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e-mail: [email protected] ASHMIR Let Truth Prevail KS entinel JKENG 00333/26/AL/TC/94 JK No: 1213/18 Regd. JK-219/2007 Vol. 12. No: 6-7 June 2007 Pages 24 Price Rs. 20/ - INSIDE ‘Sakshaatkaar’ moves Maharashtrians REPORT PK expresses strong By Special mon people to the concern over Correspondent threat of terrorism. non-allotment of Qtrs. at Soon after Muthi...... Page 4 Maharashtra ‘Saakshatkaar’ has been home to Exhibitions in DEBATE many nationalist and Mumbai Report submitted by HM and Hindu the Hindu Jan Ansari Working Group is renaissance disappoining...... Page 5 Jagrut Samiti movements. People (HJJS) approached of Maharashtra Panun for VIEW POINT have never been Peace Process-Ideological staging found wanting Moorings...... Page 6 ‘Saakshatkaar’ whenever there has in different parts of been a nationalist MEDIA SCAN Maharashtra as 's Existence: A call. It was this state part of its need or a first which felt that campaign to raise burden?...... Page 7 Kashmiri Pandits- the awareness of the frontline victims people about Sakshaatkaar of terrorism in Dr. Ajay Chrungoo, Chairman Panun Kashmir, conducting Acharya Kishorji Vyas & terrorism...... Page 8 & 9 Kashmir need of be Dr. Durgesh Samant at 'Saakshaatkaar' Pune. --KS Photo ‘Saakshatkaar’ cared for. The was shown in IMPRESSIONS Maharashtrians opened their educational institutions to the students Poona, Chinchwad, Darashiv and Jalgaon between 22 April to 9th Satya Ka of the Displaced Pandit Community. For the past 18 years the Sakshaatkaar.....Page 10 May. Maharashtrians have been expressing full solidarity with Displaced The exhibition became possible because of Sh Bal Apte and Prof. Kashmiri Hindus. GC Ansani, a historian and archeologist of repute. Sh Apte, who is BOOK REVIEW This state too has been the victim of terrorism. There have been Demystifing Kashmir known as 'King of Computersin USA', left flourishing business in explodes many frequent attempts to target Mumbai the financial capital of . America to return to India to work for the nationalist cause. myths...... Page 11 Islamist groups particularly SIMI involved in terrorism have spread Poona: their tentacles in different parts of Maharashtra. Spectre of terrorist ‘Saakshatkaar’ -An Encounter with Truth'" was staged at the INTERVIEW threat looms large over the state. Hindu Jan Jagrut Samiti, a wing Balgandharva Kala Dalan (Kendra) in the heart of Pune city from Sati Sahni--A of Sanatan Sanstha, a leading religious body, has been involved (Contd. on Page 8) Conversation...... Page 12 since 1996 in spreading national awareness and sensitising com-

TRIBUTE Swamji-The man & the PANUN KASHMIR CONDOLES SWAMI SUKH RAM'S DEATH legend...... Page 14 KS Correspondent and Saints on the death of the ORAL HISTORY , June 14: Acknowl- saint and described his death as Tales and Legends edging the contribution of Saint great shock to the community. of Aragam Sukh Ram of Nagbal, , Glorifying the contribution of the saint in preserving the Nagbal ()...... Page 16 in the preservation and protec- Shrine in testing times, Mr. Raina tion of the shrine and serving said, "we all consider him a SAKSHAATKAAR as the spiritual guru of Kashmiri Marathi Press Hindus, Panun Kashmir spiritual guide and hero saint Reportage...... Page 17 condoled the unfortunate who kept aloft the flag of Indian demise of the saint. The Panun civilisation in Kashmir at a place like Anantnag during most NOSTALGIA Kashmir leaders tendered an difficult times. He kept the Surgar and Spice And All apology to Sadhu Samaj if at all premises of Nagbal Temple open Things Nice...... Page 18 any disrespect has been caused to the saints personality during a time when the temple BOOK REVIEW wittingly or unwittingly by any heritage of entire *The role of Lucknow member of the community and was being plundered and vandalised". Kashmir- Pandits vowed to fight all those vested Sh. Kuldeep Raina Gen. Secy, Panun Kashmir, Sh. Bihari Lal Koul, Secretary Panun Kashmir &Sh. O.N. Trisal President Referring to the ...... Page 20 interests who are trying to ASKPC addressing mediapersons at Jammu vandalisation and descreation *Literature as a weapon divide Hindu Samaj by creating of Hindu Shrines and temples against colonialism a wedge between Kashmiri Pan- and destruction of property of Kashmiri Hindus, Panun Kashmir ...... Page 21 dits and Sadhu Samaj. Addressing a press conference at Press Club Jammu, Panun Kashmir General Secretary Sh. Kuldeep Raina General Secretary said that Panun Kashmir is sensitising public opinion on the issue through the exhibition- Chronology of Events expressed heartfelt condolences to the entire fraternity of Sadhus ...... Page 22 (Contd. on Page 9) KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 OBITUARY 2

THOSE WHO LEFT US Kashmir Sentinel and Panun Kashmir Foundation mourn the sad demise and pray for peace to the departed souls

1. Smt. Reeta Ji D/o Sh. Dwarika Nath Pandita originally resident of Batpora Nagar-Ved Mandir Road Jamu. 11/4/2007 Kmr; presently residing at H.No: 5, General Lane, Saraswati 28. Sh. Triloki Nath Koul S/o Late Govind Koul resident of Delenia Vihar Bohri, Jammu. 1/4/2007 Kmr; presently at Sari Rakhwelan Near Marbel Factory Gohomnasa 2. Sh. Radha Krishen Saproo S/o Late Sh. Sarwanand Saproo, R/o Village Road Jammu. 11/4/2007 Pehroo (Gotem Nag) Anantnag Kmr; presently at Vinayak Nagar Muthi, 29. Sh. Maharaj Krishen Dhar son of Late Sh. Vidh Lal Dhar presently at Jammu. 1/4/2007 H.No: 240, Friends Colony Sector Subash Nagar, near Kali Mandir. 12/ 3. Sh Prem Nath Tickoo S/o Late Sh. Hari Ram Tickoo originally resident 4/2007 of Bomai , Kmr; presently residing at 28-Exchange Road Mohalla 30. Sh. Dina Nath Sharma resident of Devsar ; presently at H.No: 687- Ahata Jammu. 1/4/2007 Lane-3 Vinayak Nagar Muthi, Jammu. 12/4/2007 4. Smt. Lakshmishori Kakroo wife of Late Sh. DN Kakroo, resident of 31. Smt. Arundati Pandita wife of Sh. Niranjan Nath Pandita, R/o village H.No: 421, Lane No: 4, Adarsh Nagar, Barnai Road, Bantalab, Jammu Tral Kmr; presently at Lal Kothi, Sector-2, Anuradha Puram Upper Barnai originally resident of Ganpatyar Sgr. 2/4/2007 Jammu. 12/4/2007 5. Sh. Shyam Sunder Handoo originally resident of Ganpatyar Sgr; presently 32. Smt. Dhanwati Dhar wife of Late Sh. Maheshwar Nath Dhar of Vicharnag residing at H.No: 868-B-2 Bitna Colony Pinjore Haryana. 2/4/2007 Sgr; presently at H.No: 191-B/89 JMC Lane-1 New Plots Jammu. 13/4/ 6. Smt. Soomawati Koul W/o of Late Sh NN Koul resident of 54-Bagwati 2007 Nagar, Canal Road, Jammu. 3/4/2007 33. Sh. Moti Lal Bakay S/o Late Sh. Balbadhar Bakay originally resident of 7. Smt. Veena Mattoo W/o Sh. Manohar Lal Mattoo resident of Kralyar Zaindar Mohalla Sgr; presently at 279-Patoli Mangotrian Patoli Chowk Rainawari Sgr; presently residing at 3174 (GF) Ramesh Nagar, New Jammu.14/4/2007 Delhi. 3/4/2007 8. Sh. Avtar Krishen Gurtoo S/o Pt. Sham Lal Gurtoo originally resident of 34. Mrs. Anita Saraf/Ruby Koul wife of Mr. Arvind Saraf originally resident of Rehbab Sahib Alikadal Sgr; presently resident of H.No: 3, Lane-5, Sector- Bagh Jogi Lankar Rainawari Sgr; presently at H.No: 40-A. Shiva Enclave 2, Sharika Vihar, Lower Roop Nagar, Jammu. 4/4/2007 Kashmiri Colony Hirender Delhi. 14/4/2007 9. Sh. Vesh Natto resident of Rainawari Sgr; presently residing at Qtr. No: 35. Smt. Kamla Koul wife of Late Sh. Balbadar Koul of Malmoh 237, Indra Nagar Nagrota Camp Jammu. 4/4/2007 Kmr; presently at H.No: 4 Lane No: 7, Anand Nagar Bohri Jammu. 15/ 10. Smt. Veena Sadoo W/o Late Sh. Kaniya Lal Sadoo presently residing 4/2007 at Shapur Kandi Qtr. No: T3-471 (RSO) Jugial Pathankot Punjab 4/4/ 36. Smt. Lakshmi Shori Bhat wife of Late Sh Gopi Nath Bhat of Hawal 2007 Kmr; presently at 22-A Block-D Ext. Sawarn Vihar Police 11. Smt. Shahshi Bhat W/o Sh. Sham Lal Bhat of Danow Bogond Colony, Jammu. 16/4/2007. Anantnag, Kmr; presentlyat M.O. Qtrs. MCD Dispencery Madanpur 37. Sh. Bansi Lal Ghasi S/o Balak Ram Ghasi originally resident of Tankipora Khadar, New Delhi 4/4/2007 Dadi Kadal Sgr, Kmr; presently at L-61, Street-21, New Mahavir Nagar 12. Sh. L.K. Wali S/o of Late Sh. Gopi Nath Wali resident of H.No: 175, New Delhi. 16/4/2006 Lane No: 7, Shakti Nagar, Jammu. 5/4/2007 38. Sh. Piyare Krishen Tiku S/o Late Sh. Sarvanand Tiku resident of Vivek 13. Smt. Dhanwati W/o Sh. Nand Lal Koul oiginally resident of Village Nagar, Near Mes Filter Plant, Railway Road . 17/4/2007 Sonium presently residing at Durga Nagar, Sector-1, Lane II Jammu. 5/ 39. Sh. Prithivi Nath Durani originally resident of Kralyar Rainawari Sgr, 4/2007 Kmr; presently at N-39, New Palam Vihar Phase-1, Bajghera Road, 14. Smt. Kanta Zutshi W/o Sh. Som Nath Zutshi resident of Bagadachi Gurgaon (Haryana). 17/4/2007 Kralyar Rainawari, Sgr; presently residing at H.No: 417 Sector-21 40. Sh. NN Satu S/o Late Sh. Krishen Joo Sathu R/o 407, Ambphalla Panchkulla Harya. 5/4/2007 Jammu. 18/4/2007 15. Smt. Lalita (Shanta) Raina wife of Sh. Chaman Lal Raina originally 41. Sh. Roshan Lal Miya S/o Late Sh. Narayan Joo Miya originally resident resident of Sheshyar Habbakadal Sgr; presently at H.No: 22, Lane-1, of Kocha Nidan Rainawari Sgr, Kmr; presently at Flat No: 45, A, Sector- Shakti Nagar, Jamu. 6/4/2007 1, Noida. 18/4/2007 16. Sh. Triloki Nath Peer S/o Late Nilkanth Peer resident of Narparistan 42. Sh. Hirday Nath Peer S/o Sh. Ragho Ram Peer originally resident of Sgr; presently at H.No: 1 Lane 5, Bhavani Nagar Gole Pully Talab Tillo. Vechar Nagar, Sgr, Kmr; presently at H.No: 60, Subash Nagar, Jammu. 6/4/2007 18/2007 17. Smt. Somawati W/o of Late Sh. Mehswar Nath Koul originally resident 43. Sh. Vijay Lakshmi W/o Late Sh. Pushkar Nath Mattoo of Sangrampura of Shali Ghat Kralkhud Sgr; presently at 47-Vidhata Nagar Lane-4, Sopore, Kmr; presently at Plot No: 12, Nund Bab Colony Lala-Da-Bagh Bathindi Road Narwal Bala Jammu. 7/4/2007 Jamu. 18/4/2007 18. Smt. Rajdulari Parimoo (Dulla) wife of Late Sh. Lassa Koul Parimoo R/ 44. Smt. Shobawati Kaw wife of Late Sh. Janki Nath Kaw originally resident o Shalla Kadal Habbakadal Sgr. 7/4/2007 of Kralyar Rainawari, Sgr, Kmr; presently at H.No: 48, Lane-4, Adarsh 19. Smt. Leelawati Koul W/o Late Mukund Koul of Devsar Tral Kmr; presently Nagar Burnai Road, Bantalab Tillo, Jammu. 20/4/2007 at Qtr. No: 337, ORT Muthi Phase-1 Jammu 8/4/2007 45. Smt. Somawati Tiku wife of Sh. Som Nath Tiku originally resident of 20. Smt. Shanta Dhar wife of Late Sh. Soom Nath Dhar originally resident Bul Bul Lankar Ali Kadal Sgr; presently at residing at Julakha Mohalla of Purshyar Habbakadal Sgr; presently at H.No: 77, Shastri Nagar, Jamu. Jammu. 20/4/2007 8/4/07 21. Dr. Prem Nath Shair resident of Prem Nagar-96 Durga Nagar Sector-2, 46. Smt. Krishna Ji Thusu wife of Sh. Jai Krishen Thusu originally resident Jammu originally resident of Dadi Kadal Tankipora Sgr. 9/4/2007 of Tankipora Dadi Kadal Sgr; Kmr; presently at Laxmipuram Chinore 22. Smt. Lalita Bradu wife of Dr. BL Bradu resident of Bradu Niwas 301-A Jamu. 21/4/2007 Gandhi Nagar, Jammu 9/4/2007 47. Sh. Keshov Nath Pandita S/o Late Sh. Radha Krishen Pandita (Nai 23. Sh. Rattan Lal Ganjoo (Raina) son of Late Sh. Gound Joo Gajoo resident Nawaz) originally resident of Bana Mohalla Sgr, Kmr; presently at H.No: of Satya Ganjoo C-1804 Krishna Residency Opp. Sunder Nagar, Malad 396, Sec-3 Gangyal Garden Jammu. 21/4/2007 Mumbai (W)-64. 9/4/2007 48. Sh. Mohan Lal Pandita S/o Late Sh. Dina Nath Pandit originally resident 24. Smt. Radhika Raina wife of Late Sh. Bhagwan Dass Raina (Prop. of Kralyar Rainawari Sgr, Kmr; presently residing at Gawalior (MP). 21/ Standard Hotel) resident of 119-A/D Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. 10/4/2007 4/2007 25. Smt. Kamla Koul wife of Late Sh. Janki Nath Kaul (waffa) of Rainawari 49. Sh. Bhushan Lal Raina Husband Smt. Khema Ji D/o Late Pt. Maheshwar Sgr; presently at HMT Colony Pinjore Haryan. 10/4/2007 Nath Koul presently at Qtr. No: 160, Phase-I Camp Purkhoo Jamu. 21/ 26. Sh. Prem Nath Raina S/o Late Sh. Sansarchand Raina originally resident 4/007 of Gosh Bagh Baramulla Kmr; presently at Roop Nagar Digiana Jamu. 50. Sh. Janki Nath Bhan S/o Late Sh. Kanth Joo Bhan, R/o E-6, Milap 10/4/2007 Nagar, Uttam Nagar New Delhi originally resident of Bhana Mohalla 27. Smt. Usha Shangloo wife of Sh. PN Shangloo resident of 51-Karan Sgr, Kmr. 21/4/2007 KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 3

EDITORIAL LETTERS Ghosts of Dixon Banaras Hindu University Sir, ir Owen Dixon, the UN mediator on Kashmir, visited the Valley in May 1950. Even after It was fantastic to read Social History Page 'Banaras Hindu five decades his ghosts continue to haunt Kashmiri politicians. Sajjad Lone’s recent University and the Kashmiri Pandits', in May 2007 issue of Soutburst, lapping up Dixonian proposals and subsequent attempts to whip up commu- Kashmir Sentinel, by Mr G.K Gurutu. nal and parochial passions, bear eloquent testimony to it. He has done a lot of homework and he is right that Sh. The maverick Australian judge was drafted by Anglo-American bloc as part of its interven- Shivnandan Lal Dhar was Registrar, Pt. Iqbal Narain Gurutu was tion to impose an imperialist solution on Kashmir. He had a simple brief---facilitate delinking the pro-Vice Chancellor of BHU in 1941-42. of strategic Kashmir valley from India and put control of J&K’s immense water resources at My father Late (Prof.) Jagan Nath Kaul (ount) did his M.A. in the disposal of Pakistan, a client state of Anglo-Americans. Dixon showed little regard for English in that era and he joined S.P. College as a Lecturer in India’s grand experiment in federalism and its vibrant democracy. 1943. For nearly five decades Dixon’s proposals remained under wraps. What was given out I also remember, as my father has told me, that Late Dr. publicly was that the UN mediator had proposed limited plebiscite for Kashmir valley under a Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, the great Scholar-Philosopher, ex- UN sponsored plebiscite administrator. It was not revealed what he had suggested about the President of the Republic of India, was the Vice-Chancellor in strategic . This district, rich in forest wealth and having great tourism and Hy- 1941-1942 of B.H.U. In that era Dr. Janki Nath Hakim did his droelectric potential, had for all purposes remained a part of Jammu province. In terms of Ayurvedic medicine from B.H.U. and brought Ayurveda to J&K social demography the two communities are almost evenly balanced. New light on Dixon’s State. mission in 1950 reveals that Dixon had conveyed to Pt. Nehru and other Indian leaders that Kashmiri Pandits and Banaras Hindu Univesity had a special his definition of Kashmir valley was Valley proper plus an area that linked tehsils of Rampur bond in education. It has produced great luminaries among KPs, so obviously we are all proud of them. and Riasi and was adjacent to Kashmir. That suggested Chenab as the boundary. Pt. Nehru My special thanks to Mr. G.K. Gurutu. had unambiguously rejected Dixon’s balkanizing proposals. --Dr. Sunil Kaul In mid-1990s when J&K was reeling under crossborderterrorism,a US think-tank Kash- New Delhi mir Study Group that has active collaboration of Pakistanis and Kashmiri jihadists brought out discredited Dixon’s proposals from cold storage and repackaged these as Kathwari\Livingstone plan. Since then different US think-tanks have been peddling these formulae as ‘solution’ to Kashmir. In early 1999 when under American pressure NDA govt. started secret diplomacy with Pakistan ,the main thrust of the Pakistan proposal was that rivers should be used as the basis for resolving conflicts between India and Pakistan, including the issue of J&K.Pakistan advo- cated using Chenab river as the border.Syed Salahuddin,the head of the jihadist UJC and Sardar Sikander Hayat Khan,POK Premier are on record having said that ‘Kashmiri jihadists were in reality fighting for Pakistan to enable it to gain control of Kashmir’s water resources’. In Sept.-Oct.2004 Musharraf floated a plan that was akin to the old Dixon plan. The most striking element in the Musharraf plan was to project Jammu,Kashmir and on the Indian side as a set of five, instead of three . That would entail dividing Jammu into sub-regions roughly along the Chenab River. The Dixon\Kathwari\Musharraf\Chenab plan have common objective----dilution of Indian sovereignty over Kashmir valley and Doda district; creation of a sovereign\semi-sovereign Islamic state of ‘Greater Muslim Kashmir’ closely aligned to Pakistan and Muslim arc; put- ting J&K’s water resources at the disposal of Pakistan.Religious-cleansing of Kashmiri Hin- dus in Kashmir valley and numerous massacres in Muslim-dominated areas of Jammu prov- ince to force a demographic change have been part of the conspiracy to implement Dixon plan. Instead of countering Dixon plan, the mainstream regional parties have been pursuing negative politics. Be it the ‘Autonomy’ demand of National Conference or ‘Self-rule’ formula of PDP ,the essence is same----dilution of Indian sovereignty over Kashmir and weakening Kashmir’s constitutional relationship with India. Both the parties have been making attempts to break Jammu’s cohesive plural identity and reinforce the communal faultlines within the Jammu reign. Proposals by RAC, a committee sponsored by NC, to create Chenab and Pir Panjal regions in Jammu province are the consequence of this mindset. The nationalistic forces in J&K have raised a powerful demand for political re-organisation of the state to put an end to the existing political and economic inequities and reverse reli- gious-cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus. Perverted minds have been trying to project the political re-organisation and the Dixon plan as synonymous. The aim is to negate the patriotic demand. The Dixon Plan calls for dilution of Indian sovereignty over Kashmir, while Sir, trifurcation\quadrification demands raised by the nationalistic groups demand greater Indian After reading Sh. G.K. Gurtu's well-researched article on contri- sovereignty and closer constitutional links with India. The Dixon Plan makes religion as the bution of Kashmiri Pandits to Banaras Hindu University every basis for division of the state, the trifurcation demand opposes religious basis for reorganiza- would feel proud. However, Sh. Gurtu has not tion. Panun Kashmir does not demand a ‘Hindu Homeland’. It is the demand of a community mentioned anything about the Kashmiri Pandit alumni of Institute which has been thrown out through a process of religious-cleansing.Panun Kashmir advo- of Medical Sciences, an affiliate of BHU. It would be of interest to cates creation of a dispensation in Kashmir valley ,where there is full flow of Indian constitu- your readers that two senior medical consultants did their super- tion and where all Kashmiris irrespective of caste\religion can live without the fetters of specialisation from this Institute after 1990. Dr. Suresh Saraf, a retrograde\discriminatory Article 370.How can this demand be termed communal? native of Rainawari () is a leading Urologist at Jammu, while Dr. Satish Pandit, a native of Kulgam (Anantnag) is a noted It is time India’s strategic community realises the immense potentiality of the nationalistic Paediatric Surgeon at Panipat. demand for political re-organisation of J&K state to counter the balkanizing Dixon Plan. Time --Kuldeep Raina, has also come for the Indian political leadership to exorcise the ghosts of Dixon. Jammu KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 REPORT 4 PKPK expressesexpresses strongstrong concernconcern overover non-allotmentnon-allotment ofof Qtrs.Qtrs. atat MuthiMuthi KS Correspondent refugees. nic cleansing the Pandit refugees Whenever the refugees should be allowed to shift from he metaphor 'From frying brought their tales of woe to the slums to somewhat better habi- pan into the fire' so aptly state authorities the attitude of tation. describes the life of the T the latter was not only one of The state authorities have Pandit refugees in the Camp indifference but it bordered on been milking the Centre for funds Muthi II. These refugees were outright callousness. The in the name of Pandit rehabilita- lucky to escape from the targeted hygienic conditions made camp tion and subsequently denying violence of terrorists in Kashmir inmates vulnerable to the Pandits the benefit of this. but they are dying by inches in diaorrhoeas and various The Mufti government claimed the hell that has come to be called diseases. 30 families shared one that hundreds of Kashmiri Pan- Muthi Phase-II Camp. latrine. dit families were willing to return This camp was started in 1991- The visit of hon'ble Prime to the Valley and forced the 92 when the state administration Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to Central government to release constructed 500 rooms (11X12 ft) refugee camps came as a whiff funds to build qtrs. at with dome shaped roofs to Sh. Kuldeep Raina, General Secretary Panun Kashmir of fresh air to camp inmates. Sheikhpora, Mattan and house Pandit refugees. 492 addressing media persons at Jammu. Sitting on his left is Prime Minister announced that Tulmulla in Kashmir. When the families were allotted 492 rooms, Sh. Pyare Lal Raina, President Displaced Welfare two room sets would be con- qtrs. were ready, the same gov- one room to each family, Committee Muthi Phase-II structed in place of existing ernment told the Centre that no irrespective of the size of the fam- slums. He also ordered that the Kashmiri Pandit family was will- that many of the dome shaped ately allotted to the refugees liv- ily. This single room served as construction be carried out in the ing to return to Kashmir. This rooms were in very bad condi- ing in the camp and representa- guest room, study room, bed- shortest possible time. After kicked up a controversy on how tion and could collapse with first tives of Muthi Camp II should room, kitchen etc. for that family. these orders construction was Mufti regime was hoodwinking downpour of monsoons. Panun be actively involved in the allot- Even at the time of construction started for 385 qtrs, 128 in Phase- the Centre on the issue of return Kashmir team led by Sh. Kuldeep ment of Qtrs. the experts engaged by the state II Camp while the rest were to be of Kashmiri Pandits and the re- Raina, General Secretary had an They also demanded the im- administration had warned to the built near Buta Nagar, in Roop lease of rehabilitation funds. interactive session with 500 refu- mediate intervention of the state government that the life of these Nagar area. Now when the two room sets are gees living in the camp. Governor and CM and said that rooms would be at the maximum Due to slow pace of con- ready for refugees in Muthi Subsequently Panun Kashmir in view of the forthcoming mon- 7 years. struction Hon'ble Governor and Phase-II and Purkhoo, the state and the representatives of the soons and the bad conditions of Hardly a year or two after the Hon'ble CM intervened to expe- government says that Pandit Camp Muthi Phase-II headed by the dome shaped rooms, the gov- construction, the domes started dite the construction. The Chief refugees would be housed at Sh Pyare Lal Raina addressed ernment bears the entire respon- leaking during the rains, putting Minister Sh Ghulam Nabi Azad Jagti, 18 kms from Jammu city. joint press conference on May sibility in case the Pandit refu- The state administration's at- 29, 2007. They demanded that gees are put to any trouble in the titude on providing reasonable the new qtrs. should be immedi- camp. housing to Pandit refugees (for which the Central Alarming government has Condition every time provided funds generously) and on other allied is- sues-HRA/CCA even after the grant of relief by the hon'ble High Court reflects a prejudical mindset where the state administration Sh. Ratan Lal Koul an inmate of Qtr. No: E/17 Muthi Camp Jai Mata Di Phase-II pointing to the condition of roof of his Qtr. when Panun continues to Kashmir team visited the camp. --KS Photo torpedo the relief. The dramas enacted on the the refugees to great mental tur- even ordered double shift work issue of providing moil and hardship. When this to execute the construction. 128 employment to the was brought to the notice of the sets in Phase-II Camp are com- displaced Pandit concerned authorities, one ex- With Best Wishes plete in all respects, except for youth is yet an- pert opinion suggested chemical the finishing touches. Now when other instance of treatment of the dome roofs. it comes to the handing over of apartheid. This too was not considered the new qtrs. to the refugees the The refugees feasible. Finally, it was decided From state administration has started living in the Muthi to lay a layer of coal-tar on the ditheuing over the allotment of Camp II called on dome roofs. The horrible heat these qtrs. The refugees are sore Panun Kashmir generated in the rooms by the over the attitude of the govern- Chairman Dr. Ajay SURINDER GANDHI coal-tar covered roof converted ment and say that the same forces Chrungoo to these rooms into infernos, affect- which were responsible for their intervene on their ing the physical and mental religious-cleansing and for con- behalf. health of the refugees. If earlier tinuation of policy of genocidal Panun Kashmir the refugees had to carry their attrition are behind the non-al- made an on the belongings from getting spoiled lotment of qtrs. They alleged that spot survey of the Delhi by the leaking downpour now certain bureaucratic and politi- prevailing they had to save themselves cal agencies were not able to rec- conditions in the from getting heat strokes. It was oncile to the fact that after eth- camp. It found great torture for the aged KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 DEBATE 5

xcerpts of the speech principle of non-refoulment made by Dr. Ajay which provides protection for E Chrungoo in the Third refugees against forced return to Round Table Conference at PM ReportReport SubmittedSubmitted byby HMHM a situation where they would be House New Delhi. at risk of persecution or physi- "Honourable Prime Minister, cal harm. The reference in the Sh. Manmohan Singh Ji, Hon- Working Group recommendation ourable Union Home Minister AnsariAnsari WWorkingorking GrGroupoup isis on return and rehabilitation is Sh. Shiv Raj Patil, Honourable devoid of any sensitive under- Chief Minister of Jammu and standing of the critical issues in- Kashmir. Sh Ghulam Nabi Azad, volved.” To be frank I was little surprised disappointing--disappointing-- “Sir, I have repeatedly come about the haste with which this across the views of Muslim lead- Third Round Table Conference ers on the displacement of has been convened. You must be Kashmiri Hindus in the Round aware that one of the crucial DrDr.. AjayAjay ChrChrungooungoo Table Conferences and the Work- working groups looking into the ing Group meetings. Today also issue of strengthening Centre Valley. He repeated the same is- rights and freedoms on the some of them have spoken on sue in the Ist and IInd Round further dialogue and discussion. ground that they are displaced. State relations has not yet com- Why? Our problems have been this issue. They want our return pleted its task and is still far away Table Conferences. Your Successive governments have because has to be goodself appointed an bracketed with the problems of denied Kashmiri Hindus employ- from compiling a report.” those who have perpetrated vio- repaired. They want the return “The reports of other work- interministerial committee which ment and set into place a proc- of teachers and doctors because also recommended almost on lence in Valley? Did the chairman ess of blatant discrimination ing groups were submitted to us of Working Group look into the Kashmiri Muslims want them. only yesterday at around 10 similar lines. You yourself put the which is the violation of the ba- Always and everytime when they issue on the national agenda by international perspectives and sic rights and freedoms and the O'clock in the night immediately experiences on internal speak they only discuss after the dinner hosted by the putting the issue of employment principle of equality.” Kashmiri Hindus in terms of their and rehabilitation as one of the displacements? Recognising the Honourable Chief Minister "Sir, in the context of rehabili- utility. And almost always they main issues to be addressed by dire necessity of addressing the Ghulam Nabi Azad. The tation the successive state gov- avoid to discuss the issue of the the working group ‘on confi- issue of internal displacement, participants at IIIrd Round Table ernments have followed a policy destruction of a community. It is dence building measures’, in the United Nations Human Rights Conference got very little time of symbolic, coercive return. most unfortunate that the Second Round Table Confer- Commission assigned the task to to study these reports. I hope They have relied on a process of Working Group ence. You must be aware that im- the Representative of Secretary- you will bear with us if we fall enforced deprivation and denial recommendations emphasise the mediately after the IInd Round General on Internally Displaced short of responding comprehen- to force the Hindus to return and need to recognise the right of our Table Conference the State gov- persons in 1992. Several years of sively to these reports in this submit to the will of dominant return and not to ensure our right ernment responded not by mov- study by a group of experts un- conference which has been or- opinion in the Valley. The State to live in Kashmir.” ing in the direction of creating der the auspices of this repre- ganised to discuss in detail these government visualises the return "Sir, Kashmiri Pandits have an employment package but by sentative took place. The Repre- very reports.” by relocating the camps in Val- been subjected to genocide. And making permanent all the adhoc sentative on Internally displaced "Sir I have gone through the ley one way or the other. Princi- we want its comprehensive and appointments made in Valley persons after being requested to report of the Working Group ple 14 of the Guiding Principles permanent reversal. Creation of against the posts of the displaced develop an appropriate 'Norma- which addressed the issue of on Internally Displaced Persons Panun Kashmir as we have many Kashmiri Hindu employees.” tive framework' recommended 'Confidence Building Meas- drafting of 'guiding principles’ reaffirms the right of every hu- times stressed is the only way to ures’, during the little time which “Sir, the problem of denial of rather than a convention which man being to liberty of move- ensure such a reversal. Govern- was available to me. This group employment to Kashmiri Hindus he suggested would have taken ment and freedom to choose his ment wants to avoid to address had to specifically address the is not a mere callous aberration 10-20 yrs to conclude. Sir, 30 or her residence and then speci- the basic issue of genocide and issue of Employment and also of the system. It is a very frank Guiding Principles were spelt fies that for internally displaced deal with peripheral and superfi- Rehabilitation of Displaced symptom of the process of ex- out. Did the chairman of the persons this includes a right to cial issues. It is for these reasons Kashmiri Pandits". clusion unleashed by the com- Working Group look into these move freely in and out of camps I think that I should not endorse "I must say without inhibition munal forces entrenched in the guiding principles before making and settlements. Successive the recommendations of the that the report which has been government and the political es- recommendations for displaced state governments while Working Group dealing with submitted by Mr HM Ansari in tablishment. At the point of gun Kashmiri Pandits.” building tenements for displaced these issues. And I feel it my re- sponsibility to dissociate myself this conference is disappointing. and terrorist blackmail we were "Experts of international re- persons in certain parts of Val- from these recommendations.” It has failed to address the issues pushed out. Our properties, tem- pute have likened the response ley have ignored the entire spirit "This Working Group has not for which this working group ples and shrines were plundered to internal displacement to a tri- of this principle. Simply creating addressed the issue of Terrorism was constituted, in a proper and after we left. Hundreds of our pod, with relief, development and a set up for persons whose at all. In fact it has chosen to comprehensive way". temples lie in shambles after the protection each forming a leg. Sir physical security is under threat describe this heinous crime loot and plunder unleashed on government response has so far at a place only neglects their pro- “The report tends to trivialise against humanity as militancy. them. Thousands of our houses only concerned itself only with tection needs. Relocating camps substantial issues. Its recom- Under the heading ‘measures to have been burnt and destroyed. relief aspect and that too in a half in such places where their secu- mendations are disjointed and improve the condition of the vic- Leftover properties have been hearted way. Concept of protec- rity is threatened and where they many times trespass the specific tims of militancy’ the Working fraudulently encroached and tion, and development is absent cannot enjoy the basic freedoms agenda which it had to address.” Group on confidence building usurped. Through a process of from the conceptual framework can actually exacerbate and per- "The Working Group Chair- measures recommends foremost distress sales our homes and of the government approach. So petuate their plight. It can create man has tended to address the the measures like developing hearths are being procured as the government response to in- a false sense of security and in- issue of unemployment and re- mechanism in which responsibil- normal sale deeds. I am mention- ternal displacement of Kashmiri ternational experts have warned habilitation of displaced ity for specific human rights vio- ing these things only to stress Hindus stands almost without against such a situation. They Kashmiri Pandits divorced from lation can be fixed and derelict that our physical cleansing was legs." have also cautioned that such a the reasons which lead to the officials identified and pros- followed by residential cleans- "We cannot devise the con- process can shore up a repres- exodus and their marginalisation ecuted. It appears that the chair- ing. And through denial of em- cepts of protection, development sive regime, create a situation of from all spheres of life in the state. man of the Working Group iden- ployment a form of administra- and even relief, if we do not try a long-term dependency and re- Sir, take for example the issue of tifies human rights violation by tive cleansing of Kahsmiri Hin- to understand and identify the sult in creating 'well-fed dead.’ unemployment amongst the the government agencies as the dus has been unleashed. Mus- forces at play in the state who Working Group recommenda- displaced Kashmiri Hindus. foremost concern. It also appears lim communal forces in the state perpetrated genocide on tions appear to be totally igno- There has been almost a blanket from the recommendations that do not want us to stay even in Kashmiri Hindus and are hell rant about such perspectives.” ban on their recruitment in the the militancy in Kashmir is pri- Jammu. They have launched a bent upon their expulsion from "Sir, State government atti- government services while lakhs marily the result of government policy of sequeeze to force our the state. The chairman of the tude on return continues to bor- from the majority community action or government action is diaspora and expulsion from the Working Group has ignored this der on a perspective of forceful have been provided employment in fact the real militancy in the state. Has the working group ad- aspect totally. Principle 1 of the repatriation. We all know how under special employment pack- state. Terrorism as a human dressed these issues? No. To the Guiding Principles on Internal backlash massacres of Kashmiri ages. Former deputy Chief rights issue with all its implica- contrary it has trivalised these Displacement affirm that inter- Hindus in Kashmir Valley were Minister, Pt. Mangat Ram Sharma tions seems to be a peripheral issues. The working group has nally displaced persons enjoy in triggered by such return cam- tried to bring this issue to the concern. Another main recom- made recommendations on em- full equality the same rights and paigns. International experts fore by asking the then govern- mendation under the same head ployment and upgradation of freedoms under international and have always stressed to look into ment that the number of Kashmiri is the reviewing and revocation camps only in a way that further domestic law as do other persons the refugee law by analogy while Pandits in the government serv- of Armed Forces Special Powers delay and proctastrination is in their country and stresses that developing a framework of the ices be brought to the level as it Act (Disturbed Areas Act). It is possible. After so many debates such internally displaced per- return for internally displaced existed in 1989, just before the the primary impingement on the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from the recommendations of the sons shall not be discriminated persons. They have stressed the Working Group still talk about against in the enjoyment of any need to adhere and uphold the (Contd. on Page 10) KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 VIEW POINT 6 Peace-Process— Ideological Moorings Dr. M.K. Teng Muslim League launched in Au- majority princely States as well upon his insistence on a separate any change in the existing bor- ders of the State and yet agreed he Muslim separatist gust 1946, broke up the national as the Muslim ruled princely structure of rights which to carry the peace-process for- movement in Jammu and consensus on the unity of India, states for Pakistan, was based satisfied the aspirations of the that permeated the outlook of the upon his acceptance of the con- Muslims. In fact, in the meetings ward. Would that lead to the con- T Kashmir in various forms clusion that the Government of Indian National Congress. Gan- tinuity of the history of the Mus- of the National Conference it assumed from time to time, India is ready to recognise the during the last five decades of dhi had not prepared the Indian lim Ummah in India. Jinnah, ac- leaders led by him with the people to face a civil war. His Indian leaders and the right of the Muslims of the State the Indian freedom, has to a separate freedom by politi- espoused the claim of the prescription of passive re- members of the Negotiating sistance, left the field open Committee of the Constituent cal arrangements such as the Muslim community to reconsti- “one country, two systems” en- tute the State into an Islamic pol- for the Muslim League to Assembly of India, he claimed break up India. a separate freedom which the visages or the exclusion of State ity. Kashmir dispute has its roots from the Indian political organi- in the struggle of the Muslims of The Muslim League Muslims would demarcate for leaders and the leaders of the the people of the State on the sation underlines or the modifi- India an Islamic state, which cations in the existing provisions States Muslim League, which basis of the Muslim majority enshrined a separate freedom for of Article 370, proposed by the coordinated the Muslim character of its population. It them, on the basis of religion. Congress Party, embody. It is a struggle for Pakistan in the is not fairly well known that The Muslims in the British moot point how the Government princely states, committed when Nehru refused to deny India and the Indian Princely of India would adjust the demand themselves to the realisation the rights and freedom to the States refused to accept that they for demilitarisation, and joint of an Islamic State of people of Jammu and Kashmir formed a part of the Indian na- management that Pakistan has Pakistan. Mohammad Ali embodied by the Constitution tion. They insisted upon their been pressing for and pro-Paki- Jinnah made no mistake of India, which he cried in pain, claim to a separate nation. The stan political flanks like the about the ultimate objective had been evolved by the separate homeland of Pakistan Hurriyat-Conference are insist- of the struggle for Pakistan. was conceived by its founding Constituent Assembly with ing upon, to the re-location of The Muslim League leaders companied by Liaquat Ali Khan, pride, Sheikh Mohammad fathers as an Islamic state, which power denominations in order to made no mistake about the sepa- met Mountbatten after the parti- would enable the Muslims in In- Abdullah threatened to resign ensure the Muslims a separate rate freedom they sought for the tion plan was given final shape. dia to realise their Islamic des- from the membership of the freedom on the territories of In- Muslim nation of India. The Mountbatten told Jinnah that tiny. Constituent Assembly. The crisis dia. The peace process has Muslim ‘nation’ of India, they partition had given the Muslims, The incessant efforts of the which broke up the first Interim reached a state, where the Gov- averred was the continuation of a broken country far smaller than Indian political class, unable to Government in the State in 1953, ernment of India has to decide the history of the Muslim power they had claimed. Jinnah looked break away from its liberal-re- grew out of the conflict between whether it accepts the exclusion in India, which formed a part of straight at the Viceroy and then formist moorings, and still in the Muslimisation of the State of Jammu and Kashmir State from search of the means to legitimise the history of the Muslim told him in resigned words that and the rights and aspirations of the secular political organisation its rootlessness have caused Ummah. The Muslims in India, they would have accepted desert the Hindus and the other minori- of India and Jehad as a compo- much harm to the process of po- the Muslims League leaders of Thar, if that was what their ties, the Buddhists and the Sikhs nent of the peace-settlement with litical development in India as claimed, were not a part of the were given as their homeland. in the State. Forty-three years Pakistan and recognises the well as impeded the integration Indian nation, which spread over From 1947 to 1953, Sheikh later, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, precedence of religion and the of the Muslims in the political the civilisational frontiers of In- Mohammad Abdullah insisted a former Pradesh Congress Presi- Muslims in the state and society culture of India. The Muslim dia. The Muslims in India were a upon the exclusion of Jammu and dent, besides being a former of Jammu and Kashmir. It has League which spearheaded the separate ethnic identity of which Kashmir from the guarantees for Home Minister of India and a also to decide whether it has the Muslim movement for Pakistan the history, social culture, politi- rights of freedom, the Constitu- former Chief Minister of the mandate from the Indian people in the British India and the All cal outlook and religion, drew tion of India envisaged and State, pleaded for “one country, to accept Jehad, as the legitimate India States Muslim League, their content from and its claimed the right of the Muslims two systems” in the first Round right of the Muslims in Kashmir, which led the Muslim movement history in India. The gospel of to redefine the rights and free- Table Conference on Kashmir to foster political change. So far, for Pakistan in the Indian redemption, which formed the dom of the people of the State. held by the Indian Government the terrorist groups, waging princely States visualised basis of all Semitic religious ide- He stated with the enthusiasm in 2006. The Muslims of the Jehad in the State, have not expression of the consolidation ologies, did not admit of coexist- of a religious preacher that the State, followed the same ideo- shown any inclination to accept of the Muslim power in India. ence of religions. The expression theological imperatives of Islam logical commitments-a separate a settlement with India, which The Muslim people of India Jinnah gave to his outlook about provided adequate guarantees freedom for Jammu and Kashmir, does not underline the formed part of the Muslim the commitment of Pakistan to for the protection of the rights organised on the basis of one integration of the Muslims of Ummah, and an expression of its enable all people of Pakistan to and freedom of non-Muslim country, two systems, pattern in Jammu and Kashmir, with the unity. Muslim commitment to the live in freedom, irrespective of population of the State The India. The Indian Prime Minister struggle of the Muslims unity of the Muslim Ummah was their faith, in his inaugural exclusion of the State from the has, of course, very apologeti- Ummah for its ascendence into a a negation of the national power address to the Constituent constitutional organisation of cally expressed the inability of world power of polar strength, of the Indian people. Muslims Assembly of Pakistan, did not India by Article 370, was based the Indian Government to accept Pakistan envisions. did not recognise any national reflect his intention to repudiate power, which did not form a the Muslim commitment to an subsidiary part of the Muslim Islamic state. Indeed, the Mus- Ummah. lims believed as they do believe SHRADANJALI The Muslims in India sup- now, that the Islamic order of ported the struggle for Pakistan society does not conflict with the Bansi Lal Saraf son of Late Mahadev Ram Saraf was born in July 1938 at freedom of all people, irrespec- Batpora Shopian, Kashmir. His fathre was a Govt. teacher who provided unequivocally and rejected the good education to his children. Aftre completing his shooling, he joined ideological commitment of the tive of their faith. For Jinnah the Government Polytechnic College Srinagar. He joined Government service in Indian people to the national Muslim state was not a theoc- 1958 as an Overseer in Irrigation and Flood Control Department. During his identity of a United India, the In- racy. For him the Muslim state of service in this department he executed several projects of national importance Pakistan was the expression of including Ravi Bridge on National Highway between Madhopur and Lakhanpur, dian struggle for freedom under- Sangam Bridge over Jehlum between Bijbihara, Srinagar, Lar Canal lined. The was the Muslim political power in and many othres. Later he was transferred to Power Development Department not foisted on the Indian people India. The very concept of Paki- of the state and executed Grid Station Batmaloo, Major Receiving by British, as the Indian political stan, which Jinnah was in- Station in south Kashmir. Bansi Lal Saraf class continues to claim, even strumental in forging underlined During Kashmir turmoil, the family shifted to Jammu and established afresh at the recognition of the geographi- Sanjay Nagar. He retired from Govt. servicein 1996 at the age of 58 years. He used to undertake regular half a century after India was pilgrimage to various holy places in the country. He was very fond of trekking and gardening. freed from the British colonial cal boundaries of the Muslim In- He breathed his last on 18th May, 2007 after a brief ailment. He is survived by his wife Veena Saraf, two hold. The partition was wrought dia as well as the continuity of sons Surinder Saraf and Suresh Saraf and a daughter Saroj wife of Dr. Ajay Chrungoo, Chairman Panun by the Muslims. The civil war its history. His claims to the Kashmir. Muslim majority provinces of the and wanton violence, which the Panun Kashmir & Kashmir Sentinel offers heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Direct Action campaign the British India and the Muslim KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 MEDIA-SCAN 7 Pakistan's Existence: A need or a burden? By Syed Jamaluddin ing on its soil but for the begin- from standing on sound foot- who use money to do what they agencies. World's most wanted ings. Similarly, the socalled poli- want, foreign policy is nothing egardless of the fact that ning of a new era of fascism un- man is considered as a "Guest" ticians of the country who were but pretence and false state- the advocates of two-na der the disguise of Islam. Fas- on the soil of Pakistan. Now that rather farmers-turned politicians ments, economy is based on as- tion theory have finally cism is a religious conception in Pakistan has nuclear power, is it R which man is seen in his immi- or businessmen-turned politi- sumptions and above all, this not correct that entire humanity realized after half a century that cians or retired-army-personnel- country has gained nuclear the division of United India was nent relationship with a superior is vulnerable to any possible di- turned politicians controlled the power through backdoor. not a good idea for international law and with an objective will saster? A country which is pos- fate of this country. Such people The whole world has become peace, there is a need to correct that transcends the particular sessed by forces which are not called the shots. The result is vulnerable to terrorism. The ques- mistakes. India's democratic individual and raises him to con- answerable to any one and which very visible that Pakistan has tion is who is masterminding strength for the last 59 years has scious membership of a spiritual is beyond any legal system is now become a danger to the en- such terrorism? Who is provid- proved that its existence was society. Whoever has seen in the indeed a great threat to the en- tire humanity. Had it been a mat- ing all possible support to ter- fully justified. On the contrary, religious politics of the Fascist tire world. Pakistan has, there- ter limited within the jurisdiction rorism? Who is creating terrorist Pakistan emerged as a failed regime nothing but mere oppor- fore, become a burden. This bur- of Pakistan, there would have minds? Who is a threat to inter- state for one single reason that tunism has not understood that den needs to be off-loaded by never arisen any need to raise national peace? The answer is a country which was founded by Fascism besides being a system way of its disintegration. Paki- any voice, but, the situation is very simple...... Pakistan. assembling almost eight differ- of government is also, and above stan should be divided into 5 worse than that. Pakistan's religious groups are ent nations in the name of Islam, all, a system of thought. Paki- parts or more to crush the terror- Today's Pakistan has turned responsible for masterminding was unable to justify its exist- stan, therefore, became an ex- ist network which has gained its into a typical Fascist regime with- the international terrorism. The ence. Since its formation, Paki- ample of such Fascism. The mili- deep roots in present geographic out any ideology. The President Tablighi Jamat has been busy for stan has been a country full of tary dictators turned the coun- form of Pakistan. My book titled of this country wears an army the last 75 years in producing conspiracies, discrepancies, try into a paradise for looters, "DIVIDE PAKISTAN TO ELIMI- uniform, the Chief Justice of its brains who hate Non-Muslims controversies and corruption. corrupt politicians, greedy bu- NATE TERRORISM" advocates Supreme Court is treated like an and as such the militant Jihadi Pakistan could not prove its reaucrats, incompetent adminis- necessity of Pakistan's disinte- ordinary clerk and pushed on the groups based in Pakistan are worth as a state and remained trators, uneducated reformers, gration. road by local policemen, the In- nothing but "fruits" of such just a piece of land occupied by militant jihadi groups, religious An Independent telligence agencies rule the coun- brainwashing techniques used certain opportunists who turned cults, bogus scholars and above- Pakhtoonistan, Baluchistan, try and function beyond any le- by Tablighi Jamat since long. the entire country into their per- the-law intelligence agencies. Sindhudesh, Jinnahpur and gal boundaries, the socalled reli- Similarly, support in terms of fi- sonal property. The socalled democracy Punjabistan will prevent the cur- which prevailed for almost 13 gious scholars have become nancial and otherwise is coming rent nourishment and spread of The military rulers of Pakistan years out of 59 years of its exist- preachers of radical Islam from state-owned intelligence terrorism from the soil of Paki- captured power of this country ence in Pakistan produced so- through brainwashing tech- agencies. Creation of Taliban stan. on numerous occasions thereby phisticated looters of national niques with an aim to produce and Al-Qaeda are glaring ex- *The author is a Pakistani proving that the country was not wealth who used new mecha- terrorists, bureaucracy has be- amples of such support by the living in .[Source--- founded for welfare of people liv- nisms to deprive the country come a tool in the hands of those Pakistan-based intelligence SAAG] VVisitingisiting TTulzapur—Aulzapur—A drdreameam comecome trtrueue By Kuldeep Raina ered to be ‘Puranpeeth’, the other am very greatful to Dr. B.A. two Puranpeeths being— Kathare, a senior dental Renuka Mata at Mahur in Isurgeon at Dharashiv Nanded district and (Osmanabad), who hosted us Mahalaxmipeeth in Kolhapur. during our stay at Dharashiv for Sapt Shrungi Devi shrine in Vani informing me about the sacred district (Nasik) is regarded as of Tulzapur and Ghatshilla. Adha Shaktipeeth The sacred shrine of Tulza Another place near Tulzapur Bhagwati is located at Tulzapur, is Ghatshila—the place where 25 kms from Dharashiv. As per Tulza Bhawani told Lord Rama local folklore the goddess is con- the way through which Ravana sort of Lord Shiva. The place abducted Sita. The Shila on where shrine is located is the which Lord Rama stood while place where the Goddess ap- listening to the Goddess still stands. Lakhs of devotees visit Tulzapur shrine on the day of Navratra, walking bare feet hun- dreds of kms. The shrine is man- aged by 16 families of non-Brah- man Maratha Purohits, called in (L) Ghatshilla Shrine. (R) PK leaders paying obeisance at the Shrine. --KS Photo popular parlance Kadams. The Purohits are not forbidden from taking meat. 'Bali' is done at Hindu Jan Jagrut Samiti (HJJS) Tulzapur as per Shakhta tradi- esides 28 districts of Maharashtra this nationalist body is active in seven states, which tion. The tradition seems so simi- include Karnataka, Goa, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP etc. Its Maharashtra chatper is headed by Dr. lar to ours in Kashmir. Virinder Tawade, while its national spokesperson is Dr. Durgesh Samant. The latter is a well- It was great honour for us to B known author and has produced three volumes on Kashmir. HJJS works under the guidance of Dr. be allowed to visit the shrine at the time when Tulza Bhawani Jayant Balaji Athvale, Chief of Sanatan Sanstha. The Sanstha brings out a daily, weekly and monthly, gets ready for Abhishek. The 16 titled 'Santan Prabhat' in Maratha. These editions have circulation in lakhs. The Sanstha also pub- Purohits asked us to make a lishes regularly excellent quality literature on Hindu religion. Tulza Bhawani. presentation on rise of terrorism The HJJS ran recently successful campaigns against two bills introduced by Maharashtra peared to Shivaji Maharaj and in Kashmir. They assured full government—1. Temples Take Over Act and 2. Superstitious Act. It described it as uncalled for presented divine sword to fight solidarity with Displaced interference and expressed apprehension about the offerings made at the Hindu shrines after takeo- the Mughals. Tulzapur is consid- Kashmiri Hindus ver would be used for purposes other than protection and maintenance of shrines. KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 CONTINUATION 8 ‘Saakshatkaar’ moves Maharashtrians

(From Page 1) Congress was seventy thousand the objectives of ‘Saakshatkaar’ April 22 to April 24. 200 exhibits being done in- handbills had been .Then there would be formal in- at the exhibition were displayed stead by Panun distributed. Local auguration. The press confer- in four sections. The first part Kashmir and TV Channels had ence at Chinchward was jointly showed the camp life of dis- Hindu Jan been regularly car- organised by HJJS and Journal- placed Kashmiri Pandits, the sec- Jagrut Samiti. rying ads on the ex- istic fraternity of Chinchwad. ond showed the destructed They told the hibition, which was The main theme articulated by shrines, the third part depicted organisers that supplemented by Panun Kashmir General the killings, while the fourth part 'Panun Kashmir Sanatan Prabhat Secretary Sh Kuldeep Raina at focussed on the residential was doing a ads. the press conference at cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus. monumental The exhibition Chinchwad and other places was The exhibition was inaugu- work, which received wide that terrorism had become a rated on April 22 by Swami would coverage in Marathi national problem and there was Govind Dev Giri Maharaj (for- definitely con- Vernacular press. need for a national response. merly known as Acharya Kishore tribute to However, barring Since Kashmiri Pandits bore the Ji Vyas). Sh. Sanjay Godbole, nationalist few exceptions, the brunt of terrorist violence in Chief of Sant Seva Samiti, Dr awareness on national English Kashmir they wanted to share Durgesh Samant national terrorism and media played cool, their experiences with other spokesperson Hindu Jan Jagrat common people indicating how- people of India so that they can Samiti Prof. GC Asnani a histo- will get combating terrorism prempt terrorism in their respec- rian, Archeologist of eminance Dr sensitised to and caring for its tive areas through alertness and Ajay Chrungoo, Chairman and the dangers victims was such a better perception. Sh Kuldeep Panun Kashmir were among posed by low priority for it. Raina pooh-poohed the ap- panelists. The speakers said that terrorism'. Earlier on 20th of proach where people of one state they had heard about terrorist Sh Sanjay April 2007, Panun did not bother about terrorism campaign in Kashmir but it was Godbole, a Kashmir Chairman outside their state. He said this through ‘Saakshatkaar’ they noted Art Dr. Ajay Chrungoo attitude of people was respon- learnt about the gravity of the Collector and and Dr. Viren sible for weak united national re- situation and the different dimen- an archeologist Tawade, President sponse to terrorism. Panun sions of the terrorist campaign. of repute said, HJJS addressed a Kashmir General Secretary said Sh Manohar Joshi, former Chief “The education press conference at ‘Saakshatkaar’ was a signifi- Minister of Maharashtra who campaign Press Club Pune. Dr. cant step in this direction to visited exhibition on April 23 said needs to be Chrungoo while correct this negative thinking. He ‘Saakshatkaar’ was a taken down to Dr. Virender Tawde and Dr. Ajay Chrungoo during the addressing the asked the people of Chinchwad ‘Margdarshan' on how to build the Taluka level. Sakshaatkaar at Pune. media persons said to deliberate on why an entire national response against terror- Politicians at that the purpose of community has faced wholesale ism. 'Thousands of touching mo- the helm need holding exhibition religious-cleansing and why the ments frozen in time' was how to be asked what have they done Kashmir was late with the at Pune and other places was to state authorities continue to be visitors to the photo exhibition in battle against terrorism and for project. School and college stu- sensitise the national opinion in denial mode over it, especially described their views about the its victims. Why they take peo- dents, who visited exhibition in about terrorism. Dr Tawade when small issues have been pictures which showcased differ- ple for granted?” big numbers expressed strong informed the media that this made national issues. He said the ent facets of religious cleansing Referring to the fight against solidarity with Displaced Pandit exhibitino will be organised at objective of Panun Kashmir was of Kashmiri Hindus in Kashmir. terrorism, Prof Asnani quoted Community' expressing willing- different places in Maharashtra to build a national response to Poona has been home to Swami Vivekananda to tell peo- ness to help Kashmiri Pandit for which publicity was already terrorism. He highlighted the thousands of refugees from ple 'Arise, Awake and not stop refugees. on. plurality and diversity of J&K in 1947. Through sheer till goal is achieved'. Sh. Ninad Nearly 35,000 residents of Chinchwad (Pimpri) where aspirations of the major- hardwork this community has Bedkar, a reputed historian said Poona visited the exhibition. The This town is located 30 kms ity people ran counter to those done exceedingly well and is ‘Saakshatkaar’ has exploded local organisers had done their away from Poona. The venue of of a section of Kashmiris. Sh contributing to the nationalist many myths about the so-called ground work well. The Sadakas ‘Saakshatkaar’ was Raina lamented that Article 370 cause. Sindhi visitors said that Kashmir dispute. He said the (activists) of HJJS had been in- Gharishastri Sabhagrah, is considered sacrosanct and by and large they knew what exhibition would help in script- volved in door to door campaign. Shridhar Nagar. Exhibition was said reorganisation of the state ethnic cleansing meant and the was the only way out to remedy hardlife the victims had to the situation. Quadripartition of undergo in its wake. However, J&K, with creation of Panun they expressed there was one Kashmir was part of this reor- glaring difference- turned ganisation, he added. refugees in the wake of country's A galaxy of speakers spoke partition but Kashmiri Hindus to 600-strong audience at had become refugees in their Chinchwad. The main speakers own country. That was the most were Sh Sunil Chincholkar, a unfortunate aspect, they added. leading Dharmacharya, Sh Expressing solidarity with Sharad Upadhyay, Nagar Sevak Kashmiri Hindus, they asked (Municipal Councillor), Sh. organisers: You tell us what can Krishnaji Ranjane Maharaj, we do for refugees. Many President Workari Samaj, Distt. visitors sobbed. Majority of the Pune, Sh. Gian Dev Patil, Dr. visitors said ‘Saakshatkaar’ Durgesh Samant. Sh. made them aware how serious Chincholkar, who had specially has been the genocide of come from abroad to attend the Kashmiri Hindus. They enquired Sh. Kuldeep Raina speaking to the audience during inaugural ceremony of Sakshaatkaar at exhibition, decried sidelining of why the government has tried to Dharashiv. Hindus in the country by the suppress this genocide when the government. country was involved in the bat- Since the venue at tle against terrorism. Visitors ing right history about terrorism At all entry points in the city on display from April 28 to April Chinchwad was comparatively further expressed that what and ongoing crisis in Kashmir. there were big hoardings. Be- 30. At every place the organis- smaller all the exhibits could not should have been the task of the Sh Shriyaak of Abhinav Bharat sides this there were 250-300 ers would have a pre-inaugura- be displayed here. People of main national parties-BJP and the had a specific query: Why Panun banners and 3000 posters, nearly tion press conference to explain (Contd. on Page 9) KASHMIR SENTINEL 9 June 2007 CONTINUATION ‘Saakshatkaar’ moves Maharashtrians

(From Page 8) Hyderabad and foiling Nizam's plicitous demand of demilitarisa- Day, 14th September-Martyr's were busy. The publicity mate- Chinchwad told organisers that diabolical designs. tion, apathetic attitude of State Day and 28th December- rial could be seen upto 20 kms 3-days were not enough for This town is in northern authorities, renaissance move- Margdarshan (Homeland) Day. away from the venue of the exhi- exhibition and demanded that Maharashtra ‘Saakshatkaar’ ment etc. For this Panun Kashmir leader- bition. She Praveenji, a dedicated exhibition should be shown at concluded at Jalgaon, where the Unprecedented response to ship thanked HJJS. Sh Kuldeep Sadak covered all the exhibitions, other places also. Panun Kashmir exhibition was on display from ‘Saakshatkaar’ at Dharashiv Raina, General Secretary PK said making travel of PK leaders organisers had a surprise for May 6-8 at Valabh Dasswalji and Jalgaon was not surprising. they can never forget the role of comfortable. Auditorium. Sh. Vinay Locals are quite apprehensive Maharashtrians in helping them, them here. Maharashtrians have Sh Kuldeep Raina was all a tradition of laying Rangoli at Panwalkar, Spokesperson HJJS about the threats posed by the when they took initiative in of- Jalgaon, Dr. V Tawade and Sh. terrorist organisation, Students fering reservations to Displaced praise for the role played by Smt. every function. An extremely & Sh. Ashok Koul (General decorative Rangoli for Panun Kuldeep Raina addressed the Islamic Movement of India Kashmiris in professional col- Secretary KP Sabha Pune) Kashmir was laid at the venue of alongwith their whole family, Sh exhibition. Panun Kashmir leaders had a interactive session RP Karnail and his family, Prof with Arya Samaj of Chinchwad. Vaishnavi, Kashmiri Pandit stu- Dharashiv: dents at Dharamshiv, Smt. & Sh. Since the exhibition at Vijay Kumar Kachroo, Smt. & Sh. Dharashiv was scheduled from Sunil Gigoo and their entire May 1, an advance team of Dr. family Dass family, Sh RN Tawade and Sh. Kuldeep Raina Monga, Sh Sant Kumar Bhan left on 29th April evening for and Mrs. Jaishree Bhan, Mem- Dharashiv. The teamof Dr. bers of Abhinav Nirman Tawade and Sh. Kuldeep Raina Pratisthan-Vikram, Sameer and alongwith Sh. Miland Patil others, and Dr. Abhi Ram Dixit in senior advocate and former BJP making ‘Saakshatkaar’ a great MLA Dharashiv addressed a success. At Dharashiv despite press conference at Dharashiv their busy study schedule Dr. Tawade & Sh. Kuldeep Raina Kashmiri students came to paste took stock of other Sh. Manohar Joshi former Chief Minister of Maharashtra being taken around the Exhibition exhibits, they were joined by arrangements regarding photo- at Pune. their fellow students from Bihar exhibition. Replying to one of the and Himachal Pradesh. Panun press on May 4. Inauguration (SIMI) in these towns. Visitors leges. Now when day to day questions during the press 0 Kashmir leaders. Sh Kuldeep conference Mr Raina said that was held at Jain Mahila Commu- braved the 45-46 heat to see problems have eased a bit Panun nity Hall. The prominent speak- ‘Saakshatkaar’. Next day, they Kashmir has once again ap- Raina, Sh SK Handoo and Sh. through Saakshatkaar we are Virender Kaul were moved by the unveiling the truth before the ers included Sh. Yogeshwar would bring their families. One proached people of Maharashtra Upasini Maharaj, Sh. Mangesh of the visitors, a class 9th to contribute in the nation's fight simplicity, honesty, dedication of nation and if it is a sin to speak local organisers. Highly qualified the truth we will continue to Ji Maharas of Shri Ram Temple student Miss. Bhavna Rajendra against terrorism, he added. Sh (main shrine of Jalgaon), Amdar Patil wrote in the visitors book Raina also thanked local organ- people, irrespective of gender, commit the same in future as well. were all the time concerned with ‘Saakshatkaar’ was on dis- Eknath Rao Khade, BJP MLA, "The PK activists are the isers for their generous one objective—to make play from May 1-3 at Ramkrishan Advocate Aneh Mehnale, Dr V. Vivekanands of Kalyug When hospitability. He recalled how Paramhans Vivekanad College. Tawade, Sh Khada spoke about an individual in the local admin- 150-200 Sadaks were all the time ‘Saakshatkaar’ a success. Speakers at the inaugural destruction of cultural symbols istration tried to create hurdles ceremony included besides Sh. of Hindus in Kashmir by terror- for the exhibition the strong re- Panun Kashmir Condoles Kuldeep Raina, Sh. Ramchand ism. Sh. Yogeshwar Upasini sponse of Jalgaon put him on Ranganath Rao Garade, Vice- Maharaj is a national defensive. Swami Sukh Ram's death President of Bar Council of Dhamacharya and renowned Overall 'a lakh people visited Maharashtra and Goa, Sh. scholar on . Sh ‘Saakshatkaar’ at Pune, (From Page 1) Venkatesh Habire, Editor Dainik Mangesh Ji Maharaj, a saint of Chinchwad, Dharashiv and Saakshatkaar--throughout India. "Anantnag Nagbal is one amongst few Sangarh', Advocate Milind Patil great humility, leads the Jalgaon. At the instance of visi- shrines and temples that have been saved from the onslaught and ex-President of Bar Council Ramnavmi Yatra inwhcih lakhs of tors the exhibition time had to contribution of the saints including Saint Sukh Ram cannot be ignored in people participate. This annual be extended by 2 hours-upto 10 this regard", he added. Dharashiv, Dr. Virender Tawade Mr. Raina said that Panun Kashmir is in contact with Shankarcharya and Prof. Ramesh Dapke, festival is held at Shri Ram Tem- PM. Captions for exhibits in ple Shrine. Sh. Mangesh organ- Marathi were so artfully prepared Shardapeeth and Swami Madhav Dasji to defuse the situation so that Principal, RP College, Dharashiv attempts to divide the Hindus are frustrated. Sh Raina added that separatist was the chief guest. ised an interactive session be- by Mrs Jayshrree Bhan. Daily and communal forces in Kashmir are engaged in a nefarious conspiracy to Saakshatkaar' at Dharashiv tween PK leadership and the news about exhibition was put dent the new support structure created by Kashmiri Pandits in exile. He witnessed an unprecedented civil society of Jalgaon. PK on internet same day, with me- said that Kashmiri Pandits will ground the attempts to creats wedge between flow of visitors. In Darashiv Sh. leaders were publicly felicitated ticulous documentation. Sadhu Samaj and Kashmiri Pandits or Hindu Samaj and Kashmir Pandits of Milind Patil organised an at the function. Sh Mangesh Ji, Request came from Net users which the later is a part. interactive session between who had participated in Kashmir in England and America to bring Highlighting the bravery of Swamiji, Panun Kashmir Secretary Sh. B.L. Ekta Yatra, made stay of PK or- ‘Saakshatkaar’ to their areas as Koul said that Swami Ji braved a number of kidnappings and not less than Panun Kashmir leaders and Bar 18 grenade attacks in his effort to preserve the shrine. "Sadhuji not only Council Dharashiv at the ganisers comfortable. People well. A unique feature of ‘Saakshatkaar’ was that politi- kept the Nagbal Shrine open but also was instrumental in frustrating the auditorium of Main Sessions volunteered to host PK attempts of encroachment of nearby Gautam Nag Shrine", he added. Court. Panun Kashmir General organisers in their home. PK cal leaders across the political Decrying attempts to create a wedge between Kashmiri Hindus and Secretary Sh. Kuldeep Raina in- leaders were guests of a leading spectrum were conspicuous by Sadhu Samaj, Mr B.L. Koul said, Kashmiri Hindus, including Pandits of teracted with the lawyers. Brain and Spine surgeon Dr their absence, while common Anantnag, have long history of serving the Sadhus and seeking spiritual The entire team of HJJS Sanjiv M.Huzurbazar at Jalgaon. people demonstrated unprec- guidance from the Sadhus. Sadaks bade good bye to PK Mrs. Hazurbazar, who is one of edented enthusiasm. The organ- Terming the report about suicide as stunning, Mr Koul said that the team. It was an emotional sepa- the leading gyneocologists of isers explained that they not get matter is sub-judice and the organisation does not want to comment on the Jalgaon, felicitated PK and HJJS proper venues for the exhibition issue. Mr BL Koul said, "If at all any disrespect has occurred to his ration for PK team at the time of personality on behalf of any member of our community wittingly or un- its departure of Jalgaon during activists. On 6th of May PK due to non-cooperation of ad- ministration. wittingly, we tender our unqualified apologies to the Sadhus and Saints". the mid night of May 3rd, 2007. leaders made a presentation at Sh. O.N. Trisal, President ASKPC, said that Sadhus and Saints have Jalgaon: the meet of prominent citizens of To express their solidarity been visiting Kashmir from times immemorial and Pandits have always This town, formerly a part of Jalgaon. The leaders deliberated with Kashmiri Hindus HJJS been serving them with reverence and seeking their spiritual guidance. He Nizam's Princely state, is ap- on such issues-denial mode on adopted three days of KPs' exile referred to visits Adi Guru Shankaracharya and Swami Vivekananda in this proached by a 12 hour journey religious-cleansing of Kashmiri in their annual alamanac having regard. Mr Trisal condemned attempts vested interests to divide Hindu in bus from Pune. Sardar Patel is Hindus, dimensions of terrorism, membership of 20 lakhs. These Community. Vowing not to allow anybody to disrupt the unity, Panun pitfalls of 'peace process', du- days—19th January-Holocaust Kashmir leaders reaffirmed that Hindu Society is united despite, the diversity a hero for his role, in integrating it has nourished over the millennia. KASHMIR SENTINEL 10 June 2007 IMPRESSIONS

iven below is the speech delivered by Dr. GDurgesh Samant, National Spokesperson of the ‘Satya‘Satya kaka Sakshaatkaar’Sakshaatkaar’ makesmakes allall HJJS on the occasion of inaugural function of the exhi- bition at Balgandharva Natyamandir, Pune from 22nd HindusHindus introspect!introspect! -- April 2007 to 24th April 2007. Firstly, Let me narrate you an incident that occurred two months ago. We had conducted Dr.Dr. DurgeshDurgesh SamantSamant a camp at Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), two months ago. magnitude and what were we ourselves. If these conditions impressing on society pure It was a two-day camp con- doing? How did news of these have to change, each of us has thoughts, and point out the road ducted for members of the events not reach us? If it did, the responsibility of utilizing our ahead, what is right and what is Warkari sect and certain other Dr. Durgesh Samant -National why was the gravity of it not capabilities completely. not, the numbers will swell. ardent Hindus. The objective of Spokesperson Hindu Jan conveyed to us? Why didn’t we Often, I meet people who ex- Most importantly, the clarity of being that few people in the Jagrut Samiti. wake up? One of the reasons was press a different point of view or thought is a guarantee of reach- society who wish to contribute that those who understood the provide fresh insight about such ing the goal. Seeing this photo their bit should know all aspects International Committee invited matter did not speak of it. They problems. I often ask them why exhibition should awaken in us Hinduism, and the various German Chancellor Shroder. behaved as if they had noticed they don’t write it out and send thoughts of what we are going problems that it faces today. The Speaking on that occasion. He nothing, heard nothing and it to any newspaper. Take up to do in this regard. Draw some first topic we had presented was said that all these events are a understood nothing and the fruit writing with the conviction that inspiration from it. This photo ‘Problems faced by Kashmiri part of our national identity, and of this continues from 1990 till at least one person will read it. If exhibition will remain in Pune City Hindus’. We had an exhibition we will never forget them. If we 2007. we are unable to do this, we can for a few more days. Later, it will prepared by ‘Foundation against wish to protect culture and hu- The destruction of the line- never develop the mental be held at Pimpri - Chinchwad Continuous Terrorism (FACT)’ man values, we should con- age of the Hindus that took place strength to resist terrorism. too, followed by Dharashiv and depicting the difficulties faced stantly remember how they were over there is spreading beyond While publishing Sanatan Jalgaon. by Kashmiri Hindus and the ter- trampled upon. Only then can we that particular area. Terrorism is Prabhat, we do not bother about If even 5 relatives of each per- rorism in Kashmir at the same safeguard culture and human knocking at our door. The mass how many copies are sold. We son can be motivated to at least venue. Incidently a displaced values. He went on to further say media has not played its role. concentrate on the fact that the come and see this exhibition, it Kashmiri Hindu Shri. Bhat had that the Happenings in the Remember that the media that we thought to be presented is of will be worth all the painstaking come to see the exhibition. I took Auswitz camp leave no doubt trust did not inform us of these paramount importance. Because efforts of Dr. Ajay Chrungu and him to the aforesaid audience about the existence of the devil. atrocities to its fullest extent. Do even if we accumulate a large his volunteers. This photo exhi- and told him that if you say some- The devil is not a political or sci- not harbor any faith that they will number of readers, but if they do bition is a result of their great thing it will be better. This plat- entific entity; yet, witnessing do so in the future. We have to not get a clear idea, the number sacrifice and will definitely cast form is for you. You can take all such episodes should leave us gear up to spread this information has no value. But if you keep an impression on your soul. the time you need and open up in no doubt of it’s existence. your heart to the audience. Shri. In spite of these incidents Bhat and his father narrated the from the past repeatedly haunt- Report Submitted by HM Ansari Working Group is disappointing ing us, behaving as if we have , change in cir- unleashed in Kashmir valley on not heard of it, understood it, or fundamental rights-the report Organs of the society need to be cumstances and the happenings sensitised so that they mobilise custodial killings, Afzal Guru seen it, is the biggest delusion. (Contd. from Page 5) in Kashmir. civil society against terrorism. verdict and demilitarisation are On 19th January 1990, it was suggests. How terrorism tears About such photo exhibi- apart the civil society, destroys Process of accountability needs aimed to reduce the moral space ordered at various places that all tions, in some places, we were fundamental freedoms and cre- to be created for those organs of for state action, demonise the Hindus should leave Kashmir. It questioned about why we are ates a civil society which acts as society which legitimise state and present Kashmir as an doing all this? What is the need was publicly declared and adver- a sanctuary for violence has not terrorism, glorify it or act as indi- occupied territory. Out of more for it, etc? We said ‘You see the tised in the newspapers and the been the concern guiding the rec- rect abettors”. than one thousand and five hun- photo exhibition and then ask entire Hindu society had to leave ommendations for helping the “Government has chosen to dred alleged cases of excesses yourself this question.’ Any one, Kashmir. Those Hindus made a victims of militancy.” fight terrorism tying its one by the security forces and other in whom the viewing of that great sacrifice. In order to save Sir, we have seen how big hand. I am sure if people are ad- government agencies more than moment does not stir a heartfelt their religion, with their own powers have used human rights equately educated about the 95% have proven to be false. response, should question if he hands, they cut their ties with as a vehicle to intervene and sub- crippling strains terrorism, gen- Have we ever tried to look into is human at all. Such is the reality. their land, their memories, and vert the independence of those erates on the law and order situ- as to who rakes up these false Such a person should ask himself their childhood and relocated countries who came out of the ation it will widen the moral allegations. What is the motiva- if he is worthy of prostrating themselves to other places. In colonial yoke and won freedom. space for government action tion of such forces? What are before any deity in the name of one sense, it is laudable that With imperial motives such coun- against terrorism. The excesses their resources? The campaign being a Hindu. even today, such remarkable tries devised a selective para- which get committed during on Afzal Guru has been no less Today, let us introspect, let us sacrifices are made for the sake digm of human rights which con- state action will then be placed than a contempt of Supreme honestly ask ourselves - why am of religion. But, in another sense, cerned itself primarily with state in proper perspective while gov- Court. Why does government I witnessing this situation? What we should be ashamed of such abuse and excesses. It appears ernment disciplines its own in- prefer to remain as a mute spec- is the cause? Who is responsible happenings. We ought to be our own govt has the same para- struments to stop excesses. In tator to overground secession- ist campaigns? The working for it? Can I publicly declare saddened that we have been digm of human rights. Entire such a way public over-reaction group dealing with issue of these causes without fear? If I reduced to this condition. Are we human rights concern of the will be minimised.” calling this a cultured world or government seems to be aimed "Sir, the government has time militancy has chosen to broadly cannot because I do not have ignore these issues. It is intrigu- an uncivilized one? And what is to generate a selective state spe- and again talked about the dan- the courage, then there is still ing that the recommendations of the reason for the Hindus in a cific sensitivity. It is an apolo- gerous situation at the ground something for me to achieve in created by terrorism. It has talked the Working Group on confi- Hindu predominant nation to be getic and masochist approach. this life. Am I doing anything to about subversion of government dence building measures ema- reduced to this state? Sir, Universal Charter on Human bring about a change in this situ- agencies by the terrorist sympa- nate from a paradigm which is I explained to you the reason Rights clearly and unambigu- ation? You ought to look within ously states that human rights thisers. It has talked about the alien.” why such exhibitions are held all yourself for the answers to these should be upheld by the state, atmosphere of intimidation at the I have chosen to speak briefly questions even as you take a over the world. After seeing this organs of the society and the in- ground. How can local enquiry on the recommendations of only look at the exhibition. At many exhibition, you too should feel dividuals. Nothing so far has commissions operate fairly in one Working Group for the rea- places the exhibitions about the that these pictures should always been done to sensitise the civil such an atmosphere. Can a wit- sons already explained. mass murders of the Jews by the remain in our sight and in our society about the menace of ter- ness or an evidence which is in I once again reiterate that I Nazis are there. Perhaps we Hin- mind. Only then is there any pos- rorism. There has been no edu- favour of government or secu- dissociate from the recommenda- dus do not want any reminders sibility of us doing anything to cation of the organs of society rity forces muster courage and tions of the Working Group on of unhappiness, we try to keep protect Hinduism. whatsoever as to what are the voluntarily put forward its views confidence building measures”. them under wraps, and let go of The question arises about implications when terrorism takes to the enquiry commissions. The the bad memories - this is wrong. how these things were roots in a civil society. People security forces penalised for hu- Thank You. In 2005 to commemorate its 60l happening so openly on such a need to be told why terrorism man rights violations have yet Dr. Ajay Chrungoo year of liberation, Auswitz large scale, ? Atrocities were cannot be justified whatever be to get a fair trial". Chairman being perpetrated of such its value basis and motivation. "Sir, the recent campaigns Panun Kashmir KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 BOOK-REVIEW 11

By Raman Kumar Bhat place in Pakistan and because their only choice is India..."Chadha observes," His conception of the risis in Kashmir continues to defy solution, not Kashmiri identity had changed from "the people of J&K due to complexity of the problem but because the 'Demystifying'Demystifying state" to mainly the "Kashmiri Muslims". CIndian political leadership has allowed itself to Institutionalised discrimination against Jammu and become prisoner of myths, assiduously promoted by Ladakh forced these regions to raise demands for regional the vested interests inimical to Indian interests in autonomy. Instead of responding to their legitimate Kashmir. Such expressions- 'Maximum autonomy, short Kashmir'Kashmir' explodesexplodes grievances, the Valley leadership "sought to undercut of secession', 'Sky is the limit', 'dialogue within the the political base of groups demanding regional framework of Insaniyat', 'borders are irrelevant', 'we autonomy by creating alternative political alignments have to give something to Kashmiris to address their along communal lines". The author indicts ‘secular, alienation and accommodate their aspirations", etc. manymany mythsmyths progressive’, GM Sadiq regime for sowing seeds of indicate how the separatists and their apologists in communalisation in Ladakh in 1960s. She says," to Indian civil society continue to dictate the discourse on scuttle this movement (for regional autonomy), Chief Kashmir. Minister GM Sadiq promoted a new leadership of lamas Kashmir problem has three dimensions one, it is part by favouring Kushak Thiksey over Kushak Bakula and of nonsecularisation of Indian Muslim Community. If in at the same time promoting the Muslim leadership of Kashmir it manifests as secessionism, elsewhere it Kargil over the Buddhist leadership of Leh...Sheikh presents as cultural separatism. Legacy of two-nation Abdullah's decision to divide Ladakh into 2 districts in theory, pursuance of religious identity politics by the 1979—Leh and Kargil-created yet another communal Valley's political leadership, rise of Jamaat Islami as a faultline in Ladakh, between its Buddhist and Muslim significant force and the impact of global Pan-Islamism identity" Chadha dismisses Hill Council, saying it has have not left Kashmiris untouched. These processes failed to adequately address local issues. have acted as a brake on the process of secularisation in The author has situated political assertion of regional Kashmiri Muslim society. How a weak secular society identities in a historical and sociological perspective. be a willing partner in secular nation-building? Many On the issue of Displaced Pandits she exposes the RAC solutions that are being flaunted would ultimately (Regional Autonomy Committee) appointed by NC gov- strengthen communal consciousness in Kashmir and ernment in 1996 by arguing, "The committee simply dis- further deepen alienation. Kashmiri alienation is actually regarded the Pandit's demand for Panun Kashmir with- the manifestation of a weak secular consciousness. out offering an alternative strategy or framework for The second dimension is the issue of crossborder redressing their grievances and securing their social, terrorism, directly sponsored by Pakistan. As long as cultural, economic and political rights". Pakistani Military-Civil oligarchy continues to visualise Initially, though Gujjars gained political prominence Pak security in terms of bleeding India how can there be when tried to rope in the Muslim peace with Pakistan. Whatever may be the compulsions majority districts of and and the for the latter to remain engaged in 'peace process', there Kashmiri-speaking Muslims of Doda into a "Greater is as yet, no evidence about a paradigmal shift in Kashmir" in the late 1970s. Patriotic Gujjar community Pakistan's approach. Countering Pakistan's proxy war was then given short shrift by Kashmir-dominated State adequately and building strong deterrents to immobilise governments. ST status was not given to them until internal support structures of subversion in Kashnmir 1991. As a result, Gujjars are now entitled to representa- remain India's best options. Weak signals emanating from tion in proportion to their population in the legislature, Delhi that India was willing to accommodate Pakistan local self-governing institutions, government services, and Kashmiri separatists 'for the sake of eternal peace' and professional and technical institutions. Since Gujjars would convey that terrorism pays. live in hilly areas, the community can be given effective Lastly, it is the internal dimension that has received representation only by carving out Gujjar dominated little attention, both by the scholars as well as the Indian areas as Hill Constituencies. Their demand for political leadership. Kashmir has been projected as a reservation of constituencies, to which they are entitled, problem between Kashmiri Muslims and the Indian state. is also not being acceded to. The Gujjars fear threat to Plurality of the state, where other communities strongly reluctant to share political power with Jammu and their interests from patronisation of Paharis by Valley opposed to secessionism outnumber Kashmiris, is over- Ladakh...“Sheikh Abdullah was not prepared to concede leadership. looked. J&K is treated as a homogenous entity and to Jammu and Ladakh those very rights and privileges The author has done good homework to expose the Kashmiris as a monolithic group. In the past the Central that he himself had demanded from the Indian state, designs behind the demand for Autonomous Hill Council government would reach a settlement with a section of which were not to be interpreted as a step towards for Chenab . She remarks, "Critics view the Kashmiri leadership and leave the people of state to separatism but as a 'mutual accommodation of each demands for councils by the Muslim-majority districts their own fate. This only worsened the situation. By other's viewpoint". of Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda as part of a larger plan to addressing the internal dimension the Centre can facili- The Constituent Assembly (dominated by NC) had break Jammu's plural identity and reinforce the com- tate the return of peace but also help keep external inter- created a unitary state with a clear concentration of munal faultline within the Jammu region. Their claims ference at bay. powers in the Valley through disproportionate are in part driven by the desire to undermine the influence 'Demystifying Kashmir', authored by Navneet representation in both the constituent Assembly and of the Gujjar and Bakkarwal leaders in the region..Perhaps Chadha Behera breaks new ground by dissenting from the State Assembly. In 1951 in 45 out of 49 seats Praja that is why the Gujjars do not support the demand for an the myths woven around Kashmir imbroglio over the Parishad contested the nomination papers were rejected Autonomous Hill Council for Rajouri and Poonch". past two decades. The book's main value lies in that it on flimsy technical grounds, "thereby subverting the Chadha is scathing in its indictment of NC tries to grapple with the internal dimension in a way that democratic process and denying Jammu a voice in shap- government appointed RAC—"the committee sought has never been attempted before. The author makes two ing the future political system". to protect only the "Muslim interests" to the total profound statements. One, 'the deeply plural character Secondly, constitutionally and politically the state exclusion of other ethnocultural, ethnolinguistic and of J&K society is at the heart of the secessionist move- had no systems of checks and balances. The slogans of ethnoreligious minorities. While it was ready to lean ment in the state and helps to account for secessionist despotic regime—'one party,' 'one leader', turned "Par- backwards to accept the demand of Jammu region's demands as well as failures'. Secondly, Chaddha warns liamentary democracy, resting on the principle of majority Muslim minority for separate provincial status, it did that while addressing the alienation of Kashmiris, one rule, into a 'Kashmiri rule.' Chadha remarks, "The Unitary not even mention the demand of the Hindu minority in should not lose sight of the political aspirations of other state structures and parochial policies of the NC the Valley-Kashmiri Pandits- for a Panun communities as well. She says, "They had a great deal government favoured the Valley in political, economic Kashmir...Nor did it take notice of the to do with the failure of the Kashmiris' secessionist and administrative matters, leaving Jammu and Ladakh Buddhists long-standing demand for these areas to be agenda in the 1950s and the 1990s and are a critical feeling neglected and marginalised, and prepared to brought under Leh's administration. Likewise, it factor in shaping the future peace process". Since 1947 seek separation from the Valley". glossed over the fact that Doda district had a signifi- the Valley leadership has been successful in manipulating Breaking up the Hindu-majority district of Udhampur, cant Hindu minority alongside its Muslim (58%) a political dispensation that has effectively marginalised Opposition to rehabilitation of refugees from PoK, majority and made no provision for safeguarding the non-Kashmiri regions of Jammu and Ladakh, besides imposition of Urdu in Jammu and Ladakh, closing down minority's political interests". Kashmiri Pandits and Gujjars. This has weakened the of Sanskrit Research Department etc. by the Sheikh Arguing that attempts to superimpose communal nationalist response in the state. The Centre has been Abdullah regime soon after 1947, have been quoted to boundaries would be divisive the author visualises more willing to listen and accommodate the interests of show how NC pursued sectarian politics. Ladakh too solution 'in providing a responsive government, rather Valley's political elite. Even today, be it the issues of bore the brunt of communal governance. Chadha records, than a sharpening the communal boundaries'. Strongly delimitation of constituencies or the solutions that are "The studied indifference of the state government in advocating that power sharing be inclusive, Navnita being peddled the patriotic groups continue to receive transferring Zanskar to Leh tehsil was in marked Chadha recommends that 'It is imperative for the Central the raw deal. contrast to its willingness to grant Doda the status of a government to reach out to the minority communities Navnita Behera has quoted extensively from history separate Muslim-majority district in the Jammu in the peace process and ensure that their political to show how Kashmiri leadership has been pursuing region". No allocation was made in the first budget for interests are safeguarded in any final settlement". It is hegemonist and sectarian policies. She remarks that Ladakh's development, the region had no separate plan too early to say whether Round Table Conference would the National Conference had sought the status of an until 1961. Sheikh Abdullah began differentiating deliver anything to non-Kashmiri groups and other autonomous republic in the Indian Union to safeguard between the "Muslims and non-Muslims of the State"— minorities. Anyway, 'Demystifying Kashmir', is bound and nuture the interests of Kashmiris. But reversing the 'It is the Muslims who have to decide accession with to provoke debate on strategic blunders the Indian logic in J&K Kashmiris the majority community were India and not the non-Muslims as the latter have no political leadership continues to commit in Kashmir. KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 INTERVIEW 12

: What decisions Maharaja took soon after General QJanak Singh assumed the Office? SS: Maharaja’s govt sent tel- egraphic requests to GOI at New SatiSati Sahni—Sahni— Delhi and the Govt. in waiting of Pakistan at requesting them to agree to Stand Still Agreement with J&K Govt. This agreement was to enable J&K State to receive from AA Conversation-IVConversation-IV either government the services, the commodities and essential supplies being received hitherto. Karachi re- Shri Sati Sahni is one of the most esteemed members of Journalist profession in J&K. In a career spanning six decades, he has combined sponded readily to this request. On high professionalism with deep integrity. As a War Correspondent he holds the rare distinction of covering four major wars--1948, 12th August J&K Govt. announced 1962, 1965 and 1971. Sh. Sahni has also been an ace photographer. His rich collection of photographs would be envy of any top person a ‘Stand Still Agreement” with in the profession of photo-journalism. As a respected and veteran member of the profession he continues to guide and inspire new and Pakistan government to be formed upcoming Journalists. Sh. Sahni has not only been a witness to an era, he has also been an active participant in many events. His two days later. New Delhi’s reply ringside view of many events would be valuable for students of contemporary history of J&K. His publications include 'My Dismissal' was that an authorised and 'Kashmir Underground'. Kashmir Sentinel had a detailed conversation with Sh. Sati Sahni (SS). We are publishing here the fourth representative of Maharaja’s government may be sent to New part of the Conversation. The 1st, IInd & IIIrd part of Conversation were carried in Kashmir Sentinel issues of September 2006, Delhi for detailed discussions to December 2006 & May 2007, respectively. --The Editor agree to Stand Still Agreement. There is nothing on record to indicate whether any reply was sent by J&K archives. On 15th August, 1947 there police force in those areas, so reports had been received of large secularism, socialism and total Govt. and the matter never got was neither hoisting of India personnel of the State forces had scale preparations across the border. opposition to two-nation theory. finalised. Tricolour in Srinagar nor celebrations to be deployed to protect the lives KS: How the pressure was being Two days later he went to New KS: What was the Impact of of any sort were organised. Instead of the common people and the built on Maharaja to decide the Delhi. ‘Stand Still Agreement’ in general? on 14th August on the day on which property of the state. The J&K question for Accession either way? On 4th of October Sheikh SS: As for as the lives of people Pakistan came into being Pak flag was State forces had just 11-12 SS: The situation was dete- Abdullah addressed a press confer- were concerned absence of Stand Still ceremonially hoisted over General thousand persons in uniform, riorating day by day. Pressure was ence where he reiterated his stand Agreement with New Delhi did not Post Office (GPO) building, situated which was less than a regular building on Maharaja for on accession, secular politics and affect general public All essential at the Bund at Srinagar. The specta- division. This had to take care of reconciliation with NC leadership representative government. supplies like Petrol, Oil and tors saluted the flag. I was one of the vast areas of Maharaja’s territory and secondly, to take a decision once KS: Maharaja Hari Singh Lubricants, Food Grains, Sugar, Salt, spectators present. GPO also housed from Gilgat to and from for all to accede to either of the two changed Major General Janak Textiles and the like were supplied one Telegraph office which technically Karakoram to Muzaffarabad. Brig. dominions. On surface it was a let- Singh as well as his Chief of State either from or through the area that was being looked after by State (later Major General) HL Scott was ter of apology written by Sheikh forces, Brig. Scott. became Pakistan (via Rawalpindi). Telegraph Office . Telegraphic system Chief of Staff of State Forces on Mohammad Abdullah to Maharaja SS: As events were moving quite Similarly, all essential services like or Telephone Exchanges within the 15/8/47. Due to exigencies of re- Hari Singh expressing his loyalty to apace after Sheikh Sahib's release Posts and Telegraph, Telephones, State of J&K were under State gov- quirement or may be on account his person and to his dynasty. The Maharaja Hari Singh was not too Banking etc. were also directly ernment. Present CTO building was of other reasons he divided the other were the circumstances happy with the handling of situation connected with areas which formed built in 1960s. After accession there state forces in smaller numbers like building up both at New Delhi, either on military front or on the Pakistan. Only currency which was was administrative transfer, it became penny packets, dispersing these Srinagar and Jammu. Muslim administrative front. Major General British currency, was a matter part of All India Service. along the border with Pakistan. Conference became active and on 22 Janak Singh was replaced by Mr. concerning public which was being KS: Pakistan resorted to economic The dispersal was such that at no September at a special one day con- Justice Meherchand Mahajan, who supplied by New Delhi. strangulation and attacks in border place these forces would have been vention it passed a unanimous reso- assumed office on 15th October, 1947. After Brig. Scott's report of The only all-weather link of areas through its irregulars. Was this able to hold any determined attack. lution asking Maharaja Hari Singh 22nd September the Maharaja also State of J&K with British India was aimed at coercing Maharaja into ac- It seems that there was a design to accede to dominion of Pakistan. replaced Brig. Scott as Chief of Staff through Jehlum Valley to ceding to Pakistan? behind this because at no place This convention was presided over of State Forces with the next senior Rawalpindi which also was the rail SS: The period of uncertainty where attack of unruly rebel by Ch. Hameedullah Khan, Vice- most officer Brig. Rajender Singh. head for Kashmir Valley. There was started in Srinagar since the flow of elements was launched the State President of J&K Muslim Confer- Maharaja made personal request to supplies became irregular from forces detachments were able to the only rail service with J&K, ence and also leader of Muslim Con- Shri Mahajan, asking him to take over connecting Jammu Tawi with Sialkot Pakistani territory. Scarcity of defend the general public or even ference Legislature Party in Praja themselves. In a period of 49 days as new Prime Minister of J&K State. which later became part of Pakistan. commodities was felt in the market. Sabha. Soon after demitting the office 57 incidents were reported from There was no all weather road The railway link with Jammu had From Delhi it was Congress party Brig. Scott went over to Rawalpindi the State border with Pakistan in connecting Jammu Tawi with been stopped, only limited quantities which had suggested time and again to report to Pak headquarters. Kathua, on the border between J&K were being allowed to be transported Jammu province. These reports that to meet the emerging situation KS: There was Dr. Taseer and Punjab (British India). A dusty from Rawalpindi to Srinagar. Petrol, used to be received by the Army in Kashmir in light of perceived Mission to Kashmir. What it was Kaccha road linked Jammu and Diesel and Kerosene rationing was Headquarters at Srinagar and a threats from Pakistan Sheikh all about? Kathua. On it an irregular 14 seater started in early September. Scarcity copy was passed on to the District Abdullah and others facing trial for SS: In the first week of October passenger bus or a truck used to take of sugar and salt was discernible, Magistrate, Srinagar (Sh.. MK treason may be released without Sheikh Sadiq Hassan, President of more than 14 hours from Jammu to although rations of foodgrains were Dhar) who was also Governor of condition. It was early September. Provincial Committee of Muslim Kathua, at times it would take more available normally through the ration Kashmir province. Copies of these Sheikh Abdullah was in jail in League, Punjab and Dr. MD Taseer than two days. depots of the State government on reports were made every evening Bhaderwah. He was transferred to arrived in Srinagar and stayed for 3- It is obvious that Pakistan family ration tickets called by locals and personally delivered at the around middle of 4 days. Among others they had two government took advantage of these as ‘Chendi’. This lead to hoarding in residence of Kunwar Nichint September, restrictions were relaxed long meetings with Sheikh Sahib. 1st facts of connectivity or lack of it. every household and the rates of Chand (Maharani Tara Devi’s soon after his shifting to Badami meeting was preliminary, the second One reason for Pakistan's prompt essential goods started soaring. In the brother), who used to stay at Bagh. He was finally released on one was long. The purpose behind decision to agree to a 'Stand Still meantime under a well thought out Durga Nag. He was expected to 29th September from detention. their visit was to meet politically Agreement' could be that she wanted strategy Pak government started deliver them personally to Maha- On 1st October he addressed a important individuals including to make J&K totally dependent for economic squeeze of J&K to put raja every night. It was certain that massive public meeting at Hazuri those in NC and Muslim all essential supplies on Pakistan public pressure on Maharaja to accede the Maharaja was kept informed Bagh, later renamed as Iqbal Park. I Conference, in the administration and among intellectuals to find out and then use it as a weapon for co- to Pakistan. In this connection two with the developing situation day had the opportunity to listen to his the mood of the people, the attitude ercion and intimidation against Ma- factors are worth noting. Alongside after day but it seems he was help- speech. He said three important haraja to accede to Pakistan. economic strangulation the demobbed less. On 22nd September Brig. towards Pakistan and to create things. One, ‘We should sink our situation for Kashmir’s accession to KS: There was perhaps no residents of Poonch and Rajouri area Scott submitted a detailed report differences to face the situation’. Pakistan. It was learnt then that from the British Indian Army were about the situation along the definite document on Stand Still Secondly, ‘the first priority was to Taseer who had been friendly with Agreement. How did 14/15th provided arms and given direction to border with Pakistan. This report gain people’s rule.’. And lastly, painted a very bleak picture of the Sheikh Sahib in earlier years had August impact on J&K? create law and order situation in the ‘which country to accede to people’s turned from a liberal intellectual into situation. It hinted at large-scale SS: There is no written down areas of Jammu province adjoining government will take that decision’. a Muslim League ideologue. He tried “Stand Still Agreement” anywhere. Pak territory. The situation was incursions soon expected from One thing which came out clearly in Only copies of telegrams may be in created where there was insufficient across the border. Intelligence his speech was his commitment to (Contd. on Page 13) KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 CONTINUATION 13 Sati Sahni—A Conversation (From Page 12) Pakistani invasion and the because it was not part of Indian to Srinagar. In Jehlum Valley the SS: After departure of Maharaja to pressurise Sheikh Abdullah to join estimated strength of the enemy. dominion and Pakistan could have Pakistan invaders had overcome the Hari Singh for Jammu all traces of forces with Muslim Conference and Although officially no details came objected to any Indian assistance as resistance of brave detachment under administrative control in Srinagar visit Lahore and Karachi for detailed out of what happened in Domel invasion of ’Independent Sovereign the command of Brig. Rajender seemed to evaporate. It seemed negotiations. It seems Sheikh and Kohala during the first 60 odd J&K State’. Singh, killing literally every indi- there was virtually no Abdullah lost his cool when Taseer hours of the invasion. Reports Maharaja Hari Singh was advised vidual including the acting Chief of administration in control in Srinagar repeatedly wanted to have an as- gathered from the soldiers and the by New Delhi to take a decision about Staff of the State Forces. This between 26th October and 31st of surance from him that he would civilians who escaped killings and accession to India if he desired Indian happened on the night of 25th October. It was put quite graphically throw his weight behind Kashmir’s massacres spoke of barbaric assistance for defence of J&K State. October and 26th October. later that the Kashmir administration accession to Pakistan. Sheikh behaviour of Pakistani invaders— An emissary was sent to meet the The triumphant invaders ad- was picked up from by Abdullah stuck to his ground that mostly tribals under the command Maharaja in Srinagar since the Maha- vanced along the road, entering NC leadership. This leadership vir- people’s government will ultimately of regular army officers. raja had expressed desire to discuss Baramulla around midnight of 26th/ tually took control of Srinagar from decide about accession. Reports in KS: Brig. Rajender Singh gave details of the Instrument of 27th October. The rearguard action the moment the Maharaja departed Pak press then had quoted Dr MD tough fight to Pak invaders. How Accession. We learnt a day later that of small band of gallant soldiers of for Jammu. NC leadership under the Taseer as saying “Sheikh Sahib, did it help? Meherchand Mahajan had Brig. Rajender Singh had gained four command of vice-president of the Time is running out. If you don’t SS: After pillaging accompanied VP Menon back to days of precious time to enable the party, Bakshi Gulam Mohd. had listen to us we will use other means”. Muzaffarabad and occupying New Delhi the same day. VP Menon Indian troops to reach Srinagar in taken charge and were operating Sheikh Sadiq and Dr. Taseer Domel the invaders proceeded informed New Delhi about the gist time to prevent its occupation by from the building of Palladium hurriedly left Srinagar for Lahore to towards Garhi. They used motor- of his talks with Maharaja. Pakistanis. For this supreme sac- Cinema Hall in Lal Chowk. For three report to Muslim League High ised transport to rifice Brig. days i.e. on 27th, 28th and 29th of Command. travel along Rajender Singh October the population of Srinagar KS: Col. AB Shah was also sent Jehlum Valley was awarded kept staring at the skies throughout to Kashmir. Road and also posthumously the day, because the planes bringing SS: On 17th October the Prime proceeded along MahaVir Cha- the troops used to land, deposit the Minister of Pakistan Nawabzada the two mountain kra, the first one troops and fly back for another Liaquat Ali Khan deputed Col. AB ridges on either to receive in sortie. This heartened the local Shah, Joint Secretary in the Ministry bank of river Independent residents who felt relieved that the of Kashmir Affairs to Srinagar to Jehlum, thus India. danger of occupation by Pakistani meet Maharaja and his Prime Min- providing cover to KS: Bara- troops and the general massacre was ister, MC Mahajan. It was learnt the main attacking mulla suffered averted. that he had brought with him the forces. By the the worse. Since before acceptance of Instrument of Accession drawn up evening of October SS: In Bara- Instrument of Accession an informal by Pak government for J&K’s 23rd the invaders mulla, a town of understanding between GoI and the Accession to Pakistan. All that was had come close to 14 thou-sand Maharaja had been arrived at to left for the Maharaja was to put his Uri and reports inhabitants the galvanise the people in general in signatures with date on it. The meet- reached New Delhi Pak invaders defence of J&K State, it was agreed ing between MC Mahajan and Col. from Srinagar instead of that a people’s representative Shah was not very pleasant. about the The Historic Domel Bridge. pushing on to government may be formed. Maharaja declined to meet Col. Shah, Pakistani invasion Srinagar got busy Consequently, on 31st October fearing that he may be forced to put and the progress in killing and his signatures on it. Meantime Pak they had made up the Jehlum Valley A hurried meeting of the Defence looting of the local population an 11-member emergency government invited Prime Minister towards Baramulla. Committee of GoI was called. It was including Muslims and lost the administration under the leadership Mahajan to Karachi for firming up On 23rd itself Maharaja Hari decided to send back Mr. Menon to golden opportunity of capturing of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah relations between J&K on one hand Singh ordered the Chief of Staff, Jammu to get Maharaja’s signatures Srinagar. Eyewitnesses reported came into being. The oath of office and Pakistan on the other. It seems Brig. Rajender Singh to take all the on Instrument of Accession. One later that over ten thousand persons was administered to Sheikh Sahib in Secretariat building at Srinagar. The on return of Col. Shah the die was available force at Srinagar and significant fact is overlooked that were either killed or escaped into cast. Pak govt, including its proceed to Uri to hold the enemy Maharaja and his family did not nearby forests from the Pakistan incongruity of Meherchand Governor General, Mr Jinnah were at bay. Maharaja’s orders were “leave Srinagar in panic or out of invaders. One of the most gruesome Mahajan continuing to head the gov- impatient. Since all preparations had “hold the enemy to the last man, to fear”. He was advised by Mr Menon stories that we were told ten days ernment as the Prime Minister of already been made in case Col. Shah’s the last bullet”. The Brigadier could to leave Srinagar that very night for later was of NC political worker, J&K is incomprehensible. This mission failed, early on the morning gather no more than 150 individuals Jammu because of the fear that if Mohammad Maqbool Sherwani. duality lasted till March 15, 1948 when Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah of October 22nd invasion of J&K who were transported to Baramulla Pakistan invaders were able to reach KS: How was Sherwani killed? started at Domel. At that time it was and as far as possible towards Uri. Srinagar before Indian help could SS: He used to travel between and members of his cabinet were not Muzaffarabad but Domel which They took positions in and around reach Srinagar Maharaja would have Srinagar, Baramulla and Sopore 2 or sworn in as the proper government was militarily important. Simulta- Uri. On 24th evening, the day of been forced to accede to Pakistan. 3 times every day to keep NC of J&K under J&K Constitution by neous attacks were launched at many Dussehra late in the evening the city On the morning of 26th October the leadership at Srinagar posted with the Maharaja. Shri Meherchand places in Jammu province as well. of Srinagar was plunged into Maharaja and his family had reached the latest information and situation. Mahajan went back to New Delhi, same day. KS: Why did State Forces fail darkness. Rumours swept the city Jammu. Mr VP Menon accompanied After Pakistanis occupied to counter the Pakistani invasion? that Pakistanis had captured the by Meherchand Mahajan reached Baramulla Sherwani was captured SS: At Muzaffarabad, Kohala Mahura power station. It transpired Jammu by Air. Shortly later, VP and was asked to lead a small force and Domel only one depleted that they had not captured it that Menon flew back with the Instrument avoiding inhabited areas towards JKENG 00333/26/AL/TC/94 battalion of State forces under Col. night but one of the Pak artillery of Accession signed by Maharaja Srinagar. On learning about the JK No: 1213/18 Narain Singh was stationed, this shots had damaged major part of Hari Singh and a covering letter ad- intentions of invaders he declined Regd. JK-219/2007 Printer Publisher B.N. Kaul for and battalion consisted of Muslim the power house. dressed to the Governor-General of to assist them. He was ordered to on behalf of personnel and officers. Their The going off of the only power India, Lord Mountbatten. Later in the be killed. Sherwani was tied with Panun Kashmir Foundation. loyalties had already been won over station should normally have evening of 26th of October the ropes to an electric pole outside the Editor: SHAILENDRA AIMA by Pakistan. Col. Narain Singh’s 4th resulted in panic in Srinagar but a Defence Committee of Gol local cinema hall, Pak tribals and sol- Computer Graphic: battalion was stationed at Domel, stoic calm prevailed. Perhaps the recommended acceptance of diers pumped 14 bullets into his S.K. Babbu which was also battalion general public did not realise the Accession of J&K to Indian body killing him on the spot. He, Printed at : The Kashmir Times headquarters. This battalion had dominion, clearing the way for troops magnitude of danger. That night in however, refused to respond to the Press, Gangyal, Jammu 50% Muslim and 50% non-Muslim to be sent to defend J&K State against New Delhi it was learnt later full Pak call to shout ‘Pakistan Owned by: personnel. When Pakistan attacked report had been received about Pa- aggression from Pakistan. Zindabad’. This was told to Bakshi PANUN KASHMIR the Muslim component of the kistani invasion, the strength of the KS: How was Srinagar finally Gh. Mohammad by Sherwani’s FOUNDATION battalion revolted and joined forces invaders and the imminent danger saved? brother on liberation or Baramulla, Published from PANUN KASHMIR with invaders within first two hours. to Baramulla and Srinagar. SS: On the night intervening 26/ which took place on 7th of FOUNDATION, 149 Ram Vihar, Old Col. Narain Singh was killed but be- KS: How did New Delhi react? 27th of October, a massive and a November. Janipur, Jammu-180007 (INDIA) fore he died he was able to send a SS: But New Delhi was in no highly efficient mobilisation was KS: What circumstances led to Tele/Fax: 0191-2538537 wireless message to Srinagar State position to come to the assistance organised and from dawn of October the formation of Emergency emal: [email protected] Forces Headquarters about the of Maharaja or his government 27th the Indian troops were flown administration ? KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 TRIBUTE 14 Swami Ji -The Man and the Legend t was sometime in 1958 our off the Railway station. Swamiji family came in contact with a Kashmir has produced great sons ,many of them remain unknown to the and his group managed to move Isaint of great merit, people. It has been our endeavor to trace out details about these outstand- out by riding their mobikes over Paramhans Swami Poornanand ji ing Kashmiris.Recently, we got in touch with Razdan family of Udaipur. railway bridge sleepers. They Saraswati. He was staying at Paramhans Swami Poornanand ji Saraswati, a freedom fighter used to stay were helped by some Bijli Shesharma, a village on the out- with this family . Kashmir Sentinel had a detailed conversation with Dr. Tej Pahalwan to escape from skirts of Udaipur district. Razdan,a scion of this family. We are reproducing this converstion for the Amritsar. On another occasion in Hehailed from Kashmir. It was Calcutta a British officer was benefit of our readers. —The Editor on our intense persuasion he killed. The officer used to visit a agreed to stay with us. tawaif. The revolutionary group Swamiji came from the well- wanted to teach him a lesson. replied, "I make Gurus, not dis- Pattabhai Sitaramaya. Both Swamiji, Karim and some Laxmi known Dhar clan of Safakadal, Though Swamiji was expert in ciples. " The precocious child re- Nehru and Gandhi opposed were active members in Bose’s Srinagar. He was born on 21st scaling pipes, since the pipe was plied, "Then make me a guru. ” Bose. In his address Nehru said, new group. This group was op- August, 1912. Few details are 1\2” in diameter he could not Govindanandji told the close ”If Subash Babu becomes the erating all over the country. available about his family and the scale it to reach the officer. A relative of the child, ”Please tell President then all of us would be Swamiji’s main role was to ferry circumstances in which the fam- lady member did the job and the the father of the boy that the child holding swords. ” Such a state- arms, received from Germany, to ily left its homeland. He had British officer was targeted. feels like staying here different places in the erased his original name from his Once while returning from Burma and as and when his country. His area of horoscope. According to Prof. to Calcutta in a Japanese ship father wishes to take operation included DK Bhatt of Udaipur university, they were sighted by the police him back he can do Bombay, Mhow, who knew Swamiji intimately, when they were still 5 kms away so. ” Indore, Bhind, the latter’s father had held a high from Calcutta. The revolutionar- Diksha : Morena, Agra, Delhi, position in J&K State’s revenue ies jumped in to sea and swam Diksha started with Lahore, Peshwar and bureaucracy. He had good ac- across to Calcutta. Trikal Sandhya and had warrants in 5-6 cess to the ruler, Maharaja Partap Many of INA members after Gayatri Purus- states. Swamiji was in Singh. When Swamiji was 10 the end of WWII went under- hacharan during the active contact with days old, his family was involved ground to escape trials by the day. During night the princes to enlist their in some dispute with their British Govt. Swamiji went in to students had to re- support for revolu- neighbours. They had to leave hiding in Assam. During his stay cite KALI beej tionary freedom Kashmir and landed in Lahore. in Assam he did Bhairvi Sadhna. MANTRA. The dis- struggle and mobilize An influential member of Maha- From here he moved to cipline was quite financial support from raja Ranjit Singh’s clan was able Sankaracharya Math in Nepal. rigid, the boys had them. How and when to help the family return to Kash- There he met another legend to take self cooked Swamiji came to have mir and get their property back. Swami Kaidarh Puri ji and stayed meals once a day and alias of Swamiji’s mother, sister and with him for some time. Some attend to every work “PSPS”(Paramhans younger brother finally settled in believe he had stayed in themselves. Swami Purnanand Mumbai. When his mother died also during this period. In 1949 Swamiji’s other com- Saraswati) no details she had willed that the property Swamiji shifted to Udaipur. He panion was Karim, a are available. Soon of the family be divided equally met here one of his companions, muslim by birth. Swamiji became a leg- among the three children. This probably Keshav Mukherjee at When someone sug- end for his activities. was objected to by Swamiji’s Pali, Rajasthan. Keshav was also gested to He used to travel on a brother. Swamiji gave his share Paramhans Swami Poornanand ji Saraswati. staying underground. Swamiji Govindanandji to motorcycle, (5HP BSA to his sister. As a revolutionary asked him, ”Tumhara khana pina give new name to Karim, he - ment infuriated Swamiji and he with no shockers and springs) and as an ascetic Swami ji talked to chal raha hai?(Are you able to jected saying, ” Karim is one of lost his cool and brandished his to different parts of the country. little about his personal life. sustain yourself)”Keshav recog- the Beej shabad of Maa shyama” pistol at Nehru. Seth JamnaLal One day he was on way to Indore In 1922 some Kashmiri fami- nized Swamiji and said, ”O’PSPS hence no need to change the Bajaj intervened and pleaded to from Bombay. As he neared a lies were on Bharat Braman to how are you here?” Swamiji name The Guru was closely Swami ji to calm down. The lat- chowk, 30-40 kms short of visit different holy places. asked him if he had any problem linked to Holker Princely family ter retired to his camp. In the Indore, British Police engaged Swamiji, a student of 3rd stan- he could stay with him. Many of Indore. evening Bose went to Swamiji him in an encounter. Swamiji was dard then, too was in this group legends grew about SWAMIJI. After the formal training was and asked him, ” Do you know hurt as a bullet pierced his right along with close elderly family One of these was that he carried over, Govindanandji asked what would have been the con- shoulder. He kept on driving mo- member. The pilgrims also vis- a wireless set in his watch. He Swamiji and Karim to jump into sequences had you pressed the torcycle till he reached the fort ited Omkareshwar on the bank had given his watch for repairs. the struggle for India’s freedom. trigger?Swamiji shot back, ”It before Indore. The guards on of Narmada, near Khandwa. Some political worker instigated Indore was a centre of revolu- could have taken the life of duty recognized him and sent a There is a famous seven-mother a CID Inspector to investigate it. tionary activities those days. Jawahar. ”Bose said, ”Pt. Nehru word around that PSPS was in- goddess temple (of Varahi, The Inspector came to Swamiji Infact, the British govt. had im- is also our brother. ”Swamiji an- jured. He was taken inside and Chamunda, Brahmini, Vaisnavi, for inquiry. Swamiji told him that plicated another Kashmiri grily asked, ” Are we your en- the gate was closed. The British Indrani, Kaumari and he should tell his officer that his Pandit, Jagar Nath Zutshi, a medi- emy then?”In anger Swamiji had no idea about his where- Maheshwari). These temples are file was in Red Fort and cited cal student in King George Medi- threw away his pistol and other abouts. Swamiji remained as the visited by people in large num- number of the file also. He told cal College, in infamous Indore revolutionary paraphernalia at guest of Holker Ruling family bers throughout the year. At its him that the particular file would Conspiracy Case. It is not known Bose. ” Bose was re-elected as under the care of RajVaid. It was Dheodi Ghat was an ashram of tell him everything about him. whether Swamiji had any links Congress President. here that he acquired knowledge Govindanand Saraswati. On Swamiji was pro-Sovietland Pro- with Zutshi’s group, but he at- Revolutionary activities : of Ayurveda. For five years seeing Govindanandji Swami felt German but anti-American. tended Tripuri session of Indian Swamiji came to Bombay. Swamiji‘s centre of activity was deeply impressed and expressed Shesharma Days: National Congress as a follower Bose went to persuade him to Indore. desire to stay at the ashram per- Before coming to Shesharma vil- of Netaji Subash Bose. The lat- join the revolutionary movement. Once Swamiji shot dead a se- manently. He made request to lage, Swamiji had been staying ter had contested in this session A new group had been formed nior British Officer in a train near Govindanandji to take him as his at 2-3 different temples in for Presidentship against with its base at Midnapore . Amritsar. The police cordoned disciple. To this Govindanandji (Contd. on Page 15) KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 CONTINUATION 15 Swami Ji -The Man and the Legend (From Page 14) tough called Ladu Pahalwan had work is in Sanskrit. He used to erything happening outside. He Udaipur. At Shesharma temple struck terror in Udaipur. . He used be seated on a moda and used would never talk about his fam- he constructed a room for him- to stay in Khasodi. A sadhu lived 18-20 rims of paper on these cal- ily or personal life. Swamiji ab- self. It was here that he im- nearby. One day Ladu threw a culations. horred superstitions and char- mersed himself in occoult science bottle of wine at Sadhu’s hermit- 3. Mantrodhar of Kamkala latanism. He would say, ” Any research. He served in age. The sadhu narrated his tale kali and Guhya Kali from day you feel happy is an auspi- Panchayat Dept. as a store- of woe to Swamiji. He was infuri- Mahakalsahinta: In this Swamiji cious day. ” He hated clergy and keeper and was scrupulously ated and went to accost Ladu. has elaborated the mantra of godmen. . Swamiji, however, be- honest. He disposed off cases Swamiji grappled Ladu and Kamkala and Guhyakali in 363 lieved in spirits and would sug- quite promptly and displayed abused him, ”O’Ladu why are pages and 2418 pages respec- gest to lit some incense to turn nationalist sentiment. This was you troubling Sadhu. Uptil now tively. It is said that in these man- these away. Swamiji would al- the period when Late Mohan Lal you were living on fish in the tras some words had been re- ways tell us to lit agarbati on Sukhadia was the Chief Minis- lake. Now these fish will live on moved and or distorted at places. right corner while entering home. ter. Some of his loyalists wanted you. . ”Swamiji pulled him down The Kamkala and Guhyakali He had premonition about his a favour from Swamiji which the on the bank and sat on his chest, mantras were thus incomplete. death. He died of intracerebral latter refused. Soon after, put knife on his throat. This Swamiji worked out these distor- haemorrhage and was buried a Swamiji was attacked by six brought Ladu to his senses. He tions and filled the inadequacies. samadhiin mudra near cremation goons while he was on his way apologized to Swamiji and made For work on Guhyakali he re- ground on 06-10-1996. to home from office. The goons peace with sadhu. Ladu was to ceived inspiration from Srinagar Visit: Swamiji vis- carried swords and spears. confess later that he could not NathYogis. ited the place of his birth, Kash- Swamiji too gave them good free himself from Swamiji’s grip. 4. Kamkala kali mantra: mir 2-3 times, once in the com- thrashing. Later, they set his Scholarship: Swamiji also had elaborated on pany of Trakroo family. He vis- room on fire after few days. My 'Swamiji was fluent in San- Kamkali mantras. ited Tulmulla also . Somewhere Smadhi of Swami Ji father on hearing this went to see skrit, Hindi, Urdu, English Usualy Swami ji used to do in its vicinity he happened to Shaivism. Swamiji had his Swamiji and with great effort per- Marathi and Bengali. His unpub- Sadhna in night and used to keep meet a Muslim saint who was a lunch there . He was able to lo- suaded him to stay with us. It lished work includes: the present Grah as sakshi for his devout shaivite. This saint had cate one of the rare books in this was probably 1956. 1. Compilation of Durga sadhna. Once keeping Buddha good collection of books on saint’s library. Swamiji’s attire was quite pecu- Saptashati:This manuscript has Grah as sakshi for his Sadhna he liar. He wore pheran with rope complete 700 slokas commentary. said if he delays his sadhna by 3 around the neck. He had pick 2. Srividyarnav Tantra:This mts. then he can go in total cap (Kanwati)or British cap on volume was worked upon by trance keeping Budha Grah as his head. Swamiji used to tie four Swamiji while he was at Sakshi. He was of openion that rows of Kaladar pasana(sort of a Shesharma. It took him 6 months, Buddha is 3 mts. behind the belt)around his waist with a big working for 14-16 hours a day. schidule as mentioned in all the knife fixed in it. He wore strong An old lady Kesarbai alias KC Panchangs in India. He insisted ankle boots. The staff he carried looked after his food. The de- Trajectory & timings of rise & had a steel ball at one end, while coding of Srividyarnow tantra. setting of Buddha is 3 mt. late. at the other end there was a Swamiji worked out details of The difference of 3 mts. would spear. Swamiji looked a giant in sunrays and correlation with make Panchang unreliable. Later disposition. He was a good cy- Chakras. . Swamiji said rays on Nasa, as per a report in Times clist too. changed every 4 secs. and their of India, had also come to same During his Shesharma days a number is 21600 in 24 hrs. . This conclusions after three months of Swami ji gave his openion based on his Sadhna. . In his last years Swamiji was working on Holy Quran and The Bible but because of failing eye- sight due to ARMD he could not complete these. He restricted himself to only Path-Puja and stopped all writing work. Throughout night he would be busy with puja. He would say that he used to receive divine orders to work on different sub- jects. Swamiji would say that mantras in Hinduism had to be charged first through recitation. He used to solve difficult ques- Swami Ji's works tions in the night through Puja. . Swamiji had equal respect for all TO OUR READERS religions. To commemorate 60th Anniversary of India's Swamiji practiced Sandhya in Independence Kashmir Sentinel is bringing out a the evening and used to turn Special Number, with National Security Challenges beads the whole night. As per as the theme. The next issue of Kashmir Sentinel Dr. Bhat he had the offer to be- will appear on 15th August, 2007. We also invite our come Sankaracharya but Swamiji readers to send write-ups on the above theme. These politely declined the offer. should be neatly typed in double space and should Swamiji even while sitting at not exceed 1500 words. --Editor Unpublished works of Swami Ji home would be aware about ev- KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 ORAL-HISTORY 16 Kashmir: Roots To Offshoots-I Tales and Legends of Aragam (Bandipore) By Upender Ambardar agriculturists and orchardists Nehru and Sh. Shyam Lal years back. their entire livestock took shel- he legends, fables, oral with livestock forming an Nehru, all of them being real During the Qabali tribal raid ter in the Lungmarg forests. They history accounts, tales of additional source of income. brothers. Their children Sh. in 1947, the Kashmiri Pandits of hid themselves in the mountain supernatural spirits, Aragam has a high literacy Aragam could save their skin cave, which even today is now T rate with most of the Pandit as they fled to the adjacent as Gash Ram's hut. Gash Ram heresy stories and stories of tutelary forest spirits etc. are families serving in Govern- mountains. But in the nearby was caught and as punishment deeply rooted in the traditional ment departments. Bandipore Kharpora town, he was suspended from a tree by historical and cultural opinions The family of late Sh. nine members of a Kashmiri means of his skull hair-luft of a place or a region. They are Tika Lal Tikoo, who was a Pandit family of Sh. Sansar (chaog). passed on to the posterity head munshi in the forest Chand Sadhu (Choudhari) Astonishingly, he survived mostly orally and form a department during Maharaja were brutally murdered by the near-death ordeal. Later-on connecting link between the past Hari Singh's time is a well- the tribal men. They were he was handed-over to a execu- and the present times. They known family of the village. lined-up in a row and sub- tioner for being killed. He bribed sometimes become narratives of He had three sons, namely jected to a hail of bullets. him by giving an appreciable a particular place and it's people. Sh Dwarika Nath Tikoo Late Sansarchand part of his cattle and in the bar- They may possess elements of (agriculturist), Sh. nicknamed as Chowdhari gain got a lease of life. Sh. Gash divinity and supernaturalism, Manmohan Tikoo, an ex- was a well-known trader of Ram had five sons--Sahaj Ram, though they may not be servicemen of the J&K light his time, whose business Prakash Ram, Raja Ram, Siraj Ram evidenced by documentary and infantry and Sh Chaman Lal interests extended upto and Balram. Among them late Sh. supporting facts. They usually Tikoo, who retired from the . He used to trade in Raja Ram and Sh Sahaj Ram had have an element of mystery and BSF. The family of Sh. 'Kishmish', dates, hazzle and saintly disposition and may possess a legendary pull Divram Tikoo (agriculturist) cashew-nuts business and in possessed exceptional spiritual and fascination for the native likewise had three sons, return would send Kashmiri powers. Both of them were people. namely Sh. Rattan Lal Tikoo spices to the frontier ardent devotees of Sagar Raz (M.A, M.Ed) being first province. Bhairav, the presiding deity of In a plain speak, they can be Late Sh. Ved Lal Tikoo of Aragam Village. said to be based on diverse emo- position holder in M.Ed) As per the village lore of the village Aragam. tional offshoots and legacy of who served in the state Bushan Lal Nehru and Sh. Ashok Aragam, about two and a As per the village lore, both centuries of faith and belief. education department, Sh Nehru served in the state half centuries back, a Kashmiri the brothers would enter into di- Aragam is an obscure pictur- Girdhari Lal Tikoo (a retired departments. In contrast to the Pandit namely Sh. Gash Ram vine communion with Sagar Raz esque village nestled in the lush- employee from the J&K Secre- Tikoo families, the Nehrus are not lived here and was endowed with Bhairav. To ensure wrinkle free ness of the green foliage, being tariat) and Sh. Kanya Lal Tikoo original residents of the village. spiritual powers. Besides being smoothness of the turban cloth, located about 50 kms from (M.Sc. Physics) a senior Lecturer They are said to have migrated a known agriculturist, he had both Raj Ram and Sahaj Ram Srinagar on Srinagar-Bandipore in the State Education Depart- to Aragam village about two about nine hundred livestock. He would hold it in their hands till route. Now a part of the newly ment. Another Pandit family was centuries back from Naroo had acrimonious relations with Sagar Raz Bhairav tied turban on carved-out Bandipore district, it that of Sh Gulab Ram Raina (ag- village in tehsil of Doda Akal Bhat, who in order to settle their head. On special occasions, is at a distance of five kms. from riculturist), who had two sons district. The village Aragam has scores with him invited the pro- they would keep offerings of Bandipore town and about namely Sh. Somnath Raina ( a been a witness to three plunders fessional tribal plunderers called food in a thali for Sagar Raz twenty five kms. from Sopore. retired police inspector) and Sh. locally known as 'Baem Loot', 'Baem' to Aragam village. Bhairav. The thali would imme- Aragam mainly comprises of Manmohan Raina, who worked 'Pathan Loot' and 'Qabali Loot'. To escape from the wrath, diately vanish from sight and it plain lands and is surrounded by in the Block Development Office. The 'Baem' were ferocious war Gash Ram packed off his two had to be collected afterwards wooded mountains on three The remaining Pandit families tribe men of the frontier areas, daughters and two sons to the from the adjacent cremation sides, locally known as Animbar, were those of Sh. Shamboo Nath who are said to have resorted to neighbouring place, while the ground obviously after Sagar Fakhnar and Lungmarg forests. Nehru, Sh. Madhusudhan loot and plunder hundreds of remaining two sons along with Raz Bhairav had accepted the of- The village derives it's name from fering. The village cremation a riverlet which flows through the ground (Razbal) was about a village. Adjacent to the lungmarg hundred yards away from their forests is a vast stretch of residence. Adjacent to it was a imposing grazing ground called piece of land where Raz-Kath the 'Ziasun'-which is a lively sacrificial religious offering of ambience of pastoral life. The sheep was performed in honour surrounding mountains support of the presiding deity of the majestic pine and Deodar forests, village. This piece of land is even whileas wild walnuts, chinar, now known as 'Rajun', signify- willow and popular trees can be ing the ownership of it to the spotted everywhere in the village saint Raj Ram Tikoo. An attempt lands. Paddy constitutes the made sometime back by a native main staple crop of the village Mohammad Tilwani to cultivate though isolated pockets also it made him bedridden for a cou- support maize and oil seeds. ple of months. Aragam also has substantial It was seen as an expression stretches of orchards bearing of displeasure and annoyance apple, pears, cherry, walnuts, and shown by Sagar Raz Bhairav. The almond fruit trees. The village latter regarded as the presiding has about 2,000 households, out deity of the villages of Aragam, of which about ten were Garoora, Brar, Chittibandi, Gund, Kashmiri Pandit families; the rest Dechan, Tantraypora and vast being Muslims. All the Kashmiri area extending right upto the Pandit families prior to their Wular Lake. forced migration in 1990 were A view of Aragam Village. (Contd. on Page 19) KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 SAKSHAATKAAR-MARATHI PRESS REPORTAGE 17 KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 NOSTALGIA 18 Sugar and Spice and all things nice

come...... ”, I implore. I give the tive nights, my body can’t take forsaken corridors of youth and “How is your husband?” H location of the venue and hang this ecstatic shock enjoying the bygone idiosyncra- asked, taking the benefit of his up, only to be engulfed by a But the gentle taunt nudges sies of our teachers and friends, absence. “He is fine” I replied thousand waves of urgent atten- me towards a reunion I have been my family was not really comfort- casually. “Arre Phetir...... We tion. longing for. I hold their hands able. They gave me nasty looks are not inquiring about his I reach the venue, my eyes and we settle down on a sofa. U grudging my moment of health. Tell us...... how is he as a probing the crowd, searching for is a cousin of my first cousin’s relaxation at such a time. “Hey, husband ...... a human be- a familiar face. But I must be out wife. The knowledge of my son’s what if I call my husband?” H ing?,” U explained. Had they of my wits, for the face can cer- marriage in Delhi had been car- suggested with gusto, ‘You expected me to enumerate his tainly not be here. I am looking ried to her. The upshot of the know.... I have told him a lot about merits or display a passionate for a bespectacled face with two whole thing was that they seized you” she added. outburst- ‘Of! 1 worship the very longish pigtails, on a lanky girl’s the opportunity to meet me, the ‘Like what?” I wondered earth he treads upon’? I have no body in white slacks and Kameez. long lost friend. what remarkable feats I had ac- clue. “Oh, he is like any other That is how U looked in college. Was I touched? Yes and cer- complished. “You were quite husband...... you see...... All I am escorting my new daugh- tainly overwhelmed .We were popular in university”, U men behave like six year olds By Parineeta Khar ter-in-law, our respective hearts meeting after thirty-one years. quipped knowingly, though she with their wives.” We giggled he bride and the groom fluttering, hers with apprehen- The conversation that followed herself had enrolled in Aligarh again. were just out of the sions at being on the threshold was akin to that meaningless university. “But most of the time “Six year old boys,” I ven- Tprecincts of the of a strange life ahead, my own chatter of teenage girls sitting on I was either engaged or married” tured to explain, “now sweet, courtroom. They had success- out of unforeseen times ahead. the freshly mowed lush green I said wistfully. now mean. One moment very fully got their already-solem- I entrust her to her love-my lawns of Girls College. It was a “I was present for your wed- hungry, next moment they lose nized marriage registered. Relief son, her place is beside him. continuation as if there had been ding, I gave finishing touches to their appetite; sometimes ten- and elation dominated the at- I walk past two standing fig- no interlude of thirty-one years. your make up; somebody had derly caring but never shar- mosphere. Parting gifts, Algath ures and then suddenly two The music played by the DJ, the put blotches of eye shadow on ing...... They want every- and cash were being distributed. strong hands grasp my nape like clatter of crockery, the greetings your eyelids”. We guffawed thing for themselves, their way. I was being counselled to dis- the arms of an octopus. “Arre thrown by the guests at each again on my unskilled ways at And yes, prone to throwing tan- card my selected saree for Pagal ladki..... you mad girl”. other, formed only the back- decking up. trums at regular intervals.” They something more colourful and The nasal baritone assaults ground score to this drama of The word marriage jolts my were grasping the truth of my pretentious, as the occasion my auditory sense! When was it lost and found. This senses to the fact that I am the observations, and were reminded demanded. It was the wedding that somebody last called me a moment...... I am once more an hostess. of my fiery write ups, I had given reception of my son and his new girl? eighteen year old, standing in the “Why don’t you have some- every ‘gang member’ at the end bride. The evening was one of The grip loosens; I turn and ring of noisy girls. thing to drink?” I call one of the of our session in college. “I still rejoicing and feasting. hug the towering figure U, the We did not brag about the waiters and discover my hus- have your write up”. He said lov- Amidst the array of occupa- sweet companion of my teens. achievement of children and band observing my uncanny be- ingly. I was thankful but I could tions and engagements, while I The journey of the years has left husbands; neither was any haviour; totally lost in laugh no more. pray for an extra pair of eyes, ears its mark on her face, but eyes allusion made to our households insignificant chatter. He “Do you still write?” “Yes and arms, my brother hands to behind the glasses as lively as and absent careers. Each of us beckoned me with a finger. I sometimes”, I reply with a som- me the liittle gadget, “Call for ever. A second figure erects her- strived to slip into the garb of beckoned back at him. He bre tone. “We know you have you.” self beside her and challenges carefree girls to peep into our promptly obliged; more to written some books”, they let Now who calls me on my my memory. past. disentangle me from this hyp- out but not with emotion. brother’s phone? “Who could “Now who am I?” I try to rec- “Hey...... it seems notic hold of my friends than “Hey..... this be?” I mutter under my ollect that gang of twelve in Prof______is in Hyderabad. because I called him over. He Do you still sing?” “No”, I breath. Am I not already a bun- women’s college, Srinagar/ Do you still get a scolding gave his trademark dimpled whispered. Now there is a knot dle of nerves? I barely lisp a This is fine, graceful middle from him?” and without waiting smile, greeted them politely and in my throat, my eyes misty. hoarse “Hello”. The caller is aged woman. She removes her for my reply, both of them related very gently, he poked my ribs- “Remember you used to give some Mrs. T. No, I do not have gold-rimmed spectacles but my the incident when he had thrown They will be here any moment.” a full throated lusty rendering of any friend by that name. The brain cells fail to associate her my books out of a window dur- He meant our new relations-our Bindu...... Gulabi Raat voice on the line gets animated with delicate, narrow waisted, ing class; the hard bound Chem- daughter-in-law’s family. Gulabi. And they giggled, all I and a little aggressive. cream and peaches complex- istry textbook had hit a gardener How could I be so tactless? could manage was a chuckle. “Aire stupid”, her address ioned H. How could this digni- working on a flowerbed. We They deserve all our attention “I can’t sing now my lungs sounds intimate, Nobody re- fied matron be her? laughed and clapped our hands and reverence - this fresh rela- are deflated. My sinuses make ferred to me with such familiarity “Your eyes have been scaled in mirth. To get the feeling was tionship, who had handed over my notes like croaks” and we any more. over with the newly attained sta- sheer physical delight! their dearest joy to our care; their laughed again at this helpless- “Arre Phetir...... this is U tus of a mother-in-law,” rebukes “Remember, how twelve of us daughter was now the grace of ness of advancing years. Kaul.” Oh my God! Yes, I know, U. H adds “No, the fact is that would enter the class, after every my house, the better half of my Then somebody tore me away she lives in Delhi. My legs she is completely engrossed in girl was seated and then occupy darling. “Why don’t you have from my temporary Utopia. I owe buckle. I slump on to a sofa. her own world, the years prior to the recesses of the windows?” something?” I offer again to my the guests some attention, won’t Some forgotten and long unused her marriage have faded into The English teacher had named friends. But they have hardly they feel slighted?’ Yes, I admit- recess of my brain is activated. I oblivion...... isn’t it so?” us The beautiful dozen.’ “We are come to savour the delectable ted my callousness. But the am thrilled. Meanwhile, I get ad- I have no answer. In a flash, no-beauties now...... Alas!” feast. Their only object being to overpowering feeling of escape monishing looks from family. my memories rush back to the I sighed. revive a spark of youth, dead in and freedom has mesmerized me Was time not precious enough long lost days of youth. My jaws But they were no patients of the ashes of worldliness. I leave and I am drawn back to my to waste on phone calls from, a are locked, I am not able to melancholia at this moment. for a while and come back to see friends. In the milieu of bustling phantom friend!? apologize. My head reels; I have While me and my friends were if they have helped themselves guests, video cameras, gifts and “Please come, do not slept well for ten consecu- merrily roaming around the now- to some eatables. (Contd. on Page 19) KASHMIR SENTINEL CONTINUATION June 2007 CONTINUATION 19 Sugar and Spice and all things nice

(From Page 18) married to you,” teases H. We outlines. At the spur of this hood away and again assume the a demanding husband. I wish laugh again. We talk about our colourful attires, I was not able sweet moment, that nostalgic frescoed existence shaded with this little girl is able to retain a children; all proud and to locate them. My eyes are past intoxicated my better the colours of bashfulness, piety little fragrance of this girlhood again trying to trace the dear protective mothers. It was a pity senses. and responsibility. tightly stored up in her fists, so faces that had brought back the we have mothered three pairs of We talked about Veena ke I wonder how and when I had that thirty years from now, when whiff of an assuaging breeze and male offspring, otherwise an Ande- one of our friends whose imprisoned the little girl inside she is engulfed in the suffocat- I wanted to let it touch all my alliance could be fixed then and egg curry in a picnic became her me in a fort of values, morals, ing smoke of pressing senses and drink in the essence. there. permanent adage. And more gig- duties, constraints and sacri- responsibilities, she retires to a They have their plates and I Then U made a remake in her gles followed. We did not make fices; surrounded by an uncross remote corner, to inhale from this join them. I don’t eat, my desire typical candid yet tactless man- any references to unpleasant able moat of virtues and a strong stored up freshness and gets re- is to fill my ears with that care- ner “Oh! There are marvellously events which other friends had sense of doing right. Who had, I juvenated. I pray that my boy is free laughter, enjoy that uninhib- turned out glamour dolls all suffered. There was not even a still wonder, indoctrinated into no impediment in letting her be ited conversation which is re- around. They all look just out of passing reference of me this perpetual sense of mo- the symbol of the nursery freshingly natural. Ekta Kapoor’s K serials.” H was widowhood, bereavements rality? Must I only do right!! My rhymes’ definition of little girls— No reservations of social always a sensible girl. She suffered by one of the friends, teenage friends had perhaps ——————”What are lit- been sent by an agency which bindings, no artful repartee, no checked U with a little “Don’t be neither was there a mention of tle girls made of- sugar and desired me to throw the cloak of guarded questions and no silly...... They all are her close the end of marriage of another spice and all things nice “ dignity and stature away and en- diplomatic answers. Words came relatives” one. Was it a deliberate Let the ponderous fatigue of joy myself for some moments. I in a flow of lucid currents. “I observed that she stands omission? We talked and gig- married life have no place in their looked at the debonair young out...... though nothing less of a lives. Let her existence be only “How come your son has less gled, but alas! They had noticed and naively beautiful face of my hair than your husband?,” asked Plain Jane” U added and I re- that the cauldron of my family’s sugar and spice and all things daughter-in-law and my young nice. U. “Stress- he left India when he torted, “Hey!...... you dare call patience had run dry; they de- son, eagerness personified. At *(The author is a noted was barely twenty one...... ”, I am me a Plain Jane,”. This was more cided to leave. this moment he is all ears and short-story writer. Her two col- a fond mother again. “Do you a high pitched shriek and sev- Later, I realized in our excite- eyes for his new bride. When the lections—'On the Shores Of mean your husband leads a eral heads turn. I hardly cared. ment we had not even exchanged novelty of the relation wears out, Vitasta’ and ‘We were and we My present and future had hazy stress free life even after being contact numbers. I shoo my girl- the romantic lover would become will be’ received rave reviews.) Tales and Legends of Aragam (Bandipore) (From Page 16) Shama got possessed by an evil electric-saw and her dead body rainfall in earlier times. tailoring is a migrant at Batal- The Late Tika Lal Tikoo, a spirit. She was taken to a local was later-on thrown near a A well known Muslim saint Ballian, Udhampur Migrant direct descendant of the said Muslim priest for cure. After bridge in Tikker. This brutal slay- and Sofi poet, Lala Sahib Camp. The Isht Devi of Tikoo family was also a man of spiritual having failed to drive-off the evil ing sent a chilling message to the Aragami was a native of Aragam families of Aragam is Tripur pursuits. Being a great devotee spirit, the Peer suggested Shama Pandit families of Aragam and village. He lived upto the year Sundri and her birthday called of the village Bhairav himself, he to be taken to Tika Lal for cure. the adjoining villages, who were 1984. In one of his Kashmiri 'Tikchoram' is celebrated on had immense faith and reverence On hearing his name, the civil left with no alternative but to couplets, the poet eulogises the Magh Shukla Paksh Chiturthi by for him. He was said to converse spirit is said to have communi- migrate from their ancestral virtues of a Kashmiri Pandit, offering turmeric mixed rice and with the Bhairav in his dreamful cated not to bother Sh. Tika Lal homes in order to save their hon- "tan darith...... tah zahnar". goat's liver (Tahar-Charbvan) to state during night as strange and as he would leave Shama's body our and skin. In another Kashmiri verse, the the family deity. The Kashmiri ununderstanble discourse could provided her father promised to The village Aragam has an said poet exhorts a Kashmiri Pandits of Aragam and the be heard near his room. The vil- make an offering of turmeric rice ancient temple by the side of a Pandit girl to have unrestrained adjoining villages used to lagers believed that late Sh. Tika at the 'Razbal'. Sh. Tika Lal de- holy spring, which has a Shivling devotion for her God as her celebrate all the religious Lal would often be spotted in parted from this world in July and a stone idol of the Goddess favourite deity i.e. enshrined in festivals with the usual religious the village cremation ground 1990. The Pandit community of Parvati. The village temple com- the stone idol itself, fervour prior to their forced (Razbal) in his astral form in the Aragam also became the victims plex has plenty of willow and "Bata Koori Vate Kanie migration from Kashmir. company of Sagar Raz Bhairav of the militants' furry in 1990, popular trees. Another village Manj Chuai Dai,

12345678901234567890123456789012123456 and his associates. It came to when the wife of Sh. Kanya Lal holy spring called 'Brari Maji 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 Karee Pooja, Yinai 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456 light when a Muslim lady inad- Tikoo namely, Mrs Girja Tikoo Hund Nag' has one kanal of land Mushravak Lai." 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456ATTENTION 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 vertently stepped inside the vil- (Babli) was killed by the mili- attached to it, which abounds in 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 Likewise being a devotee of 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456SUBSCRIBERS lage cremation ground in search tants. She was a laboratory as- majestic chinar trees. The villag- the Goddess Parvati, he ex- 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

12345678901234567890123456789012123456 of her lost cow. She was bewil- sistant at Govt. High School, ers irrespective of their caste 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 presses his reverence for the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456Please renew your 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

12345678901234567890123456789012123456 dered to spot late Sh. Tika Lal Trehgam. (). At the and creed would offer the milk Goddess in the following lines, 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

12345678901234567890123456789012123456 sitting in the company of per- height of the militancy she was of their first delivered cow to the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456subscription by "Haran Doh Gaie Praran 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456 sons supporting white cloaks abducted and subsequently holy spring out of reverence for Yaeti Parvati Lo, 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456remitting Rs 200/- to 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 (pheran) and white turbans. killed when she had gone to it. 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 Sonihaer Paad Yaepaar 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

12345678901234567890123456789012123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456Kashmir Sentinel Due to his spiritual powers, collect her salary at Trehgam. About four kms away from the Trav Lotie Parvati Lo". 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

12345678901234567890123456789012123456 late Sh. Tika Lal was quite popu- On her way back, she had to village Aragam is a hillock known A single Kashmiri Pandit 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456 neighbourhood as a spiritual lage in the house of her child- hermit of the same name is said Tikoo, an agriculturist and an ex- 12345678901234567890123456789012123456D.D. or Cheque 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456 healer for he could successfully hood female friend. Tikker was to have done hard penance here serviceman still resides in the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

12345678901234567890123456789012123456payable to Kashmir cure persons afflicted with vari- also incidentally her parental vil- hundreds of years back. It had a village Aragam. One of his sons 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456 ous ailments like infectious boils, lage. She was kidnapped by her few pious springs in it's vicinity, Sh. Rattan Lal Tikoo is presently 12345678901234567890123456789012123456Sentinel, 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

12345678901234567890123456789012123456 jaundice, headache, high fever friend's militant turned kins. She some of which have now dried- working as a government teacher 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456Jammu. 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 and those possessed by evil was taken to an adjacent electric up. The village lore says that any there, whileas the second one 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456 spirits. Once a neighbour, Mr saw-mill and mercilessly cut into unholy misdeed committed in the Sh. Rajender Tikoo who has 12345678901234567890123456789012123456Business Manager 12345678901234567890123456789012123456

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Ghulam Rasool Bhat's daughter two haves upto her chest by the area would result in instant done Diploma in weaving and 12345678901234567890123456789012123456 KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 BOOK-REVIEW 20 TheThe RoleRole ofof LucknowLucknow KashmiriKashmiri PanditsPandits social historian Dr. Sharga may at the finest libraries and takes deep mations and other Title: Lucknow Ke times be short in methodology but pride in his ethnic identity. The books used to be Kashmiri Pandit. R.K.T. his unique quality i.e. passion for Taimni clan has produced as many printed here. Tika Ram Author: Dr. B.N. Sharga history makes him an outstanding as 11 IAS officers. remained loyal to Wajid Published by: Dr. Vasudev researcher. Not many Kashmiri Nawab Asaf-ud-Dila appointed Ali Shah, even when Sharan Agarwal, Sanskriti Pandits can rival his immense Kashmiri Pandits to high posts. Pt. Britishers put the contribution to Pandits' social Nawab under house- Sansthan, 13 Shivaji Marg, Gauri Shankar Kochak was put history. incharge of Royal mint at arrest in Calcutta. He Lucknow. A monograph puts many limita- Chauptiyon. Security and manage- ran an underground Price: Rs. 50/- tions on the author. Dr. Sharga has ment of Jagir of Royal Queen campaign against the done his job well to provide an Shamsul Nisa was entrusted to British, but had to iversity of a region is its excellent resume of history of Shargas—Laxmi Narain Kaul and migrate to Benaras sub- beauty. It enriches the Lucknow Kashmiri Pandits. It sequently. Dcultural tapestry of the place would be enough stimulus for more The Nawabi era and fosters toleration. Lucknow, a ambitious researchers to bring out a (1775-1856) was a historic city, has been home to many comprehensive volume on this period when Persian communities which came from afar subject. and Urdu culture and made it their permanent abode. Kashmiri Pandits started enter- reached its Zenith. Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandit ing Avadh at a time when this There was hardly any families, gifted with mastery over province of had its Kashmiri Pandit Persian and excellence in soldiery, capital at Bangla, which subse- family which did not settled here during the past two and quently attained fame as Faizabad. have one or two poets. a half centuries. No wonder, During Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula's Since many wrote Lucknow emerged as the biggest time Lucknow had remained his compositions anony- diaspora of Kashmiri Pandits. The capital for some time. This brought mously, their names immense contribution made by these some of the Kashmiri Pandits have not come down to us. judge. Bahadur took the case to Lon- people in all walks of life, be it ad- serving in Royal Army to Lucknow. Prominent among the poets of this don Privy Council and won it. He ministration, judiciary, education, They included Daya Ram Mattoo, period were Pt. Daya Shankar Kaul also claimed damages. Pt. Jagat literature, culture etc., makes history Atma Ram Kitchlu, Chaturbuj 'Naseem'. He was trained by the Narain Mulla resigned from council of Lucknow incomplete without Ganju, Daya Ram etc. Since the greatest poet of the time—Kh. of ministers IN protest against them. Prof. Dr. B.N Sharga Royal Cavalry used to be stationed Haider Ali 'Atish'. During Asaf-ud- Jallian Walla Bagh massacre. Prof. Shailendra Nath Kapur, near Rani Katra, these Kashmiri Niranjan Nath Kaul. These Sharga Daula's reign Firangi Mahal Many Kashmiri Pandits joined who teaches Ancient History at Pandits started living at Rani Katra members served in Royal Cavalry emerged as a centre of Islamic and the national movement against the Lucknow University, has embarked mohalla. and distinguished themselves in mili- Persian-Arabic learning. Pt. Beni British. Dr. Atal was a member of on an ambitious project to sensitise In 1775, the 4th Nawab-Asaf- tary skill, Chivarly and courage. Pt. Ram Mubai, a scholar of repute in Kotnis Medical Mission to . Lucknow people to their pluralistic ul-Daula shifted capital to Lucknow Dila Ram Madan was a senior official Persian and Arabic, taught languages Prithvi Nath Chakbast was a disciple heritage. Through a series of from Faizibad. Majority of Kashmiri in Asaf-ud-Daula's army. His son Pt. in this centre. of Gandhi, while Triloki Nath publications on the different facets Pandit families came to Lucknow Dina Nath Madan later served as As a true researcher Dr. Sharga Chakbast was closer to Subash of the city, Dr. Kapur has introduced during his reign. Since they formed a Finance Minister of Maharaja Ranjit does not feel shy in projecting the Bose. a new genre in popular sizeable group and settled at a place, Singh. dark side of his community In the field of culture Pt. Shiv historiography. The first publication living together there as a commu- Bhaskar Ram Tickoo was a members. Some Kashmiri Pandit Narain Bahar took lead by establish- deliberated on the contribution of nity, the place came to be called wealthy shawl merchant in officials had not only imbibed good ing the first club 'Jalsa-e-Tehzeeb'. 'Banga (Bengali) Samaj of Kashmiri Mohalla. Many of the Lucknow. His nephew Dewan Nand nawabi culture but also fell on bad He also launched 'Mursala-e- Lucknow'. The second one dealt havelis, built around 1775-1780, still Ram Tikoo subsequently became ways. They began frequenting Kashmir' journal. Lucknow with the 'Lucknow mohallas and stand, and bear distinct influence of ruler of Kabul. Pt. Bhola Nath Kao Kothas. Two of them eloped with Kashmiri Pandits produced their glory," Dr. BN Shargas Mughal/Iranian architecture. In those was a high official in the reign of women from the Royal harem. outstanding poets/men of 'Lucknow Ke Kashmiri Pandit', times Purdah system was in vogue Asaf-ud-Daula. Such was his Mehtab Rai Gurtu ran away to literature—Ratan Nath Sarshar, the publication under review, is the among Pandit ladies. This too prestige that Nawab would himself Calcutta, while Chaturbuj fled to Daya Shankar Kaul Naseem, Brij third in the series. Its beautifully laid influenced the architecture. All these visit Kao's Kashmiri mohalla Kabul. Narain Chakbast, Tribhuvan Nath cover carries the picture of Bada havelis were interconnected with one residence to meet him. Bhola Nath's British Rule: Hijr. They attained global fame. Brij Shivala, the oldest shrine of another to allow free movement of descendant Pt. Rameshwar Nath In 1857 Avadh became part of Krishan Kaul Bekhabar brought out Lucknow Kashmiri Pandits. This Pandit ladies through blind alleys, Kao became a legendary figure in British India. Kashmiri Pandits were two volume anthology on Kashmiri shrine, built by Pt. Zind Ram without the need to step outside national security in independent among the first to take to study of Pandit poets in Persian-Bahar-i- Tankha in 1780, is located at Rani their havelis. To keep alive the India. English language and modern Gulshan Kashmir, which was Katra, Lucknow. Kashmiri ambience in course of time Dr. BN Sharga has meticulously education. This opened up vast published by Jagmohan Nath Raina Dr. BN Sharga is a distinguished these Pandits brought their family documented the story of Kashmiri opportunities for them in the new Shauk and Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru. scion of one of those Pandit families Purohits and cooks as well. Dr Sharga Pandits who reached good positions administration. Any student who Rajnath Ragu, Ramchandra Narain, who made Lucknow their home. has served useful information on in administration during the Nawabi came out of the portals of canning Yashodra Katju and Asha Tiku Though age has taken toll of his them. rule. He claims that prestige enjoyed college would get appointed as excelled in film world. health, yet he remains agile to pursue Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula was a by Kashmiri Pandits was due to their Deputy Collector, Munsif or sub- In medicine Dr. Shyam Nath the forbidden terrain—digging out munificent patron. This attracted fair complexion and resemblance in judge. The first Land settlement of Chak, who graduated from King the buried past of the Pandit fami- many Pandits to come directly from physique to members of Iranian Lucknow was carried out by the George Medical College, Lucknow, lies, from their roots in Kashmir to Kashmir to Lucknow. Pt. Bishan nobility. A rough estimate puts the British soon after they took over broke records of all time. He was the places of their new settlement. Nath Taimni (Kaul), a rich shawl number of emigre Kashmiri Pandit Lucknow. Pt. Daya Nidhan Ganjoo first cardiologist of India. The other Dr. Sharga's task has not been easy. trader from Sopore, came to families around this period of one was appointed as first Tehsildar. well known medical practitioners Despite the ethnic pride which many Lucknow during his rule. He built a thousand. They lived in various Kashmiri Pandits were quite from among Pandit community of these old Pandit families display big haveli to run his flourishing trade. mohallas—Kashmiri Mohalla, Katra upright. Pt. Har Sahay Bahadur was were—Dr. Tej Narain Bahadur and they are reluctant to get recorded the It came to be known as Reshamwali Bijan Beg, Toph Darwaza, sub-judge in Farukhabad in 1878. Dr. Hari Har Nath Hakku. Dr. Kishen history of their clan. They do not Kothi, and was located at Chaupatian, Rani Katra, Javai Tola One morning he had gone to see his Lal Nehru was Medical Supdt. of come forward with clan details, the Chauptiyon. Distinguished etc. superior judge, Saunders at his resi- Lucknow Medical College. rare photographs and the documents members of Taimni clan include A Pandit family—'Gogai' came dence. The latter rebuked him for Dr. Sharga has profiled the which they have preserved over Gulab Rai, Ganga Ram, Shri Ram, to settle in Lucknow from Gwalior. coming so early. Bahadur returned contribution of Lucknow Pandits decades. Dr. Sharga has no Kedar Nath, Kuldeep Prakash, Iqbal Pt. Shamboo Nath Pandit, the first the compliment by giving him 3-4 after 1947. This makes 'Lucknow institutional support to carry on such Nath, Jagdish Prakash. Shri Jagdeep Indian to be appointed as Judge slaps on his face. The sub-judge was Ke Kashmiri Pandit' a basic source an arduous endeavour. At times, he Narain has not only excelled in hailed from this Gogai clan. Pt. Tika dismissed by Lt. Governor. Bahadur material for any serious study of feels bitter over the stark indifference soldiery Taimni from where he Ram Dar had his own printing press filed a case against the government history of Kashmiri Pandits. of his fellow Kashmiris. Yet it does retired as Major General but is also during the times of Nawabi rule. In and went to Kashmir where not dampen his enthusiasm. As a an excellent scholar. He has one of Wajid Ali Shah's time royal procla- Maharaja Pratap Singh made him a R.K.T. KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 BOOK-REVIEW 21 Literature as a weapon against colonialism

ings in support of their views. "Africanness" to do well in the global Review by Tej N. Dhar Achebe asserts that writers have not market; of V. S. Naipaul, for writing dark Home and Exile merely to write back to the Empire but and unwholesome books on India and Af- by Chinua Achebe. Anchor Books, also to fight it with spirit and conviction. rica, which Achebe considers "pompous 2001. Pages 115. $ 10. He says that writers have to combat the rubbish"; of Salman Rushdie, for saying "stereotypes of malice" contained in the that "literature has nothing to do with a hinua Achebe has already estab writings of Europeans about , which writer’s home address." Quite under- lished his rightful place in the world left people with a "badly damaged sense standably, Achebe writes warmly and ap- Cof letters. Apart from writing influ- of the self." The process of colonisation provingly about R. K. Narayan, because ential novels, poems, and short stories, did not stop at exercising political con- he "invested in India; he did not take him- Achebe has also written ground-break- trol over people; it aimed at damaging their self out." ing essays. Without being unduly loud, psyche by colonising their stories. The job of the post-colonial writer is to res- For the same reasons, Achebe does flashy, modish, or controversial, he has not approve of "expatriation and exile as cue narratives from the pernicious con- emerged as a critic of seminal importance, intrinsically desirable goals." These may trol of the colonials, by writing their ver- and has exercised considerable influence be fashionable, but may not produce sions, and thus asserting "the curative in shaping our response to post-colonial good writing. Implicitly, he also suggests power of stories." With loving care and a literature. that the Empire has not to be fought with sense of satisfaction Achebe traces the Home and Exile is his most recent book mere words, with verbal pyrotechnics or rise of the new African writing, and ex- of essays, a published version of three flourishes of style, but with one’s imposed their ways on them — a clear presses his warm appreciation of the writ- lectures he delivered at Harvard Univer- strength, which derives from one’s place rebuff to historians who wrote about their ers’ attempt to use their skill and imagina- sity in 1998. They have a strong autobio- and culture. barbaric and undemocratic ways. tion for erasing the misrepresentation of graphical flavour, because Achebe looks Achebe’s encounter with Joyce their people and infusing a sense of pride To sum up, Home and Exile is a very back on the significant moments of his Carey’s work is well known by now. His and a spirit of confidence in them. readable, wise, and fruitful account of literary journey right from his childhood re-telling of the incident, however, makes days in his home in Nigeria to his present Achebe’s greatest strength lies in his Achebe’s growth as a writer of uncom- us understand that the likes of Carey ex- mon sanity and exceptional clarity, which state of exile in the USA. ercised power over the minds of Africans being firmly rooted in his soil and with The volume begins with Achebe’s life his people, even though he is not always sets him apart from both European and because of their "absolute power over non-European writers. He affirms the im- with his parents in their village, where his narrative." Basing their work on the among them. He disparages writers who portance of the narrative as a powerful father returned after doing missionary "tools of trendy scholarly fantasies and uphold the idea of universalism in art, be- weapon of defiance, but stresses that it work at several places. Since the home pseudo-sciences," even the best of them cause it virtually implies accepting and has to bear the imprint of a writer’s social was under "imperial fire," his reflective created a shattering image of the inferior- imitating western culture and civilisation. and cultural bearings and not of spuri- gaze provides a clear picture of what it ity of the African race, for which they de- Africa does not need "copycats but those ous and fashionable ideologies of west- meant to live in a colonial setting. He con- serve to be censured. This helped Achebe able to bring hitherto untold stories, along ern supermarkets. He is particularly hard tests misconceptions about Igbo people to understand that the innocence of lit- with new ways of telling." on deracinated intellectuals whose es- by calling them a nation and not a tribe. erature is a myth, and one has to see its Because of his concern for one’s place pousal of universal culture and values In pre-colonial times, Igbo villages and political implications with adult, mature and clime, of pride in one’s cultural moor- does not augur well for the future of less towns obeyed no king and no central eyes. However, he does not plead for any ings, Achebe is critical of writers, even authority; they were uniquely positioned the ones with firm reputations, who do privileged societies, because it threatens special theory of reading, certainly not them with new and subtler kinds of colo- to enjoy perfect autonomy, which was the trendy post-colonial variety, though not respect this: of Buchi Emecheta, who nialism. lost to them only after colonial powers some of its proponents have used his writ- self-avowedly minimises her

By Sanjay Godbole were begun. The ruby from “” oc- curs in the faults in the white calcite rock, ashmir is the most picturesque (full Gems and Jewels In Pakistan and some times the ruby crystals get cracks of scenic beauty)valley in the in them. These rubies are used for making Kwhole of the world. This province occupied Kashmir (POK) ornaments and for carvings of small size in is situated on the West side of the Himalaya Pakistan. mountain range.Though the Southern part discoveries of the precious stones in Kashmir stones and gems, lying hidden in Pakistan oc- Second reserve of Ruby Stones is struck of Kashmir is relatively plain and even, in are of relatively recent origin. cupied Kashmir. at “Nangimali” in (POK). “Nangimali” vil- the Northern part of Kashmir, there are It is also conclusively observed In Kashmir, the lage is in the north side of Muzaffarabad high mountain ranges, scaling heights, upto that the rock formations in the Krishnaganga river valley and and can be reached after travelling for three 2460 meters above mean sea level. On the region of Kashmir have not Sharada Temple are indicative consecutive days. This a small village, North West side of Kashmir is Gligit and been geologically studied to that of the ancient culture exist- mostly populated by peasants. Here there mountain ranges are extensively degree of details, as those in ing there once upon a time. are mountain ranges scaling heights of 4400 spread in the nearby region. The highest Afghan region. This day a gem called Neelam meters. In these mountains there is a “Ruby peak in Kashmir is in the moun- A few years back, in the (Blue sapphire) is found in Belt” which measure 1.8 K.M.long. tain range.The Meru Parbat, as referred to Northern part of Pakistan, the mountains near Nangmali Ruby shows similar characteris- in Hindu Scriptures is situated in some shephards accidently Krishnaganga valley. About tics as those found in Burma,Myanmar. Karakorum pass. Since ancient and His- came across some stones with a century ago, a Delhi Bound The Nangmali Ruby is having a dark red torical times, this province had trade links greenish tinge; being unaware traveller from Kabul had ac- colouration and specimens upto 5 Carrats with other provinces by the “Silken route”. of the identification as to the cidently found some speci- by weight have been met with here. , the neighbouring country value and importance of those men of Neelam (Saffire) due Apart from Rubies, an orange coloured of Kashmir, has been exporting gems and stones, these were utilised for to falling of crags (Land slide). crystal is also found here. This crystal has other precious stones for last several cen- some other odd ends. After- The (sapphire) of Kashmir unique and distinctive characteristics and turies. There is a “Lepis” figure, crafted in wards, these stones proved to is adjudged as the best and of is found in Kashmir alone and no where the year 1500 B.C. in Egypt. The idol be real emeralds. In 1999, the Sh. Sanjay Godbole. Supreme quality in the whole else in the world. So it was christend as presently is in Vienna Art Museum of Aus- geological survey of France car- of the world. There is a verse, “Kashmirin” by experts from the West. tria. This “Lepis” stone had been exported ried out in this region an extensive explorative which describes the qualities of the Neelam of The gemological laboratories of the from Afghanistan. During several excava- exercise, to prospect the possibility of min- Kashmir. Nihal Bhi Kar De Aur Sataye Bhi United States have made analytical tests tions, beads of various colours have been ing for emeralds.Some legendary stories of em- Buri Tarah Purnima ki Khili Chandani of all the precious stones and semi pre- reported in Pakistan. This fact throws eralds from Peshawar in Pakistan are also Mein Nilam Ki Tarif. The mountains near cious stones of Kashmir. An illustrated cata- light,as to how the gems and the precious popularly famous. “Shonthar” and “Colejandar the two villages logue of all the precious stones of Pakistan and semi precious stones were function- That part and parcel of land, which is un- in (P.O.K.) have the reserves of Neelam. It is was duly published at “Tuscon” in the ally put to use,since times immemorial,as der control of Pakistan, has since been divided on account of the occurance of Neelam, the United States of America, These precious a tradition in vogue. Pakistan occupied into two sectors 1) "", and 2) “Krishnganga” river valley is newly christened stones, Gems and Jewels of Kashmir were Kashmir is a hot topic of discussion in the Northern areas, by Pakistan authorities. The as “Neelam Valley”. duly exhibited in American International International Political forum . This part of maximum quantity of minerals mined in Paki- “Hunza” is an important city in (P.O.K.). exhibition and also in Europe and these are Kashmir however, is now being critically stan have been discovered from this area only. Though the presence of “Ruby” was discov- grabbing attention of all admirers of gems studied for the gems and the precious stones The famous gemological journal of the United ered here during the British regime, the mining and jewels. found here and all the aspects of these trea- states - Lepis international in its illustrated operation did not commence then. From 1997 sures are being studied and analysed from catalogue, has furnished detailed information the mining operations, under the expert guid- *(The author is a noted Archeologist geological survey & research angle. These about the potential stocks of the precious ance of a British Scientist, “Richard Hughes” based in Pune.) KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 CHRONOLOGY 22 Chronology of Events--April 6-May 31, 2007) Apr 6: The gunbattle at ended with the succumbed to his injuries. Three recruits were April 24: A terrorist wounded his brother-in-law in a killing of a terrorist, while two others managed rescued from HM captivity at Navapachi, bizarre incident at Shamaswari, Srinagar. A their escape. Three terrorists were killed in Doda. The mobile phone of Haseena gave LeT terrorist was arrested in Baramulla. Three Nishat area of Srinagar. Body of a youth was more clues in the assassination plot of the Bangladeshis was arrested in Ramgarh sector. recovered from a nallah in Kalaroos. A CM. Defence Minister oppose troop April 25: Police claimed to have foiled another bid to tragedy was averted by detecting an IED at withdrawal from J&K. kill CM at Bandipore rally as they arrested a Digdol on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. April 15: Security forces killed two terrorists in Shopian LeT terrorist Showkat from Srinagar, two more Two soldiers were injured in a grenade blast while terrorists beheaded a civilian in terrorists were arrested subsequently. A in Rajouri. Terrorists managed their escape in Pulwama and caused injury to a soldier with terrorist was killed in Kupwara three terrorists, an encounter at Malikpora Tilogrih, Bhallesa. an IED blast at Palhalan, . Two LeT ter- including a Pakistani, were arrested in Apr 7: Police said that the three terrorists killed in rorists were killed and one injured in an Kashmir valley. A LeT terrorist was found dead Nishat were planning fidayeen attacks, 10 encounter at Upper Dandi Bhaderdwah, a near his house at Mahore. Two terrorists OGWs were arrested and several LeT and Al- jawan was also injured in the encounter. looted cash and jewellery from a house at Bader hideouts busted in Kashmir. Terrorists April 16: Two IRCON engineers survived an attempt Baljarala, Rajouri. Six Hurriyat leaders of killed a person in Baramulla. Siachen talks end on their life as their body guard died when Geelani faction were detain in Srinagar, while without any agreement on troop pull-out. terrorists attacked them at Naina Bhatpora in a Pakistani and two Kashmiri terrorists were April 8: Six Bangladeshis were killed and 11 others Pulwama. Elsewhere in Valley, three terrorists arrested in New Delhi. 69 cross sides at Kaman arrested from Border villages in Arnia sector. were among eight persons killed in terrorist Post. BSF repatriated a mentally unsound person related violence. A terrorist and a civilian were April 27: Three suspects were arrested in Rajouri. to Pak rangers. Police today seized 50,000 fake killed and another civilian rescued in an Geelani, were among six Indian currency notes, printed in Pakistan and encounter in Judi Bagda forests in Gandoh, separatists puts under house arrest. Amidst smuggled through Delhi-Lahore bus, and two terrorists escaped from the encounter. regular arrests of Bangladeshis, an arrested arrested a person in this connection Hitting Defence Minister Mr Antony said that Pak Bangladeshi computer engineer admited at his coalition partner-PDP, Sh GN Azad said must end terror for success of talks. A CRPF helping 700 Bangladeshis exfiltrate. that advocates of demilitarization were jawan committed suicide after critically April 28: Three terrorists were killed in Doda. One unaware of the ground reality. A HM injuring two of his colleagues in a camp in person died and 53 others received injuries in commander surrendered before troops in Pulwama. a grenade attack at NC's rally at Pampore. A Bhaderwah, Doda. April 17: Two bodies were fished out from Jhelum. A body was fished out from Jhelum. A youth, April 9: A Pakistani was killed and nine others-7 Bang- HM terrorist was arrested in Pulwama. A Army alleged to be an informer, was attacked by ladeshis and two Pakistanis-arrested along jawan committed suicide in Kandi area of terrorists at Kaloosa, Bandipore. Three LeT Indo-Pak border in Jammu sector. 40 kg RDX Rajouri. The CM asked for easing travel terrorists were killed in Doda. The CM said and other arms and ammunition were restrictions across LoC. that there would be no amnesty or leniency recovered at Thanala, Bhaderwah. 108 cross April 18: A HM Commander was arrested in Doda. The to ultras. After BJP, Panun Kashmir LoC in Poonch district. names of two girls surfaced in Kalakote denounced RTC joint declaration. April 10: One person was killed and 10 others wounded massacre. JKLF leader announced launch of April 29: Four terrorists were killed in an encounter in in a grenade attack at Batmaloo, Srinagar. After Safar-e-Azadi from May 6 while turning down Kupwara. Terrorists gunned down a civilian arrest of two terrorists, Pulwama police Delhi's invitation. in Damhal Hanjipora. A terrorist was killed in claimed that they were hunting for some April 19: One person was killed and two others injured Budhal, while a JCO died of accidental fire at terrorists who were in the process of leaving in firing incidents in Sopore. Two dozen Kalakote. Prominent counter insurgent Papa the country on a specific mission. A terrorist terrorists surrendered before forces in Uri Kishtwari was arrested. An Army officer was arrested and three IEDs defused in Doda sector after their return from PoK. An Army claimed that Pak army was preventing district. HM plot to repeat Kulhand at Thanla jawan survived while his three family members surrender by terrorists. was foiled by the surrender of a terrorist and were injured as terrorists struck at his house April 30: Two CRPF and police cops were injured in subsequent recoveries by the forces. As much at Harni, Mendhar. Hashim Qureshi three grenade attacks triggered by terrorists. hyped Karvaan-e-Aman completes 2-years, announced his decision to attend RTC. Geelani called for a shut down on May 5. Three visitors number goes on decreasing. April 20: Two terrorists of HM were killed in an Hurriyat leaders were lodged in Kot Bhalwal April 11: Two bodies, including the body of Abdul encounter in Pulwama and one more was Jail. Arms and explosives were recovered from Rahim Wagay who had been missing senior arrested in Sopore. A HM terrorist was shot Doda and Poonch districts. October 2006, were recovered from Pulwama dead by LeT cadres at Kulthu Chilly, Gandoh. May 1: Police claimed to have solved many terrorists and Srinagar. A civilian injured in a grenade 19 Bangladeshi were arrested from strikes, including the attack on Mirwaiz and attack, succumbed to his injuries. Two International Border. Hurriyat Hqrs, by arresting a woman and 12 terrorists were arrested in Pulwama said it had April 21: Two terrorists surrendered in sector "out source" terrorists. A SPO was killed in and five others with fake currency worth Rs on their return from PoK. A CRPF jawan an encounter in . A terrorist hideout 2500 were arrested from Sangrampora, Patan. succumbed to his injuries while DC Kupwara was busted in Thathri, Doda. US designated An Army jawan committed suicide at ordered enquiry into death of a woman and HuM, JeM and LeT as terrorist outfits. Sangrama. Lashkar asked Huriyat factions to sanctioned ex-gratia in favour of her family. May 2: An Al-Badar terrorist group was reportedly Unite. While the foreign secretary expressed Two civilians were beheaded by terrorists in trapped in an encounter in Kupwara. WG India's readness for CBMs and n-doctrine Kala Gawa forests in Budhal, Rajouri. PDP favour Rs 5 lakh relief for kin of militancy with Pak, GoC Northern Command said that advocated safe passage to Kashmiri youth. victims and return of Kashmiri youth from Pak. sea route was being used for infiltration and The investigations in the missing of Election Advocating a free economic zone for J&K, with 1500 terrorists in action, Army could not Identity Cards in Rajouri suggested that these Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said that go back to barracks. cards our being used by terrorists to arrange government was considering self-rule for April 12: Four ultras, including a Congress worker and passports. J&K. his wife were arrested while a fidayeen April 22: Three HM terrorists, including deserter SPO, May 3: An OGW was arrested in Doda while a managed to escape as police foiled a plot to were killed by LeT terrorists in the hilly area Bangladeshi was arrested in Nikki Tawi area kill CM at Ramban rally. A colonel and a SSP of Kither, Gandoh. Two terrorists were killed of Jammu. Addressing a seminar, Governor were among 11 chargesheeted in a fake in an encounter at Zainpora, Pulwama, while Lt. Gen. SK Sinha opposed troop reduction encounter case. 82 cross at Kaman Post. one more terrorist was killed and a jawan and making LoC irrelevant. April 13: Five top terrorists were killed in an encounter injured in another encounter in Rangwar May 4: A top HM terrorist Riyaz Deva was killed in at Navapachi, Doda. A civilian was injured in forests in Kupwara. an encounter at Khalhar, Anantnag. An Army a grenade attack at , Srinagar. A addressed a rally at Idgah Srinagar in which jawan was killed in an encounter at Bapora- soldier was found dead with gunshot wounds LeT terrorists made display of weapons. LeT Aragam, Bandipore. Terrorist made an in his camp in Uri. A Pakistani youth was terrorists admited hand in Mumbai blasts. unsuccessful attempt to target a convoy as repatriated to Rangers. April 23: Three terrorists were killed in Kashmir valley. the grenade exploded without causing any April 14: Dreaded terrorists Pinto Malik of Littar was As RTC III favoured increased cross LoC damage. Pak national was arrested in Ramgarh among two terrorists at Wahil Nowgam in movement of people, goods, BJP alleges that sector. MHA team visited Talwara camp. Shopian-Kulgam belt. CRPF jawan, fired upon RTC was discussing Musharraf's agenda and by suspected terrorists at Batmaloo, disassociate from Leh observed a bandh in support of demand. (Contd. on Page 23) KASHMIR SENTINEL CONTINUATION June 2007 CONTINUATION 23

(From Page 22) house at Gundpora, Pulwama. A major tragedy just outside his office. Police claimed to have May 5: Five exfiltrators were arrested in Kashmir was averted as civilians found a live mortar arrested the longest surviving and most valley. Security forces busted a hideout and shell at Telgam Payeen Kupwara which was wanted HM terrorist, Ghulam Hassan Mir also recovered arms and ammunition at later defused. A headess body of a suspected Shabnam in Srinagar city. 10 infiltrators Doodaban, Handwara. Police seized a terrorist was found in . surrendered in Tangdhar. Two encounters stabilized IED. Geelani blame Pakistan for May 13: Three top HM terrorists were killed in two were reportedly on in Kupwara and misfortune of Kashmiris. Defence Minister Mr encounters in Gool Ramban and Navapachi, Awantipore. Rejecting trifurcation suggestion Antony said that Pak will have to demarcate Doda. A hide-out was busted at Marwah, of Sajjad Lone, Mr Geelani described it as an AGPL in Siachen. Doda. Union MoS Commerce Jairam Ramesh attempt of diversion. One person was killed May 6: Three persons, including a girl, were injured opined that cross-LoC trade had huge and another injured in an explosion at as terrorists lobbed a hand grenade at a potential. Hiranagar. Congress rally at Nanil, Anantnag. Terrorists May 14: A terrorist was killed in Sopore. Terrorists May 24: One terrorist was killed in a gunbattle at kidnapped a Radio Kashmir correspondent killed an ex-terrorist at Chanjimullah, Sangrampatti, Kupwara. Body of a terrorist from Srinagar and released him after severe Handwara. A seven year old boy was injured was recovered near Rambiara in Shopian. beating. Terrorists snatched the rifle of a VDC as he fiddled with an explosive device in Bodies of three terrorists were recovered from member in Doda. Soldiers in Kargil and Drass Trehgam. Mufti Mohammad Syeed claimed upper reaches of Ramsu in Ramban. In a new to get high attitude gear like their counterparts that "Self-Rule" document will be made public twist to "Missing Persons Issue", two missing posted at Siachen. soon. persons surfaced after working at different May 7: HM terrorist was killed in Doda. Troops de- May 15: Two LeT terrorists were killed in places outside the state; DC had even paid stroyed a hideout at Richon, Drabshala in district, Two terrorists were arrested in exgratia in favour of their families. 103 cross Kishtwar and seized arms and ammunition. Kupwara. Terrorists triggered a blast in Tral LoC on "Karvan-e-Aman". J&K government 106 cross LoC at Chakkan-Da-Bagh. Spiritual causing injuries to three CRPF personnel. opposed cut in security forces. Guru Ravi Shankar visited migrant camps at Terrorists attempt to blow an under May 25: Terrorists gunned down a civilian at Champal, Purkhoo and Muthi and said that KPs have construction railway track was foiled in Gandoh. An infiltration bid was foiled in right to live in Kashmir. Bijbehara as forces detected the IED and Sunderbani sector. Huge cache of arms and May 8: A jawan was killed and four jawans were defused it. A civilian was killed and his two ammunition was recovered in Darhal, Rajouri. injured while the newly infiltrating terrorists family members injured as troops opened fire Euro Parliament blasted Pak for HR violations managed their escape in an encounter near an them in case of mistaken identity. in Gilgit, . LoC in Machil-Keran belt. Two terrorists, and May 16: Two terrorists were killed in an encounter at May 26: Terrorists shot dead a counter insurgent in a jawan were killed in a fierce encounter at Brail in ;Budgam. An IED was detected and Kulgam; a soldier was killed in an IED blast in Chowgal, Handwara. Security forces recov- defused at Loktipora, Bijbehara. An OGW was Kupwara. Two persons were found dead in ered 165 kgs RDX and other ammunition as arrested at Murran road, Pulwama; two Kangan. An Army jawan was killed and they busted two hideouts in Doda. A youth, terrorists were arrested in Trehgam. A LeT another seriously injured as Army foiled yet arrested in connection with killing of two commander was killed in Thannamandi. PDF another infiltration bid in Mankote sector in civilians, ended his life by slitting his throat Chief Hakeem Yasin stressed on HM chief's Poonch. A terrorist surrendered before with a knife in Budhal Police Station. A SPO involvement in talks, PDP patron Mufti security forces in Rajouri. A live grenade was shot himself dead at Roulka Picket in Kathua. Mohammad Sayeed said that delay in troop seized under a seat from a local bus at Doda Union MoS Home Mr Jaiswal said that LeT reduction will complicate matters. Bus Stand. was training women militants in Pak. BJP May 17: A wireless operator of HM was arrested at May 27: Two infiltrators were killed in an encounter leader Jaswant Singh took exception to the Shah Nagri, Handwara. A terrorist hideout was on the LoC in Kupwara; four others managed centres's 'out sourcing' of Kashmir policy. busted in Trehgam. An Army jawan shot their escape. An IED was spotted and defused May 9: While five terrorists, belonging to freshly himself dead at Core Hqs. Nagrota. NC leader at Watter Khani, Kupwara. A HM Commander, infiltrated groups, were eliminated in two Mr Rahim Rather said that NC will fight all son of a retired Zonal Education Officer, was encounters in Kupwara a group of four others conspiracies aimed at weakening special killed in Doda. A terrorist hide-out was was reportedly trapped in yet another status enjoyed by J&K. destroyed in Latti Udhampur. Nicholson, encounter in the same district. A civilian was May 18: Five Kashmiri exfilitrators and a HM terrorist European Parliament's rapporteur, described killed by terrorists at Hardo Sheva, Sopore. were arrested in Kashmir valley. 17 Gilgat and Baltistan as black holes and opined Terrorists smashed window panes him and Bangladeshis were arrested from Malabela in that PoK was in chains. fired some rounds at a house at Reshipora, Akhnoor sector. India voiced concern over May 28: Security forces arrested three OGWs in Rajouri Awantipore. A jawan was killed and another continued infiltration, NC President Omar and Ramban districts and recovered 10 hand injured in accidental blast at firing-range in Abdullah called for cease-fire and talks with grenades. Terrorists shot dead a woman in Hiranagar, Kathua. Addressing a public HM. A terrorist strike at a mosque in Bijbehara. Police arrested an OGW of JuM meeting at Vilgam Kupwara, Dr Farooq Hyderabad left 12 dead and 50 wounded. and recovered arms and ammunition from his Abdullah said that Kashmir can never become May 19: An Army jawan was killed in a terrorist strike possession. A PoK woman was released on part of Pakistan. dlashes a letter in Baramulal. While one another died of bail by a local court in Kupwara. Mr Omar to Mr. Vajpayee, calling him to own his baby- mysterious gunshot wounds in Badami Bagh Abdullah opposed division of J&K state. the peace process and support it. MoS Home cantonment Police recovered fake currency Mr Jaiswal said that a government committee May 29: A terrorist and a drug peddler were arrested notes worth Rs one lakh and explosive in Doda. will review SPL Powers Act enforced in J&K. material from a car in Shopian. May 10: Body of a woman was fished out from Jhelum May 20: Yasin Malik began his so-called "Safar-e- May 30: DySP Shailey Singh, who had many successful operations against terrorists, was at Hajan while another body was recovered Azadi" from Mati Gawran, . from Puhroo. Two newly infiltrated terrorists Expressing happiness over return of some KP killed by terrorists in Doda. Three infiltrators were shot dead while two others managed were arrested in Kupwara. Two Pakistani families to Bumai, Sopore, Mr Soz described terrorists admitted that terrorist training camps KPs as integral part of JK civilization. Mr their escape in Balakote sector of Mendhar, were still operating in PoK. 65 cross LoC on opined that self-rule will divide Poonch. A LeT terrorist was killed in Bandipore. Police claimed to have arrested a Karvaan-e-Aman. MoS defence admits surge J&K. in infiltration. May 21: A police cop and two SPOs were hurt in a terrorist Riyaz Khan of Helmatpora after his return from PoK. The family refuted the claim May 11: Four soldiers injured in fierce encounter on grenade blast on a minority police picket at May 8, succumbed to their injuries. Police Nagni, Kishtwar. Two Kashmiri youth were and said that Khan surrendered after his busted a hideout at Sherpora and recovered held with one million Euro in Manali. Unified return on a Pakistani Passport and Indian visa. war like stores. A terrorist, who lost his limbs Hqtrs. was informed that Multi Agency Cen- May 31: A dreaded LeT terrorist and his associate in October 2005 earthquake in PoK, tre has been set up to coordinate intelligence were killed by police at Asthanmarg, Gool. surrendered before the police. An Army jawan inputs amidst reports that 120 terrorists have Two HM terrorists were arrested from Marmat, died in an accidental mortar blast. Two local infiltrated since April 2007. Doda. Three officials were arrested for terrorists were arrested in Baramulla. Kargil May 22: Seven terrorists, a soldier and a civilian were sheltering Shailey Singh's Killers. Two observed a bandh against allotment of three killed in three gunbattles in . terrorists were killed in an encounter in Tral. council seats to Buddhist dominated Zanskar Arms and ammunition were recovered in two Three soldiers were injured in an IED blast in area. different operations in RS Pura and Gandoh. Sopore. Muslim leaders resented Army move May 12: Two terrorists, including a HM commander, Sajjad Lone suggested J&K's trifurcation. to renovate or construct shrines and mosques were killed in an encounter at Tarzoo, Sopore. May 23: DySP Mendhar Yougal Manhas and his driver in J&K. POW's kin leave for Pak in hope of Terrorists shot dead a civilian at his host's were injured as terrorists struck at Manhas locating there kin in Pak jails. KASHMIR SENTINEL June 2007 24 Ancient City Of Gaya Is Facing Decay By J N Raina temple by the side of Maha Bodhi Tree in 250 BC and erected boggling. a diamond throne (Vajrasana) on the exact spot where Buddha Private firms make a lot of money in garbage business. A t is ridiculous that most of the Hindu sites of worship, saw ‘Light’ under the Tree. There he became Enlightened One. firm—which manages and treats waste in seven cities—bid- serving as a lifeline for millions of people, directly or ding for Delhi’s garbage, has an annual turnover of Rs indirectly, are surrounded by filth. They have been I 600 crore. The Gaya administration’s turnover could rendered ‘unholy’, because as the saying goes: “What is be more if it takes over garbage business. Gaya Cor- unclean is unholy”. poration can easily pay its scavengers, who had struck Several ancient temples, which are not on the radar work for non-payment of dues. But the Gaya of political parties speaking at hoarse for , are administration’s attention is not gripped by such novel practically dead for pilgrimage. What is regarded as holy ideas. has become unholy, because of both public and official Nothing is orderly in Gaya. Nearly 2000 apathy. ‘pandas’(priests), who have been performing What exactly is in my heart of hearts bespeaks of the pinddhan for centuries, are unorganized. Former Union holy city of Gaya (Bihar), where heaps of garbage re- Tourism Minister Jagmohan can play a vital role in main lying on the roads, lanes and by-lanes for months, doing away with the age-old system and removing the due to administrative indifference. People are also to be ills of Gaya. He can help in establishing a trust or a blamed. They do not protest. Board, like the one he had done in Jammu and Kash- It was nauseating to be in Gaya, where I had been mir for Mata Vaishnudevi and Swami Amarnath Yatra. recently on pilgrimage. Gaya is one of the oldest and the He had removed the age-old system of ‘baradaris’ most sacred cities in India, second only to Varanasi in .Since then, millions of yatris have been visiting sanctity. The city has been built around Vishnupad Vaishnodevi and Amarnath cave every year because Temple, revered by Hindus all over the globe for centu- of better system. If a new Government-controlled ries. The Temple is the pilgrims’ main attraction. system is introduced in Gaya, millions of Hindu pil- According to a legend, the temple has been con- grims, in spite of subsidy, can rush to Gaya and per- structed over the footprints of Lord Vishnu, on a boul- form tension-free pinddhan. One fails to understand der, which rises on the west bank of river Phalgu. The as to why Jagmohan did nothing for Gaya during his temple was renovated in 1787 by Ahalya Bai, princess tenure. of Indore. It is octagonal in shape,100 feet high, with a Buddha, Bodh Gaya Even non-resident Indians can do a yeoman ser- pyramidal roof , which culminates in a single golden This stone Buddha, measuring 20 m (66 ft) high, is in a temple in vice for developing Gaya as a modern pilgrim centre. pinnacle, surmounted by a large gilded flag. Pilgrims Bodh Gaya, Bihar state. Vishnupad Temple can be renovated . It is facing de- visit Gaya to perform ‘pinddhan’, a ritual to pray for cay. Like Ganga Action Plan, there can be Gaya Ac- the souls of one’s ancestors to purgatory. As soon as a pilgrim lands in Gaya, ‘pandas’ (priests) will tion Plan. There can be a separate sub-plan for rive Phalgu, In Gaya, hardly a road-strip was visible without mounds be the first to greet him. When I, along with my wife landed at which looks apparently dry, but digging just six inches deep of stinking garbage and cesspools. I was told that scavengers the Gaya Railway station from Varanasi at around 4.30 am, a yields water, sufficient to serve the limited purpose of per- are not paid for months by the Gaya Municipal Corpora- dhoti-clad ‘panda’ met me at the platform itself, to offer his forming pinddhan. The river is also called “Guphta Ganga” tion, which is starved of funds. As a result, the garbage keeps services for performing pinddhan. With great difficulty I (hidden Ganga). The job of digging is done presently by on accumulating, and lying on the roads, without public pro- avoided him by telling a lie that I had come for a different young boys for a small payment of Rs ten or so. test. purpose. In fact, I had arranged for a priest through my con- Bodh Gaya, the cradle of Buddhism, resembles a modern The Vishnupad temple is located in the heart of the old tact in Gaya. I knew there would be lot of harassment from township, just 11 km from Gaya, which is pretty clean and city, amidst dirty environment. The district administration such ‘pandas’. Even when we were busy performing the ritual holy in true spirit. Millions of Buddhists from all over the pays little attention towards the problem. In hotels, mosqui- on Phalgu river, a group of ‘pandas’ approached us and cre- world keep thronging there by air, train or other modes of toes rule the roost because of dirt and cobwebs. It is a taboo ated a scene. They wanted the pinddhan to be performed by transport arranged by private operators. Surprisingly, the to keep the surroundings clean. Power cut is frequent. Light them. They traced an old record when my father and uncle had Buddhist pilgrims generally avoid going to Bodh Gaya via is erratic. gone to Gaya for performing pinddhan. I was supposed to get Gaya, because of the ugly environment. While Japan and In contrast, the nearby township of Bodh Gaya wears a it done by them, since we are under their jurisdiction. several Buddhist countries have evinced keen interest for the festive look. Foreigners from Buddhist countries, including The Gaya administration can utilize the services of private maintenance of Bodh Gaya, neither the Indian Government Japan and China, visit the historic city frequently. Strangely firms for disposal of garbage. Private companies in metropoli- nor a plenty of Hindu organization have taken any interest in enough, Japan has constructed tarred roads leading to Bodh tan cities like Delhi and Mumbai earn crores of rupees by the development of the ancient city of Gaya, which has the Gaya, for smooth pilgrimage. It was in Bodh Gaya that Prince processing waste and generating energy. Garbage collection is potential of attracting millions of Hindu pilgrims. Massive Gautam (who later came to be known as Lord Buddha) at- a big business. Delhi alone generates a whooping 7000 tonnes funds are needed to make Gaya clean, which is infested with tained Supreme Enlightenment (Samma Sambodhi) under the of waste daily. I can simply hazard a guess that millions of lot of filth and garbage. sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Bodh Gaya was known as “Bodhi tones of garbage must have got collected in Gaya. It is mind- *(The writer is a Veteran Journalist, based in Pune) Mandapa” in ancient times. Emperor Ashoka later built a

Kuldeep Rana was no stranger to me, even before Prof. Sarwari introduced me to him. I Kuldeep Rana-A Memoir used to read his columns in ‘The Daily Dr. Brij Premi Both he and myself virtually chased emi- Khidmat’ and Sunday edition of ‘The Daily nent poets and writers, whenever they vis- Aftab’. His writings reflected intellectual t was a cold Wintery evening, Srinagar was ited Kashmir and benefited from our interac- depth and brought forth new trends in liter- under a thick carpet of snow. The news tions with them. In 1968 Krishan Chander ary journalism. He became a familiar name in Iabout the demise of Kuldeep Rana carried and Salma Sidiquee visited Kashmir and the writers’ fraternity. It was around this time by the evening bulletin of Radio Kashmir be- stayed in the Srinagar Circuit House. We met that he published his Urdu novel, which was numbed me. For a moment I could not recon- Krishan Chander and had discussions with received well. He was at the Zenith of his cile that Kuldeep Rana, a handsome man with him which spread over three days. There was literaty career, his new name as Kuldeep Rana fine intellect was no more in this world. a photographic session also with him. I get was conferred the recognition. My nostalgic memories went back to the emotional on seeing these photographs. It remains enigmatic to me how he devel- day when I had first met Rana twenty five Kuldeep Rana had finished his Masters oped taste to write short stories. His first years back. It was a chance meeting. Prof. collection titled “Tanhaiyan”, was published Degree and was working for Doctorate on Dr. Brij Premi with Krishen Chander & AQ Sarwari had introduced Kuldeep Rana to in 1967-68. The collection carried introduc- ‘Urdu Literature after Prem Chand’. It was short story writer & broadcaster Kuldeep me by his real name-Janki Nath. The Profes- tory comments by eminent literateurs-Pro- at the time that he received the appointment Rana at Circuit House, Srinagar. sor always called him by this name, Kuldeep orders as Newsreader in Radio Kashmir. He fessor Sarwari, Prof. Shakeel-ur-Rehman, would feel inconvenient. could no longer pursue his Doctorate. Mean- Kamal Siddiqui and Dr. Shamir Nikhat. tualism. Kuldeep Rana always looked impa- After this meeting, we began meeting quite while, he was transferred to Delhi and stayed He was ecstatic when a literary journal tient, a man in hurry. He had mastered well frequently. Kuldeep Rana had rented a room there for sixteen long years. Our meetings be- ‘Shabi-Khoon’, brought out from Allahabad, the language he chose as the medium to write in the Habbakdal quarter of Srinagar. This room came less frequent, but whenever Kuldeep vis- published his short story. Kuldeep Rana was his creative stories. Like Prem Nath Pardesi became a meeting point for his like-minded ited Srinagar he would never miss a chance to a perfectionist in the choice of subject matter and Prem Nath Dhar his literary talents suf- friends to socialize and indulge in animated meet his friends with the same enthusiasm for his stories and selected titles with great fered due to full-time work in the Radio. Had discussions. It was this small room, where and warmth as before. His smile never van- care. He displayed keen insight into emotional he continued to live Rana would have attained Kuldeep Rana penned down many of his short ished from his face. In his Coffee House inter- and psychological dimensions of society. greater heights in the field of literature. I sa- stories. I had the privilege to listen to these actions, he would not mind speaking a little Human agonies and tragedies found place as a lute this great craftsman of words. stories from him. At times he invited criticism louder to drive home his argument. People prominent theme in his stories. His other in- *(Translated from original Urdu by Sh. from me and his other adversaries, but this could make out his presence from a distance. terests included depiction of nature and spiri- SK Handoo). never impinged upon our friendship.