FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU daily Excelsior Is J&K ready for Established 1965 How long shall KPs wait? technology adoption ? Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra Pran Pandit enemies and critics of the com- greater sense of shared new cul- ber believes that he thought as he munity had no question in mind, ture; and a crossection of spoke, and that in all that he did, Sanjay Sapru ver the 5,000 years, whatsoever, about their ability to younger generation of KPs, he never had any bad intention apid technology advancements will also help India's less-educated since the marking of regain the ancestral home-land. aspiring to a good life, greater or selfish motive. But, there is a British Parliament Sapt-rishi Era, Kashmir workers leapfrog to productive work .Technology has been reshap- O Their generations have perished job opportunities to earn hefty continuing and unabated process ing the labour force since the Industrial Revolution, but a more fun- has been the heavenly home- R but the day of reckoning did not salaries and freedom to live in of some challenging and some damental disruption is on the cards. In the past, machines took over tasks land of Kashmiri Pandits (KPs). arrive for this people till date. their own way, did not hesitate assailing the steps that the com- that were largely manual, forcing workers to adapt and learn new skills to After the advent of Islam in discusses Kashmir With the passage of time, their accepting the new alien culture, munity took on various occa- carry out higher-value tasks. But now, the intelligence of computing Kashmir, they gradually got hopes of ever returning to home- values and ways of life. It is none sions, without a free discussion machines is adequate to perform work that requires specialised knowledge n 19th January, the day when entire religious reduced to a minuscule religious land have started fading gradu- of their faults because no body is which gave birth to some or cognitive and judgement-based abilities . Will India's large, young pop- minority community of Kashmiri Pandits was minority. Their ancestors metic- ally not for no reason. The born with a culture but gets birth uncalled for situations. The con- ulation - its demographic dividend - turn into a demographic disaster as ulously followed the creed "live millions of workers are displaced by technology? Oextirpated from their homes in Kashmir in 1990, shenanigans and somersaults of in a culture; and it holds true to tradictory voices raised by vari- and let live and co-exist in an Research has shown the Impact of 12 technologies (including the the community fraternity in Great Britain assembled at over ground political actors, KP youth too. The future gener- ous KP groups regarding the atmosphere of peace and tran- mobile internet, cloud computing, the automation of knowledge work, dig- machinations of underground ations of KPs was overtaken by choice of sites and other modal- the British Parliament to commemorate the fateful day. quility" for thousands of years. ital payments, verifiable digital identity and the Internet of Things) and supporters of terrorists and rad- smugness and gloom during the ities for the construction of reset- On the same day, the All Party Parliamentary Group Developed and followed by their concludes that, indeed, the application of these technologies will force mil- (APPG) on Kashmir conducted by Common's ical elements as also the visible period of exile. tlement colonies for KPs in the lions of workers to acquire new skills, as the jobs they perform are ren- fore-fathers, KPs have not devi- symptoms of the mutilation of Valley, while one group express- Backbench Business Committee took up for debate an ated from the sacred and serene KPs are in dilemma; and, dered obsolete . Yet, rapid advancements in the same technologies will cre- 'Kashmiriyat', the indigenous they have started introspecting es itself in favour of 'concentrat- ate new opportunities for millions of workers, including many less-skilled application from Conservative Party MP David Nuttall approach to life and the world , character of the peaceful land of ed settlement', another group ones, and help them raise their incomes. which constitute, to this day, the to decide: "should we go back or along with MPs Nusrat Ghani, Robert Flello and Fiona their ancestors, has rendered stay back and should we evolve does not see any problem in their Globally, the automation of knowledge work, or machine learning and essential feature of the "socio- KPs pessimistic about their settlement at district headquar- intelligent applications, can generate a 40 to 50 per cent productivity gain Mactaggart. cultural and religious character into the broader perspective of return and resettlement in near world culture?" They may ters and some stick to their for- in work that involves processing data and information, interacting with The motion for the debate reads: "This House notes of Kashmiriyat". Rooted in the customers or making decisions. In India, we estimate that automation and future. Radical elements and the decide as did the 500 Arhats who mulae of nothing less than the the escalation in violence and breaches of international synthesis of Vedantic, Sufi and forces that have indifference and 'separate home-land'. digitisation across sectors could drive productivity improvements equiva- human rights on the Indian side of the Line of Control in Rishi movement of Humanism, had migrated from Patliputra to lent to the output of some 19 million to 29 million workers in 2025 .These outright hostility towards the Kashmir during Ashoka's time. There is a rallying call for Kashmir; calls on the Government to raise the matter at KPs shared a common social, workers cut across functions such as clerical and customer service, busi- community and even some According to Yuan Chwang, KPs to ponder on the factors to ness process outsourcing and information technology, as well as those in the United Nations. And further calls on the Government cultural, psychological and mainstream politicians of the their being what they are today intellectual orientation with the Ashoka went to Kashmir to apol- manufacturing supply chains, the construction sector and workers engaged to encourage Pakistan and India to commence peace state, for their political expedi- ogize and begged the migrants to after remaining in exile for 27 in retail trade and transportation. majority community for cen- ency, don't miss any opportuni- years; to understand that if there negotiations to establish a long-term solution on the future turies and contributed to the cul- return but they steadfastly The overall impact on net job creation could, however, be neutral to ty to scuttle the move of the gov- are no different interests, the positive as technology opens new geographical markets and under-served governance of Kashmir based on the right of the Kashmiri tural heritage of the peaceful refused. As the KPs cherish pas- ernment for the return and reha- common interest would have segments of consumers. But the labour market will adjust to fill potential people of the land; and never sionate love for the land of their people to determine their own future in accordance with bilitation of the displaced com- been barely felt; and if the mode jobs only if workers are equipped to shift to the more value-added work. ever did they interfere with any ancestors and self esteem, their the provisions of UN Security Council resolutions." munity. of thought, of rather perhaps of Education and skill-building systems need to be up to meet this chal- of the faiths in their home-land. refusing to return is most unlike- It talks about violence. First, we can mark glaring The consequences and feeling, was common, they lenge. Technology itself can provide solutions. Skill-building courses can They became the casualty of rad- ly. But, who knows about tomor- effects of the displacement of would encounter no obstacle in be made available- short online modules that workers can take at frequent contradiction in the statement. The motion wants the icalism, covertly backed by ter- row? All said and done, elderly KPs and their remaining in exile achieving the goal. They need to intervals, focussed on what employers need and are willing to pay for. House to note "escalation in violence" but does not feel rorists: and were hounded out KPs are committed to bolster the Adaptive learning systems that customise lessons according to how each for a prolonged period are in have unchangeable resolutions the need to be told who the originators of violence are? and robbed of their roots and strength of their unique cultural student performs, simulated learning that uses technology to impart voca- sight now. There are visible to remain as a distinct ethnic and everything, passion and sublim- identity and the way of life; and tional skills. Technology-enabled labour marketplaces help better match- British Government is fully aware that Kashmir violence symptoms and manifestation of ity. They are scattered world- are not prepared to entertain cultural group and reclaiming ing of jobs and skills, creating millions of micro-entrepreneurs. As digital has its roots in London where an Indian diplomat in a decline of traditional values wide and continue to live in exile revisions, either consciously or their home-land; to shed the ten- technologies achieve mass adoption, India's legions of small-scale, unor- and erosion of their centuries- Birmingham, namely Ravindra Mhatre, was kidnapped for nearly three decades. unconsciously. dencies of getting carried away ganised and independent service providers can use the internet to reach old security and support base; by UK-based activists of Kashmir Liberation Army (KLA) History bears the testimony I am a member of the KP by the hollow promises of new customers, establish their reputations, collaborate with others, and get those born in late 70's, early 80's more work. Project-based or piecemeal work assignments could be fun- floated by PoK emigrants to UK, and murdered in cold that the victims of vicissitudes, community; I recognize that the shrewd political rhetors; and not or after the exodus of the com- nelled to technology-based aggregators representing large numbers of pro- world-over, while struggling for usefulness of an opinion is itself to get chastised and enslaved blood on February 3, 1984. Scotland Yard had deployed munity don't know where they fessionals such as designers, tax specialists or teachers who want part-time survival in human-made situa- a matter of opinion and both because they get inadequate nearly 100 detectives to track the murderers, and, in the came from and who they are or temporary employment. Certified service providers (such as trained and tions of disaster and tragedy, require discussion; the truth of doles. The welfare of the com- process, had rounded up nearly a score of these PoK because they either remained licensed electricians, nurses or taxi drivers) could connect with customers were driven into becoming worst the opinion is part of its utility; munity lies in the preservation of disconnected from their roots for and find decent paying work. emigrants in UK including Amanullah Khan and Hashim in an alien atmosphere. KPs sus- and many opinions of the past its unity and in the absence of Rapid technology advancements will also help India's less-educated Qureshi. The Scotland Yard had also interrogated the tained for more than 27 years, a long period of time or have no are now known to be erroneous. unity, the multitude of the voic- workers leapfrog to productive work. Advancements in voice, language, night correspondent of Reuter who had received a mes- away from their home, with dig- feel of roots at all; and some of The unique cultural identity of es becomes a burden for the and graphical interfaces will make complex knowledge and expertise them, not many, choose to even sage from KLA about the kidnapping and three condi- nity and honor; and, even in the KPs denotes way of their life and whole community. The need of available to workers on inexpensive hand-held devices that are easy to nav- marry outside the confines of the hour is to set goals; and to put igate. Even a semi-skilled person could become a knowledge-enabled tions of releasing Mhatre. most compelling circumstances values, beliefs, attitudes, art, their own community. KPyouth, religion, eating habits, rituals, in place 'mission statement' and worker in fields such as health care, financial services and logistics, or Birmingham is one of the three main cities of UK and crucial times, they did nei- ther indulge in crimes nor who attained the undreamt ceremonies and the language etc 'vision document'. They shall functions such as marketing and inventory planning, with just a few weeks where about 15,000 out of nearly 1 lakh emigrants from progress in materialistic terms, that they have been using in have to get united and must of basic training in using these tools. Such workers can be deployed in became vicious. Bearing and local communities to deliver essential services. Several factors must fall in PoK, mostly from Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, are settled. enduring the brunt of forces that away from their home-land, everyday life for centuries. In appear united in actions and have started showing an inclina- words in their efforts to achiev- place to improve the odds so that technology becomes a positive force for On further investigation by Scotland Yard, it was found battered them, they showed to my opinion, the unique cultural the labour market on a large scale. tion towards western values and ing the goal; and must rally that the KLA was actually the marauding wing of Jammu the world that they are the noble, identity of KPs can not remain Partnerships need to flourish, for instance, between technology compa- culture. After the displacement under the dynamic and selfless and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) formed and funded dexterous and intelligent proge- insular and undiluted for an nies, domain experts who can impart skills (such as agricultural universi- ny of the great sages, seers and of the community from their leadership of a leader, under one by ISI. The story of PoK emigrants in UK and ISI jointly unlimited period of time. True ties or colleges of alternative medicine) and organisations with grass-roots civilized natives of Sharda home-land, the youth of the that, during the period of their and the only one umbrella. I have experience. Standards and certification systems must evolve to help build forming the JKLF is vividly told by Hashim Qureshi in his Bhoomi (Kashmir). Undoubted- community were thrown into exile, KPs faced up the chal- a question lurking in my mind mutual trust between customers and service providers in order to clear the work "Unveiling of the Truth". We hope MP David Nuttall, ly, the chapter of "struggle for cosmopolitan and pluralistic lenges for their survival and sus- which none other than the dis- market And in addition to high-speed internet access, the widespread use who moved the motion in the British Parliament, will have survival" by the displaced KPs milieu either in their age of ado- tained with honor and dignity placed KPs can answer: "How of digital payments and verifiable digital identity will be essential to ensure that workers end up as winners in the race against technology. read Hashim's account. This is the same JKLF which, in during the period of their exile lescence or when they were quite but sustaining and survival is a long shall they wait and when young; many of them felt an will they bestir themselves and While Jammu & Kashmir State need to plan in advance for this consort with ISI, lured Kashmiri youth to terror training shall be written by the Histori- very small thing; and material ans in the letters of gold. urgent need to fit into the new fight collectively to regain their change. Today key task for the State Government is to get youth skilled camps in PoK, brainwashed them, trained them and then progress alone can not bring and drive Self entrepreneurship culture in the Youth. State can solve the The present displacement of culture of the societies, thinking back lost heritage, esteem, pride lost heritage, pride and esteem"? provided them with arms to sneak across the LoC and that it could provide them a com- big unemployment problem and make youth employable if implemented KPs for 27 years, away from and honor of the community. (The author is an ex- Superintendent rightly with time bound actionable tasks. The skilled youth can act as one mon ground and means of iden- began armed insurgency in Kashmir. their home and roots, is perhaps According to my observa- of Police) of the vital factors to transform the State to peace and prosperity. tifying with other people with a JKLF has its founding base in UK and the PoK emi- their longest sojourn. Even the tion, every KPcommunity mem- [email protected] [email protected] grants in UK raised huge funds for supporting sepa- ratists in Kashmir. Most of these funds come to Kashmir Ram Rattan Sharma less important to poverty and environment fertility in the separatists through clandestine conduits like hawala n 1992 at the Rio de Janeiro and fake bank transactions. We hope MP Nuttall will Of poverty and population developing world. The world Earth summit five major population will reach 9.1 billion have read detailed reports about these clandestine Iagreements were signed by drought. This issue must be ment shows that the number of and inappropriate of practices damage but they have become a by 2050 according to UNDP. transactions. He will do well to educate himself on how the participating Governments. broadened to include the eradi- rural poor has increased to near- result in greater environmental major cause of ecological There is an urgent need to inte- Pakistan has been overtly and covertly extending spon- These were: cation of poverty and to link ly one billion people to day, degradation and increased decline themselves as they have grate environmental and popula- sorship and logistic support to JKLF. We know that one (a) The Riodeclaration on humans and the cause of deserti- despite more than 40 years of poverty The link between the been pushed on to marginal land tion policies because poverty, Environment and development Daulatana, the Pakistani High Commissioner in London fication. In order to survive, the international development assis- state of the economy, poverty by population growth and population, natural resources in the form of 27 Principles on poor are forced to engage in eco- tance. The world development and the environment is evident in inequitable development pat- and environment are closely writing a letter to JKLF chief Amanullah Khan (now late) environment and development nomic activities that are unsus- report 2005 estimates that 1.2 the developing countries where terns. Economic deprivation and related . But unfortunately the promising Pakistan's full support to their armed action (b) Agenda 21, a blueprint for tainable. The interaction of billion people of south east Asia the entire economy is based on environmental degradation have concept has still not been accept- for " freedom" (read annexation) of Kashmir. sustainable development in 21st poverty and environmental contain the largest no of people natural resources and the export thus come to reinforce on anoth- ed by Pol leaders, officials and When JKLF gained popularity with the Kashmir sep- century destruction sets off a downward of raw materials. Rural poverty er in a developing countries. planners, unchecked population (c) The declaration on forest in income poverty. During the aratists and Pakistan sensed that their slogan of inde- spiral of ecological deterioration 1990s the share of people suffer- is growing faster than world pop- The Global forum on envi- growth affects environmental principles, a statement that calls that threatens the physical secu- pendent Kashmir was gaining ground, they maneuvered ing from extreme poverty fell ulation and women are especial- ronment and poverty based in quality and resources. On the for multiple use of the world rity economic well being and other hand changes in resources its split helping Yasin Malik to head the Kashmir chap- from 30% to 23%. More than 800 ly hard hit. Of the billion people Dhaka, Bangladesh has emerged forests health of millions of people. The as the leading network to address availability and environmental million people go to bed hungry living below the poverty line in ter. Simultaneously, the ISI created parallel groups like (d) The climate change con- problem of poverty is so enor- poverty, the main cause of envi- quality affects the lives of peo- every day. Out of them 300 mil- the developing world, nearly 60 Hizbul Mujahideen, and later on Lashkar-e-Toiba and vention, signed by 163 Govern- mous that developing countries percent are women. Over the ronmental degradation. The ple in many ways. lion are children. After every 3.6 Jaish-e-Muhammad etc, first to escalate terrorist agen- ments and cannot solve it with domestic past two decades their number forum has demanded that a glob- The consequences of ignor- seconds a person dies of starva- da in Kashmir and secondly to sideline JKLF as ISI (e) The convention on Bio- resources alone. have increased by 50 percent, as al convention on poverty be ing population, environmental tion. While Urban poverty is would not trust it any more. We know that some PoK logical diversity signed by 160 Poverty is a complex multi- compared to 30 percent increase called immediately. The peace and natural resources factors will Governments. Agenda 21 out- growing, the rural poor still and Pakistani émigrés to the UK, involved in politics and dimensional problem, with for men. In Asia alone the num- dividend in a post cold war era be disastrous and it is imperative lines a comprehension pro- account for over 80 percent of the must be assessed and redirected that the Pol. leadership realize having been elected to the Parliament from their PoK national and international prob- ber of poor rural women has gramme of action to promote lems. It is for more than an eco- total number of poor people, in reached 374 million, more than towards global poverty eradica- the urgency of the problem. UN dominated constituencies including some British MPs of environmentally sound and sus- nomic condition. Poor people the surveyed countries. The most the total population of western tion, the rich must pay the full agencies and non-governmental tainable development in the those constituencies are lending full support to these become marginalized and suffer important groups of rural poor Europe. Even though access to ecological costs of their con- organizations have a responsibil- world. The agenda seeks to pro- promoters of violence in Kashmir. from exploitation and the loss of are made up of small holding food has been recognized as a sumption, and all people, includ- ity to bring the long term pro- mote international cooperation In final analysis, we find that Prime Minister Modi has human dignity. No one solution farmers and the land less, fisher- basic human right, hunger and ing the poor, must have equal gramme to the attention of Polit- in order to accelerate sustainable men, pastoral nomads and malnutrition continue to be seri- rights to global commons includ- ical Leaders and the Govt,. given the right message to the visiting group of eight development in developing will apply globally as country indigenous ethnic groups. Some ous problem for many people in ing the atmosphere and the should encourage the work of British MPs to raise their voice against terrorism, countries though much was said specific programs are crucial. nations have experienced jumps many countries. In 1944, the oceans. The IFAD recommends non-governmental organiza- extremism and radicalization and urged them to raise a about poverty in Agenda 21. The The issues of poverty and mar- tions, universities and research in the percentage of their rural world food conference declared a new development model based eradication of poverty, hunger, ginality are fundamental to envi- institutes to promote awareness collective voice against these problems. We hope MP poor in the past twenty years. the inalienable right of every on three fundamental proposi- greater equity in income distri- ronment and development. tions, i.e. Sustainable rural of these subjects, as not much Nuttell & Co will understand the importance of Modi's This shows that the development man, woman and Child to be free bution and development of Some people remain poor for development to start with, rather has been done to preserve the message to the British Government. programmes over the past 40 from hunger and malnutrition. human resources remain major most of, or all their lives, while than ends with poverty allevia- environment which is the main years failed in large parts The battle against poverty has challenges everywhere. The two for others poverty is only expe- tion, (ii) Poverty is essentially a hurdle in our developmental simply made little headway . Spate in terrorism conventions on climate and Bio- rienced during some stages of the because they were based on a production problem and poverty activities in the race for growth, logical diversity hardly individual life-cycle or during number of flawed assumptions. Some 1.2 billion in all still donot alleviation is an investment and our environment has been sub- ur border security forces and army have foiled addressed the key issue for two certain months of the year. An important aspect of the have access to a safe and reliable (iii) the poor themselves are the jected to constant damage as water supply for their daily several attempts of infiltration by the Pakistani third of the world's populations Poverty is not confined to the world's poor is that there are primary force that can bring there is need of an integrated needs. More than 2.6 billion peo- jihadis in recent months. Though most of these poverty. The debate on desertifi- third world and has increased in large concentrations in areas change. The new model explains approach to the problems of O which are ecologically fragile. ple over 40% of the world popu- cation has for too long been the industrialized countries. The that the rural poor, with the prop- poverty population and environ- attempts have been thwarted yet instances of terrorists These are lands which naturally lation do not have basic sanita- focused on the physical environ- first world rural Poverty report er resources and with political ment for sustainable develop- opening fire on security forces in various parts of have a low agricultural potential tion and more than one billion ment to understand the process 1992 on 144 developing coun- power , can act as a powerful ment. Kashmir have been reported. These instances have and they are also lacking in infra- people still use unsafe sources of of desertification and its interac- tries issued by UN's internation- engine for the enrichment of (The author is former Dy. Librarian taken place in south as well as north Kashmir. The structure and technology. Here, drinking water. The poor not tion with climate change, Soil al fund for agricultural develop- society as a whole. University of Jammu) recent clashes with them in Hajin, Bandipora area and erosion, deforestation and additional demographic pressure only suffer from environmental The issue of population is no [email protected] in Handwara of Kupwara district have imposed casual- ties on our forces though some top jihadi leaders have also been liquidated. Saga of Kunju-- Chanchalo The recurring incidents of clashes in different parts of Sir, Digital payments the Valley are significantly showing that the armed This refers to the news item 'Blood and Beauty:Artistic presentation of Kunju-Chanchalo Saga'(DE, Threatened jihadis have made a wide network in the Valley and are Feb4, 2014).It is heartening to read that Natraj Natya Kunj presented at the Abhinav Theatre, the Dogri Sir, adaptation of the Duggar's folk love story Kunju -Chanchalo by Kumar A.Bharti, under the title 'Blood not restricted to any one specific district. This cannot be Nantoo Banerjee in his article 'Digital payments are shrinking' wetlands and Beauty'.'The course of true love did never run smooth,'says Shakespeare.This is what happens in case possible unless they receive logistic support from the DE Feb 15 has brought forth a stark reality which needs to be con- of love story of Romeo-Juliet, Heer-Ranjha, Sassi-Punnu and in this popular love story.It is a powerful Sir, local inhabitants either under threat of punishment or sidered on priority if India is to be made digital. force of nature and an immortal connection between two people. 'Love' has been the favourite subject/top- voluntarily. Previously, terrorists had concentrated in ic of poets, playwrights ,short story writers and novelists since times immemorial and a number of films There are many glaring hiccups in digitizing India. The Govern- This is in reference to the south Kashmir but now they are resurfacing in North have been made on this sublime emotion. ment should lay emphasis on creating necessary infrastructure for article "Threatened wetlands'' Kashmir which means that after the security forces A large number of songs and stories based on the theme of love have been written in various this purpose in the country. There is tremendous lack of infrastruc- DE Feb 8, 2017 by G L Kha- mounted pressure on them in the south Kashmir, they languages.Love is a powerful passion and the true lovers are not afraid of obstacles which come their way ture in rural areas. Even now there are places where there is no mobile juria. The article was very but unfortunately,many of them meet a tragic end due to the pressure of society and other factors.Kunju- connectivity and people are not literate enough to go digital. Besides, interesting and reflects the have begun to shift to north Kashmir. This however, it's the mindset of people that is to be changed first. It is very diffi- worldwide scenario about the does not mean that the border forces have lacked in Chanchalo song is a melodious and popular song based on the famous love story of Kunju-Chanchalo, in which Chanchalo desperately longs to meet Kunju.This song is quite popular in Himachal Pradesh and cult for people to switch over from one medium to another instant- wetlands. This gives the maintaining vigil on the border. This means that the civil- Duggar region of J&K.The effort of Natraj Natya Kunj in presenting the dramatised version of this high- ly. awakening call for the preser- ian Government in the State needs to be more respon- ly popular love story, though in the adapted form, is a rich tribute to the two lovers, who meet a tragic end The people have to be assured that digital transactions are safe vation and protection of the sive to the drift that is appearing in law and order situa- and immortalise their love.There is need to conduct research to find more such songs and tales, as also the as fear of fradusters lurks in the minds of people. wetlands which are in peril tion. It is the duty of respective elected representatives tales of bravery, courage, compassion etc.which took place in Duggar region in the times goneby and then Need of the hour is to take into account all aspects of digitisa- and invite the attention of the environmentalists and world to address the aberration in their constituencies. They present their dramatised versions on the stage to popularise these songs/tales and thus, popularise and tion into account, the people then will have no hesitation to conduct their transactions in digital mode. leaders. cannot remain silent spectators and have to come out to enrich Dogra culture and aware the people about the glory and heroism of brave Dogras. Yours etc.... Yours etc... Yours etc... provide security and support to the innocent masses Ashok Sharma Manoj Mahajan Ananya Sharma that abhor violence and want to live a peaceful life. Udhampur Gandhi Nagar, Jammu on e-mail