REKHA CHOWDHARY KASHMIR ISSUE RAKESH ANKIT Gender and Conflict Whose was Look Back, Look Farward Situation in Kashmir Kashmir to be ? By Talib Malik EpilogueJ & K ’ S M O N T H LY M A G A Z I N E ISSN : 0974-5653 N E W S , C U R R E N T A F F A I R S , S O C I A L S C I E N C E S SILVER LINING IN DARK CLOUDS T W O Y E A R S O F CROSS LoC TRADE REFLECTIONS ON KASHMIR SITUATION N N Vohra, Prof Saifuddin Soz Governor, J&K President Congress Party J&k Unit Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Muzaffar Baig, Chairman APHC-M Senior PDP Leader M Y Tarigami, Bilal Lone, MLA, Secretary J&k State Committee, CPI-M Chairman J&K People's Conference Taj Mohi-ud-din Bashir Manzar Minister Public Health Engg., Irri. & Flood Control, Editor Kashmir Images, Srinagar Rigzin Jora, Hashim Qureshi Minister of Tourism & Culture Chairman J&K Democratic Liberation Party Nasir Hussain Munshi, Prof. Abdul Ghani Bhatt, Councillor LAHDC-K Chairman Muslim Conference Tsewang Rigzin, Aak Kacho, Associate Editor Epilogue Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC-Kargil Lobzang Rinchen, Thupstan Chhewang, 2010 / Vol 4 Issue 10 || Price Rs. 30 Postal Regd. No. JK-350/2009-11 www.epilogue.in , President Ladakh Buddhist Association Senior Leader LUTF, Former MP Phunstog Namgyal, Rigzin Spalbar, Congress Leader, Former Union Minister Former Chairman & CEO LAHDC Tsering Dorje, Mohammad Shafi Lassu,

October 1 LUTF Chairman & CEO LAHDC Anjumian Moin-ul-Islam, Leh ,

Contributed by Belgian Association for Solidarity with J&K Jammu

1 Epilogue because there is more to know

www.epilogue.in C O N T E N T

Editor Prologue 2 Zafar Iqbal Choudhary Contributors to this Issue 3

Publisher SILVER LINING Kashmir Look Back, Look Ahead 5 Yogesh Pandoh Talib Malik I N D A R K C L O U D S Another questions to ponder over 7 Consulting Editor in Kashmir D. Suba Chandran Basheer Ahmad Peer Manu Srivastsa T W O Y E A R S O F Column Associate Editors History of Ladakh in the Mughal 43 Historical Sources Irm Amin Baig Prof. Jigar Mohammad Tsewang Rigzin CROSS LoC TRADE Zorawar Singh Jamwal Exclusive Series Whose was Kashmir to be ? 45 Volume 4, Issue 10, October 2010 Rakesh Ankit General Manager Kartavya Pandoh Book I N FOCUS Gender and Conflict 48 Situation in Kashmir Art Editor Cross LoC Trade Keshav Sharma Rekha Chowdhary 27 Darks Clouds and a Silver Lining Research Officer Zafar Choudhary & Suba Chandran Raman Sharma 28 The story so far 28 Trade “to” Other Kashmir or Trade Phones & email “Through” Other Kashmir? : The Office : +91 191 2493136 Problem of Perceptions 28 South Indian Coconuts and Chinese Editorial: +91 94191 80762 Garlic in Cross-LoC Trade : The Administration: +91 94191 82518 Problem of Proxies subscriptions : +91 90188 87136 29 Interview : YV Sharma [email protected] 30 I send Apples, You may like to send [email protected] Onions, or Ajwain : The problem of a Barter Trader Printed and Published by 31 Interview : Nazir A Dar Yogesh Pandoh for Epilogue 32 I don’t know whom I’m trading with : NewsCraft from Ibadat House, The problem of connectivity Madrasa Lane, Near Graveyard, 34 More New Routes or Strengthen the Bathindi Top, Jammu, J&K - 180012 Existing ones ? : The Problem of Expectations and Printed at : DEE DEE 35 Problems Galore, but there is a Silver Reprographix, 3 Aikta Ashram, New Lining Rehari Jammu (J&K) 35 Interview : Rakesh Gupta 36 Interview : Mubeen Shah Disputes, if any, subject to jurisdiction 36 Interview : Shabaz Khan of courts and competitive tribunals in 38 Srinagar - Muzaffarabad Jammu only. Trade in Times of Unrest 40 Poonch - Rawalakote RNI : JKENG/2007/26070 A Report from Trade Center ISN : 00974-5653 Price : Rs 30 www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010 PROLOGUE 2 From the Editor

Time To Go Beyond Limited Travel, Symbolic Trade

ZAFAR CHOUDHARY

f you leave Kashmir issue to the people, there is no issue at all. This may be an over simplification of the problem that has been plaguing India-Pakistan relations and challenging the tranquility within Jammu and Kashmir for decades but there is one process which is pointer to the growing public sentiment for normalizing relations and enhancing contactsI across the divides. Politics plays at different levels. In Kashmir, anything which ignores the proverbial core issue is opposed strongly. Contacts across LoC offer healing touch to hundreds and thousands of those suffering the wounds of separation from the dear ones for decades but the process does not address the core issue. So what should be done? Do what is doable in these circumstances or keep the reunion hostage to politics? The former is more plausible. As a result of sustained dialogue and as compliment to the public mood, India and Pakistan launched cross LoC bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad in April 2005 and later extended the service between Poonch and Rawalakote in 2006. In 2008 JUNE 2008 Cross-LoC trade was launched simultaneously on both routes. Though both The process of Cross-LoC interactions initiatives were described as major confidence building measures but should be taken beyond limited travel actually these were thrown as challenges on the people of Jammu and and symbolic trade. Cooperation in Kashmir on both sides of divide. Crossing the divide has never been as easy tourism, education and healthcare are as said. One has to put in an application, wait for three to 18 months and go the other possibilities which should be through a range of hurdles before being able to board the Cross-LoC bus explored service. Over 20,000 applications are still pending. In case of trade, scenario is even worst. No infrastructure, no banking, no courier, no telephone, no currency exchange and still there is trade which is going up by every passing week. By every passing week people are trying to send a loud and clear message to the government on both sides that they are against the divides and they want the lines blurred. Is there anyone taking this message? As far as the public involvement and eagerness to transcend the barriers is concerned, the process of Cross-LoC interactions should be taken beyond limited travel and symbolic trade. Cooperation in tourism, education and healthcare are the other possibilities which should be explored. Reflecting upon the popular sentiment, the civil society groups and conflict transformation organizations are already pushing for cooperation in these areas. Governments in New Delhi and Islamabad must take this message seriously.

Feedback : [email protected] NOVEMBER 2009

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010 3 CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE

Ankit, Rakesh; (Forgotten History Maini, Varun (In Focus, P40); is p45) is a young historian from Bihar. based in Poonch As a Rhodes Scholar recently he studied various missing links in the Malik, Talib (Perspectives, P5); is a making of Kashmir conflict. Based social activist based at Rajouri. He on his first hand study, he is retired from an administrative contributing exclusive series to position in J&K Government Epilogue Mohammed, Prof Jigar; (History, Chandran, D Suba; (In Focus, p27) p43) is professor of History at the is Deputy Director at Institute of University of Jammu. He is Peace and Conflict Studies. Author associated with Epilogue since of many books and an acclaimed inception as Editorial Advisor on expert on Kashmir and Indo-Pak History of Jammu and Kashmir relations, he is Consulting Editor of Epilogue Magazine Peer, Basheer Ahmed (Perspectives, P7); is based in Chowdhary, Rekha (Books & Kupwara, north Kashmir and Reviews, P48), is Professor of working as a researcher with New Political Science at the University of Delhi based Charkha Development Jammu and Communication Network

Hussain, Bilal (In Focus, P38); is a Sandy, Sandeep Singh (In Focus, financial Journalist and writer. In P36); is a scholar of Political Science 2009 he attended the McGraw-Hill and currently engaged with a New Personal Finance Reporting Program Delhi based peace NGO Courses, supported by The International Center for Journalists. Currently he is associated with premier daily, Kashmir Times

Readers' requests for getting in touch with the authors, for feedback, comments and further discussions on their subjects of interest, are welcome. Since all authors/contributors are not interested in taking mails directly, the readers are requested to send us interview requests at [email protected] for passing on to the authors

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010 VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION DAY, IST OCTOBER 201 BLOOD DONATION CAN SAVE LIFE

Who can donate Blood ? Where don donate blood ? qHealthy Person between 18-60 years of age qIn Blood Bank qPerson having weight not less than 45 kgs qIn a Blood Donation Camp

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After donation one can attend his Remember : routine work within half an hour Blood Donation is Social & Moral Responsibility No. : DIP/J-6493/2010 HEALTH EDUCATION BUREAU DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH SERVICES, JAMMU 5 kashmir Opinion

KASHMIR ISSUE Look Back, Look Ahead

TALIB MALIK

It becomes a moral duty to reorganize the state on taking into consideration its multi-dimensional dissimilarities in culture, language, ethnicity, geography, history and political perceptions of Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Rajouri-Poonch and Udhampur-Doda and work out a political mechanism which could make each region the master of its own destiny and grow freely under an umbrella of a larger autonomy with well-know economic dimensions

he state of Jammu and Kashmir signed the instrument of Taccession on October 26, 1947, in an extra ordinary situation, subject to the condition that a plebiscite would be held in the state when Law and order situation allowed it. Anyhow the same could not be held till date because of various checks and balances operating from within and without. Mahatma Gandhi once referred Kashmir as the "Crown of India" but did not call it her head. A crown is a part of one's image but not of his essential being, and this perception is at the root of Kashmir's claim to Autonomy or Azadi. Actually there never was an organized movement in Jammu and Kashmir favouring accession to India even among being a Muslim majority state, while the The Indian leadership taking Hindu population. It was the raiders leaders of Indian National Congress advantage of this situation offered the who forced this state to accede to India wanted Kashmir to make a choice in help only on the condition, that the in search of security and support. It was favour of secular India rejecting two- state accedes to India with full sport of at this crucial juncture of 1947, when nation theory on the basis of which National Conference, the predominant the Indian sub-continent was destined Pakistan had already taken its birth. The political party under its undisputed to gain independence and the fate had Maharaja found it difficult to decide in leader Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah. So to shape it into two sovereign states of favour of the either side or remain the state of Jammu and Kashmir was India and Pakistan. Due to geographical independent. It was only when and compelled to accede to India but on placement of Jammu and Kashmir, it emergency arose on account of tribal three subjects only, i.e. Defence, had a chance to join either of the two entry into the state that Maharaja had external affairs and communication. dominions. The leaders of Pakistan to find out external sport to face the The interim government of the state expected it to join their dominion, as challenge. that was formed under the leadership of

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Sheikh Abdullah in October 1947 tried the Sheikh Abdullah's arrest, the Beig-Parthasarthy accord and its best to secure and safeguard the Autonomy of the state was destroyed Sheikh Abdullah's assumption of power special position for the state and bit by bit in connivance with the state i n 1 9 7 5 s e e m e d a w e l c o m e succeeded in corporating it into legal legislature elected through massive development, but the manner in which and constitutional framework of Indian rigging and use of naked force. the Late Girdhari Lal Dogra was asked to union through an agreement between Indianisation of the state might have step-down as leader of Congress center and state leadership. Thus on the worked if it had functioned honestly, Legislature Party to make way for Mufti promulgation of the Indian constitution but by unfair and foul means, India Mohammad Sayeed in mid-1975, with an on January 26, 1950 it was made clear attracted much of the popular disgust eye on the office of the Chief Minister by that only two articles i.e. Article 1, and discredit. Moreover communal the Congress withdrawing support to which declared Jammu and Kashmir to riots of 1950 and anti-autonomy Sheikh Abdullah was yet another be a part of Indian Union, and article agitation of Jammu-based Parja exposure. Anyhow, his impressive 370, which defined the special status Parishad made common Kashmiri fear electoral victory in 1977 in what has granted to it, will apply in-full to the been considered to be the most fair state. It stipulated that Legislative What the times demand is honesty, election in the state, an era of peace and prosperity prevailed in the state till Authority of Parliament in respect of courage, vision and creativity to Jammu and Kashmir would be confined his death in 1982. All the separatist to the matters specified in the explore a course which all the sides powers seized to exist in Kashmir. Dr. instrument of accession only. can accept. The best and possible Farooq's impressive electoral Accordingly a constituent way to resolve the existing deadlock performance in the state in 1983 was Assembly was formed in the state in is to implement the article 370 in the outcome of the same legacy. The roots 1951. The Assembly was assigned the true spirit and restoring to pre-1953 of present crises in the state can be task of framing of its own constitution safely traced back to Dr. Farooq's for the state within the framework of position. There is no other dismissal in July 1984. It was during the special position it was agreed upon. democratic way sensing the popular Governor/President rule in 1986-87 that Anyhow, the central leadership under mood in the entire state. The the extremists started gaining strength communal pressure, forced Sheikh restoration of autonomy within the and the state parties with secular Abdullah to change the promised frame of Delhi Agreement of 1952 ideology like the National Conference Autonomy of 1950, and come to a new would definitely give a sense of started losing ground, and new faces compromise with the central with more non-secular tinge started leadership, that resulted in what came achievement to the people of gaining popular sport in the valley. to be known as the "Delhi Agreement of Kashmir However it is not yet clear, 1952". But, in spite of this probably not even to the separatist understanding the relations between that their autonomy was in danger. The leadership what exactly they want and the two did not sustain any longer. The response of Sheikh Abdullah as their to legitimize their demand and state leadership was pressurized again leader was only natural and the way e x p e c t a t i o n s . K a s h m i r i s a r e for a new agreement. The political his voice was muzzled, that killed sophisticated enough to realize that only events of 1953, that led to the creditability of India in their eyes. The a high level of autonomy or Azadi can be dismissal of Sheikh Abdullah, the most story of the later accords i.e. Indira the goal. What about the surrounding potent advocate of the state's Gandhi - Sheikh Abdullah accord of Muslim-majority regions of Kargil, Autonomy, facilitated the process of 1974 and Rajiv-Farooq accord of 1986 Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri and Poonch if, grater merger of state within the was not much different. It is argued at all, it is to become a sort of "Mini- Indian Union, beginning with the that conditions of disorder, militancy Pakistan"! Such a blatant communal Parliament order of 1954, which left and recent struggle, have caused by approach will carry disturbing potential only the provision the "State Subject" the insensitivity of the government of and may not necessarily reflect the of sum effective worth with the state, India to words its commitment to interests and sober decision of many so for as article 370 was concerned. In Jammu and Kashmir that led to the rise people and repeat the communal riots the decade and a half that followed of militant separatism. of 1947. A man of wisdom may not

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appreciate it in 21st century. In a way it umbrella of a larger autonomy with is the revival of two-nation theory well-know economic dimensions. In Another which has already died it's own death in the case of Jammu and Kashmir, what 1971 with the formation of Bangladesh. we need is a just and beneficent question to Bangladesh has become 4th poorest out regime which is responsive to the of almost 200 countries of the world. needs of the people, particularly the Day in and day out, the people of youth. We must insist upon an ponder over Bangladesh are caught, both male and educational curricula stressing to the female, on Indian borders and in y o u n g s t u d e n t s t h e n e e d o f in Kashmir International market to be sold out of understanding each region. A dialog be poverty. The condition of Pakistan is not encouraged among the , people of all BASHEER AHMAD PEER much different. An undeclared war is the regions and sub-regions of Jammu being fought within and outside Pakistan. and Kashmir state at an informal level, The question has reached of its own survival. including interregional study-tours. The northern regions of Gulgit and Although psychological and Despite the euphoria over schools Biltistan etc, once a part of Jammu and biological studies show that human re-opening in the Valley, is all Kashmir, are fighting for their "right to beings attain maturity only after really well with the education vote" for the last more than 65 years. reaching middle age, they are not in a system, existing now for decades? The position of so-called Azad Kashmir position to form any sound opinion on If indeed Kashmiri youth need all is not different. The champions of the realities of life and need a mature the opportunities to compete with Jamat-e-Islami, at the head of the wisdom. The beautiful valley of Kashmir recent agitation have already served its created by God, is well on it way to best and brightest in the country "Purpose" in Pakistan. Their entire being ruined by man. We have to work surely, this merits a closer look literature stands banned in Bangladesh. sincerely to save it in the interest if all and possibly concerted action on If we do not want to repeat the humanity. We have to stop counting the ground. history all over again but benefit by our dead-bodies and number of days the lessons from it, we should avoid involved in it. You are free to use ashmir has been under severe peaceful methods, but you are not such fatal risks. Being the custodians duress for the last three months of the faith, we are not supposed make entitled to use violence. What the times taking a heavy toll on everyday an "island" of Islam, but to carry the demand is honesty, courage, vision and K lives of ordinary citizens. As is often the massage of the creation plan of God to creativity to explore a course which all case in areas of conflict, the worst hit a common man. We should clear the the sides can accept. The best and and the most vulnerable are the chil- doubts of the people of Jammu, possible way to resolve the existing dren. With schools not being able to Ladakh and other regions and try to deadlock is to implement the article 370 function, anxious parents cloistering win their love and cooperation for a in the true spirit and restoring to pre- mutual goal. Peaceful co-existence is 1953 position. There is no other their wards at home, they faced a dis- the only way of existences in this democratic way sensing the popular turbing scenario of uncovered syllabus world. It becomes a moral duty to mood in the entire state. The and perhaps even the possible loss of an reorganize the state on taking into restoration of autonomy within the academic year. Mercifully, after a long consideration its multi-dimensional frame of Delhi Agreement of 1952 would gap of 100 days, schools in Srinagar and dissimilarities in culture, language, definitely give a sense of achievement parts of the valley re-opened signaling a ethnicity, geography, history and to the people of Kashmir. However it phase of peace, normalcy. political perceptions of Jammu, must settle down the demands of This is perhaps a good time to pon- Kashmir, Ladakh, Rajouri - Poonch and autonomy of other region and sub- der over whether all is well with the sys- Udhampur - Doda and work out a region as well. All other options are tem of education in the state, not only political mechanism which could make behind logic and relevance but suicidal. in times of stress but in its normal func- each region the master of its own Views expressed by author are tioning? Does the education system destiny and grow freely under an his personal which is the key to the development of

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any region, really reach the children in who made his region proud when he out of 33, passed in the government districts, in rural pockets of Kashmir? Is topped the IAS recently. An icon, the school in 2009. the opening of schools in the valley, no stuff of dreams of many a young Nilofar Jan, supervisor of the doubt a positive step forward, enough Kashmiri, the aspiration of the region Anganwadi centre sees it from the reason to cheer for the hundreds of stu- as it were. The situation of schools larger perspective of Education play- dents across Kashmir? however in Faizal's home district is far ing a crucial role in enabling the vil- The J&K State Board of School from desirable. Ghulam Muhammad lage children to join the mainstream of Education was constituted in 1975 Dar from Kunnan says “For name's society. Sadly there is much to be with a view to make elementary, sec- sake, we have two schools, a primary desired in the quality of education ondary, higher secondary education and a middle school in our village but these children are getting. “The ques- accessible to all. there are no facilities available. The tion is in this age of computer and tech- The vision was far-reaching and quality of teaching is very poor. Besides nology, if children are deprived of the purpose lofty. Let us remember the students don't have proper seating basic facilities can one say that the that this was also a different period of arrangements.” Education Board is fulfilling its respon- Kashmir's turbulent political history, The primary school in Dar sibilities? Are these only tall claims on long before militancy had set in. To Muhallah reflected this sorry state. paper?” nurture talent in the youth, ingrain the Basheer Ahmad Lone, the school head- So is there any room for euphoria best values in them and enable them master remembered when the school because schools have opened in the val- to join the mainstream in the country opened in 2005 under Sarva Shiksha ley after a long gap? No, this merely were the guiding principles. The Abhiyan (SSA) with only 33 students. indicates that the conditions which introduction of professional courses While the numbers gradually increased prevented normal functioning of and university level education was also to 66, the infrastructure remained the schools have been removed. This has visualized. same. been lauded by different sections of Today this dream seems far- The school is still run in a rented society within Kashmir about the value fetched. For children in rural areas as place which is in bad shape. There is no of education, the importance of regu- in the border district of Kupwara, toilet; no play grounds any drinking larity in school routines and curricu- school systems are in shambles. In water facilities. Rues Lone, “I am also lums. What one is not hearing are Kunnan village, a mere 7 km from the suffering with the children. Who voices addressing the gross lacuna on district headquarters, it is a story of should I go to narrate this story? When I the ground. neglect of basic facilities. Abdul Aziz visit education department, officials Euphoria apart, there is some- Shad, Numberdar( village headman) of avoid me. The progress of children is suf- thing telling about the pattern of the village, said, fering.” response to the reopening of schools “There are 400 houses in our vil- Villagers, who would like to send and educational institutions. The lage, but even with such a large popu- their children for quality education, Minister for Education, Peerzada lation, we have been ignored by the know in their hearts that this remains Mohammad Sayeed made a statement government, whether it is education elusive; it is the preserve of only those saying that in all 80% students o f h e a l t h c a r e f a c i l i t i e s . We who can afford private schools for attended schools in rural areas approached concerned authorities and their wards. Lone is quite categorical whereas urban centers recorded a 30- political leaders many a times but sent “While government schools lack in 40% attendance. back with promises. I wish we had edu- basic facilities, private schools even This surely indicates that cated youth --they would have certainly have playing facilities. Our children despite the violence that has helped the village.” have talent, but no means to nurture wracked the region in recent months Kunnan village as indeed the it”. The contrast is painful. and the complex tapestry of political whole of Kupwara district, infact Muhammad Irfan, a villager says “Pri- forces in the state today, rural Kashmir itself has a role model, Dr. vate school gives 100% result in VIIIth Kashmir has given thumbs up for qual- Shah Faisal, the medical practitioner every year, while only three students, ity education.

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010 9 kashmir Perspectives

NN VOHRA Governor, J&K

y thoughts are occupied entirely and dear ones in the recent tumult. The work allows enormous scope for divergent by the sad happenings in Kashmir Security Forces, whose personnel have viewpoints. The various differences can Min the past two months. Since also suffered significant injuries, need to and must be resolved through sustained early June this year, normalcy of life in the revisit their strategies and tactics of dialogue and discussion and not through Valley has continued to be disrupted by an crowd control for securing maximum pro- confrontations and violence. unending series of stone pelting protesta- tection of human life. All necessary steps to restore peace tions, burning of public property and The recurring calls for strikes, pro- and normalcy must be taken on the most attacks on the law enforcement agencies. cessions and day to day protestations, by immediate basis. Once normalcy is effec- These incidents have led to continuing con- whomsoever given, have resulted in the tively restored a purposeful dialogue must frontations with the Security Forces and stoppage of all business, trade and eco- commence with all those who have been generated a cycle of violence which has nomic activities, with a particularly agitating in the past months. The Centre, resulted in many persons being injured adverse consequence for those who earn on its part, would need to early launch and and 47 being killed, many of whom were their bread by daily toil. The impaired vigorously pursue a sustained political ini- young men and even women and chil- functioning of the governmental machin- tiative in J&K. dren. Whatever may have been the why's ery has impacted adversely on the delivery Like other States in the country, J&K and wherefor's of the obtaining disorder, of public services and slowed down the has also been striving to march ahead in all the loss of lives is an extremely sad con- entire developmental process. arenas of human and economic develop- sequence. My heartfelt sympathy goes The educational sector has suffered ment. However, on account of the pro- to the families who have lost their near the most irreparable damage. The contin- longed period of militancy and recurring uing disturbed environment has resulted in internal disturbances the overall develop- As President of the Belgian the complete disruption of the academic ment of the State has remained signifi- Association for Solidarity with schedules - schools, colleges, training cantly deficient on several important institutions, and universities have fronts. For achieving the goal of peace, Jammu and Kashmir, Paul remained closed in the past weeks. progress and prosperity it would be neces- Beersmans has been visiting all This year, foreign and domestic tour- sary for all political parties, all the parts of Jammu and Kashmir on ists had been arriving in large numbers. social, cultural and religious organisa- both sides of Line of Control, However, the continuing turmoil brought tions, and all other stake holders in including Gilgit and Baltistan, the tourist activities to a quick end and Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh to work since 1994. He interviews the adversely affected the livelihood of thou- together closely and determinedly. It is leaders, civil society members sands of families who live off the tourist, also necessary that every element of the and common man on the street travel and hospitality industry. With the civil society urgently organises itself to to bring in neutral view points. absence of doctors and paramedical staff, play a proactive role in promoting sanity In his latest study tour, Paul was the functioning of hospitals and medical and harmony. recently in Kashmir Valley and care units has been very badly affected, Concerted efforts are also required Ladakh where he conducted enhancing the miseries of the sick and to enhance the functioning of the adminis- interviews between June 24 the injured. The functioning of the judi- trative apparatus and promote honesty, and July 10, 2010 when the cial apparatus, upto the State High transparency and good governance in unrest was at its peak. He has Court, has also been disturbed. every sector of governmental functioning. We must work devotedly to build strong contributed to Epilogue the The people of Jammu & Kashmir have and vibrant Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh compilation of reports based on been concerned, for many years now, about certain issues relating to the State's regions in which all our people lead satis- the interviews. For more see relations with the Centre. It is indeed for- fied lives in a harmonious environment, basjak.org tunate that our liberal democratic frame- free from hunger, want and fear.

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

Prof SAIFUDDIN SOZ

President Congress Party J&K Unit

tone pelting is not for young boys. They should be home, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. You should ask the study and prepare their exams instead of provoking the common man in the market and decide yourself what is good Ssecurity forces. If you use violence as an instrument of and not as good as it should be. As far as Kashmir is concerned, dispute, there can't be peace. The gun can never decide: noth- we are not at all communal and I can assure you that the ing can be achieved by violence or force. Also in Palestine, we Amarnath Yatra will go on without incidents although Syed Ali have seen that intifada only brought misery. One should Shah Geelani tries hard to communalise this issue. respect life: live and let live. Let there be peace through dia- Track II diplomacy is on. The dialogue between India and logue and discussion. Separatist leaders should use only demo- Pakistan has been resumed. The Centre invited the separatist cratic means to further their aims. leaders for negotiations in order to normalise the situation and There are positive and negative aspects in the gover- to find a lasting peaceful solution. What happens now is to the nance of every country. In my position it is difficult to com- detrimental of the people: they are fed up with all this. Only a ment on performance of the present coalition Government small group of extremists is terrorising the whole Valley.

MIRWAIZ UMAR FAROOQ Chairman APHC-M he ongoing protest is a manifestation for freedom and for a political resolution of the long-standing Kashmir problem and not against any religion as is being projected by some news channels and communal elements. Amarnath pilgrims are guests of TKashmiris. Since ages, Kashmiris have been facilitating and will continue to facilitate a smooth Yatra. Our protests are against the human rights violations and unabated killing of innocent civilians by the police and aathe security forces. The movement has now passed on to a new generation and they would carry it forward. Our youth are being killed by troopers and cops with impunity. We feel that J&K has turned into a police state and there is complete lawlessness. By trying to suppress the freedom movement by force, New Delhi has already lost Kashmir. The youth are forced to pelt stones when their peaceful protests are quelled by use of disproportionate force. If any force is used to sabotage the peaceful protests, the reaction from the people will be harsher and the Government will be solely responsible for its consequences. Youth have taken over the baton of freedom and there is sheer sentiment on the streets. It is high time for people of India to know the truth and understand that our movement is indigenous and for a just cause. If the mainstream parties are concerned and serious over the sufferings of people, they should join APHC-M and leave the Assembly politics aside, they should come out of their rhetoric shell and lend support to the resolution of the dispute. No election, no administrative changes or economic packages can be substitute to the right of self-determination of Kashmiris. It is well established that Kashmir is not a military problem. It is a political problem and we are not averse to talks with New Delhi if it released the political prisoners, undertake demilitarisation and revoke the special powers to the security forces. India and Pakistan should discuss the Kashmir dispute on priority. Other issues including water sharing, trade links, etc. can be discussed later. I want to maintain that if any member or leader of APHC-M gives any statement, it will be in his individual capacity. Only the APHC-M spokesperson and I are empowered to make statements on behalf of the conglomerate. People want the unity among the pro-freedom camp. They want to see a united leadership. I want to maintain that it is not a leadership issue but giving the right direction to the movement and taking it to its logical conclusion. For the larger interest of the movement, I have been trying to forge unity and I hope it will soon bear fruit.

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MUZAFFAR BAIG Senior PDP Leader

he international community has double standards. A series of human rights violations in which young They don't pay attention to the Kashmir issue whereas children were killed took place. The Government's initial TPalestine gets all attention. The international media response was to justify and defend the culprits. The Chief keep silent: nobody recognises their protest. The Minister displayed indifference and immaturity towards the authorities and the security forces are fabricating fake anguish and pain caused to the bereaved families. From the encounters, they are manipulating incidents, they are lying. side of Omar Abdullah there was no reaction, no This results in more alienation of the people. Kashmiris condolences, no announcement of investigation, no want recognition that atrocities are there, that the security statements of sorry, no punishment of the responsible police forces are committing human rights violations. officers. What happens now is an accumulated sense of Boys who grew up with violence are not afraid. They hopelessness and despair due to a combination of different are determined to pelt stones. Nobody can stop them. On factors. There is the failure of the process of dialogue and the other hand, we may not hide the reality. It is not reconciliation between India and Pakistan and between the excluded that ISI, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Taliban exploit the Centre and the various stakeholders – mainstream politicians situation although the boys are not motivated or paid by and separatist leaders – in J&K State. them. I am not ruling out that some leaders are being paid So many initiatives have been taken: behind the scene by them and making money out of it, but certainly not these dialogue, Round Table Conferences and installation of five young boys. Working Groups. Not a single recommendation has been This is a very serious situation. We must find a way implemented: it was a waste of time. out. India and Pakistan must resume dialogue. In India, With Pakistan, there was Track II diplomacy. Had there are 160 million Muslims. Most of them are illiterate Musharraf not run into difficulties, there would have been and poor. You can find them all over India. What will an agreement between India and Pakistan. Due to happen if Taliban finds its recruits in these masses? This is a 'conspiracy of elements of history', the probable agreement problem not only for India and Pakistan but also for the was aborted. The situation worsened after the Mumbai entire world. India and Pakistan, together with the terrorist attack in November 2008. democratic countries of the world must address the Kashmir There is a complete failure of governance from the side issue. Negotiations must be result oriented. Don't let the of the present coalition Government. The pro-people policy Kashmir issue be a local problem. It is a problem for the of Mufti Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad was reversed under whole region, the whole world. the present leadership. The dreaded Special Task Force that There are no negotiations between the separatist was disbanded by the then Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed was leaders and the State Government. For that, they must revived by the present Government. The killing of innocent have the permission of the Pakistani Government and the people was started by that force, not by the CRPF. militant organisations. Apparently, they don't have this The present Government dispensed the pro-people permission yet. policy of taking the common people of the State into Besides all the aspects mentioned above, I hold the confidence and thus creating a political buffer between the leaders of Kashmir primarily responsible for the mess in common man and the security forces. Corruption increased which we are today. It is customary for the leadership of manifold. The administration and the bureaucrats became Kashmir to blame mostly the Central Government and indifferent to the problems of the people. People's sometimes Pakistan, ISI and military of Pakistan. Of course, grievances are not heard. How can they then be addressed? there are a lot of people in Pakistan who would like to

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settle scores for the creation of Bangladesh. I don't deny that they would like to exploit every situation in Kashmir that they can find and in the rest of India. I accept that as a great possibility and probability. But, MY TARIGAMI it is time that we, people who are in politics in J&K State, must accept our responsibility. MLA, Secretary We have failed our people, we have failed the J&K State Committee, CPI-M nation and the less we accept our responsibility, we will keep on blaming India, the Indian leadership, the Indian security forces, the Indian army, our own people. We ur party asks the State Government to exhibit will have conspiracy theories, we will say this happened utmost caution and restraint in its response to in 53, that happened in 75, then this happened to Othe emerging situation. We express deep anguish autonomy or resolutions, we will say we are not getting over the spate of civilian killings across the Valley. We enough funds, they don't trust us, we don't trust them. emphasise that the situation should not be seen through We have to look into our own hearts and mind and the prism of law and order problem, nor as an issue of we have to find reasons why we are today caught in this whether the State police or CRPF is responsible for the vicious circle. We have betrayed our young generation, present situation. We believe that the blame game we have embodied them into this impossible dream. between the Centre and the State Government over the We have spoken one language in Kashmir, another in civilian killings will drift the situation towards more Delhi. When we go to Pakistan and when we had chaos, and both governments are expected to respond meetings with Musharraf we apologised to them for to the situation with a rational and humane approach. having acceded with India. We say our fathers and The present situation is the manifestation of the grandfathers have committed a treachery because we long pending political discontentment among the people of J&K and demands serious political process, dialogue have acceded with India. We go to Delhi and we speak and deliberations. The political initiatives taken by a different language. India and Pakistan a few years ago had undoubtedly We have been telling our young generation that given the people of the State a ray of hope but you deserve independence, that India is a Hindu unfortunately, those political processes have come to a country. We have been misleading them. If today our halt. young children are out on the streets and they The peace process started during Manmohan- challenge our police people and security forces, they go Musharraf time and the subsequent interactions through and challenge them to shoot them and they are shot at. Track II and back channel levels had created an We are responsible and I don't know how long we will be atmosphere where flexibility was witnessed in the responsible for killing our young people and betraying maximalist attitude of the two countries. Certain them. A young child of nine years gets killed and I feel confidence building measures were also taken and had a responsible, I am responsible. significant impact on the ground. I belong to a system which has lead to this The prevalent situation of the Valley yet again situation and we think of small political gains. Even the should make the Centre realise the importance of mainstream political parties are trying to score small initiation of a serious all inclusive political dialogue with political points. We are betraying our own population, the people of J&K we hope the Centre will adopt a pro our own people. active approach vis-à-vis the composite dialogue with These young children are the product of violence. Pakistan. They are born after 1989. They have seen only The State Government with the help of the Centre violence: go, blood, betrayal. Even today, whether should address the genuine grievances of the youth, who they are separatists or they are mainstream parties: we felt disillusioned. We firmly believe that the people don't have the collective wisdom or collective courage have the right to protest, but they should remain to go and tell them the truth. We are not prepared to cautious, lest their sentiments can be exploited by the tell them the truth. We have betrayed the nation and vested interests for their nefarious designs, at the cost our children. of blood of innocent people.

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BILAL LONE Chairman J&K People's Conference

here will be no peace unless and until we understand The problems in the mind and the heart of the people that Kashmir is a problem. Both sides must cool down must be addressed. We must keep our mind open: Ttemper. The killings should not have happened. We are Kashmiris don't forget the main issue. In addition, the not at all happy with the present wave of violence. The failure Indian mindset must change. We are not extremists or of the dialogue and the peace process is at the origin of this fundamentalists and we will never accept extremism or eruption of frustration. It is high time to move forward. India, fundamentalism. Pakistan and the Kashmiris must feel that things are moving To a certain extent, the secret process was on and slowly forward, that progress be made. Until this is done, the moving forward but it failed and died a dead in a very initial problems will remain. stage. We are not against a dialogue but it must be result Development and good governance is fine, but don't oriented, there must be a time frame and it should not be for forget the main issue: Kashmir is the main issue. Everyone the sake of dialogue only. At my knowledge, there are no would fail in the present circumstances: Omar Abdullah, contacts between APHC-M and the State Government, or Ghulam Nabi Azad or Mufti Sayeed. Only a change in the status between Omar Abdullah and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. It must be quo can lead to a solution and to peace. stressed here that we are not the only political players.

HASHIM QURESHI Chairman J&K Democratic Liberation Party

ntil we don't discuss the Kashmir problem, engage the separatist leaders in the dialogue and work out a kind of solution you can't stop this wave of violence. It will have ups and downs, there can be some lull for a period of time but as long as the Uproblem is there, violence will erupt again. Security forces are using brutal force. Young boys are being killed. Remove the bunkers from the residential areas, let people speak, let people give vent to their frustration. Don't harass them, don't kill them. If you don't allow people to express their view, they will turn into extremists, fundamentalists. We have now one of the most corrupt regimes we ever had. People are totally fed up with this Government. NC never solved the problem politically. They always used brute force. Omar Abdullah is a young Chief Minister killing young people. Everyone is fed up: shopkeepers, businesspersons, the common people. Because of the harthals, strikes and curfews they don't have business or income. They have loans they can't pay. The bank is after them. Everyone is suffering: the shopkeepers, the students who can't go to school, patients who can't go to the hospital. Only the Government employees are happy: they are paid without having to work. Security forces are humiliating Kashmiris: they are behaving like oppressors, like an occupational force. The separatist leaders became jokers. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq tries only to stay alive as separatist leader, therefore he is competing with Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Openly, there are no relations between APHC and the State Government. In reality, they are hypocrites. They are all very friendly with each other and socialising during receptions and festivities. I fully agree: it was not fair from Syed Ali Shah Geelani to demand the reduction of the Yatra from two months to two weeks just ten days before the Yatra started. His intention was clearly to create problems for the Government and in this, he succeeded, resulting in too many people being killed during these demonstrations. If Syed Ali Shah Geelani is serious without a hidden agenda, he should start now airing his objections for the Yatra in 2011. He can discuss limiting the number of pilgrims, he can discuss environmental aspects and waste control, he can discuss improvement of infrastructure. All these are technical, structural aspects. They should be discussed in a serene atmosphere without stirring up emotions or giving it a communal turn.

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TAJ MOHI-UD-DIN Minister Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control, Senior Congress Party Leader

he agitation taking place now is directly related to Lashkar-e-Toiba. They are behind this unrest. They changed their strategy: from direct confrontation, they shifted to Tindirect actions. Now, they use a human shield of young boys in a much-organised manner. They abuse the discontent among people and involve innocent civilians. It is very easy to instigate people by appealing on their emotions, by introducing slogans like azaadi, by referring to the sacrifices of the past. These are all slogans. This is a very dangerous situation. They want complete chaos. We have to be very careful and now that we see through their real plan, we can take the necessary measures. Syed Ali Shah Geelani tries to communalise the situation. He is a puppet in the hands of Pakistan. Kashmiris are religious and tolerant. They will not harm religious gatherings. The Yatra will be safe: nothing is going to happen but we have to be cautious. We have taken the necessary security measures. There is more transparency, more developmental works, an active employment policy, continuing hydro-electrical projects, etc. The first phase of the Baglihar Dam is operational. The second phase started. Secret contacts between the Centre and the separatist leaders are taking place. The Indian Prime Minister wants a solution and I hope something consistent is going to happen. India and Pakistan have almost decided about a plan and it can be announced at any time. It can be Musharraf's four-point plan or any other plan. Any plan that brings peace is acceptable. If Pakistan accepts that plan, violence will stop automatically. We must take Pakistan on face value. There is lack of trust: we must build up trust. Our first priority is peace: for the people of Kashmir, for the sub-continent, for the whole world. The Centre and J&K State have responsible Governments: they will take care of the national and Kashmiri interests. There are no points of agreement between PDP and the State Government. PDP is opposing everything the Government initiates. Their job is to find fault in everything we do. They are not directly but indirectly supporting what is going on now. We can't expect anything better than that. The Congress-NC coalition will continue until the end: there are no problems or frictions between the coalition partners. We will make our six years, perhaps there could be some reshuffle in the Cabinet after three years. This is a normal process. Changing loyalties of politicians is totally banned according new laws that were introduced. There are no communal tensions at all. In Jammu Province, Hindu extremist elements supported by BJP made a call for strike but they failed completely. People don't like communal agitation. What happens now has nothing to do with communalism: only vested interests are at the origin of this violence.

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BASHIR MANZAR Editor Kashmir Images, Srinagar

eople are suffering. Those who live from ?This is the beginning of a vicious circle: 'street life', the vendors, shopkeepers and demonstrations, people killed, more Pbusinessmen suffer very hard. In addition, the demonstrations, more people killed, …. common man suffers: schools are closed, patients Only when there is a call for strike or can't go to the doctor or the hospital, tourists are demonstrations from Syed Ali Shah Geelani people cancelling reservations and staying away. die in confrontations with the security forces. One There is a pattern in the ongoing wave of should not only blame Omar Abdullah for what is violence, it is clear that someone is pulling the going on. Also, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and separatist strings: leaders instigating young boys to use violence ?It starts always in the same season: May, June, against the security forces are responsible for what July; happens. ?The same young people are coming on the Under Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed, there was a streets; ray of hope. Things were going in the right ?They shift the 'battle field' up and down from direction: there was the composite dialogue North to South of the Valley; between India and Pakistan, roads across the LoC ?First, a noble aim is inducted. This time, it were opened, there was people-to-people contact. was the ultimatum for the reduction of the There was no reason for the people to be unhappy or Yatra from two months to two weeks because frustrated. It was thanks to these positive of environmental reasons. Syed Ali Shah developments not because Mufti Sayeed was a magician. Geelani started this deliberately, knowing very well that it was impossible to accept this Since Musharraf was dethroned and the Mumbai ultimatum ten days before the Yatra started. terrorist attacks, all came to a standstill. Syed Ali Shah Geelani opposes negotiations, dialogue, and ?After the 'noble aim' has been inducted, the implementation of CBM. A troubled situation demonstrations and agitation starts. Young vindicates his stand, he must keep the pot boiling. boys are at the head of these demonstrations. He also wants to assert that he is the only leader. Whatever separatist leaders say, these are not He goes with his own program. Initially, he was peaceful demonstrations. There is stone against stone pelting and wanted peaceful pelting and they are even using slingshots being demonstrations but the hardliners in his surrounding a deadly weapon. The separatist leaders were angry. Consequently, he had to change his defend this kind of demonstrations. Even stand and now he justifies stone pelting but still Mirwaiz Umar Farooq justified the use of this claiming these are peaceful demonstrations. kind of violence. The administration made mistakes: they should ? During these 'peaceful demonstrations' and have imposed curfew after the first killing incident. confrontations with the security forces Eventually, they did it but after eleven more people sometimes demonstrators got killed. Once this got killed. All positive developments of the past are happens new demonstrations, this time against washed away. Instead of concentrating on the human rights violations committed by the development, most of the energy is spent on the law security forces and the killing of innocent and order situation. Omar Abdullah failed to people, start, and connect with the people.

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RIGZIN JORA ABDUL GHANI BHATT

Minister of Tourism and Culture Chairman Muslim Conference

hat happens now is certainly a planned strategy. It took months he situation is what it is: same Valley, to work out this new plan. They are shifting the battlefield on a same people, same struggle for Wpattern: then the effort is in Kupwara, then it is in Anantnag, Tfreedom, same army, same killings, then it is in Sopore, then it is in Baramullah, then it is in Srinagar. Always same bloodshed with this marked difference changing the location of the battlefield. We can call this agitational that it is the blood of our youth, of our terrorism or even provocative terrorism. future. That is the difference between the There is also a shift in strategy: previous killings and now. Young boys fall to - they are promoting civil disobedience; the bullets of the security forces. Omar - they are promoting the new slogan 'quit Kashmir'; Abdullah has huge problems to face. I think - they are using very young boys in the frontline, and in a situation like the one obtaining in - militant activities are at low ebb in order to focus on the human Kashmir, if you chose an angel to run the rights violations of the security forces. country, even he will also have to face the Now there is curfew and the situation is under control but I don't music. It is a huge, complex problem. know what will happen when curfew is lifted. I hope we will be able to Statements on behalf of the Indian control the situation and that normalcy will be restored in a week time. leadership are not encouraging by any standards. They say troops open fire in self- APHC-M is supporting the initiatives of APHC-G. In the media and defence. Full-armed soldiers in full- comments, much more attention is given to the hardliners and this could protected dress just can't open fire on a give the impression that the moderates are marginalised. However, this is young boy. The Indian Prime Minister said not so, they are very much there and participating in the ongoing unrest. there should be zero tolerance regarding As far as development is concerned, there is a lot of progress. Omar human right violations. Now he is justifying Abdullah is a progressive Chief Minister. He has a lot of support from the killing of children in Kashmir. Why this Centre. Tourism was going to be the best year ever. A good number of difference? The situation is so embarrassing people made houseboat and hotel reservations but due to the present that even the pro Indian leaders like Omar uncertain situation many reservations were cancelled. Abdullah and Mufti Sayeed also endorse the In Jammu, the Sangarsh Samiti, supported by BJP and some Hindu position APHC-M has taken in regard to the fundamentalist movements, tried to give the unrest a communal turn but solution for the Kashmir issue. Omar they didn't succeed. The people of Jammu didn't forget what happened in Abdullah stated the Kashmir issue is a 2008. problem that should be resolved through There are no common points between PDP and the Government. The dialogue between India, Pakistan and the latter blames PDP to incite youth to create problems for the Government. Kashmiris in the interest of the whole South They are sponsored by Pakistan in order to force India to resume Asian region. What Indian leaders say is negotiations. insulting for us Kashmiris. Kashmir as a There is no animosity as such between Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and problem needs a solution. The fact of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Both are young, educated, intelligent and matter is that you can never think in terms articulated. Mirwaiz is a part of the new strategy although not having a of bringing peace or improving relations hand in it. The Kashmiri civil society is so complex: there is double between India and Pakistan until the speaking and even triple speaking and this makes it difficult to know problem is amicably resolved. exactly the situation. Kashmiris are very volatile. Corruption is all- Afghanistan and Kashmir seem to me to pervasive, all over the State. This is not being checked enough. be interlinked. India and Pakistan are

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operating against each other on the soil of Afghanistan. This will cause headache to US strategists in that country. Peace in Afghanistan therefore is unmistakably linked to peace in Kashmir. We will have NASIR HUSSAIN MUNSHI to resolve disputes: this is why the USA is encouraging India and Pakistan to talk and Councillor LAHDC-K to resolve disputes as well as preparing to engage Taliban to talk with the The behaviour of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is irresponsible: Government of Afghanistan. tHe is too young and inexperienced; If talks between India and Pakistan tHe doesn't have a consistent policy; proceed on a positive note and in the tHe is giving premature comments on dramatics events that happen. He process solutions are worked out, makes irresponsible statements. As a result he is backtracking, he has to including Kashmir, I suspect vested change his stand, he has to apologise; interests will feel frustrated and create a tIt seems he has no good advisors and if he should have them he doesn't listen to them or they give wrong advices. The senior NC politicians don't situation like the one in Kashmir today. seem to have any positive input. Also the political advisor to the Chief Extremist elements are out to undo the Minister doesn't come into the picture; efforts that the sensible people put in tWhile Kashmir was burning, he was enjoying life in Leh. When he towards finding as solution to the returned from Leh he was only a few hours in Srinagar and went then to problem. The Government should come Gulmarg to enjoy life there, and down heavily on them. He is young, intelligent, wants development, has a vision but he doesn't Communalism is absolute no problem understand the Kashmiri psyche and that is the most important. He has no as far as Kashmir is concerned. The contact with the people. How can we expect something from him? Indians themselves during the rule of We also wonder where the other politicians – Ministers and Members of Governor Jagmohan introduced this the Legislative Assembly – are. They should be in their constituencies, they should listen to the people, they should bring the healing touch. Now they element of communalism in Kashmir. are just blaming each other and adding to the confusion. They are filling During his first tenure in 1986, he their pockets, making easy money. Nobody is sincere. All parties are playing communalised the atmosphere by stirring dirty politics and just looking after their own interests. The mainstream up communal frenzy and emotions. During politicians are behaving irresponsible thus alienating even more the common his second tenure in 1990, he man: he can't go anywhere with his sorrows and problems. Also the communalised, criminalised and bureaucrats and the administration have to be blamed. There is corruption commercialised the whole system. at all levels. PDP is not instigating the present There is lack of leadership in Kashmir in the mainstream group and wave of violence. In fact, they are angrily among the separatist leaders. Charismatic, experienced leaders like Mufti Sayeed, Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad are in Delhi. Meanwhile, disturbed at the turn of events. They they are leaving the political floor to the separatist leaders who are filling up don't want Kashmir going to dogs but this vacuum. Syed Ali Shah Geelani seems to be the strongest leader. understand the Kashmir issue has to be Mirwaiz Umar Farooq tries hard to strengthen his position. addressed. It is the people of Kashmir The Government totally failed. I don't see any positive result. Nothing that is doing this, it is not PDP. They are remarkable has happened. After being 18 months in power, his predecessors up against injustice, killings and Indian Mufti Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad had showed already remarkable and hegemony. commendable results. They had done very well at the ground level, they APHC-M had no secret contacts with where in contact with the people. Omar Abdullah is only inaugurating the the State Government or with the projects started by the previous Government. For a solution, there should be a common platform. Everybody (the Centre. No purposeful contacts have biggest question however is: who is everybody?) should be involved and only developed between them. APHC-M hopes then can emerge a solution acceptable to all. Let us start by implementing that a serious dialogue will happen soon: the recommendations that came out of the Round Table Conferences and hope maintains people alive and things that where projected by the five Working Groups. Until date, not a single going on. one has been implemented.

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AAK KACHO Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC-Kargil

or us here in Kargil, we don't see any negative points in this coalition Government, only positive points. We are very happy with the coalition FGovernment and with the ruling of Omar Abdullah. They are very positive with regard to Ladakh in general and with regard to Kargil in particular. There is harmony, the relations are going well and we are tackling our own problems with the support of the State Government and the Centre. We are not creating tensions and what happens in the Valley is not our first priority. The separatist leaders in general and APHC in particular don't have any power base or support in Kargil although they pretend to be the sole representative of all Kashmiris: we have nothing to do with them. There are no communal tensions at all here in Kargil. There are no Buddhists in the city, as a result, there is no need to have a Buddhist temple here: this was already ruled by the court many years back. We have some three Sikh families here, they have their gurdwara and we don't have any problem with that. There should be some negotiations so that the dispute between the 'movement' and the authorities is settled permanently. It can be between the Centre and the separatist leaders, or between the State Government and APHC, or between India and Pakistan, or a combination of these possibilities as long as it leads towards a lasting, peaceful solution. Due to the situation in the Valley, we do also suffer: there are problems with the supply of essential goods, the number of tourists went down drastically. We don't want to be punished for what happens in the Valley. We are Kargili: we want peace, development and progress for our district (total district population 120.000, Kargil city population 15.000). Some of the demands are: extension of the airfield from 3.000 feet to 6.000 feet so that larger civil airplanes can reach here. Another demand is a tunnel under the Zojila so that there is road connectivity whit the Valley and the rest of India throughout the year. We also ask the opening of the Kargil-Skardu road across the LoC. The two other regions of J&K State have road connectivity across the LoC, so there should be no problems to open this road. We don't see where the problems could be. The Hill Council is operating in a positive manner. There is no animosity between the majority and the opposition. Every member of the Council is working for the betterment of the people. Kargil is also included in projects and schemes of the Economic Reconstructing Agency (ERA). They supply funds for building a new township as we have space and expansion problems. A lot of developmental and infrastructure schemes are in progress.

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TSEWANG RIGZIN

Associate Editor Epilogue

am not convinced that there are positive results for this State Government. Initially there were many expectations. Everyone thought this young Chief IMinister could be able to bring about a change, to stop corruption. Alas, he didn't make it. In 2009, he faced the Shopian tragedy leading to demonstrations, harthals, strikes, curfew. This year, there is Geelani's ultimatum to reduce the yatra from two months to two weeks. Again, there are demonstrations, harthals, strikes, curfew. People got killed in confrontations with the security forces leading to more agitation, more victims. This is a vicious circle. The separatist leaders are terrorising the Kashmiris, they are creating chaos. This is an irresponsible behaviour. We, here in Ladakh, don't know what happens in the Valley. It doesn't affect us: it is far away and we have nothing in common, they are totally different. The only negative effect on us is that we have less choice in vegetables. However, this could be turned into a positive effect: now, our farmers cultivate more different types of vegetables. To a certain extent, also tourism is affected although on a very small scale. The Manali road (the link between Leh and Manali situated in Himachal Pradesh) is being improved. Once this is done, we don't need Kashmir anymore, then we have a direct link with mainland India. Kashmir always discriminated and neglected Ladakh. They damaged our culture, our distinct identity. Thanks to the installation of the LAHDC-L, we can decide to a certain extent our future. Here, in Leh district, we Buddhists are an overwhelming majority but on the total population of J&K State, we are just a small minority of less than two hundred thousand. The State Government must give due rights, also to minorities, in the same way as we do here in Leh district with the Muslims being a small minority in this district: we treat them properly, they get their due share, there is no animosity among the two communities. Everyone refers to negotiations between the Centre and the State Government and the separatists. But we, Ladakhis, must also be involved in any negotiations. Why should they talk only with those who use violence and create chaos? Being a very small minority in J&K State, we Ladakhis will only be safe if we are granted Union Territory status within India. When it comes to politics, it is difficult to come on one platform. We have seen this again on 12 July 2010 when PDP boycotted the call from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, for an all parties meeting. At crucial times, politicians should join hands. PDP boycotted this meeting because they only want to topple this Government, they don't care about the people.

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THUPSTAN CHHEWANG, Senior Leader LUTF, Former MP

or the time being, I will not participate in any elections but of course, I continue to support LUTF and the LUTF councillors of the LAHDC-L. The council is very upright, honest, not Fbiased, not corrupt, not favouring individuals, not using its power for personal favour. All are very upright and their integrity is above any doubt. There is not much talking but more action. Things have changed a lot here in Ladakh. More money is coming in with the tourists and people are getting more selfish: money and greed. This affects also their political expectations: this could have an impact on the outcome of the next LAHDC-L elections in October this year. We got a lot of hope from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah but Congress dominates the coalition. We are hopelessly. He doesn't come to the expectation. He is not able to do what he should do. I don't see positive points. A lot of money has been wasted, got down the drain. The authorities should be more selective on projects and not just spending money. Here in Ladakh we don't receive our due share. Distribution of funds should not only be based on population: also surface, distance and accessibility must be taken into account. After 1 ½ year in power, some concrete steps should have been taken but this is not the case. The State Government should speak clear language. Omar Abdullah has to tackle the situation in the Valley: it is not our business, not our problem. The mainstream, coalition politicians should speak one language and shun from demagogic manipulations. We Ladakhis can't exist with this kind of society, that is not our way of living: alienation is total. Therefore, our only way out is Union Territory status. Kashmir is total communal, we have every reason to feel insecure under this Kashmir domination. Apart from some smaller incidents, there is no communal tension, although the undercurrent is there. We don't want to disturb peace and harmony, we have to remain together. In Kargil district some 20% of the population is Buddhist, in Leh district we have some 18% Muslims. All over Ladakh region, Buddhists slightly outnumber Muslims. Some kind of process is on regarding the Kashmir issue, but the hardliners never will participate in a dialogue: they created the present situation in Kashmir, they want chaos, they must keep the pot boiling whatever happens. They receive their orders from across the border. How can there be a meaningful dialogue if they have a hidden agenda, how can a solution be found if there is no clear initiative, no clear aim, no clear demand coming from the separatist leaders? Even among the mainstream politicians, there is no unity. So many demands are floated: staying with India, going to Pakistan, joint management, self-rule, autonomy, independence, partition, status quo, soft borders, etc. The Round Table Conferences and the Working Groups flopped: nothing came out of these initiatives. It is also wrong to focus only on dialogue with the separatist leaders. This is a wrong signal. The democratically elected politicians have the mandate of the people. The separatist leaders must participate in the democratic process, only then we will come to know their real support. In addition, too much attention is given to Kashmir as if only they have demands. Also, Jammu and Ladakh have their expectations but they are completely neglected.

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LOBZANG RINCHEN

President Ladakh Buddhist Association

adakhis are not happy at all with the present situation. We want separation from Kashmir, we want Union Territory status. We will struggle until we reach Lour goal. J&K State Government has nothing to give us. Whatever we get is coming from the Centre and we will continue receiving this support from the Centre, whether we oppose or support Kashmir. We have nothing to do with Kashmir. What Kashmir wants is their problem: we don't interfere in that. If they are heading for self-destruction, that is only their choice. They are floating so many demands: staying with India, joining Pakistan, pre-1953 situation, independence, autonomy, self-rule, etc. They should first sort out what they really want, then this should be given to them. We, here in Ladakh want Union Territory status for the whole of Ladakh: all political parties in Leh support this demand. There should be no problem to give us what we ask. We don't know what Kargil exactly wants: sometimes they are with us, sometimes they are airing other ideas. They did the same regarding the installation of the Hill Council: initially they were against, now they are so happy with their LAHDC- K. Regarding the claim for Union Territory status it will be the same, they need time to realise what is good for them. Our Ladakh Buddhist Association is a non-political organisation. We are only there to defend the interests and the rights of the Buddhists. We support the demand for Union Territory status as this serves the interests of the Buddhists, not because this is a political issue. On the other hand, we don't interfere in the upcoming elections for the LAHDC-L: we are not bothered whom wins, let the best win. There is no discrimination between Muslims and Buddhists in Ladakh. There is no distinction between the two communities. In Leh district, Muslims are free to build houses, they are getting jobs, they are running business. Unfortunately, Buddhists being a minority in Kargil district don't get the same fair treatment from the Muslim majority population there: they don't have a cremation ground, they are not allowed to run a shop, they are not allowed to have a place of worship, they are not allowed to repair their temple as the Muslims and the united political parties oppose this. If we wanted, we could do the same here in Leh district towards the minority Muslim community but we don't: we are peace-loving people. We want communal harmony, not communal confrontation. Since 1947, Muslims rule J&K State, all of them have full support. They are a part of the majority population in J&K State whereas we Buddhists are just a small minority. We don't get our due share, the Valley dominates us. Minority groups don't get their due share. There surely is discrimination but because Buddhists are peace-loving people, others take advantage of our tolerance. However, there is a limit, we don't want to be exploited because of that.

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010 kashmir 22 Perspectives

RIGZIN SPALBAR Former Chairman and CEO LAHDC

resently, the State Government has the full support of qLadakh was once an independent Himalayan Kingdom. the Centre. It is a challenging job due to the The reign of the Namgyal dynasty lasted until 1842 Pprevailing situation. All coalition partners give full when the Dogra Maharaja from Jammu annexed Ladakh support to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Things forcibly into his Dogra Empire. improve now. The State Government requested for internal qKashmir became a part of the Dogra Empire in 1846 and international dialogue and negotiations. Talks for a when the British colonial power sold the Kashmir resolution and for implementation of more CBM must together with its population to the Dogra Maharaja of continue. There must be a solution for the internal set-up Jammu. of the State and also India and Pakistan must work out a qAfter hundred years of Dogra rule, Ladakh along with solution. Jammu and Kashmir became an integral part of India in Everything was on the right track. Everything was October 1947 when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the flourishing and the Centre announced many developmental 'Instrument of Accession' with India. packages. Suddenly, there was this mischievous qFrom the very outset, Ladakh's political merger with intervention from across the border resulting in the present J&K, against the wishes of the Ladakhis, did not form situation in the Kashmir Valley washing away all the gains. any natural cohesion. Except for the Dogra's suzerainty The positive evolution got derailed and it will take time to as a commonality, Ladakh is fundamentally different put things on track again. As a result, the common people from Kashmir and Jammu in all respects: culturally, suffer. ethnically, linguistically. The situation in Kashmir doesn't concern Ladakh much: qAfter Sheikh Abdullah, the most popular politician in it affects us slightly as far as governance is concerned. We Kashmir, succeeded in dethroning Maharaja Hari Singh, wish the situation goes back to normal the soonest. We are the then ruler of the Dogra Empire, and shifting the not in direct contact with the Kashmir (more than four power base of the State from Jammu to Kashmir, the hundred km away) and it is difficult to know what happens. only commonality we had didn't exist anymore. We don't have inside information. Only through the media, qLeaders of Kashmir can never be leaders of the Ladakhis we come to know, to a certain extent, about the ground and our assimilation with the people of the Kashmir is situation. next to impossible. PDP is a political party being at loggerhead with NC. qAny attempt at handling the Kashmir issue by ignoring One can't expect them to cooperate, as they are an the aspirations of the Ladakhis will be opposition party. Nevertheless, even as opposition party counterproductive. one has responsibilities. They should look at the larger qThe solution lies in tackling the problem separately for interest of the State and the people. This they are not the three regions. The Government of India should not doing: they are only after their own political, vested feel shy of finding out separate solutions for the three interests. On the other hand, NC is not treating PDP as the distinct regions of the State. We, therefore, strongly main opposition party, they don't give them due consideration, they are blaming PDP for all ills. They are all demand separation from J&K State and granting of the into politics for their own vested interests. status of Union Territory with Legislature to Ladakh to protect and preserve its distinct linguistic, cultural, Our demand for Union Territory status is based and justified on historical facts: ethnic identity.

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PHUNSTOG NAMGYAL Congress Leader, Former Union Minister

slamist fundamentalists are communal. It is them against us Buddhists and Hindus, us the kafirs, us the infidels. There are also sectarian fights between Shia and Sunni. The Isituation in Kashmir is quite fluid. Fundamentalism is too much on the rise. They create the problems and they receive assistance from across the border, from extremist, fundamentalist organisations in Pakistan. Their aim is to create chaos in the cities and in the urban areas. The Government of India is not coming forward with initiatives for negotiations with the separatist leaders because they are too much divided: to whom should they speak? What should they discuss? The separatist leaders are not at all interested in talks with the Centre: now they are dictating what happens in Kashmir. They exploit the sentiments of the people in the name of Islam and this is not only in Kashmir, it is all over the world. The full picture has not come out so far and this makes it a very complex situation: qMirwaiz wants the right of self-determination; qNC wants autonomy with pre-53 situation; qCongress Party wants full integration within India; qPDP wants self rule for a re-united J&K; qOthers are in favour of joint management, qSome separatist leaders want total independence, and qSome other separatist leaders want integration within Pakistan. For us, here in Ladakh the situation is clear. We don't accept one of these proposals: we want completely march with mainstream India by obtaining Union Territory status with legislature. On this, there is a complete unity among the political parties, be it LUTF or Congress Party. If we remain with J&K under a new worked out setup, we will be oppressed by Kashmir just like it is since decades. We don't understand why the Centre gave the full six years of tenure of Chief Minister to Omar Abdullah and not half/half NC/Congress Party. This is a serious mistake of the high command of the Congress Party in Delhi. In addition, Ladakh doesn't have representation in the State Coordination Committee. This is unfair: as a result we have no say in the policy making. So far, Omar Abdullah couldn't make much impact on any front: not in the developmental field and corruption is rampant. In addition, he couldn't handle the present situation and the army had to be called in again. He didn't succeed in his governance. PDP is basically supported by the separatist leaders as we have seen during the Legislative Assembly elections in 2008. There are no common points between PDP and the coalition Government. NC is their main rival.

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MOHAMMAD SHAFI LASSU Anjumian Moin-ul-Islam, LEH

he situation in Kashmir is very fluid. It is going a controlled with the gun. The present State Government is very serious way: on the one hand they are using a weak. They don't want to take the bad name although in Tkind of Gandhi formula, a kind of civil disobedience the long run they will be blamed for what happens. If and 'Quit Kashmir' movement, and on the other hand they there are no killings anymore, the situation will improve. came down from using the bullet and started stone pelting If not, they will lose all credibility. There should be a (using catapults and slingshots), damaging and burning tactical move from the side of the security forces to vehicles (civilian and security forces), forcing shops and control these so called peaceful demonstrations. The service stations to close down, cutting hair of drivers present agitation is out of control of hardliner Syed Ali defying the call for harthals, etc., like 'intifada' in Shah Geelani, who started all this. Now, mobs have taken Palestine, provoking the security forces and forcing them to over the streets. The State Government must implement intervene. Pakistan, and especially ISI, are the advisors, rule of law. Kashmiris are fed up with all this, they are the master mind behind this. terrorised by these mobs. Normal life came to a Right now it is very dangerous. The situation can't be standstill.

TSERING DORJE,

LUTF Chairman and CEO LAHDC

ndia can't handle Kashmir or Pakistan. The Home show. They push him in front, he is full of good intensions Minister made a mess of it. India should have cornered but it is a very complex situation and he is not experi- IPakistan on terrorism. In stead, Pakistan cornered enced enough. His father Farooq Abdullah is very clever, India on human rights violations in Kashmir. For India, it is he doesn't want a change or to take over: now people more difficult to handle the situation in Kashmir. criticise Omar Abdullah, not himself. Although, the demonstrations are not peaceful at all – they Omar Abdullah did nothing drastic, nothing new in the are pelting stones, using catapults, burning cars – the secu- economic or developmental field. The Kashmiris are so rity forces must show restraint. This is a very dangerous used to get everything. There is no limit in the packages situation. coming from the Centre. There is an enormous waste of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is very nice and doing money, they are so corrupt. His predecessor Ghulam Nabi his best but he is in a coalition and Congress runs the Azad took some measures with limited success, but now

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The State Government as a whole is ineffective. NC militants have the support from the Pakistani leadership. politicians are used to rule in an authoritarian way. Now, The whole Pakistani machinery, the army and ISI support they have to share power with Congress and work out the militant outfits and the 'movement' of the separatist compromises. Senior NC MLA's are also frustrated leaders. They finance them, they give them logistic because they didn't get a ministerial post. NC is not that support. This is an open secret. Unless Pakistan is sincere with its coalition partner: in Ladakh they support honest, there can't be a solution. Pakistan also has and pamper LUTF, not Congress. Also in Jammu, they are internal compulsions: all mainstream political parties in weakening Congress. Pakistan support the Kashmir 'movement' openly. It is in In Ladakh, there are no communal tensions, except their manifesto. They don't want the movement to die. some small incidents not worth mentioning. Some We have nothing to do with the Kashmir issue. extremists tried to stir up emotions but common sense Kashmir creates problems, they are not happy, they don't succeeded in defusing tensions. Buddhists don't eat meat know what they want. They should sort out their own three days a week. The Ladakh Buddhist Association problems and future. We don't follow them in their self- wanted to impose this rule on the restaurants. This is an destruction policy. We, here in Ladakh, know exactly unreasonable demand as we have so many tourists in what we want. There is only one aim supported by all Ladakh. We opposed this demand with success. India is a parties: we want Union Territory status for the whole of secular country: those who don't want to eat meat are Ladakh. We must take along Kargil district in order to free to do so. The same goes for those who want to strengthen this demand. We must put more effort in enjoy it. All this is a question of tolerance and mutual discussing with the Kargili people, we must build trust respect. between the two districts. We are sure they will realise J&K State will remain the same, whether there are that their future lies with Union Territory status for the talks or not, as long as the separatist leaders and the whole of Ladakh.

corruption is at every level, the sky seems to be the limit. and employment, economic infrastructure, tourism, trans- There is communalism all over J&K State and even all port and communication, link roads, information technol- over India. There are a lot of conflicts on regional basis. ogy, non conventional energy, urban development, etc. All Jammu and Ladakh are not at all happy with the rule of this and much more has to be looked after by the Hill Kashmir. Ladakhis held a darna (=sit-in) in front of raj Council. bhavan (= Governor's residence) against the Kashmiri domi- For the future, at one time there must be a solution. nation and in favour of Union Territory status. The maximum India can give is autonomy but the In a few months there will be Hill Council elections in demands of the separatist leaders are much different. Leh district: the struggle is between Congress, now in oppo- They are so divided among themselves. They must first sition, and we LUTF. Our performance was very good. We come together and work out a plan, come forward with must now go to the people and explain them what we did. clear demands. Only then we can start discussing. If We spent all the financial support we received from the they want to keep J&K State intact, their plan must also Centre for developmental packages in a proper way and include the protection and the position of the minorities people feel the change. in the State. India is in a defensive position, only talking, The Hill Council has a huge responsibility. All depart- whereas Pakistan is doing something on the ground: they ments, except police and power supply, are under the support the separatist leaders, they train militants, they Council: agriculture, fishery, forests, horticulture, hus- send arms, ammunition, communication equipment, bandry, irrigation, social care, health care, education, money, etc. I don't see any light at the end of the tunnel: youth and sports, drinking water, rural sanitation, industries it will be a very long process.

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010 PREVENT WATER BORNE DISEASES LIKE :- t Jaundice t Gastroenteritis t Diarrhoea t Typhoid t Dysentery By adopting following simple measures :- 1. Use boiled cooled water for drinking purposes. 2. Chlorine tablets for domestic use are freely available in all Health Institutions. 3. Store water in clean utensils and keep them covered. 4. Don’t eat stale, uncovered eatable items exposed to dust and flies. 5. Wash vegetables and fruit thoroughly with clean water before use. 6. Keep the food items covered so that flies do not contaminate the food. 7. Always wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet and before eating food. 8. Avoid defecation near the source of water supply. 9. In case of loss of body fluids, use oral rehydration solution (ORS). Dissolve one packet of ORS in one litre of boiled cooled water and use it within 24 hours and prepare fresh one for next use. 10. Patients suffering from any of the above mentioned diseases should report to the nearest Health Institution for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Adopt A Healthy Life Style No. : DIP/J-5838 HEALTH EDUCATION BUREAU DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH SERVICES, JAMMU

OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER, DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL ORGANISATION, J&K JAMMU SUBJECT : Strict implementation of provision of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules in respect of manufacture and sale of Oxytoxin, which id reported to be used clandestinely by daily owner and farmers growing vegetables - reg. Reports have appeared in the press as well as electronic media regarding the misuse of Oxytoxin Injections by the farmers to increase the size of vegetables. Similar reports were earlier received in respect of the clandestine use of Oxytoxin by the dairy owners to extract milk from cows and buffaloes. The Oxytoxin Injection is required to be packed in single unit blister pack only for sale and is required to be dispensed on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner only. It is therefore impressed upon all the dealers/manufacturers to strictly follow the Provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rule 1945. The Department shall initiate stern Administrative Action against offenders indulging in misuse of Oxytoxin injection like cancellation of Licenses granted for carrying out sale/manufacturing. Besides legal action as warranted under Rules shall follow Administrative Action. The general public through the mode of this notification is appealed to share information related to misuse of Oxytoxin Injection by Dairy owners and farmers to grow vegetables with the Department on following helpline number : 01912538527, 01912538626, 01912597445, 01942471191, 9419180734. The complainants can also mail their complaints on following email address : [email protected]

Please Help Us to Serve You Better No. : DIP/J-5640 27 in focus Cross LoC Trade

CROSS-LOC TRADE: Dark Clouds and a Silver Lining

D SUBA CHANDRAN & ZAFAR CHOUDHARY

orgotten by New Delhi and Islamabad after billing it as mother of all The Editors and the Confidence Building Measures, the Cross-LoC trade between two parts of Management of divided Jammu and Kashmir is sustained by the stakeholders despite all Epilogue Magazine odds. India and Pakistan are again back to back and prolonged turmoil in place on record a Kashmir is leaving very little for incremental measures to help ease tensionF but beneath surcharged political surface there is an eagerness and will among deep sense of gratitude to the the divided families on both sides of divide to revive and maintain contacts. Full of hurdles and losses, Cross-LoC trade is proving as just one way of crossing the political Conciliation divide by strength of emotions. Resources, a Two years have passed since the cross-LoC trade began in October 2008. While New London based Delhi and Islamabad consider this as a great cross-LoC confidence building measure, international business community in Kashmir valley and across the LoC are not too happy with what has conflict happened so far. While the governments provide statistics to prove the quantum of trade transformation taking place across the LoC, the business community emphasis on quality and practical organization, for problems. On the other hand, NGOs and individuals have been pushing for opening new supporting this routes, besides the existing two routes and call for expansion of the list of items being traded. special issue on With no logistics and mechanism of formal trade in place, the observers had long written Cross-LoC trade in this exercise off but after two years of experiment there are hopes of a push to this non- many ways. Many conventional trade. It is a barter trade and the traders are not dreaming of any comments, ideas miraculous approach of New Delhi and Islamabad to make it formal enough for profits. and feedback were Realising that Governments on both sides are not too serious in making the Cross-LoC obtained by the trade a profitable proposition for stakeholders, the traders have narrowed down their editors through expectations and demands to just one area –remission of payments often blocked on both interactions with sides. There is some positive development on this issue after strenuous efforts of the stakeholders in business chambers. After some back channel discussions with authorities in New Delhi and Islamabad, there is a paper in circulation between Chambers of Commerce and meetings supported Industries in Jammu, Srinagar and Muzaffarabad for feedback of traders on a banking by the Conciliation proposal. After feedback from traders, the proposal would go to the Reserve Bank of India Resources in one or and State Bank of Pakistan for their approval. The Srinagar Chamber and Muzaffarabad the other manner. Chamber are in consultation on the proposal while views from Jammu Chamber are still awaited, Epilogue has learnt.

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The story so far Trade “to” Other Kashmir or Trade hat are the major problems of the existing cross- “Through” Other Kashmir?: The WLoC trade? Should there be additional routes, for political purposes, or should the existing routes be Problem of Perceptions strengthened and made to deliver, before expanding ore than the infrastructural problems, the biggest problem further? Should any new efforts to strengthen the Mtoday, is the frustration, between the traders and the gov- cross-LoC trade be prioritized, in terms of what needs ernments, on the objectives of the trade. While the government to be done immediately, and what needs to be done, designed this as a “trade to other Kashmir”, the traders expected once there is confidence? it will be a “trade through other Kashmir”. Without understand- To begin with, one should understand, that the ing the likely fallouts of this difference, due to political pressure, primary problem of cross-LoC trade was it inception the governments of India and Pakistan agreed to start the trade itself, without proper home work by both sides and also without reaching an understanding on who will trade and to traders across the LoC. As a result, neither there was a where. While the Kashmiri traders wanted to see this as a transit proper understanding of what is needed on the other trade, ensuring their goods reaching to the Gulf and European side, nor whether there is a surplus on this side. It was a countries through Rawalpindi and Karachi, they did not want to political decision by the governments of India and do this as an international trade, but a cross-LoC. Hence the prob- Pakistan, to continue with the cross-LoC interactions. lem of currency came into being in the cross-LoC trade. Even Whatever may be the reasons for not doing the today, the government and the traders are unable to reach an homework, or announcing it in a hurry, Manmohan understanding on what currency should the trade be organised. Singh should be congratulated for taking that bold As a result, it stands a barter trade. step. But unfortunately, he also seems to suffer from the same syndrome, that of his illustrious predecessor, Vajpayee– one step forward and two steps backward. South Indian Coconuts and Chinese When the cross-LoC trade was announced, the local traders in J&K, were jubilant, and took part enthusias- Garlic in Cross-LoC Trade: The tically, despite the non availability of banking system, Problem of Proxies lack of communication network, and the decision to he government, to be fair, failed to foresee, the exploitation conduct a barter trade. As the trade enter into its third of cross-LoC trade by non-Kashmiri traders, and the use of year, there are five specific sets of problems and a sil- T non-Kashmiri goods. Today, despite understanding the problem, ver lining.

Divided families vs businessmen The Cross-LoC trade was essentially a Confidence Building Measure to lessen tension in Kashmir and enhance contacts of Kashmiris on both sides of Line of Control. Trade statistics of two years suggest that it is the Poonch-Rawalakote route in Jammu province which is seeing huge trade activity and not the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route. Regular weekly trade volume running into Crores of rupees on Poonch sector as compared to trade in few thousands to few lakhs of rupees on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad sector may be showing a failure of CBM in Kashmir Valley but it is not like that. In fact, whatever little it may be, the Srinagar- Muzaffarabad sector is involving more original stakeholders who are keenly investing in revival of relations and not business. With leading Srinagar businessmen having almost completely pulled out of Cross-LoC trade in view of logistical hurdles and recurring losses, the trade on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route is sustained mostly by members of the divided families from north Kashmir districts of Baramulla and Kupwara. They are doing trade mostly with their known relatives on other side of the divide. In case of Poonch-Rawalakote also members of divided families are involved but the major quantum of trade is due to involvement of a dozen of proxy traders working on behalf of businessmen in other parts of country like Punjab and Gujarat.

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the government of India is groping for options on how to prevent non-Kashmiri traders. The primary problem for the government is – on the one hand it does INTERVIEW not want to stop the trade, on the other hand it is unable to implement in the YV SHARMA right spirit. Since, it was originally President, planned to be a cross-LoC trade, it was Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Jammu decided that there would be zero duty, on the items that were traded through What is your assessment of Cross-LoC trade? the two points near Poonch and Uri. There is a lot to say on whether it is a trade or just goodwill Here lies the primary problem and rea- gesture. However, I would like to make only point –in whatever son for primary frustration amongst the manner trade is going on, some people are engaged in the local trading community. process and they want to carry it on. I am yet to come across Since this is a zero duty trade, those non-Kashmiri traders, primarily anyone who is against Cross-LoC trade. People want the system from Punjab (on both sides of the Indo- streamlined and it is time the government looked into it. Pak international border) and even from Do you think the Cross-LoC trade served its intended Gujarat and Sindh, jumped into this purpose? trade and started exploiting the 'no It is difficult to comment on this aspect. If you talk in terms of duty' provision. All they had to do, is to find 'proxy traders' in J&K, who act as business, I don't think it is a fair process, there are a lot of unfair agents, taking a percentage of the means being resorted to. If you talk in terms of Confidence trade. While the Kashmiri traders from Building Measure, I think the spirit needs to be revived. J&K could not call their counter parts on How is the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries the other side (due to non-availability involved in the process? of telephone connections, due to secu- rity reasons), traders in Punjab and Chambers have been offered very little to do and our Sindh have no such problems. Traders Chamber is doing pretty little. We appreciate the importance from Indian Punjab and Gujarat could Cross-LoC trade and take the matter of its streamlining at all call traders on the Pakistani side and appropriate levels but there is no direct involvement. We are vice versa. As a result, there was a quick to react when a trader or a group of traders bring any issue better communication in terms of what is needed, what could be sent, the to our notice, we take up matter with government and write to nature of surplus and the cost of items other authorities but Chambers are not much in picture beyond on both sides. that. Also, with all respect to the traders How do you look ahead? of J&K across the LoC, the traders in First of all efforts are required to be made to remove the trust mainland India and Pakistan are better organised, thanks to the bilateral trade deficit which is currently prevailing. On one hand there is no for a long period. They have established official mandate available with the Chambers and on the other not only contacts, but also trust hand there is hardly any interaction between three Chambers. between each other; hence this makes We have started some talks on payment remission mechanism them easy to undertake the cross-LoC but again these discussions become victim of lack of contact. trade, despite being on barter system. There is no clarity from any side, much less from the Suddenly, there is a dip in the bilateral trade between India and Pakistan governments. But yes, people want to carry on with trade and through the Wagah border, because the we will continue to highlight this sentiment.

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010 in focus 30 Cross LoC Trade mainland traders would prefer to send their goods to Kashmir. On I send Apples, You may like to the other hand, the Kashmiri traders find it difficult to trade, despite its zero duty, because it is barter trade. Thanks to the long send Onions, or Ajwain: The hiatus in trade, and their traditional trade net work linked with the Problem of a Barter Trade rest of India and Pakistan, Kashmiri traders do not have a successful s of today, cross-LoC trade today in the 21st cen- network across the LoC. As a result, there is less trust, especially tury is taking place almost like the barter trade when the trade takes place on barter system, and with no tele- A of the 16th century. A trader from Sopore, for the phone connections. apples he sent may get a few trucks of onions or gar- The story of Moong Dal and Coconut will tell an interesting yet lic, irrespective whether he wants or not. Second, pathetic story of the cross-LoC trade. Moong Dal, which is cheap on there are no adequate telephone facilities between the other side, (Rs 20 a kilo in Muzaffarabad, when compared to Rs both sides of Kashmir; while traders (and others) 80-100 in Jammu or Srinagar) is traded in bulk in the cross-LoC could call from the PoK to the Indian side, citing secu- trade from Pakistani side to the Indian side. Unfortunately, this rity reasons, the Indian government has blocked peo- Moong Dal, instead of hitting the local markets of J&K, thereby ple from J&K calling the other side. This is where reducing the price of it, is being silently shipped away to the rest of banking facilities, telephone connections and the India. Coconut, though not in the list and is not produced anywhere in removal of barter trade will help make the cross-LoC J&K has been the most favourite item, crossing Poonch into Rawalakot trade between the two parts of Kashmir and not two in substantial number. Same is the case with the garlic, which the parts of Punjab. Also, this is where the strengthening Pakistani side gets from China and sends it to the Indian side. of the local trade bodies in respective regions and This proxy trade, has also created a new set of 'traders' or the Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Being 'agents' who are few in numbers, but suddenly rich and have the an economist, Manmohan Singh should not need any potential to send huge consignments to the other side, worth one to tell him, how to organise trade. Perhaps, he is crores. Since, the proxy traders do not invest, he has no problem in not being told about the practical problems; or does being an agent in sending goods in crores. The primary traders on not have the political will. Both will be a political both sides of Punjab take care in terms - what items to be sent and disaster to an important cross-LoC economic initia- in what quantity. This rich proxy traders, are trying to undermine tive. the local trading network; since the governments do not want to Both are valid criticisms and there is already a stop the trade, for political reasons and the fear of a failure, they positive movement, (though painfully slow) on both yield to the threat of the proxy traders and silently watch the these issues. There have been negotiations on hijacking of cross-LoC trade and the suffering of the local traders addressing the banking facilities; it has been decided and people.

Can Chambers regulate it better? Following a meeting between Indo-Pak Joint Working Group on Trade, there was an in principle understanding that modalities of Cross-LoC trade shall be settled by the Business chambers of Jammu and Kashmir after their visits and meetings on both sides. A visit of traders from AJK Chamber of Commerce of Industries to Srinagar and then Jammu was facilitated by both governments in October 2008 but a similar visit of Jammu and Kashmir traders to PaK is still pending despite several requests to State and Central Governments. In November 2008 Chambers in Srinagar and Jammu were asked by the State Government to send list of 40 members for clearance of their travel to Muzaffarabad. The travel proposal is still pending. Chambers of Commerce and Industries in Jammu and in Srinagar are of the opinion that regulation should be left to them for making trade practical. One of the ideas is that the individual traders register with the respective chambers in Jammu, Srinagar and Muzaffarabad and the subsequent Cross-LoC trade is between Chamber to Chamber. In this case the Chambers can become price determining authority, can facilitate of sale and purchase of goods and remission of payments. Individual traders are averse to this idea which they see as monopoly of Chambers but the Chambers argue that a scattered system is bound to collapse.

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to open a branch of J&K Bank in Muzaffarabad, and a branch of INTERVIEW A J K b a n k i n NAZIR A DAR Srinagar. This will also address the President, problem of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Kashmir currency in which Two years after its launch, how do you look at the current status of Cross-LoC the trade is to trade? take place. For Literally, the Cross-LoC trade is merely breathing to indicate that, yes, it is political reasons, alive…rest is nothing. It is a half hearted symbolic initiative of the Governments of there has been a India and Pakistan which is being sustained by sincerity of Kashmiris, particularly huge objection, the members of the divided families. on the use of Do you think this trade served the intended purpose in any amount? international cur- rency, for it Let me say first thing first. Cross-LoC trade is based on clear violations of the would signify, an basic principles of trade. The mechanism with which this is being run brings the par- i n t e r n a t i o n a l ties disappointment and frustration. This is what the trade is proving. trade and not I would say that yes it served some purpose to the extent that it brought mem- intra-Kashmiri bers of the divided families together and it made people to think, after a gap of 60 trade. Emphasis years, that they can deal with their relatives on other side of the divide. There is one on the non-use of way of looking at the positive aspect –even absence of logistics and payment mecha- international cur- nism the trade is going on, though in small measures, that is the success. But attribute rency is hypo- this success to the members of divided families and not the authorities. c r i t i c ; w h e n Trade volume on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route is very poor as compared to the those who want Poonch-Rawalakote. Do you think Kashmiri traders are not much interested? to trade criticise This is wrong. Traders of Kashmir Valley are more interested in Cross-LoC trade the governments than anyone else. On Poonch-Rawalakote route there is a huge proxy racket –traders not seeing the from others parts of country send across their goods and enjoy benefits of price dif- trade as an eco- ference. Uri route is far away from the mainland Indian markets which is why n o m i c C B M , Poonch route is preferred one. On the contrary, on Uri route we have the real stake- objecting the use holders, the members of the divided families who are sustaining this process with of an interna- their emotions. tional currency is Had there been proper infrastructure, logistics, banking etc? equally political. Sky would have been the limit. Especially, when How is Kashmir Chamber involved in pushing the trade? the traders are We are trying to make all possible efforts. We took up the matter with Prime more interested Minister Manmohan Singh in June this year and he assured us of his personal inter- in transit trade est to set things right. Nothing has happened since then. through the other A proposal on payment remission is under discussion. What is your view on that? side, all the way We are not aware of any such proposal. Kashmir Chamber is a democratically t o m a i n l a n d elected representative body but we have not been consulted on any such thing. Pakistan, and What is the status of Joint Chamber? then to Dubai and Joint Chamber has lost relevance, whatever it had. It was agreed upon to transfer E u r o p e f r o m the chair to Kashmir Chamber in November 2009 which has not happened even in Karachi. 2010. In am in touch with President of Jammu Chamber and can't recall when was my last contact with Mr Zulfikar Abbasi, the president of the Joint Chamber.

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I don't know A POSSIBLE BANKING MECHANISM whom I'm trad- The Business Chambers on both sides are considering a proposal on a possible banking mechanism. This ing with: The proposal appears to have come after a preliminary discussion between authorities in New Delhi and Islamabad. The proposal is currently at circulation stage while a proper discussion is yet to take off. The Problem of Federation Chamber of Industries and Commerce Kashmir (FCIK), parallel lobby to the Kashmir Chamber Connectivity of Commerce and Industry is reportedly coordinating discussions between Muzaffarabad Chamber, qually nonsensical is Jammu Chamber and the nearly defunct Joint Chamber. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ethe reluctance of the is apparently out of the loop at this stage. Indian government to Epilogue had an access to the document which suggests two viable banking options. Highlights of allow people from J&K to the proposal are given here: use telephone facilities to call the other side. Though Exporter in J&K Importer in PoK the government today has magnanimously allowed to set up five points/lines, from which a trader could call the other side, this is Escrow Account simply not sufficient. Of course, something is Trade Facilitation Account PoK better than nothing, but Goods with J&K Bank Ltd. in INR Goods then, is this a right approach? Recently five Credit Debit telephone lines were established in Poonch and Uri exclusively for Cross- LoC traders to make calls to other side but traders Importer in J&K Exporter in J&K are reluctant to use those phones. “Business needs privacy and one of the con- Exporter in PoK Importer in PoK ditions for using these phones lines is that one has to talk in presence of a government official”, said a trader. One could understand the dilemma within the Indian Trade Facilitation Account in J&K government, especially Goods with a Bank in PoK Goods with the Prime Minister's Debit Credit Office (and perhaps the Ministries of External Affairs and the Commerce) wanting to move ahead, while the Home Ministry, e s p e c i a l l y i t s w e l l Importer in J&K Exporter in India entrenched intelligence

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OPTION - 1 CONDITIONS : 1. The escrow account is to be opened by J&K Bank Ltd in the name of 'Trade Facilitation – PoK Account' In Indian Rupees only with zero balance. 2. All contracts for export from the import to J&K should provide for payment only through the escrow account. 3. Invoices in support of the trade transaction should be raised in Indian Rupees only. 4. The credit/debit transactions in the account will be subject to the following conditions : 4.1 CREDITS : a) Credits to the account will represent amount due to the exporters in PoK towards payment for the import of goods in to J&K. b) The credit transaction should be support by a commercial invoice duly certified by a State/Central Government authority about the value and origin of goods, for the transport of goods from Pok and J&K. (This is in order to ensure there is no over invoicing or under-invoicing of goods and no third country transactions are routed through the account). c) The bank should verify the documents to title to goods i.e. lorry receipts issued by transport operator approved by appropriate authority. 4.2 DEBITS a) Debit in the account will represent amount due from the importer in PoK towards payment for the export of goods from J&K. b) The debit transaction should be supported by a commercial invoice duly certified by a state/Central Government authority about the value and origin of a goods, for the transport of goods from J&K into PoK. (This is in order to ensure there is over-invoicing or under-invoicing of goods and no third country transactions are routed through the account) c) The bank should verify the documents of title to goods – i.e. Lorry receipts issued by an IBA approved transport operator. 5. Interest shall be payable/receivable for the credit/debit or the balance in the escrow account as mutually agreed by the two banks. 6. J&K Bank will ensure that the KYC requirements of importers/exporters are complied with for all the transactions routed through the escrow account. Strict control over the use of balances in the account may be put in place to avoid financing of any non trade/suspicious activities in India. 7. The balance in the escrow account will not be allowed to be remitted outside India but should be adjusted towards payment of foods exported from India. 8. The overdraft, if any sanctioned by the J&K Bank Ltd., shall not exceed Rs. 500 lakhs at any time. OPTION - 2 At present trade between India and Pakistan is transacted via the ACU dollar and ACU Euro. The trade across the line of control can be transacted the same way but this will raise a variety of issues, including that of classification of this trade as foreign trade. Also, it will not meet the aspirations of the local traders. As such we have to devise a system for settlement of cross LoC trade outside the ACU mechanism which will be operated in Indian/Pakistani Rupees. MECHANISM : It is proposed to institute a system along the following lines: qJ&K Bank will open a Pakistani Rupee (PKR) nostro account in a Bank in Pakistan having a presence in POK. qAny bank in POK opens an Indian Rupee (INR) nostro account in J&K Bank. qImport and Export transactions will be settled through these accounts. Regulatory Requirement : Since PKR/INR is not traded in India/Pakistan, Reserve Bank of India in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan will have to provide a window for buying /selling of PKR from/to J&K Bank to fund the rupee nostro account or absorb the surplus balance in the account. State Bank of Pakistan will have to provide reciprocal facilities to their Bank in POK. To cover the exchange risks, RBI and SBP may buy/sell the PKR/INR at a fixed rate for a period of three months of six months.

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010 in focus 34 Cross LoC Trade agencies, blocking the forward movement. More New Routes or Strengthen the One only hopes, the matured and bold Union Home Minister over rides certain exaggerated Existing ones?: The Problem of intelligence concerns, and make the cross-LoC trade deliver for larger strategic objective. Expectations The recent statement by Jairam Ramesh, esides the banking facilities and telephone connections, though in a different context is valid – that the Banother major issue has been the demand to open more trade Home Ministry is extra cautious, at times, even routes across the LoC. Jammu-Sialkot, Nowshera-Mirpur and Kargil- to the extent of blocking new initiatives. None Skardu axes have been suggested a new trade routes. What should will be able to better understand this issue be the approach? Should there be focus on opening new trade than Jairam Ramesh, for many of his economic routes, or should there be a concentration on strengthening the initiatives relating to our neighbours in the existing arrangements, before opening new routes? Should the ener- east and west, during his previous tenure in gies be prioritized? commerce ministry, could not materialise, due Jammu-Sialkot, undoubtedly is the most popular demand, to security concerns from the Home ministry. given the historical and cultural linkages between these two great Blaming one ministry, however is not an cities. But, given the fact, that it is an international border, there is excuse; after all, the final decision lies with no cross-LoC tag attached to it. This axis, certainly needs to be the Prime Minsiter. Even if there has to be a cer- opened, but perhaps from a popular or an international/bilateral tain cost and risk, it is worth taking them, as trade perspective, and not from a cross-LoC angle. Kargil-Skardu long as it serves the larger objective why we axis is again a popular one for divided families, more than a trade started the cross-LoC interactions in the first route. Unless India and Pakistan wants to open the entire stretch place. This is where Manmohan Singh has to linking Tibet and Sinkinang, and revive the romantic Silk route for continue, what he has started in 2005. Taking trade, opening just Kargil-Skardu road for trading purpose may not one step forward and two steps backward, has be beneficial. Instead, both countries could consider opening this been the Union government's legacy in J&K, route for trade-in-services, primarily for tourism, that is trade- in- and this is not acceptable. goods.

What happened to joint Chamber? At the non-governmental level the formation of 'Jammu and Kashmir Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries' was the perhaps the biggest Confidence Building Measure. Two years after its formation as the Joint Chamber is as good as dead. This was an agreement between Presidents of Jammu, Srinagar and Muzaffarabad Chambers of Commerce and Industries to have an apex body of traders with equal representation from three chambers and rotational chairmanship. Zulfikar Abbasi who headed the AJK Chamber's delegation to J&K in October 2008 was offered the inaugural chairmanship for a period of one year. Next was the term of Kashmir Chamber and then Jammu Chamber. Since then there has been a change of guard at all three Chambers, there are new men at the helm even as Abbasi continues to be the Chairman of Joint Chamber. The President of Srinagar Chamber Nazir Ahmed Dar does not remember when he last spoke to Abbasi and same is the case with President of Jammu Chamber. In fact, the Joint Chamber could never take off. Immediately after its formation, the three Chambers were required to nominate members for the Apex body which the Jammu and Muzaffarabad Chambers did but the Srinagar Chamber could not do till date due to a split within. By rotation, the Chairmanship had to be conferred to Jammu Chamber this October but it has not reached even the Srinagar Chamber. Lack of opportunity to meet is one major reason which has rendered the Joint Chamber almost defunct. A website of the Joint Chamber was registered in Jammu which expired last year. The web hosts, Ideogram Technologies told Epilogue that they were never approached by any party for renewal.

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Problems Galore, but there is a Silver Lining INTERVIEW f course, there are numerous Rakesh Gupta Oproblems. Given the tensions President, between India and Pakistan, and the J&K Pharma Association lack of connectivity between two parts of J&K, problems are bound to You were among the most active proponents of Cross-LoC trade. be there. Especially, with a section Your organization hosted the Muzaffarabad delegation in 2008. amongst the business community trying to monopolize and hijack the How do you look at the journey of two years? cross-LoC trade, genuine business- The way I look at the Cross-LoC trade seems inspiring and men are likely to be at the receiving encouraging. In 21st century you are practicing the means of 16th end. There is bound to be starting problems. century. There is no infrastructure, no logistics and no On the positive side, two issues communication. People don't know who they are trading with. Still need to be identified and built fur- there is trade. This is where I find the success. Credit goes to the ther. First and foremost, the enthu- siasm, endurance and the patience people directly involved in it. of genuine businessmen to trade Has the trade bridged gaps between two divided parts of Jammu with each other and make this ini- and Kashmir? tiative a huge success, despite the slow progress from the governmen- Can't say that but yes this process has paved a way for cooperation. tal side and the attempt to monopo- People are looked forward to enhanced contacts. For examples, my lize this trade by few selfish busi- family had migrated from Mirpur (in PaK) and I am too eager to go nessmen from J&K and outside it. Second, both India and there, meet people and find ways of dealing with them. There are Pakistan, despite the problems at many people like me on both sides who see in Cross-LoC trade a the bilateral levels and ground level huge opportunity of reconnecting. misuse the above mentioned selfish businessmen, both countries have You deal in medicines. What is the scope of medicines in Cross- not stopped the trade. LoC trade? The above two issues are If Cross-LoC trade was though on humanitarian lines, clearly the silver lining, which could be the basis for a new beginning in medicines should have been the first thing to be sent across. On the third year. To conclude, in the other side of Line of Control, medicines are too expensive as third year, both India and Pakistan compared to this side. Export from other side would have helped should consider strengthening the trade two existing routes, by resolv- people a lot. Indian manufactured medicines are in huge ing banking facilities and communi- consumption in Pakistan but they are imported via third countries cation issues; perhaps, opening new like Singapore. routes for economic reasons, could be considered for the fourth year, What is the way ahead? after necessary home work. I am disappointed with performance of Chambers. They are not Meanwhile, new routes could be opened for the meeting of divided doing enough in terms of lobbying. Having seen the Chambers and families, for example between Governments doing almost nothing in giving push to Cross-LoC Kargil and Skardu, as it happened in trade, we are in process of making an NGO to push the purpose. We the previous two routes, and then followed by trade. are very soon applying for visit of our delegation to the other side.

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INTERVIEW Mubeen Shah Former President Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Kashmir In the initial years of discussions your idea on Cross-LoC trade seemed entirely different from others. You mostly pressed for transit trade. Two years after launch of trade, how do you look at the whole exercise in terms of its political and economic benefits? It seems that the area of Gilgit –Baltistan has I did not press for only transit trade but I am still of the opinion that not prominently been transit trade is the trade by which all businessmen particularly from the associated with the Valley will have a stake and will be an important component whatever is intra-Kashmir and the final settlement of Kashmir. Indo-Pak dialogue. Cross-LoC trade was overwhelmingly described as mother of all This region has its own Confidence Building Measures. Was it really so? Has it actually geographical peculiar- contributed in lessening the tensions? ity, sensitivities, stra- When it was announced and particularly when Kashmir was in tegic importance, vision and legal stand- flames during Amarnath crisis it was considered as one the most ing. Shabaz Khan, a important confidence building measures but although is still a Lawyer by profession confidence building measure in the sense that when both Governments and founder chairman (India and Pakistan) can do this they can if there is a will they can do a of the Gilgit Baltistan final settlement also.) C h a m b e r o f What, do you think, should be an ideal model for intra-Kashmir trade? Commerce shares his Ideal model is that both Jammu side as well as Kashmir side should perceptions with Sandeep Singh Sandy. be able to do trade as doing with any districts within each region. This is What is your vision of the the ideal model. Gilgit-Baltistan region in Do you think the Kashmiri business community ever built any stakes its larger Strategic loca- in the Cross-LoC trade as it never appeared as viable business option at tion in this part of the any time? South Asia? As already told that the whole Kashmiri business community can The GB has its pecu- liar Strategic edge in the have a stake when there is transit trade so that our major exports of fruit region being as it is sur- and handicrafts can be marketed within Pakistan as well as beyond ) rounded by the central How do you look at the future of Cross-LoC trade? Asia from the north, As presently Kashmir is in a situation where the people are asking Pakistan from west, J&K for Azadi and final settlement, the trade will go on as it is or the from south and china from east and is actually a government will in order to make it better agree to the recommendations potential trade hub and which have been made by KCCI as well as the joint chamber. corridor among these sur-

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rounding entities. In this regard, it Karakorum highway and that tourist There are different areas/items, should be projected by all the surround- flow can easily spill over to Leh and also where GB can facilitate the trade .the ing entities for the prosperity of this to other part of the J&K as well. tourism, the hydro-power potential region and to the benefits of all these How can we minimize the appre- (more than 50000mw), minerals (gold, parties in the immediate surroundings. hension of the Leh as the area with copper, iron), fruits (apricot) etc. are Moreover, it has a special legal standing Buddhist population and less in com- the visible areas for the trade and in the Pakistan itself thus, can prefera- mon with the GB in term of Religious future collaboration between both part bly be engaged with other countries in composition? of Jammu &Kashmir and possibly with the periphery. It can be emerged as a As I mentioned there is substantial the other surrounding regions. trade zone and thus, as a result of, can tourist chunk which is coming through What are your suggestions for the be the peace zone for the peace in the Xingxiang-Khazgar road are substan- trade between different parts of the south Asia. tively from Japan, Korea and other erstwhile J&K? What are the hindrances to this strate- south-east Asian countries having faith It seems that the trust deficit is the gic edge of this area or importance of in Buddhism. For this chunk of tourist, main hurdle between India and the GB? Pakistan. For any trade to move for- There is no denying the fact that ward, trust is essential and can also be Pakistan foreign policy is actually enhanced by the trade. In other words revolves around the apprehension due Interview with trust and trade are complimentary to to the Indian stand .this bilateral equa- Shabaz Khan each other. In addition to it, we can tion between these two nation are learn from the trajectory of the trade invariably became as a hurdle to the eco- founder president between GB and china where right from nomic boom of the this region and the Gilgit Baltistan 1985 to 1995, there was barter system surrounding areas as well. So, for peace Chamber of Commerce between both the GB and China .From & prosperity in this part of the south 1998, the passes were issued to the Asia, positive equation between India members of the chamber of Gilgit & &Pakistan is inevitable. Baltistan, as a result of this, the trade Leh and surrounding areas can certainly Will Kargil-Skardu road assume an volume jumped 100 times from the pre- be the destination for its monasteries importance, if thrown open like two vious quantum of trade. In this regard, and also for the other as a natural tour- other LoC routes? few elements of this successful experi- ist destination. Moreover, tourism, The socio-cultural ties of the ment (between GB &China) can be put trade and economics have less to do erstwhile Ladakh are known to all into trial for the trade between both with religion. through the history of this region. parts of J&K as well. How is GB different from the Rest of Moreover, this region seems almost How you envision GB into the larger the erstwhile J&K in term of its settle- locked may be because of its topo- political arrangement if any in the ment? graphical peculiarity and as a result erstwhile J&K? GB has its peculiarity as the then cut off from rest of the mainland Any solution for the erstwhile J&K president Raja Shah Raees Khan of the India and Pakistan ,so any opening should involve all the stakeholders for Islamic republic of Gilgit took over on will not be the merger but the reinte- the peaceful political arrangement. October 31, 1947 and after fifteen days gration of this disintegrated region by The aspiration of the GB will be for its on Nov, 16, 1947 he acceded to the the Partition of the sub-continent. autonomous entity as a province with Pakistan. In this regards, GB is peculiar Thus, it is not only emotional but the its appropriate space to have ties with in term of its settlement as compared to humanitarian need of this biggest and all surrounding regions. In this direc- rest of the erstwhile state of J&K. difficult region of the erstwhile state tion, it can also be a federating part of Jammu and Kashmir. What is the potential of GB in term of of a larger federal zone in this region. its resources as there is little informa- The other visible and practical eco- (This interview was possible tion in our part about the strength of nomic benefits will also be there like with support of conciliation this area? the huge tourist flow from the china by resource)

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SRINAGAR-MUZAFFARABAD Trade in Times of Unrest

BILAL HUSSAIN

In every black cloud there is always a silver lining. The unabated unrest which has affected most of the business segments in the Kashmir valley, however, barring few hiccups couldn't influence the Cross-LoC trade between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad which went 'smoothly' during past four months of curfew and protests.

espite, the all odds that Cross- started on October 21, 2008 with much dates formed over 80 per cent of the LoC trade had witnessed in two fanfare, when Governor N N Vohra import. But as the intra-Kashmir trade Dyears time to a greater extent, if flagged off the first trade convoy from remained suspended for three not succeeded but has survived till Salamabad for Chakoti. Since then, the consecutive weeks in the wake of date. In the second week of September, trade has witnessed many hiccups. prevailing unrest in Valley, no more 2010 the Cross-LoC trade on Srinagar- Disruptions of this nature has affected supplies could be received exclusively Muzaffarabad route achieved another trade but not to a greater extent. for the Holy month. Disturbances like milestone by crossing Indian rupee [INR] Trade During Unrest these imbalances the demand supply base for any trade, in a situation like 300 Crore mark. Officials at Trade The intra-Kashmir cross-LoC this the traders and officials involved Facilitation Centre [TFC] Salamabad, weekly trade remained suspended for would have to adopt and devise Uri, on record have said that the intra- weeks together in wake of strict curfew measure which would have minimal Kashmir trade reached Rs 300.34 enforced in the Valley. With the result, affect on the trade. between the two divided parts of no items were exchanged between two A glimpse at the trade figures Kashmir. parts of Kashmir via Uri-Muzaffarabad amply shows how the trade has been During the period, 132 sessions of route. going on during these troubled times. the trade have been carried out since In the month of August, which The figures for the month of May, when the initiation of the trade. “Since the happened to be month of Ramdhan Kashmir was peaceful, were INR 8.15 start of the trade in October, 2008, [holy month for Muslims] as well the crore worth of exports and INR 13.45 goods worth INR 122.45 crore have been demand for dry fruits in Valley has crore worth of imports. During the exported from Kashmir Valley to increased manifold with the traders month of June, goods worth nearly INR Pakistan administered Kashmir, while here importing huge quantities from the 10 crore were exported while goods commodities valuing Pakistan Rupee AJK through the Line of Control. worth INR 16.75 crore were imported. In [PKR] 177.89 Crore have been imported According to the officials at TFC 2867 the month of July, the total trade from the other side,” Trade Facilitation quintals of dry fruits worth Rs 3.175 volume was worth nearly INR 19 crore Officer Salamabad said. So far 3569 crore were imported in 39 truckloads but the value of the trade fell to INR 9.2 truckloads laden with 227725 quintals from the Chakoti Trade Centre, AJK , crore in the month of August. of goods have rolled down from the TFC during two-day trade adding last week Salamabad, whereas 261962 quintals of over 90 per cent of the imported items Trade During 'Normalcy' merchandise have been received in comprised dry fruits alone, with dry The activity that was started with 3798 trucks from the Chakoti Trade dates forming the major part. much fanfare has become the victim of Centre. While, the demand for dates had symbolism due to lack of proper To mention, the LoC trade started picking up in Kashmir in view of facilities critical for trade, like no between two parts of Kashmir was the Ramadhan, when fresh and dry communication links, and non-

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continue to be extremely stringent for all residents, including businessmen. Many experts here believe that the trade across LoC could not go beyond INR 300 crores provided both governments show seriousness in the trade by easing out process for traders and provide all needed infrastructure for the trade. Earlier there were proposal that the JK Bank, only company from J&K listed on stock exchanges of India, would open a branch in AJK. To mention the JK Bank prior to partition in 1947 had two branches in PaK, one in Mirpur and other in Muzaffarabad. Till the facilities like banking, telephone, it should be driven purely on demand supply basis rather than sticking to list of items by governments and other important facilities for the existence of banks for money trade should not be restricted only to 21 trade would not be provided it is bound exchanges. items; rather all the items produced to remain a symbolic trade. The traders on both sides of and manufactured in the state of divided Kashmir currently are being Jammu and Kashmir should be forced to go for barter trader. Business incorporated in the list. The list in no chambers, industrialists, and traders way corresponds to market realities, time and again had lamented that the they believe. biggest hurdle in the trade is the Currently, trade is conducted only absence of communication link. The on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9 current mode of communication am and 4 pm. Another major hurdle is between the traders from both sides is transportation. Only less 1.5 metric through e-mail only. The traders here tons (MT) per truckload can cross the are reiterating that they were not taken LoC due to infrastructural constraints A glimpse at the trade figures amply into confidence at the time of policy on both sides. Small shipment size shows how the trade has been going making. makes trade unfeasible as the fuel, It won't be out of place to mention handling, cargo, and other costs are not on during these troubled times. The here a quote of President, KCCI Nazir necessarily proportional to the delivery figures for the month of May, when Ahmad Dar who lamented, “We at KCCI weight. Kashmir was peaceful, were INR 8.15 are not at all satisfied with the ongoing Trucks have to unload at crore worth of exports and INR 13.45 trade; the requisite facilities that a checkpoints near the LoC, then trade demands do not exist on both side reloaded onto local trucks and hauled to crore worth of imports. During the of Kashmir and the way it is being the destination. Apart from the cost month of June, goods worth nearly conducted is not the way we envisaged element, this is especially problematic INR 10 crore were exported while it.” for perishable items. goods worth INR 16.75 crore were While business bodies like Kashmir Moreover, traders have no means Chamber of Commerce and Industry to meet and interact with their imported. [KCCI], had demanded that cross LoC counterparts. The visa restrictions

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POONCH - RAWALAKOTE A Report From Trade Center

VARUN MAINI

It is yet to be called as trade in real sense but the barter of goods across Line of Control has significantly changed the way people would think. Two years after its launch the technicalities have not softened and facilities have not improved even by an inch but emotions have gone too deep.

he cross LoC Trade started on Trade trends Chilly, Rajmash, Lemon, Banana, Grapes, Walnut, Spices and Potato have October 21, 2008 from Slamabad The trade officer and District been exported to POK. He further said Tin Uri and Rangar in Poonch was Development Commissioner, Poonch that all efforts are made to provide the third important CBM between India Kuldeep Lal Khajuria says that the trade good facilities to traders to run the and Pakistan on Kashmir, after the transaction twice in a weak across the trade smoothly. By and large necessary ceasefire of November 26, 2003 and LoC is quite in swing. There are 180 trad- cooperation from the other side is also opening of cross-LoC road for divided ers on this side and about 198 traders on available. Presently quarterly meetings families on the April 7, 2005 via the other side involved in cross-LoC between the traders of two parts of Srinagar-Muzafarabad road and on June trade. More than 100 labourers have Kashmir are held regularly at zero point 20, 2006 via Poonch-Rawalakote road. been engaged for loading and unloading in which the traders sort out their The trade facility was started to provide the goods at trade centre Chakan da account matters. economic avenues to traders and qual- Bagh. The traders of Poonch, Rajouri ity goods on cheaper rates to the people and Jammu apart from some traders The Trade Centre so that the friendly and congenial atmo- from Kashmir valley are also operating The cross-LoC trade centre was sphere could be created in both the their trade via Poonch-Rawalakote established in 2008 on 42 kanal of land parts of Kashmir. During last joint meet- route. The trade transaction was in Rangar, about 8 kilometers from ing of traders at Chakan da Bag zero started on 21st October 2008 with three Poonch town towards the LoC. Under point held on June 9, 2010, a PaK trader small load carrier of goods worth of Rs. first phase a truck terminal, examina- Mohammad Akbar said that may social 35000/- where as in the month of May tion hall, security complex, custodian functions at Rawalakote town now start 2010 the weakly trade had gone upto office, custom office, plant quarantine with the serving of sweet pineapple, more than Rs.9 crores. The trade trends office and ancillary buildings were con- fresh coconut and lemon imported via from 21 October 2008 to 31st March structed. However, this accommodation Poonch to guests who in return start talk- 2010 are very very encouraging, was not sufficient for the smooth run- ing for more sweet relations between because 48 items worth of Rs. 127.67 ning of trade venture across the LoC. the two parts of Kashmir. Same feeling is crores in POK currency were imported Therefore a project of Rs. 4 crores has noticed on this side also. The advent of from POK in 1657 vehicles. On the other been sanctioned under second phase by trade have also provided the way for hand 42 items were exported to POK in the central government for the con- softening the rigid attitudes, smoothen- 1526 trucks costing Rs. 67.56 crores in struction of compound wall, godown, ing the friendly relations and start of Indian currency (presently Indian one administrative block, sitting hall for new era of cooperation between the rupee costs 1.80 rupees of Pakistani cur- traders, weigh bridge facility and pur- two parts. During last 23 months lot of rency). Mostly Dal Mung, Onion, Garlic, chase of generator sets. However, trust, faith and confidence have been Ginger, Peshawari Chappal, Almond, Krishan Singh, Secretary Cross-LoC built between the trader fraternities Herbs, Dry Grapes and Embroidery trade association says that they are fac- which have shown very healthy impact items are imported from POK and ing lot of problem at the trade centre. on ground. Coconut, Pineapple, Big Cardenas, Red There is no facility for sitting of traders,

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no proper arrangements. Power supply items could not exported to the other also told that 15 additional items is irregular. The traders are facing lot of side on trade day. He demanded that already approved have also not been problems in unloading the trucks during there may be no upper limit of vehicles included in the trade list due to which night hours without proper lighting sys- for export or import and all those the traders are facing lot of problem. tem. Since there is no whole body scan- loaded trucks reached the cross LOC Short term permit ner facility available in the centre, the trade center one day before P resently short term visa is issued goods are checked manually which the trade day may be allowed for in favour of truck drivers who crossed takes lot of time and very limited vehi- export after proper checking and com- zero line with loaded trucks after show- cles could cross the LoC on trade day. pletion of codal formalities. The cross ing the documents of their vehicles to The District Trade Officer assures that LOC Trade Officer Mr. Khajuria told that security authorities. They returned the transformer is being setup to aug- the upper limit of vehicles have been back to the other side after unloading ment the power. A sitting hall for traders fixed by the security agencies because the trucks on the same day. The traders shall be constructed in near future and the goods are checked manually and wants that such type of short time visa weighing bridge facility shall also be cre- security staff available in the centre is for three to five days may also be issued ated. not in a position to clear more than 25 in their favour so that they could visit No doubt, the administration is pro- vehicles on a trade day. However he has the other side and place the orders after viding assistance to traders to encour- taken up the matter with IGP Security conforming the quality and rates of age the trade between the two parts of for increase of security staff so that at items from open the market. The Kashmir however the traders are having least 50 trucks could cross LOC from Custodian Trade, Ranjeet Singh told lot of grievances and some genuine prob- each side on trade day instead of 25. that this demand of the traders have lems in smooth running of the trade Increase of items in trade list been projected to higher authorities for which are need to be addressed. The The second demand of the traders decision. traders of Poonch had gone on strike in was to review the list of 21 items ISD facility to traders for PaK May and June for about five weeks approved at the time of the start of Another demand of the traders was which was called off on the assurance of trade venture on 21st October 2008. As ISD phone facility for PaK so that they local Deputy Commissioner that their per SOP there was a provision for modi- could confirm the rates before placing genuine demands shall be projected to fication and revision of list as per the the orders. In absence of phone facili- higher authorities for appropriate need of the people after every three ties number of traders had gone into action. months but this list have not been loss as they exported and imported the The main demands of traders are revised up till now. There is a great pres- goods without conforming the rates and as under: sure from the traders that consumption suffered financially. The cross LoC trade Increase of loaded vehicles for export based items instead of production based officer Kuldeep Lal Khajuria told that and import on trade day. may be included in the trade list. The this was very genuine demand of the Pawan Anand, the President of traders also wants that all those items traders which was projected to higher cross LOC trade centre Poonch says that cheaper on the other side be allowed for authorities for such facility. Now the ISD the limit of export of vehicles was fixed import and export only then the trade phone facility is available in Deputy at 25 on each trade day about a year can be boosted up. Mr. Pawan Anand Commissioner Office, Poonch, GM DIC back when there were only 21 traders. told that the traders of both the sides Poonch and cross LoC trade centre Now the numbers of cross LOC regis- have show trust and faith on each other Rangar for the convenience of traders. tered traders have gone upto 180. Every and started business blindly on tele- The traders at any time can visit these trader wants to export his goods to the phone call from the other side without booths and talk with counterpart on the other side every week on trade day. any guarantee. In recent meeting of other side. Interestingly Ranjeet Singh Since only 25 trucks are allowed to cross traders at zero point on 9th June 2010 Custodian Trade told that no trader the zero line. Therefore number of trad- the traders have jointly forwarded a list have avail this facility from his booth so ers who books their goods from Jammu of 40 more items for inclusion in the far. Pawan Anand represented that trad- and abroad are deprived of exporting approved list. This list was handed over ers don't want to talk business matters their items to the other side in time. to Trade Facilitation Officer, Gurmail with their counter parts from the pub- Number of time, the fresh items like Singh who had further sent the list to lic booths and government offices. They onion, potato and fruits gets spoiled at concerned quarters for appropriate needs land line ISD facility for smooth cross LOC trade center because these action but action is still awaited. It was business. However, as per the intelli-

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gence agencies there is a security risk in the trade centre. This has happened in at the rate of Rs. 10,000/- per the extension of land line ISD facilities case of Ginger, Garlic, Coconut, Ajwain truck, books the items on their names for PoK. etc. This behaviour has put the traders and export and import the items and sell Involvement Of Banks In Cross LoC to great trouble. The Custom Officer Mr. these items to whole sale dealers in out- Trade Munish told that only those items have side the state. The local dealers are also The trade across the LoC was been stopped by them which are not selling their imported goods to the started with barter system arrangement included in the trade list of this side or wholesalers of Jammu and abroad. The i.e. goods against goods are exchanged the other side. For example, Ajwain people of J&K state on whose name the and money is not involved in the trade. falls under spices items and spices are trade was started are deprived of these In the initial stage it was given to under- not allowed for import from POK. There facilities. For example Dal Mung was stand that in a due course of time the is a need of proper instructions to receiving at trade centre Poonch from bank shall be involved and trade shall be Custom Officers for displaying the POK @ Rs. 32/- per kg in Indian currency started through banks from both the detail of items falls under the list of 21 against the market rate of Rs. 106 per kg sides. But this has not happened. Lot of so that the traders could accordingly in the bazaar of Poonch town. Instead of financial irregularities have been place the orders. selling Dal Mung on cheaper rate at noticed through barter system because Public reactions and grievances Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu on reason- in absence of banks there is no proper The custom free trade across the able rates, these items are dispatched account of goods importer or exported. LOC was the unique experiment of peo- abroad to earn more and more profit. There is a possibility of manipulation of ple to people friendly relations between Mr. K.K Kapoor a prominent citizen of figures to avoid taxes. Therefore cross the two parts of Kashmir. The idea Poonch told that the public was hoping LoC trade be strengthened by switching behind this CBM was to create sweat for the quality items of POK on cheaper over barter system to proper trade relations and contacts, provide eco- rates in Poonch market but this has not where the financial transactions actu- nomic opportunities to traders and happened so far and the idea of creation ally happens through the banking sys- retailers and quality items on cheaper of good wills among the public have tem. rates to the public on the other side of been spoiled by the opportunist. There Official agency for sorting the trade LOC. However this idea has not worked is no benefit of trade to the common per- disputes. on ground in real sense. Some traders son except the traders. As per the latest report from the have hijacked the trade for their own In the above context, there is a traders there are number of traders of benefit instead of creating good will ges- need of streamlining the trade venture both the sides who exported their ture among the public. Presently the in such a manner that the common peo- goods to the other side but in return traders have not opened any retail shop ple should also get the benefit of this they have not received the consign- within any district of J&K from where CBM. For this purpose there is a need of ments against their goods. For example the general public could purchase these the opening of retail outlets of PaK Mohammad Akbar of PaK and Haji Abdul items. After importing the duty free imported items through Super Bazar or Razak of Poonch of this side have turned goods from the other sides, the traders Consumer Affairs Department for the bankrupt because their counterparts on directly dispatch the loaded trucks from imported items at Poonch, Surankote, the other side have grabbed their cross LOC trade centre to Jammu, Mendhar, Rajouri, Sunderbani, Jammu, money. No doubt that the quarterly Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and other Kathua, Udhampur and valley of meetings at zero points are held for places where they sell these goods to Kashmir with the banner that 'PoK talling the accounts but the defaulters whole sale dealers and earn lot of goods are available here'. The rates are not attending such meetings. There profit. The people residing in Poonch, of imported goods may also be con- is no official check on these traders at Rajouri and Jammu are having lot of trolled by the administration and strict present. Therefore there is a need of offi- resentment that these items imported instructions may be issued to cross LoC cial agency of both the parts of Kashmir on cheaper rates from POK are not sup- traders for selling the goods in the local who could deal with these cases and plied to them. It has also been noticed markets so that the goodwill gestures help the victims on both the sides. that some big traders of Delhi, could be percolated to the common Abrupt ban on trade items Chandigarh and Amritsar are involved in man. Only then the trade venture can be proved beneficial economically and Pawan Anand says that Custom offi- proxy trade from Poonch-Rawalakote become the piece bridge between the cers abruptly impose ban on some items route. They are purchasing the trade two parts of Kashmir. when loaded trucks already reaches in cards of some registered traders of J&K

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010 43 Column History

History of Ladakh in the Mughal Historical Sources

PROF. JIGAR MOHAMMAD

adakh's cultural relations with prosperity, they made Ladakh a part of space in the historical sources of the Central Asia and parts of India can Mughal India. More importantly, the Mughal empire. During the 17th century Lbe traced from the ancient Mughals made a policy to acquire the A.D. the Mughal emperors' particularly period. During the medieval period the knowledge of cultural life of the Shihabuddin Muhammad Shahjahan process of Ladakh's interaction with the conquered areas. The acquisition of the (1628-58), extended the boundary of different parts of Asia was intensified. It knowledge of the cultural life of the India upto the Transoxiana region. is known that Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani, a conquered and neighbouring areas of Ladakh was well connected with Central sufi of Persia, visited Ladakh in 1383 en the Mughal empire was not only the part Asian countries. Both the commercial route to Turkestan. It was medieval of the intellectual activities of the and diplomatic contacts of Ladakh was period when the people of the c o n t e m p o r a r y h i s t o r i a n s a n d intensified with the Central Asian neighbouring states of Ladakh came professional writers, but the Mughal Countries because of Ladakh being closer to the Ladakhis through emperors themselves were very much situated on one of the route between commercial, literary and religious interested in collecting the information the Central Asia and North India. The activities. It is an established fact that pertaining to the various cultures. In his historical works of the Mughal empire some of the Central Asians were well autobiography the Mughal emperor during Shahjahan's period made Ladakh versed to the routes to Ladakh during Jahangir (1605-27) not only mentions one of new themes of their regional the medieval period. It is substantiated the events of his own empire, but he studies. from that the Central Asians invaded also incorporates some information of Some aspects of the history and Ladakh frequently from the first half of the non-Mughal empire areas such as culture of the seventeenth century are the 16th century onwards. Though it was Tibet and Ladakh. He mentions that very well depicted in the Shahjahan Mirza Haidar Dughlat invasion in 1532 with the exceptions of shawls other Nama, a famous Mughal source which influenced the political life of woollen materials were manufactured dedicated to the Mughal emperor Ladakh very much, there are references of better quality in Tibet. The wool for Shahjahan (1628-58). It was written by to the Central Asian invasions on Ladakh good quality of shawls was imported to Inayat Khan. The latter belonged to an prior to it. Mirza Haidar Dughlat himself Kashmir from Tibet and Ladakh. The aristocratic background. His father admits that his predecessors invaded goat which produced the wool for the Zafar Khan was the governor of Kashmir

Ladakh. When Zahiruddin Muhammad Kashmiri shawls was peculiar to Tibet. and was assigned the work of the Babur established the Mughal empire in Similarly the historians of the Mughal conquest of Ladak and Tibet by the the north India, Mughals' cultural period make mention of the known Mughal emperor Shahjahan in 1637. contacts with Kashmir and Ladakh were historical facts pertaining to Ladakh in Inayat Khan held the post of further strengthened and expanded. their own account. superintendent of the Royal library The Mughals themselves came to India The Mughals' curiosity to have (Darogha-i-Kutub Khana) under from Central Asia. Consequently, they information of the socio-economic and Shahjahan. Thus Inayat Khan had both retained their contacts with Ladakh. political aspects of the different the opportunity and capability of Since the Mughals planned to neighbouring areas of their empire gathering information from different make their Indian empire strongest and inspired the contemporary historians to quarters about the events of Ladakh. largest in the world in terms of widen the scope of their literary works. Being the superintendent of the Royal territorial expansion and economic Consequently Ladakh found important Library he enjoyed large facilities in

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terms of the collection of the book. His troops, his own followers and those of The Shahjahan Nama's description social background enabled to collect the zamindars. Afterward, according to of the forts of Ladakh is very useful for materials about the political and socio- Inayat Khan, followed the route of the study of the heritage and economic life of the seventeenth Gurach, which was 64 kos (two miles) architectural activities of Ladakh and century Ladakh. far from Tibet. This was very difficult Tibet. It mentions that there were thirty The Shahjahan Nama gives various route. But Zafar Khan successfully made seven forts in Tibet and Ladakh. Ianyat types of information such as political journey through this route and reached Khan was very much impressed from the relations between the Mughals and a village called Sadpara. Inayat Khan strength of the forts of Ali Rai, Shigar, Tibet and the Mughals and Baltistan, the found a very useful gorge at Sadpara Garewcha and Ganjak. According to him forts, the trade routes, agricultural and village, which was used by the local these forts helped the local rulers and horticultural productions and the people for defence purpose. He people considerably against the Mughal zamindars etc. of Ladakh and Tibet. It is mentions: “…there (Sadpara) is a forces. He writes, “As soon as my father known that Shahjahan was the first narrow gorge with a torrent flowing (Zafar Khan) saw the loftiness and Mughal emperor who extended the through. By throwing a dam across this, strength of the two forts, he felt Mughal empire up to Ladakh and Tibet. the enemy had formed a large lake convinced that it would be immensely The planning of the conquest of Tibet which blocked up the road through the difficult to capture them either by has been described by Inayat Khan in a centre of the pass, while on both sides storming or siege. The whole period for very systematic way. For him the there were frowning precipices. On one military operations in Tibet does not subjugation of Ladak and Tibat was one side, where it was just possible to climb exceed two months, and if an army of the most prospering events of the the steep ascent, they had built up a were to stay longer than this, the passes Mughal empire. He not only gives an strong wall of stone and mortar from the would become closed by snow and explicit description of the conquest of water's edge to the summit of the r e t u r n w o u l d b e r e n d e r e d Tibet and Ladakh, but also discloses mountain so as to present anyone from impracticable. Moreover, should the that Shahjahan's father Jahangir passing that way the opposite side being winter happen to be protracted one, planned to establish the Mughal naturally so inaccessible as not to the troops would all perish for want of sovereignty in Ladakh, but he did not require the precaution. The natives of provisions.” But Inayat Khan also succeed. According to him, “Although it Tibat had fortified this place long ago, mentions that the soldiery and had been a favourite project with the so that whenever any invading army peasantry of Tibet were highly late emperor Jahangir to subdue the might advance against their country, dissatisfied with Abdal's rule. Such country of Tibet, the contemplated they could ascend the heights and arrest situation helped Zafar Khan and the enterprise had never been carried into their further progress. In fact, it was at latter exploited it. However, after a execution. During the period of his this very spot that Hashim Khan, when long chase the Mughal succeeded in governing Kashmir, Hashim Khan, son of he marched against Tibat, was defeated capturing Abdal. Inayat Khan gives a Qasim Khan Mir Bahr, once collected at and forced to retreat.” Abdal, a chief long description of the battle between the late emperor's command an army of (Zamindar) of Tibet, gave tough the Mughas and the Ladakhis. He also soldiers and zamindars, and set out on resistance to the Mughal force. He mentions that some Tibetans were the expedition. However, finding it posted his army men along the height to recruited in the Mughal army.” impossible to penetrate into the check the advancement of the Mughal There were two major two of country, he completely failed in his army. Consequently, Zafar Khan had to Ladakh and Tibet which attracted the attempt, and after great number of his change his strategy and divide his army attention of Inayat Khan very much, force were killed and many more taken in three columns so that Abdal's army first through Gurach and through Lar. as prisoners, he effected a disastrous was to be attacked from different Both of these routes created difficulties retreat.” directions. Inayat Khan again mentions for the travellers because of the Shahjahan appointed Zafar Khan as that when his father's army reached existence of high mountains, difficult the commander of the army for the Skardu, it became very difficult for him passes and innumerable gorges. He conquest of Tibet in 1637. Zafar Khan to make further advancement. The forts mentions Ladakh a weak country in collected an army of 2000 cavalry and of Tibet were the main obstruction in terms of cultivation. Wheat and barley 10000 infantry out of the provincial the way of the Mughal victory of it. were the chief crops of the region. The

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total revenue of Ladakh was one Lakh of rupees. But it was rich region for the Whose was extraction of gold and horticulture. He observes, “It contains one stream from Kashmir to be ? the bed of which minute particles of not over pure gold are extracted by washing its slit, which privilege is formed out at RAKESH ANKIT a yearly rent of nearly 2000 tolas of gold. Most of the species of fruits indigenous to a cold climate such as apricot, peach, melons and grapes ‘Whose was Kashmir to be? The Raja, his Pandits, Sheikh Abdullah, Azad Kashmir, the tribes or Russia?’1 thrive well in Tibat and the fruit is of One of the most opinionated and influential British officials who chose to stay excellent flavour. There is also a variety on in the Indian sub-continent post-1947 was Sir Robert Francis Mudie. Born in 1890, of reddish apple, the inside of which Sir Robert, KCIE, CIE, OBE, joined the ICS in 1914. He served in the United Province resembles in redness. The mulberry, from the end of the First World War to the outbreak of the Second and served as cucumber, apricot, peach, melon and Chief Secretary, UP from 1939 to 1943. He also held the charge of the Acting grape all blossom at the same season Governor of neighbouring Bihar in 1943-44 whereupon he was appointed as Home there.” This shows that the Shahjahan Member in the Viceroy's Executive Council for 1944-45. From Delhi he was sent to Nama of Inayat Khan not only describes Karachi as Governor, Sind in 1946 and he was there when Pakistan was born on 14 the exploits of the Mughals in Ladakh August 1947. As Karachi became the national capital and Jinnah moved there, he and Tibet, but more importantly it also sent Mudie to the sensitive Lahore as Governor, West Punjab and Mudie continued contains historical facts concerning the there till 1949 before leaving Pakistan to head British Economic Mission to socio-economic activities, heritage and Yugoslavia in 1951-53. political situation of these regions. Mudie is, in some ways, the most extreme and most fascinating of the entire The description of Ladakh by the British cast of higher civil/military officials present in India (and Pakistan) during author of the Shahjahan Nama presents the Endgame of Empire. He hated the Indian National Congress and, in particular, the Mughal perception of Ladakh and Jawaharlal Nehru with some passion. His writings and correspondences which are Ladakhis. It enables the modern available at the India Office Records, British Library (London) ooze with emotion historians to study the historical today much as they did when penned down 60 years ago. (MSS Eur F 164/48; MSS Eur development and changes in Ladakh F 164/12) It was an axiom for Mudie that: from others point of view. Though the 'Pakistan has a powerful, truculent and unscrupulous neighbour. She is a mem- historians of the Mughal empire were ber of Commonwealth and expects help and support against that neighbour. very much influenced by the Persian Instead she sees Britain giving way to India on every point – why should she remain trends of historiography, they did not with the Commonwealth? Pakistan will seek her friends elsewhere with disastrous underestimate the contribution of the consequence to the whole of Asia and the Middle-East. Any attempt at “impartial- ity” or detachment would simply be taken as another proof of Britain's pro-India Ladakhis to maintenance and and anti-Muslim attitude'. flourishment of the regional identities. In notes written in September 1948, Mudie identified three threats to The mentions of the Shahjahan Nama Pakistan's existence: 'Afghan-Russian threat'; India supporting the 'Abdul Ghaffar pertaining to the history and culture of Khan agitation' and the conflict in Kashmir. He had no 'doubt whatsoever of India's Ladakh convey that the Ladakh was hostility to Pakistan and of their intention ultimately to destroy it'. He drew some treated one of the well established fantastic parallels: historical regions of the 17th century 'Indian attack on Hyderabad is akin to the German attack on Belgium/Poland; world and the Ladakhis as a regional Hindus in sub-continent can be compared to the Southern Irish in Ulster and the identity well placed on the map of the Hindu-Muslim equation can be drawn alongside as a parallel to the Spaniards- world. The Mughal sources contributed Moors relations. A war between Indo-Pak would have violent consequences in the to the propagation of Ladakh's cultural Middle-East; would be taken advantage of by Russia and would be disastrous for identity in non-Tibetan speaking the Commonwealth'. regions. He was equally venomously forthright on the implications of the Kashmir con-

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flict. In a letter to Sir Maurice Hallet come to the one-nation theory [being] quest'?4 written in November 1948, Mudie wrote enforced by war'. Thus 'Pakistan [had Earlier, in October 1948, the CRO that 'war would bring whole of India to] aid the Pathan invaders and later its had already sent a note to the PM within the Russian sphere/domination army had to enter Kashmir to come to emphasizing that: consequently threatening the Indian the aid of the local insurgents'. The 'fun- 'Whatever the merits of the case Ocean traffic'. It was self-evident to him damental problem is Nehru's refusal to might be and even if the blame for that on Kashmir: accept two-nation theory and Muslim aggression lay fully on one side or the 'India contemplates the invasion of right to rule themselves in Kashmir'. other, the fact of war in Kashmir would Pakistan – on the other hand, Pakistan For Mudie Pakistan was to be 'the present HMG in the UK with following has no intention of attacking. The only link between the Middle East Muslim most serious problems: possible explanation of India's desire to states and the Commonwealth and the Issue of “stand down” which would hit obtain Kashmir – which would be a very rest of the world; also a bridge between Pakistan difficult province to hold – is their the Muslims of the Middle East and the Commonwealth membership desire to use it as a constant threat to South East'. This sense of the 'increasing Russian involvement Pakistan as it is easy to attack the plains gravity and significance of the Kashmir Relations with the Islamic Middle East from the hills. The possession of issue in the wider setting of recent Instability/chaos in the sub-continent'5 Kashmir is as important to any power developments' was not restricted to It became an obsession with one wanting to attack Pakistan as the pos- Mudie. It was only most vehemently and all among the British thinkers and session of Austria was to Hitler when he expressed by him. It was equally exuded strategists, officials/officers and even attacked Czechoslovakia'. – if in more measured and diplomatic journalists that 'Kashmir can not be a He was also clear about why HMG terms – by the UK High-Commissioner to vacuum in power politics, with Russia should – IF NEED BE – go out of its way to Pakistan Sir Lawrence Graffety Smith and China restive on the Himalayan and the Commonwealth Relations 6 support Pakistan because: ramparts' . This added fuel to the fire of Office, London. In November 1948, 'Pakistan is the barrier to another obsession – the diagnosis that Graffety-Smith presented to the CRO Communism spreading south of the events after 15 August 1947 amounted three over-riding anxieties for Pakistan Himalayas and should be preserved to 'a Hindu-Sikh plot to seize the Punjab over Kashmir: a) 'Refugee exodus due to intact. This means that Kashmir, or at [later Kashmir after Hyderabad and Indian army's advance leading to crack- any rate all but the small Hindu area in Junagadh] and put all the blame on ing economy and collapse; b) India 7 the south-east should go to Pakistan them [Muslims]' . It was not just people would deny Pakistan waters of which was the best solution of a very in the cauldron of events but also Jhelum/Chenab and turn West Punjab difficult problem. Communist conquest observers from far and wide like Joseph into a dessert; and, c) If we can not in Sinkiang and Manchuria would lead Skrine – sitting in and watching from the restrain India, Pakistan would turn to to increased propaganda'. UK Embassy in Tehran – felt thus a fort- Russia. We believe this to be not black- His 'main thesis' as he explained to night before independence/partition: mail but genuine despair'2. This message Hallet on 22 February 1950, long after 'The people who are least pleased was forwarded to Sir Alexander Cadogan the initial dust had settled on Kashmir, at our going are the very ones who were – UK Permanent Representative to the was that 'the Hindus, as a whole, are most insistent on our getting out – the UN – to show to the Americans and determined to conquer Pakistan and re- Congress Leaders. They have lost impress the implications of its contents unite India'. In a speech given at the Muslim India and are not all sure upon them.3 By this time, there was a International Islamic Economic whether they are going to keep Hindu dominating feeling in London that: Conference, Mudie – while claiming that India without the support of British bay- 'Indo-Pak war must be prevented at all 'The Indian case is built on the onets and British administrative expe- assumption that Kashmir is part of India 9 costs [because of the very real possibil- rience in the higher ranks' . ity of] Russian intervention' – declaimed and that consequently the Pakistan After the Communist-coup in on Kashmir thus: troops there are aggressors. Whatever Czechoslovakia in February 1948, the the legal validity of these arguments, 'Kashmir goes right to the root of third dimension emerged to complete the basic political reality of the situa- the matter. It is a negation of two- the triangle: 'Indians are reluctant to tion has in the question whether India nation theory – a negation of Pakistan's accept the proposition that the world wants the future of Kashmir to be set- right to independence. It would out- must necessarily be divided up into two tled by the will of the people or by con- flank the West Punjab – should it ever and feel impelled to seek some way out

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010 47 exclusive series New Research on Kashmir ZONAL HEADQUARTERS CRIME BRANCH JAMMU of the present impasse’9. On Kashmir itself, the arch-villain was all too real and all too easily available. John Shattock who first served Maharaja Hari Singh as Joint Commissioner Scams target you (Ladakh, 1942-44) and then served New Delhi as the 1st Protect yourself Assistant Resident (Kashmir) led the chorus from within the British 'official mind' in Srinagar to train the guns on the Maharaja: Most scams need you to do something 'It was Hari Singh's inability to decide before August 15, before they can work like providing your personal 1947 whether to accede to India or Pakistan that was to cause information or sending money. all the troubles that ensued in the autumn when tribesmen from the frontier and Pakistan invaded Kashmir and caused DON’T RESPOND Kashmir to accede to India backed by Indian troops. Lord Scammers fool you by : Mountbatten and Lord Ismay did their best in the summer to ÜMaking promises of great prizes or easy urge Hari Singh to make up his mind but they failed. Clearly money. Hari Singh did not foresee that his hesitancy to decide the ÜPretending to be legitimate banks banks and state's future would have the results that followed in Gilgit, businesses. Poonch and the Western area of the State. I, too, was sur- ÜUsing leaflets, letters and web sites that look prised at the precise turn of events but my view all along had like the real thing. been that as the sub-continent had been divided on the basis Ü of religion then the three “problem” states must accede on Asking you to send money, personal details the same basis eg. Junagadh to India, Kashmir minus the or fees before delivering anything. Jammu Hindu area to Pakistan and Hyderabad to India – oth- ÜAsking you to keep the deal or offer a secret. erwise there would be disaster'.10 ÜFloating ads in newspapers for admission to And then there was the UN – variously looked upon as 'pa- professional courses. thetic' and 'inviting ridicule over Palestine and Kashmir' among the British official class, particularly those serving the PROTECT YOURSELF Government of Pakistan. The UNCIP was to be met with an 1. Avoid ripoffs. Treat all unsolicited promises aggressive explanation, along the following lines, as and requests for your details carefully. Cunningham expounded to Caroe: STOP. Don’t respond. 'If I had to give evidence to the UNO Commission, the 2. Check to see if the request is legitimate and point that I would go on stressing would be that every man research the person, company and offer. who has gone to fight there (and everyone who has supported him here and I would admit that some officials have sup- 3. GET independent advice if the offer involves ported them sub rosa) has done [so] because he felt a real obli- money, time or commitment. gation to go and protect his Muslim brethren in Kashmir. 4. NEVER respond to out of the blue requests Nothing that we could have done by force up here would have for personal details. stopped them, and if we had tried to use really effective force 5. DON”t use contact details provided in offers the result would have been massacres of Hindus and Sikhs all or request find them independently. over the place in our territory'. 6. CHECK your credit report at least twice a FOOTNOTE : year. 1. Randolph Holmes, 'Khyber Frontiers in Turmoil', MSS Eur F 265/18, TNA, p. 111 2. 18.11.48, T. No. 1395, DO 142/521, TNA 3. T. No. 1195, DO 142/521, TNA Fight the Scammers. 4. 20.11.48, Comments on T. No. 4026 from Delhi to London for Attlee's consid- erations, DO 142/521, TNA Don’t Respond! 5. S. No. 85/48, DO 142/521, TNA Report them to Crime Branch Jammu 6. Randolph Holmes, 'Khyber Frontiers in Turmoil', MSS Eur F 265/18, TNA, p. 129 7. 21.10.47, Joseph Skrine Papers, MSS Eur F 154/29, IOR on Phone No. : 0191-2578901 8. 30.7.47, Joseph Skrine Papers, MSS Eur F 154/29, IOR 9. MSS Eur D 1033/13, Esmond Walter Lumby Papers (India Office, 1934-48), Report for April 1948, IOR Issued in public interest by 10. MSS Eur F 226/27, John Shattock Papers, IOR CRIME BRANCH, JAMMU 11. 2.4.48, MSS Eur F 164/19, Cunningham Papers, IOR No. : DIP/J-5119 www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010 bookS 48 Review

Gender and Conflict Situation in Kashmir

REKHA CHOWDHARY

espite plethora of work on the The 'Kashmiri identity' is seen as the pri- reviewed book Islam, Women &Violence conflict situation in Kashmir, one mary identity and women's identity is in Kashmir: Between India and Drarely finds the story of conflict seen as subservient to that. This Pakistan, is to be seen in the challeng- written from the perspective of women. explains as to why much of the conflict ing task of raising the most uncomfort- Basically it is the marginalisation of narrative is masculinised and gender able questions about women, religion women in the society, in general, and context is relegated to the background. and conflict situation and seeking the masculine representation of con- There is a sort of uneasiness about con- answers in a gender-oriented paradigm. flict in particular that makes women fronting issues from gender perspec- She presents a nuanced understanding invisible. However, it is not only the con- tive. The sense of unease is further of the intersection of religion and gen- flict situation, women's accounts are intensified when the gender issues are der that goes much beyond the gener- missing from the social and political nar- placed in the context of religion. ally available simplified and one- ratives of Kashmir. Issues related to The value of Nyla Ali Khan's much dimensional understanding of the impli- women, in any case, do not find much cations of conflict for women – opening space in the public domain here. Not in the process many layers and revealing only there is a lack of gender sensitivity, various shades of complex reality. but a general apathy towards women's Though the book provides a concerns. The gender context of politics detailed account of the Kashmir conflict does not hold even symbolic signifi- and goes into the details of the political cance and many a times one is struck up discourses related to partition, plebi- in the situation of politically incorrect scite, autonomy and integration and positions vis-à-vis women. We are refer- deals with the political debacles as well ring to a State where the State as militarization of Kashmir, the present Commission for Women could remain note is specifically focused on those headless for more than six year without chapters that deal with the gender- creating much political ripple; where related themes. women still have to find their rightful The intricacy of Nyla's gender per- place in the Panchayati Raj Institutions; spective is to be found in her even- and where frequent attempts have handed treatment of the implications of already been made to formally disqual- conflict for women. She refers to the vul- ify women from holding the status of nerability of women both due to the Permanent Residents if they marry out- state as well as non-state actors. While side the state. In fact, in the context of the state forces are held responsible for this last issue, the political class across committing acts of sexual violation and the ideological spectrum in Kashmir humiliation and loss of dignity of takes a formal position that the context women, the non-state actors are also of women's identity and rights remains seen to be indulging in brutality against secondary to the context of the larger women. Thus reference is made to the project of Kashmiri identity and rights. realities of J&K marked by the 'over-

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whelming presence of paramilitary lar nationalism and ethno-nationalism the justice and fairness. Here she refers troops, barbed wire and invasive are inscribed' and most barbaric acts to the controversial though unsuccess- searches; dispossessed youths trained in are justified. (109-110) Further in the ful initiatives aimed at denying the Pakistani traning camps to unleash a name of the community and nation, Permanent Resident status to the reign of misguided terror; custodial kill- backwardness is imposed on women. women married outside the state. ings in detention centres, and mothers Nationalisms of all kind and their Exclusionary nationalism com- whose faces tell tales of woe waiting feminisation through the concepts of bined with religious fundamentalism, outside those gloomy centres to catch a 'homeland' as the 'motherland', she according to Nyla, shuts down all voices glimpse of their unfortunate sons (an argues, 'serves in effect to preserve the of dissent and generates a process of exercise in futility); and burqa-clad native woman in pristine retardation.' homogenisation that directly affects women living in fear of the wrath of fun- (113) The nationalist discourse while the women. Erosion of cultural damentalist groups as well as paramili- creating the dichotomy of the syncretism and its substitution for cul- tary forces bent on undercutting their inner/outer emphasises the inviolabil- tural homogenisation has the conse- self-respect.' (101) Giving a detailed ity of the inner domain which is used not quence of restricting the freedoms that analysis of the conflict, Nyla argues that only to essentialise the identity of women have been traditionally enjoy- it is not merely the coercive force (used ing. On the whole conflict has a by the security forces, militants, for- masculinist discourse and praxis - eign mercenaries and government spon- 'Power relations within the prevalent dis- sored militants alike) but the overall mil- courses of patriarchy and fundamental- itary culture which makes autonomous The intricacy of Nyla's gender per- ism mediate the Kashmiri women's iden- life difficult for women. It is this culture spective is to be found in her even- tity. The valorisation of her subordina- which socialises boys and men into the handed treatment of the implications tion is underwritten by praxis that legit- conflict psyche with substantial impact imizes gender identities, which are nec- on women. of conflict for women. She refers to essary to patriarchal and fundamental- Conflict perpetuates the gender the vulnerability of women both due ist dominance'. (124) It is in this context hierarchy and controls over women. to the state as well as non-state that she critically refers to the With the identity of the family, commu- Dukhtaran-e-Millat, the only women's nity and the nation written on the body actors. organisation to be playing a major role of women, conflict brings about new in the separatist politics. What Nyla restriction on women solely with the pur- finds objectionable in the role of pose of preserving the honour of the Dukhtaran is the diminution of woman's family, community and the nation. Nyla person in the name of religious interpre- refers to the suffering of women who women but also to subjugate them to tation and her representation as a burqa have been 'dishonoured' and thereafter the larger cultural/national context. clad, faceless and voiceless cultural shunned by their families. Reading this analysis of Nyla, the popu- icon. What bothers Nyla about the con- lar metaphor that 'the identity of a com- Nyla would rather see woman as a flict situation is the manner in which bru- munity is written on the bodies of person in her own right, woman as hav- talities committed both by the state and women' becomes very clear in the con- ing an agency – a woman like Parveena non-state actors are justified in the text of Kashmir. One can see as to how Ahangar who has risen above her per- name of nationalism – whether Indian the burden of maintaining the purity of sonal grief and has made her victimisa- nationalism or Kashmiri nationalism. It the culture and ethnicity is placed on tion as a basis of collective solidarity. is a matter of great concern to her that woman, and how in this process her life Parveena Ahangar's Association of there is lack of women's autonomy as is restricted to the metaphoric inner Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) their subjectivities are subjugated to domain. In more than one way, she is is an example of women making a state- the centrality of nation. 'In effect', confined to the inner domain and ment of 'personal as political'. Through argues Nyla, 'Kashmiri woman is con- boundaries are clearly laid down for her. Parveena she highlights the courage of structed as a parchment on which the Forbidden from stepping outside the cul- Kashmiri women and portrays them as discourses of religious nationalism, secu- tural threshold, women may be denied women who are not mute spectators but

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 10 Epilogue, October 2010 books 50 Review

who are intervening and 'speaking from private realms where they were once conscripting the role of women, Nyla their locations about current political more governed by normative gender makes a case for the progressive roles realities.' (103) roles. Even when they joined the public prescribed for women within Islamic This is where Nyla's book makes a life, they were not able to assert their norms. contribution to the understanding of agency and often were bogged down to Nyla Ali Khan's book provides us conflict from the perspective of gender. the secondary position. She is specifi- with a fresh insight into the issue of reli- She goes beyond the sense of victimisa- cally critical of the insignificant role of gion, women and conflict in Kashmir. It tion and puts the spotlight on agency women in the formal decision making raises very important questions about and empowerment of women. The focus positions and objects to the reductive the gender identity not merely vis-à-vis of her work therefore is on the way portrayal of women members of the the larger Kashmiri identity but also the women have been surviving in patriar- State legislature as merely objectified religious identity. Significantly, rather chal social setting and the way they beings. She holds the responsibility for than shying away from bringing to the have been negotiating in small spaces this to the asymmetrical gender hierar- surface the contradictions, she con- available to them. Defining empower- chies legitimised by the forceful dis- fronts them boldly and critically analy- ment, she states, 'for me, empower- semination of fundamentalist and mili- ses them. It is in this process that Nyla ment is a process that enables the tarized discourses which lead to the makes very crucial academic as well as margibalzed to make strategic life- debasement and prostration of women. political intervention in the ongoing dis- choices regarding education, liveli- Nyla's intervention in the conflict course. hood, marriage, childbirth, sexuality, analysis via religion is very interesting etc, - choices that are critical for peo- as she is able to open various layers and ple to lead the sort of lives they wish to is thereby able to project a holistic pic- Book Review of Islam, lead and which constitute life's defining ture from a gender perspective. Not Women &Violence in parameters. It is important to keep in only she offers a powerful critique of Kashmir: Between India mind, however, that women are con- fundamentalism and misguided repre- and Pakistan strained by and grapple with the norma- sentation of religion but she is also able Author: Nyla Ali Khan tive structures through which societies to develop an equally powerful critique Delhi: Tulika, 2009 create gender roles.' (114) Although she of western empirical analytical argues that the level of woman's approaches which seek to trivialise reli- empowerment varies according to fac- gion, especially Islam. Religion, argues tors such as class, caste, ethnicity, eco- Naila, does not necessarily subjugate nomic status, age, family positions etc, women, it may also provide them the she portrays the agency in the context space to assert their agency. Giving an of power relations in which women are example of her own upbringing and her placed. own orientation towards religion, she The attempt to portray the agency notes, 'I was raised in a secular Muslim of woman takes Nyla to a historical sur- home where we were encouraged to vey of the role of women in Kashmir dur- speak of the 'liberation of women' and of ing the pre-1947 political movement a culturally syncretic society. I was and during the tribal invasion. She taught that Islam provides women with reconstructs the role of National Militia social, political and economic rights, and the Women's Defence Corps in the however invisible those rights are in our voice of some of the actors of the time, society. It was instilled in me that Islam especially Krishna Misri and Sajjida gives women property rights… the right Zameer. However Nyla notes with regret to interrogate totalizing social and cul- that the agency of women forcefully tural institutions; the right to hold polit- asserted in 1947 did not lead to their ical office ….' (114) Unlike the western emancipation. After playing a very sig- understanding which focuses on funda- nificant role, women reverted to their mentalism and seeks to portray Islam as

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Vaibhav Anand is a 2008 batch chemical engineer from Delhi College of Engineering and a 2010 batch MBA from FMS, Delhi. He is currently employed by Citibank. His interests lie in writing fiction and poetry.

Narendra Mani Ganesh is a 2008 batch mechanical engineer from Delhi College of Engineering. He is currently employed by Siemens Power. His interests lie in traveling.

he novel is set in the backdrop of a premier Business School campus (FMS, Delhi) in the years 2007 through 2009, when the worst recession of our lifetimes hit the world. It is inspired by a true story. The story is told through the eyes of Hari Parmeshwar - a Tsimple & romantic person, madly in love with Meenakshi. Hari is an IT engineer with 4 years of work experience, who dreams of being a writer. The story begins with Hari cracking the FMS MBA interview which is supposed to be his ticket to the big leagues. Little does he realize that God has other plans. At FMS, he meets & befriends Matar- a surd who becomes his best friend, Scooby-a self proclaimed ladies' man and Bastard- a mysterious genius. Their friendship deepens over drunken parties/ nights on town, copied assignments, Scooby's everlasting attempts at getting laid, presentations in which they end up making public fools of themselves, run-ins with the law, intra class rivalries & tiffs, society applications, intense pre-exam mugging & summer placements. The story of Hari's first year moves forward peppered by Hari's narrative wit and piquant banter between these four friends. The second year takes a dark turn as recession hits and all high paying jobs become a distant dream. The authors, through Hari, take the reader through a fictional recession MBA journey in an incredibly candid fashion as they delve into the inside story of what happened at top Business schools, when recession hit. What sets this book apart, besides its zany & spicy characters, is that it is a bare-naked brutally honest look at not only the recent recession, its pains & its pangs and the force with which it hit premier B-Schools but also life/ culture/ scandals at B-schools. The tone of the book is sarcastic & witty, and it ends up making several startling & unknown revelations about several premier B-Schools besides FMS. In a nutshell, it spares no one.