THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU daily Excelsior Aam Aadmi's Govt Gharana wetland Established 1965 Harjinder Singh Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra Democracy on mend? f subsistence and livelihood is the core issue for the peo- Proloy Bagchi podium at considerable costs to ple then talks of environment, scenic beauty and aesthetics the public. All this is done not Ibecome more or less meaningless. In such like situations Breakthrough in border tension arging into the political only for the main protagonists all the stakeholders seem to be justified for their approach and arena with a bang, the action. A proactive Government approach can help maximum Aam Aadmi Party set to like the governor and the chief ourteen years down the line, the Director Generals B minister and his ministers to be to deal with such situations provided it has the propensity to do of Military Operations of India and Pakistan met for form its first Government has so far shaken the established politi- sworn-in but also for the party so. Fthe first time to talk of modalities how tension, fir- cal class out of its wits. Going to bigwigs and sundry chiefs of var- Gharana wetland is also suffering from this malady.This ing and infiltration at the LoC can be controlled and the the people from door-to-door ious political parties that are con- wetland is surrounded by agriculture lands. It is very natural cease fire agreement of 2003 revived. Lt. Gen. Bhatia and mohalla-to-mohalla, it set a sidered friendly or are potential for the migratory birds to feed on the adjoining crops. But it is allies in forming governments in from Indian side and Maj. Gen. Aamer Riaz from new standard of operating pro- equally natural for the farmers to feel the heat of crop damage. cedure that even the established this era of coalitions. For them, crops are more important than these birds. Whether Pakistani side met at the Pakistani side of Wagah border mainstream parties have noticed Lastly, several kinds of the birds are migratory or local, crop grower first priority is to and deliberated for two hours on the issue of eschewing and admired. The party brought arrangements, from public protect the crops. into play the people's choices in address systems, marquees to firing and tension on the border. Obviously the main con- In such a scenario we can't ignore the farmer but what the democratic process. tentage, transport, refreshments cern of Indian side was to notify Pakistan that Pak mili- Shunning power at the begin- and drinking water, are also made about the birds. Can we ignore them? Have they no right to tary was lending full support and logistics to the infiltra- ning, it chose to go to the people for the foot-soldiers of the party visit Gharana year after year. Are they not doing this activity tors in their recurrent bids to sneak into Indian side for for advice whether it should and the people. It is apparently, a under nature's scheme of things? Is it not the question of their survival? In this situation, is unleashing violence and terrorism in Kashmir. Adhering govern with support of Congress massive public function where from outside. Its decision to sit the main actors are confined to it not the govt. responsibility to step in and manage the situa- to its time tested tactics and traditional mindset, in the treasury benches on the the podium and the people are tion? Govt. may say that Wild Life Department is there to man- Pakistani side was not prepared to entertain the Indian basis of the referendum can be kept at bay, amply and securely age the wetland and take necessary measures. But what is actu- accusation that Pakistan army was involved in assisting debated, but there is no denying barricaded. But, Shivraj broke ally happening on the ground is there for everybody to see. it has set a refreshing trend. infiltration bids of her terrorists. Pakistan's patent argu- that all and hence the news item. Wetland area is shrinking due to encroachments. Visiting The stunning victory at the Sourcing of funds for this mas- ment is that those who want to cross the LoC clandes- national capital, Delhi of a mot- birds' number is decreasing every year. Farmers are not happy. the masses they lost touch with ple, being something out of the sive show of popularity as also And situation is getting from bad to worse. So what is the way tinely are non-state actors. India has sufficiently proved ley group of hitherto mostly political strength is somewhat unknown people getting together the people so much so that when ordinary. out? through various dependable evidences including video Congress Vice-President Rahul It was, obviously, an extraor- blurred as much of it is covered to form AAP has at least shaken under the head of "security" for This issue demands a serious consideration on the part of recording how Pakistani army has been effectively the very foundations of Indian Gandhi happened to say after dinary sight as even ministers, the govt. But why the government only, the people of this the purging reverses at the leave alone chief ministers, of the the governor and other political involved in giving cover to the infiltrates in their bid to politics. With its basic manifesto biggies. The buck, therefore, nec- region will be neglecting their duty if they keep on ignoring of a fight against pervasive cor- hands of the "new-kid-on-the- various States in the country are this wetland which is of immense importance to them. It is sneak into Indian side. Lt. Gen. Bhatia presented block" that he desired to emu- hardly ever seen with the glasses, essarily has to stop at the public ruption and political chicanery, it treasury. really a sorry state of affairs that people are not awakened and detailed evidence in support of his contention which his demolished the ruling Indian late the AAP model and to generally heavily tinted, of their counterpart could not refute. Anyway, the Pakistani side "engage with the people" it was car windows rolled down. They, There is an element of are least interested in their environment. National Congress. Having ruled hypocrisy in the entire exercise. Already most of the wetlands have been eaten away by over Delhi for 15 long years, the taken as a profound statement - especially chief ministers, travel agreed to examine the plethora of evidence handed over so profound that sycophantic in that Indian symbol of power, While for most of the term the human greed and it is the dire need to save the remaining few. Congress took power for granted chief minister or his ministers to them and committed to put an end to any involvement and had become arrogant and noises were made in the Party to the traditional Ambassador man- Jammu district has no place as an ideal tourist spot worth the are hardly ever visible to the of the army if he was convinced. supercilious. And all that was suck up to him. ufactured by Hindustan Motors name. It is the right time for them to act. They need to press people or are hardly ever avail- According to media reports, the meeting seems to crushed by the unexpected rout The "dynastic" party leaders, and made bullet-proof for them, the govt. hard. Their representatives also seem oblivious of at the hustings. in their persistent efforts to take accompanied by a cavalcade of able to them, the swearing-in to their duties. If developed on scientific lines this wetland sur- have been held in friendly atmosphere and issues were hold the public office and to Hitherto, the people were in care of themselves, had clean for- several vehicles, mostly of the rounded by a Zoo can become an attraction for national as well discussed with all seriousness. In particular India raised gotten that a political party in a SUV-type, and zip through the uphold the Constitution is con- a democracy but were practi- as international tourists. the issue of the killing of five soldiers in Poonch sector cally out of it. They went democracy is a mouthpiece of its city streets that are blocked to all ducted in their (people's) rather supportive people and has, there- other traffic - vehicular or pedes- distant presence. For most of the I firmly believe if the govt. has the inclination to handle in unprovoked firing from Pakistan side. It appears that through the motions of electing this issue with utmost sincerity then it should not be that diffi- their representatives to the leg- fore, to always remain "engaged" trian - for their quick, uninter- five-year term they behave like both sides are committed to find ways and means that islatures for making laws and with them. In their wheeling and rupted and safe passage. People maharajas of yore, keeping shut cult as it has been made out to be. The govt. should involve all would help revive cease fire agreement of 2003 in letter enforcing these with equity but dealing for power and pelf the hardly ever see their faces as they in their bungalows or offices or the stakeholders and take the possession of whole of the area and in spirit. It will be noted that India, before retaliating the elected assumed the roles of party leaders had overlooked the keep a safe distance from the bullet-proof vehicles, guarded belonging to this wetland and acquire sufficient surrounding fact that they were where they common man. 24-hours by Kalashnikov- to Pakistani firing across LoC, usually cautioned the feudal lords of yore - area as well. This area be declared as a Wild Life Reserve. The becoming in effect 'rulers' and were because of the people. That, after the swearing-in wielding commandoes and yet people should be suitably compensated for their lands and Pakistani side that they were violating the cease fire not people's representatives. Democracy, plainly, had been ceremony, Shivraj Singh they try, at great public cost, to other means of livelihood. Those interested should be involved flaunt their democratic preten- agreement. In past two years Pakistani side has violat- Over time they became a set of made to stand on its head. Chouhan waded into the assem- with the development activities of the Reserve and allotted on There is a flip side of it too. tions. ed the cease fire agreement dozens of times thus mak- powerful and influential few bled crowd in Bhopal's Jamboree priority basis, the shops, restaurants, hotels and other utilities who appropriated for them- Even the people had got used to The advent of the AAP is ing a mockery of a commitment that was made for Maidan too made the news. The after developing the area as a tourist spot. Now the question selves perks and privileges of the feudal ways of the ruling par- newspapers duly reported the likely to change all that and peo- ensuring no damage to innocent civilian life. One can- office at the cost of people's ties. The common man would ple may, henceforth, get their due arises where the money, to meet the infrastructural cost, will very unusual event. It is another come from? not say how much sincere Pakistan is in observing the welfare. Pervasive poverty and never see ministers from close matter that a few decades ago on importance since the raw politi- quarters unless it was for a sham As said above if we have the strong urge to get the things illiteracy accompanied by the being elected the leader of the cos have proved that "engaging clauses of cease fire in letter and in spirit. Past experi- "mass contact" mission the even- with people" has its own divi- "mai-baap" syndrome helped in legislative Assembly the chief done the things start falling in place. J&K govt. can submit the ence has shown that internal disorder in Pakistan perpetuating the iniquitous tual result of which would be dends. Under their substantial well-designed Wetland and Zoo project to govt. of India for order. No wonder, today the mostly a cipher. So, when Shivraj ministers used to be sworn-in in presence in Delhi no attempt at always prompts her border forces to indulge in unpro- the hallowed precincts of the World Bank funding and then follow it vigorously. There is no elected political class has Singh Chouhan, the third-time the usual horse-trading was made dearth of money. Only the will to perceive and act is required. voked firing and thus divert the attention of ordinary Chief Minister of Madhya Governor House. Apparently, become one of the richest seg- by the BJP, which missed being A number of projects are already being funded by internation- Pakistani citizen from critical domestic situation to ever ments which use power and Pradesh, passed by in his Gar that was not felt to be democratic in power by the skin of its teeth. al agencies. Govt. can also involve other social and non-gov- volatile Kashmir issue and border tension which is a influence to its own advantage with windows rolled down after enough. It will now sit in Opposition. ernment organizations. It is the right that people of entire corollary to bi-lateral acrimony. occasionally doling out sops to his recent victory at the hustings The whole thing has now From all accounts, Indian democ- the masses. it became news. A photograph been taken outdoors to grounds Jammu region should come forward and materialize the It has to be reminded that the prospect of DGMOs of racy appears to be on the mend. If Comfortably ensconced in appeared of Chauhan, peeping like the Jamboree Maidan where not anything else, AAP has ush- Gharana wetland project as a tourist spot of national and inter- two countries meeting to defuse tense situation along their cocoon the leaders became out of his car window and wav- special arrangements are made ered in a new paradigm, an era of national fame. This will definitely give a big boost to the econ- the LoC was taken at the highest level of two Prime unaware of the ground realities. ing at people. Today "news" is over a period of a week or so to cleaner politics. At least, one omy of the area. Ministers who had met on the sidelines of UN General Keeping themselves away from something which surprises peo- provide a garishly decorated hopes and expects so. INFA (The author is former DFO) Assembly meeting in New York earlier this summer. India had made it clear to Pakistan that comprehensive talks could continue only if Pakistan stopped unpro- voked firing on LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and refused An epitaph for Aadarsh every kind of support to the terrorists who are making Shiban Khaibri compared to (in the words of the seriously and also most of the tion of statutory provisions, 2012 (perhaps because) the land gating agency to prosecute him, repeated attempts of infiltrating into Indian territory. Aadarash scam judicial com- countrymen, need hardly to be rules and regulations. It further on which Aadarsh society was a few days ago. The public must Though Pakistani Prime Minister had agreed to initiate t least, it was never mission) " a shameless tale of stressed upon. He says that the says that the method and proce- constructed belonged to the know the basis and the reasons peace talks on LoC through DGMOs, yet it is three expected that the inter- blatant violations of statutory "biggest problem is corruption dure to provide membership to State Government and not to the of the Governor's decision not months that there was no movement from Pakistani Aests of the politicians provisions, rules and regula- and it is totally unacceptable." the Housing society was arbi- Ministry of Defence. The prem- to allow prosecution of an ex involved in a brazen cocktail of side in this regard. The Indian Prime Minister had at one tions." In the words of home How could he in the same meet- trary and lacked transparency, ise of rejecting the report also Chief Minister Ashok Chavan greed, nepotism and favourtism minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, ing not rise in revolt against the leaving scope for nepotism and rests on the view of the govern- whom the CBI has alleged in the time wondered why Pakistan was making inordinate in the Aadarsh Housing scam delay in precipitating the meeting of DGMOs. "due deliberations" are under- questionable decision of his favouritism. The malice of ment that the membership to the charge sheet that he had would be protected as against way to take a final decision on own Party led Maharashtra gov- 'Benami' ownership has been society was not exclusively increased the floor space index Evidently the deck cannot be cleared in one go. The the interests of the Kargil war the centre's course of action on ernment for rejecting the report found at least in as many as 22 reserved for Kargil war heroes of the Aadarsh Society in lieu of two sides shall have to cover the ground step by step. martyrs. None envisaged a sce- the "snoopgate". It is believed of the judicial enquiry on the flats grossly violating the Bena- or their survivors. It is reported two flats to his relatives. In the What is of utmost importance is the sincerity of conduct- nario of treating so casually, that a cabinet note seeking Aadarsh scam? His words mi Transactions (Prohibition) that the 670 page voluminous loot, although the panel report rather totally disregarding the ing these talks. Now that Pakistan has a new approval for the proposed judi- would have lent credibility to Act. It is also pertinent to note report called the scam "a shame- has identified the beneficiaries findings of the judicial commis- cial enquiry has been prepared his intentions had he accorded that the two member judicial less tale of blatant violation of including politicians across the Commander-in-Chief in whose selection Pakistani Prime sion of inquiry on the Aadarsh Minister had the last word, it is expected that he will carry and would be brought before the statutory provisions, rules and spectrum and their relatives, yet scam by the Maharashtra Gov- cabinet as and when the politi- The report was "perused" by regulations." It is pertinent to CM Prithviraj Chavan said the forward the policy and vision of Mian Nawaz Sharif who ernment when the words that, cal leadership gives the green note that the person in respect decision on rejection of the has been repeatedly saying that the two countries have "It is a sad story of unscrupu- signal. Just note the compara- the Maharashtra Government of whom an avoidable diplo- findings of the inquiry commis- to live in peace and mutual understanding. It should be lous greed of some persons tive priority. matic row took place with the sion was taken by the cabinet, closely connected with the soci- possible for the new C-in-C of Pakistan to exert restrain- In other words, let it be seen for as many as seven months after American Government, the "in the interests of the people." ety," could be part of the find- through the prism of the Con- Indian diplomat, now with It would have been a wonderful ing influence on hawkish elements in the army. The point ings. On Dec 20, the Congress which it was recently tabled in the is that Pakistan has also suffered in border clashes. This gress leadership both at the cen- accredited position, Devyani find if the CM would have led Government of Maharashtra tre and at the state level that the Khobragade is named in the unraveled the mystery as to how can be stopped and should be stopped. That is the totally rejected the report of the alleged snooping of a woman is Legislative Assembly by CM report submitted by the judicial such a cabinet decision of essence of the meeting of the two sides at Wagah. The judicial commission of enquiry far more a serious, critical and Prithviraj Chavan saying that the probe panel along with former rejecting the report was in larg- two senior officers will be meeting again and they will on the Aadarash Housing Soci- the most urgent a matter as com- assembly speaker, former sec- er public interest. carry forward their deliberations. This generates hope ety scam when the same was pared to the muck of loot in the retary, former Municipal com- An amount of nearly Rs.7 tabled in the Legislative Assem- cabinet had rejected the findings. among millions of people living along the border on both Aadarsh Housing Society, all missioner and some serving crore, tax payers' money, is bly, perhaps because it has reported to have been spent on sides that peace shall prevail and they will not be forced done in total disregard of the the same treatment to the rejec- commission has passed stric- bureaucrats. The report makes reportedly severely indicted Nation's war martyrs who saved tion of Aadarsh scam report as tures against senior Maharash- the findings thus, "Some per- the process of enquiry and by to abandon their homes and hearths while bullets and many politicians including Kargil after giving their he had done with the Tainted tra politicians including former sons not satisfied with the allot- rejecting the report, has every bombs rain in profusion across the LoC. three former Chief Ministers for supreme sacrifice. Astonishing- Politicians ordinance in Chief Ministers Vilasrao Desh- ment of one single flat have thing alleged, thus proved to be It has also to be noted that trade across the LoC at blatant violations of the statuto- wrong? Have thus the interests ly, within hours of the rejecting November this year. Alternate- mukh, Sushil Kumar Shinde, tried and succeeded as well in of the war martyrs and their identified check points also met with recession owing to ry provisions. Instead, the Con- of the commission's findings by ly, he should have criticized the Ashok Chavan and some sitting securing flats for their nears and gress led government at the cen- immediate relatives been fully escalating tension on the border. Trade between the the Maharashtra government, move of the Central Govern- ministers in the cabinet. dear ones. They went to the protected in the Aadarsh? Was tre has geared up its loins to the Vice President of the Con- ment, purely based on political The report was "perused" by extent of benami transactions in two sides was a component of CBMs but if firing and examine the possibilities of it all a "conspiracy" of the oppo- gress Party Rahul Gandhi while considerations, to accord more the Maharashtra government violation of provisions. That sition to malign the "honest" infiltration continue, these measures cannot prove of ordering a judicial probe into an attempting to woo India Inc importance to snooping than a for as many as seven months such an episode should take persons associated with the much use. India has given proof of restraint and has alleged snooping of a woman by recently at New Delhi said," matter involving the interests of after which it was recently place in Maharashtra is a matter Aadarsh or post probe panel been insisting that bilateral issues could be resolved Gujarat Police allegedly at the Corruption was bleeding people war heroes' supreme sacrifices tabled in the Legislative Assem- of deep regret." It is also perti- report - can it be said that a only through talks and not through muscle power. We behest of the then state Home and that the UPAGovernment at vis-à-vis the Aadarsh issue. bly by CM Prithviraj Chavan nent to underline that Ashok "Gore Anarath" has been done Minister and "close aide" of hope that Pakistani side comes to these important the centre had done more to It is worth noting and a duty saying that the cabinet had Chavan , the former CM was the with the "Aadarsh" by the all Narendra Modi. Probing powerful in our democratic set meetings with refreshed mind and vision. combat corruption than any oth- of each Indian to know that the rejected the findings. He said only Chief Minister charge charges of some snooping of a er Government." How much the Adarsh scam probe panel in its that the state cabinet had accept- sheeted by the CBI but the Gov- up and finally an epitaph has been scripted for the Adarash woman by some Police person- corporate leaders in the meeting report has called the scam as a ed the judicial commission's ernor K. Shankernarayanan has nel is more a serious offence as Housing Society scam? The Srinagar city development must have taken Rahul's words shameless tale of blatant viola- interim report filed in April refused sanction to the investi- reply is awaited. he State Government is pursuing an ambitious project of development of the old city of Srinagar. Marginalized oldies Another tragic accident The project envisages turning the downtown into T Sir, Sir, a national heritage monument maintaining its antiquity There is significant increase in the population of old people in our Food adulteration and historicity. This was reflected in the speech of the country. Life expectancy age has increased and average birth rate has Kishtwar mishap of Scorpio wherein ten persons lost their lives, a couple of days Sir, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali come down. Nine percent of World's population was in the age group of back caused irreparable loss to the families concerned and the society as well. Obvi- The presence of harmful ingredients in above 60 years old but now it has gone up to 16 percent and in future it ously, their untimely departure from this world, for no fault of them, has left their chil- food items is a cause of concern. Taking Mohammad Sagar, made at the inauguration of rope- is sure to rise higher. This trend will continue and it is a sad state of affairs dren, wives and aged parents in acute bereavement. Extension of financial help is notice of the involvement of some compa- way to Makhdum Sahib's shrine. Besides restructuring that agonies and sufferings of oldies have multiplied. This is the harsh indeed a great human effort to console the deceased families, but measures like good nies in this ugly business, the High Court the old part of the city on heritage pattern, the reality of modern time and modern society. Old values have vanished and roads, developing professionalism in driver-community, check on rash and negligent has imposed a heavy fine on them. This Government envisages road widening projects, con- money mindedness has taken place among our youths. driving if ensured as a policy of road-safety, frequent incidents of such nature can be action should prompt other business houses Nuclear family norm has eaten up the vitals of values viz-a-viz love, who are involved in this trade not to struction of community halls and upgrading of various controlled. But forgetting everything soon after such tragedies by the authorities to affection, regard and respect towards oldies is a matter of concern for the adopt such measures cause recurrence of such happenings. indulge in selling items which may be same. Apart from food and shelter, the old people need care and medi- harmful. schools, and more bridges for better communication. Yours etc..... Power supply will be augmented by formulating a com- cines. The Legal Meteorology Department They also crave for love and affection. They would like to interact to Keshwa Nand Sharma should constitute a special squad to check prehensive project worth Rs. 669 crores ensuring unin- be heard and have a bit of space of their own. They would like to have a Salehri (Sunderbani) food adulteration. The recent drive by terrupted electric supply to consumers. Apart from pro- constructive and creative role to play in society. They expect regard and Co-operatives need overhauling Jammu Municipal Corporation against milk viding more civic amenities to the citizens of Srinagar, role towards involvement in the social activities. They do not want to be Sir, sellers is yielding results. Constant pressure pushed back towards margin. on the part of the authorities is need of the the Government is also focusing on tourism component Co-operatives and co-operative movement are not on right path in our state. They do not want to be pushed back or ignored by society just because hour. Besides, checking of prices of vegeta- once downtown is brought on heritage pattern. It could their bodily powers have diminished or have gone weak. They don't need Comparing the role played by this vital sector of the economy with other states, our bles and fruit should remain a priority with become a source of generating economy as most of the money or luxury but need a shoulder to lean upon. Although Govt is doing state seems nowhere making any mark. The allegations of irregularities in the the Corporation. The vendors and shop- visitors usually evince interest in the historicity of the a good work towards the oldies but still effective methods are needed to Department and most of the societies need to be not only probed but also set right. keepers are busy in looting the innocent Yours etc.... city of Srinagar as well. Development of old city will give redress the agonies and sufferings of oldies. customers. Yours etc.... Sourav Sharma Yours etc.... a boost to economic activity and open new avenues for S.N. Raina Gandhi Nagar, Naveen Jamwal employment and entrepreneurship to Kashmiri youth. Jammu Jammu Udhampur