Jammu and Kashmir’s Monthly Magazine RNI : JKENG/2007/26070 ISSN 0974-5653

Now
Epilogue
because there is more to know
Telling
The J&K Stories
Jammu, March 1, 2009 / Vol 3 / Issue 3 || Price Rs. 30 || Postal Registration No. JK-350/2007-09 || www.epilogue.in

CON NN E C T I N G
J AMM U & K A S HM I R
R OA D R A I L A I R
CHALLENGE IN KASHMIR MEDIA
Perspectives from the Ground Print Media in Kashmir Post 1989
An extensive water supply storage system shall be created for adequate storage of water supply incremented
through drilling of Tube Wells across the lengths and breadths of Jammu city. 41 Over Head Tanks and 19
Ground Level Service Reservoirs with a cumulative storage capacity of 106 Lac Gallons shall cater to the water
supply requirements of the population of about 10,60,000 souls of Jammu city.

OVER HEAD TANKS (OHT) AND GROUND LEVEL SERVICE RESERVOIRS (GSLR) (TARGETS)

JAMMU (EAST)
Scope of works Total Storage Capacity Population to be benefitted
Construction of 21 Over Head Tanks 35.00 Lac Gallons 3,50,000.00
Location of OHTs in Jammu East :
Shastri Nagar, Tube well no. 9 , Channi Himmat, Tube well no. 1, Rail Head, Trikuta Nagar , Gandhi Nagar, Balmiki
Nagar, Nanak Nagar Sec 7, Sainik Colony Sec D/G, Sec C, Sec A, Sec F, Ambika Vihar / Langer, Thangar, Old
Bandhurakh, Greater Kailash near Peer Baba, Ajeet Nagar, Dashmesh Nagar, Work shop Kunjwani, Babliana

Construction of 09 Ground Level Service Reservoirs 12.50 Lac Gallons 1,25,000.00

Location of GLSRs in Jammu East
Trikuta Nagar, Boria Pumping Station, PHE Complex Narwal, Tube well no. 1, Dodhi Gujjar, Sainik Colony Sec F/G,
Nawabad (0.5 lac), Narwal, Qasim Nagar.

JAMMU (WEST)
Construction of 20 Over Head Tanks 35.50 Lac Gallons 3,55,000.00
Location of OHTs in Jammu West :
Parade, Ram Mandir, Rahari, Rani Park, Bakshi Nagar, Id Gah, Roop Nagar Stage-II, Stage-III, Suryavanshi Vihar,
Indira Vihar, Ranjeet Pura, Rajpura, Relief Commissioner Office, Puran Nagar, Agricultural Complex, Jambolochan,
Muthi, Tomal, Muthi Village, Resham Ghar

Construction of 10 Ground Level Service Reservoirs 23.00 Lac Gallons 2,30,000.00

Location of GLSRs in Jammu West
Company Bagh, Parade, Rehari, Roop Nagar Stage-II, Stage-IV, CPS Muthi, Peerkho, Relief Commissioner Office,
Bakshi Nagar, CPS Medical College
B R I D G I N G T H E I N F O R M A T I O N D I V I D E

Taking J&K Closer to World

Bringing World Closer to J&K

Epilogue
because there is more to know

27
F O R T H E
Volume : 3, Number : 3
ISSN : 0974-5653
RNI : JKENG/2007/26070
www.epilogue.in

M O N T H O F M A R C H 2 0 0 9

Besides regular columns, reports and

reviews, present issue is essentially
divided into two sections. One
section, the cover feature, looks at the
connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir
through road, rail and air to discuss the
vital issues of economy and security.
The other section is on the Kashmir
politics and peace

Epilogue Ø
1×
March 2009
 J&K'S SUMMER AGITATION

S ummer of 2008 will always be remembered as a dark chapter in the secular and
tolerance history of Jammu and Kashmir. On Amarnath land row, the lunatic and
hawkish voices had completely taken over the sensible voices. We launched a search
for the voices of peace and reason and came up with as many ideas as possible. We are
happy that no chance was given to the narrow regional or religious views to creep in
our pages.
Sept. 2008
INTRA-KASHMIR CONTACTS AND TRADE

S hortly before the historic cross-LoC trade was launched between two parts of
Jammu and Kashmir, the United States Institute of Peace had come up with a most
comprehensive study on making borders irrelevant. Under a special endowment from
USIP, Epilogue carried reproduced the study in fall. It was a painstaking research
taken by Hassan Askari and PR Chari, two leading policy experts of Pakistan and India,
respectively.
Oct. 2008

ELECTIONS: CHALLENGE 2008

W e have brought out three issues on assembly elections 2008 and the November
issue was first in the series. Elections were being held in the backdrop of a worst
separatist and communal agitation in state. With a commentary on the prevailing
political and security atmosphere, the November issue carried a complete

A limited number of unbound back volumes is available in our stocks.

backgrounder on the past elections.

Nov. 2008
A R E Y O U M I S S I N G O U R PA S T S T O R I E S

HUNG ASSEMBLY

I n the middle of elections our small team of staffers along with some 30 volunteers
traveled across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir to gauge the public
mood. The conclusion was that there will be a hung assembly with NC as largest party,
PDP second and Congress third. Looking at the pages of our December issue one can
see all parties have come up with same number of seats as we had predicted except
the BJP.

For booking your copies call us at 9797599365

Dec. 2008
MANDATE :

A collectors issue, the special number on our second anniversary came as fastest
possible, yet professionally correct work, on J&K elections. Result were declare
on December 28 and our issue carrying complete elections analysis and elections
trends at constituency level was out before the government was sworn I.

Jan. 2009
AGENDA FOR OMAR GOVERNMENT :

T he coalition government of National Conference and the Congress headed by

Omar Abdullah Omar Abdullah took over on January 5 but it did not declare a
shared agenda. Epilogue's February issue put together opinions of well meaning
people from across the country setting out an agenda for Omar Abdullah government

Feb. 2009
 Epilogue
because there is more to know

www.epilogue.in CONTENTS

Editor
Zafar Iqbal Choudhary Who Said What 4
Prologue 5
Consulting Editor
D. Suba Chandran Letters 6
Associate Editors
Irm Amin Baig Note Book
Tsewang Rigzin 11 Essential Entries 9
Art Editor 4 Essential Entries 14
Keshav Sharma IN FOCUS
Connecting Pay Parity
Research Officer Jammu & Kashmir
Raman Sharma Road, Rail, Air Better Service Conditions 40
must for good governance
Mailing Address
PO Box 50, HO Gandhi Nagar, 15 Message from
Jammu Kashmir to New Delhi Environment
J&K on Global
Phones & email 19 Looking at the Lessons of 2008
Carbon Market 44
Office : +91 191 2493136 22 Analysing Conflict through
Editorial: +91 94191 80762 Gender Perspective
Administration: +91 94190 00123 Column
25 The Himalayan
Emperor Jagangir on
editor@epilogue.in Wonder or Blunder
editor.epilogue@gmail.com History, Culture of Kashmir-I 48
subscription@epilogue.in 28 Development & Environment
Prof. Jigar Mohammad
Expanding Road Network
Edited, Printed, Published and in Jammu and Kashmir
Owned by Zafar Iqbal Choudhary. 32 Looking Beyond Fair
Published from : Ibadat House, Weather Roads Media
Madrasa Lane, Near Graveyard, Print Media in Kashmir
Bathindi Top, Jammu, J&K - 37 The Fight to Dubai 51
180012 and Printed at : DEE Post1989
DEE Reprographix, 3 Aikta
Ashram, New Rehari Jammu
(J&K) Reviews
Books 53
Disputes, if any, subject to
jurisdiction of courts and
competitive tribunals in Jammu
only.

RNI : JKENJ/2007/26070
ISN : 00974-5653
Price : Rs 30

Epilogue Ø
3×
March 2009
 H E A R & H E A R
Who Said What

In Verbatim
'No state wants heavy presence of troops with
extraordinary powers. We also want to cut it down…in
fact the process has already been initiated'
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, responding to
Opposition PDP concerns on human rights violations

'National Conference and Congress are together just to

enjoy power. They don't have any policy or
programme for J&K'
Former Chief Minister and PDP leader Mufti
Mohammad Sayeed, at a public rally

'Security forces apparently did not follow the standard

procedures of operation'
Union Home Minister P Chidambram reacting to killing
of two innocent youths in Kashmir by Army

'There was a major breakthrough to resolve the

Kashmir issue with India during my premiership but
the gains were turned upside down by the subsequent
military regime of Pervez Musharraf'
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a
meeting with visiting Indian peace activists

'Peoples reposed their faith in democracy (in 2008

elections), now they are being killed…this is how you
want to bring peace in Kashmir'
Opposition leader Mehbooba Mufti while interrupting
Governor's address in state assembly

'Unless and until the Kashmir issue is resolved either

through implementation of the United Nations
Resolutions or trilateral talks, the peace and security
will continue to elude the subcontinent'
Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in a press
statement

Epilogue Ø
4×
March 2009
 P R O L O G U E
From the Editor

Prevent What is Preventable

Zafar Choudhary

R
oads are said to the lifeline
of a nation's economy.
Unfortunately, the road
network in Jammu and
Kashmir is a cause of
disappointment. While economic
poverty in the state can easily be
attributed to the roads, it is this poorly
maintained surface communication
network that is emerging as a major
cause of an alarming number of
unnatural deaths. A recent road
accident that resulted in killing of 41
persons should come as a cause of
action for the government and the civil
society to think over ways and means of
ensuring the human security on the
roads. Thousands of innocents have lost
their life to conflict in the state over
past two decades is a well known fact
but the second major death trap for the
people of Jammu and Kashmir is now Wreckage of bus that fell down a gorge in Doda district of Jammu division killing
arguably on roads. On a daily average 41 persons. Against permitted seating capacity of 27, bus was carrying 54
1.5 to 2 persons are being killed in road passengers.
accidents and put together the
number of people killed in road accident sites with sympathies and traffic fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir
accidents every year is now going some relief announcements but are likely to go up by 144 per cent by
higher than the number of those measures are visible on ground to avoid next 10 years. Now is the time that the
killed in militancy. The gloomy recurring such incidents. The Doda government should take clear
phenomenon of road accidents region alone saw killings of 100 persons initiatives. The human and economic
involves the fact that most of these in a period of six months. The death trap damage caused by the road crashes is
fatalities occur in Jammu division. on roads has become a matter of deep largely preventable. Flaws in road
The National Highway 1A between concern and needs a resolute attention design and engineering coupled with
Jammu and Srinagar and the NH 1B particularly in wake of the a World driver behavior can be overcome with
connecting Doda and Kishtwar Health Organisation report projecting concerted efforts. Setting up agencies
districts account for 60 per cent of that by the year 2020 road accidents will with separate budget and the powers to
the total annual deaths in road be third highest threat to public health enforce regulations and address road
accidents. Government, unfortunately, and life in South Asia. A comparative safety at an institutional level can be an
is going beyond the cosmetic measures. analysis of WHO report for South Asia important step forward.
After every accident the Chief Minister, and road mishap statistics in Jammu and
Kashmir presents a highly worrisome Feedback :
his Ministers and bureaucrats fly to the zafarchoudhary@epilogue.in
scenario. The analysis reveals that

Epilogue Ø
5×
March 2009

Heritage conservation not task of bureaucrats, politicians alone
M ubarak Mandi was declared by the
NDTV on behalf of its jury to be one
of the seven wonders of Jammu and
Kashmir state at a select gathering in
Jammu on the evening of 18 February. It
would be formally displayed on its
channel on Ist March.
Mubarak Mandi is one of the few
surviving buildings which would
represent Dogra architecture. What
happened to it on 1st August, 2004
shocked citizens of Jammu, in
particular. On that day on the order of
an executive engineer of the Estate
Department, some canopies and
galleries of the Mandi complex were
demolished as he would have done in
case of any other building which
according to him, was in a dillipedated
condition. But in this case damage
spread and was irrepairable.
I led a delegation of the Heritage
Foundation, as its Vice-President, to
the Divisional Commissioner who took
a very sympathetic interest in the
matter and stopped further
demolition of the Mandi. The matter
has since been engaging the
attention of the government. But its
decision to move all its offices
elsewhere has yet not been
implemented fully. For contruction of
alternative buildings is yet not
complete. Why cannot they be shifted
to rented buildings meanwhile?
In a meeting of the citizens of Jammu
convened by the successor Divisional
Commissioner, he announced that
Gandola service would be constructed
from Bahu Fort to Mubarak Mandi which
would become a great tourist
attraction. Everybody appreciated the
idea excpt me. My argument was that it
might shake the very fragile foundation
of the Mandi. I suggested that the entire
complex be handed over to the
Archeological Survey of India and no
step should be taken without its expert
opinion. The Gondola idea was dropped
for the time being and eventually on the
request of the state government the
survey adopted the entire complex for
conservation.
The previous government had
appointed a high level committee
headed by then cabinet minister
Gulchain Singh Charak to take up the
task in cooperation with the
Archeological survey which had
submitted a blue print for it. Somehow I
could not get its copy though Mr. Charak
had promised to give it to me. I cannot
therefore make detailed comments on
it and confine myself to some general
observations, which I presume are not
covered by the Archeological survey of
India.
Epilogue Ø
6×
March 2009
L ETTERS
Readers Write
Here it is pertinent to quote form 6th
century Indian treatise on architecture
Mayatmatha which devotes a whole
chapter on conservation. It says.
“The characteristics of these temples
should be resorted with their own
material……The sage wishing to restore
must proceed in such way that they
retain their integrity.”
Another modern authority on the subject
Vije Surya, former Director Conservation,
Sri Lanka quotes his own experience of his
country where professional adopted the
following principle:
“it has to be kept in mind that the
proper restoration of a highly
specialized nature, requiring in the
person who carries it out, a thorough
knowledge of evolution of art,
architecture and culture which
produced it.”

In the context of Mubarak Mandi,
who should try to find out who
were its builders and who are
their descendant—not merely the
names of the rulers---,who was
the architect who conceived the
design and what material was
used for its construction, what
type of people, including the
concubines of the Rajas, lived and
their lives there whose quarters
were fitted with special type of
curtains, through which they
could see outside but could not be
seen by outsiders. If modern
architects are trying to trace the
names of the real builders of the
Taj, who should get the credit for
building the wonder of the world
and not Shahjahan, why it should
not be done in the care of the
Mandi?
May be some old people,
particularly in the
neighbourhood, can throw some
light on these vital facts.
Meanwhile full photo record
should be made of not only the
outer design of the complex but
also its interior, including
paintings, drawings and carvings
on the walls.
Meanwhile the idea of organizing
Jammu Mela, which attracts huge
gathering with many eateries,
should be re-examinsed for its
possible negative effects on the
ecology and buildings of the
Mubarak Mandi complex, in
consultation with expets.
Another vital fact to be kept in
mind is that Mubarak Mandi
should be preserved as a part of
an integral whole and not as an
isolated island cut off from its
surroundings. There are still quite
a few buildings on the roads
leading to Mubarak Mandi which
are in conformity with their
original design and in harmony
with it. But they might go the way
of the other buildings which after
renovation and modernization
have lost their original character
and have thus spoiled the
integrity and harmony of the
area.
The government should make
technical knowhow available to
them as also to those who have so
far maintained their original
character about how to add all
modern facilities in their houses
without changing their outward
designs. For instance, one finds
that buildings in London, on many
streets, have maintained their
centuries old façade while
making any changes in the
interior with changing times. In
India Jaipur is an outstanding
example of a uniform pink façade
of the buildings contructed long
time ago while interior follows
inevitable changes over time.
In short, it must be realized that
conservation of one of the seven
wonders of the state is not the
task of bureaucrats and
politicians alone. Knowledgeable
citizens, personalities in the field
of culture and art, academics and
intellectuals should help them
which should also be sought. Till
then the above suggestions may
be considered.
BALRAJ PURI
Director
Institute of Jammu & Kashmir
affairs
Epilogue Ø
7×
March 2009
L ETTERS
Readers Write
Thanks for remembering
us
Dear Editor
Officers of All India Services work in
unique circumstances in Jammu and
Kashmir. Being paid well is though
important for all those who work in any
system but our problems go beyond
that. Epilogue's story 'Lost in Pay Din,
Officers of All India Services' (February,
2009) was a timely intervention to
highlight some important issues
particularly at a time when state
government employees were asking for
implementation of the
recommendations of Sixth Pay
Commission. A circular has been now
issued by the government on revised pay
structure of AIS officers. I would suggest
that your magazine look into some other
issues also. Senior officers of the State
Services lose no opportunity in cornering
the AIS officers. They want to come at
par with us in case of promotions and
postings. But what 'at par' they talk
about? Under special political
circumstances they enjoy all the
privileges and importance. One
particular political class has already
made its policies well declared on roll
back of All India Services from Jammu
and Kashmir. Recently when there was
pay controversy, the AIS officers were
the only class who did not protest
despite clear rules on drawing salaries
under revised scales of pay. We left it
purely to the state government as we
never favoured any confrontation.
An IAS officer
Writer has requested to keep his
identity secret
 L ETTERS
Readers Write

Open letter to Chief Minister

Dear Sir,

I congratulate you on becoming the Chief Minister of J&K State. Please spare for minutes to go through the contents of this letter.
I understand that you have a tough time ahead as the victimised people of J&K state in particular, expect
a lot from you so that their wounds they received since 1989 got healed.

Consider me neither advisor nor to advice you on any matter but being you well wisher, I dare to suggest,
“the sense of insecurity and uncertainty to life of common people is to be addressed on priority. The
common people have suffered irreparably the Army, paramilitary forces, State Police etc. have been
humiliating and torturing the people and used to get further compounded at the hands of gunmen. The in
human behaviour being exercised by security para-military forces while dealing in critical situations at
times, requires and warrants no explanation. They have to exercise restraint so that sense of fear among
people is removed.

Second, the erratic supply of electricity to the common people even for lighting purpose poses a serious
problem and can be redressed by redrafting the agreement signed with Government of India to the
extent that electricity produced from the waters of state moved meet the requirement here at minimum,
thereafter the residual should go to central pool despite money on much power projects is spent by the
concerned agency of Govt. of India.

Third, the unemployment among educated youth, which poses threat to peace, can be checked up by
filling up the vacant posts in different Government/Semi-Government Departments estimated at over
seventy though sands on war footing basis. The filling up such vacant positions should be arranged outside
the purview of public service commission state service recruitment board as these organization are
already charged of heavy assignments on this behalf and consume in dully longer durations”.

Fourth, corruption, the menace is eating the vitals of society. Those identified corrupt officials, in
Govt/Semi-Government departments, whose details are available with the Government but could not be
shown the door from reasons known to the then Authority are required to be removed from services
forthworth, signal of seriousness of your leadership will percolate tremendous scope for development and
expansion are required to be strengthened adequately, thus will not only provide employment avenues but
revenue to state as well. The transport system on the state is not managed well, with the result; the
commuters in particular are dissatisfied with it. The city Srinagar/Jammu, district headquarters, town
main places are to be cleared from the persons who forcibly occupy the paths for business purpose during
day time a cause of dceslocation to satisfactory traffic system, so that the menace of high headedness of
such persons gets stopped. I have lot to write but in view of your heavy engagement schedule, I hereby
close it.

With kind regards

Sincerely Yours

Mohammad Ashraf Kakoo

Director Planning and Development Department
Amdakadal, Lal Bazar
Srinagar – 190011 (Kashmir)

Epilogue Ø
8×
March 2009
 NO T E BOOK
11 Essential Stories

CROSS-BORDER WEDDING

JKLF Chief Malik ties knot with Pak artists

K ashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik tied the nuptial knot
with artist Mushaal Hussein Mullick in the Pakistani city of
Rawalpindi, with the couple expressing hope that the Kashmir
issue would be amicably resolved as early as possible.
Speaking to reporters soon after the 'nikaah', the 42-year-old
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman said he
had prayed for an early and amicable resolution of the Kashmir
issue as prayers offered on an auspicious occasion like a
wedding are always accepted by God.

Britain-born Pakistani, Mushaal, a painter pursuing a

bachelor's degree at the London School of Economics, said the
Kashmir issue is a "serious and noble cause" that is supported
by every Pakistani. "I hope that the Kashmir issue is solved
through non-violence. I'll be very happy," she said.

Malik, clad in a grey sherwani, and Mushaal, bedecked in those who attended were top leaders from Pakistan-occupied
jewellery and wearing a green and red 'lehnga', mingled with Kashmir, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman,
guests during the ceremony held at Safari Club in Bahria Town, Lt Gen (retired) Hamid Gul and presidential spokesman
which is located near the bride's home in Rawalpindi. Among Farhatullah Babar.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Saffron production on decline

D espite the low production, saffron
traders in Kashmir are hopeful
they would make up their losses with
the increase in demand and high
prices of saffron in international
markets. The highly prized spice
saffron is cultivated on the high
plateau land on the southern outskirts
of Srinagar and the crop is rain fed.
However, during the last cultivation
season, the area received scanty rains
causing sharp reduction in saffron
yield. Traders said that the production
of saffron in Kashmir during the
previous season was around 6000 kg,
but last year not even half of it was
reaped. There has been sharp fall in
saffron production in Iran also,
another major saffron producer in the
world, due to draught. This has
doubled saffron prices in the
international markets and the saffron
cultivators and traders in Kashmir
hope that that the price rise would
compensate their production loses.
"The cost of the saffron depends on
the international market. Globally,
the price of the product has
increased. It is a good thing that
farmers will concentrate more on
farming of the crop. Lack of rainfall
during the month of August,
September and November affected
the saffron yield, which fell sharply.
But the price of the product has gone
up. So, we hope that we would be
able to compensate the loss," said
Bashir Ahmad Dar, Director of
Agriculture, Kashmir. Despite low
production, the demand for saffron
continues to be high as it is desired all
over the world for its aroma, coloring
and aphrodisiac properties. "There is
high demand for saffron, but the
production is very less. Now, it costs
around 3000 rupees for ten gram of
saffron," said Ghulam Nabi Bhat, a
saffron grower. Saffron is one of the
world's most expensive spice. The
delicate flowers are harvested in
autumn. The flowers begin to grow
after the first rains and the blooming
period is usually mid-October when
the temperature is just right.
Kashmir's cool climate and rich soil
with excellent drainage and organic
content make the location an ideal
thriving ground for this spice, but a
lapse in any one of the conditions can
spoil the entire crop.

Epilogue Ø
9×
March 2009
 NO T E BOOK
11 Essential Stories

POLITICS PEACE PROCESS

Ruling coalition survives Kasuri blames

first roadblock
B arely a month of its
coming into being, the
National Conference-Congress
coalition government in J-K hit
first roadblock when the minor
coalition partner Congress
dictated its terms on the
major partner National
Conference in Rajya Sabha
elections. Four Rajya Sabha
(Upper House of Indian
Parliament) to be filled from
J-K were running vacant since
November last year. The
Congress had earlier indicated
that National Conference will
bag two seats, one will be
allowed for the Opposition
Peoples Democratic Party and
one for Congress. There were
three separate notifications
for four seats. Congress played
a last minute tantrum and
fielded its two candidates on
easy seats –Saifuddin Soz and
Ghulam Nabi Azad –and they
won without contest. Two
sections of the Congress, owing
allegiance to Soz and Azad,
respectively, went to the town
shifting blame on each other. NC
took it as not only
arrogance but also as a
deceit from the Congress as
its two candidates –Dr
Farooq Abdullah and
Mohammad Shafi Uri –were
left to face a tough
contest. Ahead of elections
Dr Abdullah rushed to New
Delhi to lodge his protest
with the Congress
leadership but a meeting
could not materialize. A
strong message was,
however, put across which
prompted the Congress
leadership to initiate a
damage control exercise.
Azad and Soz along with a
party General Secretary
and Minister in the Prime
Minister's Office Prithviraj
Chavan rushed in to
Jammu to manage number
from independents and
some cross voting from at
least two members from
BJP and the Panthers Party. Dr
Abdullah won easily while his party
colleague Shafi had a narrow victory
in the election held on February 13.
‘the bad luck'
I ndia and Pakistan were close to reaching
broad outlines of a solution to the
Kashmir dispute but it could not happen
due to "sheer bad luck", says former
Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid M
Kasuri. Kasuri also said there was a
substantial understanding on a joint
mechanism that would comprise
representatives from the two countries
besides both sides of the divided Kashmir.
The agreements could not fructify because
of "sheer bad luck", he told the leading
Indian journalist Karan Thapar in an
interview for CNBC TV18.
Kasuri also said that Pakistan was hoping
that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will
visit Islamabad in 2007, but he could not
find time due to the elections in Uttar
Pradesh. "Yes, you see...We wanted
Kashmiris to be involved and India was not
that keen, so we arrived at this modus
vivendi that your Kashmiris would travel to
Pakistan, our Kashmiris would travel here
(India) and meet your leaders and your
Kashmiris meet our leaders in an indirect
form," Kasuri said when asked about Track-
II talks to reach an understanding on the
Kashmir issue. "We would have preferred a
direct Kashmiri participation," he added.
Kasuri was Pakistan's chief points person
for talks with India during the rule of then
president Pervez Musharraf.

PEACE PROCESS

EU to study J-K poll impact

T he European Union (EU) is sending a fact-finding mission to
Jammu and Kashmir, the first after the assembly elections
in December 2008, which recorded a 62 per cent turnout,
surprising both the national and international communities.
The Troika mission will comprise Sweden, Spain and France
and will be headed by the ambassador of the Czech Republic,
Hynek Kmonicek. It will visit both the Kashmir Valley and the
Jammu region.
Although since 1994, this has been a regular annual feature, a
source in the EU establishment here, who refused to be
named, said the fact-finding mission would help the European
Union “get a broader and better understanding about Jammu
and Kashmir”. Much has changed since the first EU Troika
mission, when the separatists hailed it as a result of their
efforts to draw international attention after militancy erupted
in Kashmir in 1990. Later, ambassadors of many Islamic and
western nations, including the US and the UK, visited the
Valley. This time, the mood in the state is essentially reflective
of the changing scenario, with the focus increasingly shifting
towards economic issues. After the Mumbai attacks, Pakistan's
admission that terror groups had used its soil also helped
change the perspective in Kashmir, political observers said.

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 NO T E BOOK
11 Essential Stories

PEACE PROCESS HONOURS TO INDIAN DREAM

Narrowly missed J&K Assembly's ovation to

Kashmir accord Slumdog millionaire team
I ndia and Pakistan engaged in nearly three years of
secret high-level talks that narrowly missed
achieving a historic breakthrough over Kashmir, T he J&K State Assembly on February conveyed its greetings
to the famous musician AR Rehman and other team
according to a report in the New Yorker. The effort members of the movie Slumdog Millionaire for winning the
which began in 2004 stalled in 2007, and the prospects prestigious and internationally acclaimed Oscar awards. The
for a settlement were further undermined by deadly House unanimously expressed its goodwill and congratulations
terrorist attacks on Mumbai in November, the to Mr. Rehman and his team members for doing the country
Washington Post said Sunday said citing an article by proud by winning the Oscars. Leader of the BJP Legislature
investigative journalist Steve Coll set for publication in Party, Mr. Chaman Lal Gupta drew the attention of the Chair
New Yorker magazine's March 2 issue. The attempt to the achievement of Mr. A. R. Rehman and other team
ultimately failed, not because of substantive members of Slumdog Millionaire and suggested that a message
differences, Coll writes, but because declining political of felicitation should go out to them from the House. The
fortunes left then Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf Speaker, Mohammad Akbar Lone welcomed the suggestion and
without the clout he needed to sell the agreement at the House adopted the felicitation message which read as
home. Although Musharraf fought for the deal he under: “This House unanimously expressed its goodwill and
became so weakened politically that he “couldn't sell congratulations to AR Rehman, renowned musician and the
himself”, let alone a surprise peace deal with India, other team members for receiving the prestigious Oscar
Coll says, quoting senior Pakistani and Indian officials. Awards and earning fame for the Nation in recognition to their
Coll, a former Washington Post managing editor, writes outstanding work in the Movie namely, Slumdog Millionaire”.
that the resolution of the Kashmir issue was the
cornerstone of a broad agreement that would have
represented a “paradigm shift” in relations between
India and Pakistan: a moving away from decades of
hostility to acceptance and peaceful trade. Under the
plan, the Kashmir conflict would have been resolved
through the creation of an autonomous region in which
local residents could move freely and conduct trade on
both sides of the territorial boundary.
According to Coll's account, the secret negotiations
consisted of about two dozen meetings in hotel rooms in
various overseas locations. The sessions revolved around
developing a document known as a “non-paper”,
diplomatic jargon for a negotiated text that bears no
names or signatures and can “serve as a deniable but
detailed basis for a deal”, the article says.
The US and British governments were aware of the talks
and offered low-key support and advice but otherwise
elected to let India and Pakistan settle their disputes
unaided, the article says.
Relations - and hopes for resuming the peace initiative -
began a downward slide after Musharraf left office, it
said. In Kashmir, anti-India fighters began an aggressive
campaign of public demonstrations and terrorist attacks
that seemed designed, Coll writes, to send a message:
“Musharraf is gone, but the Kashmir war is alive.”

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March 2009

BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Recession hits Kashmir's carpet industry
T he centuries-old carpet industry of Kashmir is facing a
severe crisis in the wake of the global economic
slowdown, endangering the livelihood of over 150,000
weavers. Industry leaders are expecting a sharp fall in
domestic sales as well as exports this fiscal as demand is
falling.
"Last year, the total sales of Kashmiri carpets (including
exports) were Rs.500-600 crore (Rs.5-6 billion). This year, it is
feared the sales would hardly touch around Rs.200 crore (Rs.2
billion)," said Ahsan Mirza, a local carpet exporter. "This is a
huge slowdown that threatens the very existence of the carpet
industry in Kashmir," he said.
Exquisitely designed and handmade, Kashmiri carpets have
been the proud possession of many a connoisseur of art and
luxury around the world. There are more than 30,000 carpet
weaving looms in the valley from which over 150,000 local
weavers earn their livelihood. "There are 300 to 400 carpet
showrooms in the country where the local carpets are
displayed and sold. The global economic crisis and the
aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks have dealt a serious
blow to our industry," Mirza said.
Apart from the weavers, nearly 25,000 people are also
depending on the industry to find a source of income. "These
people are associated with the industry as dyers, washermen
and other processing people, who are responsible for bringing
DIPLOMACY
Apologetic Miliband corrects Kashmir stance
B ritish foreign secretary David
Miliband has publicly
accepted that he was
undiplomatic on the India tour,
after facing severe criticism for
linking the Mumbai attacks to the
Kashmir issue.
The British Foreign Secretary has
apologised for his remarks linking
the Mumbai terror attacks to
Kashmir. In an interview to the
New Statesman he has been
quoted as saying: “Look, you learn everyday in this job.
You've got to try and take that forward. I know words
matter in diplomacy.”
In an article he wrote in the daily The Guardian (which
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March 2009
NO T E BOOK
11 Essential Stories
the finished product to the market from its weaving stage,"
Mirza said. Saying the slowdown in the market would continue
for at least two years, Mirza urged the government to help the
industry. "This is the most appropriate time for the
government to look into the matter and work out some kind of
package to safeguard not only the interests of the weavers but
also those of the exporters and local retailers in the country,"
he said.
Weavers also expressed concern over the worsening economic
scenario. "If the industry fails, I would have to starve since I
have no other means of sustenance," said Abdul Rehman, a 46-
year-old weaver from Kanihama village of central Kashmir.
Zubair Ahmad, director of the Indian Institute of Carpet
Technology (IICT), said the institute was providing "all
technical support" to the industry to weather the crisis.
"While we are there to go all out to provide the technical
support to the industry, I would suggest the government should
seriously address the problem. The value-added tax (VAT) has
already been abolished, now the government should provide
soft loans to the weavers, manufacturers and exporters,"
Ahmad said.
"The state-owned Handicrafts Development Corporation has a
network of sale outlets throughout the country. The
corporation must also engage itself in sustaining the industry
so that it comes out of the present crisis," he added.
was reproduced in February issue
of Epilogue) during his India trip,
Miliband had said, “The best
antidote to the terrorist threat in
the long term is cooperation.
Although I understand the current
difficulties, resolution of the
dispute over Kashmir would help
deny extremists in the region one
of their main calls to arms, and
allow Pakistani authorities to
focus more effectively on tackling
the threat on their western borders.”
His comments had drawn a lot of flak from many quarters
in Indian media and abroad, alleging lack of understanding
of the Kashmir issue.

GOVERNMENT
Undermining the legislature
T he eleventh legislative
assembly, elected through the
recent November-December 2008
elections, is currently in its first
session. Conventionally it is called
the budget session of the state
legislature but the present ruling
coalition is coming up with a Vote on
Account for three months instead of
a regular budget. Continuing with
the bad precedence set by the
previous regime, the government
has reduced duration of session to
mere 11 sittings. Over past few years
the ruling regimes in the state have
been blatantly compromising the
precedents and conventions in
fixing durations of the sessions. It
had all begun with the formation of
the Peoples Democratic Party-
Congress coalition government in
2002 when the ruling establishment
made first compromise with
established norm of budget present
presentation and went through the
mode of a Vote on Account for three
months. While the decision on Vote
on Account was itself bad in taste as
the government had come into
shape in November and it had five
months in hand to study finances
and present a full budget but the
Finance Minister said that he
wanted more time 'to set this things
right'. Not only that the precedence
of full budget presentation was
unjustifiably compromises with,
the government also reduced the
assembly session to two weeks to
complete a mere formality.
Opposition cried hoarse at this
decision but it is worst that even in
case of legislature it is the ruling
establishment which has the last
laugh and not the legislature, per
se. in following years many such
compromises were made with
absolute arrogance. When Ghulam
Nabi Azad took over as Chief
Minister he set a new trend by
advancing the budget session to
J a n u a r y. H e j u s t i f i e d t h i s
unprecedented development with
the claim that an advanced budget
session will enable the government
to avail more time for developmental
works. Nowhere in the country are
such practices put in place. And
interestingly, later Azad himself
would say that most of the funds
earmarked for developmental
works are lapsed due to an
inefficient bureaucracy. While his
statement on inefficient
bureaucracy needs to be dealt with
separately but he must have
understood later that advancing
budget session and reducing its
period could never have made
anyone efficient. For six years the
timing and the period of the session
of legislature has remained more or
less a process to suit the whims and
fancies of the ruling regime. The
new government has also continued
the same practice with a Vote on
Account and a session reduced to
mare eleven sittings. At least the
first session of new assembly should
have kept enough time for the new
legislators to understand the
legislature and talk about the
issues of importance. When Omar
Abdullah took over as a Chief
Minister he made a highly
encouraging state on continuing
the good practices of the previous
coalition government reviewing
those which were not really good
the public. In this context the Chief
Minister should have first picked up
the duration of the assembly
session for review renewed the
practice that was in place till 2002
when his father Dr Farooq Abdullah
was the Chief Minister.
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11 Essential Stories
UPHOLDING HUMAN RIGHTS
CM hints stripping
forces of powers
A midst a growing concern on the
human rights violations, Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah has indicted
that he will repeal the Armed Forces
Special Powers Act and Disturbed
Areas Act 'if the situation continued to
improve' in Kashmir. He told legislative
assembly that his government will not
tolerate the killing of innocent
persons, at any cost, whoever the
killers might be, adding that the "if
the situation continues to improve the
way it has been improving, the
coalition government will work
towards withdrawal of laws like AFSPA
and Disturbed Areas Act in Jammu and
Kashmir."
Meanwhile, criticising the government
in Jammu and Kashmir for failing to
release detenues, the breakaway
Hurriyat Conference (HC) today said
more than 1,500 separatists are
languishing in different jails in and
outside the state for years. A
spokesman for the HC Aiyaz Akbar said
despite assurance by Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah before and after the
Assembly elections that detenues
would be released, nothing has been
done so far. He said instead those
released by court were being re-
arrested and booked under the Public
Safety Act (PSA). Aiyaz said more than
1,500 Kashmiris, including 40 HC
leaders, were arrested under the PSA
and other laws, since the election
process started in the Valley. He
expressed concern over the continued
arrest of senior Hurriyat leaders,
including Shabir Ahmad Shah and
Masarat Alam.
 NO T E BOOK
4 Essential Stories

ELECTED: Former APPOINTED: It was like politics

Deputy Speaker, coming full circle for the senior
advocate and Congress leader GHULAM NABI AZAD
senior politician when he regained his lost position in
MOHAMMAD AKBAR New Delhi. One of the longest
LONE was on serving members of members of the
February 25 Congress Working
unanimously Committ ee and
elected as Speaker General Secretar
of the 11th y, Azad had to
Legislative lose all these
Assembly on the positions in 2001
inaugural day of when he was
the Budget made J- K unit
Session. Minister Chief of the
for Finance, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Rahim Congress . After
Rather proposed the name of Lone for the post of Speaker many ups and downs, Azad has again
and Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand seconded the been made AICC General Secretary.
proposal. Speaker Pro-tem, Chowdhary Mohammad With a seat in Rajya Sabha, he is
Aslam sought vote in favour of Lone, who got back to the national politics where
unanimously elected by a voice vote. After being his earlier inning spanned over 20
elected as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly,
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Pro-tem Speaker
Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam, PDP Legislature
Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti and BJP
AWARDED: Six years after he was acquitted of espionage
Legislature Party Chief Prof. Chaman
charges, Kashmiri journalist IFTIKHAR GILANI's Urdu translation
Lal Gupta escorted Lone to the
of his own book was in February selected for the Sahitya
Chair of the Speaker.
Akademi award. Gilani, who spent seven months in Tihar jail,
wrote a memoir of his days in incarceration - My Days in Prison.
He translated it in Urdu under the
title, Tihar kay Shab-o-roz, with
}
renowned author Nusrat Zaheer who
specialises in satire. The book is the
first-ever book taken out by Penguin
in Urdu. Gilani's book was among 16
awarded by Sahitya Akademi in the
translation category. The honour
carries Rs 20,000 in cash and an
engraved copper plaque. The award
will be formally given sometime in
ELECTED: Mehbooba Mufti was elected as August this year. Gilani, the son-in-
leader of the Peoples Democratic Party law of Kashmiri separatist leader
legislature party in the assembly and later as Syed Ali Shah Geelani, was picked up
leader of the Opposition in the House. by the security agencies in June 2002 from his Delhi residence
Representing Wachi segment in the assembly, on charges of espionage. He was accused of providing
she resigned her South Kashmir Lok Sabha seat information to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. Amidst
}

to accept the new challenge widespread media furore, he was acquitted by the court in
January 2003 but not before spending a harrowing seven months
in Tihar jail.

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March 2009
 CHA L L ENG E IN K A S HM I R
Understand the Pain

Message from
Kashmir to New Delhi

How should the State as well as the Centre ensure lasting peace, individual security and overall
development in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) when the people overwhelmingly voted for a democratic
government? This is a crucial question before both, the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and J&K
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. In a changed political scenario, there is a greater need for focused
approach towards building people's confidence and creating an atmosphere of rule of law, ensuring
people's rights, pushing economic development as the key factors in response to the successful
completion of the seven-phase Assembly elections in November-December 2008 in the state.

M SHAMSUR RABB KHAN
T
he return of democracy has
truly brought about a
change to the state echoing
what Barack Obama said
about his victory in the US
presidential election. The message
from the Valley is loud and clear: people
have wholeheartedly accepted Indian
democracy and rejected the separatists
who have been waging war on their
behalf. But are we sensitive about the
injured psyche of the people of Kashmir,
who have undergone torturous 15 long
years of the violent state of affairs?
Shunning the call for azadi, common
people have realized that there is more
scope for peaceful existence under a
democratic government than in
responding to the bloody call for
secession. Above all, the people, over
all these years, have found themselves
at the receiving end and pushed to the
brink of brutal living at the hands of the
militants and the security forces;
hence, they preferred change for a
peaceful and prosperous Kashmir. The
high voter turnout underlines the fact
that the policies of secessionists are
negated, as people are tired of living
under non-stop violent state. They want
peace, and peace is where rule of law
under a democratic government is.
Also, they realize how and why Pakistan
has been dragging them into the
quagmire of death and destruction in
the name of secession.
By choosing democratic government the
people have opted for development,
rather than conflict, violence and
bloodshed that have taken a heavy toll of
their social and economic development.
In comparison to other states, J&K lags
far behind on the development front
with tourism, the backbone of Valley's
economy, badly hit over the years.
Hopes of economic and political
stability that could be revived under an
able government have been kindled
once again. A genuine development can
be possible only when there is a
complete end to the violent ways that
people have opted for in this election.
Now the onus is on the governments –
both Central as the State – to take
forward the pledge and democratic
initiative that people have taken. We

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March 2009

Funeral procession of a youth killed by security forces in Kashmir
have speeches, comments and writings
on the victory of democracy in J&K that
augurs well for India not only in the
sense that it has heralded a new era
but also in that the people have
opted for a political solution through
the ballot, not the bullet. New Delhi
must heed the message from the
valley that people have been trapped
between a hostile army and the
militants and have faced
unprecedented sufferings and losses
in the form of serious human rights
violations since 1989. They want
peace, security and development.
But the killing of two youth allegedly by
CHA L L ENG E
The killing of two youth
allegedly by the Army at Bomai-
Sopore and mysterious death of
Shabir Ahmad Shiekh, a close
relative of J&K Liberation Front
chief Yasin Malik has once again
triggered massive demonstrations
across the state with people
demanding action against the
accused army personnel, and
has once again reopened the
wounds that the people want
to forget
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March 2009
IN K A S HM I R
Understand the Pain
the Army at Bomai-Sopore and
mysterious death of Shabir Ahmad
Shiekh, a close relative of J&K
Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik has
once again triggered massive
demonstrations across the state with
people demanding action against the
accused army personnel, and has once
again may reopen the wounds that the
people want to forget. The brutal
intimidation of youths sparked off
protestors across the valley with angry
citizens chanting pro-freedom and anti-
India slogans and clashed with police
and CRPF. Police recovered the body of
Shiekh, a resident of Maisuma and an
auto-driver by profession had not

returned home. According to
preliminary investigation, he was
strangulated and his body did not have
any other marks.
If the government does not act fast in
punishing the guilty, this incident might
turn out be a big issues, and most likely
would be taken over the separatists.
Breaking from the past practices, Omar-
led government must hold security
forces accountable for human rights
violations as an important confidence-
building measure to promote lasting
peace and ensure that those who
commit abuses are investigated and
appropriately prosecuted for their
crimes. Unless there is a complete end
to human rights abuses, there can be no
lasting political settlement in J&K.
Oma, in this context, can work towards
repealing laws such as the Jammu and
Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act, the Armed
Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special
Powers Act, and the Public Safety Act.
These laws provide the armed forces
with extraordinary powers to search,
detain, and use lethal force, leading to
numerous human rights violations in
addition to providing immunity for
security forces.
A September 2006 report, 'Everyone
Lives in Fear: Pattern of Impunity in
Jammu and Kashmir' found that the
army as well as the militants, many
backed by Pakistan, were responsible
for human rights abuses in J&K.
According to Amnesty International
(April 2008), Hundreds of unidentified
graves – believed to contain victims of
unlawful killings, enforced disappea-
rances, torture and other abuses – have
been found in J&K. a fair investigation
to all these human rights violations
might give the people a belief in rule of
law and justice system, besides paving
the way for an end to separatist calls.
CHA L L ENG E
Since 2006, the graves of at least 940
people, for example, are reported to
have been discovered in 18 villages in
Uri district alone, while 1,051 people
have been 'disappeared' in Baramulla
district alone in the past 18 years. One
such alleged massacre, as reported in
the Time magazine, occurred on 6
January 1993 at Sopore to which it
Since 1990, the Armed Forces
Act, which gives special powers
to the army, has been enforced
in J&K. Besides endangering
the human rights, this Act has
badly affected the state's
economy, which is mostly
dependent on farming, animal
husbandry and tourism. With
the Act in force, people have
been denied to earn livelihood
in sectors like sericulture, cold
water fisheries, wood which is
used to make high-quality
cricket bats, popularly known
as Kashmir Willow, saffron.
Though exports from the state
amounted to Rs. 1,150 crore in
2005-06, industrial
development faces several
major constraints including
extreme mountainous
landscape and power shortage
described as: "In retaliation for the
killing of one soldier, paramilitary
forces rampaged through Sopore's
market setting buildings ablaze and
shooting bystanders. The government
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March 2009
IN K A S HM I R
Understand the Pain
pronounced the event 'unfortunate', but
it left the people bleeding with rage and
alination. While the army claimed that
those found buried were armed rebels
and foreign militants killed lawfully in
armed encounters, the report
recounts testimonies from local
villagers saying that most buried were
local residents hailing from the state.
The report alleges that more than
8,000 persons have gone missing in
J&K since 1989. In 2006, a state police
report confirmed the deaths in custody
of 331 persons, and also 111 enforced
disappearances following detention
since 1989.
While the people suffer
unprecendented atrocities, officials
enjoy impunity for torture, deaths in
custody, abductions and unlawful
killings. Albeit the rate of
disappearance has gone down from 60 in
2006 to 9 in 2007, the grim security
situation still haunts the people. In May
last year, the J&K High Court directed
the state police to file murder charges
against 11 officials of the ITBP in
connection with the disappearance of
Ashraf Ahmad Koka, a resident of Gond,
in October 2001.
Because of militancy in J&K, the
financial condition of the state is in
shamble with hardly any serious move
on improving the key development
indicators. For example, nearly 40 per
cent of the 2008-09 budget of Rs 18,400
has been spent on public
administration, while tax revenues
account for just 20 per cent of the total
expenditure. The government, with
bloated bureaucracy at the helm of
affairs, hardly initiates any move to
investment in key sectors. The state has
recently lost excise duty refund from
the central government, for example,
in the 2008-09 budgets, the Centre

restricted this refund to the value-
addition done by factories located in
J&K. After the Prime Minister's
Reconstruction Package for J&K in 2002,
the state received nearly Rs 5,000 crore
investments from outside, but with the
central government diluting the
incentive half-way into its promised
tenure, the feasibility of the investors'
units in the state has gone awry.
Since 1990, the Armed Forces Act, which
gives special powers to the army, has
been enforced in J&K. Besides
endangering the human rights, this Act
has badly affected the state's economy,
which is mostly dependent on farming,
animal husbandry and tourism. With the
Act in force, people have been denied
to earn livelihood in sectors like
sericulture, cold water fisheries, wood
which is used to make high-quality
Separatists laking a march towards UN Office in Srinagar.
CHA L L ENG E IN K A S HM I R
Understand the Pain
cricket bats, popularly known as unmatched sufferings and their
Kashmir Willow, saffron. Though sorrowful daily life. Unlike the people
exports from the state amounted to Rs. like General S K Sinha, the previous last
1,150 crore in 2005-06, industrial governor, who stirred the pot by
development faces several major allotting a large plot of land to the
constraints including extreme Amarnath Shrine Board, New Delhi must
mountainous landscape and power reachout to the Kashmiri people with a
shortage. In a positive development, large heart and motherly affection. No
however, Omar Abdullah has started the matter how violently we disagree with
development process by putting their ideas, or how angry we are about
economy before politics. He visited Pakistani misadventure, given the
Mumbai recently to fetch India Inc. to human rights abuses committed by our
invest in the state though he will have to own men in uniform and unabated
move mountains, sometimes literally, violence that India has inflicted on the
to get J&K on the list of preferred people could lead to pro-Pakistan
locations for investors. slogans or the call for azadi, else all's
well if the government in Delhi works
While wise men talk on TV about well.
menace of terrorism in J&K and write
everything about keeping the integrity But there is a way. To keep the Kashmiri
of the state intact, hardly anyone points alienation at abeyance and bring
to the plight of the people, their normalcy back to the troubled state,
New Delhi, in close
cooperation with
Omar Abdullah,
needs to put an end
to regular human
rights violations and
push forward the
development agenda
to in addition to
healing the wounds
of those who have
suffered. The land
called Kashmir that
always fascinates
all, and many of us,
who Kashmir Ki Kali,
can agree how
beautiful and
innocent the land is.
So are the people.
Only a friendly
government in New
Delhi could feel the
pain, the trauma
and the terror-
stricken citizens.
Epilogue Ø
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March 2009
 CHA L L ENG E IN K A S HM I R
Political Aspirations

Looking at the
Lessons of 2008

During the June-July 2008, we witnessed a popular uprising in Kashmir against the Amaranth Land
transfer. This saw a high degree of mobilization of people converging into a movement for
independence and political emancipation. Towards the later part of the year, we witnessed people
participating in the electoral process in reasonably good numbers. At the face of it, these two
developments look to be paradoxical and somewhat antithetical to each other. However, slightly
deeper introspection into the developments should make us understand that the two reflected two
different facets of human living. Such paradoxes are a normal feature in human societies.

PROFESSOR NOOR AHMED BABA
L
ife at the level of an
individual or a society has
some paradoxical challenges
that need to be dealt with.
Human needs are plural,
multifaceted and hierarchical in terms
of their importance to a person or a
group depending on their subjective
placement. All living creatures have
certain instinctive urges placed within
them by nature for their security and
survival. For example, a hungry
person's first priority is food, in cold
conditions one strives for warmth,
unemployed looks for a job, employed
would seek better terms of service,
poor seek minimum means to survive
with food and shelter, prosperous look
for luxury and status, so on so forth. In
fact, it is subjective placement that
determines one's interests and
prioritizes our objectives of
observation, attention and striving.
So we need to understand that the
human needs are not only plural but
these are also hierarchical in character.
First and foremost in human life comes
the instinct for survival and basic
physical requirements for living. Karl
Marx says, 'We eat before we begin to
think.' Even religious scriptures
including the Islamic, recognize this
hierarchy. For example, for a hungry
person in desperation, Islam withdraws
the distinction between Halal and
Haram (permitted and forbidden). The
Shariah has different provisions for
people placed in different situations.
Life is not a one-dimensional reality. For
living a good life there are
multidimensional requirements. But it
all begins from the basic needs of
human living that is food and shelter
and everything that facilitates the
process of meeting basic need for
survival and physical comfort for human
beings. This survival and physical
comfort is prerequisite for a common
man to strive for higher ideals of life.
Therefore, as in our situation, common
man can be legitimately concerned
about the means of living. He has to
seek employment, wants improvement

Epilogue Ø
19 ×
March 2009

in infrastructure, needs roads, bridges,
electricity, and requires health and the
educational services available in good
quality and at reasonable distance.
These constitute the core of needs for
any society, in contemporary times,
including the Kashmiri. Beyond the
physical needs, comes the quest for
honorable status both individually and
collectively. This in the context of
Kashmir includes the fulfillment of
political aspirations rooted in special
circumstances that Kashmir has gone
through for last more than 60 years. It is
natural for Kashmiri community to seek
fulfillment of its basic needs along with
its quest for political emancipation.
Unfortunately, the political leadership
in Kashmir particularly the ones who
claim to be the true representatives of
the popular aspirations have failed to
take cognizance of the
multifacetedness of the human needs of
the society that they claim to
represent. Their understanding of
politics has been naïve and shallow.
Since most of them have all essential
services available they are unable to
appreciate the genuine concerns of the
common man. Most of them enjoy
physical security from the State while
as the common man is vulnerable to
both state and non state coercive
agencies. They enjoy reasonable
degree of security in food and shelter
while as the majority of the common
people have to strive hard to secure
these. The common man craves for
the elementary health service
available within his locality as he or
she cannot afford the luxury of
getting specialized treatment either
in Delhi or abroad. That is why while
leading people for political
emancipation; they completely ignored
the legitimate and mundane concerns
of common man in Kashmir. Their
understanding of politics exhibits their
CHA L L ENG E
i n t e l l e c t u a l p o v e r t y, l a c k o f
understanding for the complexities of
leading a political movement in the face
of its associated challenges. They have
no answers for common man's common
concerns. Instead of being helpful their
It is natural for Kashmiri
community to seek fulfillment
of its basic needs along with its
quest for political
emancipation. Unfortunately,
the political leadership in
Kashmir particularly the ones
who claim to be the true
representatives of the popular
aspirations have failed to take
cognizance of the
multifacetedness of the human
needs of the society that they
claim to represent. Their
understanding of politics has
been naïve and shallow. Since
most of them have all essential
services available they are
unable to appreciate the
genuine concerns of the
common man. Most of them
enjoy physical security from the
State while as the common
man is vulnerable to both state
and non state coercive agencies.
style of politics many a times hampers
the interests of these very people. Their
type of politics undermines working
atmosphere of the poor and vulnerable,
and affects (has a negative bearing on)
the interest of the school going children
and the ill in desperate need of health
services.
Epilogue Ø
20 ×
March 2009
IN K A S HM I R
Political Aspirations
Compared to them the parties that are
known as mainstream in Kashmir have
exhibited a better appreciation of
common man's concerns. Whatever
their degree of sincerity they have been
able to approach common person in
Kashmir as his well wisher caring not
only for his basic needs but also for
higher and long term political
aspirations for emancipation. It was Mr.
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and his party
that from the early years of its
emergence in this millennium
introduced a new idiom to politics in
Kashmir. While approaching people, he
and his party exhibited capacity to
bridge the different levels of societal
needs in Kashmir. While seeking
mandate for day to day governance, he
also spoke of attending to different
aspects of political aspirations of the
people, be it related to their
empowerment, cross border
interaction, peace building between
India and Pakistan, redressing the pain
and misery of common man, spoke of
demilitarization and repealing the
repressive laws enforced in the state.
Even the National Conference taking a
leaf from this example improved its
discourse on politics. This party also
speaks of promoting peace process and
mechanism for addressing Kashmir issue
saying that elections are no substitute
to resolving Kashmir issue on permanent
basis and talks of promoting dialogue at
different levels for addressing the issue.
So the mandate for the present chief-
minister is twofold. One, he must
address the day to day and the mundane
concerns (like meeting the basic
economic needs and catering to
physical infrastructural development)
of the common person. That includes
even securing long term development of
the state and safeguarding and securing
its rich assets and legitimate interests.
Second, he and his government must
 CHA L L ENG E IN K A S HM I R
Political Aspirations

also try to address political concerns of
the common Kashmiri. It may include
helping to bring peace process between
India and Pakistan back on the track;
giving relief to people by reducing the
presence of and or relocating military
and paramilitary forces and working for
withdrawing repressive laws that grant
immunity to the security agencies.
Prisoners held in different jails without
the due process of law need to be
released. Common person's sense of
security needs to be restored. He needs
to pursue the restoration of the
autonomy with requisite amendments
for widening its contours and correcting
the flaws because of which it was easy
to erode it.
Compared to this, different segments of
Hurriyat leadership lacked the capacity
to appreciate and address the different
levels of people's aspirations. Their
conduct of politics has made the
common man in Kashmir to suffer more
and have failed to motivate him for a
sustained and long term political
campaign. Most of the people on this
camp lack capacity to understand
complexities and intricacies of political
struggle and the forces it has to contend
with. It has not been able to optimize its
strength and inspire common man by
its selflessness. They have
demonstrated their lack of capacity to
coordinate and live together for larger
common objectives. They have also
failed to reconcile their individual
egos and identity with the collective
good. Many of them want exclusively
only top slot in politics. They do not
realize that such a status is not sought
but bestowed by people for their own
assessment of their leaders. There are
exceptions that have not been
incorporated sufficiently into the
collective struggle. Intelligent and
resourceful are often pushed out. There
in no institutional and organizational
arrangement for contact with people at
their door steps. Today the challenge
for them is to go for a kind of intense
and collective introspection aimed at
assessing the situation around and
finding out ways and means of
optimizing their capacity to secure
maximum out of the people's sacrifices.
Exhibit a degree of dynamism in relation
to requirements of the situation
around. Introspection does not mean
addressing only people, emotional
outburst or self portraying, it means an
intense thinking at a select level
involving, critiquing one's own self and
finding answers to the complex
questions that confront us individually
or collectively. This introspection
cannot be done in public meetings. It
has to be done selectively and
confidentially by people who matter in
public life involving also those who have
capacity to raise questions and strive
for answers to questions that are
difficult. It cannot happen in moments;
it may have to go close door for days till
something satisfactory comes out and
may have to be repeated periodically as
a regular feature.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP AND OTHER PARTICULARS OF EPILOGUE, JAMMU AS

REQUIRED UNDER RULE 8 OF THE REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS (CENTRAL) RULES, 1956
FORM – IV (See Rule 8)
1. Place of Publication Madrasa Lane, Bathindi Top, Jammu
2. Periodicity of its publication Monthly
3. Printer’s Name Zafar Iqbal Choudhary
Whether Citizen of India Yes
Address Madrasa Lane, Bathindi Top, Jammu
4. Publisher’s Name Zafar Iqbal Choudhary
Whether Citizen of India Yes
Address Madrasa Lane, Bathindi Top, Jammu
5. a) Editor’s Name Zafar Iqbal Choudhary
Whether Citizen of India Yes
Address Madrasa Lane, Bathindi Top, Jammu
6. Name and Addresses of individual who own the Zafar Iqbal Choudhary
Newspapers Madrasa Lane, Bathindi Top, Jammu
I, Zafar Iqbal Choudhary, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and
belief.

Sd/-
February 28,2009
Date : February, 2009 Zafar Iqbal Choudhary
Publisher

Epilogue Ø
21 ×
March 2009
 CHA L L ENG E IN K A S HM I R
Invisible Players

Analysing Conflict through

Gender Perspective

In the broader discourse the conflict in Kashmir –militancy, separatist

politics, and resistance –is seen as exclusive domain of the man.
However, the hindsight reveals a larger role of the women. Thousands
of them are engaged in invisible yet the most arduous roles that go on
become the essential part as also the essential fallout of the conflict.
Many of them are the sole breadwinner of their families, many are in
perpetual search of their missing husbands and sons and a significant
number of them are the well defined part of resistance movement.

T he conflict, which is going on from agents. It further leads to the probing of

almost two decades now, in Jammu
and Kashmir and is the
manifestation of both the internal as well
as external factors, is defined by
ascendancy of gun on the one hand and
the political expression of separatism on
the other. It has placed people of Kashmir
in a variety of roles, as victims of violence,
as perpetrators of conflict, as active
agents of militancy as well as separatists,
as sympathisers of the movement, etc.
Along with a number of militant
organisations, numerous separatist
organizations have been floated. Besides
these, there are a number of civil society
organizations, NGOs, peacemakers, etc.
There are diverse realities of women and
men in Kashmir conflict and having an idea
of them can go a long way in recognizing
gender specific experiences as vital
resources in analysis of conflict.
Gender, which refers to the role and
identities of the men and women
prescribed by society, as a tool of analysis
makes us to question the differences
between values and perceptions carried
VIBHUTI UBBOT by men and women as social and political
their roles in a situation as also their
capacity to engage into different
processes. A gender analysis of conflict
situation deviates from stereotypical
interpretations of men's and women's
roles and identities by appreciating their
experiences and needs at the times of
conflicts. Conventionally, some groups
like women and children are thought to be
excluded from combat both as
participants and targets but, the facts and
figures of any conflict present a different
picture. Today these traditionally
excluded groups form the majority of
civilian deaths and are increasingly
becoming targets of war activities. In the
wake of the increased involvement of
traditionally excluded groups in different
ways in the conflict situation, it's
important to explore the varied and
unconventional roles played by women in
Kashmir conflict and the need to study the
Kashmir conflict with a gender
perspective.
In Kashmir, men were the first ones to take
arms and hence, the first ones to target

Epilogue Ø
22 ×
March 2009

and get targeted. But it is
difficult to say that conflict
here, like elsewhere, has
been devoid of role of
women. They may not be
visible in the same form as
men or may not be taking up
similar role as men. But they
may be essential part of the
conflict and their activism
may be manifested in
different forms as compared
to the activism of men. A
range of expectations and
investments are attached
with the social position of
Woman (and the associated
categories of wife, mother
and daughter). Women are
the traditional carriers of
their families and that's what
keeps their activism alive. In
many cases of conflict, it
becomes clear that when the
men are in fight, women do
not sit inside. In Kashmir too,
women are active in many
ways. They come out
searching for their men,
confront authorities and
make every use of their
disempowered positions to
negotiate with them and
their invisibility to move
around. It has been often
found that women are
preferred agents to be sent
to the police stations and
talk to the police officers,
when there is a need to do
so. It is in the process of
women acquiring new roles
during the conflict situation
that the very nature of
Patriarchy starts changing
Patriarchy changed its
nature in a variety of ways in
Kashmir. With the onset of
CHA L L ENG E IN K A S HM I R
Invisible Players
armed conflict in Kashmir and
the necessity of women
assuming the role of bread
winner and the head of the
household, gender and
patriarchal hierarchies
underwent a reshuffling. The
new social order was
particularly welcome as the
previously existing social
institutions started collapsing
in the wake of missing men and
disturbed environment.
Mothers of missing youths staging a protest demonstration Women learned new skills and
took up all sorts of jobs.
Patriarchy changed its nature in a variety of ways in Women's traditional roles of
being nurturers under the
Kashmir. With the onset of armed conflict in Kashmir
motherist narratives got
and the necessity of women assuming the role of bread expanded in the situation. The
women started controlling
winner and the head of the household, gender and
resources. But the process of
patriarchal hierarchies underwent a reshuffling. The this patriarchal bargain didn't
go much further. While
new social order was particularly welcome as the patriarchal rigidities loosen up
previously existing social institutions started during the conflict situation,
there is always a possibility
collapsing in the wake of missing men and disturbed that deep within, gender
environment. Women learned new skills and took up hierarchies and deeply
anchored patriarchies at
all sorts of jobs. Women's traditional roles of being different levels are sustained.
nurturers under the motherist narratives got Though the extent of change in
the nature of patriarchy in
expanded in the situation. The women started Kashmir still remains to be
controlling resources. But the process of this discovered, women have
continued to form a very
patriarchal bargain didn't go much further. While important part of the
patriarchal rigidities loosen up during the conflict resistance and protest politics
in Kashmir.
situation, there is always a possibility that deep
within, gender hierarchies and deeply anchored Throughout the last six
decades, women have
patriarchies at different levels are sustained. Though projected themselves as the
the extent of change in the nature of patriarchy in face of the protest in Kashmir's
Politics. They have been
Kashmir still remains to be discovered, women have visible in all the
continued to form a very important part of the demonstrations and have been
in the forefront in all the
resistance and protest politics in Kashmir. agitations – whether it was the
agitation during the loss of the
Epilogue Ø
23 ×
March 2009
 CHA L L ENG E IN K A S HM I R
Invisible Players

holy relic in early sixties, or during the been visible in any kind of protest their educational and other kinds of
rallies of Sheikh Abdullah when he against the agents of the State and in the
freedom have been strongly resisted by
would be released from the jail till mid process, they themselves have emerged women. Failure of various attempts to
seventies. In the later period also, they as a powerful agency in the state. veil women of Kashmir shows the silent
have been active participants in the but powerful resistance of women to
movement politics. However, it is also The experience of armed conflict for the forces of religious fundamentalism.
important to note that the participation women cannot be built upon a single There is another, altogether different
of women in protest politics has not discourse. They have variety of ways to kind of agency of women as manifested
been transformed into their formulate their objectives as social in their active role in the militancy.
emancipation and empowerment in actors. In case of Kashmir, for instance, Dukhtarane Millat and the Muslim
public spaces. The fact that women have one can refer to two absolutely Khawateen Markaz are the two women
not been able to make any impact in the different dimensions of the expression organizations which saw their
formal political activities, especially of women's agency. In one case, women emergence in spontaneous phase of the
those related to the power politics, have forcefully but silently expressed movement and are the symbols of the
makes this very clear. In contrast to the their agency by opposing the entities breaking away from the usual,
large number of women protestors, the fundamentalist forces and their being able to put up a woman face to
number of women who contest elections attempt to talibanise the Kashmiri the resistance. They staged massive
or who get elected has been very small. society and impose moral and cultural protests against the state and supported
H o w e v e r, d e s p i t e t h e l i m i t e d codes. All attempts to put obstacles on the movement with all their might. These
participation of women in formal the mobility of women, and curbs on organizations have played important role
political activities, it is in breaking the male monopoly
important to analyse their over militancy. However, these
participation in protest organizations have also
activities. contributed in reinforcing the
moral and cultural codes
Women have been in the inhibiting the freedom and the
forefront in the present movement of women. Though
stage of resistance politics taking women into the very
which started in 1989. In male world of conflict and
fact, it has been the active leading it from the front, these
support of women to the organizations have not been
militancy due to which it was bothered about the issues
legitimized in the initial involving women like rape as
period. Considering weapon of war, woman rights
militants as 'our boys' who Dukhtran-e-Millat Chief Aasiya Andrabi and many more. On the
were doing heroic jobs, the contrary, these organizations,
women all over the Valley of Dukhtarane Millat and the Muslim Khawateen Markaz guided by sectarian norms
Kashmir generated a mass are the two women organizations which saw their have tried to put women in
support to the armed emergence in spontaneous phase of the movement and are veils in Kashmir. Hence,
struggle. During early conflict can be seen as a period
the symbols of the entities breaking away from the usual, of intense renegotiations
nineties, when the mass
support in favour of being able to put up a woman face to the resistance. They between men and women in
militancy and separatism staged massive protests against the state and supported the which new bargains based on
was demonstrated through movement with all their might. These organizations have new resources are struck. The
huge mass rallies, women fundamental rules of gender
played important role in breaking the male monopoly over relations come into question in
were actively involved in it.
Throughout the period of militancy. However, these organizations have also conflict but shedding light on
militancy, in fact, women contributed in reinforcing the moral and cultural codes this dynamics is very important
have become the symbol of inhibiting the freedom and the movement of women. for holistic understanding of
the mass protest. They have the situation.

Epilogue Ø
24 ×
March 2009
 CONN E C T I NG J &K
By Rail

The Himalayan
Wonder or Blunder ?

This is one project that oscillates between a dream and a disaster. As Indian Railway Minister Laloo
Prasad Yadav sounded his last whistle on the rail budget day, he promised that the dream of linking
Kashmir to rest of the country is still a cherished one. A day later, the red engine rolled and whistled in
Baramulla. The train ran along a 100 kms track within the Valley. But back to the dream of connecting
Kashmir, it oscillates. The Katra-Qazigund rail link, which perhaps would be the second highest link in
the world, has been suspended since July 2008. The Northern Railways has apprehensions that the
alignment is unsafe. Doubts which have come a little too late, almost over five years after
construction work first started at this project.

The Alignment Blunder: in mind while clearing the alignment

five years back. Many argue that

T
he rail link to Kashmir is arguably
the most challenging project of
the Indian railways. And the 148
kms Katra-Qazigund track is where the
challenge lies. It meanders through the
Shivaliks and then the lofty Pir Panjal
range. Besides the picturesque value of
it, the stretch runs across two major
fault lines. The Main Boundary Thrust
(MBT), and the Pir Panjal Thrust, both
of which are active. The reason this area
falls under the seismic zone IV, makes it
prone to moderate and high
earthquakes. And history has been a
witness to this risk. In the last century,
the MBT thrust has been responsible for
over 12 major quakes, including the
1905 shock in Kangra (8.5 Richter
scale) and the equally destructive 2005
Kashmir earthquake (7.5 Richter scale).
The present alignment, say the
Northern Railways, cuts across the MBT,
running high on quake risk. A belated
PAWAN BALI concern, which should have been kept
geological surveys were also not done
prior to starting the project. Perhaps, a
trend which is becoming an inherent
trait of all major construction projects
in the state. Geological surveys were,
however, carried out later by Konkan
Railways. Fractured rock, dolomite and
limestone made the task of laying the
track all the more daunting. Many
tunnels have collapsed and others face
severe water seepage problems.
Now, the new alignment proposed by
the northern railways, cuts down the
distance of 125 kms to 70 kms. It will
also be double tract as opposed to the
single line at present and reduces the
cost from Rs 7,300 crores to 6500
crores. But the advantages listed by the
Northern Railways still do not guarantee
whether the alignment is completely
safe and risk free. Repeating the past
mistakes, no survey has been done for
this proposed link.

Epilogue Ø
25 ×
March 2009

Also, another important
question is whether it is
feasible to completely shun
the existing work, which has
been done over the last five
years? Estimates suggest that
losses of over Rs 2000 are
expected if the alignment is
discarded and and over
40,000 .people will be
affected. Villagers, who gave
up their agricultural land, and
took up small time works with
the railways, also are living in
uncertainty.
The new alignment proposed
will also scrap the
construction marvel-the
Chenab bridge. The arch
bridge, which was tipped to
be the highest in the world
(359 m high), is under
scrutiny for not matching
upto the safety standards.
The northern railways has
now objected that it might be
unable to withhold the weight
once it's completed.
But engineers at the work site
have countered the
objections. As per the
contractors and construction
companies, the design has
been passed by Swedish and
British experts, and the
bridge slope ensures long
term safety. The engineers
also agree that present
alignment is risk prone,
mainly at three main
locations. But these can be
rectified and a few changes
could still salvage the
project.
But then is it a risk which
CONN E C T I NG J &K
By Rail
could put a lot on stake?
Perhaps, the entire mess over
the project is just another
reflection of how lack of
planning can in a jiffy turn
dreams into disasters
THE RAIL LINK WONDER:
Its bureaucratic and technical
blunders apart, the project
promises much more than
connectivity. It promises a
socio-economic and even a
p o l i ti c a l c h a n g e . O n c e
completed, it could be vital in
ending Kashmir 's
geographical isolation. The
only road link to Kashmir at
present is the Jammu-
Srinagar National Highway-
the road which hits a bottle
neck every now and then. The
Mughal road, which is under
construction since the last
two years, still has to connect
An artist’s imagination of the highest railway bridge which Kashmir to Jammu region. In
was supposed to have come up a Kashmir link. such a scenario, Kashmir 's
dependence on a single,
Tracking the dates: unpredictable link adds on to
its geographical isolation.
1898: The project first proposed by Dogra rulers During the Amarnath
1902-1905 The British attempted a 2ftguage electric line Agitation, the threat of an
to Kashmir economic blockade, had its
1994 : The project cleared by the India government psychological and political
2001: Declared a national priority project repercussions-an incident
2002: The present alignment hastily adopted during which perhaps explain the
the tenure of AB Vajpayee larger impact of this
2004 : Work started on Katra –Qazigund track disconnect.
2005: 54 kms Jammu –Udhampur track inaugurated
after 23 years The rail link to Kashmir
2007: First deadline for the completion of Udhapur- promises to bridge this. Also,
Baramulla track it has cut across the silence of
2008: Northern Railways stops construction work many unknown villages. For
the 145 kms Katra –Qazigund
2009: Parliamentary committee visits site for review
track, the railways have to
2009: 8-member expert committee formed to review construct over 300 kms of link
alignment roads. This in turn means that
Epilogue Ø
26 ×
March 2009
 CONN E C T I NG J &K
By Rail

villages like Bakkal, Kauri in

Reasi and cut off areas of The railway project in the State comprises
Ø

Sangladan, Gool , Gulabgarh three sections- Udhampur-Katra, Katra-

are suddenly wakening up to Qazigund and Qazigund-Baramulla, taken
their dream of a road. The up at a cumulative cost of Rs 11000
meandering track has crores.
connected over 150 villages,
many of them suffering the Upon its full commissioning the Qazigund-
Ø
years of militancy and Baramulla track would would generate
neglect. The rail project has direct employment for 3900 persons in
also translated into the Valley, in addition to indirect
employment. This in turn has employment. The Railways is also
been an antidote for
processing 400 cases for providing
m i l i t a n c y, w h e r e i n
employment to one person in each of the
youngsters gave up gun and
land loser families, those which have
took up jobs. One such
village is Khari in Ramban, given to the Railways more than 75 per
where over 800 men cent of their holdings, in Kashmir.
surrendered and had been Appointment letters have been issued to
employed with the railways. 120 candidates so far, who are
The project, which now has undergoing training in different parts of
: Existing alignment and new proposed alignment and
the alignment which was proposed by Konkan railway in been shelved temporarily, the country.
2003 has hit all segments bitterly.
Railways
Ø were constructing 270
The rail link is a construction wonder too. The Chenab bridge, would have kilometers of access roads to carry
been the world's highest, beating the current record holder- the Millau machinery and equipment to the Project
Viaduct bridge in France . Also, the entire link from Udhampur to sites. After the completion of the Project,
Baramulla was designed with 127 major and 225 minor bridges, 74 these roads would connect 60 villages
tunnels and over 30 and will be of immense use for the locals
stations. Of the 148 track of the concerned areas.
between Katra and
Qazigund, 83 per cent would
The special feature of Katra-Qazigund
Ø
be in tunnels (this wll
include country'slongest rail section is that 80 per cent of the 148
tunnel of 11 km). The kilometer track will be covered by
statistics itself explain the tunnels and 12 per cent by bridges, thus
magnaopus project. And its leaving only 8 per cent open.
impact on socio-economic
fabric is also visible as The Katra-Qazigund section was supposed
Ø
forgotten villages rediscover to have world's third highest railway
themselves. bridge but recent reports of change in
alignment have sparked off doubts which
But in the midst of its the authorities are yet to clarify. The
celebrations and bridge on river Chenab was supposed to
disappointments, the have a total length of 1320 metres, the
dream of a rail link to single longest arch span of 480 metres
Kashmir fluctuates. And we and the height from the bed level to the
can just hope, that the Comparison of Northern Railways new proposed rail level of 359 metres –highest
project soon finds its anchor alignment/ and Konkan railways Alignment shorter
anywhere in the world.
and does not lose its way in alignment proposed in 2003, which was refuted by
the days ahead. Northern Railways

Epilogue Ø
27 ×
March 2009
 CONN E C T I NG J &K
By Roads

Development & Environment

Expanding Road Network

in Jammu & Kashmir

When we come across two words “Development” and

“Environment” together, there is a temptation in public
discussions, forums and even in policy circles to think of them in
antagonistic terms. But before jumping to such a conclusion we
ought to think that what for both development and environment
strive, that is whether they have different goals for human
community or planet earth as a whole, or they have some
overlapping or things in common.

Dr SHAHID IQBAL People cross this make shift bridge when Jammu-Srinagar NH stretch is washed away in rains.

Epilogue Ø
28 ×
March 2009

B oth development and
environment aim to achieve a
quality of life and also that of our
surroundings, be it an urban
conglomerate, a rural hinterland or
even a core wilderness. So when both
development and environment strive
for a better quality of life on planet
earth then one need not jump to
conclude that development and
environment are antagonistic. What we
need is a balanced development and a
stable sustainable environment, in
perpetuity, with none hampering the
progress and stability of the other.
When we think of development it has to
be accountable for what it takes from
environment or society and hence it
must pay towards a social or
environmental responsibility also.
Similarly the environmental gains
should also be quantifiable and not
overemphasized in an
attempt to hamper the
development directly or
indirectly. Connectivity
is a backbone of
economic development
and better roads, rail
and air network is a
major contributor of
economic production
and growth. When the
Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led
National Democratic
Alliance started levying
cess on petrol and diesel
there was a hue and cry
across the country about
rise in fuel prices but
when looked into the
motive behind that
move it revealed that
how important the road
network is. The cess on
fuel was to generate
some 10000 Cr rupees in
a year which was to be
utilized for betterment
CONN E C T I NG
and expansion of road network in the
country. The North-South and East-West
corridors, connecting the entire
country, and also the mega expressways
were a result of the resources
generated from the cess levied on fuel.
Economist explained that due to bad
condition of roads the annual losses
owing to enhanced freight cost were far
more than the total cess levied. Thus
the tax money saved the cost of
transportation through improvement of
road network. That explains how
important the road network in is for a
competitive economy and better
livelihood. The Pradhan Mantri Gram
Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) had also been a
novel idea of connecting all the villages
of country by the year 2009. And it is
pertinent to mention here that this
scheme has also been blamed for the
greater damage to the forests as the
rural hinterland was brought on the map
of road network. In this backdrop we
analyze the expanding road network in
Jammu and Kashmir – whether it is in
tandem with the environment or at the
cost of environment.
Road connectivity in Jammu and
Kashmir is major issue of concern. The
present connectivity between Kashmir
valley and Jammu, and also rest of the
country, is the one and only National
Highway 1A, which too remains closed
for days together in the rainy season or
snowfall during peak winter. The
clearance work done on war footing
during the landslides or snow
avalanches ensures connectivity
between the twin capital cities which
otherwise would be next to impossible.
There is also connectivity problem in
the rural districts like that between
capital cities but in the former case the
road clearance operation would
obviously not that quick thus facing a
connectivity disadvantage. The total
road network maintained by different
Epilogue Ø
29 ×
March 2009
J &K
By Roads
Connectivity is one of the most
Ä
serious problems in Jammu and
Kashmir coming in the way of
economic development and
poverty alleviation. While there
is only one surface transport link
with rest of the country, the
road disparity within various
districts is quite huge. There are
many areas, like Matwah and
Dachhan in Kishtwar district,
where many people are yet to
see a motor vehicle; reaching
their on foot takes two to three
days.
State's main dedicated rail link
Ä
with rest of the country is upto
Jammu only where J&K's rail
head is situated. Link between
Jammu and nearby Udhampur
district is operational since
2005. Onward link to Katra is
nearing completion and Katra-
Qazigund line is running through
alignment troubles. This project
was initiated in 1995. An intra-
Kashmir train service between
Badgam and Anantnag was
thrown open in October 2008
and the Badgam-Baramulla link
has been operationalised in
February 2009.
Aviation
Ä sector has recently
seen some encouraging
development. J&K is now on the
global aviation map after
Srinagar airport was upgraded
to international standard and a
weekly direct flight has been
established with Dubai. Besides
Srinagar, J&K has two other
airports –Jammu and Leh with
facilities of inter-state and
intra-state flights.

agencies as on March 2008 has crossed
40,000 Kilometers in the state. Both
central and state government agencies
maintain these roads under their
respective jurisdiction or areas of
activity in the state. The lead player
State Public Works Department mans
some 16000 Km road in the state
excluding the National Highway
component which is maintained by the
Border Roads Organization. The Border
Roads Organization is responsible for
more than 5000 KM of the National
Highways in state. Three major Projects
of BRO in Jammu And Kashmir State are
Project Beacon, Project Himank and
Pr o j e c t S a m p a r k r e s p e c t i v e l y
connecting two capitals, Kargil and Leh,
and border districts. Apart from
organizations responsible for
construction and management of road
network in the state, that is public
transportations, roads are also
constructed by few departments for
their own developmental requirements
which also adds to connectivity in the
rural areas. The Forest Department has
a total of more than 10000 KM roads,
called Forest Roads, which have been
constructed for management of and
working in forest areas. But most of the
forest road is unsurfaced, as is about
40% of total road in the state.
The Irrigation and Flood Control
Department too needs its own
connectivity network in priority areas
where work has to be done every year to
control flood or manage irrigation, thus
having a road network of about 500 KM
to its credit. Compared to that Rural
Development Department, also known
as Community Development and
National Extension Scheme
Department, alone has constructed a
road network of about 3500 KM in the
state. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak
Yojana (PMGSY) has enlarged the
connectivity to the villages in state as is
CONN E C T I NG
being done in the entire country under
this scheme. PMGSY aims at connecting
villages with a population of 1000 and
5000 in plains and hilly ares
respectively. For tribal majority villages
the qualifying figures for PMGSY
connectivity has been kept at 500 and
250 respectively, thus the expanding
road network in the rural hinterland
could be anybody's guess.
The Forest Department has received
most of the proposal of land diversion
from the PMGSY in the last year. The
expanding road network has a definite
bearing on the local ecology and
environment which needs to be
compensated and restored so as to
maintain an environmental balance.
The Forest Conservation Act strives for
that by ensuring compensatory
afforestation in lieu of the land diverted
to indenting agencies for construction
of roads. Double the land area diverted
for development or construction has to
be brought under compensatory
afforestation as per the directions of
Hon'ble apex court in T. N. Godavarman
Vs Union of India case. The Central
Empowered Committee (CEC) which
came into being on Supreme Court
directions has a key role to play in
deciding the diversion of forest land
throughout the country. Forest Bench of
supreme court has been termed as
green bench but the recent judgments
give an indication that the golden era of
Godaverman is fading out. May be it is
due to unsatisfactory compensatory
afforestation or undue environmental
breaks on development but the bottom-
line remains that environment should
not be held hostage for the increased
needs of development. Jammu and
Kashmir state has its own Forest
Conservation Act of 1997 under which
the land diversion clearance
methodology has been provided at
different levels. The Chief Conservator
Epilogue Ø
30 ×
March 2009
J &K
By Roads
There
Ä is only one surface
transport link between Kashmir
and Jammu through 298 kms
National Highway 1A. This road
remains invariably shut due to
rainfall, snowfall and landslides
and its cost of maintenance is
reported to be highest in the
country.
Road connectivity in Jammu and
Ä
Kashmir is one of the lowest
among the states in India. While
average toad length per square
kilometer in India is 313.08
kilometers, in J&K it is only
35.71 kilometers. Similarly the
average road length per lakh of
population in the country is
297.71 kilometers, in J&K it is
only 104.64 kilometers.
India has a total road network of
Ä
3313569 kilometers of road
network, which is largest in the
world –this includes 65569
kilometers of national highways,
128000 kilometers of state
highways, 470,000 kilometers of
district roads and about 2650000
kilometers of other rural roads.
Total road network in J&K is of
Ä
36205 kilometers. Of this, state's
Public Works Department
maintains 15768 kms; the Border
Roads Organisation 5985 kms,
Irrigation and Flood Control
Department 477 kms, Forest
Department 10620 kms, CD &
NES 3355 kms. Only 57% of the
total road network is well
surfaced.
Out of 6207 total villages in the
Ä
state only 4610 have road
connectivity. This means 31.90
% of the total populated areas of
the state are not connected with
even the fair weather roads.

of Forests, Principle Chief Conservator
of Forests and the J&K Government
Advisory Committee are three level or
authorities which give clearance for
diversion of forest land depending on
the area involved.
If diversion of forest land could be an
indicator the quantum of expanding
road network can judged. But at the
same time neither all the forest land
diverted is for roads alone nor all the
roads constructed involve forest land
diversion. So the environmental cost of
development in the state can be fairly
analyzed accordingly. Ending 2005 a
total of 283 cases of forest land
diversion stood sanctioned at various
levels involving a total forest area 8159
Ha diverted for development. The
major indenting agencies involved in
road construction seeking road
diversion are GREF, PMGSY, Public Works
Department and National Highway
Authority of India. Other agencies in
favor of whom forest land stands
diverted are National Hydroelectric
Power Corporation, Northern Railways,
Konkan Railways, Air Force, Irrigation
Department and Army as well. For the
land diversion a relative amount as
compensation for forest land involved is
recovered from the indenting agencies
before the land is diverted. During
2004-05 the total forest area diverted
was about 482 Ha and against that the
compensation amount charged was
about Rs 26 Cr. Similarly in 2005-06
about 1400 Ha land stood diverted for
which the compensation amounted to
Rs 123 Cr and the figure stood at about
Rs 70 Cr for 2006-07 from a total of 82
cases. This involved diversion for
hydroelectric projects and
connectivity networks in majority. The
amount so realized is used for
compensatory afforestation to offset
the harmful impacts on the
environment owing to developmental
activities.
CONN E C T I NG
The Mughal road had been into
controversy owing to the stretch
passing through Hirpora wildlife
sanctuary and the stalemate as an
outcome of issue erupted in Poonch
regarding damages to forests by the
Hindustan Construction Company. But
later the Supreme Court gave a go
ahead for construction of road across
Hirpora wildlife sanctuary as well and
the road is supposed to be made
motorable later this year. It will provide
an alternate connectivity between the
twin capital cities, but will be of most
importance for twin border districts of
Rajouri and Poonch. Moreover it will
have a greater bearing on economics
and business as it is set to alter many
dimensions prevailing at present
owing to no alternate connectivity
between valley and Jammu, or even
rest of country. So what we contested
in the opening paragraph seems to be
true, focusing on the quality of life can
help us to generate a common
understanding not only of the
development but also of the
environment which undoubtedly plays a
central role in our lives. But the success
will depend on how efficiently the
environmental glory is restored
alongside the ongoing expansion of road
network in the state.
Amartya Sen has pointed out in his book
'Development and Participation' that
“Development is Empowering and that
Power Can Be Used to Preserve and
Enrich the Environment, and not just to
decimate it”. The substance of this
statement is of a great relevance and
holds true when the developmental
empowerment is utilized for preserving
as well as enhancement of
environment. Development is an
ongoing phenomenon so should be the
endeavor to preserve the environment
to ensure a sustainable and healthy
livelihood on the plane. The concept of
Epilogue Ø
31 ×
March 2009
J &K
By Roads
distributive justice has to be kept in
mind in deciding the so called conflict
between development and
environment. And it will be of a greater
importance not to view development
and environment in antagonistic terms
but as two parts of a same process with
common goal of quality of life. It will
not be out of place to mention here that
the relationship between the
Development and Environment needs to
be seen an adequately broader way,
taking note of constructive prospects as
well as destructive possibilities. And
those having mandate to preserve the
environment need not be seen as anti
development but as facilitators of
that quality of live which the
Development too strives to achieve.
In the present competitive world
road connectivity in deed is
indispensible but at the same time we
have to collectively bear in mind that
environment to is a global issue of
concern today and we cannot afford
to turn a blind eye towards
environmental issue as well. The
developmental agencies need to pay
due attention towards the
environmental responsibility as well,
as the environment is giving in to
development it should also be restored
to sustainable level. The social and
environmental responsibility of
development can hardly be
undermined. Present environmental
trends appear to be incompatible with
the basic requirements of a sustainable
development so the time calls for a
developmental strategy cohesive with
the environmental preservation and
development. Environmental
irresponsibility is often blamed to have
roots in the political and ideological
roots, this may not be without
substance but at the same time we need
to accept our individual and corporate
responsibility towards the
environment.
 CONN E C T I NG J &K
By Roads

Looking Beyond Fair

Weather Roads

The sinking of 150 meter stretch of Doda-Assar road in mountainous Doda district of Jammu province in
February proved how important the need of alterative road networks is. It also made us to think about the status
of preparedness and disaster management as far as road connectivity in the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir
State concerned.

EPILOGUE MONITORING DESK
N
ot only that, it has also raised
fingers on the long term planning
of the infrastructural
development in the state, as the
geologists have pointed out a possible
Baglihar link to the Doda road sinking.
The road accidents on the same stretch
have also been a cause of serious
concern. A valley based newspaper had
lead headline on 26th February as “Doda
Roads Devour 41 More” when a bus
plunged into the gorge while driver was
negotiating a narrow stretch on
Bhaderwah-Doda road. Many accidents
had occurred when the road sunk thus
resulting in death of half a dozen
people. The visit of Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah on the sink-site shortly after
the tragedy struck was indeed an
attempt to instill confidence among the
rescue workers and administration on
one hand and showing solidarity with
the victims of tragedy on the other. With
sinking of this stretch of road Doda,
Bhaderwah and Kishtwar were
completely cut-off from the Jammu-
Srinagar National Highway. Hunt was
then on for exploring an alternative
road link connected the areas affected.
Here we analyze the different
dimensions of this tragedy and look into
possible remedies which may be of help A long queue of trucks on NH

Epilogue Ø
32 ×
March 2009

in a long term planning for ensuring
connectivity to the road-starved areas
of the state.
The road stretch which sunk carried
down along with it two trucks, a maruti
van and an ambulance with those
travelling in these vehicles, leaving
most of them dead. The area is marked
by shooting stones and landslides as a
common happening and the rout is the
sole lifeline connecting the districts of
Doda and Kishtwar to the national
highway and hence other parts of the
state. Landslides and shooting stones
CONN E C T I NG J &K
By Roads
are a common in hilly areas road across
northern India. The situation in Jammu Projects underway /
and Kashmir cannot be termed worse upcoming
that that in Teri Gharwal areas of
Uttarakhand where the roads crossing The National
Ä Highway
cliffs and mountains are blocked every Authority of India is
now and then due to landslides. A slight
developing 437 Km long
downpour leads to heavy landslides and
Lakhanpur-Pantha Chowk
results in disconnecting the major
stretch of National Highway
portions of state. But the state over a
decade has devised efficient strategy 1A as a four-lane road at an
and infrastructural back-up to meet estimated cost of Rs 7172
tragedies like that. Given that there is Crores. This widening is
no possibility of alternative road expected to be completed by
networks there, the road clearance 2014 and the project involves
response is prompt and disaster two long tunnels of 16.7 km
preparedness and length, 12 short tunnels of 6.2
management has been kms and 34 major bridges.
institutionalized. The
Administrative 1404 road
Ä projects stand
Training Institute of
approved under NABARD
Uttarakhand also acts
programme at an estimated
as a nodal point for
cost of Rs 2009 Crores
disaster management
and the Disaster
Management centre of 59 road schemes have been
Ä
the Massoorie located sanctioned under Central
Lal Bahadur Shastri Road Fund at an estimated
National Academy of cost of Rs 404.50 Crores.
Administration has
developed as centre of 885 schemes involving 4773
Ä
excellence of a period kms of roads have been
of last few years. The
sanctioned by the
situation of roads is
Government of India at an
almost similar in hilly
estimated cost of Rs 2222.63
districts of Jammu and
Crores under Prime Minister's
Kashmir but what is
needed is a prepar- Grameen Sadak Yojna (PM's
edness of highest Rural Road Scheme).
order and strategy for
management of such To e n h a n c e
Ä inter-state
disasters. The scheme connectivity, a Rs 73.73
of disaster management Crores project stands
networks in state is sanctioned by the Center for
quite extensive and linking Bhaderwah with
dealt on a bureau- Chamba in HP.
cratic mode but the
need of the hour is a
Epilogue Ø
33 ×
March 2009
 CONN E C T I NG J &K
By Roads

full time disaster management and
response team. Under the present
scheme of things the District Disaster
Management team is headed by the
district magistrate and has some
sectoral officers as its members.
Obviously the district magistrate has to
be the leader in coordinating the
disaster preparedness and management
but the team has to be that of full time
professionals having trained in
management of such disasters and
gained experience over a period of
time. The sectoral officers may act as
resource persons for this dedicated
disaster management team. The team
can be drawn from various departments
as a full time organization and not that
the team has to be looked for when the
disaster has already struck. The disaster
management cells have to be
established at the tehsil and block
headquarters along with a well
equipped and trained response team.
Since the problem faced by our roads is
given fact and cannot be denied, what
we need is line of defense ready to take
over when the tragedy knocks the door.
The second angle to the Doda road sink
is that of its link with the Baglihar dam
on river Chenab. Geological experts
have already identified some spots
prone to landslide in the area. Among
the worst hit areas are KouraPani,
M a l h o r i , J a t h i , A s s a r, M a r s u ,
Trungal,Gagla , Kashi and other villages
adjoining the Baglihar reservoir. As has
been proved by various scientific
studies in India the big dams also
develop seismic pressure owing to
storage of an extremely large quantity
of water thus altering the topography
and geology of the area. Moreover the
seepage from the rear of dame is known
to create soil loosening in the hills
leading to landslides and sinking of the
areas. Same reason is being associated
with the Doda-Assar road sink. Experts compromised. Now the government has
say that this incident took place come with formation of State Level
because of rise of river Chenab due to Environmental Impact Assessment
creation of reservoir for the Baglihar Authorities to look into the location-
Hydro Electric Project. As per the laws specific EIA methodologies and
formulated by the Ministry of processes and plug the loopholes. The
Environment and Forests, Government Baglihar has been linked to the Doda-
of India, Environmental Impact Assar road sink but till date no denial or
Assessment (EIA) study has to be alternative reason has come from those
conducted before the commencement who conducted the impact assessment
of such projects thus looking into study of the area or those involved in
feasibility and outcome
impacts in the long term District Total Road Total Surfaced
future of the project life, length Roads
both directly and indirectly. Jammu1 2193 2110
It also takes into account the
Baramulla2 1917 1875
seismic threats and likely
impacts on the local geology. Srinagar3 1499 1470
Though EIAs are considered 1453 1440
Anantnag4
to be sacred documents but
evidence and experience Leh 1383 745
shows that many a time such Badgam 1178 1159
reports are fabricated after
Pulwama 5 1079 1060
EIA became a lucrative
business for scientists. Today Udhampur6 959 815
some consultancies in India Kathua 884 802
have ready-made EIA reports
Kupwara 861 833
only local information has to
be added. Scientists at EIA Doda7 842 561
wing of Indian Institute of Kargil 615 356
Forest Management, Bhopal
Poonch 572 377
came across some EIAs
carried out in Sikkim and Rajouri 333 275
Arunachal Pradesh
Figures above show road length position as it was in
mentioning the flora and 2006 and therefore the table has not taken into
fauna species which do not account the creation of eight new districts in 2006
h a v e e v e n a r e m o t e ** This network does not include the National Highways
1 Jammu district was bifurcated into Jammu and
possibility of existence even Samba
in the distant neighborhood 2 Baramulla district was bifurcated into Baramulla and
of the states. This raised Bandipore
alarm over the way EIA 3 Srinagar district was bifurcated into Srinagar and
Ganderbal
contracts are awarded and 4 Anantag district was bifurcated into Anantag and
studies carried out. It is irony Shopian
that for a handsome amount 5 Pulwama district was bifurcated into Pulwama and
Kulgam
of money how life of 6 Udhampur district was bifurcated into Udhampur and
thousands in the vicinity of Reasi
such projects is endangered 7 Doda district was trifurcated into Doda, Kishtwar and
Ramban
and the environment is

Epilogue Ø
34 ×
March 2009
 CONN E C T I NG J &K
By Roads

the construction of this hydroelectric
power project on river Chenab.
The connectivity disorder has serious
socio-economic outcomes as due to
shortage of goods and services resulting
due to road blockade or damage has
direct impact on the day to day life. In
the absence of transshipment of goods
there are fears of black-marketing and
overcharging by the unscrupulous
shopkeepers. But in this case the Doda
administration was prompt enough to
take corrective measures so as to avoid
creation of such a situation where
common man has to suffer because of
such mishaps. As already mentioned the
Chief Minister's immediate visit also
helped in another way – by making the
administration to launch relief and
rescue operations on a war footing. The

The Mughal Road

People living in the remote hamlets of Pir Panjal have
for long pinned their hopes on the opening of the
centuries-old Mughal road to end their geographical
isolation. The troops of Kasim Khan, also known as
Amirul Beher (the commander of Ocean), the Afghan
Governor of Mughal emperor Akbar had taken this road
to conquer the Kashmir valley in 1586.
Work on the road started in May 2004 with the
appointment of two divisional engineers, one
stationed at Bafliaz in Poonch district, and another at
Shopian in Pulwama district across the Pir Panjal.
The 83.9 km road linking Bafliaz to Shopian is expected
to be completed in three years at a cost of Rs. 255
crores. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had announced
Rs.160 crores for its construction and during the
current financial year, Rs. 50 crores will be spent for
the purpose. Once the road is ready, passengers
travelling from Poonch-Rajouri to Shopian will travel a
distance of 126-156 km against the present 588 km.
The road is being seen as an alternative route to the
busy Jammu-Srinagar National Highway 1A and the
people here are hopeful that economic opportunities
in the form of tourism will improve once the road is
opened. Lack of opportunities had forced many from
this belt to emigrate to Gulf countries but now some of
them would like to invest here. Mohammad Aslam (48),
who has returned from Saudi Arabia after 20 years,
says: "The Mughal Road would surely bring economic
opportunities for the people here. I have bought land
in my village which falls on the last edge of the Mughal
Road to start a rest house." Land prices have, in fact,
risen in Surankote, the last major township on the
road. A kanal (5400 sq. ft.) now costs Rs. 1.20 lakhs,
which is the prevailing rate of land in prosperous urban
centres in the State.
Project officials say the construction and maintenance
of the road will not be an easy job. The Jammu-
Srinagar National Highway 1A passes through Banihal,
which is nearly 5,200 feet above sea level. In contrast,
the Mughal Road is located at over 11,500 feet above
sea level and passes through a highly unstable area of
the Himalayas. At present, only 26 km of the road is
operational throughout the year. Under the plan, there
would be 14 permanent bridges and eight service
bridges with the longest one being 30 m. Forty-nine km
of the road is steep and 20 km rolling beside mountain
stretches. Traffic can be smooth only for three to four
months as there is early snow in this belt, according to
an engineer.
Luv Puri

Epilogue Ø
35 ×
March 2009
 CONN E C T I NG J &K
By Roads

Doda-Assar road sink has provided many are on the sinking way where cracks based upon such survey a detailed
lessons to be learnt both by the state have developed. When the work on disaster management and preparedness
administration as well as the common reconstructing Doda-Asser road is on plan has to be made if the we need to
man. Given the hilly terrain and no way, another like tragedy may be have a permanent solution for the times
effective alternative connectivity in waiting in the backyard to happen. So ahead. There cannot be custom tailored
such areas preparedness for such the need is to examine the issue in its solution for all such mishaps so local
mishaps has to be kept in mind, which entirety and not as a particular incident to innovations and location specific needs
would include the exploration of be resolved. A geological team can be sent should be given due stress and
alternate routes as per need and also to the area to look into the real causes and importance.
ensuring supply of stocks and supplies.
The various roads constructing agencies
ought work in consonance and with a
holistic approach. These words sound
quite flowery and doing that may seem
to be unrealistic but at the same time
there has to be way out. One thing that
can be done as a compromise formula
would be prioritizing the works of
different organizations in different
regions and areas. The PMGSY roads can
be planned in such a way to serve as an
alternate connectivity to PWD and BRO
roads in some cases apart from the real
mandate of connecting villages with a
particular number of inhabitants. The
expanding road network per se would be
no solution until the roads are built
keeping in view the location specific
problems, constraints and needs.

For Doda-Asser stretch of road which

sunk last month there will many after
effects. The alternate route may soon
be discovered and connectivity restored
but the geological link to the Baglihar
role in this case would surely give the
inhabitants many sleepless nights in the
times to come. So whether or not the
Baglihar factor is the attribute of this
sinking road will have to be established
beyond any reasonable doubt in favor of
the inhabitants of this area. This stretch
of road came into limelight due to its
impact on the connectivity of two
districts which were completely
isolated but there are reports that many
more roads in the vicinity of Baglihar

Epilogue Ø
36 ×
March 2009
 CONN E C T I NG J &K
By Air

The Flight to Dubai

First international flight that landed at

Srinagar airport on Feb 14, 2009

I
n a big leap forward, the first
The present start of the flight also smacks of
ever direct international commercial
a similar attitude. Normally, one would have
flight from the upgraded Srinagar
expected lot of ground work both in Kashmir
International Airport have off for Dubai on
and Dubai before the formal inauguration of
February 14. Notwithstanding the
the flight. It is reported that just a couple of
controversy about the nomenclature of the
days before the flight only 20 seats have
Airport, it is now an International Airport.
been booked. It seems to be more a political
We seem always to be stuck in names and
gesture than a real commercial venture!
lose the substance. As Shakespeare said, “A
Moreover, the service introduced, the Air
rose is a rose by whatever name you call it!”
India Express is the one which had been
Srinagar name which is 2,000 years old, is in
started for the use of the labour class with
itself universal and globally known because
all economy configuration. People in
of being the capital of Kashmir, probably the
authority need to realise that this flight is
most talked about place on the Earth at the
an opening to a vast field of trade,
moment. Take off by an International flight
commerce, tourism, and above all an end to
from Srinagar is a historical occasion. So far
the centuries old isolation of Kashmir from
only chartered Hajj flights had been
the rest of the world. There may be some
operating from this airport to Jeddah for
teething troubles in the beginning but with
last three years or so. The demand for
a positive and constructive attitude of the
starting international flights from Srinagar
concerned authorities these can be easily
had been pending for last 35 years. It was in
overcome. Firstly, the flight is not going to
1975 that the proposal for converting
any other part of the country but to a
Srinagar Airport into an International
foreign land. The first mandatory
Airport was mooted. It has taken decades
requirement is the visa. It is these days
for the proposal to finally materialise.
possible to get online visas from a number of
While celebrating the occasion we must not
countries. Dubai also has online visa
forget that this is only the beginning and not
facilities which can be obtained by travel
an end in itself. This is more so because of a
agents in collaboration with local hotels in
tradition in our part of the world of starting
Dubai.
a new venture with a lot of fanfare and then
after sometime forgetting it altogether. The
venture then remains symbolic and fades It is not known what arrangements for grant
MOHAMMAD ASHRAF away with time. of visitor visa have been made by the

Epilogue Ø
37 ×
March 2009

Airlines? Because of an introductory
promotional return fare offer of around
Rs.13,500 it may be cheaper to fly to
Dubai than to Mumbai, and Delhi. The
most interesting proposition for new
travellers from Kashmir would be an all
inclusive week long package-tour to
Dubai. This can be easily worked out by
the Air India office in Dubai with local
travel agents there and then marketed
in Kashmir by its own office or General
Sales Agents which may have to be
appointed among local travel agents in
Srinagar. To make the trip attractive and
popular among Kashmiris, it may be
worthwhile to connect Dubai with
Jeddah so that Umra is included in it.
There could be packages for Umra only.
There are a number of local travel
agencies in Kashmir which are at
present conducting Umra and even
annual Hajj pilgrimage. These could
easily make use of the flight by re-
routing from the earlier routing of
Srinagar-Delhi-Jeddah-Delhi-Srinagar
to Srinagar-Dubai-Jeddah-Dubai-
Srinagar route. In fact, even the foreign
tour operators bringing groups to
Kashmir from Europe and other places
could try this routing for direct access
to Kashmir. Entire Middle East has a
large population of western expatriates
working in different construction
companies, institutions, government
offices, oil companies, and so on.
According to an estimate there are
about 20 million western expatriates
working in the Middle Eastern Region
from Egypt to Oman. All these people
get their holidays in July-August, the
hottest months there.
This is the best season in Kashmir for
foreigners but an off peak season for
domestic tourists. Most of these
foreigners instead of visiting their home
countries, travel to different tourist
destinations in South East Asia like
Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand,
CONN E C T I NG
Singapore etc. Some even go to Kerala
to see monsoon rains. Kashmir for them
would be a short haul destination and
much cheaper and easier to go than
from their home countries. A large
number of these foreigners are keen to
visit the adventure packed land of
Ladakh. At present they do it through
direct flights from Delhi to Leh where
three airlines operate daily flights
especially in summer. There is only a
single flight per week between Srinagar
and Leh. In the past the Indian Airlines
had been operating 3 to 4 flights per
week. If the frequency of Srinagar-Leh
flights is increased at least to three per
week, it will be possible to connect the
Dubai flight with these with a night
stop over in Srinagar either way. This
will not only increase traffic to Ladakh
but will also give some boost to
Kashmir Tourism. Apart from this there
are extensive possibilities of
promoting special interest tourism.
This includes both the adventure
travel like mountaineering, trekking,
skiing, rafting, and soft recreational
tourism like Golf, Angling etc. Dubai
has a number of world class Golf
courses and some prestigious
tournaments such as the Desert Classic
with prize money of 2 million dollars is
held there every year.
Tiger Woods, the world's number one
player is always present in the said
championship. Dubai itself has a
number of top Golfing associations and
in some the membership is more than
5,000. Kashmir's Royal Spring Course in
Srinagar designed by the famous
architect Robert Trent Jones Junior II is
among the top ten in the world. The
Course which cost more than 8 million
dollars to build has been visited by many
players from Dubai. There are two more
courses being re-laid as per
international standards. These are at
Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Thus we have
Epilogue Ø
38 ×
March 2009
J &K
By Air
the possibility of attracting Golfers
from Dubai for a week long Golfing
holiday. They can spend two days each
at the out stations and three days in
Srinagar. Once the frequency of flights
increases, people can fly in for a week-
end of Golf. In addition, there are
numerous possibilities of exporting
cargo especially handicrafts, fruit,
exotic vegetables, flowers, and trout
fish. As mentioned earlier we have a
tendency to forget everything after a
grand inauguration. As such it is very
important for the State Government to
set up a multi-disciplinary Task Force
preferably under the chairmanship of
the State's Chief Executive to work out
details for utilizing this new opening in
Kashmir to the optimum level.
Some representatives of the private
sector could also be included in such a
high powered grouping. The Task Force
will not only take measures for
streamlining the operation of Dubai
flight but would also be able to suggest
operation of flights to other possible
destinations in the Middle East, South
East Asia and probably to Central Asia.
They could also examine the feasibility
of starting chartered flights to Srinagar
from all these short haul markets.
Commencement of all these activities
holds immense possibilities of
employment in various sectors utilizing
these flights. As stated by a fellow
journalist in one of the stories on the
subject, the Kashmir's International
Connection could be a better
Confidence Building Measure than
even the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Bus!
Let us hope, this CBM evolves into a
real opening for Kashmir in all possible
ways and does not get frozen in time
like the Muzaffarabad Bus? Past
experience makes one apprehensive
that the venture may end like that
unless the Chief Executive takes
personal interest in it!

J-K on global
aviation map
F or J-K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah it was his
childhood dream come true but for the
business community in Kashmir it was the
opening of a route to economic prosperity as
Congress President Sonia Gandhi welcomed the
international air flight to land at the Srinagar
airport on February 14. This was J-K's first
connection on the global aviation map.
Gandhi received the first international flight
from Dubai which arrived at the newly-
refurbished Srinagar International Airport. She
also inaugurated the new integrated airport
terminal building which is having modern
passenger-friendly facilities.
The inauguration of the international airport at
Srinagar marks a new epoch in the aviation
history of Jammu and Kashmir. It heralds a new
beginning in the air transportation link between
the beautiful valley and the country and outside.
It would be a major boost to the tourism sector
as visitors from here and outside would get
direct air connectivity from Srinagar.
The airport had been declared international by
the Government of India in 2005 and the work on
its up-gradation and refurbishing of the terminal
building started soon after. The new integrated
terminal building has been beautifully designed
keeping in view the environs of the valley.
Spread over an area of about 20,000 sq. mtrs,
the building has central heating and air
conditioning, besides flight information display
system, CCTV for surveillance, checking
counters, baggage carousals, public address
system, departure conveyor system and capacity
to handle 500 domestic and 450 international
passengers.
The building has 16 check-in counters, 8 baggage
scanners, 16 immigration and 8 custom
counters besides four conveyor belts. The
expansion of the apron has been designed to
cater for parking of nine aircrafts and
strengthening it for parking B-747- type
aircrafts.
Epilogue Ø
CONN E C T I NG J &K
By Air
JAWAHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSITY
ADMISSION ANNOUNCEMENT: 2009-10
The University will hold Entrance Examination on May 15, 16, 17 and 18, 2009
for admission to following full-time programmes of study in 51 cities spread
all over India and in Kathmandu (Nepal):
CATEGORY 'A' – ADMISSION THROUGH ENTRANCE EXAMINATION :
PROGRAMMES : M.Phil/Ph.D in International Studies, Social Studies,
Humanities, Foreign Languages, Life Sciences, Governance, M.Phil/Ph.D and
M.Tech / Ph.D. in Computer and Systems Sciences. Pre-Ph.D / Ph.D. in Physical
Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Biotechnology, Computational Biology and
Bioinformatics and Molecular Medicine. MPH / Ph.D Master of Public Health.
M.Phil in Portuguese, M.Tech in Computational and Systems Biology, Master of
Computer Applications (MCA), M.A. in Political (with specialization in International
Relations). Economics (with specialization in the World Economy), Geography,
History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, English, Linguistics, Sanskrit,
Hindi, Urdu/Persian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Korean,
Russian, Spanish and Arts and Aesthetics, M.Sc in Life Sciences, Environmental
Sciences and Physics. B.A. (Hons) in Persian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese,
Korean, French, German, Russian and Spanish (with entry points to both Ist and
2nd year)
CATEGORY 'B' – DIRECT ADMISSION TO PH.D PROGRAMME : The University
admits a limited number of candidates directly to Ph.D. programme on the basis of
their performance in viva voce examination (without Entrance Examination) both
in Monsoon and Winter Semesters in all Schools/Centres (except Life Sciences).
In addition direct admission to Ph.D is also offered in Group of Political Theory and
Comparatives Politics (International Relations), Mathematics Sciences, Adult
Education, Women's Studies and Study of Discrimination and Exclusion.
CATEGORY 'C' JRF HOLDERS : The University also admits a limited number of
candidates to M.Phil/Ph.D and Pre-Ph.D./Ph.D. programmes who have qualified a
National Test entitling them to a JRF in Schools of Life Sciences, Physical
Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Computer and Systems Sciences,
Information Technology and Biotechnology without appearing in the Entrance
Examination.
FOREIGN NATIONALS : All foreign nationals present in India are required to
appear in the Entrance Examination at any one of the Centres of entrance
examination subject to their fulfilling minimum eligibility requirements and they will
be competing among themselves.
RESERVATION OF SEATS : 15% seats of SC and 7.5% seats for ST are reserved
for candidates belonging to these categories. 3% seats are reserved for PH
(Physical Challenged (Handicapped) with a minimum of 40% disability)
candidates in each category i.e. General, SC, ST and OBC, 27% seats are
reserved for OBC candidates (non creamy layer) subject to availability of sufficient
infrastructure.
HOW TO APPLY : Sets of application form and prospectus can be had (i) either
personally from the Counter in the Administrative Block of the University on cash
payment of Rs. 200/- per set from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 2.00 p.m. to
4.00 p.m. on all working days (Monday to Friday) : or (ii) through post by sending
crossed Bank Draft (valid for six months) for Rs. 300/- drawn in favour of
Jawaharlal Nehru University payable at New Delhi alongwith a self-addressed
(unstamped) envelope of the minimum size of 30 cms and 25cms. Clearly
indicating the Category for which the application form is required on the envelope
to the Deputy Registrar (Admissions), Room No. 28, Administrative Block,
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi – 110067, Money Orders and Cheques
are not accepted. PLEASE DO NOT SEND REQUESTS FOR APPLICATION
FORM THROUGH PRIVATE COURIER SERVICES.
LAST DATE FOR ISSUE OF APPLICATION FORMS
(I) BY POST : MARCH 6, 2009
(II) AT CASH COUNTER : MARCH 16, 2009
? LAST DATE FOR RECEIPT OF COMPLETED
APPLICATION FORMS : MARCH 16, 2009
Any dispute with regard to any matter relating to admission shall be subject
to the jurisdiction of Delhi Courts only.
For details refer to Admission Announcement in Employment News of
January 31 to February 6, 2009
Visit us at our website : http://www.jnu.ac.in for detailed information.
39 ×
March 2009

Better Service Conditions
must for Good Governance
B eginning November 2008, past six
months saw various dimensions of
strikes and protests by the state
government employees demanding
implementation of the Sixth Central Pay
Commission recommendations in their favor
as well as enhancing the retirement age by
two years, hence making at 60, at par with
the Central Government employees and
those in more than a dozen states across the
country. Finally after much water had flown
down the river a deal was struck between
the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), a
conglomerate of departmental and
secretarial employees across the state, and
between the state government team lead
HAMAAD SALIF Government employees staging a protest demonstration at Lal Chowk, Srinagar
Epilogue Ø
40 ×
March 2009
PAY PAR I TY
Commentary
by finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather. The
outcome of the deal has widely been
described as “Too Late Too Little”. But as to
how the decision came to be acceptable to
more than four lakh state government
employees despite expressing strong
reservations against the outcome is an issue
to be looked into, at the same time the
constraints and paucity of sufficient
financial strength with the state
government to meet the hiked pay expenses
cannot ignored. Post- deal many employees
associations have voiced their serious
concern about the way JCC struck the deal
with the government and are calling for
another onslaught on the government

blaming both the parties for
compromising the interests of
employees as regards the payment of
arrears, enhancement of retirement
age and implementation of revised
scales as well. Epilogue team went
across the employees' bodies as well as
the government circles to analyze the
exact factors warranting such a cold
response by the government and also
measure the warmth of anguish or signs
of satisfaction among various factions
of the employees organizations.
The recommendations of Sixth Central
Pay Commission were implemented by
the Government of India starting
September 1st, 2008 and the effect was
given from January 1st 2006 for fixation
of pay and drawl of arrears therein. The
central government implemented the
pay panel report in respect of the
central government employees and the
All India Services officers posted in the
cadre states. The state governments as
a convention had to follow the pursuit in
respect their employees as well. Many
states were prompt enough to announce
the implementation of the pay
commission report in toto for their
employees beginning September 2008
and gave all the benefits to their
employees as was done for the central
government employees. Many other
states introduced state specific
measures viz a viz fiscal constraint and
budgetary management and the like
factors. At the time of implementation
of Pay Panel report by the centre the
state of Jammu and Kashmir was under
the governor's rule since the dissolution
of assembly in July 2008. The various
employees' bodies started making
representations before the Governor N
N Vohra and the state administration
impressing upon them to give effect to
the recommendation of central pay
commission in their favor as was done
by many other state for their
employees. But for promises and
assurances nothing concrete emerged
from the talks between the Governor-
led state administration and the
employees organizations. Nonetheless
issue of pay hike became an election
agenda with major political parties
The most important issue of
increase in retirement age was
left untouched. On this issue
various departmental
organizations of the various
departments have raised
eyebrows on the manner in
which JCC brokered the deal
with the government. Local
newspapers were flooded with
statements resenting “sell out
“ by the leaders of JCC and
called upon the second rung
leaders to take on the
government in a renewed
onslaught. But it was much
more than difficult to put
forward another strike under
such circumstances when a
deal had just been concluded
by those among whom four
lakh employees gad reposed
their faith
promising to effect pay hike
immediately after coming to power.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and
National Conference president Dr
Farooq Abdullah are on record having
forcefully promised the pay hike as first
decision of the NC-led Government
when the party is returned to power.
Similarly Congress leader and former
Epilogue Ø
41 ×
March 2009
PAY PAR I TY
Commentary
chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad too
promised in a similar vein across the
state. Azad in known for tightening the
noose on government officials in his
much publicized campaign against
corruption and at the fag end of his
tenure as Chief Minister Azad did
announce raising retirement age to 60
and initiating fast-track recruitments
for about 80000 posts in various
departments. He was praised by all for
both the initiatives as retirement age
enhancement promise gave a shoulder
of relief to those due to retire in the
present year and the next and at the
same time it created a ray of hope for
unemployed youth to get government
jobs at the other end, through the fast
track recruitment announced by Azad.
But within a month of this
announcement the government lost the
confidence of house when the Peoples
D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y a n n o u n c e d
withdrawal of support owing to the
Amaranth Land Controversy related to
diversion of forest land to the shrine
board. With withdrawal of PDP the
coalition was reduced to majority and
Azad preferred to resigned instead of
seeking a motion of confidence in the
House. The new governor was also
appointed to the state after term of
outgoing governor S K Sinha came to an
end. it is pertinent to mention here that
at the time of all these developments in
the political scene of state a strike
called by clerks of all the departments
across the state had already completed
four months. The work in offices was
severely affected rather paralyzed in
the whole state owing to strike called by
the clerks which ran unsuccessfully for
more than a hundred days, witnessed by
marked protests both in Jammu ,
Srinagar as well as district
headquarters. In the wake of clerks
strike the big babus had to do the clerks
jobs themselves as left with no other

option. The demands posed by the
clerks were lost in oblivion with the fall
of congress-PDP coalition in July 2008.
Now the question is whether the JCC
lead pay strike did met that end or it
was something different. The answer
will be clear if one analyses the
outcome of JCC-Government deal on
the pay hike.
The total financial implication of the
pay hike as per sixth central pay
commission report for state
government employees would mean a
Rs 3600 Cr burden on the state
government. It will not be out of place
to mention here that this amount was to
be incurred if the central
recommendations were adopted for
state government employees in their
entirety. After formation of the NC-
Congress coalition in the state during
first week of January 2009, almost
every other day was a strike across the
state for putting pressure on the
government to affect hike in pay or
remind the government of its electoral
promises. Almost six weeks after the
government and JCC leaders could
come across the table to discuss
modalities of pay hike and
implementation of pay commission
recommendations. It was finally
decided to hike pay of employees from
August 2009 including payment of July
2009 salary as per revised pay scales.
Arrears accruing to revised hiked
salaries were decided to be paid with
effect from January 2006, similarly as
was done by the central government.
But the most disappointing for more
than four lakh employees in the state
was the modality of payment of arrears.
The government decided to pay the
arrears in five installments spread over
five financial years as compared to two
installments decided by the central
government for its employees. Not only
this, the arrears are not to be paid in
cash but will be deposited in the GP
Fund account of the employees with a
moratorium of three years on
withdrawal from GP Fund accounts. The
employees had been waiting for the
arrears to meet various due needs in the
time of soaring prices by the gift came
Commenting on the pay hike
Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah in a meeting of
district officers at Poonch
District headquarters stated
that “ with pay hiked I expect
the employees to act with
missionary zeal”, which struck
the headlines in print and
electronic media. Irked at the
essence of this statement an
organization of employees
asked whether the missionary
zeal expected from the
employees is same with which
the government has offered
soaps? When compared the
substance of both the
statements would be miles
apart. It is true that for an
efficient administration and
visible deliverables the
employees are undoubtedly to
be taken care of, as regards
their basic rights
from the government in a locked
container whose key was deposited with
the government at least for three years.
The most important issue of increase in
retirement age was left untouched. On
this issue various departmental
Epilogue Ø
42 ×
March 2009
PAY PAR I TY
Commentary
organizations of the various
departments have raised eyebrows on
the manner in which JCC brokered the
deal with the government. Local
newspapers were flooded with
statements resenting “sell out “ by the
leaders of JCC and called upon the
second rung leaders to take on the
government in a renewed onslaught.
But it was much more than difficult to
put forward another strike under such
circumstances when a deal had just
been concluded by those among whom
four lakh employees gad reposed their
faith. Resentment is still brewing
among various sections of the
employees organizations against the
government decision and seeking to
convince the government to rethink
about the pay hike modalities.
Before the final deal between the JCC
representatives and the Government, a
high level state committee was set up
by the government to chalk out the
modalities of the pay hike for state
government employees. The committee
headed by a financial commissioner
strongly recommended the increase in
retirement age to 60 years at par with
centre and many other state. But
ironically the superannuation age issue
did not catch any attention either from
the government or the real
stakeholders, that is, Joint
Coordination Committee representing
the state employees. This has been a
cause of serious concern leading to
strong resentment among employees. It
is a known fact that presently about
80000 posts are either vacant since long
or newly created waiting for filling up so
the enhancement in retirement age
would not have a much visible impact on
unemployment given about only 3500
employees due to retire in an year on an
average. Moreover this would not have
translated into a much bigger financial
implication as well. The state doesn't

When Epilogue highlighted the situation, shortly
after that the government came out with a
direction to AIS officers (IAS/IPS/IFS) to draw
salaries and arrears as per central pay
commission recommendation with effect from
September 2008. When it is a known fact that
AIS officers have to be paid in accordance with
the central pay rules still it took six months for
the government to accept what was a basic right.
If those at the helm of affairs in the state are not
given the due rights then the plight of employees
can be understood
have much of its own resources so has to depend on the centre
of packages and aids in most of the cases. It is a known fact
that thousands of crores of rupees are allocated every year to
Jammu and Kashmir under infrastructure and development
schemes. It is irony that no aid can be sought forcefully for
those who are responsible for utilization of these funds,
development of the state and development of economy as a
whole. Certainly when viewed from this angle the peanuts
offered by the government causes a resentment among the
employees as has been voiced by them continuously since the
government decision came out.
Commenting on the pay hike Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a
meeting of district officers at Poonch District headquarters
stated that “ with pay hiked I expect the employees to act with
missionary zeal”, which struck the headlines in print and
electronic media. Irked at the essence of this statement an
organization of employees asked whether the missionary zeal
expected from the employees is same with which the
government has offered soaps? When compared the substance
of both the statements would be miles apart. It is true that for
an efficient administration and visible deliverables the
employees are undoubtedly to be taken care of, as regards
their basic rights. Epilogue carried out a story on the issue of
pay hike for All India Service officers, in the previous issue,
wherein it was highlighted that the basic right of top 300
officers manning the state administration were compromised
for no fault of theirs. The hiked pay was to be given to them in
concurrence with the central government employees, that is
September 2008, but instead the government asked the AIS
officers not to draw the revised salaries. This created a
controversy across the services and many officers did not pay
Epilogue Ø
43 ×
March 2009
PAY PAR I TY
Commentary
heed and went ahead to draw the salary. When epilogue
highlighted the situation, shortly after that the government
came out with a direction to AIS officers (IAS/IPS/IFS) to draw
salaries and arrears as per central pay commission
recommendation with effect from September 2008. When it is
a known fact that AIS officers have to be paid in accordance
with the central pay rules still it took six months for the
government to accept what was a basic right. If those at the
helm of affairs in the state are not given the due rights then
the plight of employees can be understood. For an efficient
administration the basic needs of the employees have to be
met and the government has no alternative but understand
the position of employees and pay heed to their financial
requirements in the times of a slowed down economy and also
take care for better service conditions to ensure good
governance for benefit of masses - the electors, in short.
Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah
University Rajouri (J&K)
VACANCIES IN COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Applications on prescribed form are invited for the following positions
as per UGC pay scale in college of Engineering & Technology, BGSB
University, Rajouri, J&K
1. Principal - (01)
2. Professor - (05) Computer Sciences & Engineering (01) /
Information Technology (01) / Electronics & Communication
Engineering (01) / Civil Engineering (01) / Mechanical
Engineering (01)
3. Assistant Professor (10) - Computer Sciences & Engineering
(01) / Information Technology Engineering (02) / Electronics &
Communication Engineering (02) / Civil Engineering (02) /
Mechanical Engineering (02)
4. Lecturer (27) - Computer Sciences & Engineering (04) /
Information Technology Engineering (02) / Electronics &
Communication Engineering (04) / Civil Engineering (06) /
Mechanical Engineering (06) / English (02) / Applied Physics
(01) / Applied Mathematics (02)
Prescribed applications form alongwith detailed advertisement
notice can be obtained personally from office of Assistant Registrar
(Establishment) BGSB University, Rajouri, J&K or OSD, BGSBU
Camp Office, Opposite Channi Himmat, Jammu (J&K) or can be
downloaded from the University website : www.bgsbuniversity.org.
Last date for submission of completed application form alongwith
Demand Draft of Rs. 600/- (in favour of Registrar, BGSB University,
Rajouri, payable at JK Bank, University Branch, Dhanore, Rajouri) is
16th March 2009 Application forms of those candidates who have
applied earlier for positions where interviews have not been
conducted so far shall be considered if eligible. They shall however
be required to submit latest copy of biodata.
BGSBU/Estab/09/25150 Sd/-
Dated : 16.02.2009 Registrar

J&K on Global
Carbon Market Map
T
he word “Carbon” attracts
varying reactions from
developed and developing worlds
as regards its effects on the
environment especially global warming.
There had been a much larger debate on
the evidence behind global warming
and the developed countries, major
contributors of Greenhouse Gases, had
refused to join the multilateral
cooperation in the field of mitigating
global warming by way of cutting
emissions as it would mean a loss in
economy for them. Two major
developments in the present decade
wrote a glorious chapter in the history
of environmental activism and a great
step towards recognizing and sharing a
mutual responsibility for a safe
environment across the globe. Firstly
Russia ratified the Kyoto protocol in
2004-05 a decade after it came into
being, and hence the Kyoto Protocol
took effect from 2005 when the basic
requirement of participation of
member states totaling a global share of
51% GHG emissions ratifying the
protocol was met. The Kyoto protocol
aiming at phased reduction of GHGs was
delayed by a decade due to USAs non-
committal attitude about the protocol
and with USA being largest emitter of
GHGs (more than 20% of world) the
minimum requirement for Kyoto
implementation was missing which was
n a r r o w l y f u l f i l l e d b y Ru s s i a ' s
IRM AMIN BAIG ratification after a decade. Second
Epilogue Ø
44 ×
March 2009
E N V I R ONM E N T
Carbon Trading
major development was the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) report about global
warming which proved beyond any
doubt that the GHG emission was the
major cause of global warming hence
fixing the responsibility of major
emitters that is developed countries.
The Noble Peace prize for IPCC further
strengthened the cause and all these
developments became the reasons of
USA softening the stand at the Bali
Conference organized under the aegis
of United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) at Nusa Dua, Bali. This was
the backgrounds which lead to a
resurgent Global Carbon Market by
means of Clean Development
Mechanism (CDM). The Polluter Pays
Principle (PPP) came a blessing in
disguise for the developing countries
which contribute very less to the global
warming given their low level of
industrialization or otherwise. The
methodology of Carbon Trading is today
known to everybody and member states
are competing in carving out larger
benefits, on either side, that is ,both
developed and developing countries.
Carbon Sequestration has come to be an
accepted methodology which, for a lay
man, would mean “the more you reduce
carbon emission or increase storage the
more you ear”.
The carbon trading market has

expanded across the globe, be it saving
e n e rgy, u si n g a lte rn a ti ve fu e l
combinations or afforestation/
reforestation and the like. Initially India
selected four states as priority states
for taking up the Clean Development
Mechanism activities. This list included
the state of Jammu and Kashmir and
later a couple of other states was also
included. Jammu and Kashmir put its
first step towards exploring the CDM
benefits with a high-level
one-day workshop titled
“ Setting up of Research
Priorities & Piloting
Activities for Carbon
Sequestration in Jammu
and Kashmir”, March last
year. The workshop was
attended by state
ministers, bureaucrats,
scientists, scholars and
officers from various
technical departments
apart for a galaxy of
senior officers having
experience in CDM and
scientists drawn from
across the country. this
marked the beginning of
the CDM in state. Based
on the recommendations
of the workshop a Core
group of officers of forest
department was decided
to be set up headed by
the Conservator of
Forests, Research Circle J&K. Further it
was decided to establish Carbon Cell
under the J&K State Forest Research
Institute was proposed to be established
in the state which is underway at SFRI'S
Jammu campus. The carbon cell once
functional will serve as nodal centre for
CDM in J&K state and also a resource
pool for anybody in the state wishing to
learn about the Clean Development
Mechanism or entering the carbon
market with proposing such projects
especially Afforestation and
Reforestation Projects for larger chunks
of land in the state. The state of the art
Carbon Cell will have a round the clock
internet facility, library and high speed
data transmission soon. The officials
manning the Carbon Cell will be from
the core group and special invitees or
associates of the SFRI as and when
called to share the technical expertise.
The officers from the Forest
Department and other allied
departments under the Ministry of
Forests, Ecology and Environment as
well as other line departments and
stake holders across the state will be
trained at the Carbon Cell aiming at
high level capacity building and
knowledge dissemination as far as
carbon sequestration and global
warming issues are concerned.
Epilogue Ø
45 ×
March 2009
E N V I R ONM E N T
Carbon Trading
In almost an year since the first
workshop organized in Jammu the State
Forest Research Institute organized a
score of meetings and interactions of
core group apart from prioritizing a
roadmap for CDM in Jammu and
Kashmir. The institute has also entered
into collaboration with Baba Ghulam
Shah Badshah University and Sri Mata
Vaishno Devi University in various CDM
methodologies and joint projects. The
Rajouri campus of BGSBU
recently been taken up
as green campus by SFRI
for plantation across
hundreds of kanals of
land which will help in
carbon sequestration
apart from rehabilitating
the hilly campus area.
Apart from that many
workshops were also
o r g a n i z e d f o r
stakeholders across the
state. Recently the a
team of GTZ (German
Technical Cooperation)
interacted with state
forest officers at SFRI on
16th-17th February 2009
to discuss project
formulation and
feasibility of the areas to
be taken up wherein they
also visited the forest
areas along with Core
Group and other forest
officers. The high-level meeting on 5th-
6th March 2009 will be counted as major
step forward when officials from
Ministry of Environment & Forests,
Government of India and their
counterparts from State Government
put the record straight about
emergence of Jammu and Kashmir state
on the Carbon Market Map by means of
carbon sequestration. Meanwhile the
SFRI has under consideration two

research studies respectively on
Methane Production Estimate of Jammu
and Kashmir with strategies to reduce it
through livestock up gradation and
second on Biogas Potential Village
Mapping of Rajouri District which will
serve as baseline for taking up CDM
projects and also serve as livelihood
strength for the rural poor.
But a question in mind would be –
whether it is feasible to venture into the
Carbon Market in the times of recession
across the globe? Before narrating a
straight answer we need to weigh the
various dimensions of global carbon
market and associated issues. There is
no doubt that in the recession hit global
economy afforestation and
reforestation projects under CDM will
not be much beneficial for those eying
at earning carbon credits in the global
carbon market. Reason being that a
certifier emission reduction (CER) at
present fetches roughly US $ 2-3, which
is less attractive given the long
gestation of forest crops and only 1 % of
CERs attributed to forestry projects
across the globe. Other methods of
CDM, like shifting to alternative fuels,
saving energy by shift towards energy
conservation etc would be easier and
quicker as compared to forestry
projects. But at the same time the
importance of forestry projects under
CDM can hardly be undermined given
their unique benefits as the trees serve
as carbon sequestration machines and
also provide livelihood options apart
from a dual cleaning process of the
environment. The Carbon Market could
be compared to the Futures and Options
in the stock markets where the persons
holding the shares or bonds can sell
them when the prices are high in the
market, in short the Bear and Bull
mechanism. Likewise the price of one
CER will not be static for all the times to
come but fluctuate hopefully towards a
higher end in the times to come once
the economies are back on the track. At
present the environment crusade seems
to have taken a back stage with
shattering economies worldwide but it
cannot be ignored in toto instead we
can call it a stage in the developmental
cycle. So, by the time the crops mature
the CERs are expected to be attractive
in the global market so it is advisable to
go for short gestation forestry projects
of 20-30 years which will give annual
returns over a longer period of time thus
outweighing the present down trend in
carbon market owing to a host of
factors.
It is a fact that today only one forestry
project stands sanctioned under the
CDM across the globe that too from
China. But the picture is not dismal for
India with 31 projects registered and at
various stages in the approval pipeline
under CDM mechanism. So with other
states having submitted a reasonably
good score of forestry CDM projects J&K
cannot be a mute spectator as it is not
time to discuss whether or not to go for
CDM projects the carbon market has
become an established fact and we too
need to be competitive enough to
ensure smooth sailing in the emerging
carbon trading thus harnessing a host of
benefits for the people. It is fact that
India signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1997
and ratified it in 2002. And today under
the clean development mechanism
India has emerged as a leader in terms
of country approved CDM projects
across the globe. The Designated
National Authority (DNA) under CDM
established in 2003 at Delhi has been
successful competition in the country as
regards submission of forestry CDM
projects, which is evident from a
greater number projects submitted for
approval by private sector across the
Epilogue Ø
46 ×
March 2009
E N V I R ONM E N T
Carbon Trading
country. Today India has become a
leading destination among non-Annex-I
countries with regards to CDM
implementation. But the majority of
registered project in India are
renewable energy project focusing on
hydropower, and wind energy, so there
is a need for putting greater thrust on
the forestry CDM projects as well which
also fulfills the resource need of the
country and J&K can prove as preferred
destination for such projects. Jammu
and Kashmir, as per the estimates of
GTZ, has an expansion potential on
12.5% of its geographical area thus
figuring among top potential states thus
the benefits from CDM projects in the
state can be analyzed to be of a greater
extent.
It is rightly said that the journey of
thousand miles must begin with the first
step and that first step has been taken
by the J&K state in the global carbon
market. Now the outcome will depend
on as to how the stakeholders across the
state come forward to avail the
opportunity and work ahead in letter
and spirit to showcase the state on
Global Carbon Market Map. The State
Forest Research Institute has taken a
lead to emerge as a nodal centre in the
beginning and it does not end here
because there has to be a continuing
process coming true to emerging
expectations whether in the field of
technology or livelihood demands.
Newer CDM projects can offer a greater
number of self-employment to the rural
youth which is the need of the hour. Also
it will generate a sense of technical
competition at one hand and growing a
culture of green entrepreneurship on
the other. The State Forest Department
has a lot of avenues which can be
explored under the Clean Development
Mechanism, not only under
Afforestation and Reforestation

category but also those like Biofuel
crops cultivation, alternative energy
techniques like harnessing wind and
solar energy for community benefits,
and so on. What all will be needed in the
times to come, for making CDM a
success and make Jammu and Kashmir
glow on the global Carbon Market Map,
will be a highest degree of
professionalism, innovativeness and
collaboration between different
organizations, departments and
stakeholders across the state. The CDM
should not merely end up as a glorified
environmental slogan but should
proceed in such a way to produce visible
deliverables for the stakeholders and
the community in larger perspective.
Small innovations does matter, to cite
an example, like the Uttarakhand State
Forest Department took up water
harvesting initiative in its
establishments across the state which
proved to be greater success generating
community interest as well, the West
Bengal State Forest Corporation took up
eco-tourism in a different way –
trekking in the areas being worked for
wood harvesting and construction of
mud houses and tents which helped
them to deliver their duty well apart
from generating huge resources
especially from visiting foreign tourists
who loved the moments in mud house in
wilderness for anything between Rs
10000 to Rs 20000 per night.
The government had a vision and this
showcased a real eco-tourism apart
from generating huge resources which
were utilized in strengthening the
department and created additional
infrastructure for tourism. In Jammu
and Kashmir there is no dearth of
resources, efficient manpower and
highly qualified professionals and
experienced administrators but what
we need is a vision and collaboration
E N V I R ONM E N T
Carbon Trading
between different organizations and years will be crucial for the state to
departments because these are not the emerge prominently on the Carbon
initiatives which could be carried out in Market Map and for that the
isolation as the works are overlapping so government has to go for a holistic and
are the resources. muti-pronged approach to woo the
private sector on one hand and extract
Similarly the Carbon initiative in the efficiency from various departments /
state needs to be taken on a multi- organizations on the other. At present
sectoral approach to achieve success there may be reservations about or
for state as a whole. The centers of opposition against the perspectives of
excellence should emerge as CDM in state but to come to a
knowledge centers to disseminate the conclusion the concerned corners have
latest advances in technology, to come across the table to discuss
methodologies as well avenues and pros and cons, opportunities and
opportunities. Moreover training the threats, strengths and weaknesses of
manpower needs to be an ongoing the methodology and then put a
phenomenon as skill up gradation has common front based on a kind of
to be a part of the overall endeavor to common minimum program for CDM in
achieve success in this field because Jammu and Kashmir state. When
every now and then newel Slumdog Millionaire can bag record
technologies and methods are coming eight Oscars making India proud there
into field or market and the is no doubt that Jammu and Kashmir
stakeholders must be abreast with the can also emerge as a leader in CDM in
latest developments. The coming two India, as India is emerging globally.
Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah
University Rajouri (J&K)
Centre for Biodiversity Studies
WALK-IN-INTERVIEW
Interviews for Research Fellows (05) on a consolidated fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per
month for remaining period (about two years) of the project titled ‘Bioresource
based training for rural women of Rajouri the hinterland of J&K’ sponsored by
Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Sciences and Technology, Govt. of India
will be conducted on 03 March, 2009 in the office of Director, Centre for Biodiversity
Studies, BGSB University, Rajouri from 11:00 A.M. onwards.
The candidate should have good academic record with, 55% marks or an
equivalent grade (B in 7-point scale) at the Masters Degree in any discipline of Life
Sciences. Eligible candidates should reach the venue at 9.30 A.M. on the said date
along with original and attested copy of relevant documents pertaining to
qualification and experience and biodata. No TA/DA shall be paid
Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri
BGSBU/Estab/09/25209 Principal Investigator
Dated : 18.02.2009 Bioresrouce Training Project
Epilogue Ø
47 ×
March 2009

Emperor Jahangir on
History, Culture of Kashmir - I
T
he Mughal emperor Jalaluddin
Muhammad Akbar (1556-1605)
annexed Kashmir to the Mughal
empire in 1586 and it remained under the
Mughals upto 1753. The Mughal emperor
Nuruddin Muhammad Jahangir treated
Kashmir as most favourite part of the
Mughal India. Since he was a naturalist,
Kashmir's natural heritage became the
sources of his inspiration and creativity.
Though all the Mughal emperors from
1586 onwards worked for the protection
and propagation of historical and cultural
heritage of Kashmir, Jahangir's methods
and approach for drawing the attention of
people towards Kashmir's history and
culture were unique. He visited Kashmir
frequently. He treated Kashmir vertually
the summer captial of the Mughal
empire. However, during his visit to
Kashmir he generally collected
information regarding the historicity of
the places, productions, population and
natural features of the region. He
recorded the historical facts of Kashmir in
his Memoirs entitled Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri. It
is written in Persian language by Jahangir.
Jahangir records the historical places,
natural resources, social life and phases
of changes in Kashmir in a very convincing
and interesting manners. He mentions
that Bihat (Jhelam) river flowed very fast
and during rainy season generally the
bridges on it were broken. Jahangir was
very much impressed from the cultural
importance of the Veri-Nag or Vir-nag
PROF. JIGAR MOHAMMAD spring. Therefore, he tried to know the
Epilogue Ø
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March 2009
C O L UMN
History
people's perception about it and he
himself went there and assessed it value
in terms of a water resource. According to
him, “The source of Bihat is a spring in
Kashmir called the Vir-nag; in the
language of India a snake is Vir-nag.
Clearly there had been a large snake at
that place. I went twice to the spring in
my father's lifetime; it is 20 kos from the
city of Kashmir. It is an octagonal
reservoir about 20 yards by 20. Near it are
the remains of a place of worship for
recluses; cells cut out of the rock and
numerous caves. The water is exceedingly
pure. Although I could not guess its depth,
a grain of poppy seed is visible until it
touches the bottom. There were many
fish to be seen in it. As I heard that it was
unfathomable. I ordered to throw in a
cord with a stone attached, and when this
cord was measured in gaz it became
evident that the depth was not more than
one and half the height of a man. After my
accession I ordered them to build the
sides of the spring round with the stone,
and they made a garden round it with a
canal; and built halls and houses about it,
and made a place such that travellers
over the world can point out few like it.”
( T h e Tu z u k - i - J a h a n g i r i , E n g l i s h
Translation by Alexander Rogers, edited
by Henry Beveridge, Delhi, 1994
(Reprint), Vol. I, p. 92). For Jahangir, the
streams and springs of Kashmir provided
plenty of water to the people of the
region. But for drinking purpose Dal lake
water was used by the most of the people
of Kashmir. Jahangir also gives a brief

description of the Wulur lake. For him
its length and breadth were more than
three or four kos and was also called
Zain-lanka.
Jahangir worked for the presevation
and publicity of springs and fountains of
Kashmir. One can estimate the extent of
Jahangir's interests in these water
resources from their mention in his
Memoirs. When he visited a fountain of
Inch village he recorded the
characteristics of it in these words: “I
first visited the fountain of Inch. This
village had been given by my father to
Ram Das Kachhwaha and he had erected
buildings and basins at the spring.
Undoubtedly, it is exceedingly sweet
and delightful place. Its water is
perfectly clearand pure, and many fish
swim in it.” The fountain of the Machhi
Bhawan and the spring of Achhabal
attracted the attention of Jahangir very
much. The latter not only described the
attractive features of these, but also
evaluated the historical value of them.
Appreciating the significance of Machhi
Bhawan fountain as an important source
of enjoyment Jahangir writes, “…there
is a fountain that they (Kashmiris) call
Machhi Bhawan, above which Ray
Bihari, on e of the servants of my father
(Akbar), built an idol temple. The
beauty of this spring is more than one
can describe, and large trees of ancient
years, planes, white and black poplars,
have grown up round it.” Regarding
Achhabal spring Jahangir writes, “The
water of this spring is more plentiful
than that of other, and it has a fine
waterfall. Around it lofty plain trees and
graceful white poplars, bringing their
heads together, have made enchanting
places to sit in. As far asone could see,
in a beautiful garden, Ja'fari flowers
had bloomed, so that one might say it
was a piece of Paradise.” Similarly,
Jahangir records the springs of Loka
Bhawan and Andha Nag. According to
him, “This spring (Loka Bhawan) is a
pleasant spot. Although at present it is
not equal to the others, if it were to be
repaired it would be very good. I
ordered them to construct a building
worthy of place and to repair the
reservoir in front of it.” But Jahangir
found the Andha Nag a spring which
water was not good for the health. He
not only heard about the poor quality of
the water, but also witnessed it. He
writes, “It is known that the fish of this
fountain (Andha Nag) are blind. I
delayed a while near this spring, and
threw in a net and caught twelve of the
fish. Of these, three were blind and nine
had eyes. Evidently, the water of this
spring has effect of making them blind.
Certainly this is not devoid of
strangeness.”
Jahangir's description of the some of the
places of Kashmir highlights the
historical significance of them. He
traces the history of Shihabuddinpur
village of Kashmir. According him, “This
village is one of the celebrated places of
Kashmir and is on the Bihat. About a
hundred plain trees (chinar) of graceful
from clustered together on one plot of
ground, pleasant and green, join each
other so as to shade the whole plot and
the whole surface of ground is grass and
trefoil; so much so that to lay a carpet
on it would be superfluous and in bad
taste. The village was founded by sultan
Zainul Abidin…” It is important to
mention that the Sultan Zainul Abidin
(1420-70) was the most enlightened
ruler of the fifteenth century Kashmir
and immensly promoted building
industries in Kashmir. Jahangir's
mention of Shihabuddinpur village in
historical perspective shows how much
the Mughal emperor was concerned
with the processes of the historical
changes in Kashmir. When Jahangir
visited Bara Mula town he asked the
people what was the meaning of Bara
Mula? The people of that area told him
that Bara Mula was derived from Hindi
Epilogue Ø
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March 2009
C O L UMN
History
language. It was made of two words ;
first Barah or Varah which means boar,
and second Mula which means place.
Thus Bara Mula means place of boars.
According to him, “Among the
incarnations that belong to the religion
of the Hindus, one is the boar
incarnation, and Barah Mula by constant
use has become Bara mula…It is one of
the noted towns of Kashmir, and 14 koss
// distant from the city, situated on the
bank of the Bihat. A number of the
merchants of Kashmir live in it, and
have built houses and mosques on the
bank of the river, and spend their days in
ease and contentment. Jahangir
mentions the village of Pampur as the
producer of the largest quantity of the
saffron(Zafran). The places such as
Buliyasa, Qambarbar, Srinagar and Panj
Brara are mentioned by Jahangir with
reference to the the potentialities of
cultural development.
Jahangir's account of the geography of
Kashmir is very useful for the study of
the historical geography of the region.
He has not ownly shown the different
places of Kashmir in terms of
topography, climate and production,
but, more importantly, he has also
described the several places of Kashmir
in terms of the distance of one place to
the other and the administrative
division of Kashmir. Measuring the
distance of one place to the other
Jahangir writes, “Kashmir, from the
place of Bhuliyasa to Qambarbar, is 56
Jahangiri koss long, and its breadth is
never more than 27 koss, or less than 10
koss. Shaikh Abul Fazl (a court historian
of the Mughal emperor Akbar) has, in his
Akbarnama, stated, by guess and
conjecture, that the length of Kashmir
from the Kishan Ganga to Qambarbar is
120 koss, and its breadth from 10 to 25
koss. I, out of prudence and caution,
appointed a number of trustworthy and
intelligent men to measure the length
and breadth with ropes (tanab). The

result was that what the Shaikh (Abul
Fazl) wrote as 120 koss came out as 67.
As it is agreed that the boundary of
country (Kashmir) is the place up to
which people speak the language of that
country, it follows that the boundary of
Kashmir id Buliyasa, which 11 koss on
this side (i.e. east) of the Kishan Ganga.
So according to the preceding figures,
the length of Kashmir is 56 (67-11) koss.
The variations in breadth were found to
be not more than 2 koss. The koss that in
use during my reign is that prescribed by
my father. That is a koss is 5000 yards
and the yard is 2 shar'i yards, each of
the latter (yards) being 24 digits
(angusht).”
Jahangir found Srinagar as the most
attaractive and well-planned city of
Kashmir. He has recorded the existing
features of Srinagar City. He describes
the dominant features of Srinagar in
these words: “The name of the city is
Srinagar, and the Bihat river flows
through the midst of it. They call its
fountain-head Vir-nag. It is 14 koss to
the south. By my (Jahangir) order they
have made a building a building and a
garden at that source. There have been
built in the city four very strong stone
and wooden bridges, over which people
come and go. They call a bridge in the
language of this country kadal. There is
a very lofty mosque in the city, one of
the marks of Sultan Sikandar, made in
795 (Hijri) (1393 A.D.). After some time
it was brunt, but was rebuilt by Sultan
Husain. It had not been completed when
the mansion of his life fell down. In 909
(1503-04) Ibrahim Maqri, Vizier of the
Sultan Husain, finished it handsomely.
From that day till now it is 120 years
since it has been in existence. From the
Mihrab to the eastern wall it is 145
yards, and its breadth is 144 yards,
containing four (taq) alcoves. On all
sides of the hall they erected beautiful
cloisters and pillars. In short, no better
memorial of the rulers of Kashmir has
been left than this. Mir Sayyid Ali of
Hamdan (may his grave be santified !)
was for some time in this city. There is
monastry to his memory. Near the city
there are two large lakes full of water
the year round. Their flavour does not
vary; they are the means of coming and
going of the people, and for the
conveyance of grain and firewood on
boats. In the city and parganas there are
5700 boats and 7400 boatmen.”
Jahangir provides very useful and
interesting information regarding the
administrative divisions of Kashmir, its
mode of the payment of revenue and
routes between Punjab and Kashmir.
According to him, “The country of
Kashmir has thirty eight parganas. It is
divided into two provinces; the territory
on the upper part of the river they call
Marraj and that on the lower Kamraj.
Regarding the mode of payment of
revenue he writes: “it is not the custom
to use gold and silver for the payment of
the revenue from land or in commerce,
except for a portion of the cesses (sa'ir-
jihat). They (Kashmiris) reckon the
value of things in kharwars of rice, each
kharwar being three maunds and eight
seers of the current weight. The
Kashmiris reckon two seers as one
maund and four maunds or eight seers
make one tark. The revenue of Kashmir
is 3063050 kharwars and 11 tarks, which
in cash represents 7 4670000 dams.
(dams were copper coins and 40 dams
were equivalent to one rupee).”
Jahangir's account shows that it was not
easy to enter Kashmir because of the
existence of a few and difficult routes
between the Punjab and Kashmir.
However, he has given two routes,
Bhimbher and Pakli, through which one
could enter Kashmir. For him, “Though
that by Bhimbhar is the shorter, yet if
one wishes to find spring in Kashmir, he
is confined to the road by Pakli, for
other roads at this season are blocked
with snow.”
Epilogue Ø
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March 2009
C O L UMN
History
Jahangir's description of the various
features of the different places of
Kashmir indicates that the Mughal
emperor had very minutely and
sincerely observed those features of
Kashmir which were rare in other parts
of India. According to him, “Kashmir is
a garden of eternal spring, or an iron
fort to a palace of kings-a delightful
flower-bed, and heart expanding
heritage for dervishes. Its pleasant
meads and enchanting cascades are
beyond all description. There are
running streams and fountains beyond
count. Wherever the eye reaches,
there are verdure and running water.
The red rose, the violet, and the
narcissus grow of themselves; in the
fields, there are all kinds of flowers
and all sorts of sweet scented herbs
more than can be calculated. In the
soul enchanting spring the hills and
plains are filled with blossoms; the
gates, the walls, the courts, the roofs
are light up by the torches of banquet-
adorning tulips.”
Jahangir's interests in the water
resources and historical places show
that the Mughals were very much
conscious of the preservation of the
natural heritage of Kashmir. The
Mughal emperor acted as a
conservator of the resources. He
identified these resoureces having
potentialities of the socio-economic
development. Moreover, he also
provides the popular perception of
these resources. Jahangir's interests in
these resources brought rich dividends
to the people of Kashmir in terms of
constructive activities. By recording
the features of the water resources
and historical places Jahangir acted as
the propagator of the concept of the
protection of heritage of Kashmir to
create social consciousness towards
them.

Print Media in Kashmir
Post 1989
SABEHA MUFTI
The Writer teaches at the Media
Education Research Center,
University of Kashmir, Srinagar.
T he international media scene was
revolutionized by CNN”s coverage of
the 1990 US-led invasion of Iraq. It
was a watershed, as the State-controlled
monopoly of 'gatekeeping' and 'surveillance
of the environment saw itself withering
away. The arrival of multiple satellite
channels saw the state media fumbling in its
efforts to complete with the new media
technology.
Coincidentally, the imbroglio in Kashmir
projected a fertile playground for the
media. The coverage of events, their
interpretation, and the audience or reader's
role were all getting reincarnated. It was
media's seismic upheaval.
The local media were confined to a regional
Doordarshan Kendra, a local radio station
called Radio Kashmir and the Urdu Press,
which constituted a few Urdu newspapers
coupled with some feebly conspicuous
newspapers. The English press was literally
non-existent. The circulation was
compatible with the readership.
Urdu being the official language, its press
had a dominant presence. Given its past
history in the socio-political context, the
Urdu press was an institution in its own
right. Due to the lack of the private sector
in Kashmir, thereby administrative support
and government patronage was the bane
and lifeline of the press. The press would
tread very safely and cautiously.
The growth of insurgency and the arrival of
Epilogue Ø
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March 2009
MED I A
Coming of its Own
multiple satellite media changed this
scenario. Al-Safa, a recently launched
newspaper, blends activism with realism,
projecting the charged up socio-political
scenario with a perspective much more bold
and critical than the traditional Urdu Press.
The result was that unidentified persons
gunned down the editor.
Local Radio and Television channels
provided highly censored and camouflaged
versions of the situation, originating from
the Army High Command. Credibility of the
local media was at its lowest ebb. The news
production units of Radio and TV were
shifted to New Delhi and even local news
was relayed from the National Capital.
Lot of insecurity prevailed on the ground
situation. The local press was under
tremendous pressure from all sides – the
government as well as the forces operating
above and below the ground. Facing the
heat from the administration and the armed
forces, the local press doled out
government versions of events, which did
not conform to the reality. With many
ideological, militant and political groups
vying for media space and attention, there
was practically no reportage – just claims
The Post – 1989 developments in
Kashmir were monumental and
the local press was not trained on
professional lines to report
interpret or analyse news.

and counter claims, allegations and
counter-allegations. For the reader
there was no alternative media fodder.
Media content was by no standards an
intellectual outpouring.
The local print and electronic media
persons were under so much pressure
that several times the press went on
strike. The government stopped the
supply of newsprint and advertisement
and put curbs on other essential
requisites of newspaper production.
This was done as a pressure tactic to
make the local print media toe the
government line on issues of security
and governance.
In the National dailies, the news
pertaining to Kashmir was printed as
news briefs in the form of a daily toll of
death, destruction and violence. The
credibility of national print media
plummeted drastically. A majority of
the Kashmiri readership saw itself
aligning with the local vernacular press,
understandably accepting the pulls and
pressures faced by the local media. For
the information pertaining to hartals,
curfew relaxations, and other local
information which governed the daily
life in those conditions, the vernacular
press was the lone window to reality.
The post-1989 developments in Kashmir
were monumental and the local press
was not trained on professional lines to
report, interpret or analyse news of
that magnitude. Traditionally, most of
the newspapers were run by a few
individuals. The local Urdu press was
also accused of having an ideological
bias that is of being part of the
prevailing anti-India wave. The
situation was all the more exacerbated
by stringent laws like TADA and POTA.
The local press vacillated between
objectivity, credibility, its image,
fairness and professionalism. Different
forces operating in Kashmir – the
governmental, non-governmental and
those operating from the shadows – all
rode piggy back on the local press.
There were no on-field investigative
stories; much of the human rights
violations went unreported. It was a
very precarious situation for the media,
risking the antagonism of the powers
centres of the time.
There were no on-field
investigative stories; much of
the human rights violations
went unreported.
In the early 1990s, a few English
newspapers appeared on the scene,
first as weeklies testing the waters and
then thriving local dailies. At present,
there are about eight major English
dailies and five major Urdu newspapers.
The total count touches about 600 in
Kashmir, half of which are printed from
Kashmir. Several national dailies like
the Indian Express and The Hindustan
Times launched their state editions as
Kashmir turned into a nerve centre of
news.
Till the mid 1990s, the local print media
did not get much space and opportunity
to asset its freedom and
professionalism, although in Kashmir,
Urdu newspapers have the widest
reach. During the whole period turmoil,
the local media was caught balancing
ideology and professionalism. Most of
the time, there was a visible reflection
of ambivalence in the content. Apart
from inadequate field reporting, media
suffered from the complete
dependence on official statements and
the lack of analysis. Revealing the truth
was also a precarious terrain. Still, on
several occasions the government had
to give clarifications and answers
especially in response to disappearance
and custodial killings.
Epilogue Ø
52 ×
March 2009
MED I A
Coming of its Own
By 2001, the growth of professionalism
became visible in newspaper have
opened bureau offices in Pakistan –
administered Kashmir, New Delhi and
Jammu, thereby widening the ambit of
their coverage. There is also an
increased local interest in mainstream
Indian politics and other issues.
The Local media made a mark with the
coverage of a few Kashmir-based
events. For them, conflict is naturally a
dominant theme. Events like the
Khundroo blast of November 2007,
which devastated a major a major arms
dump in South Kashmir, which the
national media ignored were
extensively covered, interpreted and
analysed with respect to the security,
social and environmental aspects.
Similarly, after the October 2005
earthquake in Kashmir, the local media,
especially print media, played a major
role, being the first to arrive on the
scheme of disaster and calamity ahead
of relief and rescue operators. Although it
is also very true that as a fallout of the 19
years of turmoil, the social, security and
psychological consequences on the local
media in Kashmir are very visible. They are
now empowered and have a strong
presence on the Kashmiri mediascape.
The emergence of two major Urdu
newspapers Uzma and Ittelaat, in the
last one year have revolutionsed the
vernacular Urdu journalism. Both of
these are online 16 page multi-colour
newspapers with exhaustive local,
regional, national and international
coverage. The online access to local
newspapers has opened a new window
to Kashmir. There is a huge Kashmiri
Diaspora in the West and Middle East for
whom the online Urdu and English
Newspapers provide a link to their
homeland. Hence, the local print media
have a bright future ahead, aided by
news media technology.

Strengthening Democracy
in South Asia
ELECTORAL PROCESS AND
GOVERNANCE IN SOUTH ASIA
Edited by Dushyantha Mendis
Sage Publications, New Delhi, 2008,
pp. 479, Rs. 695.00
AJAY DARSHAN BEHERA
is reader at the academy of Third World
Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New
Delhi. He is the author of violence,
terrorism and Human Security in South Asia
and has so-edited Pakistan in a Changing
Strategic Context
H
ow significant are
elections to the
democratic processes has
been highlighted by
recent developments in
South Asia. The general elections held
in Pakistan in February have the
potential to shake up the power
structure and possibly redefine civil-
military relations. One of the
outcomes of the April elections to the
Constituent Assembly in Nepal has
been the abolition of the prevailing
constitutional monarchy and the
adoption of republicanism. The
significance of the electoral processes
for representative democracy and
political participation needs no
emphasis. In a way, it is central to the
democratic functioning of states.
However, it is no easy task to
institutionalize the electoral
processes, particularly in postcolonial
states that have a short history with
the democratic experiment itself and
where the idea of democracy as
political colonial legacy, the political
evolution of the South Asian Countries
and differed. And therefore, their
experience with democratic practice
and political participation has also
varied.
Dushyantha Mendis's edited volume on
Electoral Processes and Governance in
South Asia is an attempt to understand
Epilogue Ø
53 ×
March 2009
BOOK S
Reviews
the electoral processes as they
operate in the South Asian countries.
It focuses on the experiences of
Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and
Sri Lanka. The volume is divided into
three parts. Part I contains the country
papers. Part II is arrangements' and
Part III focuses on 'group discrimination
at elections'. Comprising sixteen
chapters including the editor's
introduction, the book makes for dense
reading. The various chapters manage
to capture the historical and
constitutional evolution of the electoral
processes, the various flaws in them
and suggestion son how to improve and
make them more robust.
Though the countries under discussion
have different political systems and
political culture, in regard to the
electoral processes they share certain
similarities. Despite the adoption of
electoral systems based on universal
suffrage, the challenge for all of them
still remains as to how to make the
democratic system more inclusive. The
power structure in most countries is
till held by a narrow elite. The state
because of its vast control of
resources becomes an important site
of competition. Many of the ills of the
electoral processes can be linked to
this issue. Control of the state and its
resources becomes important for the
patronage networks to sustain and in

democratic systems winning elections
at any cost appears to be the larger
motive of the political parties.
Mendis's argument is that this had led
to excessive politicization and the
political contest has become vacious
and violent. The criminalization of
politics is a major problem in the
electoral processes of the South Asian
Countries under discussion. Despite
the many expedients to overcome this
problem discussed in the chapters,
Mendis feels and correctly so that they
may be impractical. His suggestion
that electoral processes will improve
with increased economic
liberalization, however, is contentious.
Most of the contributors still vouch for
the statutory and institutional
framework. Despite the weakness of
such frameworks, in certain cases, the
problem is that they have not been
allowed to function and quite often
get undermined. Thus, the problem
does not seem to be in Zulfikar Khalid
Muluka writes, 'Apparently there
seems nothing wrong with the
statutory framework and institutional
arrangements … prejudiced practice
results in a negative outcome' (p.
258). It is only in the context of India
that the authors are most positive,
despite some lacunae. The critical role
that the Election Commission plays in
the conduct of free and fair elections
is held up as a model to the other
countries of South Asia.
The objective of the statutory and
institutional framework is to make the
electoral process as mass-based as
possible through free and fair
elections. One of the important issues
is the question of the legitimacy of the
elections – that the electoral results
are acceptable to the contending
political parties and the people at
large. Therefore, the conduct of the
elections and the institutions
responsible for the conduct of the
elections has to be above board. While
the experience of India and Sri Lanka
in this regard has been fortuitous, the
same cannot be said about the
experience elections the other seven
elections have been allegedly rigged.
It is not easy task to
institutionalize the electoral
process, particularly in
postcolonial states that have a
short history with the
democratic experiment itself
and where the idea of
democracy as political culture
has yet to seep in and take
institutional roots. Despite a
common colonial legacy, the
political evolution of the South
Asian countries has differed.
And therefore, their experience
with democratic practice and
political participation has also
varied.
The Election Commission, the body
responsible for the conduct of
elections, has eight out of nine
general elections have been
conducted by military regimes or
under their supervision. With the
frequent manipulated electoral
process, the people's faith in the
elections has declined, sadly reflected
in the declining voter turnout. The
voter turnout in the 1997 elections
was 38 percent. Though official figures
of voter turnout for the 2002 elections
Epilogue Ø
54 ×
March 2009
BOOK S
Reviews
was around 50 percent, it is believed
that it was as low as 20 percent.
The experience of caretaker
governments in conducting elections in
the context of Pakistan and
Bangladesh has also been mixed. The
credibility of caretaker governments
in Pakistan has been low. For, instance
the Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi's caretaker
government in 1990 ensured the
defeat of the Pakistan People's Party.
Except for the 1988 and 1998
caretaker governments, the conduct
of the other governments has not been
impartial. Though Bangladesh's
experience with caretaker
governments has been somewhat more
beneficial, it has led to the
politicization of the higher judiciary.
There are many other countries which
see the advantages of a caretaker
government. But the important
counter to unelected so-called neutral
caretaker governments backed by a
statutory and institutional framework
to conduct free and fair elections,
how can they have the same faith in a
caretaker government. The lack of
faith in elected governments to
conduct elections suggests that they
lose their democratic credentials
when they have to conduct elections.
This is not very encouraging for the
democratic process itself.
What has been the role of the political
parties – so important to
representation in a democracy ? Again,
not very encouraging. In the case of
Pakistan, time and again they have let
down people by siding with the
military. In the case of Nepal, the
political parties have not shown the
sagacity to be responsive to the needs
of the masses. The sheer lust for
 BOOK S
Reviews

power at times resulted in instability and a political vacuum

leading to the rise of the Maoists.
What is the final verdict on whether participation in the
electoral process is increasing or declining ? The conclusion
is mixed. In India the growth of coalition politics has
resulted in the inclusion of more and more social groups
and regional identities. There does not seem to be any
large-scale discrimination against any social group. While
there is not discrimination against any religious minority,
the trend since the last few elections is a rising
polarization in the political process on religious lines. In
Bangladesh, discrimination against Hindu voters takes
place not because they are Hindus per se but because
they constitute the Awami League's main vote blocks. In
Nepal, marginalized castes and ethnic groups do not have
equal access to the electoral process which is a result of
historical inequalities in Nepali society. Pakistan had a
discriminatory electoral system for Non-Muslims through a
system of separate electorates until it was changed by the
then President Pervez Musharraf in 2002. Gender
participation remains significantly low all over South Asia.
The general conclusion is that, 'ethnic and religious
divided do not appear to have distorted electoral systems
so much as social and economic divides in South Asian
countries'
The strength of the book lies in highlighting the political
trends in relation to the electoral processes. Despite
occasional repetitions, because of the structure of the
book, the collation of articles is useful in understanding
an important aspect of the democratic functioning of
South Asian states. Some of the articles are rich in data
and detailed discussion. The weakness of the book seems
to be in not being able to offer any muscle power in the
electoral processes. Each country's experience seems to
be different in dealing with this with very little degree of
success. The editor could have taken the trouble of
including a concluding chapter on what lessons South
Asian countries can learn from each other to make their
own electoral processes, even if not perfect, at least a
little more robust. The strengthening of electoral process
is critical to the future of inclusive democracy in South
Asia. Every citizen should develop a stake in the
democratic functioning of not only their own state but as
well as in the neighborhood.
KNOWLEDGE
Ø
Rice, maize and wheat are the major cereals of J&K. The
Basmati rice of RS Pora Tehsil of District Jammu is world famous
for its taste and aroma.
ØJ&K is largest producer of Apple, Walnut, Almond and many
other temperate dry and fresh fruits.
ØJ&K holds number one position in saffron production in India.
ØJ&K is a major exporter of superior quality carpets, wooden art,
embroiderical clothes and many other valuable crafts.
ØWullar Lake in Kashmir is the largest fresh water lake in Asia.
ØLeh airport is the highest altitude airport in India.
ØLeh is the largest district of J&K of while Shopian is the smallest
as per area.
ØJammu district is the most populous district of J&K while Leh is
the least populous.
ØJ&K has got one International airport at Srinagar.
MOTLEY CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Charted Engineers, Govt. Auctioneers, Arbitrators,
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Contact for :
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Tele fax : 01912542157 Mob. : 94191-26230, 94191-13902
Website : www.onindiamart.com,
Email : mkgmotley@gmail.com, mkgmotley@rediffmail.com

Epilogue Ø
55 ×
March 2009
MAKE YOUR CONNECTION TODAY

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JAMMU & KASHMIR

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STRATEGIC AFFAIRS
 BABA GHULAM SHAH BADSHAH UNIVERSITY
RAJOURI - 185131 (J&K)

Admission 2009

ANNOUNCES
Masters Degree Programmes
1. Computer Applications (MCA) 2. Information Technology 3. Business Administration (MBA)
4. Bioresources & Biotechnology 5. Applied Mathematics 6. Arabic
7. Business Administration - Financial Management (MBA-FM)

B - Tech. Programmes
1. B.Tech Computer Sciences & Engineering 2. B.Tech Electronics & Communications
3. B.Tech Information Technology 4. B.Tech Civil Engineering
5. B.Tech Mechanical Engineering

Application Forms along with Information Bulletin shall be available for sale from January 20, 2009, at the
following offices on payment of Rs. 800/- by Demand Draft, drawn in favour of Registrar, BGSB University
payable at J&K Bank, BGSB University Campus, Rajouri:
1. Office of Assistant Registrar (Admissions), University Campus, Rajouri - 185131 (J&K), 01962-262616;
2. Camp Office, Opposite Channi Himmat, Bye Pass Road, Jammu - 180015, 0191-2466892 / 2464402;
3. Regional Office, Rose Lane Colony, Indira Gandhi Road, Parry Pora, Baghat Barzulla (Near S.S.R.B)
Srinagar, Kashmir, 09419011449;
4. Can also be downloaded from University website: www.bgsbuniversity.org

For Details contact:

Dean Academic Affairs, 09419103563 & Assistant Registrar (Admissions), 09419171665
No. BGSBU/Acad/08/23632 Sd/-
Date: January 07, 2009 Assistant Registrar (Academic Affairs)
 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
Inspires; J&K Bank Initiates Relief
Highlights of Economy Wide Relief,
Rehabilitation and revival
J&K Bank Interest Relief for J&K : Relief in terms of interest includes an interest rate reduction in
the range of 100 basis points to 300 basis points across all categories of borrowers including SMEs,
agriculturists and horticulturalists, producers, consumers and government employees. This sectoral
initiative from the bank covers all types of facilities, like term loans, working capital, consumption
loans, consumer loans, housing loans and vehicle loans.
J&K Bank Relief & Restructuring Package for MSMEs : All accounts covered under the
guidelines issued by R.B.I. vide circular dated December 8, 2008 which were standard accounts on
September 1, 2008 would be treated as standard accounts on restructuring provided the restructuring
is taken up on or before January 31, 2009 and the restructuring package is put in place within a period
of 120 days from the date of taking up the restructuring package. Also, the period for implementing
the restructuring package would be 120 days in respect of all accounts excepting real estate, capital
markets, and consumer/consumption loans. The Bank may as part of debt restructuring takeover
outstanding of principal amount only from State Financial Corporation.
J&K Bank Industrial Revival and Rehabilitation Scheme : The comprehensive restructuring
package for Revival and Rehabilitation of sick industrial units identified by the bank and that have
potential for growth shall provide the requisite financial assistance to such units.
J&K Bank Special Relief Package for Transporters : Repayment period in case of Transport
Sector in J&K shall now be 7 years instead of 5 years, as at present. In case where transporters have
difficulty in repaying installments on account of disruption in earnings due to closure of transport
movement during turmoil, branches shall be advised to apportion the amount equivalent to 1, 2 or
maximum 3 installments pertaining to August, September & October 2008 and adjust the same in
remaining tenure including extended period and rework the repayments accordingly for the said
period.
J&K Bank Preferred Interest Rates for Government Employees : Preferred Interest Rate for
J&K Government and PSU Employees reducing thereby its interest rates on housing, consumer,
consumption and education loans to government employees. In a move to provide adequate financial
assistance to middle income group government employees, the bank has in its package given special
relaxation in the eligibility criteria for availing different loans to such employees.
J&K Bank Special Schemes for Fruit Growers in J&K State : 70% of the credit limits would be
considered as permanent core component and the remaining 30% as revolving part. The credit limit
under the scheme should be renewed/reviewed annually subject to adjustment of 30% of the total
limit by the borrower till formal renewal of the limit and drawals in the account to be allowed upto
70% of the previous years limit.”
Reduction in the charges of inter branch fund transfer
Orders of implementation of the initiatives announced shall carry retrospective
effect from Ist January 2008.