THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU daily Excelsior Narinder Nath Vohra- A Man for all seasons Established 1965 Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra Will be remembered for governance and democratic values Ashok Bhan between politicians, bureau- ple. from September this year to everyone for exchange of ideas development of areas around The new Governor crats, police, criminal gangs, Governor Vohra cherished strengthen grassroots democra- and guidance. the holy shrine. The setting up overnor Narinder Nath media persons and strategically democratic ideals. Despite the cy. On issues of democratic On the security front, the of a Super Specialty Hospital Vohra will shortly relin- fter completing an interminable tenure of placed individuals in the non- Amarnath agitation in 2008 and functioning he would go by the Governor had a very onerous run by Narayana Hrudalaya Gquish the most chal- state sector". He represents the devastating floods of 2014, he book and not succumb to any responsibility of ensuring syn- Chain and Nursing College at over 10 years as Governor of Jammu and lenging assignment of his last vestiges of the 'Steel Frame' chose not to defer assembly dictates. He reminds of gutsy ergy between different forces Kakryal and a Sports Stadium at Kashmir, NN Vohra is replaced by Satya career. Though he has been for whom the nation always elections despite advice for former Governor B.K. Nehru, and agencies. His past experi- Katra are a tribute to his vision A involved in security manage- Pal Malik who has been appointed as the new comes first and allegiance is to postponement from many quar- who stuck to his guns when ence as union Home and and dynamism. A master plan ment of the country for over the Constitution and law and ters. The credibility of these asked to dismiss a democrati- Defence Secretaries held him in for the entire Shrine complex occupant of the Raj Bhawan, the first ever politi- three decades in one capacity or not to the party in power. It is good stead. For all forces oper- has been finalized and this will cal Head of the State. Presently, the State is another, his best all round never easy for a nominee of the ating in the State, he was a allow future development in a innings was perhaps reserved under Governor's rule and the fourth one Centre to disagree with the father-figure who understood planned manner with focus on for his stint as Governor of the mandarins in the North Block the problems faced by the men the facilities for pilgrims. imposed during Vohra's tenure as Governor. SP disturbed state of Jammu and and yet complete an eventful in uniform as well as the need Similarly, the Amarnath Shrine Malik is being sworn in today in Srinagar, the Kashmir. When he took over the and long tenure. This was possi- for providing security to the Board under his stewardship gubernatorial responsibility in summer capital of the State as the new Governor ble, for he was widely respected people of the State. His inter- has performed creditably. 2008, his reputation as a man of and he had the knack of con- ventions had a harmonising Gracious and suave First and as per the itinerary known about his sched- crises had travelled ahead of vincing the other side through effect in keeping both of these Lady Usha Vohra has involved ule, he is returning to Patna for a day or two. him. He proved his mettle in his vast experience in state-craft interests in view while dealing herself deeply in social and cul- sorting out the Amarnath land tural affairs. Her presence in Malik, seventy two years old, has to his credit and about the ground situation with situation on the ground. row and many crises. During his in Jammu and Kashmir. During assembly elections of every event was inspiring and a chequered and prominent social and political tenure the State had to be put He displayed endless energy 2008 and 2014, his role in her conduct exemplary and worth emulating. Governor background of having been an MLA in Uttar under Governor's rule four in keeping the bureaucracy on ensuring violence free and fair Vohra will go home a satisfied times when he was directly at its toes and digging out citizen- elections will long be remem- Pradesh and served as member of both Lok man having done his best to the helm of affairs. He dis- centric issues from under the bered. He was quite upset by the resolve, on his terms, issues that Sabha and Rajya Sabha respectively and played his governance skills to carpets of the State Secretariat. developments in 2010 and 2016 replaced Ram Nath Kovind as Bihar Governor the hilt each time. arose during the last decade. He His penchant for field inspec- elections contributed to reduc- cally elected Government. and loss of lives and violence is not a man who will opt for a Governor Vohra is a hard tions was in abundant display ing the democratic deficit, Governor Vohra is held in pained him. last year after the latter was elected as President task master and never shirks well deserved rest. His admirers during the past 8-weeks. He paving way for increments in high esteem by leaders of all As Chairman of Shri Mata will keep a track of his future of India. He has in-depth knowledge about the from calling a spade a spade. In could be seen in Amarnath Yatra the peace process. He often political parties in the State. Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, he 1993, following Bombay serial interests. The couple will be political scenario of Jammu and Kashmir .It was route, district headquarters and voiced his concern over delays Successive Chief Ministers will be fondly remembered not fondly remembered for their blasts, he forcefully highlighted presiding over scores of meet- in holding Panchayat and local sought his counsel and his help only for up gradation of infra- the political sagacity of Satya Pal Malik who in to the discomfiture of the estab- humaneness, sagacity and ings in a single day. Vohra body elections. He needs to be to convince the central govern- structure and facilities for pil- humility. 1989, motivated Late Mufti Mohammad Syed to lishment "the vitiated environ- meant business when it came to applauded for preparations initi- ment on issues of importance. grims but also for fulfilling ment of an unholy nexus (The author is a former DGP) fight Lok Sabha elections from Muzzafarnagar, delivering services to the peo- ated to hold these elections Raj Bhawan was always open to social responsibility to ensure [email protected] UP. The appointment of Malik as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir carries lot of political deno- Imran is bidding for “New Pakistan” tation as the State is reeling under a proxy war of terrorism unleashed by Pakistan. There is seem- K.N. Pandita failure to contain sources fund- be happy with this statement? At matrimonial alliances. It has self-explanatory. We may recol- months Moscow has been warm- ing the Afghan Taliban war. the same time it undoubtedly thrown an iron curtain around lect that initially the US did cast ing up to Islamabad and cooling ingly a major shift in the Central Government in e cannot help looking Although Pakistan sticks to its will be irksome to the affluent. itself which is rather impenetra- aspersions on the fairness of towards India with a rather the choice of appointment of Governor from apo- somewhat askance classical prescription of denial, But the question is deeper ble. Imran Khan may have Pakistan elections and unexpected hurry. More impor- when we are told that W it has made little rather no than what we may see at its sur- established working strategy expressed some reservations. tantly, Moscow had been show- litical strata to the political one as Dr. Karan Imran Khan wants to make a impact on Trump administra- face. Austerity is not the cup of with the Army and that has to But it appears that Pakistan army ing interests in assuring Pakistan "New Pakistan". There is mys- Singh and Jagmohan Malhotra both of whom tion. tea of a nation that believes in remain restricted to civil admin- has moved quickly to do some of its naval security, and protec- tery in the term "New Pakistan" had served as Governors of Jammu and In his first official speech the supremacy of a particular istration but when it comes to damage controlling exercise by tion of its shores on the Indian about what it actually means? In Kashmir later had joined politics after their stint after the oath taking ceremony, faith it has adopted for centuries. touching on the privileges way of allowing one-time Ocean, something about which his first speech after he was PM Imran Khan focussed on Knowing that Pakistan has no apportioned by the powerful to munificence to the nascent civil- sworn in, Prime Minister Imran doubts were expressed after as the Heads of the State and became Union austerity measures as something history of observing austerity, he it, things could become sleazy ian government in Islamabad. Gwadar became functional. Khan focussed on very disquiet- urgently required to cut down took shelter behind the example and even provocative. Washington has changed its nar- Ministers too. So it could be construed that with ing current financial situation of Yet at the same time fast the appointment of a political Governor, the exer- State expenses. He spoke of lav- of the Holy Prophet's life. We Of course, temporarily, the rative and is seizing the oppor- expanded influence of China his country. The narrative is ish life style of top government have very often heard Islamic triumvirate may agree on auster- tunity of being the first big pow- cise of political process in the State could get a superscripted by what stance among the Muslim countries in functionaries, ministers and scholars speaking of the ity outlines because ultimately er to congratulate Pakistan on the littoral region and the Mid- IMF will adopt once Pakistan affluent segments of society and Prophet's austere and simple life their skin is also getting having a new elected govern- fillip. The first of such political processes could dle East is posing serious threat approaches it for a massive bank brought out the existing gap yet the widening gap between scratched and, as such, the Amy ment and hoping to revive the to the unchallenged position of well be thought of to be initiated in the form of loan to retrieve its collapsing between their affluence and the the haves and have-nots in Pak- may use its forks and tongs to old ties once again. There is a holding elections for Panchayats and economy. stark poverty of the ordinary istan kept on growing wider and impress upon the US to play soft clear indication that Pakistan is the US of cold war days. PM The US has made no bones Municipalities and from the grass root levels, the masses. He was cautious not to wider. Therefore Imran Khan on IMF loan to Pakistan. The responding to the American Imran Khan has to play his cards of its unwillingness to oblige dole out any threats to the super- will have to look for the reasons American Secretary of State is pressures in regard to Afghan deftly as convergence of benign people could get a chance to participate in the Pakistan if she approaches the rich but remained content with why the precept of the Prophet visiting Pakistan on September situation. pressure of great powers is in the democratic political activities. IMF in which Washington has a citing the example of simple and has not found favour with the 5 for some serious exchange of Conspicuously, Imran Khan process of restructuring Pak- big say. The reason given by the It was increasingly speculated that Vohra pure life style of the holy Pakistani nation's super social views with the newly formed avoided touching on his govern- istan's domestic and foreign pol- US official sources is that it has Prophet of Islam. He went to the class. government. The US is keen that ment's foreign policy in any spe- icy. reports of Pakistan diverting could exit the State as Governor after conclusion length of stating that austerity The point is that the standard the new government in Islam- cific manner. However, the Making a "New Pakistan" is parts of these funds to the sup- of annual pilgrimage of Shri Amar Nath Ji by measures would begin from his for the model of life in Pakistan abad should use its weight to State Department has been the need of the hour because port of anti-US and anti-Afghan person as he would live in a is set by the elite which are a tri- reduce the fighting in closely monitoring Pakistan's Pakistan is got bogged with August 26. Malik has made it amply clear that he government Taliban in three-bedroom house and pro- umvirate of feudal lords, Gener- Afghanistan but the US may also attitude after its relations with chronic ideological apartheid. Afghanistan. In fact Trump would make all efforts to restore peace and nor- posed giving the existing Prime als and the top echelons of mean to have a deal with Pak- Islamabad saw a downslide in What will be the instruments and administration has been warning Ministerial palace for housing a bureaucracy. The triumvirate is istan if she wants the US to relent malcy in Jammu and Kashmir by taking all peo- Pakistan that punitive measures the aftermath of Trump accusing contours of making new Pak- ple along and following the Prime Minister's pol- university. Who among the poor closely linked by deep-set eco- on IMF issue. The tone and tenor Pakistan of "lies and fraud." It istan remain to be seen. could be taken against Pakistan's and the toiling masses would not nomic interests, kinship and of State Secretary's speech is icy on Kashmir. He has reiterated and reminded has to be noted that in recent [email protected] about having good old relations with all political Dr. D. K. Giri fused the tension in a simplis- parties in the State and has expressed the posi- Vajpayee's Foreign Policy tic answer to a query by one tal Bihari Vajpayee left journalist accompanying his tive confidence to receive full support from them. deep footprints on delegation. However, the new Governor takes charge in AIndian politics in the When the journalist asked an atmosphere surcharged with the row over six decades of his political Blend of realism & restraint what his impression of the activism. A great deal has been dinner-talks was, Vajpayee Article 35A, which at the moment is under consid- written about his rich legacy by Nehruvian isolationism drawn way, please watch, I am stand- test in 1998, the Kargil war of handed for the nuclear tests as said, in a lighter vein, "I do eration of the Apex Court. In addition to that, the his associates and observers. It from non-alignment, by declar- ing straight." Vajpayee, for the 1999, and the outreach to an answer to China's bullying not know about the talks but occasion of the solemn festival of Eid yesterday is perhaps in order that we ing that India and America are first time as Indian Minister Pakistan. Vajpayee, as soon as and belligerence. you do not get the gajar ka recall his unique contribution natural allies; non-alignment is spoke in the United Nations in he took over as Prime Having done the test, saw as many as six terror related incidents at halwa (carrot pudding) as to India's foreign policy as he antithetical to alliance making. Hindi, a symbolic manifesta- Minister, went from conduct- shown to the world India's good as in Islamabad. He then the behest of Pakistan which rocked the valley in began his Ministerial stints as During 1977-79, Vajpayee tion of Indian nativism. ing the six nuclear tests prowess, Vajpayee immediate- turned to General Musharraf which a BJP leader and an SPO were killed by Foreign Minister in 1977-79 in was the Foreign Minister. He It may be recalled that rela- announcing India's presence in ly went down the road of mod- and asked, "Is it not, the government led by Morarji brought creativity and intellec- tionship with our neighbours, the world as a nuclear weapon eration and restraint. He terrorists . In addition, three more terror related General?" Such was the sense Desai. Twenty years later he tual flair into the foreign office, especially Pakistan was at its State. announced an informal mora- of detachment and the ability incidents in Anantnag, Kulgam and Kashmir became the Prime Minister for much to the chagrin of the con- best during Janata period. An India was not a signatory torium on further nuclear to generate good-will. His respectively fairly exposed the evil designs of six years, from 1998 to 2004 servative foreign policy estab- anecdote goes that, when to Nuclear Non-Proliferation tests, and committed to no- Pakistan visit, however, deftly guiding foreign affairs. lishment. He was the first Morarji Desai, then Prime Treaty (NPT), so technically it first-use (NFU). Such self- Pakistan in the valley which did not have any turned out to be a 'fiasco' as Vajpayee's foreign policy Cabinet minister to visit China, Minister came to know of Zia- could do the nuclear test. But restraint mollified many, upset Pakistan attacked India to consideration for an occasion even like Eid. was a wonderful blend of real- two decades after Prime ul-Haq's plan to expand his the reaction from the world by India's nuclear bravado, avenge India's occupation of ism and restraint. He was con- Minister Nehru had been. He army, he telephoned Zia and was expectedly to be excoriat- and looked at the incident with the Siachin glacier in 1984 at WB funded bridges await completion scious of the need for India to surprised his Chinese counter- said, "General, why are you ing, hence it had to be understanding and empathy. Kargil-Dras sector of J&K. be on the world stage as a great part as he announced that "the spending money on expanding extremely brave decision that The second issue is That brings us to the infa- power to reckon with, at the border problems should not the army, if your country is one had to take and Vajpayee Vajpayee's outreach to Moderately unsatisfactory" is what the mous Kargil war of 1999, same time, he was aware that constitute a hindrance to ever under attack, my army did. The five nuclear powers Pakistan. Many expected a which India decisively won. World Bank in its report on June 27 termed India should deal with its small- improving our bilateral rela- will be at your disposal." That were too guarded to allow any toughening of approach But the way Vajpayee conduct- the progress of implementation of the proj- er neighbours with restraint, not tions." That was an offer of heartwarming gesture by other country to acquire towards Pakistan by a BJP-led ed the war was a remarkable “ to indulge in over-reach or friendship, although Chinese Morarji melted General Zia. nuclear weapons due not to government. Vajpayee sur- ects, it has funded in Kashmir. To attenuate the display of aggression as well chest-thumping. He was also did not reciprocate then with No wonder Morarji was given lose their nuclear privilege prised all those by his extra- as restraint. He declared that losses the valley suffered in the devastating conscious of the RSS world equal warmth and sincerity. the highest honour of and for the inherent dangers ordinary realism. He famously not an inch of territory could floods of 2014, World Bank funded Rs. 1500 view and positioning India, as Vajpayee did not give up. Pakistan, Shan-e-Pakistan. nuclear weapons carry. said, "You cannot change be ceded at any cost but the well as the Nehruvian legacy of crore for the State to reconstruct damaged and In order to regain the pres- Behind such friendly postur- However, Vajpayee knew it geography, meaning you can- LOC would not be crossed. idealism, non-alignment, fence- tige while retaining the autono- ing, was the Foreign Minister, too well that the currency for a not change or choose your Such restraint was admired by ravaged infrastructure. These included two sitting, etc. my in foreign policy making, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. nation's power is the nuclear neighbours." He tried to drive many international actors and bridges financed by it in South Kashmir where Vajpayee, in fact, discarded his Janata Government recali- Twenty years later, capability. He did not want the point home by building earned India the support need- both, and created his own the work on them was going in fits and starts and brated non-alignment as "gen- Vajpayee became the Prime India to lose out on its quest peace with Pakistan. He ed at that juncture. approach to India's foreign pol- uine non-alignment". A jour- Minister with greater power for being a world power, espe- jumped into a bus and headed Vajpayee's foreign policy fragmentary manner, putting to difficulties icy. He repudiated the 'exclu- nalist once asked him in a press and determination to re-shape cially vis-à-vis China, a for Pakistan to build bridges. was one of relaxed realism, a dozens of villages in the districts of Shopian and sionary nationalism' of RSS conference, "Foreign Minister, India's foreign policy. Three nuclear weapon State. Those As per the custom a dinner blend of pragmatism and ide- that fragmented the domestic Pulwama in Kashmir. are you tilted towards America initiatives taken by him during critical of Vajpayee for not was hosted in his honour. It alism, a balance which is the basis of national power drawn or Soviet Union?" Vajpayee his premiership were out- standing up to China were was reported that the atmos- hallmark of India's culture and The "tale" of Trenz Bridge and Rohmoo Bridge from Hindutva canons, and quipped, "I am not tilted any- standing - the second nuclear rebuffed when he went single- phere was a bit tense. He dif- civilization.- INFA in Shopian and Pulwama districts respectively depict delays, slow pace of work, mere release of 10% of funds, inordinate delay in completing Devasthan Purmandal Settlement of Rohingyas paper work and the like. Both the bridges hold Sir, Sir, importance in them so far as connectivity of Keeping in view the dire need of providing night shelter to the devotees at Devasthan The issue of 'Rohingyas' once again came under Abrogation of Art 35 A many villages to several areas is concerned. The Purmandal, the Department of Public Works J&K in early sixties converted the havelies discussion in Parliament and it came to fore that most Sir, areas affected by floods virtually remained cut of Late Maharaja Dhian Singh and Sh Suchet Singh into two beautiful sarais named as of these illegal immigrants are settled in J&K. This has reference to the write up "Abrogation of Art The settlement of these illegal occupants in Jam- off for around three years as the Government did PWD Sarai No. 1 and Sarai No. 2 respectively. The paraphernalia required for watch and 35 Anot in interest of J&K" DE dated August 21. After going mu and Kashmir is a serious issue as it raises many ward, cleanliness and sanitation etc was also deployed by the department besides annual through the article, one feels no doubt that the Art 35 A is not take steps to reconstruct the damaged questions. First of all Jammu and Kashmir is a sen- maintenance and upkeep by way of whitewash and painting etc. The devotees and tourists beneficial for our State. The article is being dragged in bridges and only in May 2017, World Bank desiring to have a night stay at the shrine for meditation in cool, calm and peaceful atmos- sitive State and far from Myanmar border. How they reached Jammu and what was their motivation of unnecessary discussion by the politicians who seek some agreed to fund the projects. Both the bridges phere as well as performing other rituals had a lot of relief. political mileage and otherwise are not interested for the The things went on normally and it was in the year 2006 that the Surinsar Mansar settling here is a billion dollar question ? The argue- were to be constructed at a total estimated cost ment that they came here being a Muslim majority welfare of the public at large. They are also dividing the of Rs. 56 crore. Development Authority created under SRO No.221 dated 26-06-2006 mooted a propos- society on communal and regional lines. An almost identi- al for converting these sarais into Budgetted accommodation and accordingly took over State sans logic. If that was the case, they should have settled in Kashmir or other Muslim majority cal law regarding the purchace of land by the outsiders is Since slow funding has been the main rea- the possession from PWD (R&B) Sub-Division Bari Brahmna under letter No. SD/BB/290 districts of Jammu and not in and around Jammu city. prevailing in the State of Himachal Pradesh. Then why there dated : 22-02-2011. son behind the twin bridges not picking up in There seems a deep conspiracy in their settle- is no talk of doing away with this provision in HP and also their reconstruction work, it is hoped that the The Authority took over the possession of the buildings only and desisted from taking ment. Their activities have already come under scan- Art 371 which provides special status to North Eastern States State Government would address and resolve over the staff for the reasons best known. Since the day of taking over, that is, Feb 2011 a ner and if not addressed at the earliest, the issue is to bring them also at par with the other States. Why it is for period of more than six and a half years has been over, no proposal of so called budgeted destined to become a big problem for the Nation. J&K only? Moreover the State Subject law was promulgat- the stalemate and ensure smooth and uninter- accommodation has been seen on the ground, instead buildings remain locked thereby The Indian State has to demonestrate courage ed by Maharaja Hari Singh during his reign which was with rupted flow of need based funds to the projects depriving thousands of religious devotees and tourists of night stay facility at the shrine. I and, at least, take these Rohingyas away from J&K the aim to protect his people from unemployment and pover- so that using of risky makeshift foot bridges and want to request the authorities to revert back the possession of these buildings to PWD till their deportation. The issue should not be seen ty especially keeping in mind the interest of Dogras and with immediate effect by taking a suo moto decision as the SMDA created for the purpose other alternative methods of connectivity by the with the prism of vote bank politics but in national- Kashmiri Pandits. The Presidential order of 1954 was just has totally failed to yield the desired results especially in Devasthan Purmandal. istic perspective. to support the law of Maharaja. affected residents of the areas was over soon- Jawahar Lal Baru S M Pandit D.R. Bhagat er than later. Purmandal Jammu Ekta Vihar Kunjwani