Centers move in Kashmir depict one thing, sheer ignorance.
Counter insurgency is an intricate business. It begins with basic understanding of the subject. In a worst case scenario, at the apex of insurgency cycle, 40% to 45% people are pro Insurgents. 20% to 25 % are pro government too. Remaining 20% to 30 % are neutrals. Out of these 5% to 10% are fence sitters. Common counterinsurgency sense says that the effort has to be made by Govt and insurgents alike to , cajole ,influence the fence sitters. Add 5% to the insurgents influence and the revolution is ripe. The critical mass… Prevent these 5% from join the revolutionaries and the conflict extends.
As the conflicts get extended the insurgent support begins to wean. The supports start questioning the legitimacy of cause. Their faith in projected end state starts to wilt.
On the other hand the addition of the the 5 percent towards the government marks the reversal of the process. This creates precedence for the others to follow.
This results in frustration for the terrorist organization. As a result the tempo of terror increases which further intimidates the public. This creates a desirable situation for the government. This situation can be dexterously handled by government to create ground swell for peace.
The battle is to influence the fence sitters.
The four pronged strategy focuses at destruction of terrorist combat potential, containment of fence sitters, increase own support base and create groundswell for peace.
The military component of the strategy aims at separation of the military potential from support base and its subsequent destruction. The political process focuses as marginalization of the hardliners and creating new pro peace political structure. A Simultaneous addressing of the root cause of alienation puts things back in shape.
The Government of India has approached this problem in an inverted manner.
It is trying to appease the hardliners and alienate the common mass.
It must be understood that spending time and money on hardcore separatists is useless. What is more pertinent is taht Gilani Sahab, Masarat Alam Bhat et all do not represent common Kashmir masses.
The so called Kashmir Movement is restricted to parts of Kashmir Valley Only. It is limited to one section of the community, Kashmir’s. It enjoys negligible support from Gujjar, Bakkarwal,Paharis, Baltis and Laddakhis. So it cannot classically be termed as movement. Adding up people participating in engineered protest in a day maximum 5000-8000 people protest all over the Kashmir. For a state with 80 Lakh populations this figure works out to 0.1 per cent. I wonder how it could be called Insurgency.
News channels report the protest. One fine day let these people go to Uri, Kupwara, Lolab, Gures,Sonamarg, Gulmarg and report what is happening there. Ask common kashmiri who is suffering day to day what Gilani Sahab means to them their perception about all this chaos will change. In a nut shell the nation is being misled about Kashmir. The crux of the issue is to keep the conflict alive.
Too much of attention and too much of money has been pumped in without visualizing its use. Centre has impelled the tax payer’s money at the cost of development of less privileged states of the union. This money has been siphoned off by the power brokers to keep the Kashmir Terror Industry Alive. Of course they distribute the spoils amongst themselves.
The so called Media Mavericks should conduct sting on politicians and officials involved in this conflict and explain to the country their Rag to Riches stories. Go to the villages beyond NH1-B and see what people have to say about the Huriyat,Kasmiri Politics and Army.
Army has gained substantial goodwill ground by spending money from Defence budget on development work (What the state government should have), no wonder MR Abdulla feels threatened about it.
Army has been able to decapitate the military potential of the terrorist. Time is ripe for the center to realign the approach.
--- Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Whose Kashmir Is It Anyway IV ----- GEOSTRATEGY
The Geostrategic location of Kashmir is Unique.
The southern Silk Route from China crossed Karakoram at Haji Langare in Ladakh, or At Karakoram Pass and through the state of Kashmir, entered the Indus Plains leading to warm water ports of Arabian Sea.
In late 19th century and early 20th century it was the pivot around which the Great Game (made Popular by Rudyard Kipling’s KIM) revolved.
(The Panjdeh Incident when Russians seized the oasis of Merv in 1884 brought interests of British Empire and those of Russia to clash in central Asia. Without any Afghan say in the matter, the Joint Anglo-Russian Boundary Commission agreed the Russians would relinquish the farthest territory captured in their advance, but retain Panjdeh. The agreement delineated a permanent northern Afghan frontier at the Amu Darya, with the loss of a large amount of territory, especially around Panjdeh
In 1890–91 the British suspected Russian involvement "with the Rulers of the petty States on the northern boundary of Kashmir". This resulted in the Hunza-Naga Campaign was fought in 1891.)
Kashmir through out the British Raj was a buffer between the Russian and them. (Tsarist Russia prior to 1917 and Communist Soviets thereafter). It could have well been integrated into Dominion of Pakistan or Union of India at time of Independence, but the British realize that its exclusion will yield better policy results. (This aspect will be dealt separately).
Pakistani Stakes
The State of Kashmir lies in the upper riparian of Indus River. The water scarce state of Pakistan is insecure about its water resources. For Pakistan Kashmir means water security and additional land to settle its Punjabi population. As a Muslim Majority state it gives credibility to the two nation theory. It gives Pakistan a lager open boundary with Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of longtime ally China. It increases the standing of Pakistan with the Islamic republic and makes Pakistan a stronger contender for Islamic Caliphate.
Chinese Stakes
For China Kashmir is a vital link for a all weather link to the Arabian Sea port of Karachi. It gives boost to energy security of China. Kashmir under Chinese influence means Rail and Road link with Karachi along Indus River, Oil pipe line from Iran. It makes Straits of Malacca redundant. It will assist in bringing development of Xinxiang Autonomous Region (XAR) and western TAR. It will assist in integration of TAR, XAR in China. The Kashmir dispute keeps into Pak brinkmanship alive keeping them engrossed. This leaves enough room for China to yield its influence on Central, South Asia and Middle East. It keeps the burgeoning Pakistan defense Market Alive.
Anglo- American Stakes
The Anglo American synergy is directed to control of energy resources in Middle east. The Indo Pak conflict fueled by Kashmir dispute gives them a rally point to cajole Pakistan in their favour. The bases that have been rewarded to them in Gilgit and Hunza keep the Chinese and Resurgent Russians under surveillance. Kashmir especially Ladakh with India aids them as it blocks Chinese access to Arabian Sea. Northern Areas with Pakistan prevent indo Russian link up. It checks Indian influence on Afghanistan. In nutshell the Kashmir dispute is a vital constituent of maintaining global hegemony. India and Pakistan are major arms importers.
Russians Stakes
Resurgent Russia wants an unprecedented influence in Central Asia. Kashmir keeps India and Pak, two major contenders confined south of Pamir tract. Ladakh with India keeps Chinese energy stakes vulnerable. The Weapons market is a major contributor to economy.
Indian Stakes
India gets no water from Kashmir. It stands nowhere in competition with China for global energy stakes. Less Kashmir Indian borders are strategically more compact. Indain forces gain overwhelming ratio over Pakistan Army. It has free money to invest for progress in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and North East. It annually spends US$ 824 Million on keeping Kashmir afloat.
It is cradle of Indian Philosophy. It is a matter of Belief in Sufism, Islam and Buddhism. For India Kashmir is the cornerstone of its secular existence.
It is unfortunate that we have lost reference to 3000 years of heritage and history of Kashmir. If revived it could well prove to be the vital link to integrated India.
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
The southern Silk Route from China crossed Karakoram at Haji Langare in Ladakh, or At Karakoram Pass and through the state of Kashmir, entered the Indus Plains leading to warm water ports of Arabian Sea.
In late 19th century and early 20th century it was the pivot around which the Great Game (made Popular by Rudyard Kipling’s KIM) revolved.
(The Panjdeh Incident when Russians seized the oasis of Merv in 1884 brought interests of British Empire and those of Russia to clash in central Asia. Without any Afghan say in the matter, the Joint Anglo-Russian Boundary Commission agreed the Russians would relinquish the farthest territory captured in their advance, but retain Panjdeh. The agreement delineated a permanent northern Afghan frontier at the Amu Darya, with the loss of a large amount of territory, especially around Panjdeh
In 1890–91 the British suspected Russian involvement "with the Rulers of the petty States on the northern boundary of Kashmir". This resulted in the Hunza-Naga Campaign was fought in 1891.)
Kashmir through out the British Raj was a buffer between the Russian and them. (Tsarist Russia prior to 1917 and Communist Soviets thereafter). It could have well been integrated into Dominion of Pakistan or Union of India at time of Independence, but the British realize that its exclusion will yield better policy results. (This aspect will be dealt separately).
Pakistani Stakes
The State of Kashmir lies in the upper riparian of Indus River. The water scarce state of Pakistan is insecure about its water resources. For Pakistan Kashmir means water security and additional land to settle its Punjabi population. As a Muslim Majority state it gives credibility to the two nation theory. It gives Pakistan a lager open boundary with Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of longtime ally China. It increases the standing of Pakistan with the Islamic republic and makes Pakistan a stronger contender for Islamic Caliphate.
Chinese Stakes
For China Kashmir is a vital link for a all weather link to the Arabian Sea port of Karachi. It gives boost to energy security of China. Kashmir under Chinese influence means Rail and Road link with Karachi along Indus River, Oil pipe line from Iran. It makes Straits of Malacca redundant. It will assist in bringing development of Xinxiang Autonomous Region (XAR) and western TAR. It will assist in integration of TAR, XAR in China. The Kashmir dispute keeps into Pak brinkmanship alive keeping them engrossed. This leaves enough room for China to yield its influence on Central, South Asia and Middle East. It keeps the burgeoning Pakistan defense Market Alive.
Anglo- American Stakes
The Anglo American synergy is directed to control of energy resources in Middle east. The Indo Pak conflict fueled by Kashmir dispute gives them a rally point to cajole Pakistan in their favour. The bases that have been rewarded to them in Gilgit and Hunza keep the Chinese and Resurgent Russians under surveillance. Kashmir especially Ladakh with India aids them as it blocks Chinese access to Arabian Sea. Northern Areas with Pakistan prevent indo Russian link up. It checks Indian influence on Afghanistan. In nutshell the Kashmir dispute is a vital constituent of maintaining global hegemony. India and Pakistan are major arms importers.
Russians Stakes
Resurgent Russia wants an unprecedented influence in Central Asia. Kashmir keeps India and Pak, two major contenders confined south of Pamir tract. Ladakh with India keeps Chinese energy stakes vulnerable. The Weapons market is a major contributor to economy.
Indian Stakes
India gets no water from Kashmir. It stands nowhere in competition with China for global energy stakes. Less Kashmir Indian borders are strategically more compact. Indain forces gain overwhelming ratio over Pakistan Army. It has free money to invest for progress in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and North East. It annually spends US$ 824 Million on keeping Kashmir afloat.
It is cradle of Indian Philosophy. It is a matter of Belief in Sufism, Islam and Buddhism. For India Kashmir is the cornerstone of its secular existence.
It is unfortunate that we have lost reference to 3000 years of heritage and history of Kashmir. If revived it could well prove to be the vital link to integrated India.
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
JIHAD 2
He was barely a teen
his oversized Phiran concealed his true age
along many of his age
he stood defiant on the Cement Bridge
in Baramulla Old Town.
It was a Medieval war Zone
With Gladiators from Kashmir Police
and Ragdo- Ragdo paladins
stood facing each other in uneasy silence
often rattled with Hindustan Murdabad War cries.
The stones rained like wrath
and partisan phalanx persisted
over the retracting steps of the police
a smile blossomed on his face
and his eyes twinkled
he has earned his day.
He set from his house in the morning
to stroll at dusty banks of Jhelum
when a Jamite entrepreneur
promised him Rs 100 for the day.
Huriyat budget for the days Armageddon was
Rs twenty five thousand
for fifty stone palters at Rs five hundred each
and Rs Ten thousand for the stones
The pimp hired 30 children for Rs hundred each
And made a staggering profit
stone were locally available.
The crescendo of victory was deafening
the Police was retracting
the bridge was theirs.
Then the charioteers arrived
the armored jeeps with tear gas dispensers
fired a salvo on the champions
as smoke bellowed
some canisters were thrown into Jhelum
some hurled back at police
amidst cheers of defiance.
He was on the front line
Cheering and shouting
When He felt an impact on his chest
And pain shot through his body
And he fell down on the bridge
A smoke canister had hit him on his chest.
He gripped his hand tight
To clinch the hundred rupee note
He tried to get up
And run away
To his home
And shove his earnings
Into the jam tin piggy bank
But failed
He looked around the retracting footsteps of his peers
and menacingly advancing charioteers
and made another effort
to crawl to his father
but his limbs failed
his eyes were wet with helplessness
he prayed
to be carried back
to his mother.
He remained there
motionless
on the cement bridge
"If anyone slew an innocent person it would be as if he slew the whole mankind and if anyone saved a life it would be as if he saved the life of the whole mankind"
[Al-Qur’an 5:32]
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
his oversized Phiran concealed his true age
along many of his age
he stood defiant on the Cement Bridge
in Baramulla Old Town.
It was a Medieval war Zone
With Gladiators from Kashmir Police
and Ragdo- Ragdo paladins
stood facing each other in uneasy silence
often rattled with Hindustan Murdabad War cries.
The stones rained like wrath
and partisan phalanx persisted
over the retracting steps of the police
a smile blossomed on his face
and his eyes twinkled
he has earned his day.
He set from his house in the morning
to stroll at dusty banks of Jhelum
when a Jamite entrepreneur
promised him Rs 100 for the day.
Huriyat budget for the days Armageddon was
Rs twenty five thousand
for fifty stone palters at Rs five hundred each
and Rs Ten thousand for the stones
The pimp hired 30 children for Rs hundred each
And made a staggering profit
stone were locally available.
The crescendo of victory was deafening
the Police was retracting
the bridge was theirs.
Then the charioteers arrived
the armored jeeps with tear gas dispensers
fired a salvo on the champions
as smoke bellowed
some canisters were thrown into Jhelum
some hurled back at police
amidst cheers of defiance.
He was on the front line
Cheering and shouting
When He felt an impact on his chest
And pain shot through his body
And he fell down on the bridge
A smoke canister had hit him on his chest.
He gripped his hand tight
To clinch the hundred rupee note
He tried to get up
And run away
To his home
And shove his earnings
Into the jam tin piggy bank
But failed
He looked around the retracting footsteps of his peers
and menacingly advancing charioteers
and made another effort
to crawl to his father
but his limbs failed
his eyes were wet with helplessness
he prayed
to be carried back
to his mother.
He remained there
motionless
on the cement bridge
"If anyone slew an innocent person it would be as if he slew the whole mankind and if anyone saved a life it would be as if he saved the life of the whole mankind"
[Al-Qur’an 5:32]
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
JIHAD 1
Locust
in Neelum Valley
are awaiting
to swarm the Vale
in hordes
to devour of what remains.
Armed with scourge of sycophancy
on a path of sublime salvation
of virgins and vistas
to bequeath apocalyptic wrath
on non believers of lesser Gods.
Permeate they will loC
“Facing fearful odds
Trample ashes of their fathers
Rout temples of their Gods”
submit soil sterile
with
coercive cordite
sinisterly slaughter saplings
bleach brotherhood barren
Deliver demonic design
………………………………………
Hope is Handicapped
snows on shamshabari is melting fast
(contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
in Neelum Valley
are awaiting
to swarm the Vale
in hordes
to devour of what remains.
Armed with scourge of sycophancy
on a path of sublime salvation
of virgins and vistas
to bequeath apocalyptic wrath
on non believers of lesser Gods.
Permeate they will loC
“Facing fearful odds
Trample ashes of their fathers
Rout temples of their Gods”
submit soil sterile
with
coercive cordite
sinisterly slaughter saplings
bleach brotherhood barren
Deliver demonic design
………………………………………
Hope is Handicapped
snows on shamshabari is melting fast
(contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
Radcliffe Wrath
who were we
little children of lesser gods
to be cursed by Radcliffe Wrath
a masterstroke of deceit which left a million dead in a tsunami of blood bath
and sowed the seeds of hatred
between who were brothers once
who were we
gullible ignorant children of lesser logic
who did not understood the underpinnings of the GREAT GAME
and greed for global gold
black gold
yellow gold
who were we
arrogant and self centered demons of greater devil
who demanded to divided this land for HINDUS and MUSLIMS
He who dwelt in the land of Hind is a HINDU
and he who has a clear conscious is a MUSLIM
we all are HINDUS
we all are MUSLIMS
so why we still stand divided
INDIA is as much mine as it is yours
INDIA is PAKI STAN ( a pure land)
who was Radcliffe to tear our heart
we must ponder now
till how long will we suffer from Wrath
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
little children of lesser gods
to be cursed by Radcliffe Wrath
a masterstroke of deceit which left a million dead in a tsunami of blood bath
and sowed the seeds of hatred
between who were brothers once
who were we
gullible ignorant children of lesser logic
who did not understood the underpinnings of the GREAT GAME
and greed for global gold
black gold
yellow gold
who were we
arrogant and self centered demons of greater devil
who demanded to divided this land for HINDUS and MUSLIMS
He who dwelt in the land of Hind is a HINDU
and he who has a clear conscious is a MUSLIM
we all are HINDUS
we all are MUSLIMS
so why we still stand divided
INDIA is as much mine as it is yours
INDIA is PAKI STAN ( a pure land)
who was Radcliffe to tear our heart
we must ponder now
till how long will we suffer from Wrath
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
Perspective on Pakistan
Terrorism is a global scourge.
Pakistan is a nation which is suffering the most. As per SATP 8235 Civilians, 3081 Security force Personnel’s and 16410 Terrorists (Most of them Pakistanis) have been killed since 2003. There have been 218 Suicide attacks in the period between 2002 and 2009. In 2010, so far there have been 28 suicide attacks.
The operations launched by Pakistani Army in Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) (consists Bajaur Agency, Mohmand Agency, Khyber Agency, Orakzai Agency, Kurram Agency, North Waziristan Agency, South Waziristan Agency) ( Operation Rah E Nizat) and North West Frontier Agency ( Amb,Swat, Dir, Chitral, Bajaur, Phulera) (Operation Rah e Rast) resulted in mass internal displacement. As per latest UN OCHA update, some 1.9 million Internally Displaced People, (IDPs) has so far been confirmed by Pakistani authorities. About 260,000 IDPs are living in 27 camps and the remainders are with host families.
Pakistan is torn with internal strife and sectarian Violence. (116 People Killed in 26 Incidents in 2010), The Shia- Sunni Divide is enlarging day by day. Pakistani Economy is in tatters. It is needless to say that the county is undergoing a crisis situation.
Agreed, the Pakistani establishment and ISI are to be blamed. But it is the common people who are facing this wrath. They are being grinded d between the terrorist and the Government.
The Anti India Obsession is a state function. The common people of Pakistan have no time to engage in this rhetoric. They have more crucial issues to fight for. (Inflation remains the top concern among the public, jumping from 7.7% in 2007 to 20.8% in 2008, and 14.2% in 2009…CIA World Fact Book).
We should, see the things in clear perspective. There are three variables here: - The Pakistani Establishment (ISI, ARMY, and Politicians), the Fundamentalists and the Common People. The majority i.e. Common People of Pakistan are being misguided by Establishment by use of Fundamentalist as an effective deception for their failed policies.
We should stand for People of Pakistan.
We should expose the deceit of the Pakistani Establishment by directing our protest against it directly. No reference to Nation of Pakistan should be made directly in loose term.
We respect sovereignty of our Neighbour Pakistan. We want Peace, stability and Harmony. We are prepared to work for it. But we stand against those in Pakistan who pose challenge to Indian sovereignty.
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
Pakistan is a nation which is suffering the most. As per SATP 8235 Civilians, 3081 Security force Personnel’s and 16410 Terrorists (Most of them Pakistanis) have been killed since 2003. There have been 218 Suicide attacks in the period between 2002 and 2009. In 2010, so far there have been 28 suicide attacks.
The operations launched by Pakistani Army in Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) (consists Bajaur Agency, Mohmand Agency, Khyber Agency, Orakzai Agency, Kurram Agency, North Waziristan Agency, South Waziristan Agency) ( Operation Rah E Nizat) and North West Frontier Agency ( Amb,Swat, Dir, Chitral, Bajaur, Phulera) (Operation Rah e Rast) resulted in mass internal displacement. As per latest UN OCHA update, some 1.9 million Internally Displaced People, (IDPs) has so far been confirmed by Pakistani authorities. About 260,000 IDPs are living in 27 camps and the remainders are with host families.
Pakistan is torn with internal strife and sectarian Violence. (116 People Killed in 26 Incidents in 2010), The Shia- Sunni Divide is enlarging day by day. Pakistani Economy is in tatters. It is needless to say that the county is undergoing a crisis situation.
Agreed, the Pakistani establishment and ISI are to be blamed. But it is the common people who are facing this wrath. They are being grinded d between the terrorist and the Government.
The Anti India Obsession is a state function. The common people of Pakistan have no time to engage in this rhetoric. They have more crucial issues to fight for. (Inflation remains the top concern among the public, jumping from 7.7% in 2007 to 20.8% in 2008, and 14.2% in 2009…CIA World Fact Book).
We should, see the things in clear perspective. There are three variables here: - The Pakistani Establishment (ISI, ARMY, and Politicians), the Fundamentalists and the Common People. The majority i.e. Common People of Pakistan are being misguided by Establishment by use of Fundamentalist as an effective deception for their failed policies.
We should stand for People of Pakistan.
We should expose the deceit of the Pakistani Establishment by directing our protest against it directly. No reference to Nation of Pakistan should be made directly in loose term.
We respect sovereignty of our Neighbour Pakistan. We want Peace, stability and Harmony. We are prepared to work for it. But we stand against those in Pakistan who pose challenge to Indian sovereignty.
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
Pipe Pipers of Jihad…
In the apple orchard of
Pahalan, Pattan Kashmir
Children
young and tender
played
Terrorist –Army
………
Sharik and Umer were Mujahidins
They established a Hide in the Barn
And Army
Ilakh,Abdu,Yakub and Salim
Were informed to
Spin a fool proof yarn
The hide was cordoned
Mujahidin opened fire
With planks of apple chest as mock guns
The army fired too
And Umer was judged shaeed
But Sharik escaped to
Continue his deed
……..
Cheater said Sailm
We fired at you
We killed you Goon
You cannot escape alive
Stupid
Said Sharik
a Cat has Nine lives…
Friend they were
Thick bum chums
They played,
They wandered around
They bunked the school
Till one day the headmaster
Caught them loafing around
He reprimanded them
He told them to
Come to school with parents
The friends were shocked
How to tell their parents
They were not attending school
What to do
How to get out of this impasse that ruled
Lets tell them the truth
Said Yakub
And plea for mercy this time
Sissy you Said Salim
We will not bend nor beg
Umer said there is no way
Lets tell our parents and see
Whatever will be will be
Whatever will be Abdu retorted
We will be beaten to pulp and blue
This is certainly not the thing
I will agree to do
What is the way out?
Said they together in doubt
There is one way Sharik said
Wit twinkle in his eyes
But you all are a bunch of softies
For you it holds no tie
I will at dawn tomorrow
Cross LoC at closest
and reach Pakistan
Will become a Mujahidin then
And return with Gun and fame
You kids will see
My Charisma and my name
Ha said Umer,
is it easy as you said
The snow on hills is Fresh and deep
Soon we will be dead
No, replied the Wise Sharik
Do you think I am naive?
We will cross Not from Gulmarg
But Tangdhar and get save
I overheard my uncle who
Works over ground
Lot of gaps in LoC fence
Are there to be found
But all this will cost some money
Said Yakub
We have nothing
… it is funny
Hold, said Sharik
Tuning his pockets out
Fished currency notes
Now is there any doubt
From where you got so much of money
Asked all his friends together
I help few Mujahidin
Sharik Replied
With beaming Proud In his eyes
When they were in rough weather
I guided them
From village to Jungles
Away from army camp
I even carried an AK
And held it close to my heart
They smiled at me
And hugged me close
And gave this to me
Did when we part
The boys watched him
With surprised gaze
Their eyes lit
With hopeful Rays
So
Sharik Asked
Who all are Men Enough?
To come with me
…………………………….
And who is a eunuch…
One by one
all agreed to go
early morning tomorrow they shall leave
it was decided so….
…………………………….
Journey from Pattan to Kupwara
Coasted fortune they had
They sat on the main market
Hungry heartbroken and sad
Now what shall be done?
was there any way
to cross the Samshabari
they asked Sharik in Dismay?
Sharik replied with conviction
We will go to the nearest Mosque
And when people come for namaz
Implore them
that we are holy warriors
And ask for Zakat
They walked to the Mosque
And found no one there
It was 9 30 in Moring
So no one offered prayer
Sharik in zest to prove him
Gave premature Azaan
And Maulvi Sadakat
Came rushing with chagrin and disdain
But when he saw these children
He was perplexed as can be
Who gave the Azan he inquired
Without asking me
The boys confused by now
Pushed Sharik ahead
And frightened, told the Maulvi
What he had sad
Amazed was the Maulvi
And told them to sit down
Walked out to arrange some food
With an anxious frown
After the children had eaten
He asked Sharik the reason
To lead this group of novices
For an act of treason
Treason! Shouted Sharik
You are a man of faith
How dare you dissuade holy warriors?
Who tread the path of Jihad
Jihad,
The maulvi smiled
He told Sharik to sit down
And ask the children
Why they had quit their homes
When he came to know
Their plight
He spoke to them
“You are running away from you primary duty
This is to obtain education
And grow up as responsible Humans
This is your Jihad
Islam stands for Brotherhood
Islam stands for belief
Islam teaches Compassion
Islam teaches Peace
What brings you here is not pious
Go back to your homes
You children
And spread smiles
Around
Spread hope
Be Allah the Merciful be with you
………
The children were sent back home
Their parents were amazed
A thousand Questions in their conscious
Were raised
……………………………………..
This is a true incident. These children ran away from their home to escape from punishment at the school. What is unusual here is these children wanted to go to POK (Azad Kashmir, Whatever you want to call it), and get enrolled as Mujahidin. This is a sad situation, wherein the children who should be groomed as future of Kashmir are made to think such things.
The Kashmir movement now is fully controlled by Pakistan. Mostly Pakistani terrorists operate within the valley with impunity. Most of these are criminals, who have been given an option to choose between Gallows or Kashmir. They come here, stay for two to three years, enjoy what all can be pleasured. Some are killed and some go back. What is left behind is for Kashmir to suffer.
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
Pahalan, Pattan Kashmir
Children
young and tender
played
Terrorist –Army
………
Sharik and Umer were Mujahidins
They established a Hide in the Barn
And Army
Ilakh,Abdu,Yakub and Salim
Were informed to
Spin a fool proof yarn
The hide was cordoned
Mujahidin opened fire
With planks of apple chest as mock guns
The army fired too
And Umer was judged shaeed
But Sharik escaped to
Continue his deed
……..
Cheater said Sailm
We fired at you
We killed you Goon
You cannot escape alive
Stupid
Said Sharik
a Cat has Nine lives…
Friend they were
Thick bum chums
They played,
They wandered around
They bunked the school
Till one day the headmaster
Caught them loafing around
He reprimanded them
He told them to
Come to school with parents
The friends were shocked
How to tell their parents
They were not attending school
What to do
How to get out of this impasse that ruled
Lets tell them the truth
Said Yakub
And plea for mercy this time
Sissy you Said Salim
We will not bend nor beg
Umer said there is no way
Lets tell our parents and see
Whatever will be will be
Whatever will be Abdu retorted
We will be beaten to pulp and blue
This is certainly not the thing
I will agree to do
What is the way out?
Said they together in doubt
There is one way Sharik said
Wit twinkle in his eyes
But you all are a bunch of softies
For you it holds no tie
I will at dawn tomorrow
Cross LoC at closest
and reach Pakistan
Will become a Mujahidin then
And return with Gun and fame
You kids will see
My Charisma and my name
Ha said Umer,
is it easy as you said
The snow on hills is Fresh and deep
Soon we will be dead
No, replied the Wise Sharik
Do you think I am naive?
We will cross Not from Gulmarg
But Tangdhar and get save
I overheard my uncle who
Works over ground
Lot of gaps in LoC fence
Are there to be found
But all this will cost some money
Said Yakub
We have nothing
… it is funny
Hold, said Sharik
Tuning his pockets out
Fished currency notes
Now is there any doubt
From where you got so much of money
Asked all his friends together
I help few Mujahidin
Sharik Replied
With beaming Proud In his eyes
When they were in rough weather
I guided them
From village to Jungles
Away from army camp
I even carried an AK
And held it close to my heart
They smiled at me
And hugged me close
And gave this to me
Did when we part
The boys watched him
With surprised gaze
Their eyes lit
With hopeful Rays
So
Sharik Asked
Who all are Men Enough?
To come with me
…………………………….
And who is a eunuch…
One by one
all agreed to go
early morning tomorrow they shall leave
it was decided so….
…………………………….
Journey from Pattan to Kupwara
Coasted fortune they had
They sat on the main market
Hungry heartbroken and sad
Now what shall be done?
was there any way
to cross the Samshabari
they asked Sharik in Dismay?
Sharik replied with conviction
We will go to the nearest Mosque
And when people come for namaz
Implore them
that we are holy warriors
And ask for Zakat
They walked to the Mosque
And found no one there
It was 9 30 in Moring
So no one offered prayer
Sharik in zest to prove him
Gave premature Azaan
And Maulvi Sadakat
Came rushing with chagrin and disdain
But when he saw these children
He was perplexed as can be
Who gave the Azan he inquired
Without asking me
The boys confused by now
Pushed Sharik ahead
And frightened, told the Maulvi
What he had sad
Amazed was the Maulvi
And told them to sit down
Walked out to arrange some food
With an anxious frown
After the children had eaten
He asked Sharik the reason
To lead this group of novices
For an act of treason
Treason! Shouted Sharik
You are a man of faith
How dare you dissuade holy warriors?
Who tread the path of Jihad
Jihad,
The maulvi smiled
He told Sharik to sit down
And ask the children
Why they had quit their homes
When he came to know
Their plight
He spoke to them
“You are running away from you primary duty
This is to obtain education
And grow up as responsible Humans
This is your Jihad
Islam stands for Brotherhood
Islam stands for belief
Islam teaches Compassion
Islam teaches Peace
What brings you here is not pious
Go back to your homes
You children
And spread smiles
Around
Spread hope
Be Allah the Merciful be with you
………
The children were sent back home
Their parents were amazed
A thousand Questions in their conscious
Were raised
……………………………………..
This is a true incident. These children ran away from their home to escape from punishment at the school. What is unusual here is these children wanted to go to POK (Azad Kashmir, Whatever you want to call it), and get enrolled as Mujahidin. This is a sad situation, wherein the children who should be groomed as future of Kashmir are made to think such things.
The Kashmir movement now is fully controlled by Pakistan. Mostly Pakistani terrorists operate within the valley with impunity. Most of these are criminals, who have been given an option to choose between Gallows or Kashmir. They come here, stay for two to three years, enjoy what all can be pleasured. Some are killed and some go back. What is left behind is for Kashmir to suffer.
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
Now Or Never
British were always obsessed with their superiority. Their failure in Second World War gave them a bloody nose. To sustain the empire “Where the sun did never set,” become economically unviable.
America was the new God, Basking under the glory of its victory in Europe. Together, the Brits and Yaks feared the neo Devil, Communism.
Oil was important for the recovery of war torn Europe. It was Middle East from where the oil came from. At this juncture ceding independence to India was a strategic risk. But if India was not liberated, it would have been direct pronunciation of Hypocrisy of western ideology of Liberty and Freedom. After all it was this philosophy for which Americans have fought the war.
Churchill administration was certain that an India under leadership of Mahatma will not allow them to operate military bases in South Asia. And these were needed.
So the conspiracy of partition of India was hatched. What all they needed was Baluchistan and NWFP. Since Baluchistan was technically Afgan territory and Pathnas were allied to Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan it was a difficult task.
The Idea of Pakistan saw light of the day.
It was a result of ambitions, distrust, misunderstanding on both sides; the Congress and the League, that partition of India became viable.
Radcliff did a brilliant Job. On close observation one can decipher the sinister design of the boundary. Kishangarh Buldge, juts into Pakistan where it is narrowest. Chicken neck, threaten Indian communication with Kashmir, Siliguri corridor is 80 Km wide and the Bay of Bengal is just 60 Km from Lungetlai salient.
The events during partition left a stigma which will take generations to wane. Who so ever stated it; both nations suffered, and are still suffering. To top it all Kashmir was invaded. Now if the British Commanding general of Indian and Pakistan army pleads ignorance, he is a liar. The nascent Pakistan was convinced by British that Kashmir or Part of it is necessary for their existence. One way it was. But the method employed in haste entangled the two nations in a 63 years old animosity.
We were Brothers and we could have settled it amicably.
If a policy for 63 years has produced no result. The policy has resulted in four wars. It is high time we need to relook at it. 63 years of hatred, why not give chance to love?
Now let us have a look at some facts.
In 2008-09 Pakistan allocated a sum of Rs 296 billion for defence. India laid down a defence budget 1.42 trillion rupees (28.4 billion dollars) in year 2010. Over the next 12 years, India is set to spend a whopping US$200 billion on defence acquisitions to replace its outdated inventory. This Money can be utilized for better purposes.
Here are some more recent comparative indicators:
One out of every three illiterate adults in the world is an Indian, according to UNESCO. Pakistan stands fourth in the world in terms of illiterate adult population, after India, China and Bangladesh.
One out of very two hungry persons in the world is an Indian, according to World Food Program. Pakistan fares significantly better than India on the hunger front.
Poverty:
Population living under $1.25 a day - India: 41.6% Pakistan: 22.6% Source: UNDP
The reason for higher levels of poverty in India in spite of its rapid economic growth is the growing rich-poor disparity. Gini indexmeasuring rich-poor gap for India is at 36, higher than Pakistan's 30. Gini index is defined as a ratio with values between 0 and 100: A low Gini index indicates more equal income or wealth distribution, while a high Gini index indicates more unequal distribution. Zero corresponds to perfect equality (everyone having exactly the same income) and 100 corresponds to perfect inequality (where one person has all the income, while everyone else has zero income).
Nutrition:
Underweight Children Under Five (in percent) Pakistan 38% India 46% Source: UNICEF
Health:
Life expectancy at birth (years), 2007 India: 63.4 Pakistan: 66.2 Source: HDR2009
Education:
Youth (15–24 years) literacy rate, 2000 to 2007, male Pakistan: 80% India 87% Source: UNICEF
Youth (15–24 years) literacy rate, 2000 to 2007, female Pakistan 60% India 77% Source: UNICEF
Economics:
GDP per capita (US$), 2008 Pak:$1000-1022 India $1017-1100
Child Protection:
Child marriage under 15-years ; 1998–2007*, total Pakistan - 32%India - 47% Source: UNICEF
Under-5 mortality rate per 1000 live births (2007), Value Pakistan - 90 India 72 Source: UNICEF
The time has come for us to make a choice. Weather we continue our attitude of mutual distrust and spend money preparing for a battle that is costing future of our nation.Or we reconcile our difference and work together for progress.
It is not that difficult also.
We start with India taking the initiative. Revamp Indus water treaty to establish Joint Hydro Electric Projects in Kashmir. India will provide Investment and Expertise and Pakistan will get Electricity and water. With a Hydroelectric potential of 28000 MWin Kashmir, Pakistan can easy get up to 8-10 Thousand Watts.
This should be followed by Pakistan closing its terrorist infrastructure. A joint commission for investigation of Anti India and Pakistani activities should be established hereafter.
Pakistan to provide India the status of most favored Nation. India should provide soft lone for revitalization of economic activity. India should invest in Pakistan. This should be followed by establishment of common free market, and if possible unified currency.
The visa regulation is next. Like EU a common citizenship card should be established for both nations.
During this period Military to military interaction should increase. Exchange program for Military establishment should take place. Further a joint command should be established for UN operations. Later this can be extended into joint South Asian Command.
We should aim at field a Joint team in 2023 Olympics.
Then we can talk about Kashmir.
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
America was the new God, Basking under the glory of its victory in Europe. Together, the Brits and Yaks feared the neo Devil, Communism.
Oil was important for the recovery of war torn Europe. It was Middle East from where the oil came from. At this juncture ceding independence to India was a strategic risk. But if India was not liberated, it would have been direct pronunciation of Hypocrisy of western ideology of Liberty and Freedom. After all it was this philosophy for which Americans have fought the war.
Churchill administration was certain that an India under leadership of Mahatma will not allow them to operate military bases in South Asia. And these were needed.
So the conspiracy of partition of India was hatched. What all they needed was Baluchistan and NWFP. Since Baluchistan was technically Afgan territory and Pathnas were allied to Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan it was a difficult task.
The Idea of Pakistan saw light of the day.
It was a result of ambitions, distrust, misunderstanding on both sides; the Congress and the League, that partition of India became viable.
Radcliff did a brilliant Job. On close observation one can decipher the sinister design of the boundary. Kishangarh Buldge, juts into Pakistan where it is narrowest. Chicken neck, threaten Indian communication with Kashmir, Siliguri corridor is 80 Km wide and the Bay of Bengal is just 60 Km from Lungetlai salient.
The events during partition left a stigma which will take generations to wane. Who so ever stated it; both nations suffered, and are still suffering. To top it all Kashmir was invaded. Now if the British Commanding general of Indian and Pakistan army pleads ignorance, he is a liar. The nascent Pakistan was convinced by British that Kashmir or Part of it is necessary for their existence. One way it was. But the method employed in haste entangled the two nations in a 63 years old animosity.
We were Brothers and we could have settled it amicably.
If a policy for 63 years has produced no result. The policy has resulted in four wars. It is high time we need to relook at it. 63 years of hatred, why not give chance to love?
Now let us have a look at some facts.
In 2008-09 Pakistan allocated a sum of Rs 296 billion for defence. India laid down a defence budget 1.42 trillion rupees (28.4 billion dollars) in year 2010. Over the next 12 years, India is set to spend a whopping US$200 billion on defence acquisitions to replace its outdated inventory. This Money can be utilized for better purposes.
Here are some more recent comparative indicators:
One out of every three illiterate adults in the world is an Indian, according to UNESCO. Pakistan stands fourth in the world in terms of illiterate adult population, after India, China and Bangladesh.
One out of very two hungry persons in the world is an Indian, according to World Food Program. Pakistan fares significantly better than India on the hunger front.
Poverty:
Population living under $1.25 a day - India: 41.6% Pakistan: 22.6% Source: UNDP
The reason for higher levels of poverty in India in spite of its rapid economic growth is the growing rich-poor disparity. Gini indexmeasuring rich-poor gap for India is at 36, higher than Pakistan's 30. Gini index is defined as a ratio with values between 0 and 100: A low Gini index indicates more equal income or wealth distribution, while a high Gini index indicates more unequal distribution. Zero corresponds to perfect equality (everyone having exactly the same income) and 100 corresponds to perfect inequality (where one person has all the income, while everyone else has zero income).
Nutrition:
Underweight Children Under Five (in percent) Pakistan 38% India 46% Source: UNICEF
Health:
Life expectancy at birth (years), 2007 India: 63.4 Pakistan: 66.2 Source: HDR2009
Education:
Youth (15–24 years) literacy rate, 2000 to 2007, male Pakistan: 80% India 87% Source: UNICEF
Youth (15–24 years) literacy rate, 2000 to 2007, female Pakistan 60% India 77% Source: UNICEF
Economics:
GDP per capita (US$), 2008 Pak:$1000-1022 India $1017-1100
Child Protection:
Child marriage under 15-years ; 1998–2007*, total Pakistan - 32%India - 47% Source: UNICEF
Under-5 mortality rate per 1000 live births (2007), Value Pakistan - 90 India 72 Source: UNICEF
The time has come for us to make a choice. Weather we continue our attitude of mutual distrust and spend money preparing for a battle that is costing future of our nation.Or we reconcile our difference and work together for progress.
It is not that difficult also.
We start with India taking the initiative. Revamp Indus water treaty to establish Joint Hydro Electric Projects in Kashmir. India will provide Investment and Expertise and Pakistan will get Electricity and water. With a Hydroelectric potential of 28000 MWin Kashmir, Pakistan can easy get up to 8-10 Thousand Watts.
This should be followed by Pakistan closing its terrorist infrastructure. A joint commission for investigation of Anti India and Pakistani activities should be established hereafter.
Pakistan to provide India the status of most favored Nation. India should provide soft lone for revitalization of economic activity. India should invest in Pakistan. This should be followed by establishment of common free market, and if possible unified currency.
The visa regulation is next. Like EU a common citizenship card should be established for both nations.
During this period Military to military interaction should increase. Exchange program for Military establishment should take place. Further a joint command should be established for UN operations. Later this can be extended into joint South Asian Command.
We should aim at field a Joint team in 2023 Olympics.
Then we can talk about Kashmir.
(Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
THE FEDERATION OF REPUBLICS OF SOUTH ASIA
To begin with, this idea is Utopian. Impossible, many will conclude. Some will rubbish it. Only a few dreamers will acknowledge its merit.
The recipe for partition of India was perfect. The nation, divided by religion detonated into a violent paroxysm. The effect was so profound that the cause was forgotten. Soon, the invasion of Kashmir orchestrated by the British overlords sealed the fates of the new born nations with distrust and hatred. It was done to ensure the presence of Anglo –American alliance in South East Asia.
The hatred for each other propelled them on a trajectory of immolation. The divided nations fought four wars impeding own progress.
Today, Pakistan stands on a tower of Babble and India struggles towards self-esteem. The fingers are pointed at each other in a blindfolded game of ping pong.
What has been achieved by the 63 years of acrimony?
Has Pakistan achieved what it was created for?
Is India anywhere close to Gandhian vision of Swaraj?
The Answer is NO.
If a policy has failed to produce results for 63 years it certainly needs a re look.
A De Novo Look
Let us first acknowledge that the Partition of India was a British Design. The so called “Two Nation Theory,” was a proxy to spark animosity between the Hindus and Muslims. The Partition of India and Pakistan was a Historical Blunder and needs revision. This is the first and foremost step.
Once this is accepted by both nations the Kashmir issue becomes redundant.
Then we must rework towards restorations of relations as on 1st of January 1947. The Canal network, the Rail and road networks should be reopened. Travel and trade restrictions should be removed. The Punjabi & Sindhi Cultures will be the catalyst in this progress.
Then reintegration of the Armies should be worked upon. Firstly all operational units should return to peace location. Then a joint command should be established for international commitments. A unified Naval Command should be established for protection of SLOCS in Arabian Sea. A joint Air Logistics Command to be established for support of sea and ground forces. This should be followed by military exchange programs and joint maneuvers.
The Nations should withdraw from commonwealth till the Crown does not submit an apology for Partition and blood bath thereafter.
On sports front a joint team should be fielded for Olympics & Asian Games.
Once this has been achieved the issue of Kashmir should be worked out. Joint Investment should be made in development of Kashmir and Northern Areas by tapping Hydro Electric Potential. Needless to say tourism will boom.
Federalisation
After achieving the desire degree of maturity the process of fadrelisation should began. This should began with restructuring of Indian Union by giving further autonomy to its constituent states including Kashmir and Pakistan extending similar autonomy to its constituents. Once this has been accomplished, the Indian state of Kashmir and Pakistan state of Kashmir, and northern areas should be merged into single state. Punjab provinces of both nations should be open to same if the people desire so.
Once this is achieved, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives should be invited to be a part of the federation.
Federal Authority. This should be followed by establishment of Federal Authority. This will constitute representatives of Government of the constituent state. The Joint Headquarters of Defence Forces, Office of foreign Affairs & Economic Commission will work under federal authority.
Peoples Parliament .The federal authority will oversee the election of the people’s parliament as per the method in vogue in the state. The people’s parliament will be the apex body which will work out a constitution and approve recommendations of federal authority.
The present system of Central and State Assembly of constituent nations will continue. The Federal authority will allocate annual budget to the constituent nations after catering for the federal list issues. The Budget will be approved by people’s parliament. When the countries deem fit the central
government of the constituent states can be dissolved. This will bring the Stated directly under People’s Parliament.
Common Market and Currency. The integrated market will be protected by cultural and traditional property rights. A common currency will facilitate free trade.
Geo- Strategic- Economic Challenges.
The Fedralisation of South Asia will dissolve the sphere of Influence of Hegemonic West. With integrate Defence Forces this will become the third largest power block, second largest economy, largest human resource, and largest intrinsic market in the world. The Oil Rich Gulf region and resource rich CAR will be under direct influence of this federation. 90% of SLOC of world oil trade will cross its EEZ.
Needless to say Five Armored Divisions, Twenty Corps,7000 tanks,1500 combat air crafts,50 Submarines of different kind, three carrier battle groups, 2 million strong professional experienced army will give sleepless nights to many nations. The odd 200 nuclear detonation devices and the delivery quadrate (Land, Air, Sea and Space) will cater for Maximum Credible Deterrence.
Religious Issues. This secular Federation with the largest, Hindu, Muslim population of the world will alter all religious dynamics. The Global Islamic Jihad will take browbeating .Saudi Arabia will be forced to hand over its Khalifat of Islamic nations to this Federation.
People Republic of China. People Republic of China will be directly affected. The Federation should address the concerns of PRC by concluding a treaty of Cooperation Friendship and Asian Brotherhood. This treaty will provide PRC access to Indian Ocean by means of Brahmaputra, Sutlej and Indus Corridors of High Speed Railway, Superhighway and Oil Pipeline. This treaty will also include defence cooperation in Naval, Missile Defence and Space. China and Indostan have been ancient partners in development of Asia. It was due to this wisdom that the civilizations never collided. The time has come to revoke the ancient ties.
Conclusion
The federation will ensure overall economic development of South Asia. It will create a power block which will ensure stability in Middle East and CAR region. Its cooperation with China will ensure the Golden Age of Asia once again. However this will come at a cost; end to Global dominance of Anglo American. They will make all efforts to never let this happen. The onus lies on us to beat them at their own game.
Dream on……….
Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan (Chief Research Wing- NCCT)
The recipe for partition of India was perfect. The nation, divided by religion detonated into a violent paroxysm. The effect was so profound that the cause was forgotten. Soon, the invasion of Kashmir orchestrated by the British overlords sealed the fates of the new born nations with distrust and hatred. It was done to ensure the presence of Anglo –American alliance in South East Asia.
The hatred for each other propelled them on a trajectory of immolation. The divided nations fought four wars impeding own progress.
Today, Pakistan stands on a tower of Babble and India struggles towards self-esteem. The fingers are pointed at each other in a blindfolded game of ping pong.
What has been achieved by the 63 years of acrimony?
Has Pakistan achieved what it was created for?
Is India anywhere close to Gandhian vision of Swaraj?
The Answer is NO.
If a policy has failed to produce results for 63 years it certainly needs a re look.
A De Novo Look
Let us first acknowledge that the Partition of India was a British Design. The so called “Two Nation Theory,” was a proxy to spark animosity between the Hindus and Muslims. The Partition of India and Pakistan was a Historical Blunder and needs revision. This is the first and foremost step.
Once this is accepted by both nations the Kashmir issue becomes redundant.
Then we must rework towards restorations of relations as on 1st of January 1947. The Canal network, the Rail and road networks should be reopened. Travel and trade restrictions should be removed. The Punjabi & Sindhi Cultures will be the catalyst in this progress.
Then reintegration of the Armies should be worked upon. Firstly all operational units should return to peace location. Then a joint command should be established for international commitments. A unified Naval Command should be established for protection of SLOCS in Arabian Sea. A joint Air Logistics Command to be established for support of sea and ground forces. This should be followed by military exchange programs and joint maneuvers.
The Nations should withdraw from commonwealth till the Crown does not submit an apology for Partition and blood bath thereafter.
On sports front a joint team should be fielded for Olympics & Asian Games.
Once this has been achieved the issue of Kashmir should be worked out. Joint Investment should be made in development of Kashmir and Northern Areas by tapping Hydro Electric Potential. Needless to say tourism will boom.
Federalisation
After achieving the desire degree of maturity the process of fadrelisation should began. This should began with restructuring of Indian Union by giving further autonomy to its constituent states including Kashmir and Pakistan extending similar autonomy to its constituents. Once this has been accomplished, the Indian state of Kashmir and Pakistan state of Kashmir, and northern areas should be merged into single state. Punjab provinces of both nations should be open to same if the people desire so.
Once this is achieved, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives should be invited to be a part of the federation.
Federal Authority. This should be followed by establishment of Federal Authority. This will constitute representatives of Government of the constituent state. The Joint Headquarters of Defence Forces, Office of foreign Affairs & Economic Commission will work under federal authority.
Peoples Parliament .The federal authority will oversee the election of the people’s parliament as per the method in vogue in the state. The people’s parliament will be the apex body which will work out a constitution and approve recommendations of federal authority.
The present system of Central and State Assembly of constituent nations will continue. The Federal authority will allocate annual budget to the constituent nations after catering for the federal list issues. The Budget will be approved by people’s parliament. When the countries deem fit the central
government of the constituent states can be dissolved. This will bring the Stated directly under People’s Parliament.
Common Market and Currency. The integrated market will be protected by cultural and traditional property rights. A common currency will facilitate free trade.
Geo- Strategic- Economic Challenges.
The Fedralisation of South Asia will dissolve the sphere of Influence of Hegemonic West. With integrate Defence Forces this will become the third largest power block, second largest economy, largest human resource, and largest intrinsic market in the world. The Oil Rich Gulf region and resource rich CAR will be under direct influence of this federation. 90% of SLOC of world oil trade will cross its EEZ.
Needless to say Five Armored Divisions, Twenty Corps,7000 tanks,1500 combat air crafts,50 Submarines of different kind, three carrier battle groups, 2 million strong professional experienced army will give sleepless nights to many nations. The odd 200 nuclear detonation devices and the delivery quadrate (Land, Air, Sea and Space) will cater for Maximum Credible Deterrence.
Religious Issues. This secular Federation with the largest, Hindu, Muslim population of the world will alter all religious dynamics. The Global Islamic Jihad will take browbeating .Saudi Arabia will be forced to hand over its Khalifat of Islamic nations to this Federation.
People Republic of China. People Republic of China will be directly affected. The Federation should address the concerns of PRC by concluding a treaty of Cooperation Friendship and Asian Brotherhood. This treaty will provide PRC access to Indian Ocean by means of Brahmaputra, Sutlej and Indus Corridors of High Speed Railway, Superhighway and Oil Pipeline. This treaty will also include defence cooperation in Naval, Missile Defence and Space. China and Indostan have been ancient partners in development of Asia. It was due to this wisdom that the civilizations never collided. The time has come to revoke the ancient ties.
Conclusion
The federation will ensure overall economic development of South Asia. It will create a power block which will ensure stability in Middle East and CAR region. Its cooperation with China will ensure the Golden Age of Asia once again. However this will come at a cost; end to Global dominance of Anglo American. They will make all efforts to never let this happen. The onus lies on us to beat them at their own game.
Dream on……….
Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan (Chief Research Wing- NCCT)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Whose Kashmir is it Anyway . (Contours of Present Conflict)
The violence in Kashmir is a result of a dubious design. APHC stands at the apex of this paroxysmal display of lawlessness. And all political parties equally contribute to the chaos.
The unprecedented public support to Amarnath land row agitation initially gave APHC the glory it always dreamt off. Later as the public suffered the sheen started to wean away. The refusal of Pakistan to accept the horticultural produce of Kashmir, and simultaneous land blockade gave a strong dose of realities to the separatists. By the end of August 2008 the historic movement faded into oblivion. The lessons from this moment were simple and straight. The movement was successful in coercing all centers of power of Indian Union. The unsung hero of Gurkha Rifles who opened fire at the protesters who were trying to enter the Paribal complex of Rashtriya Rifles did send a message across Dont mess with the army.
The lessons were used to effect in 2009 where in the Sophiyan incident was exploited to set the furor. As the movement began to die the separatist were on lookout of new issues. One such attempt was made at Trehgam on 8 July 10, 2009 when the accidental death of Amina Massodi was exploited as a case or Rape and Murder by Armed forces.
http://theskandnayal.blogspot.com/2010/04/ballad-of-ashique-hussain-pir.html
The second incident happened at Baramulla. A woman whose brother had eloped with a neighbor was called at police station. The SO an old God fearing man spoke to her in a rash tone to produce the couple. She went out weeping. Within an hour the protestors took to street accusing that she was molested. The resulting perpetrated over the next few days resulted in death of four youths.
http://theskandnayal.blogspot.com/2010/03/jihad-ii.html
The stone pelting duels are intriguing to watch. Children of 8 to 15 years are paid upto 500 rupees a day for stone pelting. The younger the child the better it is. The police (Jammu and Kashmir Police) columns retreat. The stone palters move ahead. The police moves back further. Then, the police charges ahead, firing tear gas shells at the protestors. This goes on till it gets dark.
If the movement does not die its own death in few days, CRPF is inducted with a mandate to end the protest. These troops do not retreat. They stand their ground. If need be they fire rubber bullets and tear gas shells. The crowed buoyed by their victory pick up the fired tear gas shells and throw them back at CRPF. Then the shells are fired straight in a flat trajectory. The impact sometime proves to be fatal.
Then the fresh deaths propel the movement.
After Friday prayers, Down Town, Mausumia Srinagar, Hathikhan Mohalla, Chinkipora Sopore & Old Town Baramulla are rocked by violent protests. Rest of the valley remains entirely peaceful. If any death occurs the protests are prolonged.
Now we shall understand the timing and the design. The preparation for apple crops is completed by last week of May every year. The crop is watered, tendered and sale dead are completed by this time. The interim period upto August end the trades are free with an assured income. This period coincides with the Amarnath Yatra. The protest rock let me be specific Part of Srinagar, Sopore, Baramulla, where the writ of Jamat and APHC prevails. Remainder of the valley sulks by the suffering this will bring. The moment the apple crop is ready for dispatch, the protests come to an end.
The reality is, Militancy in Kashmir is dead. Local terrorists are not seen not heard .The infiltrated foreign terrorists are in hibernation to complete their two year tenure in valley. There are no Terrorists in sight to be killed. There is no actual violence. People have lost interest in this endless quagmire. They want betterment and peace. This threatens all those who yield power in the valley.
This year witnessed a new trend. The justification of their existence by the players of this game. It started with Chinkipora, Sopore. After the security forces (SF) operation was over, Gilani visited and distributed Rs 5 lakh to the effected family. Next day Yasin Malik visited and distributed Rs 9 lakh. The place was visited in quick succession by Mehbooba Mufti and other booty hunters. Similar trend was visible after incidents in Magum, Rafiabad. It is clearly written on the wall the whole issue is political. Gen Singh is of the same opinion.
Two incidents which has shaped the contours of the valley today are firstly are the response to Sophiyan incident by Omar Abdulla and apprehension and trial of BSF Commandant Randhir Kumar Virdi. They have sent a message across that the state is open to political coercion.
This series of protest will fizzle out by first week of September. This year infiltration has been at ebb. The resident terrorists are on back foot. The public is antagonized by the series of bandhs. The time is ripe for some strong political maneuver to bring this suffering to a logical conclusion.
Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan (chief - Research Wing)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
WHOSE KASHMIR IT IS ANYWAY
Power is ephemeral. So are national boundaries. Nation is a relative ideology which transforms with time. Great empires, Roman, Greek, and Mongol have reached the pinnacle of glory and receded into oblivion. So did British Empire.
What makes a Nation? It is not land alone. A Nation is the sum total of Geography, Ethnicity of its people, History, Traditions, Culture and belief. Religion is an entity which changes with time and power. So is the case with Kashmir. In this series we will discuss each aspect about Kashmir in detail. At the end, i, leave the conclusion to the reader.
Introduction
The modern state of Jammu and Kashmir covered an area of 86024 square miles (prior to 1947) extending from 32deg 78' to 36deg 58' N and from 73deg 27' to 80deg 72' E. The entire state included, beside the Jammu region, Ladakh, Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Punial, and Yasin. The tiny state of Chitral, located towards the north-western side of Gilgit, used to pay tribute to Kashmir ruler.
PART I: HISTORY OF KASHMIR
Mythological Background
The mythological traditions supported fully by the research of geologists confirm that the valley originally was a huge lake called "Satisar", ( the land of goddess Sati, consort of Lord Shiva ) and its waters were blocked near Baramulla (ancient Varahmulla).
Pre-Historic Times
Dr. Sunil Chandra Ray writes: “Pre-historic explorations have discovered the occurence of quaternary Glacial cycles in the valley. The neolithic culture is indicated by the discovery of ground and polished stone axes, hoes, pestle, and bone implements at the well-known menhir-site of Burzahom , ten miles east of , Srinagar. In 1960, Archaeological Department of the Govt. of India began systematic excavation at this site. Near about the siltbed, pits have been discovered in sections, indicating a settlement of early Pit dwellers whose date has tentatively been fixed at 3000 B.C. This is Perhaps the only known find of such a settlement in India.
Hindu Period
Kalhan has started the history of Kashmir just before the great Mahabharat war, and the first King mentioned by him is Gonanda I, whose initial year of reign he places in 653 Kali-era.
Emperor Ashoka. The great Mauryan emperor Ashoka is recorded to have ruled Kashmir, and Kalhan rightly mentions that the king was a follower of Buddhism. Ashoka founded the old city of Srinagar called now as " Pandrethan " , ( Puranadhisthan ) and also build many vihars and temples and repaired the old shrine. At Vijeshwari (modern Bijbehra), he built a Shiva Temple, thus winning the heart of the local population, who were mostly worshippers of Lord Shiva. It was Majjhantika, a celebrated Buddhist missionary who was deputed to Kashmir and Urvasa to preach the faith of Buddha in those territories. Hien-Tsang mentions the arrival of 500 monks to Kashmir, and Ashoka making a gift of the valley to Sangha
Kushan Period. The scholars also, accept the theory that the valley for over two hundred years was ruled by Indo-Greek Kings before the start of " Turushka " ( Kushan ) rule in the state. Cunningham records a large find of silver coins of Azes ( and Azilies ) (coins of Indo-Scythians) on the banks of Vitasta (river Jhelum) in the hills between Varahmulla and Jhelum. Kalhan's account of Turushka Kings,indicates without any doubt the Kushan occupation of the Valley. According to many scholars, Kanishka held the third great council of the Buddhist church at " Kundalvan ", (Harwan, near Shalimar garden) Hien Tsang has given the proceedings of this council. Nearly 500 Buddhist and Hindu scholars attended this conference, and a learned Kashmir Brahmin Vasumitra presided over its session. Some of the great Buddhist scholars, who took active part in this council were Ashvagosha, Nagarjuna, Vasubandu Sugamitra and Jinamitra.
Dr. P. C. Bagchi, a noted Indologist and scholar of repute, writes in his excellent book ' India and China': “Kashmir takes the leading part in the transmission of Buddhist thought and traditions directly to Tibet, and China. The number of Buddhist scholars who went to China from Kashmir is larger than that of those who went from other parts of India.
Karkota dynasty. (It is the Karkota dynasty that has given Kashmir the greatest ruler Lalitaditya Muktapid ( 724- 761 A. D.). , He invaded and conquered many countries in Asia and India. The Punjab, Kanuj, Tibet, Ladhak, Badakshan, Iran, Bihar, Gauda (Bengal) Kalinga (Orissa), South India, Gujarat, Malwa, Marwar and Sindh were all conquered by him. It was he, who finally broke the power of Arabs in Sindh. All these unbroken victories created a feeling of pride among the people here and his victories came to be celebrated in a big way. Alberuni, who accompanied Mahmud Gaznavi in his Indian Campaigns, specifically mentions in his book ( Tahqiq-i-Hind ) that Kashmiris observed second of Chaitra, as the day of victory. Lalitaditya was equally a great builder and he built his capital near the sacred shrine of Khir-Bhawani, and gave it the name of Parihaspur (city of pleasure). Throughout the valley, he built very fine and massive temples, out of which the world famous sun temple (Martand) built on Mattan Karewa, reminds us about the granduer and splendour of the times when their builder ruled the state. After his death, it is mostly the weak rulers except his grand son Jayatida, who ruled the valley. The history of Karkota dynasty after Jayatida is a sad story of decline. All the conquered territories regained their independence, and the sovereignty of the ruler of Kashmir came to be confined to Vitasta basin.
Utpal Dynasty. It was round about in 855-56 A. D. that Karkota rule ended, and a new Utpal Dynasty assumed power in Kashmir. The most important ruler of this dynasty was Maharaja Avanti-verman. It was he, who recovered Kashmir from utter political and economic disorder. His reign witnessed a period of peace and consolidation and prosperity. The most important foundation of the King was his capital city of Avantipur, which he embellished with two temples: one dedicated to Shiva, and other to Vishnu. Both of them are in ruins now, but even then, they stand as the most imposing monuments of ancient Kashmir.
Avantivarman was succeeded by his son Shankarvarman,
Lohara Dynasty . After the eclipse of Utpala dynasty, Lohara dynasty ruled Kashmir till the end of the Hindu rule in Kashmir (1339). In 980 A.D. Didda ascended the throne after the death of her husband. She died in 1003 A. D. and left the throne of Kashmir to her family in undisputed succession. As her children had died young, she transmitted the crown to Sangramraj, son of her brother Udairaj, the ruler of Lohara (Poonch).
It was during her time that Mahmud Gaznavi twice tried to capture the valley but the fort at Lohara, remarkable for its height and strength proved impregnable. The Sultan was obliged to abandon the conquest.
From 1155 - 1339, the Kashmir rulers remained busy only in intrigues, debauchery, and mutual quarrels. These incessant feuds, civil wars, risings and upheavals greatly weakened Hindu domination of Kashmir. The valley soon fell a prey to Mongol and Turkish raiders, free booters and foreign adventurers. Quite naturally, the boundaries of the Kingdom got shrunk, and were reduced to the peoper valley only. The Kabul valley Proutonsa (Poonch), Pajapuri (Rajauri) Kangra, Jammu, Kisthwar and Ladhak, one after the other threw-off their allegiance to the rulers of Kashmir.
End Of Hindu Rule. In the beginning of 14th century a ferocious Mongol, Dulucha invaded the valley through its northern side Zojila Pass, with an army of 60,000 men. His savage attack practically ended the Hindu rule in Kashmir. A weak and worthless man Raja Sahadev was the ruler then. It was during his reign that three adventurers, Shah Mir from Swat on the borders of Afganistan, Rinchin from Ladhak, and Lankar Chak from Dard territory near Gilgit came to Kashmir, and played a notable role in subsequentive political history of the valley.
The last Hindu ruler of Kashmir was Udyan Dev. It was his chief Queen Kota Rani, who practically governed the state. The valley was again invaded by a Mongal and Turk invader Achalla, but the Queen defeated him, and drove away all the foreign troops. In the confusion Rinchin , the Ladhaki prince, whom the Hindu religious leaders of the time refused to admit into their fold, organised an internal rising and seized the throne. Before his death, he embraced Islam. Finally another rising was led by Shah Mir, who defeated the queen at Jayapur (modern Sumbal). The defeat upset her and seeing the indifference of the Hindu grandees and general public, she stabbed herself to death, because Shah Mir wanted to marry her. Her death in 1339 paved the way tor the establishment of Muslim rule in Kashmir.
MUSLIM PERIOD
Shah-Miri dynasty
Shah Mir ascended the throne under the name of Sultan Shamas-ud-din, and his dynasty ruled the state for 222 years. This period is one of the most important in the annals of Kashmir, in as much as Islam was firmly established here.
Sultan Shihabud-din. He ascended the throne in 1354, and continued to rule till 1373. He was able to establish his sway over the neighbouring countries. At the begining of his reign, he led an army to Sindh and defeated its ruler. While returning he defeated Afgans near Peshawar and then he conquered Kabul, Gazni, Qandhar, Pakhali, Swat and Multan. He invaded Badakshan, and then marched towards Dardistan and Gilgit, which he easily conquered. Then he marched towards Bulochistan and Ladhak. The ruler of Kashgar (central Asia) came with a huge army and Shah-u-din whose army was numerically inferior, inflicted a crushing defeat and the Kashgar army was almost wiped out. This led to the annexation of Laddhak and Bultistan, which were claimed by the Kashgar ruler. It is also said that the ruler or Kashmir marched towards Delhi, and on the way conquered Kangra, and then the army of Ferozashah Tughlaq opposed him on the banks of Sutluj. Since the battle between the rulers of the Delhi and Kashmir was indecisive, peace was concluded and it was agreed that all the territory from Sirhind to Kashmir was to belong to the Kashmir ruler. Shah-ud-din was not only a great conqueror but also an able administrator, and he governed his kingdom with firmness and justice. He was tolerant ruler and treated his Hindu subjects generously.
It is reported that owing to prolonged campaigns he needed money, and his ministers asked him to loot the temples, but he stoutly opposed the proposal, and to quote Jonaraj, he is reported to have said in anger: "Past generation have set-up images to obtain fame, and earn merit, and you propose to demolish them. Some have obtained renown by setting up images of gods, others by worshipping them, some by maintaining them, and you propose demolishing them. How great is the enormity of such a deed ". The king founded a new town which he called Shihab-ud-din-pora, known now as Shadipur. He is also said to have erected many mosques and monasteries. Shihab-ud-din can rightly be called the Lalitaditya of medieval Kashmir. Thus this great ruler raised Kashmir to great eminence, and power.
Sultan Qutab-ud-din. During his time Ali Hamdani arrived in Kashmir., He was accompanied by 700 Syeds from Hamdan, who were being out to torture by Timur, ruler of Persia. These syeds established their centres of missonery activities in different parts of the valley. In 1389, Qutab-ud-din died, and he was succeeded by his eldest son Sultan-Sikandar.
Sultan Sikander Butshikan. , He was a man of puritan temperament. He imposed Jizia upon Hindus and stopped them to use tilak on their fore-heads. Writes M. Hassan: "In their misplaced zeal for their faith, Sikandar and his minister Saif-ud-din (who was originally a Hindu) were also responsible for the destruction of images and temples ." Almost all the muslim chroniclers speak of the wholesale destruction of Hindu shrines including the 'Martand' Temple, and forcible conversion of Hindus to Islam. Thousands of Hindus fled to India to save their religion and holy books, and also to escape the wrath of the Sultan.
Shahi-Khan or Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin,
He ascended the throne in 1420 A. D. and ruled upto 1470 A. D. nearly for half a century. In the words of Pandit Anand Kaul: "possessed of a broad and tolerant outlook, with a desire to benefit mankind, he ruled with such equity, and justice and did so much to improve the material prosperity of the people, that one can not fail to admire him, his benevolent rule demands special homage in as much as he lived in a period when he had no worthy and enlightened contemporary to emulate. In the world around him, he could have little to help him. He was a potentate encouraged to be tyrannical and selfish by tradition, and especially by the examples of his father, Sultan Sikander. Zain-ul-Abidin was deservedly surnamed Budshah or the great King. In spite of 5 centuries having rolled by since he ruled, his name is still remembered with genuine reverence and gratitude. Take the name of Budshah before a Kashmiri, and at once with a happy countenance he will rhyme it with Pad-Shah ".
One of the most outstanding features of his administration was the just and liberal treatment of the Hindus, who were not only allowed complete freedom of worship, but the Sultan recalled all those who had fled to India in the time of his father. He allowed those Hindus who had forcibly been converted, to return to their former religion. The Sultan banned cow slaughter and permitted the repair and rebuilding of the temples at government expenses. He granted lands to learned Brahmins, endowed temples and for Hindu pilgrims visiting holy places in the valley he opened a royal kitchen at Rainawari known even now as Jogi Lanker. Jiziya was almost abolished and the Sultan participated in Hindu festivals and entertained Brahmins and Sadhus on auspicious days.
It is for encouragement of arts and crafts that Kashmir will be permanently indebted to the Sultan. The Sultan invited competent teachers from countries to Kashmir, so that they could train people here. Among many industries introduced by him, we can mention carpet, paper machine, paper making, silk rearing, shawls, manufacture of gun powder etc.
Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin's death sounded the death knell of Shah-Miri dynasty.
The only important event that took place before the establishment of Chak dynasty was the invasion of Mirza Haider Dughlat who attacked Kashmir from Zogila pass in 1533. Soon he was able to establish his ascendancy in the valley. The Moghul, like Dulchu earlier, killed, looted and plundered the people, and made women and children their slaves. The Sultan of Kashmir, Nazuk Shah, became almost a puppet in his hands. Moghuls were appointed on high posts everywhere, and the Jagirs of Kashmir Noblemen were confiscated. For more than a decade Mirza was the virtual ruler of the valley and he gave peace and orderly Government to the country. He encouraged Kashmir Art and Crafts, and trade and commerce once again thrived in the valley. The last Shahmiri ruler, Sultan Habib Shah, a weakling was deposed by his commander, and nobles raised on throne Gazi Chak, a prominent military General of the time. He was the direct descendant of Lankar Chak who had come to Kashmir towards the close of Hindu rule. The Chak rule began in Kashmir in 1561 and lasted till 1587, when Akbar, the great Moghul Emperor conquered Kashmir.
Moghul Period
The Moghuls remained in power here, from 1587 to 1752, and in this period undoubtedly the people enjoyed peace and orderly Govt.
Moghul emperor Akbar visited Kashmir in 1579. Akbar built a new town near Hariparbat and called it Nagar-Magar and built the massive wall around the hill. The great emperor visited the valley three times,
Jahangir visited the State thirteen times. Jahangir came virtually, under the spell of the scenic beauty of the place. He laid gardens at Shalimar , Nishat, Achable and Verinag.
Shah Jahan also visited the happy valley a number of times. Shah Jahan laid the garden of Chashmashai and also built a portion of Shalimar. The Moghul Governor Ali Marden Khan also laid out a number of gardens.
During Aurangzebs period a reign of disorder started in Kashmir. The Moghul Governors began to loot and plunder the people, and at the same time ruthlessly started a policy of religious bigotry and fanaticism. There was absolute chaos in northern India after the invasion of Nadir Shah of Persia. The people of Kashmir could no longer tolerate the misrule of Moghul satraps, and accordingly when Ahmad Shah Abdali of Kabul was at Lahore in 1752, two Kashmir nobleman Mir Muquim Kant and Khwaj'a Zahir Didmari, waited upon him at Lahore, and disgracefully requested him to bring Kashmir under his control.
Afgan Rule : 1752 - 1819
Ahmad Shah, despatched a strong and a powerful Afgan army under the command of Abdullah Khan lshik Aqasi, to occupy the valley. The rule of Moghuls in Kasmir came to an end. Kashmir remained a dependency of Kabul rulers till 1819, roughly a period of 67 years.
The rulers of Kabul were great despots, and they ruled all the parts of their kingdom ruthlessly and with an iron hand. The corner stone of their policy was terror. As many as twenty eight Durrani Subedars governed Kashmir during these sixty seven years. The Kashmir nobleman had expected that Abdali would give them a good and a stable government, but the very first Afgan governor Abdullah Khan Aquasi, immediately after assuming powers started a reign of terror. People began to be looted and killed indiscriminately, and even the petty Afgan soliders began to amass wealth by the foulest possible means. Most of the well to do people of the valley were summoned by the Governor to his palace, and ordered to surrender all their wealth on pain of death. Their houses were completey sacked, and many people were put to sword. There was complete gloom and despair on every side. All the prosperity of the valley was gone, and the people could not even move on the streets, for fear of being robbed of even their scanty clothing.
All sections of people suffered here during their time, but the chief vicitims of these fiends were the Hindus, Shias and Bombas of Jhelum valley.
SIKH RULE: 1819-46
A deputation of Kashmiris led by Pandit Birbal Dhar, and his son Pandit Rajakak Dhar, left for Lahore and fervently requested Maharaja Ranjit Singh to conquer Kashmir. Three prominent Muslims helped Pandit Birbal Dhar in his escape from the valley. They were Abdul Qadoos Gojwari, Mallick Zulfiqar and Malik Kamgar. In 1819, 30,000 soliders of Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Kashmir, defeated the Pathans, and the state became a part of Ranjit Singh's empire.
Sikh rule lasted for only 27 years and during this period 10 Governors administersd the country one after another, out of whom the last two were Muslims. In the beginning Sikh rule also proved to be oppressive. " It must have been an intense relief ", writes Lawrence, " to all classes in Kashmir to see the downfall of the evil rule of Pathan, and to none was the relief greater than to the peasants who had been cruely fleeced by the rapacious sardars of Kabul. I do not mean to suggest that the Sikh rule was benign or good, but it was at any rate better that that of the Pathans. " The Sikh rule over Kashmir lasted only for a brief span of time, during which the rulers at Lahore were far too pre-occupied at home to pay any attention to the affairs of this outlying province of theirs. The misery of the people increased due to natural calamities as well, such as premature snow falls, which would destroy a ripe rice crop leading to famines. These famines were followed by diseases like cholera and plague, resulting in a heavy loss of life. Thousands of people migrated to India during these hard days, and no wonder the population of the valley came down to two lakhs from 8 lakhs.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh died in 1830. His death was a signal for the mutiny of Sikh Army which become uncontrollable, and plunge entire Punjab into confusion and chaos.
DOGRA PERIOD : 1846 1957
The two Anglo-Sikh wars led to the final extinction of Sikh soverignty in the Punjab and by virtue of the treaties of Lahore and Amritsar the British who had by now become undisputed masters of India, transferred and made over in perpetuity, the independent position to the Maharaja Gulab Singh and heirs male of his body, all the hilly and mountaneous country situated to the east of Indus, and west of Ravi river. In consideration of this transfer Maharaja Gulab Singh paid to the British government the sum of 75 lakhs of rupees. Maharaja Gulab Singh entered Srinagar on 9th November 1848 at 8 in the morning.
Maharaja Gulab Singh. He was a man of great vigour, foresight and determination. He was universaly feared and respected. He crushed gangs of organized plunderers, and murderers in the valley known as Galwans, and also broke the power of Bombas and Khokhas the inhabitants of Jhelum valley region below Varamulla, who brought havoc to every home in the valley by following a policy of arson and plunder. Large number of forts were built in their territory which were garrisoned with troops. It was because of his energetic measures that the conditions of the people improved and after many years some confidence was inspired in the permanece of administration. He laid of the modern Jammu and Kashmir State. It was Gulab Singh who conquered one by one different places and regions of the state, Jammu,. Poonch, Ram Nagar, Basoli, Bhahderwah, Kishtwar, Bhimbar, Rajauri, Sikardu, Kharmang, Kiris, Khaplu, Sheghar, Astor Gilgit, Chitral, Yasin, Hunza, Nagar, and Punial. In the words of K. M. Panikar an area of more than eighty thousand sq. miles including part of Tibet, as well as part of Pamier, besides the genuinely kingdoms of Jammu and Kashmir came into Maharaja Gulab Singh's possession. This area had never been effectively united under one ruler and much of it with of course; the exception of the valley of Kashmir had never known any settled govt. The Maharaja died in 1857 after a rule of 11 years.
Maharaja Ranbir Singh Maharaja Ranbir Singh ruled from 1857 to 1885. It was in his time that the rule of law commenced in the state. Almost all the laws, civil and criminal, which the British had introduced in India were with some modifications made applicable to the state. The various state departments were organised on the pattern of departments as these existed in British India. A slight attempt was also made to assess the amount of land revenue at a fixed amount.
Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh. Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh ascended the throne In 1885 and he ruled for a period of 40 years. It is in the time of this Maharaja that the real modernisation of the state took place and several progressive reforms were carried through. Sir Walter Lawrence carried the first assessment of land revenue system in the state on scientific lines. The two mountain roads-Jhelum valley road and Banihal Cart road were built linking the state with the rest of India. Construction of water reservior at Harwan and establishment of electric generating plant at Mohra was also undertaken during this period. Two colleges in the state besides large number of education institutions were also established by the order of the Maharaja. The administrative machinery was completely overhauled. There was development in the means of communication and telegraphs, telephones and post offices were opened in many places. The isolation of Kashmir from the rest of the country was now a thing of the past, and large number of people, mostly europeans began to visit the valley.
Maharaja Sir Hari Singh. After the death of Maharaja Pratap Singh his nephew Maharaja Sir Hari Singh ascended the throne in 1925. He continued to govern the state till 1950. Maharaja Hari Singh modernised the state and carried out a large number of reforms. It was in his time that the popular elements began to be associated with the Goverment. The most important thing that had far reaching consequences in the future history of the state was the birth of political parties and the growth of political consciousness in the state during this period. But even more important was the liberation of the country from the British Yoke in 1947.It was on 26th Jan. 1957 that the Kashmir Constiuent Assembly ended the hereditary rule of the Hindu monarchy in the state exacly after one hundred and ten years of its establishment.
People
The mosaic of ethnic group in Jammu and Kashmir State is complex and the race structure cannot be explained without understanding the pre-historic movements of people. In the process of peopling of the region, the Dards in the north-west, the Ladakhis in the east, the Gujjars and Rajputs in the south and Paharis in the south-east have closely influenced the existing ethnicity of the people. The racial composition of the State was also influenced by the immigrants from the territories of Turkmenia, Tadzkistan, Uzbaikistan, Kazakistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan (U.S.S.R.) Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.
Kashmiri
'Kashmiri' is a wide term which has loosely been applied for several streams of immigrated mainly from Turkey, Iran, Central Asia and Afghanistan, and settled in the valley. There is a close bearing of the Indo-Aryans on the racial composition of the Kashmiris. In fact, the Indo-Aryan religions and languages have substantially affected the mode of life of the Kashmiris. The influence of Sanskrit on Kashmiri language is strong and cogent to this day. Moreover, Kashmir has also received racial impulses from Indo-Greeks which have influenced the race structure of the people considerably. The influence of Dards, Ladakhis and Punjabis has also moulded the ethos of Kashmiri culture.
Kashmiri Pundits live a simple and frugal life. Individualistic and largely intellectual, they avoid manual labor and cling to professional and administrative jobs. Due to the terrorist activities lately, many of them have been uprooted from their homeland but the government has been trying to relocate them here. The Kashmiri Pandits do not have castes like Hindus in the rest of India.
Kashmiri Muslims are generally more active, energetic and dynamic in nature and are considered unrivalled craftsmen, known for their time-honored intricate and beautiful designs that they produce on papier-mâché, wood, silver and gold. Shrewd businessmen, they also indulge themselves in agriculture, sheep rearing, cattle rearing and other cottage industries. Ninety percent of the population in the valley professes Islam of both Sunni and Shia sects.
Dards
Ptolemy in his book 'Almagast' has used the word Daradrai for Dards of the western Himalayas. Before embracing Islam, they were the followers of Budhism and Hinduism. At present their major concentration lies in Dardistan (Derdesa), the area to the north of Kashmir Valley, especially in the catchment of Kishanganga north of Sardi, Gurez and Tilel. In the opinion of Leitner, Dards belong to Aryan stock. Dardic Aryans then colonised the Pamir region from where they spread to Chitral and Gilgit.These Include the Shia Muslim denizens of Drass and Buddhist inhabitants of Four villages in Sindhu Valley.
Ladakhis
Ladakhis are a mixture of Mongoloid and Aryan races. The Aryans who settled originally in the sub-continent's northern parts were the early Budhist people from Kashmir and the Dards from Gilgit. The Mongolian stock is traced to Tibet, from where the shephereds and nomads came to the valleys of Ladakh to graze their flocks. The present day population of Ladakh is the result of blending together of Dards and the Mongolians.
Chang Pa
Another occupation of the people is sheep-rearing. The herdsmen are called Chang-pas. They rear long-haired goats and sheep from whose under-fleece the famous Kashmiri Pashmina shawls are made. Chang-pas live in tents and are nomadic, going from place to place in search of pastures. The people are keenly interested in trade. Wool, in raw form is their chief commercial product. The men travel long distances, seeking favourable prices for their wares, which consist of salt, dry fruits and cultured pearls and semi-precious stones. In return they get tea, tobacco, grain, sugar and other essential goods.
Hanjis
Hanjis - the dwellers of water, constitute a significant ethnic group in the valley of Kashmir. They are mainly confined to the Dal, Wular, Anchar lakes and the Jhelum river, especially between Khanabal (Ananatnag District) and Chattabal (Srinagar District).
There is not unanimity of opinion amongst the scholars about their arrival in the valley of Kashmir. They, however agree in saying that 'Hanjis' belong to one of the ancient racial groups who were essentially Nishads (boatmen). Some of the Hanjis claim themselves as the descendents of Prophet Noah. There are historical evidences showing that Raja Pratap Sen introduced boatmen from Sangaldip (Sri Lanka). It is believed that before their conversion to Islam, they were Kashtriyas.
Gujjars and Bakarwals
Gujjars and Bakarwals constitute a significant proportion of the population of the State. In general, they have nomadic character and largely depend on flocks and cattle keeping for thier livelihood.
There are several theories about their origin. According to one school of thought, before their arrival in the sub-continent they were the inhabitants of Georgia (Gurjia) a territory situated between the Black sea and the Caspian Sea in the Soviet Union.. Cunningham (1970) is however, of the opinion that the Gujjars are the descendent of Kusham and Yachi Tribes which are considered to be the tribes of Eastern Tartars (U.S.S.R.).
The major concentration of Gujjars lies in Jammu, Rajouri, Udhampur, Poonch, Uri, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Daksum, Narang and the Kandi areas of the Jammu and Kashmir Divisions. Although some of them have started developing land connections, they are essentially cattle rearers and a section of them - Bakarwals regularly oscillates between the southern slopes of the Siwaliks and the Margs (Alpine-pastures) of the Central Himalayas.
The Gujjars and Bakarwals in the State are the followers of Islam, excepting a few who are settled io Bimber, Mirpur and Rajouri. The Gujjars, because of their strict re]igious adherence, have emerged as the most outstanding tribe who are trusted for their honesty.
Dogras
In the opinion of some social anthropologists 'Dogra' is a corruption of the Rajasthani word 'Dungra' means 'hill' and when the people of Rajasthan migrated in the hilly tracks under drought conditions the Rajputs gave this name to the people of hilly country, Stein opines that the name 'Durgara' is probably a tribal designation like 'Gurjara' - original of the modern Gujjar, and similarly the word 'Durgara' has been derived from Durgara' through Prakrit Dogra.
Whatsoever the controversy about the origin of the word Dogra may be they belong to the Aryan race and speak the Dogri language. Most of them have Brahmini path and have the sects of Varnashram. A substantial section of the Dogras embraced Islam during the 16th and 17th centuries. At the time of partition of the Sub-continent most of the Muslim Dogras migrated to Pakistan.
GEOGRAPHY OF KASHMIR
The state of Jammu and Kashmir, (as on 14 Aug 1947) consists of the regions encompassed in Northern Areas of Pakistan to include Gilgit, Wazara, Baltistan and Hunza; the territories of Ladakh including trans Karakoram Shakshang Valley ( ceded to China by Pakistan) and China Occupied Aksai Chin; the Vallies of Zhanskar to include Suru and Drass valleys: Kargil; Kashmir Valley; Kishan Ganga Valley ( Including that in POK), Jammu; Rajori; Poonch .
Seven mighty Mountain ranges namely Karakoram, Laddakh-Kailash, Zhanskar, Himalaya, Shamshabari, Pir Panjal and Shivalik run parallel in a general NW to SE alignment. Being formidable barriers these ranges have resulted in creating distinct social ecologies in their valleys.
The Indus Valley towards South in Areas of Baltistan is Shia Muslim. The Central valley of Indus between Batalik and Khalasi is inhabited by Buddhist Drad Hunu Tribals. Upstream Indus is inhabited by Buddhist Ladakhis. The Zhaskar Valley of Padam is predominantly Buddhist. The Zhaskar Valley Of Suru in continuation of Kargil is Shia Muslim. Drass is inhabited by Drad Shia Muslims. South of Himalaya, the Kashmir Vally is Sunni Muslim. Further to South of Pir Panjal are the Dogra areas. The Mountains, their passes and meadows are inhabited by migratory Gujjar Bakrwals.
Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan (Chief Research Wing, NCCT)
What makes a Nation? It is not land alone. A Nation is the sum total of Geography, Ethnicity of its people, History, Traditions, Culture and belief. Religion is an entity which changes with time and power. So is the case with Kashmir. In this series we will discuss each aspect about Kashmir in detail. At the end, i, leave the conclusion to the reader.
Introduction
The modern state of Jammu and Kashmir covered an area of 86024 square miles (prior to 1947) extending from 32deg 78' to 36deg 58' N and from 73deg 27' to 80deg 72' E. The entire state included, beside the Jammu region, Ladakh, Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Punial, and Yasin. The tiny state of Chitral, located towards the north-western side of Gilgit, used to pay tribute to Kashmir ruler.
PART I: HISTORY OF KASHMIR
Mythological Background
The mythological traditions supported fully by the research of geologists confirm that the valley originally was a huge lake called "Satisar", ( the land of goddess Sati, consort of Lord Shiva ) and its waters were blocked near Baramulla (ancient Varahmulla).
Pre-Historic Times
Dr. Sunil Chandra Ray writes: “Pre-historic explorations have discovered the occurence of quaternary Glacial cycles in the valley. The neolithic culture is indicated by the discovery of ground and polished stone axes, hoes, pestle, and bone implements at the well-known menhir-site of Burzahom , ten miles east of , Srinagar. In 1960, Archaeological Department of the Govt. of India began systematic excavation at this site. Near about the siltbed, pits have been discovered in sections, indicating a settlement of early Pit dwellers whose date has tentatively been fixed at 3000 B.C. This is Perhaps the only known find of such a settlement in India.
Hindu Period
Kalhan has started the history of Kashmir just before the great Mahabharat war, and the first King mentioned by him is Gonanda I, whose initial year of reign he places in 653 Kali-era.
Emperor Ashoka. The great Mauryan emperor Ashoka is recorded to have ruled Kashmir, and Kalhan rightly mentions that the king was a follower of Buddhism. Ashoka founded the old city of Srinagar called now as " Pandrethan " , ( Puranadhisthan ) and also build many vihars and temples and repaired the old shrine. At Vijeshwari (modern Bijbehra), he built a Shiva Temple, thus winning the heart of the local population, who were mostly worshippers of Lord Shiva. It was Majjhantika, a celebrated Buddhist missionary who was deputed to Kashmir and Urvasa to preach the faith of Buddha in those territories. Hien-Tsang mentions the arrival of 500 monks to Kashmir, and Ashoka making a gift of the valley to Sangha
Kushan Period. The scholars also, accept the theory that the valley for over two hundred years was ruled by Indo-Greek Kings before the start of " Turushka " ( Kushan ) rule in the state. Cunningham records a large find of silver coins of Azes ( and Azilies ) (coins of Indo-Scythians) on the banks of Vitasta (river Jhelum) in the hills between Varahmulla and Jhelum. Kalhan's account of Turushka Kings,indicates without any doubt the Kushan occupation of the Valley. According to many scholars, Kanishka held the third great council of the Buddhist church at " Kundalvan ", (Harwan, near Shalimar garden) Hien Tsang has given the proceedings of this council. Nearly 500 Buddhist and Hindu scholars attended this conference, and a learned Kashmir Brahmin Vasumitra presided over its session. Some of the great Buddhist scholars, who took active part in this council were Ashvagosha, Nagarjuna, Vasubandu Sugamitra and Jinamitra.
Dr. P. C. Bagchi, a noted Indologist and scholar of repute, writes in his excellent book ' India and China': “Kashmir takes the leading part in the transmission of Buddhist thought and traditions directly to Tibet, and China. The number of Buddhist scholars who went to China from Kashmir is larger than that of those who went from other parts of India.
Karkota dynasty. (It is the Karkota dynasty that has given Kashmir the greatest ruler Lalitaditya Muktapid ( 724- 761 A. D.). , He invaded and conquered many countries in Asia and India. The Punjab, Kanuj, Tibet, Ladhak, Badakshan, Iran, Bihar, Gauda (Bengal) Kalinga (Orissa), South India, Gujarat, Malwa, Marwar and Sindh were all conquered by him. It was he, who finally broke the power of Arabs in Sindh. All these unbroken victories created a feeling of pride among the people here and his victories came to be celebrated in a big way. Alberuni, who accompanied Mahmud Gaznavi in his Indian Campaigns, specifically mentions in his book ( Tahqiq-i-Hind ) that Kashmiris observed second of Chaitra, as the day of victory. Lalitaditya was equally a great builder and he built his capital near the sacred shrine of Khir-Bhawani, and gave it the name of Parihaspur (city of pleasure). Throughout the valley, he built very fine and massive temples, out of which the world famous sun temple (Martand) built on Mattan Karewa, reminds us about the granduer and splendour of the times when their builder ruled the state. After his death, it is mostly the weak rulers except his grand son Jayatida, who ruled the valley. The history of Karkota dynasty after Jayatida is a sad story of decline. All the conquered territories regained their independence, and the sovereignty of the ruler of Kashmir came to be confined to Vitasta basin.
Utpal Dynasty. It was round about in 855-56 A. D. that Karkota rule ended, and a new Utpal Dynasty assumed power in Kashmir. The most important ruler of this dynasty was Maharaja Avanti-verman. It was he, who recovered Kashmir from utter political and economic disorder. His reign witnessed a period of peace and consolidation and prosperity. The most important foundation of the King was his capital city of Avantipur, which he embellished with two temples: one dedicated to Shiva, and other to Vishnu. Both of them are in ruins now, but even then, they stand as the most imposing monuments of ancient Kashmir.
Avantivarman was succeeded by his son Shankarvarman,
Lohara Dynasty . After the eclipse of Utpala dynasty, Lohara dynasty ruled Kashmir till the end of the Hindu rule in Kashmir (1339). In 980 A.D. Didda ascended the throne after the death of her husband. She died in 1003 A. D. and left the throne of Kashmir to her family in undisputed succession. As her children had died young, she transmitted the crown to Sangramraj, son of her brother Udairaj, the ruler of Lohara (Poonch).
It was during her time that Mahmud Gaznavi twice tried to capture the valley but the fort at Lohara, remarkable for its height and strength proved impregnable. The Sultan was obliged to abandon the conquest.
From 1155 - 1339, the Kashmir rulers remained busy only in intrigues, debauchery, and mutual quarrels. These incessant feuds, civil wars, risings and upheavals greatly weakened Hindu domination of Kashmir. The valley soon fell a prey to Mongol and Turkish raiders, free booters and foreign adventurers. Quite naturally, the boundaries of the Kingdom got shrunk, and were reduced to the peoper valley only. The Kabul valley Proutonsa (Poonch), Pajapuri (Rajauri) Kangra, Jammu, Kisthwar and Ladhak, one after the other threw-off their allegiance to the rulers of Kashmir.
End Of Hindu Rule. In the beginning of 14th century a ferocious Mongol, Dulucha invaded the valley through its northern side Zojila Pass, with an army of 60,000 men. His savage attack practically ended the Hindu rule in Kashmir. A weak and worthless man Raja Sahadev was the ruler then. It was during his reign that three adventurers, Shah Mir from Swat on the borders of Afganistan, Rinchin from Ladhak, and Lankar Chak from Dard territory near Gilgit came to Kashmir, and played a notable role in subsequentive political history of the valley.
The last Hindu ruler of Kashmir was Udyan Dev. It was his chief Queen Kota Rani, who practically governed the state. The valley was again invaded by a Mongal and Turk invader Achalla, but the Queen defeated him, and drove away all the foreign troops. In the confusion Rinchin , the Ladhaki prince, whom the Hindu religious leaders of the time refused to admit into their fold, organised an internal rising and seized the throne. Before his death, he embraced Islam. Finally another rising was led by Shah Mir, who defeated the queen at Jayapur (modern Sumbal). The defeat upset her and seeing the indifference of the Hindu grandees and general public, she stabbed herself to death, because Shah Mir wanted to marry her. Her death in 1339 paved the way tor the establishment of Muslim rule in Kashmir.
MUSLIM PERIOD
Shah-Miri dynasty
Shah Mir ascended the throne under the name of Sultan Shamas-ud-din, and his dynasty ruled the state for 222 years. This period is one of the most important in the annals of Kashmir, in as much as Islam was firmly established here.
Sultan Shihabud-din. He ascended the throne in 1354, and continued to rule till 1373. He was able to establish his sway over the neighbouring countries. At the begining of his reign, he led an army to Sindh and defeated its ruler. While returning he defeated Afgans near Peshawar and then he conquered Kabul, Gazni, Qandhar, Pakhali, Swat and Multan. He invaded Badakshan, and then marched towards Dardistan and Gilgit, which he easily conquered. Then he marched towards Bulochistan and Ladhak. The ruler of Kashgar (central Asia) came with a huge army and Shah-u-din whose army was numerically inferior, inflicted a crushing defeat and the Kashgar army was almost wiped out. This led to the annexation of Laddhak and Bultistan, which were claimed by the Kashgar ruler. It is also said that the ruler or Kashmir marched towards Delhi, and on the way conquered Kangra, and then the army of Ferozashah Tughlaq opposed him on the banks of Sutluj. Since the battle between the rulers of the Delhi and Kashmir was indecisive, peace was concluded and it was agreed that all the territory from Sirhind to Kashmir was to belong to the Kashmir ruler. Shah-ud-din was not only a great conqueror but also an able administrator, and he governed his kingdom with firmness and justice. He was tolerant ruler and treated his Hindu subjects generously.
It is reported that owing to prolonged campaigns he needed money, and his ministers asked him to loot the temples, but he stoutly opposed the proposal, and to quote Jonaraj, he is reported to have said in anger: "Past generation have set-up images to obtain fame, and earn merit, and you propose to demolish them. Some have obtained renown by setting up images of gods, others by worshipping them, some by maintaining them, and you propose demolishing them. How great is the enormity of such a deed ". The king founded a new town which he called Shihab-ud-din-pora, known now as Shadipur. He is also said to have erected many mosques and monasteries. Shihab-ud-din can rightly be called the Lalitaditya of medieval Kashmir. Thus this great ruler raised Kashmir to great eminence, and power.
Sultan Qutab-ud-din. During his time Ali Hamdani arrived in Kashmir., He was accompanied by 700 Syeds from Hamdan, who were being out to torture by Timur, ruler of Persia. These syeds established their centres of missonery activities in different parts of the valley. In 1389, Qutab-ud-din died, and he was succeeded by his eldest son Sultan-Sikandar.
Sultan Sikander Butshikan. , He was a man of puritan temperament. He imposed Jizia upon Hindus and stopped them to use tilak on their fore-heads. Writes M. Hassan: "In their misplaced zeal for their faith, Sikandar and his minister Saif-ud-din (who was originally a Hindu) were also responsible for the destruction of images and temples ." Almost all the muslim chroniclers speak of the wholesale destruction of Hindu shrines including the 'Martand' Temple, and forcible conversion of Hindus to Islam. Thousands of Hindus fled to India to save their religion and holy books, and also to escape the wrath of the Sultan.
Shahi-Khan or Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin,
He ascended the throne in 1420 A. D. and ruled upto 1470 A. D. nearly for half a century. In the words of Pandit Anand Kaul: "possessed of a broad and tolerant outlook, with a desire to benefit mankind, he ruled with such equity, and justice and did so much to improve the material prosperity of the people, that one can not fail to admire him, his benevolent rule demands special homage in as much as he lived in a period when he had no worthy and enlightened contemporary to emulate. In the world around him, he could have little to help him. He was a potentate encouraged to be tyrannical and selfish by tradition, and especially by the examples of his father, Sultan Sikander. Zain-ul-Abidin was deservedly surnamed Budshah or the great King. In spite of 5 centuries having rolled by since he ruled, his name is still remembered with genuine reverence and gratitude. Take the name of Budshah before a Kashmiri, and at once with a happy countenance he will rhyme it with Pad-Shah ".
One of the most outstanding features of his administration was the just and liberal treatment of the Hindus, who were not only allowed complete freedom of worship, but the Sultan recalled all those who had fled to India in the time of his father. He allowed those Hindus who had forcibly been converted, to return to their former religion. The Sultan banned cow slaughter and permitted the repair and rebuilding of the temples at government expenses. He granted lands to learned Brahmins, endowed temples and for Hindu pilgrims visiting holy places in the valley he opened a royal kitchen at Rainawari known even now as Jogi Lanker. Jiziya was almost abolished and the Sultan participated in Hindu festivals and entertained Brahmins and Sadhus on auspicious days.
It is for encouragement of arts and crafts that Kashmir will be permanently indebted to the Sultan. The Sultan invited competent teachers from countries to Kashmir, so that they could train people here. Among many industries introduced by him, we can mention carpet, paper machine, paper making, silk rearing, shawls, manufacture of gun powder etc.
Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin's death sounded the death knell of Shah-Miri dynasty.
The only important event that took place before the establishment of Chak dynasty was the invasion of Mirza Haider Dughlat who attacked Kashmir from Zogila pass in 1533. Soon he was able to establish his ascendancy in the valley. The Moghul, like Dulchu earlier, killed, looted and plundered the people, and made women and children their slaves. The Sultan of Kashmir, Nazuk Shah, became almost a puppet in his hands. Moghuls were appointed on high posts everywhere, and the Jagirs of Kashmir Noblemen were confiscated. For more than a decade Mirza was the virtual ruler of the valley and he gave peace and orderly Government to the country. He encouraged Kashmir Art and Crafts, and trade and commerce once again thrived in the valley. The last Shahmiri ruler, Sultan Habib Shah, a weakling was deposed by his commander, and nobles raised on throne Gazi Chak, a prominent military General of the time. He was the direct descendant of Lankar Chak who had come to Kashmir towards the close of Hindu rule. The Chak rule began in Kashmir in 1561 and lasted till 1587, when Akbar, the great Moghul Emperor conquered Kashmir.
Moghul Period
The Moghuls remained in power here, from 1587 to 1752, and in this period undoubtedly the people enjoyed peace and orderly Govt.
Moghul emperor Akbar visited Kashmir in 1579. Akbar built a new town near Hariparbat and called it Nagar-Magar and built the massive wall around the hill. The great emperor visited the valley three times,
Jahangir visited the State thirteen times. Jahangir came virtually, under the spell of the scenic beauty of the place. He laid gardens at Shalimar , Nishat, Achable and Verinag.
Shah Jahan also visited the happy valley a number of times. Shah Jahan laid the garden of Chashmashai and also built a portion of Shalimar. The Moghul Governor Ali Marden Khan also laid out a number of gardens.
During Aurangzebs period a reign of disorder started in Kashmir. The Moghul Governors began to loot and plunder the people, and at the same time ruthlessly started a policy of religious bigotry and fanaticism. There was absolute chaos in northern India after the invasion of Nadir Shah of Persia. The people of Kashmir could no longer tolerate the misrule of Moghul satraps, and accordingly when Ahmad Shah Abdali of Kabul was at Lahore in 1752, two Kashmir nobleman Mir Muquim Kant and Khwaj'a Zahir Didmari, waited upon him at Lahore, and disgracefully requested him to bring Kashmir under his control.
Afgan Rule : 1752 - 1819
Ahmad Shah, despatched a strong and a powerful Afgan army under the command of Abdullah Khan lshik Aqasi, to occupy the valley. The rule of Moghuls in Kasmir came to an end. Kashmir remained a dependency of Kabul rulers till 1819, roughly a period of 67 years.
The rulers of Kabul were great despots, and they ruled all the parts of their kingdom ruthlessly and with an iron hand. The corner stone of their policy was terror. As many as twenty eight Durrani Subedars governed Kashmir during these sixty seven years. The Kashmir nobleman had expected that Abdali would give them a good and a stable government, but the very first Afgan governor Abdullah Khan Aquasi, immediately after assuming powers started a reign of terror. People began to be looted and killed indiscriminately, and even the petty Afgan soliders began to amass wealth by the foulest possible means. Most of the well to do people of the valley were summoned by the Governor to his palace, and ordered to surrender all their wealth on pain of death. Their houses were completey sacked, and many people were put to sword. There was complete gloom and despair on every side. All the prosperity of the valley was gone, and the people could not even move on the streets, for fear of being robbed of even their scanty clothing.
All sections of people suffered here during their time, but the chief vicitims of these fiends were the Hindus, Shias and Bombas of Jhelum valley.
SIKH RULE: 1819-46
A deputation of Kashmiris led by Pandit Birbal Dhar, and his son Pandit Rajakak Dhar, left for Lahore and fervently requested Maharaja Ranjit Singh to conquer Kashmir. Three prominent Muslims helped Pandit Birbal Dhar in his escape from the valley. They were Abdul Qadoos Gojwari, Mallick Zulfiqar and Malik Kamgar. In 1819, 30,000 soliders of Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Kashmir, defeated the Pathans, and the state became a part of Ranjit Singh's empire.
Sikh rule lasted for only 27 years and during this period 10 Governors administersd the country one after another, out of whom the last two were Muslims. In the beginning Sikh rule also proved to be oppressive. " It must have been an intense relief ", writes Lawrence, " to all classes in Kashmir to see the downfall of the evil rule of Pathan, and to none was the relief greater than to the peasants who had been cruely fleeced by the rapacious sardars of Kabul. I do not mean to suggest that the Sikh rule was benign or good, but it was at any rate better that that of the Pathans. " The Sikh rule over Kashmir lasted only for a brief span of time, during which the rulers at Lahore were far too pre-occupied at home to pay any attention to the affairs of this outlying province of theirs. The misery of the people increased due to natural calamities as well, such as premature snow falls, which would destroy a ripe rice crop leading to famines. These famines were followed by diseases like cholera and plague, resulting in a heavy loss of life. Thousands of people migrated to India during these hard days, and no wonder the population of the valley came down to two lakhs from 8 lakhs.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh died in 1830. His death was a signal for the mutiny of Sikh Army which become uncontrollable, and plunge entire Punjab into confusion and chaos.
DOGRA PERIOD : 1846 1957
The two Anglo-Sikh wars led to the final extinction of Sikh soverignty in the Punjab and by virtue of the treaties of Lahore and Amritsar the British who had by now become undisputed masters of India, transferred and made over in perpetuity, the independent position to the Maharaja Gulab Singh and heirs male of his body, all the hilly and mountaneous country situated to the east of Indus, and west of Ravi river. In consideration of this transfer Maharaja Gulab Singh paid to the British government the sum of 75 lakhs of rupees. Maharaja Gulab Singh entered Srinagar on 9th November 1848 at 8 in the morning.
Maharaja Gulab Singh. He was a man of great vigour, foresight and determination. He was universaly feared and respected. He crushed gangs of organized plunderers, and murderers in the valley known as Galwans, and also broke the power of Bombas and Khokhas the inhabitants of Jhelum valley region below Varamulla, who brought havoc to every home in the valley by following a policy of arson and plunder. Large number of forts were built in their territory which were garrisoned with troops. It was because of his energetic measures that the conditions of the people improved and after many years some confidence was inspired in the permanece of administration. He laid of the modern Jammu and Kashmir State. It was Gulab Singh who conquered one by one different places and regions of the state, Jammu,. Poonch, Ram Nagar, Basoli, Bhahderwah, Kishtwar, Bhimbar, Rajauri, Sikardu, Kharmang, Kiris, Khaplu, Sheghar, Astor Gilgit, Chitral, Yasin, Hunza, Nagar, and Punial. In the words of K. M. Panikar an area of more than eighty thousand sq. miles including part of Tibet, as well as part of Pamier, besides the genuinely kingdoms of Jammu and Kashmir came into Maharaja Gulab Singh's possession. This area had never been effectively united under one ruler and much of it with of course; the exception of the valley of Kashmir had never known any settled govt. The Maharaja died in 1857 after a rule of 11 years.
Maharaja Ranbir Singh Maharaja Ranbir Singh ruled from 1857 to 1885. It was in his time that the rule of law commenced in the state. Almost all the laws, civil and criminal, which the British had introduced in India were with some modifications made applicable to the state. The various state departments were organised on the pattern of departments as these existed in British India. A slight attempt was also made to assess the amount of land revenue at a fixed amount.
Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh. Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh ascended the throne In 1885 and he ruled for a period of 40 years. It is in the time of this Maharaja that the real modernisation of the state took place and several progressive reforms were carried through. Sir Walter Lawrence carried the first assessment of land revenue system in the state on scientific lines. The two mountain roads-Jhelum valley road and Banihal Cart road were built linking the state with the rest of India. Construction of water reservior at Harwan and establishment of electric generating plant at Mohra was also undertaken during this period. Two colleges in the state besides large number of education institutions were also established by the order of the Maharaja. The administrative machinery was completely overhauled. There was development in the means of communication and telegraphs, telephones and post offices were opened in many places. The isolation of Kashmir from the rest of the country was now a thing of the past, and large number of people, mostly europeans began to visit the valley.
Maharaja Sir Hari Singh. After the death of Maharaja Pratap Singh his nephew Maharaja Sir Hari Singh ascended the throne in 1925. He continued to govern the state till 1950. Maharaja Hari Singh modernised the state and carried out a large number of reforms. It was in his time that the popular elements began to be associated with the Goverment. The most important thing that had far reaching consequences in the future history of the state was the birth of political parties and the growth of political consciousness in the state during this period. But even more important was the liberation of the country from the British Yoke in 1947.It was on 26th Jan. 1957 that the Kashmir Constiuent Assembly ended the hereditary rule of the Hindu monarchy in the state exacly after one hundred and ten years of its establishment.
People
The mosaic of ethnic group in Jammu and Kashmir State is complex and the race structure cannot be explained without understanding the pre-historic movements of people. In the process of peopling of the region, the Dards in the north-west, the Ladakhis in the east, the Gujjars and Rajputs in the south and Paharis in the south-east have closely influenced the existing ethnicity of the people. The racial composition of the State was also influenced by the immigrants from the territories of Turkmenia, Tadzkistan, Uzbaikistan, Kazakistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan (U.S.S.R.) Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.
Kashmiri
'Kashmiri' is a wide term which has loosely been applied for several streams of immigrated mainly from Turkey, Iran, Central Asia and Afghanistan, and settled in the valley. There is a close bearing of the Indo-Aryans on the racial composition of the Kashmiris. In fact, the Indo-Aryan religions and languages have substantially affected the mode of life of the Kashmiris. The influence of Sanskrit on Kashmiri language is strong and cogent to this day. Moreover, Kashmir has also received racial impulses from Indo-Greeks which have influenced the race structure of the people considerably. The influence of Dards, Ladakhis and Punjabis has also moulded the ethos of Kashmiri culture.
Kashmiri Pundits live a simple and frugal life. Individualistic and largely intellectual, they avoid manual labor and cling to professional and administrative jobs. Due to the terrorist activities lately, many of them have been uprooted from their homeland but the government has been trying to relocate them here. The Kashmiri Pandits do not have castes like Hindus in the rest of India.
Kashmiri Muslims are generally more active, energetic and dynamic in nature and are considered unrivalled craftsmen, known for their time-honored intricate and beautiful designs that they produce on papier-mâché, wood, silver and gold. Shrewd businessmen, they also indulge themselves in agriculture, sheep rearing, cattle rearing and other cottage industries. Ninety percent of the population in the valley professes Islam of both Sunni and Shia sects.
Dards
Ptolemy in his book 'Almagast' has used the word Daradrai for Dards of the western Himalayas. Before embracing Islam, they were the followers of Budhism and Hinduism. At present their major concentration lies in Dardistan (Derdesa), the area to the north of Kashmir Valley, especially in the catchment of Kishanganga north of Sardi, Gurez and Tilel. In the opinion of Leitner, Dards belong to Aryan stock. Dardic Aryans then colonised the Pamir region from where they spread to Chitral and Gilgit.These Include the Shia Muslim denizens of Drass and Buddhist inhabitants of Four villages in Sindhu Valley.
Ladakhis
Ladakhis are a mixture of Mongoloid and Aryan races. The Aryans who settled originally in the sub-continent's northern parts were the early Budhist people from Kashmir and the Dards from Gilgit. The Mongolian stock is traced to Tibet, from where the shephereds and nomads came to the valleys of Ladakh to graze their flocks. The present day population of Ladakh is the result of blending together of Dards and the Mongolians.
Chang Pa
Another occupation of the people is sheep-rearing. The herdsmen are called Chang-pas. They rear long-haired goats and sheep from whose under-fleece the famous Kashmiri Pashmina shawls are made. Chang-pas live in tents and are nomadic, going from place to place in search of pastures. The people are keenly interested in trade. Wool, in raw form is their chief commercial product. The men travel long distances, seeking favourable prices for their wares, which consist of salt, dry fruits and cultured pearls and semi-precious stones. In return they get tea, tobacco, grain, sugar and other essential goods.
Hanjis
Hanjis - the dwellers of water, constitute a significant ethnic group in the valley of Kashmir. They are mainly confined to the Dal, Wular, Anchar lakes and the Jhelum river, especially between Khanabal (Ananatnag District) and Chattabal (Srinagar District).
There is not unanimity of opinion amongst the scholars about their arrival in the valley of Kashmir. They, however agree in saying that 'Hanjis' belong to one of the ancient racial groups who were essentially Nishads (boatmen). Some of the Hanjis claim themselves as the descendents of Prophet Noah. There are historical evidences showing that Raja Pratap Sen introduced boatmen from Sangaldip (Sri Lanka). It is believed that before their conversion to Islam, they were Kashtriyas.
Gujjars and Bakarwals
Gujjars and Bakarwals constitute a significant proportion of the population of the State. In general, they have nomadic character and largely depend on flocks and cattle keeping for thier livelihood.
There are several theories about their origin. According to one school of thought, before their arrival in the sub-continent they were the inhabitants of Georgia (Gurjia) a territory situated between the Black sea and the Caspian Sea in the Soviet Union.. Cunningham (1970) is however, of the opinion that the Gujjars are the descendent of Kusham and Yachi Tribes which are considered to be the tribes of Eastern Tartars (U.S.S.R.).
The major concentration of Gujjars lies in Jammu, Rajouri, Udhampur, Poonch, Uri, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Daksum, Narang and the Kandi areas of the Jammu and Kashmir Divisions. Although some of them have started developing land connections, they are essentially cattle rearers and a section of them - Bakarwals regularly oscillates between the southern slopes of the Siwaliks and the Margs (Alpine-pastures) of the Central Himalayas.
The Gujjars and Bakarwals in the State are the followers of Islam, excepting a few who are settled io Bimber, Mirpur and Rajouri. The Gujjars, because of their strict re]igious adherence, have emerged as the most outstanding tribe who are trusted for their honesty.
Dogras
In the opinion of some social anthropologists 'Dogra' is a corruption of the Rajasthani word 'Dungra' means 'hill' and when the people of Rajasthan migrated in the hilly tracks under drought conditions the Rajputs gave this name to the people of hilly country, Stein opines that the name 'Durgara' is probably a tribal designation like 'Gurjara' - original of the modern Gujjar, and similarly the word 'Durgara' has been derived from Durgara' through Prakrit Dogra.
Whatsoever the controversy about the origin of the word Dogra may be they belong to the Aryan race and speak the Dogri language. Most of them have Brahmini path and have the sects of Varnashram. A substantial section of the Dogras embraced Islam during the 16th and 17th centuries. At the time of partition of the Sub-continent most of the Muslim Dogras migrated to Pakistan.
GEOGRAPHY OF KASHMIR
The state of Jammu and Kashmir, (as on 14 Aug 1947) consists of the regions encompassed in Northern Areas of Pakistan to include Gilgit, Wazara, Baltistan and Hunza; the territories of Ladakh including trans Karakoram Shakshang Valley ( ceded to China by Pakistan) and China Occupied Aksai Chin; the Vallies of Zhanskar to include Suru and Drass valleys: Kargil; Kashmir Valley; Kishan Ganga Valley ( Including that in POK), Jammu; Rajori; Poonch .
Seven mighty Mountain ranges namely Karakoram, Laddakh-Kailash, Zhanskar, Himalaya, Shamshabari, Pir Panjal and Shivalik run parallel in a general NW to SE alignment. Being formidable barriers these ranges have resulted in creating distinct social ecologies in their valleys.
The Indus Valley towards South in Areas of Baltistan is Shia Muslim. The Central valley of Indus between Batalik and Khalasi is inhabited by Buddhist Drad Hunu Tribals. Upstream Indus is inhabited by Buddhist Ladakhis. The Zhaskar Valley of Padam is predominantly Buddhist. The Zhaskar Valley Of Suru in continuation of Kargil is Shia Muslim. Drass is inhabited by Drad Shia Muslims. South of Himalaya, the Kashmir Vally is Sunni Muslim. Further to South of Pir Panjal are the Dogra areas. The Mountains, their passes and meadows are inhabited by migratory Gujjar Bakrwals.
Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan (Chief Research Wing, NCCT)
Friday, May 21, 2010
कब हिन्दुस्तान बोलेगा
मैं राम राम रटता रहा तू कुरान की आयतें
ना रास आया हमें इंसानियत का जज्बा
मस्जिदों में रहा खुदा हाफिज़ कब
पत्थरों में बसते भगवान् बता
जबतक मैं हिन्दू तू मुस्लमान
इस रहगुज़र से कोई इंसान ना गुजरने पायेगा
बल्वों की धधकती आग से पूछो
शमशान में जलती लाशों का पता ??
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Jan Gan Man
i have often wondered at the wordings
It is impeccable poetry
But what does it conveys in todays context
Jan Gan Man Adhinayak Jai Hai ( The hero ,the common masses)
Bharat Bhagya Vidhata ( you decides the fate of India)
Punjab Sindh Gujarat, Maratha, Davin, Utka, Bang
Vidhya, Himacha, Yamuna Ganga, Ucchal Jal Dhitrang
( The People of Punjab, Sindh, Gujrat Maratha, Dravin, Utkal ,Bang,they flow as rivers from Vindhyachal,Himalaya and flow in unison)
Tab shubh name Jage, Tab shuh asish mange ( When they wake up, blessing flows)
Gaye Sab Jai Gatha ( The song of triumph is resonated)
Jan gan mangal dyak Jai Hai ( the common people, you bring glory, victory to you)
bahrat bhagya Vidhata ( you are the fate of India)
Jai hey, Jai Hey, Jai ,Jai ,Jai , Jai Hey
( Glory to you, Victory to you)
I wil put it together as a salute to Indian Democracy
The hero ,the common masses
you decides the fate of India
The People of Punjab, Sindh, Gujrat Maratha,
Dravin, Utkal ,Bang
,they flow as rivers from Vindhyachal,Himalaya
and flow in unison
When they wake up, blessing flows
The song of triumph is resonated
the common people, you bring glory, victory to you
you are the fate of India
Glory to you, Victory to you
Jai Hind
Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan , Chief - Research Wing , NCCT
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
26/11 -- what Pakistan stands to Gain from the Incident.
Ever since 26/11 i have been wondering what Pakistan stands to Gain from the Incident.
The Pakistani establishment was aware that such audacity can lead to war. With two Corps and party of strategic reserves committed to counter terrorist operations in West, the Professional Pakistan Army, i know would have never taken such a catastrophic risk.
Here is food for some thought:-
Drone Strikes
Between 2004- 2007 there were seven drone strikes. There were 17 Drone Strikes in 2008 prior to 26/11. There were 54 Drone Strikes in Pakistan in 2009 and deeper into hinterland. There has been 34 drone strikes up to may end this year.( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drone_attacks_in_Pakistan)
Pakistan has repeatedly protested these attacks as they are an infringement of its sovereignty and because civilian deaths have also resulted, including women and children, which has further angered the Pakistani government and people.
In September 28, a spokesman for the Pakistani army condemned Washington's killing of Pakistani civilians and warned of retaliatory action: "Border violations by US-led forces in Afghanistan, which have killed scores of Pakistani civilians, would no longer be tolerated, and we have informed them that we reserve the right to self defense and that we will retaliate if the US continues cross-border attacks.
However after 26/11/ 2008 the intensity of Drone attacks increased and Pakistani protest was muted.
David Coleman Headley, formerly known as Daood Sayed Gilani,
Gilani ran a video store in Philadelphia. In 1997 he was one of two men arrested for smuggling heroin into the country from Pakistan. In exchange for information about his Pakistani drug contacts, he received a considerably lighter sentence than his co-defendant: fifteen months in jail and five years of supervised release. In November 1998, Headley was delivered to the low-security Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix. However, his supervised release period was never completed. Instead, in November 2001, an assistant U.S. attorney applied to have Headley discharged. Headley traveled to Pakistan multiple times to conduct undercover surveillance operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration. In 2002 and three times in 2003, he attended Lashkar-e-Taiba training camps in Pakistan.
Indian investigators were surprised at how easily Headley had obtained a visa to enter India, a process that is extremely difficult for Pakistani nationals. Headley's U.S. passport, his new Christian sounding name, and the fact that the passport and his visa application made no mention of his prior name or nationality, made it easy for him to obtain an Indian visa from the Indian consulate in Chicago. He also falsely stated on his visa application that his father's name was William Headley and that his own name at birth was "Headley", a claim that was difficult to refute since the U.S. passport, unlike the Indian one, does not provide the father's name, and does not require endorsements on name changes by the passport holder.
Some Indian analysts have speculated that David Headley was a CIA Double agent within LeT, an accusation denied by the CIA. As soon as Headley was arrested in Chicago, the Indian media had a barrage of questions for the government about him, whose answers were slow in coming. Among other questions, Indian investigators wanted the FBI to share its tapes of Headley's communications with his Pakistani handlers to match with the voices taped on cell phones during the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Following intense coverage and speculation in the Indian press, U.S. ambassador Timothy J. Roemer told reporters in New Delhi that the United States is working at the "highest level" to provide India access to Headley, even as it is passing along answers to questions in "real time”. The access is yet to happen.
Tahawwur Hussain Rana
Tahawwur Hussain Rana has served as captain in Pakistan Army, before becoming a citizen of Canada. He lives primarily in Chicago and owns several businesses including an immigration service agency.
Rana and David Coleman Headley were charged and arrested on 18 October 2009.
Hafiz Muhammad Saeed Amir LeT
Hafiz Muhammad Saeed was born in Sargodha to a conservative Pakistani Punjabi family. General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq appointed Saeed to the Council on Islamic Ideology. He was sent to Saudi Arabia in the early 1980s by the university for higher studies where he met Saudi Sheikhs who were taking part in the Afghan jihad. They inspired him to join his colleague, Professor Zafar Iqbal, in taking an active role supporting the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan.
If ISI is not controlling LeT who is?
The Bigger question is Who controls ISI.
Contribution- Mr Skand Nayal Khan, NCCT (chief- research wing)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Manipur Cricis
A humanitarian crisis of Great is brewing in Manipur. Due to the ego of two political patriarch,Thuingaleng Muivah and Okram Ibobi Singh the people of Manipur are suffering. The state is bad. The situation is dire. There is no petrol or cooking gas available anywhere. Whatever is available is on the black market at ridiculous rates," retired air force officer Rajkumar Ronendrajit told the BBC.Hospitals are also running short of life-saving drugs and oxygen."We normally carry out 20 surgeries a day. We are down to about eight because our stocks of oxygen are fast running out," managing director of Shija hospital Dr KH Palin said.Officials say cargo aircraft carrying rice and medicine have now begun arriving to try and ease the situation.But with the blockade continuing, things continue to remain tense.
I would like to extend an appeal to NAGA HOHO, NAGA Mothers Organisation, GPRN and Mr Muivah to bring this deadlock to an end, for Christ, For Humanity.
is GOI Listening
Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan, Chief -Research Wing, NCCT
I would like to extend an appeal to NAGA HOHO, NAGA Mothers Organisation, GPRN and Mr Muivah to bring this deadlock to an end, for Christ, For Humanity.
is GOI Listening
Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan, Chief -Research Wing, NCCT
...Revolution Within
I do not want to die here,
And lie buried in a cold grave
When I am done,
I want our children to know
Yes I was brave
I brood no fear and no remorse,
I am cold at heart as steel
I will cut; will slash the bones bare
No guilt will I ever feel
I want to set the critical mass,
And let the neutrons rain
Into the core of fissile me,
Implode to set the chain
I want to burn and rise up to sky,
As a mushroom cloud
I want to explode into deafness
With decibels loud
I want to melt into magma
And flow with molten heat
And char the path I leave behind
And resistance I meet
I want to melt the arctic ice
Arrest the global spin
I want to swallow the Sun some day
And let my belief win
I want to burn and streak the sky
With dazzle silver spark
And turn crimson the horizons
Before I contract dark
_____ Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan (Chief- Research Wing, NCCT)
What is expected of every true Indian?? (The President of India DR. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam 's Speech in Hyderabad .)
The President of India DR. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam 's Speech in Hyderabad .
Why is the media here so negative?
Why are we in India so embarrassed to recognize our own strengths, our achievements?
We are such a great nation. We have so many amazing success stories but we refuse to acknowledge them. Why?
We are the first in milk production..
We are number one in Remote sensing satellites.
We are the second largest producer of wheat.
We are the second largest producer of rice.
Look at Dr. Sudarshan , he has transferred the tribal village into a self-sustaining, self-driving unit. There are millions of such achievements but our media is only obsessed in the bad news and failures and disasters.
I was in Tel Aviv once and I was reading the Israeli newspaper... It was the day after a lot of attacks and bombardments and deaths had taken place. The Hamas had struck. But the front page of the newspaper had the picture of a Jewish gentleman who in five years had transformed his desert into an orchid and a granary. It was this inspiring picture that everyone woke up to. The gory details of killings, bombardments, deaths, were inside in the newspaper, buried among other news..
In India we only read about death, sickness, terrorism, crime.. Why are we so NEGATIVE? Another question: Why are we, as a nation so obsessed with foreign things? We want foreign T.Vs, we want foreign shirts. We want foreign technology.
Why this obsession with everything imported. Do we not realize that self-respect comes with self-reliance? I was in Hyderabad giving this lecture, when a 14 year old girl asked me for my autograph. I asked her what her goal in life is. She replied: I want to live in a developed India . For her, you and I will have to build this developed India You must proclaim. India is not an under-developed nation; it is a highly developed nation.
Do you have 10 minutes? Allow me to come back with a vengeance.
Got 10 minutes for your country? If yes, then read; otherwise, choice is yours.
YOU say that our government is inefficient.
YOU say that our laws are too old.
YOU say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage.
YOU say that the phones don't work, the railways are a joke. The airline is the worst in the world, mails never reach their destination.
YOU say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pits.
YOU say, say and say. What do YOU do about it?
Take a person on his way to Singapore . Give him a name - 'YOURS'. Give him a face - 'YOURS'. YOU walk out of the airport and you are at your International best. In Singapore you don't throw cigarette butts on the roads or eat in the stores. YOU are as proud of their Underground links as they are. You pay $5 (approx. Rs. 60) to drive through Orchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway or Pedder Road) between 5 PM and 8 PM. YOU come back to the parking lot to punch your parking ticket if you have over stayed in a restaurant or a shopping mall irrespective of your status identity… In Singapore you don't say anything, DO YOU? YOU wouldn't dare to eat in public during Ramadan, in Dubai YOU would not dare to go out without your head covered in Jeddah.
YOU would not dare to buy an employee of the telephone exchange in London at 10 pounds (Rs.650) a month to, 'see to it that my STD and ISD calls are billed to someone else.'YOU would not dare to speed beyond 55 mph (88 km/h) in Washington and then tell the traffic cop, 'Jaanta hai main kaun hoon (Do you know who I am?). I am so and so's son. Take your two bucks and get lost.' YOU wouldn't chuck an empty coconut shell anywhere other than the garbage pail on the beaches in Australia and New Zealand
Why don't YOU spit Paan on the streets of Tokyo ? Why don't YOU use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston ??? We are still talking of the same YOU. YOU who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. You who will throw papers and cigarettes on the road the moment you touch Indian ground. If you can be an involved and appreciative citizen in an alien country, why cannot you be the same here in India ?
Once in an interview, the famous Ex-municipal commissioner of Bombay , Mr... Tinaikar, had a point to make. 'Rich people's dogs are walked on the streets to leave their affluent droppings all over the place,' he said. 'And then the same people turn around to criticize and blame the authorities for inefficiency and dirty pavements. What do they expect the officers to do? Go down with a broom every time their dog feels the pressure in his bowels?
In America every dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job.. Same in Japan .
Will the Indian citizen do that here?' He's right. We go to the polls to choose a government and after that forfeit all responsibility.
We sit back wanting to be pampered and expect the government to do everything for us whilst our contribution is totally negative. We expect the government to clean up but we are not going to stop chucking garbage all over the place nor are we going to stop to pick a up a stray piece of paper and throw it in the bin. We expect the railways to provide clean bathrooms but we are not going to learn the proper use of bathrooms.
We want Indian Airlines and Air India to provide the best of food and toiletries but we are not going to stop pilfering at the least opportunity.
This applies even to the staff who is known not to pass on the service to the public.
When it comes to burning social issues like those related to women, dowry, girl child! and others, we make loud drawing room protestations and continue to do the reverse at home. Our excuse? 'It's the whole system which has to change, how will it matter if I alone forgo my sons' rights to a dowry.' So who's going to change the system?
What does a system consist of? Very conveniently for us it consists of our neighbours, other households, other cities, other communities and the government. But definitely not me and YOU. When it comes to us actually making a positive contribution to the system we lock ourselves along with our families into a safe cocoon and look into the distance at countries far away and wait for a Mr.Clean to come along & work miracles for us with a majestic sweep of his hand or we leave the country and run away.
Like lazy cowards hounded by our fears we run to America to bask in their glory and praise their system. When New York becomes insecure we run to England When England experiences unemployment, we take the next flight out to the Gulf... When the Gulf is war struck, we demand to be rescued and brought home by the Indian government. Everybody is out to abuse and rape the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system. Our conscience is mortgaged to money.
Dear Indians, The article is highly thought inductive, calls for a great deal of introspection and pricks one's conscience too…. I am echoing J. F. Kennedy's words to his fellow Americans to relate to Indians…..
'ASK WHAT WE CAN DO FOR INDIA AND DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE TO MAKE INDIA WHAT AMERICA AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE TODAY'
Lets do what India needs from us.
___________ Contribution - Mona Kaur (NCCT Activist)
ARMED FORCES SPECIAL POWER ACT
I am bewildered why there is so much of inertia against Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA). It is made to appear as an Inhuman Act designed to eradicate Humanity.
Firstly AFSPA (58/90) is promulgated in areas declared Disturbed by Disturbed Area Act by state government. It implies that State Government ( constituted by people of the State) is of opinion that law and order condition in the state is volatile and dangerous.It need to be extended every year by State Government.
Secondly Army is deployed in Aid To Civil Authority when civil administration is nearly defunct. The role of Army is to contain level of violence and create conditions for civil administration to function.
Thirdly. AFSPA is no Draconian law. it provides incidental protection to conventional oriented army if any accidental collateral damage occurred .
The article 4 states:
Special Powers of the armed forces – Any commissioned officer, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer or any other person of equivalent rank in the armed forces may, in a DISTURBED AREA,
(a) if he is of opinion that it is necessary so to do FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER , AFTER GIVING SUCH DUE WARNING as he may consider necessary, fire upon or otherwise use force,even to the causing of death, against any Person WHO IS ACTING IN CONTRAVENTION OF ANY LAW OR ORDER for the time being in force in the disturbed area prohibiting the assembly of five or move persons or the CARRYING OF WEAPONS or of things capable of being used as weapons or of fire-arms, ammunition or EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES ;
(b) if he is of opinion that it is necessary so to do, DESTROY ANY ARMS DUMP, prepared or fortified position or shelter FROM WHICH ARMED ATTACKS ARE MADE or are likely to be made or are attempted to be made, or Any STRUCTURE USED AS TRAINING CAMP FOR ARMED VOLUNTEER or UTILIZED AS HIDEOUT by armed gangs or absconders wanted for any offence;
(c) arrest, without warrant, any person WHO HAS COMMITTED COGNIZABLE OFFENCE or against whom a REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS that he has committed or is about to commit a cognizable offence and may use such force as may be necessary to effect the arrest;
(d) enter and search without warrant any premises to make any such arrest as aforesaid or to RECOVER ANY PERSON BELIEVED TO BE WRONGFULLY RESTRAINED OR CONFINED or any property reasonably suspected to be stolen property or any ARMS AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES ARE UNLAWFULLY KEPT in such premises, and may for that purpose use such force as may be necessary.
There are adequate checks and balances.No Army person intends to harm any one deliberately. Aerations do occur but that can not be taken as typical class examples.
Instead of making much ado over nothing why not raise the issue of failure of state government and civil administration. Why not convince the state government to repeal Disturbed Area Act?Why not campaign for establishing Political and Administrative Responsibility?
For the record more Human Right Accesses are omitted by state police of same stock as the people of the state. They are not even governor by AFSPA.
I am convinced that the army personnel deployed in the DISTURBED AREAS will be happy to go home and see their children grow.
_________ COntribution - Skand nayal Khan (Chief- Research Wing, NCCT)
What is Terrorism
The spectrum of conflict is broad.It starts with petty crimes and graduates to full scale nuclear war. The possibility of occurrence decreases as the intensity of conflict increases.
Insurgencies and Terrorism are a part of what is termed as Low Intensity Conflicts.
Insurgencies are bred on realization of relative deprivation. It has a cause,( that always existed), a support base ( who struggles for the cause),and leadership,(pseudo elites who make the support base REALIZE the cause for their ambition).Here there is organized military wing who resists the opposing forces (generally State Forces). There are no attacks on general public. The violence is controlled and selective.Naxalism by far is an insurgent movement.
Terrorism is indiscriminate use of violence, or threat of use of violence to achieve a desired end state.It is a tool of violent coercion .It needs an action to create a threat and a propagation media to propagate the threat.Lady Thacher aptly said that media is oxygen to terrorism. 9/11 & 26/11 are acts of terrorism.
Terrorism and Insurgencies are interrelated. Terrorism forms a part of insurgency cycle in two stages where there is a need to increase the support base. When the insurgency is dieing the terror emerges again.
It at times is a matter of time and space. Hijabul Mujahiddin ( a Kashmiri Terrorist Organization),in Kashmir is insurgent organization, While in Delhi when it targets Common People it becomes a terrorist organization.
Insurgencies and terrorism are more applicable to democratic regimes where opinion of public matters.Countries where human life has a value and human rights are respected.
Countries with autocratic regimes like PRC believe in brutal suppression of Rebellion against the state.
The role of armed forces is to contain the violence level, destroy the combat potential and create conditions for political solution.The application of force has to be minimum and graduated. After all we are against our own countrymen. The People are the center of Gravity. All operations are people centric aimed to win hearts and minds to corrode insurgent support base.
In worst insurgency situations 30% - 40% people are pro insurgent, 10%-20% pro government. 50% are neutrals encompassing 10% fence sitters. The aim is to prevent the neutrals fro joining insurgents, containing own support and fading insurgent support, in that order of priority.Any application of unwarranted force such as Heavy weapons and Air Power may alienate more people.
The most effective method to contain terrorism is prevent terror propagation. This can be achieved by creating awareness of intents of terrorist , and methods in public. A responsible media will contribute much.
The story of "Angulimal," wherein Tathagat Gautam Buddh refused to get terrorized and walked through Angulimal,s domain.He faced the bandit fearlessly and his courage and empathy made Angulimal change is heart. This is the cornerstone of Anti terrorist Philosophy.
_______ Contribution - Mr Skand Nayal Khan (Chief- Research Wing, NCCT)
then discussion ;
Views of Mr Piyush Sharma on above note --
Piyush Sharma --- We have been fighting terrorism without really understanding the root cause of this problem. Whom are we fighting with?These are our fellow countrymen misguided for any reasons. Lets not criticize them and discuss the 'real' reasons. These are results of long rooted problems which got unaddressed for so long.
Lets clearly understand the problem before we could apply any solutions to it.
A slap to a slap or a bullet to a bullet is not solution, we just need to think objectively & compassionately.
I have no intention to extend the theory and i am keen to discuss a practical approach which as a citizen i can acquire. These politicians are just handful and we masses are the ones who bring about the changes. BTW ,how many of us have actually gone to these troubled areas. Most just avoid these 'unsafe' areas. We are just helping to seclude these people/areas more.
Let's share our understanding here and discuss out our thoughts on this deep rooted problem and find solutions which we can implement at an individual level and make it a mass movement.
Views Of Mona Kaur --
Responsible media is needed... Not only for urban civilization but also for rural and ignorant ones.
Rest Its dirty politics of Left And Congress responsible.
Kashmir Issue - Pandit Nehru.
bangladeshi infiltration - Left And Congress.
Naxalism - Again Left and Congress.
The number of sikh died in Delhi Sikh Riots were more than double of those in Godhra and Post Godhra.
Lot of Issues--- But awareness cant be created with this bias media.
Skand Nayal Khna's reply ---
You forgot Nagaland,mother of all Insurgencies.It began with an opportunist ambitious Phizo, who wanted to continue the feudal tribal hegemony of Khonoma Village. British resident DC of Kohima played a major part in political mobilizations of tribals in erstwhile Assam.
But it was ego of " NEHRU" which made it an insurgency.
He was to address a public meeting in Kohima. He was accompanied by U Nu , having gifted him strategic Kabao Valley which was part of kingdom of Manipur.The people of nearby villages gathered.As he started his speech, the people booed him, turned back, picked up their kilt and slapped their bare buttocks.Then the entire gathering walked out.
He took it personally and instructed Ge Kariappa to " Sort the Nagas Out."He put forth a reasoning that army was not prepared for such task but Panditji was hell bent.
As a result army entered Nagaland and used heavy hand. Human rights excesses were committed. People Killed, raped displaced.
This is what further developed as the momentum of Naga Conflict.
Piyush Sharma --
what ever could be the reason but today we are in a state where we are fighting from all the angles. North its Kashmir, east its bodos or Nagas and infiltrations from Bangladesh, south its Lankan issues and West its Raj Thackeray. What amazes me most is despite all this we are still progressing though slow.
I think this is gonna take an effort from each of u who understand the problem, let's start an awareness y our self if Media is bias.
I am sad but still hopeful to see countryman like you.. Keep this spirit live and expect the great things.
Mona Kaur --
Yunanon mishro roma sab mit gaye jahan se,
Baaki ab talak hai namonishaan hamara.
Kuchh baat hai ki hasti mit-ti nahin hamari,
Sadiyon raha hai dushman daude jamaan hamara;)
Hum honge kamyab ek din;)
Jai Hind !
Mona Kaur--
zulm phir zulm hai, baDtaa hai to miT jaataa hai
khoon phir khoon hai, Tapkegaa to jam jaayegaa
zulm ki baat hi kyaa, zulm ki auqaat hi kyaa
zulm bas zulm hai, aagaaz se anjaam talak
khoon phir khoon hai, sau shaql badal saktaa hai
aesee shaqleN ke miTaao to miTaaye na bane
aese sholay ke bujhaao to bujhaaye na bane
aese naaray ke dabaao to dabaaye na bane!
Skand Nayal Khan----
Zulm ki baat chali to
aksar afsanon main
degaar hota hai
zulm ko sehna kuyn hai
jo zhuk gaya
jo ruk gaya
to phir laho ko behna kuyn hai
Piyush Sharma--
Hai liye hathiyaar dushman taak mein baitha udhar
Aur hum taiyyaar hain seena liye apna idhar
Khoon se khelenge holi gar vatan muskhil mein hai
Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai
Swati Sharma ---
many reasons are there for the terrorism to survive, but the biggest reason for it is the money. Yes, to survive people in need go for it.
If we see their way its not wrong, why not go the way bringing money and the easy money and why not to risk the life for it.
If the terrorism has to be controlled, control it and help the needy in such a way that it neither harms them and the country.......
Skand Nayal Khan ---
Swati you are right in saying it is for money. But it is not for need of money but for Lust of money and power.In Nagaland and Manipur it is a multimillion industry with extortion ransom money running in carores. Governments also get millions as special package almost all of it is embezzled.Kashmir has the third highest per capita income in country without producing anything worthwhile at cost of taxpayers money.The naxal areas are resource rich and it is about tendu leaf , timber, mineral royalties.
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