued the geopolitics of this division- Genocide, Rootlessness, Alien- unjust wars (waged either for the terrorist violence. The naked man is probably the artist in the Indian subcontinent, West himself. By portraying him with his back facing the viewer the ation, Social disintegration, de- ideology or for imperialist expan- Asia and elsewhere, Migra- idea is to show that the Kashmiri Pandit though displaced is culturation all accompany geno- sion). Minorities have been tion—is the fallout of partition victims of the same phenom- still attached to its past. If he faces the viewer he would be in cide. There are two responses where millions of refugees are the present. from the civil society of the enon—religious intolerance and battling the marginalisation and victimised community. Sensitive cultural/ethnic exclusivism. rootlessness. Munshi has used sections give meaning to the ex- Erosion of the state, where the the river to show the divide be- ile, regenerate the community state is either unable to defend cause it evokes nostalgia. It is a and prepare it for retrieving what the minority or is apathetic, too metaphor for territorial divi- sion. He comments that 'Divi- has been lost. Hedonist segment has contributed to the sion' is a malaise threatening the advocates accepting exile as a marginalisation of minorities, displaced as a result of ethnic- ordinary citizens in every coun- fait accompli and to justify the try. compromises invents its own cleansing. In his first exhibition in early politics based either on betrayal Silence of weaver: nineties, Veer Mushi's focus or incomprehension. One cannot Shikara, here as in Missiles was—the process and the trag- be neutral to one's own geno- of Faith, has been used as a cide and destiny. In responding edy of displacement of his own- meaningful metaphor not to re- to genocide the victim does not community. It has been a long mind us of Kashmir's beautiful have an option of remaining 'ob- journey since then. Munshi has Lakes but to transport the viewer jective', of course he can be ra- witnessed the helplessness of across the shores to death and tional. His strong commitment to the people in New York, in destruction. Here a Shikara is fight genocide is the key to his London, in West Asia, and in hung up and laid to rest on a wall. survival. An artist has to survive Mumbai. It is adorned with profile of AK- 47 to convey that the beautiful as well. In a milieu where the His latest exhibition titled Missiles of Faith: paradise now lived under con- victim's politics does not fall in 'Encounter'—jointly promoted t shows a blackened and upturned shikara, which is adorned stant fear of terrorism. 'political correctness' an artist, a by Art Alive Gallery and the Vi- Iwith innumerable small accretions that resemble shrines. sual Arts Gallery, was on display The belly of the boat with instruments that are perpendicular creative one, has a greater chal- Partition lenge i.e. to combine sheer com- at India Habitat Centre on 25-30 and forked reflects on a shining glass below. The instruments- August. He describes his jour- Eye To Eye: ritual objects of worship look like iron implements of torture. mercialism with intellectual con- Two men crouch on either of ney from 'focus on personal The crows on the glass plate stand for common people. The cern to maintain visibility on the the border genocide' to 'larger genocide of objective is to show how people become victims of the same genocide. —Dialogue: Two large dogs peoples' affected by terrorism' as religion on which they have so much faith, the exquisite ritual Veer Munshi, a famed confront each other across the forms get transformed into an army of ugly missiles. painter, who was displaced from his commitment to social re- border. Kashmir alongwith other mem- sponsibility. He attributes his —Gandhi vs Gandhi: It is bers of his community in 1990, sensitivity to the experience of shown that only Gandhi was against the partition. The divide in each is shown with a river. The river is shown as symbol of divide because it invokes nostalgia.

Will there Redemption of Peace: It shows a huge wooden drum with a flock of white pigeons. Below the circumference is the Sharpnels: face of a Kashmiri, middle-aged his motif has been deployed to create a sense of despair braving unfriendly weather but and dehumanization brought in by terrorism in Kashmir. who still retains hope. T Winds of Change: The fragments of iron and steel blown out from cars, trains, lying around depict it. The attempt is to convey a message t contrasts the luxuriant lotus-filled Dal Lake with a forest of *The writer is General that human lives should matter more than instruments of Ihelmets in war fatigue fabric. Secretary of Panun Kashmir destruction. KASHMIR SENTINEL LITERATURE September 2006 LITERATURE 22 A verse -book which won first Sahitya Akademi-Award, for Kashmiri

By Mohan Kishen Tiku as “Masterji” was born on July 17th 1885. published by late Dr A.N Raina in the year I was first drawn to His father Lakhman Pandit died early 1964. Masterji by some of his when Zinda Kaul was still a young boy In the year 1942, at a symposium held poems published in a under the burden of responsibilities. at Srinagar, he read a poem’ ‘Panuni local-daily at Srinagar. 1 Zinda Kaul tried his hand at many Kath’, which was liked very much. This longed to meet him occupations and grew up in a prosaic at- poem and the others that he wrote in mostly to talk about mosphere. In those early days he faced Kashmiri, later established him as a poet. Kashmiri poetry and note his reaction to many difficulties in getting books to read. Zinda Kaul’s meeting with poet Tagore the present poetry of Kashmiri poets. So But he managed to borrow books and in Srinagar in Oct, 1915, brought a cata- I was looking forward to the day when I would read at late hours of the night. clysmic change in him. In fact direct influ- would meet this great soul of Kashmir. Poetry fascinated him. He was charmed ence can be traced in his work-’Sumran’ It was in the month of November, 1957 by sweet-songs that tell of saddest which won him the first ‘Sahitya- Master Zinda Kaul that I made my way to a locality in Jammu, thought. In the year 1899, hardly 14 years Akademi’ award in 1956, for Kashmiri city where he was putting up with a friend. old, Masterji composed a poem to recite language. The book was published by the philosophy’. My first impression was by no means it from the stage at the Dharm-Sabha Lalla-Rukh-publications, Srinagar. How- On the death of his wife he wrote to equal to my expectations. I was however meeting held at the Raghunath Mandir, ever, Mirza Arif (Poet) who was the one of his friends..... “She has at last charmed at once some what inexplicably. Srinagar. member of the Sahitya Akademi during found me unworthy of her and flown to His appearance was soft and bore no His early poems can be divided into 1954-1956, observed that the book the heaven from where she must have striking feature, with a pale face, the poet two groups. The first group from 1902 to ‘Sumran’ was not entitled for the reward, come.” He was a soft spoken man. Never made his appearance dressed in the tradi- 1920 and second from 1920 to 1935. First as the book was published much earlier harsh and always gentle in his way. tional phiran, and a greeting smile. came ‘Ghazals’ in the traditional-pattern, than 1965. Masterji was simple in his food habits. After the introduction he heard of my and others were Urdu poems. In the year An anthology of Modern Kashmiri He had admiration for the young poets of interest in the Kashmiri poetry. He some- 1918, he also composed two English verse records”-’his slender volume of 35 Kashmir for their sincerity, patriotism and how became interested in me, and there- poems ‘Love’ and ‘Darbagh’ which are poems entitled ‘Sumran’ won him the ideals. He wanted them to give more after, I would visit him often. He told me still remembered. ‘Sahitya-Akademi’ Award for 1956. All thought to the deeper problems of life. about early days of his studies and his ‘Aha-ha-Clerky’- a satirical poem was these poems belong to his period of ma- In spite of many ups and downs which work in connection with the editing of read by him in Jammu on ‘Navreh’ day in turity and are philosophical and devo- came in the way of Masterji, he had a great poet Paramanand’as work, which he the year 1935. In the year 1940, he pub- tional in content. His poems express the sense of humour, once, while serving in a translated into English. The translated ver- lished first collection of Hindi poems doubts and anguish that torment the local photographer’s shop, he was sion was published in three volumes. ‘Patra-Pushpa’. His collection of Urdu modern mind, but he does not resolve directed by the owner of the shop to Zinda Kaul later known affectionately poems under the pen name of ‘Sabar’ was these by the assertion of any dogmatic (Contd.on Page 17) Confessions of Farooq & Arif raise more Questions

(From Page 14) he support him there and then Intelligence Bureau particularly keep his PMO unawares about against terrorism. He should For example:- and let Mr Khan know about his when the matter was so his views? Or was PMO simply tell the nation why he gave in. i) The cabinet of NC govern- objections to proposals? Was important. Apparently both playing politics with Arif Mohd. Why not Jaswant Singh who was ment had already decided to re- Farooq playing safe and only leaders appear to be holding up Khan? an Armyman?" Mr Farooq lease the terrorists when Farooq participating in such a meeting some information or are The leading paper of Pakistan, should ask himself also why he arrived from London. Was he ac- only to gauge the reactions of distorting the facts. Dawn while commenting about gave in? Are his explanations tually ignorant about the feelings the Central team? Was he only But to the credit of both they the release of terrorists in the of his cabinet or had he actually fathoming the Central response have made unambiguously clear enough that he went to Raj Rubaiya Sayed kidnapping case Bhawan with his resignation and abdicated his responsibility as to position himself adequately? their view about terrorist wrote then, "It was a bluff which CM while he was out? v) After knowing Mr Arif blackmail which is heartening. In was persuaded by the then worked". Hilal Ahmad War a ii) By Farooq's own admis- Mohd. Khan's view why did the growing crescendo of radical governor not to pursue it? sion his cabinet had already de- not Farooq engage him later on Islamic militancy the two leaders former terrorist in his book "The cided to release the terrorists if he somehow found it improper stand out for having at least Great Disclosures" casts Farooq while delving into the that means the doubts conveyed to let his views be known to the made their position clear, that aspersions on the role of Mr murky affairs of these two events to Sh Arif Mohammad Khan by Central team in the morning? compromise with terrorists Sayeed itself. His view have not gives an insight into the subver- PMO on the handling of the kid- Why did not he contact him breeds more terrorism. Rubaiya been so far contested. sion of his own party and the napping affair by the state gov- subsequently and seek his good Sayed case reflects both the lack But another pertinent ques- government. His cabinet was at ernment had a streak of truth in offices to offset the release tion which nobody has asked is variance with his view in the it. drama? CONTINUATION what was BJP, on whose sup- Rubaiya Sayed kidnapping case. What was Farooq's assess- vi) Farooq says that he made port United Front Govt. actually ment as to why his cabinet be- Arif and Gujral to sign the docu- See what he has to say about his was surviving, doing at that own government when he talks haved so? Did he look into the ment of release of terrorists but of commitment and vision on the critical moment? Why did not matter subsequently? What was Arif makes no mention of it and part of our leaders. It also points about release of terrorists in the they force the government to his assessment about it? in fact says that he was surprised to the treacherous labyrinths of Kandhaar Hijacking case, "My iii) Farooq says that he vehe- to know that terrorists were re- subversion in our state desist from doing what it thoughts were not my life. My mently opposed the decision to leased? Who is lying here and apparatus and political eventually did? They seem to thought that it is going to knock release the terrorists but Arif how much? establishment. have been mere spectators as India off....At that time, I was they chose to be even subse- Mohammad Khan confides that Prying observers will see That a judge was sitting at the seeing the dimensions vis-a-vis quently when the then Governor he was unaware of Farooq's view. many more fallacies and contra- Union Home Minister Mufti India and I was really worried In fact if he would have known dictions in the submissions of Mohd. Sayeed's home and was Jagmohan was removed. because he (Azhar) knew his views he would have these leaders. Arif Mohammad negotiating with the terrorists Farooq raises legitimate everybody who really matters. In certainly acted? and the most important member Khan says that he was woken questions about BJP's role the police world and the politi- iv) Farooq confesses that Arif up at 2:30 in the night by a phone of the Central team which was to during Kandhaar Hijacking "Mr. Mohd. Khan objected to IK negotiate the crisis was not cal world. Many of them used to call from PMO, but does not Vajpayee should be the first to take Taveez (amulet) from him. Gujral's view that terrorists have know who briefed him, Cabinet even aware about it speaks for accept the blame. And then, why to be released. Why then did not itself. Did the then Prime Minister He had cells all over..." secretary or Director of not Advani who was bitterly KASHMIR SENTINEL BOOK-REVIEW September 2006 BOOK-REVIEW 20 A Review of Ugly Kashmiri

By Bilhan Kaul Arvind Gigoo weaves intel- to turn tragedy into a laughter lectual energy to surprise and in channel reveals insensitiveness he book under review some measure succeeds to sur- and any good author must reveal T"Ugly Kashmiri" written prise and astonish. The book sensitive nature to reveal his by Arvind Gigoo can hardly be has its moments but those worth. described as a book. For in moments are tarnished by I know my worth says Jean good measure, every page has surprising conclusions. Perhaps, Paul Sartre in his autobiography ten words. Maximum is fifty Arvind Gigoo has read too much "Words". To the author's credit words. In each of the words, of English literature, where words have been arranged to re- however, Arvind Gigoo barring exceptions like veal a metaphor but in a figura- weaves irony and satire. He Shakespeare, wit takes tive sense only. He also weaves tries to be artistic and pursues precedence over depth. But un- events, experiences to project a rigorously to create, and derlying theme of Gigoo's cam- ideology where author believes suggest a new idea. eos is to inject word with depth. in nothing. He tries to comment In the first place, the title of Some of his cameos reveals but is not firm in his convictions the book "Ugly Kashmiri" is his depth. For eg. on page no: 90 that is one grey area of the book. in itself quite provocative. The Shri Bhat "your highness, please The author leaves blank author leaves us in no doubt get my brothers and sisters space for the cameo "address". that he wants provocation back" Zainallabdin "The boon is But fails to comment upon who because it is done on purpose. granted. My descendants will snatched his address. One of the As far as ugliness goes we take care of them." cameos reads as following. must remember what Jawahar But he is quick to balance by Renaissance Lal Nehru has said "Kashmiris this another breezy cameo. "We must preserve our cul- are fortunate because they live "What is culture"? Tell me ture" in beautiful land". What something about your culture" "How?" effectively Nehru is trying to "Himm.....I am leaving for "By reviving dead rituals". say that Kashmiris are beautiful Maharashtra. Here, Arvind Gigoo, much in because they live in beautiful To trivalize events and trag- the manner of Marxists tries hard land. The only problem in edies is a weapon which A. Gigoo to look progressive and forward cannot hope to forego their Kashmir is ideology. Arvind were associated with a political employees too frequently. looking. But progress does not rituals else they will not be called party. Actually, we have real- Gigoo tries hard not to see it. For instance What now? mean forgetting one's culture. Kashmiri Pandits. I hope Mr Sometimes political ized now that we were mentally See you in Panun Kashmir. Had Kashmiri Pandit forgotten Gigoo knows this too. sick We...children and all.... correctness and ideological If Mr. Gigoo tries to weave his rituals he could not have re- Arvind Gigoo does not spare blinkers go hand in hand. disassociate overselves from allegary in the above cameo then mained a one. The author surely even Kashmiri Muslims as is re- the party. We apologize. I Arvind Gigoo cannot be faulted he has failed miserably. For in knows this. But the purpose of vealed in his cameo "clipping" on that score. Political apologize. We apologize. the context of art, author is duty art for the sake of art in underly- on Page No: 63. It is a telling Noor Mohammad and correctness comes with eager bound not to leave sentence in a ing theme of Ugly Kashmiri. comment how Muslims associ- to please attitude and family suspended animation and leave If the underlying theme of a ated with national conference is- Idgah. ideological blinkers owes its it to reader to find the meaning. need for change from ugliness sued written statements in the origin to be different. Hence to It is these cameos which are The golden rule for the wit to to beauty runs through the press that henceforth they have redeeming features of the please and provoke is double succeed is that it should be con- pages of the book, I am afraid nothing to do with party. edged weapon which the book of cameos. veyed as an understatement but that Gigoo reveals a Marxist Here is how it reads. It is hard to over criticize author of "Ugly Kashmiri" here in ugly Kashmiri author tries mindset. The recurring theme of This is for the information of employes. the book for the author too hard to succeed in his mis- Marxist ideology is change and all that all the members of our himself leaves us in no doubt The author also tries hard sion. To put it differently, Arvind it has failed. The recurring theme family had lost the balance of to be outsider but in the end is that it is provoked people that Gigoo tries to turn tragedy into of Islamists is also Islamic mind. The mental disease we suf- he is after. an insider who tries to be an wit. It is here he fails. In any case, change. It too has failed. Pandits fered continued for 48 years. We outsider. A verse -book which won first Sahitya... (From Page 19) a book. “The way of the Swan” Poems of sweeping away all sin... It will by the way, afford an collect the charges of a photograph from Kashmir”. This work contains six poems Token of love opportunity to some people of an English lady. When young Zinda Kaul of Masterji translated by her. Before tak- (The Rosary) For many eyes are heavy like sick asked for the payment, the lady got some- ing leave, she enjoyed Kashmiri-tea with Listen my friend, he gave me his rosary man’s what angry and threw the copy of the Kulcha. as a token of his love With longing to look at you.... photograph on the floor and said, ‘I will For the interest of the But alas: I failed to take good care of Meeting not pay anything. Don’t you see how silly readers here is the it and lost it! You revealed yourself to me of your I look in the picture”. selection of some lines I was unworthy! own accord CONTINUATION And having raised in me. You left me Young Kaul picked up the photograph from his famous book,’ I have no hope to re- alone and said to the Lady that it was not their Sumran’ collection of Master]i’s poems cover those precious beads by groping To be so lucky one must have given To whose care, my sovereign Yogi! fault. in Kashmiri, translated by him in English rich gifts to the poor in one’s past. Like Tagore his poetry is deeply too:- New Year Unprepared: The New Year has come philosophic in nature. Hymn to love Masterji did his best to be simple in My lover from eternity who loves me New flowers have bloomed in the Great love . I have seen that thy power more garden his daily habits till his end of life which is marvellous as God’s came on February 3, 1965 at Jammu. than I can love myself And song-birds have again begun I know no God apart from thee make Who is my hope, my light, their working! Some 38 years ago in 1958, Nilla-Cram thou my heart-shrine... my lord and king Recently the Sahitya Akademi has Cook, alongwith Prof PN Pushp and BP Reverence for the teacher Who wants me seeks me and calls me. published two monographs in the series- Sharma came to see this great soul of He will arrive Today With whom my childhood was fall of "Makers of India. Literature" about Kashmir. I too was in the room present at My father, guru, I learn will arrive bliss... Masterji. that time. Masterji explained some of his today Spring poems. I will cover his path with flowers Come out to enjoy the spring my dear *The writer is columnist and presently Tears were in her eyes. Later she wrote I will clean my mind’s house by friend on the staff of the "The Kashmir Times) KASHMIR SENTINEL BOOK-REVIEW September 2006 BOOK-REVIEW 21 “Infinite Riches in a Little Room”

By Dr. A.N. Dhar inhabitants of the Valley outright, Hindus or Muslims. At this point I should HE author of the volume under Still Treview, Prof. Arvind Gigoo, has like to quote these lines from the author's made a gentle impact as a talented writer preface: I still am; I am not still. during the past decade or so--through his "I have never had any political (The author probably has a displaced Pandit in his mind) competent English translations of some commitment and religious ** select Kashmiri verse (drawn from the conviction. I go on changing my Strength opinions. I dangle between an idea works of a few noted poets) and also Divided we stand; united we fall. through his own poetic compositions and its opposite. I am sure about published in several leading journals of my doubts, vacillations and (Applies again to the Pandits) the country. At present he is working on uncertainties. I have no answers ** a project related to the critical evalua- and solutions to offer". Aspirations tion of Kashmiri short fiction. The last two lines of the excerpt from "What are your demands?" With the publication of the book titled the 'preface' quoted above remind me of "Only money and independence from you". The Ugly Kashmiri (Cameos in exile), what the English poet John Keats has which I view as a tour de force, the said about the 'negative capability' of (This seems an aspersion on those Kashmiris who talk of author has emerged as a forceful and per- Shakespeare as a dramatist, through freedom) suasive writer, in fact a fine literary which he had achieved self-effacement in ** artist in the making. He deserves a word his works. Keats defines the quality of The Slip of praise for his technical self-effacement as "--the ability to remain The old man saw "a ray of hope;" accomplishment: the literary feat that in uncertainties and doubts without any he has performed in conveying what he irritable reaching after facts". To my his lieutenant said "those unfortunate people"; the bald wants to say about the Kashmir mind—I have no hesitation in saying so— bachelor felt the 'ground slippery'. imbroglio and the resultant turmoil in the author has largely succeeded in (The old man can easily be identified as Mahatma Gandhi the Valley through the short pieces of achieving self-effacement through the and his lieutenant writing he calls 'cameos'. The technique 'cameos' he has hit upon. He is 'invisible' he has adopted speaks of his originality, throughout—an 'outsider'. as Nehru. Sardar Patel that has suddenly made him into an Through the 'cameos' the author could be the third man who "felt the ground slippery") innovative writer. That he is deeply and points his finger at what ails the He wasn't a bachelor. widely read, aware of the great masters collective psyche of the Kashmiris as a ** of irony, satire and wit from among the whole. He has no malice or ill-will against Gulmarg and After British and continental writers (both anyone and has no axe to grind in paint- The dreamer closed his eyes when classical and modern), becomes ing the Kashmiris 'ugly'. He feels rooted immediately evident to the perceptive in the Valley; hence his anguish and the lion was caged; his daughter reader. The thoughtfully chosen title of disgust. He targets everything opened hers when the cub roared; the book (which, I am afraid, could unpleasant and doesn't spare himself in and the young grandson played mislead or alienate some readers) and the last 'cameos'. As a neutral omniscient in snow. the sprinkling of apt quotations on the observer, he uses the 'cameos' as a (Clues: The dreamer is Nehru and two fly leaves of the book bear testimony medium for unburdening his heavy to the author's scholarship and heart—the mental agony and suffering the grandson Rajiv Gandhi. sensitiveness as a writer. The 180 he has experienced in the Valley and later The 'lion' and the 'cub' can easily be figured out). 'cameos' if clustered together, would have as a 'migrant' in Jammu. He is brutally ** just made up a small booklet, but in frank too in conveying bitter and "Nursing Orderly" terms of their desntiy of content—each unpalatable things. While he points his cameo packed with different shades of finger at what pains and annoys him, he "Sir, the whole populace is on the road" meaning—they speak volumes. As a provides the healing touch of the "Is it a welcome?" chronicler of events and a critic of the physician too—in making the Kashmiri "No sir, it is the beginning of a farewell" socio-political scene he is concerned with, reader, Muslim or Pandit, to think hard (Clue: This obviously concerns the author is outstanding in his craft. and to introspect why things have gone Jagmohan's second term as J&K Governor) His acute observations on the various di- wrong and how they could be remedied. ** mensions of the Kashmir problem are In some of the 'cameos' the author very revealing, making the reader reflect targets the Central Government for Introduction and introspect if he is a Kashmiri in having bungled the Kashmir issue right "Please introduce yourself". "exile"; those not displaced from the from the start. The reader doesn't find it "I am my own ancestor". Valley I believe, will also look 'within' if difficult to identify the eminent they go through the 'cameos'. These terse (Probably reference to earlier migrations in history) personalities-political leaders and rulers- ** pieces remind me of the Jew of Malta's on whom aspersions are cast in this "infinite riches in a title"—the phrase regard. As an imaginative writer, he What Now? Marlowe employs in his play to describe makes statements (in the 'cameos') in- "See you in Panun Kashmir". the protagonist's fabulous wealth stored volving the interplay of wit and humour, (Kashmiri Pandits' disillusionment with the movement) in his room. irony and sarcasm, or paradoxes, I congratulate the author heartily on his brilliant success in Prof. Gigoo has a mind of his own—a ambiguities, innuendos, playing on words fact that is pervasively reflected in the and the oblique manner of the English producing something that is original and novel. However, in 'cameos'. He has naturally acquired an Metaphysicals to achieve his effects. view of its novelty and the inherent difficulties of a number of English prose style of his own too, evi- Though the common reader can catch the 'cameos', the book may not find favour with all sections dent from his excellent preface to the general drift of the 'cameos', at many work in question. It is a fine piece of of readers. places he or she may get bogged down The book is welcome in view of its rich content. I must prose, crisp and immaculate. The author too—some 'cameos' seem nerve-racking lays bare his heart, conveying his anger, as puzzles. The author will do well to compliment the Allied Publishers, New Delhi, on having anguish and disillusionment over the provide helpful notes and clues in the brought out a shapely volume with an attractive get-up. events that took place in Jammu and form of an 'appendix' to the book. The cover-design by the author himself is another Kashmir with the outbreak of militancy Some specimens of the 'cameos' are in the Valley, and over the inevitable exo- feather in his cap. given below to give the reader (of the dus of the Pandits. A discerning reader can see that he is unbiased in that he present review) and idea of how the author employs them as his instruments: doesn't blame any section of the KASHMIR SENTINEL CHRONOLOGY September 2006 CHRONOLOGY 23 Chronology of Events (August 1-September 6, 2006) Aug 1: Two CRPF men were killed and a civilian injured as terrorists struck at Batmaloo. In yet another attack, terrorists gunned down two BSF personnel from point blank Srinagar yesterday, succumbed to his injuries. In yet another example of frustra- range at Kak Sarai in Srinagar. A police constable and two terrorists were killed in tion among security personnel deployed in militancy infested areas, BSF jawan an encounter in Pulwama. Four terrorists were arrested and arms, ammunition and unsuccessfully fired upon his CO and colleagues, he was latter arrested. Three currency recovered from them in Doda. Satellite pictures show terror camp near JK youth and a cop were arrested by Punjab police for supplying cars to terrorists. Balakot. Aug 19: A terrorist was killed and two more believed to be trapped in a gunbattle at Rainipora, Aug 2: Two terrorists were killed and three others injured while making IED's. Two more Shopian. An LeT overground worker was arrested in Pulwama; a tractor-driver terrorists were killed in encounters at Awantipore and Bandipore. Four civilians was robbed by armed youth in Budgam. While BJP advocated for declaring Paki- were injured in an IED explosion in Sumlar, Bandipore. Two terrorists and a jawan stan a terror-state, Farooq Abdullah described autonomy as only solution to Kash- were killed in an encounter at Kochal, Chatroo in Doda district. 20 persons were mir dispute Govt has doubled the salary of SPOs' to Rs 300. injured in a blast at Bus Stand Surankote. Union Foreign Secretary denied any Aug 20: Gunbattle in Shopian ended with death of one more terrorist, the terrorist killed stalemate in the peace process. today in the gunbattle ins believed to be a Sudanese. An infiltrator was shot-dead Aug 3: A terrorist was killed, six jawans injured and Kulhand massacre accused Ashraf while two others escaped in Balakote sector. The terrorists injured a JKAP cop Ganai trapped in a fierce encounter at Gundana, Doda. A serial train blast ac- and escaped with his Insas rifle at the Zearat of Shah Israr Bagdai in Kishtwar. cused Abdul Hameed was arrested by a joint team of Mumbai Police and JKP (CID) Punjab police arrested three J&K ultras at Madhopur and recovered arms and from Surankote. ammunition and fake currency from them. CM described dialogue as only route to Aug 4: Kulhand massacre mastermind alongwith other associates managed his escape solve complex problems. while a police cop was injured as terrorists attacked a Patrol Party in Mendhar. Aug 21: Anzeer Shah, who had surrendered last year but had joined again LeT outfit was Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad claimed in Assembly of improvement in security killed in Pranu Doda. Arms and ammunition and ration was recovered from a situation and accused Hurriyat of showing distinterest in peace process. terrorist hide-out at Sikri Topa in, Doda. Terrorists killed a PHE employee at Sriwarpora Aug 5: Two terrorists were killed in an encounter at Helmatpora, Kupwara. Six CRPF Pattan. An LeT terrorist arrested from Wanigam Payeen, Baramulla. jawans and two civilians were injured in a grenade attack at Sopore. A Panch was Aug 22: Army claimed to have arrested Tohfeen Akmal Hashmi, a Pakistani national and shot dead by terrorists at Marhot in Sangla, Surankote. GoC 15 Corps Gen. SS connected with Mumbai serial blasts, from Shopian area. A woman was injured in Dhillon said that arrest of three Armymen for terrorist links was not a cause of an IED blast in Bandipore. A police cop Ishtiyaq Khan was arrested in Handwara alarm. for eve-tearing and another cop Asad Joo was arrested from Qazigund for extort- Aug 6: A woman was killed and 16 others, including five police personnel, inured in yet ing money. An SPO was killed and three ultras reportedly trapped in a gunbattle in another grenade attack at Sopore. An HM Battalion commander alongwith an Khari, Banihal. Punjab police is hunting for Rafta for her alleged terrorist links. associate was killed in an encounter at Kulgam. IGP Jammu Zone Dr. SP Vaid said Aug 23: A jawan was injured in a grenade attack at a BSF camp in Bandipore. Security that 60 militants have crossed over to this side in recent past. Accusing India and forces arrested an HM terrorist in Baramulla and recovered two hand grenades international community of wasting the opportunity by not responding to CBMs' of from him. Security forces also recovered arms and ammunition at Gawala-Uri. A Parvez Musharraf, Salahuddin threatened of spread of terrorism to other states. civilian was shot at and injured by terrorist at Turkpora, Handwara. A jawan was Aug 7: Two terrorists and a soldier were killed and three hostages rescued in an encoun- killed as gunbattle in Khan-Banihal continues. Women join VDC's to fight terrorism. ter at Shripora. Terrorists gunned down two soldiers and looted their weapons in Central government admits that ISI continues to support terror groups in J&K. Qazigund-Kulgam belt. Two terrorists were killed in Machil sector. An HUJI terrorist Aug 24: A Hindu terrorist KK Sharma, reportedly to have converted to Islam, was killed was killed at Ballana, Kishtwar. A Bangladeshi exfiltrator was arrested in RS Pura alongwith an associate at Kalihand, Doda. 14 persons, including six CRPF jawans, sector. US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher admitted that cross were injured as terrorists lobbed a grenade in Baderwah. Two JeM terrorists border terrorism continues in India. were arrested in Kupwara. SOG arrested three men alongwith hawala money on Aug 8: SOG gunned down two fidayeens in an encounter at Jagti near Nagrota. 17 people National Highway. were injured in a grenade attack at Handwara while tragedy was averted by Aug 25: Security forces killed four top LeT and HUJI terrorists, destroyed a terrorist hideout timely detection of an IED near Bijbehara. Terrorists hurled a grenade towards and recovered large qualities of arms and ammunition in different operations across police station Zakoora that failed to cause any damage. An IED was defused in Jammu region. A woman employee was shot dead by terrorists in Baderwah area. Srinagar road. A JeM top terrorist Hassan Bhai was killed in Keshwan forests in Security forces recovered six grenades, one rocket launcher and 250 AK rounds Kishtwar tehsil. from Palli Morh, Kathua. A terrorist was killed in an encounter at Lalpora, Kupwara. Aug 9: A student of Amar Singh College Ghulam Mohd. Sheikh, alleged to be a top ranking Hurriyat favoured resumption of talks with Pakistan. terrorist, was killed by CRPF in Srinagar. An HM terrorist was killed in Shopian. Aug 26: Terrorists shot at and wounded a woman at her residence at Bandipore. A cylin- Police arrested an SPO accused to be mastermind of Mangnar-massacre in Poonch der explosion caused panic in high security Sonwar and Gupkar area. Mumbai district in the intervening night of July 12-13. Army returned a Pak woman who had police took custody of two persons arrested in the Valley and reportedly con- inadvertently crossed over LoC at Krishna Ghati in Poonch sector. nected to Mumbai blasts. DPD claims that J&K's Special Status has been diluted. Aug 10: An LeT commander, Army source, a cop and a timber smuggler were killed in Aug 27: An HM terrorist was killed at Astan Nar, Ganderbal. Terrorists shot at and injured Kashmir valley. Students and politicians protested even if police maintains that two contractors at Arwani, Anantnag. Police busted a terrorist hideout and recov- Sheikh was an active militant. Two JeM terrorist were killed at Behri Rakh in ered explosives in Molsar forests. 36 Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in Mendhar, Poonch. British Police foiled an Al-Qaeda plot to blow up US bound Ramgarh sector. planes. Aug 28: Police foiled a plot to target DC Colony, Rajouri by arresting four top terrorists and Aug 11: Terrorists struck at the lone Hindu family of Ram Singh at Harra Gool killing his wife, recovering huge cache of arms and ammunition. Two Al-Badr terrorists were daughter and son while an infant had providential escape. Two terrorists were killed at Suyan Saidnar, Rafiabad. Police and CRPF arrested Mohd. Ashraf Parray killed in an encounter at Gursai; Mendhar; two cops and a jawan were injured and in Shopian and described him "District Commander" of HM. JKLF Chairman Yasin a civilian killed in the encounter. Malik announces hunger strike and voluntary arrests against human rights viola- Six people were injured in an explosion that took place in a tailoring shop in Mir tions. Mohalla, Baramulla. 14 persons were injured as terrorist hurled a grenade on Aug 29: Police arrested government teacher Lal Husani from Darhal and a private teacher police vehicle near Shalpora crossing at Sopore. A suspected grenade thrower from Ghambir and put under vigil a cop for terrorist links. A 17 years old Mehraj-ud- Shabir Ahmed was apprehended by CRPF at Hanjveera, Pattan. Two terrorists Din was slaughtered by terrorists at Raiyar Aribal, Beerwah. A tragedy was were killed in an encounter at Manzgam, Kulgam. 10 kg RDX was recovered in averted by detecting and defusing IED at a link road in Palhallan, Pattan. Three LeT Baderwah. terrorists were arrested and arms recovered at Wangam, Badnipore. Aug 12: Civilians protest as two of a family were killed in an ambush in Kupwara. A civilian Aug 30: Terrorists short dead an SPO at Devar, Lolab. Two terrorists were arrested. Police was killed in yet another incident of cross-firing at Drugmalla. Three terrorists foils attempts of HM to strike in crowded areas by arresting some terrorists and were killed in an encounter in Handwara area. Four terrorists surrendered in Uri recovering mobile bombs. Yet another Hawala operator Parvez Ahmed was Sector. Terrorists launched two rifle grenades at Pihru, Anantnag but failed to arrested from Mendhar tehsil. cause any damage. Terrorists killed two elders for sending their sons for "Army Aug 31: Two terrorists of LeT and a jawan were killed in an encounter at Boni Bagh, Recruitment" at Drogian, Bafliaz in Surankote. A terrorist hideout was destroyed at Kangan; another terrorist belonging to HM was also killed in the same area. One Karyual, Rajouri. Osama Bin Laden's CD was seized in Poonch. more terrorist was killed in Qazigund area. Terrorists killed a cop and two women Aug 13: An HM Commander was killed at Majar, Chatroo; three IED's were recovered at across the Valley while a tragedy was averted by defusing an IED planted on Tanda, Akhnoor. An Army JCO was killed in an ambush in Bandipore. Terrorists Sinagar. Jammu National Highway at Doonipora, Bijbehara. Police is huntnig for a killed the wife of slain. Pakistan terrorist and injured her sister at Harman, Shopian. police Havaldar for his alleged terrorist links. A suspect Badar Din was held by police and recovered Rs 1.28 lakh from him at Sep 1: Terrorists have beaten to death Mansoor Ahmed while two others escaped with Bhimber Gali, Mendhar. injuries as they were intercepted by the former in Kellar-Rajpora forests. Police Aug 14: A terrorist was killed and two jawans injured in an encounter at Chrung, recovered body of a civilian abducted by the terrorists in Pattan, Baramulla. A Thannamandi; about 100 children were rescued as Angles Nursery School caught civilian was injured in the crossfiring at Dogripora, Anantnag. Terrorists gunned fire in the crossfiring. An IED was detected and defused on Doda-Dessa road. A down two SPOs at Saroti, Kishtwar. In different operations across Rajouri district, jawan was killed and two others injured in an encounter at Haptnar, Anantnag. police and security forces recovered huge quantities of arms and ammunition, Terrorists, carried grenade attacks at many places in North Kashmri but failed to including 12 Rifles. cause any damage. Four terrorists surrendered after crossing over from PoK in Sep 2: Security forces killed two terrorists at Lashdat, Kupwara and recovered arms and Uri sector. ammunition from their possession. A civilian was shot dead by terrorists at Gani Aug 15: Two civilians were killed in an encounter which continues at Khandaypora, Hamam, Baramulla. An LeT suspect, Akmal Hashmi arrested in J&K was taken to Ashmuqam. An LeT terrorist was arrested alongwith arms and ammunition in Mumbai for interrogation. Zainpora, Pulwama. A major tragedy was averted by detecting and defusing an Sep 3: Two soldiers, including a Major, are believed to have lost their lives in an encounter IED on Srinagar-Pulwam road. As the nation including J&K celebrated. "Indepen- at Ayatmulla, Bandipore. An Army jawan was killed and four others injured as dence Day" amidst terrorist threat, the Valley observed strike on the call of various terrorists lobbed a grenade on their vehicle at Chajroo on Mahore-Gool road. An separatist organisations. LeT terrorists Muzamal of Bafliaz, Surankote surrendered after his infiltration. Aug 16: Five infiltrating terrorists and a soldier have been killed in an encounter in Machhil Sep 4: Terrorists killed two brothers, including a JAKLI Havaldar, in Tangmarg. Ayatmulla sector. Eight teenagers on way to PoK for arms training were apprehended in encounter ended with the death of three soldiers and two terrorists. Government Kangan area and handed over to their parents. HM terrorists targeted a CRPF ordered probe into custodial killing of one Zahoor Ahmed at SoG Camp, Bandiopore. petrol vehicle with an IED injuring two jawans and a woman in Yaripora, Kulgam. Sep 5: Police and Army deliminated most wanted terrorist Billoo Gujjar at Mangal Kundi, A civilian injured in Sopore earlier succumbed to his injuries. People in Ashmuqam, Gool. Security forces killed two terrorists in an encounter at Hapat Nar, Anantnag. Anantnag and Arihal Pulma held protests against security forces. Hurriyat chair- Terrorists killed a student in Sopore. Police arresed a police head constable, man Mirwaiz Umar described UN a failed institution and accused PDP of adopting Mohammad Sharief in Rajouri for his terrorist links. A Kot Bhalwal Jail employee double standards. Bashir Ahmed was arrested for his connivance with the UGW's of the terrorists. Aug 18: A terrorist got killed in an encounter at Chak Nowgam, Handwara. An over-ground Sep 6: Security forces killed two terrorists in Handwara, Kupwara and arrested a terror- worker of LeT Abdul Rashid Mir of Chak Cholan, Shopian was arrested by forces ist in injured condition at Check-e-Charatram in Budgam. An auto-riksha driver was in the same area. A CRPF jawan, injured in a terrorist attack at Koker Bazar, injured at Chankpora, Sopore. Musharraf asks India to settle Kashmir to improve Indo-Pak ties. KASHMIR SENTINEL ART September 2006 ART 19

Kashmiri Miniature Painting Are Pt. Tota Ram Naqqash and Pt. Tota Ram the same person?

By Dr. R.K. Tamiri per Sh. Gurtoo, these paintings has 274 folios, written in Nastaliq mentioned in the Colophon, its Gurtoo was a well-known callig- t. Tota Ram Naqqash, a were drawn between 1860-1880 script in Brajbhasha. As per authorship can be decided only rapher in Lahore. Did Pt. Tota P master of Kashmir school of A.D. The paintings have these colophon the painting was after close examination of the Ram Naqqash do the illustration painting lived in a rented room themes: completed in 1847 (1904 Bikrami). style. 'Bhasmasura seeks the work for the calligraphy done by in the Wachhowali area of 1. Shaarika Goddess with The manuscript is discussed by blessings of Shiva (p. 15, pp his brother-in-law? We do not Lahore. Wachhowali was one of Brahma, Visnu and Mahesh and Karuna Goswamy in her 31)’,—on the basis of its style, have any answers. the two localities where Kashmiri the nine grahas invloving her 'Kashmiri Paintings' (M.10 phrasing of the caption and its Pandits lived before partition. He blessings. Page 79-80). The colophon writ- placing, makes Karuna Goswamy It is rather strange that none was a bachelor, his sister was 2. Vishnu at the Sheshnag, ten in red ink says that Pt. Tota pronounce that Ram Geeti of the Kashmiri artists of our married to Pt. Mukand Ram the halt before Panchtarni on Ram did the work for Lala Genda Kathua and the other two times have tried to work on the Gurtoo (1831-1997), the founder way to Amarnath Cave. Mal Ji in 1847 in the administra- annoymous works were done by comprehensive art history of of the Mitra Vilas Press and 3. Six handed Shankar and tive domains of Maharaj a Gulab same group of scribes and art- Kashmiri miniature paintings Akhbar-i-Am, in Lahore. Parvati, with folded hands, cel- Singh. There is no name of the ists. particularly pertaining to 19th There is hardly any informa- ebrating Herath (Shivratri), painter mentioned in the Colo- Who was Pt. Tota Ram, the century. The works of master tion about his ancestry. In Shankar holding two vatkus phon. Karuna Goswamy ob- calligrapher-painter of Ram painters of 19th century are avail- Srinagar the only other Pandit (small earthern pots) full of al- serves: "The scribe of the manu- Geeti Katha? Are Pt. Tota Ram able. With a little effort it should family with 'Naqqash' as the clan monds and walnuts for distribu- script someone known from Naqqash and Pt. Tota Ram the not been difficult to work on the alias used to live in Naqqash tion among the devotees. Parvati other Kashmiri works which same person? The two lived biographeis of these painters— pora locality of Sathu Barbar is the first devotee. have survived, is Pt. Tota around the same time. Pt. Tota Hardas, his son Raja Ram Koul Shah. They were basically Kouls. 4. Five headed Shankar and Ram...one would not be sur- Ram Naqqash, as his paintings Tota, grandson Daya Ram Tota, According to Shri Santosh Parvati at Panchtarni. From the prised if the work is in the hand dealing with religious non- Birbal Kaul, Devi Sahai Kaul Kumar Gurtu, the grandson of Pt. Jataa of each head of Shankar, of Pt. Tota Ram himself who may Kashmiri themes reveal, was Vasudev Garyali, and many oth- Mukand Ram Gurtu, Tota Ram springs a stream of the Ganga. have learnt the art alike of well-versed with the religious ers. Dr. BN Sharga has shown Naqqash lived in 2nd half of 19th Besides these purely painting and calligraphy". folklore of northern India. His through his work that where Century. Possible, Tota Ram Kashmiri themes, the other Kashmiri Pandit calligraphers brother-in-law, Pt. Mukand Ram there is will there is a way. died around 1880 AD. After his themes are: were not known to have dealt death his paintings were depos- 1. Rishi Markandaya giving with themes as depicted in 'Ram ited with Gurtu family. With the sermon to a devotee. Geeti Katha'. Goswamy says break-up of the Gurtoo joint fam- 2. Rishi Markandaya ex- that this text could perhaps be Panun Kashmir ily in the first quarter of 20th plaining the fundamentals of the only known manuscript of Century, some paintings were dharma to a ruler. the Ram Geeti Katha, which ap- in association with inherited by Sh. Balkrishna 3. A young yogi giving ser- pears to be a version in Brajbhasa Gurtu, father of Sh. Santosh mon to an elderly sadhu. verse of an older Sanskrit work, Kashmir Exbition Group is Kumar Gurtoo. In mid-July 1947 4. The Guru performing the Hanuman Hatak. She says holding when Lahore was rocked by un- yagya: A shishya reciting veda. Pt. Tota Ram may have been precedented communal violence, There is another painting in quite used to doing calligraphy Sh. Santosh Kumar, was able to the collection, which deals with works for Hindu and Sikh Sakshaatkaar retrieve part of the treasure that a non-religious theme-the flower patrons in Punjab and Kashmir. his family had inherited. These work. The noted art historian includes master paintings adorn his beau- It was not uncommon in 19th Ram Geeti Katha as a work done An Encounter With Truth tiful study. The author had the Century and early 20th century, by a Kashmiri on the basis of opportunity to see these. While as recalled by Pt. Sthanu Dutt, style; conventions employed in A Photo Exhibition recalling the story of how he the former Librarian of the rendering of figures, landscapes, managed to save these paintings Kurukshetra University, that sky, architecture; the colour; de- On for posterity, Sh. Santosh Kumar Kashmiri Pandit scribes would piction of flowering shrubs, the virtually broke down a number visit Punjab every year to seek distinctive tree, Ravana (with ten 21st September to 23rd September, 2006 of times. business for their profession. heads), rishis with their heads At There are two glaring missing What is relevant here is that dressed in Kashmiri Kantopas; links. One, what happened to the these scribes would shout, like the treatment of fire etc. There is Ravinder Natya Mandir other paintings passed on to street hawkers, 'Katib', 'Katib', another manuscript in National (Near Sidhi Vinayak Temple) brothers of Sh. Balkrishna Gurtu? 'Katib mai musavvir' (scribes Museum (Acc. No. 86.154/1-2)— Secondly, Are the paintings together with a painter'. Some The Ram Charitamanasa of Prabha Devi Road, Mumbai which Pt. Tota Ram Naqqash of these Katibs knew the art of Tulsi Dasa in 2 Vols. with 105 drew for individual buyers still illustration and painting as well. paintings. Karuna Goswamy The Photo Exhibition depicts the various extant? In the National Museum, (M.11, p 80-82) attributes this facets of genocide of Kashmiri Hindus. It will In Sh. Santosh Kumar's col- Delhi (there is a collection of 42 work also, on the basis of its style, be inaugurated at 3 PM on Thursday, lection we have nine paintings, paintings, contained within text to a Kashmiri calligrapher/ 21st September 2006 registered under the Antiquities panels. The manuscript 'Ram painter. Since there is no name and Art Treasures Act 1972. As Geeti Katha' (Acc. No. 56.19/1) of the painter/calligrapher KASHMIR SENTINEL PHOTO FEATURE September 2006 PHOTO FEATURE 24

Anti-Terrorism Rally At A Glance

CORRIGENDUM: In Our 2006 August Issue We Carried A Write-UP Dope On Dope Written By Mr. Nimit Verma this Write-up had appeared in Hard News and not in Hard Time. The errors is regretted. --The Editor