KASHMIRentinelS Let Truth Prevail

Vol. 12. No: 6-7 June 2007 Pages 24 Price Rs. 20/-

JKENG 00333/26/AL/TC/94 JK No: 1213/18 Regd. JK-219/2007

INSIDEREPORTPK expresses strongconcern overnon-allotment of Qtrs. atMuthi..................Page 4

DEBATEReport submitted by HMAnsari Working Group isdisappoining........Page 5

VIEW POINTPeace Process-IdeologicalMoorings...............Page 6

MEDIA SCANPakistan's Existence: Aneed or aburden?...............Page 7

Sakshaatkaar....................Page 8 & 9

IMPRESSIONSSatya KaSakshaatkaar.....Page 10

BOOK REVIEWDemystifing Kashmirexplodes manymyths................Page 11

INTERVIEWSati Sahni--AConversation......Page 12

TRIBUTESwamji-The man & thelegend...............Page 14

ORAL HISTORYTales and Legendsof Aragam(Bandipore).........Page 16

SAKSHAATKAARMarathi PressReportage..........Page 17

NOSTALGIASurgar and Spice And AllThings Nice........Page 18

BOOK REVIEW*The role of LucknowKashmir- Pandits........................Page 20*Literature as a weaponagainst colonialism.........................Page 21

Chronology of Events.........................Page 22

KS CorrespondentJAMMU, June 14: Acknowl-

edging the contribution of SaintSukh Ram of Nagbal, Anantnag,in the preservation and protec-tion of the shrine and servingas the spiritual guru of KashmiriHindus, Panun Kashmircondoled the unfortunatedemise of the saint. The PanunKashmir leaders tendered anapology to Sadhu Samaj if at allany disrespect has been causedto the saints personalitywittingly or unwittingly by anymember of the community andvowed to fight all those vestedinterests who are trying todivide Hindu Samaj by creatinga wedge between Kashmiri Pan-dits and Sadhu Samaj. Addressing a press conference at PressClub Jammu, Panun Kashmir General Secretary Sh. Kuldeep Rainaexpressed heartfelt condolences to the entire fraternity of Sadhus

PANUN KASHMIR CONDOLES SWAMI SUKH RAM'S DEATHand Saints on the death of thesaint and described his death asgreat shock to the community.Glorifying the contribution of thesaint in preserving the NagbalShrine in testing times, Mr. Rainasaid, "we all consider him aspiritual guide and hero saintwho kept aloft the flag of Indiancivilisation in Kashmir at a placelike Anantnag during mostdifficult times. He kept thepremises of Nagbal Temple openduring a time when the templeheritage of entire Kashmir valleywas being plundered andvandalised".

Referring to thevandalisation and descreationof Hindu Shrines and temples

and destruction of property of Kashmiri Hindus, Panun KashmirGeneral Secretary said that Panun Kashmir is sensitisingpublic opinion on the issue through the exhibition-

Sh. Kuldeep Raina Gen. Secy, Panun Kashmir, Sh. Bihari LalKoul, Secretary Panun Kashmir &Sh. O.N. Trisal PresidentASKPC addressing mediapersons at Jammu

By SpecialCorrespondent

M a h a r a s h t r ahas been home tomany nationalistand Hindur e n a i s s a n c emovements. Peopleof Maharashtrahave never beenfound wantingwhenever there hasbeen a nationalistcall. It was this statefirst which felt thatKashmiri Pandits-the frontline victimsof terrorism inKashmir need of becared for. TheMaharashtrians opened their educational institutions to the studentsof the Displaced Pandit Community. For the past 18 years theMaharashtrians have been expressing full solidarity with DisplacedKashmiri Hindus.

This state too has been the victim of terrorism. There have beenfrequent attempts to target Mumbai the financial capital of India.Islamist groups particularly SIMI involved in terrorism have spreadtheir tentacles in different parts of Maharashtra. Spectre of terroristthreat looms large over the state. Hindu Jan Jagrut Samiti, a wingof Sanatan Sanstha, a leading religious body, has been involvedsince 1996 in spreading national awareness and sensitising com-

‘Sakshaatkaar’ moves Maharashtriansmon people to thethreat of terrorism.

Soon after‘Saakshatkaar’Exhibitions inDelhi and Mumbaithe Hindu JanJagrut Samiti(HJJS) approachedPanun Kashmir fors t a g i n g‘Saakshatkaar’in different parts ofMaharashtra aspart of itscampaign to raisethe awareness ofpeople aboutt e r r o r i s m .‘Saakshatkaar’was shown in

Poona, Chinchwad, Darashiv and Jalgaon between 22 April to 9thMay.

The exhibition became possible because of Sh Bal Apte and Prof.GC Ansani, a historian and archeologist of repute. Sh Apte, who isknown as 'King of Computersin USA', left flourishing business inAmerica to return to India to work for the nationalist cause.

Poona:‘Saakshatkaar’ -An Encounter with Truth'" was staged at the

Balgandharva Kala Dalan (Kendra) in the heart of Pune city from(Contd. on Page 8)

Dr. Ajay Chrungoo, Chairman Panun Kashmir, conducting Acharya Kishorji Vyas &Dr. Durgesh Samant at 'Saakshaatkaar' Pune. --KS Photo

(Contd. on Page 9)

e-mail: kashmirsentineljk@yahoo.co.in

2KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

THOSE WHO LEFT USKashmir Sentinel and Panun Kashmir Foundation mourn the sad demise and pray for peace to the departed souls

OBITUAROBITUAROBITUAROBITUAROBITUARYYYYY

1. Smt. Reeta Ji D/o Sh. Dwarika Nath Pandita originally resident of BatporaShopian Kmr; presently residing at H.No: 5, General Lane, SaraswatiVihar Bohri, Jammu. 1/4/2007

2. Sh. Radha Krishen Saproo S/o Late Sh. Sarwanand Saproo, R/o VillagePehroo (Gotem Nag) Anantnag Kmr; presently at Vinayak Nagar Muthi,Jammu. 1/4/2007

3. Sh Prem Nath Tickoo S/o Late Sh. Hari Ram Tickoo originally residentof Bomai Sopore, Kmr; presently residing at 28-Exchange Road MohallaAhata Jammu. 1/4/2007

4. Smt. Lakshmishori Kakroo wife of Late Sh. DN Kakroo, resident ofH.No: 421, Lane No: 4, Adarsh Nagar, Barnai Road, Bantalab, Jammuoriginally resident of Ganpatyar Sgr. 2/4/2007

5. Sh. Shyam Sunder Handoo originally resident of Ganpatyar Sgr; presentlyresiding at H.No: 868-B-2 Bitna Colony Pinjore Haryana. 2/4/2007

6. Smt. Soomawati Koul W/o of Late Sh NN Koul resident of 54-BagwatiNagar, Canal Road, Jammu. 3/4/2007

7. Smt. Veena Mattoo W/o Sh. Manohar Lal Mattoo resident of KralyarRainawari Sgr; presently residing at 3174 (GF) Ramesh Nagar, NewDelhi. 3/4/2007

8. Sh. Avtar Krishen Gurtoo S/o Pt. Sham Lal Gurtoo originally resident ofRehbab Sahib Alikadal Sgr; presently resident of H.No: 3, Lane-5, Sector-2, Sharika Vihar, Lower Roop Nagar, Jammu. 4/4/2007

9. Sh. Vesh Natto resident of Rainawari Sgr; presently residing at Qtr. No:237, Indra Nagar Nagrota Camp Jammu. 4/4/2007

10. Smt. Veena Sadoo W/o Late Sh. Kaniya Lal Sadoo presently residingat Shapur Kandi Qtr. No: T3-471 (RSO) Jugial Pathankot Punjab 4/4/2007

11. Smt. Shahshi Bhat W/o Sh. Sham Lal Bhat of Danow Bogond KulgamAnantnag, Kmr; presentlyat M.O. Qtrs. MCD Dispencery MadanpurKhadar, New Delhi 4/4/2007

12. Sh. L.K. Wali S/o of Late Sh. Gopi Nath Wali resident of H.No: 175,Lane No: 7, Shakti Nagar, Jammu. 5/4/2007

13. Smt. Dhanwati W/o Sh. Nand Lal Koul oiginally resident of VillageSonium presently residing at Durga Nagar, Sector-1, Lane II Jammu. 5/4/2007

14. Smt. Kanta Zutshi W/o Sh. Som Nath Zutshi resident of BagadachiKralyar Rainawari, Sgr; presently residing at H.No: 417 Sector-21Panchkulla Harya. 5/4/2007

15. Smt. Lalita (Shanta) Raina wife of Sh. Chaman Lal Raina originallyresident of Sheshyar Habbakadal Sgr; presently at H.No: 22, Lane-1,Shakti Nagar, Jamu. 6/4/2007

16. Sh. Triloki Nath Peer S/o Late Nilkanth Peer resident of NarparistanSgr; presently at H.No: 1 Lane 5, Bhavani Nagar Gole Pully Talab Tillo.6/4/2007

17. Smt. Somawati W/o of Late Sh. Mehswar Nath Koul originally residentof Shali Ghat Kralkhud Sgr; presently at 47-Vidhata Nagar Lane-4,Bathindi Road Narwal Bala Jammu. 7/4/2007

18. Smt. Rajdulari Parimoo (Dulla) wife of Late Sh. Lassa Koul Parimoo R/o Shalla Kadal Habbakadal Sgr. 7/4/2007

19. Smt. Leelawati Koul W/o Late Mukund Koul of Devsar Tral Kmr; presentlyat Qtr. No: 337, ORT Muthi Phase-1 Jammu 8/4/2007

20. Smt. Shanta Dhar wife of Late Sh. Soom Nath Dhar originally residentof Purshyar Habbakadal Sgr; presently at H.No: 77, Shastri Nagar, Jamu.8/4/07

21. Dr. Prem Nath Shair resident of Prem Nagar-96 Durga Nagar Sector-2,Jammu originally resident of Dadi Kadal Tankipora Sgr. 9/4/2007

22. Smt. Lalita Bradu wife of Dr. BL Bradu resident of Bradu Niwas 301-AGandhi Nagar, Jammu 9/4/2007

23. Sh. Rattan Lal Ganjoo (Raina) son of Late Sh. Gound Joo Gajoo residentof Satya Ganjoo C-1804 Krishna Residency Opp. Sunder Nagar, MaladMumbai (W)-64. 9/4/2007

24. Smt. Radhika Raina wife of Late Sh. Bhagwan Dass Raina (Prop.Standard Hotel) resident of 119-A/D Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. 10/4/2007

25. Smt. Kamla Koul wife of Late Sh. Janki Nath Kaul (waffa) of RainawariSgr; presently at HMT Colony Pinjore Haryan. 10/4/2007

26. Sh. Prem Nath Raina S/o Late Sh. Sansarchand Raina originally residentof Gosh Bagh Baramulla Kmr; presently at Roop Nagar Digiana Jamu.10/4/2007

27. Smt. Usha Shangloo wife of Sh. PN Shangloo resident of 51-Karan

Nagar-Ved Mandir Road Jamu. 11/4/200728. Sh. Triloki Nath Koul S/o Late Govind Koul resident of Delenia Baramulla

Kmr; presently at Sari Rakhwelan Near Marbel Factory GohomnasaRoad Jammu. 11/4/2007

29. Sh. Maharaj Krishen Dhar son of Late Sh. Vidh Lal Dhar presently atH.No: 240, Friends Colony Sector Subash Nagar, near Kali Mandir. 12/4/2007

30. Sh. Dina Nath Sharma resident of Devsar Tral; presently at H.No: 687-Lane-3 Vinayak Nagar Muthi, Jammu. 12/4/2007

31. Smt. Arundati Pandita wife of Sh. Niranjan Nath Pandita, R/o villageTral Kmr; presently at Lal Kothi, Sector-2, Anuradha Puram Upper BarnaiJammu. 12/4/2007

32. Smt. Dhanwati Dhar wife of Late Sh. Maheshwar Nath Dhar of VicharnagSgr; presently at H.No: 191-B/89 JMC Lane-1 New Plots Jammu. 13/4/2007

33. Sh. Moti Lal Bakay S/o Late Sh. Balbadhar Bakay originally resident ofZaindar Mohalla Sgr; presently at 279-Patoli Mangotrian Patoli ChowkJammu.14/4/2007

34. Mrs. Anita Saraf/Ruby Koul wife of Mr. Arvind Saraf originally resident ofBagh Jogi Lankar Rainawari Sgr; presently at H.No: 40-A. Shiva EnclaveKashmiri Colony Hirender Delhi. 14/4/2007

35. Smt. Kamla Koul wife of Late Sh. Balbadar Koul of Malmoh MagamKmr; presently at H.No: 4 Lane No: 7, Anand Nagar Bohri Jammu. 15/4/2007

36. Smt. Lakshmi Shori Bhat wife of Late Sh Gopi Nath Bhat of HawalPulwama Kmr; presently at 22-A Block-D Ext. Sawarn Vihar PoliceColony, Jammu. 16/4/2007.

37. Sh. Bansi Lal Ghasi S/o Balak Ram Ghasi originally resident of TankiporaDadi Kadal Sgr, Kmr; presently at L-61, Street-21, New Mahavir NagarNew Delhi. 16/4/2006

38. Sh. Piyare Krishen Tiku S/o Late Sh. Sarvanand Tiku resident of VivekNagar, Near Mes Filter Plant, Railway Road Udhampur. 17/4/2007

39. Sh. Prithivi Nath Durani originally resident of Kralyar Rainawari Sgr,Kmr; presently at N-39, New Palam Vihar Phase-1, Bajghera Road,Gurgaon (Haryana). 17/4/2007

40. Sh. NN Satu S/o Late Sh. Krishen Joo Sathu R/o 407, AmbphallaJammu. 18/4/2007

41. Sh. Roshan Lal Miya S/o Late Sh. Narayan Joo Miya originally residentof Kocha Nidan Rainawari Sgr, Kmr; presently at Flat No: 45, A, Sector-1, Noida. 18/4/2007

42. Sh. Hirday Nath Peer S/o Sh. Ragho Ram Peer originally resident ofVechar Nagar, Sgr, Kmr; presently at H.No: 60, Subash Nagar, Jammu.18/2007

43. Sh. Vijay Lakshmi W/o Late Sh. Pushkar Nath Mattoo of SangrampuraSopore, Kmr; presently at Plot No: 12, Nund Bab Colony Lala-Da-BaghJamu. 18/4/2007

44. Smt. Shobawati Kaw wife of Late Sh. Janki Nath Kaw originally residentof Kralyar Rainawari, Sgr, Kmr; presently at H.No: 48, Lane-4, AdarshNagar Burnai Road, Bantalab Tillo, Jammu. 20/4/2007

45. Smt. Somawati Tiku wife of Sh. Som Nath Tiku originally resident ofBul Bul Lankar Ali Kadal Sgr; presently at residing at Julakha MohallaJammu. 20/4/2007

46. Smt. Krishna Ji Thusu wife of Sh. Jai Krishen Thusu originally residentof Tankipora Dadi Kadal Sgr; Kmr; presently at Laxmipuram ChinoreJamu. 21/4/2007

47. Sh. Keshov Nath Pandita S/o Late Sh. Radha Krishen Pandita (NaiNawaz) originally resident of Bana Mohalla Sgr, Kmr; presently at H.No:396, Sec-3 Gangyal Garden Jammu. 21/4/2007

48. Sh. Mohan Lal Pandita S/o Late Sh. Dina Nath Pandit originally residentof Kralyar Rainawari Sgr, Kmr; presently residing at Gawalior (MP). 21/4/2007

49. Sh. Bhushan Lal Raina Husband Smt. Khema Ji D/o Late Pt. MaheshwarNath Koul presently at Qtr. No: 160, Phase-I Camp Purkhoo Jamu. 21/4/007

50. Sh. Janki Nath Bhan S/o Late Sh. Kanth Joo Bhan, R/o E-6, MilapNagar, Uttam Nagar New Delhi originally resident of Bhana MohallaSgr, Kmr. 21/4/2007

3KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

Sir Owen Dixon, the UN mediator on Kashmir, visited the Valley in May 1950. Even afterfive decades his ghosts continue to haunt Kashmiri politicians. Sajjad Lone’s recentoutburst, lapping up Dixonian proposals and subsequent attempts to whip up commu-

nal and parochial passions, bear eloquent testimony to it.The maverick Australian judge was drafted by Anglo-American bloc as part of its interven-

tion to impose an imperialist solution on Kashmir. He had a simple brief---facilitate delinkingof strategic Kashmir valley from India and put control of J&K’s immense water resources atthe disposal of Pakistan, a client state of Anglo-Americans. Dixon showed little regard forIndia’s grand experiment in federalism and its vibrant democracy.

For nearly five decades Dixon’s proposals remained under wraps. What was given outpublicly was that the UN mediator had proposed limited plebiscite for Kashmir valley under aUN sponsored plebiscite administrator. It was not revealed what he had suggested about thestrategic Doda district. This district, rich in forest wealth and having great tourism and Hy-droelectric potential, had for all purposes remained a part of Jammu province. In terms ofsocial demography the two communities are almost evenly balanced. New light on Dixon’smission in 1950 reveals that Dixon had conveyed to Pt. Nehru and other Indian leaders thathis definition of Kashmir valley was Valley proper plus an area that linked tehsils of Rampurand Riasi and was adjacent to Kashmir. That suggested Chenab as the boundary. Pt. Nehruhad unambiguously rejected Dixon’s balkanizing proposals.

In mid-1990s when J&K was reeling under crossborderterrorism,a US think-tank Kash-mir Study Group that has active collaboration of Pakistanis and Kashmiri jihadists brought outdiscredited Dixon’s proposals from cold storage and repackaged these as Kathwari\Livingstoneplan. Since then different US think-tanks have been peddling these formulae as ‘solution’ toKashmir.

In early 1999 when under American pressure NDA govt. started secret diplomacy withPakistan ,the main thrust of the Pakistan proposal was that rivers should be used as the basisfor resolving conflicts between India and Pakistan, including the issue of J&K.Pakistan advo-cated using Chenab river as the border.Syed Salahuddin,the head of the jihadist UJC andSardar Sikander Hayat Khan,POK Premier are on record having said that ‘Kashmiri jihadistswere in reality fighting for Pakistan to enable it to gain control of Kashmir’s water resources’.

In Sept.-Oct.2004 Musharraf floated a plan that was akin to the old Dixon plan. The moststriking element in the Musharraf plan was to project Jammu,Kashmir and Ladakh on theIndian side as a set of five, instead of three regions. That would entail dividing Jammu intosub-regions roughly along the Chenab River.

The Dixon\Kathwari\Musharraf\Chenab plan have common objective----dilution of Indiansovereignty over Kashmir valley and Doda district; creation of a sovereign\semi-sovereignIslamic state of ‘Greater Muslim Kashmir’ closely aligned to Pakistan and Muslim arc; put-ting J&K’s water resources at the disposal of Pakistan.Religious-cleansing of Kashmiri Hin-dus in Kashmir valley and numerous massacres in Muslim-dominated areas of Jammu prov-ince to force a demographic change have been part of the conspiracy to implement Dixonplan.

Instead of countering Dixon plan, the mainstream regional parties have been pursuingnegative politics. Be it the ‘Autonomy’ demand of National Conference or ‘Self-rule’ formulaof PDP ,the essence is same----dilution of Indian sovereignty over Kashmir and weakeningKashmir’s constitutional relationship with India. Both the parties have been making attemptsto break Jammu’s cohesive plural identity and reinforce the communal faultlines within theJammu reign. Proposals by RAC, a committee sponsored by NC, to create Chenab and PirPanjal regions in Jammu province are the consequence of this mindset.

The nationalistic forces in J&K have raised a powerful demand for political re-organisationof the state to put an end to the existing political and economic inequities and reverse reli-gious-cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus. Perverted minds have been trying to project the politicalre-organisation and the Dixon plan as synonymous. The aim is to negate the patriotic demand.

The Dixon Plan calls for dilution of Indian sovereignty over Kashmir, whiletrifurcation\quadrification demands raised by the nationalistic groups demand greater Indiansovereignty and closer constitutional links with India. The Dixon Plan makes religion as thebasis for division of the state, the trifurcation demand opposes religious basis for reorganiza-tion. Panun Kashmir does not demand a ‘Hindu Homeland’. It is the demand of a communitywhich has been thrown out through a process of religious-cleansing.Panun Kashmir advo-cates creation of a dispensation in Kashmir valley ,where there is full flow of Indian constitu-tion and where all Kashmiris irrespective of caste\religion can live without the fetters ofretrograde\discriminatory Article 370.How can this demand be termed communal?It is time India’s strategic community realises the immense potentiality of the nationalisticdemand for political re-organisation of J&K state to counter the balkanizing Dixon Plan. Timehas also come for the Indian political leadership to exorcise the ghosts of Dixon.

EDITORIALEDITORIALEDITORIALEDITORIALEDITORIAL

Ghosts of DixonLLLLLETTERETTERETTERETTERETTERSSSSS

Banaras Hindu UniversitySir,

It was fantastic to read Social History Page 'Banaras HinduUniversity and the Kashmiri Pandits', in May 2007 issue ofKashmir Sentinel, by Mr G.K Gurutu.

He has done a lot of homework and he is right that Sh.Shivnandan Lal Dhar was Registrar, Pt. Iqbal Narain Gurutu wasthe pro-Vice Chancellor of BHU in 1941-42.

My father Late (Prof.) Jagan Nath Kaul (ount) did his M.A. inEnglish in that era and he joined S.P. College as a Lecturer in1943.

I also remember, as my father has told me, that Late Dr.Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, the great Scholar-Philosopher, ex-President of the Republic of India, was the Vice-Chancellor in1941-1942 of B.H.U. In that era Dr. Janki Nath Hakim did hisAyurvedic medicine from B.H.U. and brought Ayurveda to J&KState.

Kashmiri Pandits and Banaras Hindu Univesity had a specialbond in education. It has produced great luminaries among KPs,so obviously we are all proud of them.

My special thanks to Mr. G.K. Gurutu.--Dr. Sunil Kaul

New Delhi

Sir,After reading Sh. G.K. Gurtu's well-researched article on contri-

bution of Kashmiri Pandits to Banaras Hindu University everyKashmiri Pandit would feel proud. However, Sh. Gurtu has notmentioned anything about the Kashmiri Pandit alumni of Instituteof Medical Sciences, an affiliate of BHU. It would be of interest toyour readers that two senior medical consultants did their super-specialisation from this Institute after 1990. Dr. Suresh Saraf, anative of Rainawari (Srinagar) is a leading Urologist at Jammu,while Dr. Satish Pandit, a native of Kulgam (Anantnag) is a notedPaediatric Surgeon at Panipat.

--Kuldeep Raina,Jammu

4KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007 REPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORT

KS Correspondent

The metaphor 'From fryingpan into the fire' so aptlydescribes the life of the

Pandit refugees in the CampMuthi II. These refugees werelucky to escape from the targetedviolence of terrorists in Kashmirbut they are dying by inches inthe hell that has come to be calledMuthi Phase-II Camp.

This camp was started in 1991-92 when the state administrationconstructed 500 rooms (11X12 ft)with dome shaped roofs tohouse Pandit refugees. 492families were allotted 492 rooms,one room to each family,irrespective of the size of the fam-ily. This single room served asguest room, study room, bed-room, kitchen etc. for that family.Even at the time of constructionthe experts engaged by the stateadministration had warned to thegovernment that the life of theserooms would be at the maximum7 years.

Hardly a year or two after theconstruction, the domes startedleaking during the rains, putting

the refugees to great mental tur-moil and hardship. When thiswas brought to the notice of theconcerned authorities, one ex-pert opinion suggested chemicaltreatment of the dome roofs.

This too was not consideredfeasible. Finally, it was decidedto lay a layer of coal-tar on thedome roofs. The horrible heatgenerated in the rooms by thecoal-tar covered roof convertedthese rooms into infernos, affect-ing the physical and mentalhealth of the refugees. If earlierthe refugees had to carry theirbelongings from getting spoiledby the leaking downpour nowthey had to save themselvesfrom getting heat strokes. It wasgreat torture for the aged

PK expresses strong concern overPK expresses strong concern overPK expresses strong concern overPK expresses strong concern overPK expresses strong concern overnon-allotment of Qtrs. at Muthinon-allotment of Qtrs. at Muthinon-allotment of Qtrs. at Muthinon-allotment of Qtrs. at Muthinon-allotment of Qtrs. at Muthi

refugees.Whenever the refugees

brought their tales of woe to thestate authorities the attitude ofthe latter was not only one ofindifference but it bordered onoutright callousness. Thehygienic conditions made campinmates vulnerable todiaorrhoeas and variousdiseases. 30 families shared onelatrine.

The visit of hon'ble PrimeMinister Dr Manmohan Singh torefugee camps came as a whiffof fresh air to camp inmates.Prime Minister announced thattwo room sets would be con-structed in place of existingslums. He also ordered that theconstruction be carried out in theshortest possible time. Afterthese orders construction wasstarted for 385 qtrs, 128 in Phase-II Camp while the rest were to bebuilt near Buta Nagar, in RoopNagar area.

Due to slow pace of con-struction Hon'ble Governor andHon'ble CM intervened to expe-dite the construction. The ChiefMinister Sh Ghulam Nabi Azad

even ordered double shift workto execute the construction. 128sets in Phase-II Camp are com-plete in all respects, except forthe finishing touches. Now whenit comes to the handing over ofthe new qtrs. to the refugees thestate administration has startedditheuing over the allotment ofthese qtrs. The refugees are soreover the attitude of the govern-ment and say that the same forceswhich were responsible for theirreligious-cleansing and for con-tinuation of policy of genocidalattrition are behind the non-al-lotment of qtrs. They alleged thatcertain bureaucratic and politi-cal agencies were not able to rec-oncile to the fact that after eth-

nic cleansing the Pandit refugeesshould be allowed to shift fromslums to somewhat better habi-tation.

The state authorities havebeen milking the Centre for fundsin the name of Pandit rehabilita-tion and subsequently denyingthe Pandits the benefit of this.The Mufti government claimedthat hundreds of Kashmiri Pan-dit families were willing to returnto the Valley and forced theCentral government to releasefunds to build qtrs. atSheikhpora, Mattan andTulmulla in Kashmir. When theqtrs. were ready, the same gov-ernment told the Centre that noKashmiri Pandit family was will-ing to return to Kashmir. Thiskicked up a controversy on howMufti regime was hoodwinkingthe Centre on the issue of returnof Kashmiri Pandits and the re-lease of rehabilitation funds.Now when the two room sets areready for refugees in MuthiPhase-II and Purkhoo, the stategovernment says that Panditrefugees would be housed atJagti, 18 kms from Jammu city.

The state administration's at-titude on providing reasonablehousing to Panditrefugees (forwhich the Centralgovernment hasevery timeprovided fundsgenerously) andon other allied is-sues-HRA/CCAeven after thegrant of relief bythe hon'ble HighCourt reflects aprejudical mindsetwhere the statea d m i n i s t r a t i o ncontinues totorpedo the relief.The dramasenacted on theissue of providingemployment to thedisplaced Pandityouth is yet an-other instance ofapartheid.

The refugeesliving in the MuthiCamp II called onPanun KashmirChairman Dr. AjayChrungoo tointervene on theirbehalf.

Panun Kashmirmade an on thespot survey of thep r e v a i l i n gconditions in thecamp. It found

Sh. Kuldeep Raina, General Secretary Panun Kashmiraddressing media persons at Jammu. Sitting on his left isSh. Pyare Lal Raina, President Displaced WelfareCommittee Muthi Phase-II

Sh. Ratan Lal Koul an inmate of Qtr. No: E/17 Muthi CampPhase-II pointing to the condition of roof of his Qtr. when PanunKashmir team visited the camp. --KS Photo

that many of the dome shapedrooms were in very bad condi-tion and could collapse with firstdownpour of monsoons. PanunKashmir team led by Sh. KuldeepRaina, General Secretary had aninteractive session with 500 refu-gees living in the camp.

Subsequently Panun Kashmirand the representatives of theCamp Muthi Phase-II headed bySh Pyare Lal Raina addressedjoint press conference on May29, 2007. They demanded thatthe new qtrs. should be immedi-

AlarmingCondition

ately allotted to the refugees liv-ing in the camp and representa-tives of Muthi Camp II shouldbe actively involved in the allot-ment of Qtrs.

They also demanded the im-mediate intervention of the stateGovernor and CM and said thatin view of the forthcoming mon-soons and the bad conditions ofthe dome shaped rooms, the gov-ernment bears the entire respon-sibility in case the Pandit refu-gees are put to any trouble in thecamp.

Jai Mata Di

With Best WishesWith Best WishesWith Best WishesWith Best WishesWith Best WishesFrom

SURINDER GANDHI

Delhi

DEBADEBADEBADEBADEBATETETETETE 5KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

Excerpts of the speechmade by Dr. AjayChrungoo in the Third

Round Table Conference at PMHouse New Delhi.

"Honourable Prime Minister,Sh. Manmohan Singh Ji, Hon-ourable Union Home MinisterSh. Shiv Raj Patil, HonourableChief Minister of Jammu andKashmir. Sh Ghulam Nabi Azad,To be frank I was little surprisedabout the haste with which thisThird Round Table Conferencehas been convened. You must beaware that one of the crucialworking groups looking into theissue of strengthening CentreState relations has not yet com-pleted its task and is still far awayfrom compiling a report.”

“The reports of other work-ing groups were submitted to usonly yesterday at around 10O'clock in the night immediatelyafter the dinner hosted by theHonourable Chief MinisterGhulam Nabi Azad. Theparticipants at IIIrd Round TableConference got very little timeto study these reports. I hopeyou will bear with us if we fallshort of responding comprehen-sively to these reports in thisconference which has been or-ganised to discuss in detail thesevery reports.”

"Sir I have gone through thereport of the Working Groupwhich addressed the issue of'Confidence Building Meas-ures’, during the little time whichwas available to me. This grouphad to specifically address theissue of Employment and alsoRehabilitation of DisplacedKashmiri Pandits".

"I must say without inhibitionthat the report which has beensubmitted by Mr HM Ansari inthis conference is disappointing.It has failed to address the issuesfor which this working groupwas constituted, in a proper andcomprehensive way".

“The report tends to trivialisesubstantial issues. Its recom-mendations are disjointed andmany times trespass the specificagenda which it had to address.”

"The Working Group Chair-man has tended to address theissue of unemployment and re-habilitation of displacedKashmiri Pandits divorced fromthe reasons which lead to theexodus and their marginalisationfrom all spheres of life in the state.Sir, take for example the issue ofunemployment amongst thedisplaced Kashmiri Hindus.There has been almost a blanketban on their recruitment in thegovernment services while lakhsfrom the majority communityhave been provided employmentunder special employment pack-ages. Former deputy ChiefMinister, Pt. Mangat Ram Sharmatried to bring this issue to thefore by asking the then govern-ment that the number of KashmiriPandits in the government serv-ices be brought to the level as itexisted in 1989, just before theexodus of Kashmiri Hindus from

Report Submitted by HMReport Submitted by HMReport Submitted by HMReport Submitted by HMReport Submitted by HMAnsari WAnsari WAnsari WAnsari WAnsari Working Grorking Grorking Grorking Grorking Group isoup isoup isoup isoup is

disappointing--disappointing--disappointing--disappointing--disappointing--DrDrDrDrDr. Ajay Chr. Ajay Chr. Ajay Chr. Ajay Chr. Ajay Chrungooungooungooungooungoo

Valley. He repeated the same is-sue in the Ist and IInd RoundTable Conferences. Yourgoodself appointed aninterministerial committee whichalso recommended almost onsimilar lines. You yourself put theissue on the national agenda byputting the issue of employmentand rehabilitation as one of themain issues to be addressed bythe working group ‘on confi-dence building measures’, in theSecond Round Table Confer-ence. You must be aware that im-mediately after the IInd RoundTable Conference the State gov-ernment responded not by mov-ing in the direction of creatingan employment package but bymaking permanent all the adhocappointments made in Valleyagainst the posts of the displacedKashmiri Hindu employees.”

“Sir, the problem of denial ofemployment to Kashmiri Hindusis not a mere callous aberrationof the system. It is a very franksymptom of the process of ex-clusion unleashed by the com-munal forces entrenched in thegovernment and the political es-tablishment. At the point of gunand terrorist blackmail we werepushed out. Our properties, tem-ples and shrines were plunderedafter we left. Hundreds of ourtemples lie in shambles after theloot and plunder unleashed onthem. Thousands of our houseshave been burnt and destroyed.Leftover properties have beenfraudulently encroached andusurped. Through a process ofdistress sales our homes andhearths are being procured asnormal sale deeds. I am mention-ing these things only to stressthat our physical cleansing wasfollowed by residential cleans-ing. And through denial of em-ployment a form of administra-tive cleansing of Kahsmiri Hin-dus has been unleashed. Mus-lim communal forces in the statedo not want us to stay even inJammu. They have launched apolicy of sequeeze to force ourdiaspora and expulsion from thestate. Has the working group ad-dressed these issues? No. To thecontrary it has trivalised theseissues. The working group hasmade recommendations on em-ployment and upgradation ofcamps only in a way that furtherdelay and proctastrination ispossible. After so many debatesthe recommendations of theWorking Group still talk about

further dialogue and discussion.Why? Our problems have beenbracketed with the problems ofthose who have perpetrated vio-lence in Valley? Did the chairmanof Working Group look into theinternational perspectives andexperiences on internaldisplacements? Recognising thedire necessity of addressing theissue of internal displacement,United Nations Human RightsCommission assigned the task tothe Representative of Secretary-General on Internally Displacedpersons in 1992. Several years ofstudy by a group of experts un-der the auspices of this repre-sentative took place. The Repre-sentative on Internally displacedpersons after being requested todevelop an appropriate 'Norma-tive framework' recommendeddrafting of 'guiding principles’rather than a convention whichhe suggested would have taken10-20 yrs to conclude. Sir, 30Guiding Principles were speltout. Did the chairman of theWorking Group look into theseguiding principles before makingrecommendations for displacedKashmiri Pandits.”

"Experts of international re-pute have likened the responseto internal displacement to a tri-pod, with relief, development andprotection each forming a leg. Sirgovernment response has so faronly concerned itself only withrelief aspect and that too in a halfhearted way. Concept of protec-tion, and development is absentfrom the conceptual frameworkof the government approach. Sothe government response to in-ternal displacement of KashmiriHindus stands almost withoutlegs."

"We cannot devise the con-cepts of protection, developmentand even relief, if we do not tryto understand and identify theforces at play in the state whoperpetrated genocide onKashmiri Hindus and are hellbent upon their expulsion fromthe state. The chairman of theWorking Group has ignored thisaspect totally. Principle 1 of theGuiding Principles on InternalDisplacement affirm that inter-nally displaced persons enjoy infull equality the same rights andfreedoms under international anddomestic law as do other personsin their country and stresses thatsuch internally displaced per-sons shall not be discriminatedagainst in the enjoyment of any

rights and freedoms on theground that they are displaced.Successive governments havedenied Kashmiri Hindus employ-ment and set into place a proc-ess of blatant discriminationwhich is the violation of the ba-sic rights and freedoms and theprinciple of equality.”

"Sir, in the context of rehabili-tation the successive state gov-ernments have followed a policyof symbolic, coercive return.They have relied on a process ofenforced deprivation and denialto force the Hindus to return andsubmit to the will of dominantopinion in the Valley. The Stategovernment visualises the returnby relocating the camps in Val-ley one way or the other. Princi-ple 14 of the Guiding Principleson Internally Displaced Personsreaffirms the right of every hu-man being to liberty of move-ment and freedom to choose hisor her residence and then speci-fies that for internally displacedpersons this includes a right tomove freely in and out of campsand settlements. Successivestate governments whilebuilding tenements for displacedpersons in certain parts of Val-ley have ignored the entire spiritof this principle. Simply creatinga set up for persons whosephysical security is under threatat a place only neglects their pro-tection needs. Relocating campsin such places where their secu-rity is threatened and where theycannot enjoy the basic freedomscan actually exacerbate and per-petuate their plight. It can createa false sense of security and in-ternational experts have warnedagainst such a situation. Theyhave also cautioned that such aprocess can shore up a repres-sive regime, create a situation ofa long-term dependency and re-sult in creating 'well-fed dead.’Working Group recommenda-tions appear to be totally igno-rant about such perspectives.”

"Sir, State government atti-tude on return continues to bor-der on a perspective of forcefulrepatriation. We all know howbacklash massacres of KashmiriHindus in Kashmir Valley weretriggered by such return cam-paigns. International expertshave always stressed to look intothe refugee law by analogy whiledeveloping a framework of thereturn for internally displacedpersons. They have stressed theneed to adhere and uphold the

principle of non-refoulmentwhich provides protection forrefugees against forced return toa situation where they would beat risk of persecution or physi-cal harm. The reference in theWorking Group recommendationon return and rehabilitation isdevoid of any sensitive under-standing of the critical issues in-volved.”

“Sir, I have repeatedly comeacross the views of Muslim lead-ers on the displacement ofKashmiri Hindus in the RoundTable Conferences and the Work-ing Group meetings. Today alsosome of them have spoken onthis issue. They want our returnbecause Kashmiriyat has to berepaired. They want the returnof teachers and doctors becauseKashmiri Muslims want them.Always and everytime when theyspeak they only discussKashmiri Hindus in terms of theirutility. And almost always theyavoid to discuss the issue of thedestruction of a community. It ismost unfortunate that theWorking Grouprecommendations emphasise theneed to recognise the right of ourreturn and not to ensure our rightto live in Kashmir.”

"Sir, Kashmiri Pandits havebeen subjected to genocide. Andwe want its comprehensive andpermanent reversal. Creation ofPanun Kashmir as we have manytimes stressed is the only way toensure such a reversal. Govern-ment wants to avoid to addressthe basic issue of genocide anddeal with peripheral and superfi-cial issues. It is for these reasonsI think that I should not endorsethe recommendations of theWorking Group dealing withthese issues. And I feel it my re-sponsibility to dissociate myselffrom these recommendations.”

"This Working Group has notaddressed the issue of Terrorismat all. In fact it has chosen todescribe this heinous crimeagainst humanity as militancy.Under the heading ‘measures toimprove the condition of the vic-tims of militancy’ the WorkingGroup on confidence buildingmeasures recommends foremostthe measures like developingmechanism in which responsibil-ity for specific human rights vio-lation can be fixed and derelictofficials identified and pros-ecuted. It appears that the chair-man of the Working Group iden-tifies human rights violation bythe government agencies as theforemost concern. It also appearsfrom the recommendations thatthe militancy in Kashmir is pri-marily the result of governmentaction or government action isin fact the real militancy in thestate. Terrorism as a humanrights issue with all its implica-tions seems to be a peripheralconcern. Another main recom-mendation under the same headis the reviewing and revocationof Armed Forces Special PowersAct (Disturbed Areas Act). It isthe primary impingement on the

(Contd. on Page 10)

VIEW POINTVIEW POINTVIEW POINTVIEW POINTVIEW POINT 6KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

Dr. M.K. Teng

The Muslim separatistmovement in Jammu andKashmir in various forms

it assumed from time to time,during the last five decades ofthe Indian freedom, hasespoused the claim of theMuslim community to reconsti-tute the State into an Islamic pol-ity. Kashmir dispute has its rootsin the struggle of the Muslims ofIndia an Islamic state, whichenshrined a separate freedom forthem, on the basis of religion.

The Muslims in the BritishIndia and the Indian PrincelyStates refused to accept that theyformed a part of the Indian na-tion. They insisted upon theirclaim to a separate nation. Theseparate homeland of Pakistanwas conceived by its foundingfathers as an Islamic state, whichwould enable the Muslims in In-dia to realise their Islamic des-tiny.

The incessant efforts of theIndian political class, unable tobreak away from its liberal-re-formist moorings, and still insearch of the means to legitimiseits rootlessness have causedmuch harm to the process of po-litical development in India aswell as impeded the integrationof the Muslims in the politicalculture of India. The MuslimLeague which spearheaded theMuslim movement for Pakistanin the British India and the AllIndia States Muslim League,which led the Muslim movementfor Pakistan in the Indianprincely States visualisedexpression of the consolidationof the Muslim power in India.The Muslim people of Indiaformed part of the MuslimUmmah, and an expression of itsunity. Muslim commitment to theunity of the Muslim Ummah wasa negation of the national powerof the Indian people. Muslimsdid not recognise any nationalpower, which did not form asubsidiary part of the MuslimUmmah.

The Muslims in India sup-ported the struggle for Pakistanunequivocally and rejected theideological commitment of theIndian people to the nationalidentity of a United India, the In-dian struggle for freedom under-lined. The partition of India wasnot foisted on the Indian peopleby British, as the Indian politicalclass continues to claim, evenhalf a century after India wasfreed from the British colonialhold. The partition was wroughtby the Muslims. The civil warand wanton violence, which theDirect Action campaign the

Peace-Process— Ideological MooringsMuslim League launched in Au-gust 1946, broke up the nationalconsensus on the unity of India,that permeated the outlook of theIndian National Congress. Gan-dhi had not prepared the Indianpeople to face a civil war. Hisprescription of passive re-sistance, left the field openfor the Muslim League tobreak up India.

The Muslim Leagueleaders and the leaders of theStates Muslim League, whichcoordinated the Muslimstruggle for Pakistan in theprincely states, committedthemselves to the realisationof an Islamic State ofPakistan. Mohammad AliJinnah made no mistakeabout the ultimate objectiveof the struggle for Pakistan.

The Muslim League leadersmade no mistake about the sepa-rate freedom they sought for theMuslim nation of India. TheMuslim ‘nation’ of India, theyaverred was the continuation ofthe history of the Muslim powerin India, which formed a part ofthe history of the MuslimUmmah. The Muslims in India,the Muslims League leadersclaimed, were not a part of theIndian nation, which spread overthe civilisational frontiers of In-dia. The Muslims in India were aseparate ethnic identity of whichthe history, social culture, politi-cal outlook and religion, drewtheir content from Islam and itshistory in India. The gospel ofredemption, which formed thebasis of all Semitic religious ide-ologies, did not admit of coexist-ence of religions. The expressionJinnah gave to his outlook aboutthe commitment of Pakistan toenable all people of Pakistan tolive in freedom, irrespective oftheir faith, in his inauguraladdress to the ConstituentAssembly of Pakistan, did notreflect his intention to repudiatethe Muslim commitment to anIslamic state. Indeed, the Mus-lims believed as they do believenow, that the Islamic order ofsociety does not conflict with thefreedom of all people, irrespec-tive of their faith. For Jinnah theMuslim state was not a theoc-racy. For him the Muslim state ofPakistan was the expression ofthe Muslim political power inIndia. The very concept of Paki-stan, which Jinnah was in-strumental in forging underlinedthe recognition of the geographi-cal boundaries of the Muslim In-dia as well as the continuity ofits history. His claims to theMuslim majority provinces of theBritish India and the Muslim

majority princely States as wellas the Muslim ruled princelystates for Pakistan, was basedupon his acceptance of the con-tinuity of the history of the Mus-lim Ummah in India. Jinnah, ac-

companied by Liaquat Ali Khan,met Mountbatten after the parti-tion plan was given final shape.Mountbatten told Jinnah thatpartition had given the Muslims,a broken country far smaller thanthey had claimed. Jinnah lookedstraight at the Viceroy and thentold him in resigned words thatthey would have accepted desertof Thar, if that was what theirwere given as their homeland.

From 1947 to 1953, SheikhMohammad Abdullah insistedupon the exclusion of Jammu andKashmir from the guarantees forrights of freedom, the Constitu-tion of India envisaged andclaimed the right of the Muslimsto redefine the rights and free-dom of the people of the State.He stated with the enthusiasmof a religious preacher that thetheological imperatives of Islamprovided adequate guaranteesfor the protection of the rightsand freedom of non-Muslimpopulation of the State Theexclusion of the State from theconstitutional organisation ofIndia by Article 370, was based

upon his insistence on a separatestructure of rights whichsatisfied the aspirations of theMuslims. In fact, in the meetingsof the National Conferenceleaders led by him with the

Indian leaders and themembers of the NegotiatingCommittee of the ConstituentAssembly of India, he claimeda separate freedom which theMuslims would demarcate forthe people of the State on thebasis of the Muslim majoritycharacter of its population. Itis not fairly well known thatwhen Nehru refused to denythe rights and freedom to thepeople of Jammu and Kashmirembodied by the Constitutionof India, which he cried in pain,had been evolved by theConstituent Assembly with

pride, Sheikh MohammadAbdullah threatened to resignfrom the membership of theConstituent Assembly. The crisiswhich broke up the first InterimGovernment in the State in 1953,grew out of the conflict betweenthe Muslimisation of the Stateand the rights and aspirations ofthe Hindus and the other minori-ties, the Buddhists and the Sikhsin the State. Forty-three yearslater, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed,a former Pradesh Congress Presi-dent, besides being a formerHome Minister of India and aformer Chief Minister of theState, pleaded for “one country,two systems” in the first RoundTable Conference on Kashmirheld by the Indian Governmentin 2006. The Muslims of theState, followed the same ideo-logical commitments-a separatefreedom for Jammu and Kashmir,organised on the basis of onecountry, two systems, pattern inIndia. The Indian Prime Ministerhas, of course, very apologeti-cally expressed the inability ofthe Indian Government to accept

any change in the existing bor-ders of the State and yet agreedto carry the peace-process for-ward. Would that lead to the con-clusion that the Government ofIndia is ready to recognise theright of the Muslims of the Stateto a separate freedom by politi-cal arrangements such as the“one country, two systems” en-visages or the exclusion of Statefrom the Indian political organi-sation underlines or the modifi-cations in the existing provisionsof Article 370, proposed by theCongress Party, embody. It is amoot point how the Governmentof India would adjust the demandfor demilitarisation, and jointmanagement that Pakistan hasbeen pressing for and pro-Paki-stan political flanks like theHurriyat-Conference are insist-ing upon, to the re-location ofpower denominations in order toensure the Muslims a separatefreedom on the territories of In-dia. The peace process hasreached a state, where the Gov-ernment of India has to decidewhether it accepts the exclusionof Jammu and Kashmir State fromthe secular political organisationof India and Jehad as a compo-nent of the peace-settlement withPakistan and recognises theprecedence of religion and theMuslims in the state and societyof Jammu and Kashmir. It hasalso to decide whether it has themandate from the Indian peopleto accept Jehad, as the legitimateright of the Muslims in Kashmir,to foster political change. So far,the terrorist groups, wagingJehad in the State, have notshown any inclination to accepta settlement with India, whichdoes not underline theintegration of the Muslims ofJammu and Kashmir, with thestruggle of the MuslimsUmmah for its ascendence into aworld power of polar strength,Pakistan envisions.

Bansi Lal SarafBansi Lal SarafBansi Lal SarafBansi Lal SarafBansi Lal Saraf

SHRADANJALISHRADANJALISHRADANJALISHRADANJALISHRADANJALIBansi Lal Saraf son of Late Mahadev Ram Saraf was born in July 1938 atBatpora Shopian, Kashmir. His fathre was a Govt. teacher who providedgood education to his children. Aftre completing his shooling, he joinedGovernment Polytechnic College Srinagar. He joined Government service in1958 as an Overseer in Irrigation and Flood Control Department. During hisservice in this department he executed several projects of national importanceincluding Ravi Bridge on National Highway between Madhopur and Lakhanpur,Sangam Bridge over Jehlum between Bijbihara, Srinagar, Lar Canal Ganderbaland many othres. Later he was transferred to Power Development Departmentof the state and executed Bemina Grid Station Batmaloo, Major ReceivingStation in south Kashmir.During Kashmir turmoil, the family shifted to Jammu and established afresh atSanjay Nagar. He retired from Govt. servicein 1996 at the age of 58 years. He used to undertake regularpilgrimage to various holy places in the country. He was very fond of trekking and gardening.He breathed his last on 18th May, 2007 after a brief ailment. He is survived by his wife Veena Saraf, twosons Surinder Saraf and Suresh Saraf and a daughter Saroj wife of Dr. Ajay Chrungoo, Chairman PanunKashmir.

Panun Kashmir & Kashmir Sentinel offers heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

MEDIA-SCANMEDIA-SCANMEDIA-SCANMEDIA-SCANMEDIA-SCAN 7KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

By Syed Jamaluddin

Regardless of the fact thatthe advocates of two-nation theory have finally

realized after half a century thatthe division of United India wasnot a good idea for internationalpeace, there is a need to correctmistakes. India's democraticstrength for the last 59 years hasproved that its existence wasfully justified. On the contrary,Pakistan emerged as a failedstate for one single reason thata country which was founded byassembling almost eight differ-ent nations in the name of Islam,was unable to justify its exist-ence. Since its formation, Paki-stan has been a country full ofconspiracies, discrepancies,controversies and corruption.Pakistan could not prove itsworth as a state and remainedjust a piece of land occupied bycertain opportunists who turnedthe entire country into their per-sonal property.

The military rulers of Pakistancaptured power of this countryon numerous occasions therebyproving that the country was notfounded for welfare of people liv-

Pakistan's Existence: A need or a burden?ing on its soil but for the begin-ning of a new era of fascism un-der the disguise of Islam. Fas-cism is a religious conception inwhich man is seen in his immi-nent relationship with a superiorlaw and with an objective willthat transcends the particularindividual and raises him to con-scious membership of a spiritualsociety. Whoever has seen in thereligious politics of the Fascistregime nothing but mere oppor-tunism has not understood thatFascism besides being a systemof government is also, and aboveall, a system of thought. Paki-stan, therefore, became an ex-ample of such Fascism. The mili-tary dictators turned the coun-try into a paradise for looters,corrupt politicians, greedy bu-reaucrats, incompetent adminis-trators, uneducated reformers,militant jihadi groups, religiouscults, bogus scholars and above-the-law intelligence agencies.

The socalled democracywhich prevailed for almost 13years out of 59 years of its exist-ence in Pakistan produced so-phisticated looters of nationalwealth who used new mecha-nisms to deprive the country

from standing on sound foot-ings. Similarly, the socalled poli-ticians of the country who wererather farmers-turned politiciansor businessmen-turned politi-cians or retired-army-personnel-turned politicians controlled thefate of this country. Such peoplecalled the shots. The result isvery visible that Pakistan hasnow become a danger to the en-tire humanity. Had it been a mat-ter limited within the jurisdictionof Pakistan, there would havenever arisen any need to raiseany voice, but, the situation isworse than that.

Today's Pakistan has turnedinto a typical Fascist regime with-out any ideology. The Presidentof this country wears an armyuniform, the Chief Justice of itsSupreme Court is treated like anordinary clerk and pushed on theroad by local policemen, the In-telligence agencies rule the coun-try and function beyond any le-gal boundaries, the socalled reli-gious scholars have becomepreachers of radical Islamthrough brainwashing tech-niques with an aim to produceterrorists, bureaucracy has be-come a tool in the hands of those

who use money to do what theywant, foreign policy is nothingbut pretence and false state-ments, economy is based on as-sumptions and above all, thiscountry has gained nuclearpower through backdoor.

The whole world has becomevulnerable to terrorism. The ques-tion is who is mastermindingsuch terrorism? Who is provid-ing all possible support to ter-rorism? Who is creating terroristminds? Who is a threat to inter-national peace? The answer isvery simple............Pakistan.Pakistan's religious groups areresponsible for mastermindingthe international terrorism. TheTablighi Jamat has been busy forthe last 75 years in producingbrains who hate Non-Muslimsand as such the militant Jihadigroups based in Pakistan arenothing but "fruits" of suchbrainwashing techniques usedby Tablighi Jamat since long.Similarly, support in terms of fi-nancial and otherwise is comingfrom state-owned intelligenceagencies. Creation of Talibanand Al-Qaeda are glaring ex-amples of such support by thePakistan-based intelligence

agencies. World's most wantedman is considered as a "Guest"on the soil of Pakistan. Now thatPakistan has nuclear power, is itnot correct that entire humanityis vulnerable to any possible di-saster? A country which is pos-sessed by forces which are notanswerable to any one and whichis beyond any legal system isindeed a great threat to the en-tire world. Pakistan has, there-fore, become a burden. This bur-den needs to be off-loaded byway of its disintegration. Paki-stan should be divided into 5parts or more to crush the terror-ist network which has gained itsdeep roots in present geographicform of Pakistan. My book titled"DIVIDE PAKISTAN TO ELIMI-NATE TERRORISM" advocatesnecessity of Pakistan's disinte-gration.

An IndependentPakhtoonistan, Baluchistan,Sindhudesh, Jinnahpur andPunjabistan will prevent the cur-rent nourishment and spread ofterrorism from the soil of Paki-stan.

*The author is a Pakistaniliving in Europe.[Source---SAAG]

By Kuldeep Raina

I am very greatful to Dr. B.A.Kathare, a senior dentalsurgeon at Dharashiv

(Osmanabad), who hosted usduring our stay at Dharashiv forinforming me about the sacredof Tulzapur and Ghatshilla.

The sacred shrine of TulzaBhagwati is located at Tulzapur,25 kms from Dharashiv. As perlocal folklore the goddess is con-sort of Lord Shiva. The placewhere shrine is located is theplace where the Goddess ap-

peared to Shivaji Maharaj andpresented divine sword to fightthe Mughals. Tulzapur is consid-

VVVVVisiting Tisiting Tisiting Tisiting Tisiting Tulzapur—A drulzapur—A drulzapur—A drulzapur—A drulzapur—A dream come tream come tream come tream come tream come trueueueueueered to be ‘Puranpeeth’, the othertwo Puranpeeths being—Renuka Mata at Mahur inNanded district andMahalaxmipeeth in Kolhapur.Sapt Shrungi Devi shrine in Vanidistrict (Nasik) is regarded asAdha Shaktipeeth

Another place near Tulzapuris Ghatshila—the place whereTulza Bhawani told Lord Ramathe way through which Ravanaabducted Sita. The Shila onwhich Lord Rama stood whilelistening to the Goddess stillstands.

Lakhs of devotees visitTulzapur shrine on the day ofNavratra, walking bare feet hun-dreds of kms. The shrine is man-aged by 16 families of non-Brah-man Maratha Purohits, called inpopular parlance Kadams. ThePurohits are not forbidden fromtaking meat. 'Bali' is done atTulzapur as per Shakhta tradi-tion. The tradition seems so simi-lar to ours in Kashmir.

It was great honour for us tobe allowed to visit the shrine atthe time when Tulza Bhawanigets ready for Abhishek. The 16Purohits asked us to make apresentation on rise of terrorismin Kashmir. They assured fullsolidarity with DisplacedKashmiri Hindus

(L) Ghatshilla Shrine. (R) PK leaders paying obeisance at the Shrine. --KS Photo

Hindu Jan Jagrut Samiti (HJJS)

Besides 28 districts of Maharashtra this nationalist body is active in seven states, whichinclude Karnataka, Goa, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP etc. Its Maharashtra chatper is headed by Dr.Virinder Tawade, while its national spokesperson is Dr. Durgesh Samant. The latter is a well-

known author and has produced three volumes on Kashmir. HJJS works under the guidance of Dr.Jayant Balaji Athvale, Chief of Sanatan Sanstha. The Sanstha brings out a daily, weekly and monthly,titled 'Santan Prabhat' in Maratha. These editions have circulation in lakhs. The Sanstha also pub-lishes regularly excellent quality literature on Hindu religion.

The HJJS ran recently successful campaigns against two bills introduced by Maharashtragovernment—1. Temples Take Over Act and 2. Superstitious Act. It described it as uncalled forinterference and expressed apprehension about the offerings made at the Hindu shrines after takeo-ver would be used for purposes other than protection and maintenance of shrines.

Tulza Bhawani.

CONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUATIONTIONTIONTIONTION 8KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

(From Page 1)April 22 to April 24. 200 exhibitsat the exhibition were displayedin four sections. The first partshowed the camp life of dis-placed Kashmiri Pandits, the sec-ond showed the destructedshrines, the third part depictedthe killings, while the fourth partfocussed on the residentialcleansing of Kashmiri Hindus.

The exhibition was inaugu-rated on April 22 by SwamiGovind Dev Giri Maharaj (for-merly known as Acharya KishoreJi Vyas). Sh. Sanjay Godbole,Chief of Sant Seva Samiti, DrDurgesh Samant nationalspokesperson Hindu Jan JagratSamiti Prof. GC Asnani a histo-rian, Archeologist of eminance DrAjay Chrungoo, Chairman andPanun Kashmir were amongpanelists. The speakers said thatthey had heard about terroristcampaign in Kashmir but it wasthrough ‘Saakshatkaar’ theylearnt about the gravity of thesituation and the different dimen-sions of the terrorist campaign.Sh Manohar Joshi, former ChiefMinister of Maharashtra whovisited exhibition on April 23 said‘Saakshatkaar’ was a‘Margdarshan' on how to buildnational response against terror-ism. 'Thousands of touching mo-ments frozen in time' was howvisitors to the photo exhibitiondescribed their views about thepictures which showcased differ-ent facets of religious cleansingof Kashmiri Hindus in Kashmir.

Poona has been home tothousands of refugees fromSindh in 1947. Through sheerhardwork this community hasdone exceedingly well and iscontributing to the nationalistcause. Sindhi visitors said thatby and large they knew whatethnic cleansing meant and thehardlife the victims had toundergo in its wake. However,they expressed there was oneglaring difference-Sindhis turnedrefugees in the wake of country'spartition but Kashmiri Hindushad become refugees in theirown country. That was the mostunfortunate aspect, they added.Expressing solidarity withKashmiri Hindus, they askedorganisers: You tell us what canwe do for refugees. Manyvisitors sobbed. Majority of thevisitors said ‘Saakshatkaar’made them aware how serioushas been the genocide ofKashmiri Hindus. They enquiredwhy the government has tried tosuppress this genocide when thecountry was involved in the bat-tle against terrorism. Visitorsfurther expressed that whatshould have been the task of themain national parties-BJP and the

Congress wasbeing done in-stead by PanunKashmir andHindu JanJagrut Samiti.They told theorganisers that'Panun Kashmirwas doing am o n u m e n t a lwork, whichw o u l ddefinitely con-tribute ton a t i o n a l i s tawareness onterrorism andcommon peoplewill getsensitised tothe dangersposed byterrorism'.

Sh SanjayGodbole, anoted ArtCollector andan archeologistof repute said,“The educationc a m p a i g nneeds to betaken down tothe Taluka level.Politicians atthe helm needto be asked what have they donein battle against terrorism and forits victims. Why they take peo-ple for granted?”

Referring to the fight againstterrorism, Prof Asnani quotedSwami Vivekananda to tell peo-ple 'Arise, Awake and not stoptill goal is achieved'. Sh. NinadBedkar, a reputed historian said‘Saakshatkaar’ has explodedmany myths about the so-calledKashmir dispute. He said theexhibition would help in script-

ing right history about terrorismand ongoing crisis in Kashmir.Sh Shriyaak of Abhinav Bharathad a specific query: Why Panun

Kashmir was late with theproject. School and college stu-dents, who visited exhibition inbig numbers expressed strongsolidarity with Displaced PanditCommunity' expressing willing-ness to help Kashmiri Panditrefugees.

Nearly 35,000 residents ofPoona visited the exhibition. Thelocal organisers had done theirground work well. The Sadakas(activists) of HJJS had been in-volved in door to door campaign.

At all entry points in the citythere were big hoardings. Be-sides this there were 250-300banners and 3000 posters, nearly

seventy thousandhandbills had beendistributed. LocalTV Channels hadbeen regularly car-rying ads on the ex-hibition, which wassupplemented bySanatan Prabhatads.

The exhibitionreceived widecoverage in MarathiVernacular press.However, barringfew exceptions, thenational Englishmedia played cool,indicating how-combating terrorismand caring for itsvictims was such alow priority for it.

Earlier on 20th ofApril 2007, PanunKashmir ChairmanDr. Ajay Chrungooand Dr. VirenTawade, PresidentHJJS addressed apress conference atPress Club Pune. Dr.Chrungoo whileaddressing themedia persons saidthat the purpose ofholding exhibition

at Pune and other places was tosensitise the national opinionabout terrorism. Dr Tawadeinformed the media that thisexhibitino will be organised atdifferent places in Maharashtrafor which publicity was alreadyon.

Chinchwad (Pimpri)This town is located 30 kms

away from Poona. The venue of‘Saakshatkaar’ wasGharishastri Sabhagrah,Shridhar Nagar. Exhibition was

on display from April 28 to April30. At every place the organis-ers would have a pre-inaugura-tion press conference to explain

the objectives of ‘Saakshatkaar’.Then there would be formal in-auguration. The press confer-ence at Chinchward was jointlyorganised by HJJS and Journal-istic fraternity of Chinchwad.The main theme articulated byPanun Kashmir GeneralSecretary Sh Kuldeep Raina atthe press conference atChinchwad and other places wasthat terrorism had become anational problem and there wasneed for a national response.Since Kashmiri Pandits bore thebrunt of terrorist violence inKashmir they wanted to sharetheir experiences with otherpeople of India so that they canprempt terrorism in their respec-tive areas through alertness andbetter perception. Sh KuldeepRaina pooh-poohed the ap-proach where people of one statedid not bother about terrorismoutside their state. He said thisattitude of people was respon-sible for weak united national re-sponse to terrorism. PanunKashmir General Secretary said‘Saakshatkaar’ was a signifi-cant step in this direction tocorrect this negative thinking. Heasked the people of Chinchwadto deliberate on why an entirecommunity has faced wholesalereligious-cleansing and why thestate authorities continue to bein denial mode over it, especiallywhen small issues have beenmade national issues. He said theobjective of Panun Kashmir wasto build a national response toterrorism. He highlighted theplurality and diversity of J&Kwhere aspirations of the major-ity people ran counter to thoseof a section of Kashmiris. ShRaina lamented that Article 370is considered sacrosanct andsaid reorganisation of the statewas the only way out to remedythe situation. Quadripartition ofJ&K, with creation of PanunKashmir was part of this reor-ganisation, he added.

A galaxy of speakers spoketo 600-strong audience atChinchwad. The main speakerswere Sh Sunil Chincholkar, aleading Dharmacharya, ShSharad Upadhyay, Nagar Sevak(Municipal Councillor), Sh.Krishnaji Ranjane Maharaj,President Workari Samaj, Distt.Pune, Sh. Gian Dev Patil, Dr.Durgesh Samant. Sh.Chincholkar, who had speciallycome from abroad to attend theexhibition, decried sidelining ofHindus in the country by thegovernment.

Since the venue atChinchwad was comparativelysmaller all the exhibits could notbe displayed here. People of

‘Saakshatkaar’ moves Maharashtrians

Dr. Virender Tawde and Dr. Ajay Chrungoo during theSakshaatkaar at Pune.

Sh. Kuldeep Raina speaking to the audience during inaugural ceremony of Sakshaatkaar atDharashiv.

(Contd. on Page 9)

CONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUATIONTIONTIONTIONTION 9KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

(From Page 8)Chinchwad told organisers that3-days were not enough forexhibition and demanded thatexhibition should be shown atother places also. Panun Kashmirorganisers had a surprise forthem here. Maharashtrians havea tradition of laying Rangoli atevery function. An extremelydecorative Rangoli for PanunKashmir was laid at the venue ofexhibition. Panun Kashmirleaders had a interactive sessionwith Arya Samaj of Chinchwad.

Dharashiv:Since the exhibition at

Dharashiv was scheduled fromMay 1, an advance team of Dr.Tawade and Sh. Kuldeep Rainaleft on 29th April evening forDharashiv. The teamof Dr.Tawade and Sh. Kuldeep Rainaalongwith Sh. Miland Patilsenior advocate and former BJPMLA Dharashiv addressed apress conference at DharashivDr. Tawade & Sh. Kuldeep Rainatook stock of otherarrangements regarding photo-exhibition. Replying to one of thequestions during the pressconference Mr Raina said thatthrough Saakshatkaar we areunveiling the truth before thenation and if it is a sin to speakthe truth we will continue tocommit the same in future as well.

‘Saakshatkaar’ was on dis-play from May 1-3 at RamkrishanParamhans Vivekanad College.Speakers at the inauguralceremony included besides Sh.Kuldeep Raina, Sh. RamchandRanganath Rao Garade, Vice-President of Bar Council ofMaharashtra and Goa, Sh.Venkatesh Habire, Editor DainikSangarh', Advocate Milind Patilex-President of Bar CouncilDharashiv, Dr. Virender Tawadeand Prof. Ramesh Dapke,Principal, RP College, Dharashivwas the chief guest.Saakshatkaar' at Dharashivwitnessed an unprecedentedflow of visitors. In Darashiv Sh.Milind Patil organised aninteractive session betweenPanun Kashmir leaders and BarCouncil Dharashiv at theauditorium of Main SessionsCourt. Panun Kashmir GeneralSecretary Sh. Kuldeep Raina in-teracted with the lawyers.

The entire team of HJJSSadaks bade good bye to PKteam. It was an emotional sepa-ration for PK team at the time ofits departure of Jalgaon duringthe mid night of May 3rd, 2007.

Jalgaon:This town, formerly a part of

Nizam's Princely state, is ap-proached by a 12 hour journeyin bus from Pune. Sardar Patel isa hero for his role, in integrating

Hyderabad and foiling Nizam'sdiabolical designs.

This town is in northernMaharashtra ‘Saakshatkaar’concluded at Jalgaon, where theexhibition was on display fromMay 6-8 at Valabh DasswaljiAuditorium. Sh. VinayPanwalkar, Spokesperson HJJSJalgaon, Dr. V Tawade and Sh.Kuldeep Raina addressed the

press on May 4. Inaugurationwas held at Jain Mahila Commu-nity Hall. The prominent speak-ers included Sh. YogeshwarUpasini Maharaj, Sh. MangeshJi Maharas of Shri Ram Temple(main shrine of Jalgaon), AmdarEknath Rao Khade, BJP MLA,Advocate Aneh Mehnale, Dr V.Tawade, Sh Khada spoke aboutdestruction of cultural symbolsof Hindus in Kashmir by terror-ism. Sh. Yogeshwar UpasiniMaharaj is a nationalDhamacharya and renownedscholar on Hinduism. ShMangesh Ji Maharaj, a saint ofgreat humility, leads theRamnavmi Yatra inwhcih lakhs ofpeople participate. This annualfestival is held at Shri Ram Tem-ple Shrine. Sh. Mangesh organ-ised an interactive session be-tween PK leadership and thecivil society of Jalgaon. PKleaders were publicly felicitatedat the function. Sh Mangesh Ji,who had participated in KashmirEkta Yatra, made stay of PK or-ganisers comfortable. Peoplevolunteered to host PKorganisers in their home. PKleaders were guests of a leadingBrain and Spine surgeon DrSanjiv M.Huzurbazar at Jalgaon.Mrs. Hazurbazar, who is one ofthe leading gyneocologists ofJalgaon, felicitated PK and HJJSactivists. On 6th of May PKleaders made a presentation atthe meet of prominent citizens ofJalgaon. The leaders deliberatedon such issues-denial mode onreligious-cleansing of KashmiriHindus, dimensions of terrorism,pitfalls of 'peace process', du-

plicitous demand of demilitarisa-tion, apathetic attitude of Stateauthorities, renaissance move-ment etc.

Unprecedented response to‘Saakshatkaar’ at Dharashivand Jalgaon was not surprising.Locals are quite apprehensiveabout the threats posed by theterrorist organisation, StudentsIslamic Movement of India

(SIMI) in these towns. Visitorsbraved the 45-460 heat to see‘Saakshatkaar’. Next day, theywould bring their families. Oneof the visitors, a class 9thstudent Miss. Bhavna RajendraPatil wrote in the visitors book"The PK activists are theVivekanands of Kalyug Whenan individual in the local admin-istration tried to create hurdlesfor the exhibition the strong re-sponse of Jalgaon put him ondefensive.

Overall 'a lakh people visited‘Saakshatkaar’ at Pune,Chinchwad, Dharashiv andJalgaon. At the instance of visi-tors the exhibition time had tobe extended by 2 hours-upto 10PM. Captions for exhibits inMarathi were so artfully preparedby Mrs Jayshrree Bhan. Dailynews about exhibition was puton internet same day, with me-ticulous documentation.

Request came from Net usersin England and America to bring‘Saakshatkaar’ to their areas aswell. A unique feature of‘Saakshatkaar’ was that politi-cal leaders across the politicalspectrum were conspicuous bytheir absence, while commonpeople demonstrated unprec-edented enthusiasm. The organ-isers explained that they not getproper venues for the exhibitiondue to non-cooperation of ad-ministration.

To express their solidaritywith Kashmiri Hindus HJJSadopted three days of KPs' exilein their annual alamanac havingmembership of 20 lakhs. Thesedays—19th January-Holocaust

‘Saakshatkaar’ moves MaharashtriansDay, 14th September-Martyr'sDay and 28th December-Margdarshan (Homeland) Day.For this Panun Kashmir leader-ship thanked HJJS. Sh KuldeepRaina, General Secretary PK saidthey can never forget the role ofMaharashtrians in helping them,when they took initiative in of-fering reservations to DisplacedKashmiris in professional col-

leges. Now when day to dayproblems have eased a bit PanunKashmir has once again ap-proached people of Maharashtrato contribute in the nation's fightagainst terrorism, he added. ShRaina also thanked local organ-isers for their generoushospitability. He recalled how150-200 Sadaks were all the time

were busy. The publicity mate-rial could be seen upto 20 kmsaway from the venue of the exhi-bition. She Praveenji, a dedicatedSadak covered all the exhibitions,making travel of PK leaderscomfortable.

Sh Kuldeep Raina was allpraise for the role played by Smt.& Sh. Ashok Koul (GeneralSecretary KP Sabha Pune)alongwith their whole family, ShRP Karnail and his family, ProfVaishnavi, Kashmiri Pandit stu-dents at Dharamshiv, Smt. & Sh.Vijay Kumar Kachroo, Smt. & Sh.Sunil Gigoo and their entirefamily Dass family, Sh RNMonga, Sh Sant Kumar Bhanand Mrs. Jaishree Bhan, Mem-bers of Abhinav NirmanPratisthan-Vikram, Sameer andothers, and Dr. Abhi Ram Dixit inmaking ‘Saakshatkaar’ a greatsuccess. At Dharashiv despitetheir busy study scheduleKashmiri students came to pasteexhibits, they were joined bytheir fellow students from Biharand Himachal Pradesh. PanunKashmir leaders. Sh KuldeepRaina, Sh SK Handoo and Sh.Virender Kaul were moved by thesimplicity, honesty, dedication oflocal organisers. Highly qualifiedpeople, irrespective of gender,were all the time concerned withone objective—to make‘Saakshatkaar’ a success.

Sh. Manohar Joshi former Chief Minister of Maharashtra being taken around the Exhibitionat Pune.

Panun Kashmir CondolesSwami Sukh Ram's death

(From Page 1)Saakshatkaar--throughout India. "Anantnag Nagbal is one amongst fewshrines and temples that have been saved from the onslaught andcontribution of the saints including Saint Sukh Ram cannot be ignored inthis regard", he added.

Mr. Raina said that Panun Kashmir is in contact with ShankarcharyaShardapeeth and Swami Madhav Dasji to defuse the situation so thatattempts to divide the Hindus are frustrated. Sh Raina added that separatistand communal forces in Kashmir are engaged in a nefarious conspiracy todent the new support structure created by Kashmiri Pandits in exile. Hesaid that Kashmiri Pandits will ground the attempts to creats wedge betweenSadhu Samaj and Kashmiri Pandits or Hindu Samaj and Kashmir Pandits ofwhich the later is a part.

Highlighting the bravery of Swamiji, Panun Kashmir Secretary Sh. B.L.Koul said that Swami Ji braved a number of kidnappings and not less than18 grenade attacks in his effort to preserve the shrine. "Sadhuji not onlykept the Nagbal Shrine open but also was instrumental in frustrating theattempts of encroachment of nearby Gautam Nag Shrine", he added.

Decrying attempts to create a wedge between Kashmiri Hindus andSadhu Samaj, Mr B.L. Koul said, Kashmiri Hindus, including Pandits ofAnantnag, have long history of serving the Sadhus and seeking spiritualguidance from the Sadhus.

Terming the report about suicide as stunning, Mr Koul said that thematter is sub-judice and the organisation does not want to comment on theissue. Mr BL Koul said, "If at all any disrespect has occurred to hispersonality on behalf of any member of our community wittingly or un-wittingly, we tender our unqualified apologies to the Sadhus and Saints".

Sh. O.N. Trisal, President ASKPC, said that Sadhus and Saints havebeen visiting Kashmir from times immemorial and Pandits have alwaysbeen serving them with reverence and seeking their spiritual guidance. Hereferred to visits Adi Guru Shankaracharya and Swami Vivekananda in thisregard. Mr Trisal condemned attempts vested interests to divide HinduCommunity. Vowing not to allow anybody to disrupt the unity, PanunKashmir leaders reaffirmed that Hindu Society is united despite, the diversityit has nourished over the millennia.

IMPRESSIONSIMPRESSIONSIMPRESSIONSIMPRESSIONSIMPRESSIONS 10KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

Given below is the speechdelivered by Dr.Durgesh Samant,

National Spokesperson of theHJJS on the occasion ofinaugural function of the exhi-bition at BalgandharvaNatyamandir, Pune from 22ndApril 2007 to 24th April 2007.

Firstly, Let me narrate you anincident that occurred twomonths ago. We had conducteda camp at Sambhajinagar(Aurangabad), two months ago.It was a two-day camp con-ducted for members of theWarkari sect and certain otherardent Hindus. The objective ofbeing that few people in thesociety who wish to contributetheir bit should know all aspectsHinduism, and the variousproblems that it faces today. Thefirst topic we had presented was‘Problems faced by KashmiriHindus’. We had an exhibitionprepared by ‘Foundation againstContinuous Terrorism (FACT)’depicting the difficulties facedby Kashmiri Hindus and the ter-rorism in Kashmir at the samevenue. Incidently a displacedKashmiri Hindu Shri. Bhat hadcome to see the exhibition. I tookhim to the aforesaid audienceand told him that if you say some-thing it will be better. This plat-form is for you. You can take allthe time you need and open upyour heart to the audience. Shri.Bhat and his father narrated thehistory of Kashmir, change in cir-cumstances and the happeningsin Kashmir.

About such photo exhibi-tions, in some places, we werequestioned about why we aredoing all this? What is the needfor it, etc? We said ‘You see thephoto exhibition and then askyourself this question.’ Any one,in whom the viewing of thatmoment does not stir a heartfeltresponse, should question if heis human at all. Such is the reality.Such a person should ask himselfif he is worthy of prostratingbefore any deity in the name ofbeing a Hindu.

Today, let us introspect, let ushonestly ask ourselves - why amI witnessing this situation? Whatis the cause? Who is responsiblefor it? Can I publicly declarethese causes without fear? If Icannot because I do not havethe courage, then there is stillsomething for me to achieve inthis life. Am I doing anything tobring about a change in this situ-ation? You ought to look withinyourself for the answers to thesequestions even as you take alook at the exhibition. At manyplaces the exhibitions about themass murders of the Jews by theNazis are there. Perhaps we Hin-dus do not want any remindersof unhappiness, we try to keepthem under wraps, and let go ofthe bad memories - this is wrong.

In 2005 to commemorate its 60lyear of liberation, Auswitz

International Committee invitedGerman Chancellor Shroder.Speaking on that occasion. Hesaid that all these events are apart of our national identity, andwe will never forget them. If wewish to protect culture and hu-man values, we should con-stantly remember how they weretrampled upon. Only then can wesafeguard culture and humanvalues. He went on to further saythat the Happenings in theAuswitz camp leave no doubtabout the existence of the devil.The devil is not a political or sci-entific entity; yet, witnessingsuch episodes should leave usin no doubt of it’s existence.

In spite of these incidentsfrom the past repeatedly haunt-ing us, behaving as if we havenot heard of it, understood it, orseen it, is the biggest delusion.On 19th January 1990, it wasordered at various places that allHindus should leave Kashmir. Itwas publicly declared and adver-tised in the newspapers and theentire Hindu society had to leaveKashmir. Those Hindus made agreat sacrifice. In order to savetheir religion, with their ownhands, they cut their ties withtheir land, their memories, andtheir childhood and relocatedthemselves to other places. Inone sense, it is laudable thateven today, such remarkablesacrifices are made for the sakeof religion. But, in another sense,we should be ashamed of suchhappenings. We ought to besaddened that we have beenreduced to this condition. Are wecalling this a cultured world oran uncivilized one? And what isthe reason for the Hindus in aHindu predominant nation to bereduced to this state?

I explained to you the reasonwhy such exhibitions are held allover the world. After seeing thisexhibition, you too should feelthat these pictures should alwaysremain in our sight and in ourmind. Only then is there any pos-sibility of us doing anything toprotect Hinduism.

The question arises abouthow these things werehappening so openly on such alarge scale, ? Atrocities werebeing perpetrated of such

magnitude and what were wedoing? How did news of theseevents not reach us? If it did,why was the gravity of it notconveyed to us? Why didn’t wewake up? One of the reasons wasthat those who understood thematter did not speak of it. Theybehaved as if they had noticednothing, heard nothing andunderstood nothing and the fruitof this continues from 1990 till2007.

The destruction of the line-age of the Hindus that took placeover there is spreading beyondthat particular area. Terrorism isknocking at our door. The massmedia has not played its role.Remember that the media that wetrust did not inform us of theseatrocities to its fullest extent. Donot harbor any faith that they willdo so in the future. We have togear up to spread this information

ourselves. If these conditionshave to change, each of us hasthe responsibility of utilizing ourcapabilities completely.

Often, I meet people who ex-press a different point of view orprovide fresh insight about suchproblems. I often ask them whythey don’t write it out and sendit to any newspaper. Take upwriting with the conviction thatat least one person will read it. Ifwe are unable to do this, we cannever develop the mentalstrength to resist terrorism.

While publishing SanatanPrabhat, we do not bother abouthow many copies are sold. Weconcentrate on the fact that thethought to be presented is ofparamount importance. Becauseeven if we accumulate a largenumber of readers, but if they donot get a clear idea, the numberhas no value. But if you keep

impressing on society purethoughts, and point out the roadahead, what is right and what isnot, the numbers will swell.Most importantly, the clarity ofthought is a guarantee of reach-ing the goal. Seeing this photoexhibition should awaken in usthoughts of what we are goingto do in this regard. Draw someinspiration from it. This photoexhibition will remain in Pune Cityfor a few more days. Later, it willbe held at Pimpri - Chinchwadtoo, followed by Dharashiv andJalgaon.

If even 5 relatives of each per-son can be motivated to at leastcome and see this exhibition, itwill be worth all the painstakingefforts of Dr. Ajay Chrungu andhis volunteers. This photo exhi-bition is a result of their greatsacrifice and will definitely castan impression on your soul.

Dr. Durgesh Samant -NationalSpokesperson Hindu JanJagrut Samiti.

fundamental rights-the report(Contd. from Page 5)

suggests. How terrorism tearsapart the civil society, destroysfundamental freedoms and cre-ates a civil society which acts asa sanctuary for violence has notbeen the concern guiding the rec-ommendations for helping thevictims of militancy.”

Sir, we have seen how bigpowers have used human rightsas a vehicle to intervene and sub-vert the independence of thosecountries who came out of thecolonial yoke and won freedom.With imperial motives such coun-tries devised a selective para-digm of human rights which con-cerned itself primarily with stateabuse and excesses. It appearsour own govt has the same para-digm of human rights. Entirehuman rights concern of thegovernment seems to be aimedto generate a selective state spe-cific sensitivity. It is an apolo-getic and masochist approach.Sir, Universal Charter on HumanRights clearly and unambigu-ously states that human rightsshould be upheld by the state,organs of the society and the in-dividuals. Nothing so far hasbeen done to sensitise the civilsociety about the menace of ter-rorism. There has been no edu-cation of the organs of societywhatsoever as to what are theimplications when terrorism takesroots in a civil society. Peopleneed to be told why terrorismcannot be justified whatever beits value basis and motivation.

Organs of the society need to besensitised so that they mobilisecivil society against terrorism.Process of accountability needsto be created for those organs ofsociety which legitimiseterrorism, glorify it or act as indi-rect abettors”.

“Government has chosen tofight terrorism tying its onehand. I am sure if people are ad-equately educated about thecrippling strains terrorism, gen-erates on the law and order situ-ation it will widen the moralspace for government actionagainst terrorism. The excesseswhich get committed duringstate action will then be placedin proper perspective while gov-ernment disciplines its own in-struments to stop excesses. Insuch a way public over-reactionwill be minimised.”

"Sir, the government has timeand again talked about the dan-gerous situation at the groundcreated by terrorism. It has talkedabout subversion of governmentagencies by the terrorist sympa-thisers. It has talked about theatmosphere of intimidation at theground. How can local enquirycommissions operate fairly insuch an atmosphere. Can a wit-ness or an evidence which is infavour of government or secu-rity forces muster courage andvoluntarily put forward its viewsto the enquiry commissions. Thesecurity forces penalised for hu-man rights violations have yetto get a fair trial".

"Sir, the recent campaigns

unleashed in Kashmir valley oncustodial killings, Afzal Guruverdict and demilitarisation areaimed to reduce the moral spacefor state action, demonise thestate and present Kashmir as anoccupied territory. Out of morethan one thousand and five hun-dred alleged cases of excessesby the security forces and othergovernment agencies more than95% have proven to be false.Have we ever tried to look intoas to who rakes up these falseallegations. What is the motiva-tion of such forces? What aretheir resources? The campaignon Afzal Guru has been no lessthan a contempt of SupremeCourt. Why does governmentprefer to remain as a mute spec-tator to overground secession-ist campaigns? The workinggroup dealing with issue ofmilitancy has chosen to broadlyignore these issues. It is intrigu-ing that the recommendations ofthe Working Group on confi-dence building measures ema-nate from a paradigm which isalien.”

I have chosen to speak brieflyon the recommendations of onlyone Working Group for the rea-sons already explained.

I once again reiterate that Idissociate from the recommenda-tions of the Working Group onconfidence building measures”.

Thank You.Dr. Ajay Chrungoo

ChairmanPanun Kashmir

Report Submitted by HM Ansari Working Group is disappointing

‘Satya ka Sakshaatkaar’ makes all‘Satya ka Sakshaatkaar’ makes all‘Satya ka Sakshaatkaar’ makes all‘Satya ka Sakshaatkaar’ makes all‘Satya ka Sakshaatkaar’ makes allHindus introspect! -Hindus introspect! -Hindus introspect! -Hindus introspect! -Hindus introspect! -

Dr. Durgesh SamantDr. Durgesh SamantDr. Durgesh SamantDr. Durgesh SamantDr. Durgesh Samant

BOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEW 11KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

By Raman Kumar Bhat

Crisis in Kashmir continues to defy solution, notdue to complexity of the problem but because theIndian political leadership has allowed itself to

become prisoner of myths, assiduously promoted bythe vested interests inimical to Indian interests inKashmir. Such expressions- 'Maximum autonomy, shortof secession', 'Sky is the limit', 'dialogue within theframework of Insaniyat', 'borders are irrelevant', 'wehave to give something to Kashmiris to address theiralienation and accommodate their aspirations", etc.indicate how the separatists and their apologists inIndian civil society continue to dictate the discourse onKashmir.

Kashmir problem has three dimensions one, it is partof nonsecularisation of Indian Muslim Community. If inKashmir it manifests as secessionism, elsewhere itpresents as cultural separatism. Legacy of two-nationtheory, pursuance of religious identity politics by theValley's political leadership, rise of Jamaat Islami as asignificant force and the impact of global Pan-Islamismhave not left Kashmiris untouched. These processeshave acted as a brake on the process of secularisation inKashmiri Muslim society. How a weak secular societybe a willing partner in secular nation-building? Manysolutions that are being flaunted would ultimatelystrengthen communal consciousness in Kashmir andfurther deepen alienation. Kashmiri alienation is actuallythe manifestation of a weak secular consciousness.

The second dimension is the issue of crossborderterrorism, directly sponsored by Pakistan. As long asPakistani Military-Civil oligarchy continues to visualisePak security in terms of bleeding India how can there bepeace with Pakistan. Whatever may be the compulsionsfor the latter to remain engaged in 'peace process', thereis as yet, no evidence about a paradigmal shift inPakistan's approach. Countering Pakistan's proxy waradequately and building strong deterrents to immobiliseinternal support structures of subversion in Kashnmirremain India's best options. Weak signals emanating fromDelhi that India was willing to accommodate Pakistanand Kashmiri separatists 'for the sake of eternal peace'would convey that terrorism pays.

Lastly, it is the internal dimension that has receivedlittle attention, both by the scholars as well as the Indianpolitical leadership. Kashmir has been projected as aproblem between Kashmiri Muslims and the Indian state.Plurality of the state, where other communities stronglyopposed to secessionism outnumber Kashmiris, is over-looked. J&K is treated as a homogenous entity andKashmiris as a monolithic group. In the past the Centralgovernment would reach a settlement with a section ofKashmiri leadership and leave the people of state totheir own fate. This only worsened the situation. Byaddressing the internal dimension the Centre can facili-tate the return of peace but also help keep external inter-ference at bay.

'Demystifying Kashmir', authored by NavneetChadha Behera breaks new ground by dissenting fromthe myths woven around Kashmir imbroglio over thepast two decades. The book's main value lies in that ittries to grapple with the internal dimension in a way thathas never been attempted before. The author makes twoprofound statements. One, 'the deeply plural characterof J&K society is at the heart of the secessionist move-ment in the state and helps to account for secessionistdemands as well as failures'. Secondly, Chaddha warnsthat while addressing the alienation of Kashmiris, oneshould not lose sight of the political aspirations of othercommunities as well. She says, "They had a great dealto do with the failure of the Kashmiris' secessionistagenda in the 1950s and the 1990s and are a criticalfactor in shaping the future peace process". Since 1947the Valley leadership has been successful in manipulatinga political dispensation that has effectively marginalisednon-Kashmiri regions of Jammu and Ladakh, besidesKashmiri Pandits and Gujjars. This has weakened thenationalist response in the state. The Centre has beenmore willing to listen and accommodate the interests ofValley's political elite. Even today, be it the issues ofdelimitation of constituencies or the solutions that arebeing peddled the patriotic groups continue to receivethe raw deal.

Navnita Behera has quoted extensively from historyto show how Kashmiri leadership has been pursuinghegemonist and sectarian policies. She remarks thatthe National Conference had sought the status of anautonomous republic in the Indian Union to safeguardand nuture the interests of Kashmiris. But reversing thelogic in J&K Kashmiris the majority community were

'Demystifying'Demystifying'Demystifying'Demystifying'DemystifyingKashmir' explodesKashmir' explodesKashmir' explodesKashmir' explodesKashmir' explodesmany mythsmany mythsmany mythsmany mythsmany myths

reluctant to share political power with Jammu andLadakh...“Sheikh Abdullah was not prepared to concedeto Jammu and Ladakh those very rights and privilegesthat he himself had demanded from the Indian state,which were not to be interpreted as a step towardsseparatism but as a 'mutual accommodation of eachother's viewpoint".

The Constituent Assembly (dominated by NC) hadcreated a unitary state with a clear concentration ofpowers in the Valley through disproportionaterepresentation in both the constituent Assembly andthe State Assembly. In 1951 in 45 out of 49 seats PrajaParishad contested the nomination papers were rejectedon flimsy technical grounds, "thereby subverting thedemocratic process and denying Jammu a voice in shap-ing the future political system".

Secondly, constitutionally and politically the statehad no systems of checks and balances. The slogans ofdespotic regime—'one party,' 'one leader', turned "Par-liamentary democracy, resting on the principle of majorityrule, into a 'Kashmiri rule.' Chadha remarks, "The Unitarystate structures and parochial policies of the NCgovernment favoured the Valley in political, economicand administrative matters, leaving Jammu and Ladakhfeeling neglected and marginalised, and prepared toseek separation from the Valley".

Breaking up the Hindu-majority district of Udhampur,Opposition to rehabilitation of refugees from PoK,imposition of Urdu in Jammu and Ladakh, closing downof Sanskrit Research Department etc. by the SheikhAbdullah regime soon after 1947, have been quoted toshow how NC pursued sectarian politics. Ladakh toobore the brunt of communal governance. Chadha records,"The studied indifference of the state government intransferring Zanskar to Leh tehsil was in markedcontrast to its willingness to grant Doda the status of aseparate Muslim-majority district in the Jammuregion". No allocation was made in the first budget forLadakh's development, the region had no separate planuntil 1961. Sheikh Abdullah began differentiatingbetween the "Muslims and non-Muslims of the State"—'It is the Muslims who have to decide accession withIndia and not the non-Muslims as the latter have no

place in Pakistan and because their only choice isIndia..."Chadha observes," His conception of theKashmiri identity had changed from "the people of J&Kstate" to mainly the "Kashmiri Muslims".

Institutionalised discrimination against Jammu andLadakh forced these regions to raise demands for regionalautonomy. Instead of responding to their legitimategrievances, the Valley leadership "sought to undercutthe political base of groups demanding regionalautonomy by creating alternative political alignmentsalong communal lines". The author indicts ‘secular,progressive’, GM Sadiq regime for sowing seeds ofcommunalisation in Ladakh in 1960s. She says," toscuttle this movement (for regional autonomy), ChiefMinister GM Sadiq promoted a new leadership of lamasby favouring Kushak Thiksey over Kushak Bakula andat the same time promoting the Muslim leadership ofKargil over the Buddhist leadership of Leh...SheikhAbdullah's decision to divide Ladakh into 2 districts in1979—Leh and Kargil-created yet another communalfaultline in Ladakh, between its Buddhist and Muslimidentity" Chadha dismisses Hill Council, saying it hasfailed to adequately address local issues.

The author has situated political assertion of regionalidentities in a historical and sociological perspective.On the issue of Displaced Pandits she exposes the RAC(Regional Autonomy Committee) appointed by NC gov-ernment in 1996 by arguing, "The committee simply dis-regarded the Pandit's demand for Panun Kashmir with-out offering an alternative strategy or framework forredressing their grievances and securing their social,cultural, economic and political rights".

Initially, though Gujjars gained political prominencewhen Sheikh Abdullah tried to rope in the Muslimmajority districts of Rajouri and Poonch and theKashmiri-speaking Muslims of Doda into a "GreaterKashmir" in the late 1970s. Patriotic Gujjar communitywas then given short shrift by Kashmir-dominated Stategovernments. ST status was not given to them until1991. As a result, Gujjars are now entitled to representa-tion in proportion to their population in the legislature,local self-governing institutions, government services,and professional and technical institutions. Since Gujjarslive in hilly areas, the community can be given effectiverepresentation only by carving out Gujjar dominatedareas as Hill Constituencies . Their demand forreservation of constituencies, to which they are entitled,is also not being acceded to. The Gujjars fear threat totheir interests from patronisation of Paharis by Valleyleadership.

The author has done good homework to expose thedesigns behind the demand for Autonomous Hill Councilfor Chenab region. She remarks, "Critics view thedemands for councils by the Muslim-majority districtsof Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda as part of a larger plan tobreak Jammu's plural identity and reinforce the com-munal faultline within the Jammu region. Their claimsare in part driven by the desire to undermine the influenceof the Gujjar and Bakkarwal leaders in the region..Perhapsthat is why the Gujjars do not support the demand for anAutonomous Hill Council for Rajouri and Poonch".

Chadha is scathing in its indictment of NCgovernment appointed RAC—"the committee soughtto protect only the "Muslim interests" to the totalexclusion of other ethnocultural, ethnolinguistic andethnoreligious minorities. While it was ready to leanbackwards to accept the demand of Jammu region'sMuslim minority for separate provincial status, it didnot even mention the demand of the Hindu minority inthe Valley-Kashmiri Pandits- for a PanunKashmir...Nor did it take notice of the ZanskarBuddhists long-standing demand for these areas to bebrought under Leh's administration. Likewise, itglossed over the fact that Doda district had a signifi-cant Hindu minority alongside its Muslim (58%)majority and made no provision for safeguarding theminority's political interests".

Arguing that attempts to superimpose communalboundaries would be divisive the author visualisessolution 'in providing a responsive government, ratherthan a sharpening the communal boundaries'. Stronglyadvocating that power sharing be inclusive, NavnitaChadha recommends that 'It is imperative for the Centralgovernment to reach out to the minority communitiesin the peace process and ensure that their politicalinterests are safeguarded in any final settlement". It istoo early to say whether Round Table Conference woulddeliver anything to non-Kashmiri groups and otherminorities. Anyway, 'Demystifying Kashmir', is boundto provoke debate on strategic blunders the Indianpolitical leadership continues to commit in Kashmir.

INTERVIEWINTERVIEWINTERVIEWINTERVIEWINTERVIEW 12KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

Q: What decisions Maharaja took soon after GeneralJanak Singh assumed theOffice?

SS: Maharaja’s govt sent tel-egraphic requests to GOI at NewDelhi and the Govt. in waiting ofPakistan at Karachi requesting themto agree to Stand Still Agreementwith J&K Govt. This agreement wasto enable J&K State to receive fromeither government the services, thecommodities and essential suppliesbeing received hitherto. Karachi re-sponded readily to this request. On12th August J&K Govt. announceda ‘Stand Still Agreement” withPakistan government to be formedtwo days later. New Delhi’s replywas that an authorisedrepresentative of Maharaja’sgovernment may be sent to NewDelhi for detailed discussions toagree to Stand Still Agreement. Thereis nothing on record to indicatewhether any reply was sent by J&KGovt. and the matter never gotfinalised.

KS: What was the Impact of‘Stand Still Agreement’ in general?

SS: As for as the lives of peoplewere concerned absence of Stand StillAgreement with New Delhi did notaffect general public All essentialsupplies like Petrol, Oil andLubricants, Food Grains, Sugar, Salt,Textiles and the like were suppliedeither from or through the area thatbecame Pakistan (via Rawalpindi).Similarly, all essential services likePosts and Telegraph, Telephones,Banking etc. were also directlyconnected with areas which formedPakistan. Only currency which wasBritish currency, was a matterconcerning public which was beingsupplied by New Delhi.

The only all-weather link ofState of J&K with British India wasthrough Jehlum Valley toRawalpindi which also was the railhead for Kashmir Valley. There wasthe only rail service with J&K,connecting Jammu Tawi with Sialkotwhich later became part of Pakistan.There was no all weather roadconnecting Jammu Tawi withKathua, on the border between J&Kand Punjab (British India). A dustyKaccha road linked Jammu andKathua. On it an irregular 14 seaterpassenger bus or a truck used to takemore than 14 hours from Jammu toKathua, at times it would take morethan two days.

It is obvious that Pakistangovernment took advantage of thesefacts of connectivity or lack of it.One reason for Pakistan's promptdecision to agree to a 'Stand StillAgreement' could be that she wantedto make J&K totally dependent forall essential supplies on Pakistanand then use it as a weapon for co-ercion and intimidation against Ma-haraja to accede to Pakistan.

KS: There was perhaps nodefinite document on Stand StillAgreement. How did 14/15thAugust impact on J&K?

SS: There is no written down“Stand Still Agreement” anywhere.Only copies of telegrams may be in

Sati Sahni—Sati Sahni—Sati Sahni—Sati Sahni—Sati Sahni—A Conversation-IVA Conversation-IVA Conversation-IVA Conversation-IVA Conversation-IVShri Sati Sahni is one of the most esteemed members of Journalist profession in J&K. In a career spanning six decades, he has combinedhigh professionalism with deep integrity. As a War Correspondent he holds the rare distinction of covering four major wars--1948,1962, 1965 and 1971. Sh. Sahni has also been an ace photographer. His rich collection of photographs would be envy of any top personin the profession of photo-journalism. As a respected and veteran member of the profession he continues to guide and inspire new andupcoming Journalists. Sh. Sahni has not only been a witness to an era, he has also been an active participant in many events. Hisringside view of many events would be valuable for students of contemporary history of J&K. His publications include 'My Dismissal'and 'Kashmir Underground'. Kashmir Sentinel had a detailed conversation with Sh. Sati Sahni (SS). We are publishing here the fourthpart of the Conversation. The 1st, IInd & IIIrd part of Conversation were carried in Kashmir Sentinel issues of September 2006,December 2006 & May 2007, respectively. --The Editor

archives. On 15th August, 1947 therewas neither hoisting of IndiaTricolour in Srinagar nor celebrationsof any sort were organised. Insteadon 14th August on the day on whichPakistan came into being Pak flag wasceremonially hoisted over GeneralPost Office (GPO) building, situatedat the Bund at Srinagar. The specta-tors saluted the flag. I was one of thespectators present. GPO also housedone Telegraph office which technicallywas being looked after by StateTelegraph Office . Telegraphic systemor Telephone Exchanges within theState of J&K were under State gov-ernment. Present CTO building wasbuilt in 1960s. After accession therewas administrative transfer, it becamepart of All India Service.

KS: Pakistan resorted to economicstrangulation and attacks in borderareas through its irregulars. Was thisaimed at coercing Maharaja into ac-ceding to Pakistan?

SS: The period of uncertaintystarted in Srinagar since the flow ofsupplies became irregular fromPakistani territory. Scarcity ofcommodities was felt in the market.The railway link with Jammu hadbeen stopped, only limited quantitieswere being allowed to be transportedfrom Rawalpindi to Srinagar. Petrol,Diesel and Kerosene rationing wasstarted in early September. Scarcityof sugar and salt was discernible,although rations of foodgrains wereavailable normally through the rationdepots of the State government onfamily ration tickets called by localsas ‘Chendi’. This lead to hoarding inevery household and the rates ofessential goods started soaring. In themeantime under a well thought outstrategy Pak government startedeconomic squeeze of J&K to putpublic pressure on Maharaja to accedeto Pakistan. In this connection twofactors are worth noting. Alongsideeconomic strangulation the demobbedresidents of Poonch and Rajouri areafrom the British Indian Army wereprovided arms and given direction tocreate law and order situation in theareas of Jammu province adjoiningPak territory. The situation wascreated where there was insufficient

police force in those areas, sopersonnel of the State forces hadto be deployed to protect the livesof the common people and theproperty of the state. The J&KState forces had just 11-12thousand persons in uniform,which was less than a regulardivision. This had to take care ofvast areas of Maharaja’s territoryfrom Gilgat to Kathua and fromKarakoram to Muzaffarabad. Brig.(later Major General) HL Scott wasChief of Staff of State Forces on15/8/47. Due to exigencies of re-quirement or may be on accountof other reasons he divided thestate forces in smaller numbers likepenny packets, dispersing thesealong the border with Pakistan.The dispersal was such that at noplace these forces would have beenable to hold any determined attack.It seems that there was a designbehind this because at no placewhere attack of unruly rebelelements was launched the Stateforces detachments were able todefend the general public or eventhemselves. In a period of 49 days57 incidents were reported fromthe State border with Pakistan inJammu province. These reportsused to be received by the ArmyHeadquarters at Srinagar and acopy was passed on to the DistrictMagistrate, Srinagar (Sh.. MKDhar) who was also Governor ofKashmir province. Copies of thesereports were made every eveningand personally delivered at theresidence of Kunwar NichintChand (Maharani Tara Devi’sbrother), who used to stay atDurga Nag. He was expected todeliver them personally to Maha-raja every night. It was certain thatthe Maharaja was kept informedwith the developing situation dayafter day but it seems he was help-less. On 22nd September Brig.Scott submitted a detailed reportabout the situation along theborder with Pakistan. This reportpainted a very bleak picture of thesituation. It hinted at large-scaleincursions soon expected fromacross the border. Intelligence

reports had been received of largescale preparations across the border.

KS: How the pressure was beingbuilt on Maharaja to decide thequestion for Accession either way?

SS: The situation was dete-riorating day by day. Pressure wasbuilding on Maharaja Hari Singh forreconciliation with NC leadershipand secondly, to take a decision oncefor all to accede to either of the twodominions. On surface it was a let-ter of apology written by SheikhMohammad Abdullah to MaharajaHari Singh expressing his loyalty tohis person and to his dynasty. Theother were the circumstancesbuilding up both at New Delhi,Srinagar and Jammu. MuslimConference became active and on 22September at a special one day con-vention it passed a unanimous reso-lution asking Maharaja Hari Singhto accede to dominion of Pakistan.This convention was presided overby Ch. Hameedullah Khan, Vice-President of J&K Muslim Confer-ence and also leader of Muslim Con-ference Legislature Party in PrajaSabha.

From Delhi it was Congress partywhich had suggested time and againthat to meet the emerging situationin Kashmir in light of perceivedthreats from Pakistan SheikhAbdullah and others facing trial fortreason may be released withoutcondition. It was early September.Sheikh Abdullah was in jail inBhaderwah. He was transferred toBadami Bagh around middle ofSeptember, restrictions were relaxedsoon after his shifting to BadamiBagh. He was finally released on29th September from detention.

On 1st October he addressed amassive public meeting at HazuriBagh, later renamed as Iqbal Park. Ihad the opportunity to listen to hisspeech. He said three importantthings. One, ‘We should sink ourdifferences to face the situation’.Secondly, ‘the first priority was togain people’s rule.’. And lastly,‘which country to accede to people’sgovernment will take that decision’.One thing which came out clearly inhis speech was his commitment to

secularism, socialism and totalopposition to two-nation theory.Two days later he went to NewDelhi.

On 4th of October SheikhAbdullah addressed a press confer-ence where he reiterated his standon accession, secular politics andrepresentative government.

KS: Maharaja Hari Singhchanged Major General JanakSingh as well as his Chief of Stateforces, Brig. Scott.

SS: As events were moving quiteapace after Sheikh Sahib's releaseMaharaja Hari Singh was not toohappy with the handling of situationeither on military front or on theadministrative front. Major GeneralJanak Singh was replaced by Mr.Justice Meherchand Mahajan, whoassumed office on 15th October,1947. After Brig. Scott's report of22nd September the Maharaja alsoreplaced Brig. Scott as Chief of Staffof State Forces with the next seniormost officer Brig. Rajender Singh.Maharaja made personal request toShri Mahajan, asking him to take overas new Prime Minister of J&K State.

Soon after demitting the officeBrig. Scott went over to Rawalpindito report to Pak headquarters.

KS: There was Dr. TaseerMission to Kashmir. What it wasall about?

SS: In the first week of OctoberSheikh Sadiq Hassan, President ofProvincial Committee of MuslimLeague, Punjab and Dr. MD Taseerarrived in Srinagar and stayed for 3-4 days. Among others they had twolong meetings with Sheikh Sahib. 1stmeeting was preliminary, the secondone was long. The purpose behindtheir visit was to meet politicallyimportant individuals includingthose in NC and MuslimConference, in the administrationand among intellectuals to find outthe mood of the people, the attitudetowards Pakistan and to createsituation for Kashmir’s accession toPakistan. It was learnt then thatTaseer who had been friendly withSheikh Sahib in earlier years hadturned from a liberal intellectual intoa Muslim League ideologue. He tried

(Contd. on Page 13)

CONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUATIONTIONTIONTIONTION 13KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

(From Page 12)to pressurise Sheikh Abdullah to joinforces with Muslim Conference andvisit Lahore and Karachi for detailednegotiations. It seems SheikhAbdullah lost his cool when Taseerrepeatedly wanted to have an as-surance from him that he wouldthrow his weight behind Kashmir’saccession to Pakistan. SheikhAbdullah stuck to his ground thatpeople’s government will ultimatelydecide about accession. Reports inPak press then had quoted Dr MDTaseer as saying “Sheikh Sahib,Time is running out. If you don’tlisten to us we will use other means”.Sheikh Sadiq and Dr. Taseerhurriedly left Srinagar for Lahore toreport to Muslim League HighCommand.

KS: Col. AB Shah was also sentto Kashmir.

SS: On 17th October the PrimeMinister of Pakistan NawabzadaLiaquat Ali Khan deputed Col. ABShah, Joint Secretary in the Ministryof Kashmir Affairs to Srinagar tomeet Maharaja and his Prime Min-ister, MC Mahajan. It was learntthat he had brought with him theInstrument of Accession drawn upby Pak government for J&K’sAccession to Pakistan. All that wasleft for the Maharaja was to put hissignatures with date on it. The meet-ing between MC Mahajan and Col.Shah was not very pleasant.Maharaja declined to meet Col. Shah,fearing that he may be forced to puthis signatures on it. Meantime Pakgovernment invited Prime MinisterMahajan to Karachi for firming uprelations between J&K on one handand Pakistan on the other. It seemson return of Col. Shah the die wascast. Pak govt, including itsGovernor General, Mr Jinnah wereimpatient. Since all preparations hadalready been made in case Col. Shah’smission failed, early on the morningof October 22nd invasion of J&Kstarted at Domel. At that time it wasnot Muzaffarabad but Domel whichwas militarily important. Simulta-neous attacks were launched at manyplaces in Jammu province as well.

KS: Why did State Forces failto counter the Pakistani invasion?

SS: At Muzaffarabad, Kohalaand Domel only one depletedbattalion of State forces under Col.Narain Singh was stationed, thisbattalion consisted of Muslimpersonnel and officers. Theirloyalties had already been won overby Pakistan. Col. Narain Singh’s 4thbattalion was stationed at Domel,which was also battalionheadquarters. This battalion had50% Muslim and 50% non-Muslimpersonnel. When Pakistan attackedthe Muslim component of thebattalion revolted and joined forceswith invaders within first two hours.Col. Narain Singh was killed but be-fore he died he was able to send awireless message to Srinagar StateForces Headquarters about the

Pakistani invasion and theestimated strength of the enemy.Although officially no details cameout of what happened in Domeland Kohala during the first 60 oddhours of the invasion. Reportsgathered from the soldiers and thecivilians who escaped killings andmassacres spoke of barbaricbehaviour of Pakistani invaders—mostly tribals under the commandof regular army officers.

KS: Brig. Rajender Singh gavetough fight to Pak invaders. Howdid it help?

SS: After pillagingMuzaffarabad and occupyingDomel the invaders proceededtowards Garhi. They used motor-ised transport totravel alongJehlum ValleyRoad and alsoproceeded alongthe two mountainridges on eitherbank of riverJehlum, thusproviding cover tothe main attackingforces. By theevening of October23rd the invadershad come close toUri and reportsreached New Delhifrom Srinagarabout thePakistani invasionand the progressthey had made up the Jehlum Valleytowards Baramulla.

On 23rd itself Maharaja HariSingh ordered the Chief of Staff,Brig. Rajender Singh to take all theavailable force at Srinagar andproceed to Uri to hold the enemyat bay. Maharaja’s orders were“hold the enemy to the last man, tothe last bullet”. The Brigadier couldgather no more than 150 individualswho were transported to Baramullaand as far as possible towards Uri.They took positions in and aroundUri. On 24th evening, the day ofDussehra late in the evening the cityof Srinagar was plunged intodarkness. Rumours swept the citythat Pakistanis had captured theMahura power station. It transpiredthat they had not captured it thatnight but one of the Pak artilleryshots had damaged major part ofthe power house.

The going off of the only powerstation should normally haveresulted in panic in Srinagar but astoic calm prevailed. Perhaps thegeneral public did not realise themagnitude of danger. That night inNew Delhi it was learnt later fullreport had been received about Pa-kistani invasion, the strength of theinvaders and the imminent dangerto Baramulla and Srinagar.

KS: How did New Delhi react?SS: But New Delhi was in no

position to come to the assistanceof Maharaja or his government

because it was not part of Indiandominion and Pakistan could haveobjected to any Indian assistance asinvasion of ’Independent SovereignJ&K State’.

Maharaja Hari Singh was advisedby New Delhi to take a decision aboutaccession to India if he desired Indianassistance for defence of J&K State.An emissary was sent to meet theMaharaja in Srinagar since the Maha-raja had expressed desire to discussdetails of the Instrument ofAccession. We learnt a day later thatMeherchand Mahajan hadaccompanied VP Menon back toNew Delhi the same day. VP Menoninformed New Delhi about the gistof his talks with Maharaja.

A hurried meeting of the DefenceCommittee of GoI was called. It wasdecided to send back Mr. Menon toJammu to get Maharaja’s signatureson Instrument of Accession. Onesignificant fact is overlooked thatMaharaja and his family did not“leave Srinagar in panic or out offear”. He was advised by Mr Menonto leave Srinagar that very night forJammu because of the fear that ifPakistan invaders were able to reachSrinagar before Indian help couldreach Srinagar Maharaja would havebeen forced to accede to Pakistan.On the morning of 26th October theMaharaja and his family had reachedJammu. Mr VP Menon accompaniedby Meherchand Mahajan reachedJammu by Air. Shortly later, VPMenon flew back with the Instrumentof Accession signed by MaharajaHari Singh and a covering letter ad-dressed to the Governor-General ofIndia, Lord Mountbatten. Later in theevening of 26th of October theDefence Committee of Golrecommended acceptance ofAccession of J&K to Indiandominion, clearing the way for troopsto be sent to defend J&K State againstaggression from Pakistan.

KS: How was Srinagar finallysaved?

SS: On the night intervening 26/27th of October, a massive and ahighly efficient mobilisation wasorganised and from dawn of October27th the Indian troops were flown

to Srinagar. In Jehlum Valley thePakistan invaders had overcome theresistance of brave detachment underthe command of Brig. RajenderSingh, killing literally every indi-vidual including the acting Chief ofStaff of the State Forces. Thishappened on the night of 25thOctober and 26th October.

The triumphant invaders ad-vanced along the road, enteringBaramulla around midnight of 26th/27th October. The rearguard actionof small band of gallant soldiers ofBrig. Rajender Singh had gained fourdays of precious time to enable theIndian troops to reach Srinagar intime to prevent its occupation byPakistanis. For this supreme sac-

rifice Brig.Rajender Singhwas awardedposthumouslyMahaVir Cha-kra, the first oneto receive inI n d e p e n d e n tIndia.

KS: Bara-mulla sufferedthe worse.

SS: In Bara-mulla, a town of14 thou-sandinhabitants thePak invadersinstead ofpushing on toSrinagar got busyin killing and

looting of the local populationincluding Muslims and lost thegolden opportunity of capturingSrinagar. Eyewitnesses reportedlater that over ten thousand personswere either killed or escaped intonearby forests from the Pakistaninvaders. One of the most gruesomestories that we were told ten dayslater was of NC political worker,Mohammad Maqbool Sherwani.

KS: How was Sherwani killed?SS: He used to travel between

Srinagar, Baramulla and Sopore 2 or3 times every day to keep NCleadership at Srinagar posted withthe latest information and situation.After Pakistanis occupiedBaramulla Sherwani was capturedand was asked to lead a small forceavoiding inhabited areas towardsSrinagar. On learning about theintentions of invaders he declinedto assist them. He was ordered tobe killed. Sherwani was tied withropes to an electric pole outside thelocal cinema hall, Pak tribals and sol-diers pumped 14 bullets into hisbody killing him on the spot. He,however, refused to respond to thePak call to shout ‘PakistanZindabad’. This was told to BakshiGh. Mohammad by Sherwani’sbrother on liberation or Baramulla,which took place on 7th ofNovember.

KS: What circumstances led tothe formation of Emergencyadministration ?

Sati Sahni—A ConversationSS: After departure of Maharaja

Hari Singh for Jammu all traces ofadministrative control in Srinagarseemed to evaporate. It seemedthere was virtually noadministration in control in Srinagarbetween 26th October and 31st ofOctober. It was put quite graphicallylater that the Kashmir administrationwas picked up from Lal Chowk byNC leadership. This leadership vir-tually took control of Srinagar fromthe moment the Maharaja departedfor Jammu. NC leadership under thecommand of vice-president of theparty, Bakshi Gulam Mohd. hadtaken charge and were operatingfrom the building of PalladiumCinema Hall in Lal Chowk. For threedays i.e. on 27th, 28th and 29th ofOctober the population of Srinagarkept staring at the skies throughoutthe day, because the planes bringingthe troops used to land, deposit thetroops and fly back for anothersortie. This heartened the localresidents who felt relieved that thedanger of occupation by Pakistanitroops and the general massacre wasaverted.

Since before acceptance ofInstrument of Accession an informalunderstanding between GoI and theMaharaja had been arrived at togalvanise the people in general indefence of J&K State, it was agreedthat a people’s representativegovernment may be formed.

Consequently, on 31st Octoberan 11-member emergencyadministration under the leadershipof Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahcame into being. The oath of officewas administered to Sheikh Sahib inSecretariat building at Srinagar. Theincongruity of MeherchandMahajan continuing to head the gov-ernment as the Prime Minister ofJ&K is incomprehensible. Thisduality lasted till March 15, 1948when Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahand members of his cabinet weresworn in as the proper governmentof J&K under J&K Constitution bythe Maharaja. Shri MeherchandMahajan went back to New Delhi,same day.

The Historic Domel Bridge.

JKENG 00333/26/AL/TC/94JK No: 1213/18Regd. JK-219/2007Printer Publisher B.N. Kaul for andon behalf ofPanun Kashmir Foundation.Editor: SHAILENDRA AIMAComputer Graphic:S.K. BabbuPrinted at : The Kashmir TimesPress, Gangyal, JammuOwned by:PANUN KASHMIRFOUNDATIONPublished from PANUN KASHMIRFOUNDATION, 149 Ram Vihar, OldJanipur, Jammu-180007 (INDIA)Tele/Fax: 0191-2538537emal: kashmirsentineljk@yahoo.co.in

TRIBUTETRIBUTETRIBUTETRIBUTETRIBUTEKASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007 14

It was sometime in 1958 ourfamily came in contact with asaint of great merit,

Paramhans Swami Poornanand jiSaraswati. He was staying atShesharma, a village on the out-skirts of Udaipur district.Hehailed from Kashmir. It wason our intense persuasion heagreed to stay with us.

Swamiji came from the well-known Dhar clan of Safakadal,Srinagar. He was born on 21stAugust, 1912. Few details areavailable about his family and thecircumstances in which the fam-ily left its homeland. He haderased his original name from hishoroscope. According to Prof.DK Bhatt of Udaipur university,who knew Swamiji intimately,the latter’s father had held a highposition in J&K State’s revenuebureaucracy. He had good ac-cess to the ruler, Maharaja PartapSingh. When Swamiji was 10days old, his family was involvedin some dispute with theirneighbours. They had to leaveKashmir and landed in Lahore.An influential member of Maha-raja Ranjit Singh’s clan was ableto help the family return to Kash-mir and get their property back.Swamiji’s mother, sister andyounger brother finally settled inMumbai. When his mother diedshe had willed that the propertyof the family be divided equallyamong the three children. Thiswas objected to by Swamiji’sbrother. Swamiji gave his shareto his sister. As a revolutionaryand as an ascetic Swami ji talkedlittle about his personal life.

In 1922 some Kashmiri fami-lies were on Bharat Braman tovisit different holy places.Swamiji, a student of 3rd stan-dard then, too was in this groupalong with close elderly familymember. The pilgrims also vis-ited Omkareshwar on the bankof Narmada, near Khandwa.There is a famous seven-mothergoddess temple (of Varahi,Chamunda, Brahmini, Vaisnavi,Indrani, Kaumari andMaheshwari). These temples arevisited by people in large num-bers throughout the year. At itsDheodi Ghat was an ashram ofGovindanand Saraswati. Onseeing Govindanandji Swami feltdeeply impressed and expresseddesire to stay at the ashram per-manently. He made request toGovindanandji to take him as hisdisciple. To this Govindanandji

Swami Ji -The Man and the Legend Kashmir has produced great sons ,many of them remain unknown to thepeople. It has been our endeavor to trace out details about these outstand-ing Kashmiris.Recently, we got in touch with Razdan family of Udaipur.Paramhans Swami Poornanand ji Saraswati, a freedom fighter used to staywith this family . Kashmir Sentinel had a detailed conversation with Dr. TejRazdan,a scion of this family. We are reproducing this converstion for thebenefit of our readers. —The Editor

replied, "I make Gurus, not dis-ciples. " The precocious child re-plied, "Then make me a guru. ”Govindanandji told the closerelative of the child, ”Please tellthe father of the boy that the childfeels like staying hereand as and when hisfather wishes to takehim back he can doso. ”

Diksha : Diksha started withTrikal Sandhya andGayatri Purus-hacharan during theday. During night thestudents had to re-cite KALI beejMANTRA. The dis-cipline was quiterigid, the boys hadto take self cookedmeals once a day andattend to every workt h e m s e l v e s .Swamiji’s other com-panion was Karim, amuslim by birth.When someone sug-gested toGovindanandji togive new name to Karim, he ob-jected saying, ” Karim is one ofthe Beej shabad of Maa shyama”hence no need to change thename The Guru was closelylinked to Holker Princely familyof Indore.After the formal training wasover, Govindanandji askedSwamiji and Karim to jump intothe struggle for India’s freedom.Indore was a centre of revolu-tionary activities those days.Infact, the British govt. had im-plicated another KashmiriPandit, Jagar Nath Zutshi, a medi-cal student in King George Medi-cal College, in infamous IndoreConspiracy Case. It is not knownwhether Swamiji had any linkswith Zutshi’s group, but he at-tended Tripuri session of IndianNational Congress as a followerof Netaji Subash Bose. The lat-ter had contested in this sessionfor Presidentship against

Pattabhai Sitaramaya. BothNehru and Gandhi opposedBose. In his address Nehru said,”If Subash Babu becomes thePresident then all of us would beholding swords. ” Such a state-

ment infuriated Swamiji and helost his cool and brandished hispistol at Nehru. Seth JamnaLalBajaj intervened and pleaded toSwami ji to calm down. The lat-ter retired to his camp. In theevening Bose went to Swamijiand asked him, ” Do you knowwhat would have been the con-sequences had you pressed thetrigger?Swamiji shot back, ”Itcould have taken the life ofJawahar. ”Bose said, ”Pt. Nehruis also our brother. ”Swamiji an-grily asked, ” Are we your en-emy then?”In anger Swamijithrew away his pistol and otherrevolutionary paraphernalia atBose. ” Bose was re-elected asCongress President.

Revolutionary activities :Swamiji came to Bombay.

Bose went to persuade him tojoin the revolutionary movement.A new group had been formedwith its base at Midnapore .

Swamiji, Karim and some Laxmiwere active members in Bose’snew group. This group was op-erating all over the country.Swamiji’s main role was to ferryarms, received from Germany, to

different places in thecountry. His area ofoperation includedBombay, Mhow,Indore, Bhind,Morena, Agra, Delhi,Lahore, Peshwar andhad warrants in 5-6states. Swamiji was inactive contact withprinces to enlist theirsupport for revolu-tionary freedomstruggle and mobilizefinancial support fromthem. How and whenSwamiji came to havealias of“PSPS”(ParamhansSwami PurnanandSaraswati) no detailsare available. SoonSwamiji became a leg-end for his activities.He used to travel on amotorcycle, (5HP BSA

with no shockers and springs)to different parts of the country.One day he was on way to Indorefrom Bombay. As he neared achowk, 30-40 kms short ofIndore, British Police engagedhim in an encounter. Swamiji washurt as a bullet pierced his rightshoulder. He kept on driving mo-torcycle till he reached the fortbefore Indore. The guards onduty recognized him and sent aword around that PSPS was in-jured. He was taken inside andthe gate was closed. The Britishhad no idea about his where-abouts. Swamiji remained as theguest of Holker Ruling familyunder the care of RajVaid. It washere that he acquired knowledgeof Ayurveda. For five yearsSwamiji‘s centre of activity wasIndore.

Once Swamiji shot dead a se-nior British Officer in a train nearAmritsar. The police cordoned

off the Railway station. Swamijiand his group managed to moveout by riding their mobikes overrailway bridge sleepers. Theywere helped by some BijliPahalwan to escape fromAmritsar. On another occasion inCalcutta a British officer waskilled. The officer used to visit atawaif. The revolutionary groupwanted to teach him a lesson.Though Swamiji was expert inscaling pipes, since the pipe was1\2” in diameter he could notscale it to reach the officer. Alady member did the job and theBritish officer was targeted.Once while returning from Burmato Calcutta in a Japanese shipthey were sighted by the policewhen they were still 5 kms awayfrom Calcutta. The revolutionar-ies jumped in to sea and swamacross to Calcutta.

Many of INA members afterthe end of WWII went under-ground to escape trials by theBritish Govt. Swamiji went in tohiding in Assam. During his stayin Assam he did Bhairvi Sadhna.From here he moved toSankaracharya Math in Nepal.There he met another legendSwami Kaidarh Puri ji and stayedwith him for some time. Somebelieve he had stayed in Tibet also during this period. In 1949Swamiji shifted to Udaipur. Hemet here one of his companions,probably Keshav Mukherjee atPali, Rajasthan. Keshav was alsostaying underground. Swamijiasked him, ”Tumhara khana pinato chal raha hai?(Are you able tosustain yourself)”Keshav recog-nized Swamiji and said, ”O’PSPShow are you here?” Swamijiasked him if he had any problemhe could stay with him. Manylegends grew about SWAMIJI.One of these was that he carrieda wireless set in his watch. Hehad given his watch for repairs.Some political worker instigateda CID Inspector to investigate it.The Inspector came to Swamijifor inquiry. Swamiji told him thathe should tell his officer that hisfile was in Red Fort and citednumber of the file also. He toldhim that the particular file wouldtell him everything about him.Swamiji was pro-Sovietland Pro-German but anti-American.

Shesharma Days:Before coming to Shesharma vil-lage, Swamiji had been stayingat 2-3 different temples in

Paramhans Swami Poornanand ji Saraswati.

(Contd. on Page 15)

15CONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUATIONTIONTIONTIONTIONKASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007

(From Page 14)Udaipur. At Shesharma templehe constructed a room for him-self. It was here that he im-mersed himself in occoult scienceresearch. He served inPanchayat Dept. as a store-keeper and was scrupulouslyhonest. He disposed off casesquite promptly and displayednationalist sentiment. This wasthe period when Late Mohan LalSukhadia was the Chief Minis-ter. Some of his loyalists wanteda favour from Swamiji which thelatter refused. Soon after,Swamiji was attacked by sixgoons while he was on his wayto home from office. The goonscarried swords and spears.Swamiji too gave them goodthrashing. Later, they set hisroom on fire after few days. Myfather on hearing this went to seeSwamiji and with great effort per-suaded him to stay with us. Itwas probably 1956.Swamiji’s attire was quite pecu-liar. He wore pheran with ropearound the neck. He had pickcap (Kanwati)or British cap onhis head. Swamiji used to tie fourrows of Kaladar pasana(sort of abelt)around his waist with a bigknife fixed in it. He wore strongankle boots. The staff he carriedhad a steel ball at one end, whileat the other end there was aspear. Swamiji looked a giant indisposition. He was a good cy-clist too.

During his Shesharma days a

tough called Ladu Pahalwan hadstruck terror in Udaipur. . He usedto stay in Khasodi. A sadhu livednearby. One day Ladu threw abottle of wine at Sadhu’s hermit-age. The sadhu narrated his taleof woe to Swamiji. He was infuri-ated and went to accost Ladu.Swamiji grappled Ladu andabused him, ”O’Ladu why areyou troubling Sadhu. Uptil nowyou were living on fish in thelake. Now these fish will live onyou. . ”Swamiji pulled him downon the bank and sat on his chest,put knife on his throat. Thisbrought Ladu to his senses. Heapologized to Swamiji and madepeace with sadhu. Ladu was toconfess later that he could notfree himself from Swamiji’s grip.

Scholarship: 'Swamiji was fluent in San-

skrit, Hindi, Urdu, EnglishMarathi and Bengali. His unpub-lished work includes:

1. Compilation of DurgaSaptashati:This manuscript hascomplete 700 slokas commentary.

2. Srividyarnav Tantra:Thisvolume was worked upon bySwamiji while he was atShesharma. It took him 6 months,working for 14-16 hours a day.An old lady Kesarbai alias KClooked after his food. The de-coding of Srividyarnow tantra.Swamiji worked out details ofsunrays and correlation withChakras. . Swamiji said rayschanged every 4 secs. and theirnumber is 21600 in 24 hrs. . This

work is in Sanskrit. He used tobe seated on a moda and used18-20 rims of paper on these cal-culations.

3. Mantrodhar of Kamkalakali and Guhya Kali fromMahakalsahinta: In this Swamijihas elaborated the mantra ofKamkala and Guhyakali in 363pages and 2418 pages respec-tively. It is said that in these man-tras some words had been re-moved and or distorted at places.The Kamkala and Guhyakalimantras were thus incomplete.Swamiji worked out these distor-tions and filled the inadequacies.For work on Guhyakali he re-ceived inspiration fromNathYogis.

4. Kamkala kali mantra:Swamiji also had elaborated onKamkali mantras.

Usualy Swami ji used to doSadhna in night and used to keepthe present Grah as sakshi for hissadhna. Once keeping BuddhaGrah as sakshi for his Sadhna hesaid if he delays his sadhna by 3mts. then he can go in totaltrance keeping Budha Grah asSakshi. He was of openion thatBuddha is 3 mts. behind theschidule as mentioned in all thePanchangs in India. He insistedTrajectory & timings of rise &setting of Buddha is 3 mt. late.The difference of 3 mts. wouldmake Panchang unreliable. Lateron Nasa, as per a report in Timesof India, had also come to sameconclusions after three monthsof Swami ji gave his openionbased on his Sadhna. .

In his last years Swamiji wasworking on Holy Quran and TheBible but because of failing eye-sight due to ARMD he could notcomplete these. He restrictedhimself to only Path-Puja andstopped all writing work.Throughout night he would bebusy with puja. He would saythat he used to receive divineorders to work on different sub-jects. Swamiji would say thatmantras in Hinduism had to becharged first through recitation.He used to solve difficult ques-tions in the night through Puja. .Swamiji had equal respect for allreligions.

Swamiji practiced Sandhya inthe evening and used to turnbeads the whole night. As perDr. Bhat he had the offer to be-come Sankaracharya but Swamijipolitely declined the offer.

Swamiji even while sitting athome would be aware about ev-

erything happening outside. Hewould never talk about his fam-ily or personal life. Swamiji ab-horred superstitions and char-latanism. He would say, ” Anyday you feel happy is an auspi-cious day. ” He hated clergy andgodmen. . Swamiji, however, be-lieved in spirits and would sug-gest to lit some incense to turnthese away. Swamiji would al-ways tell us to lit agarbati onright corner while entering home.He had premonition about hisdeath. He died of intracerebralhaemorrhage and was buried asamadhiin mudra near cremationground on 06-10-1996.

Srinagar Visit: Swamiji vis-ited the place of his birth, Kash-mir 2-3 times, once in the com-pany of Trakroo family. He vis-ited Tulmulla also . Somewherein its vicinity he happened tomeet a Muslim saint who was adevout shaivite. This saint hadgood collection of books on

Swami Ji -The Man and the Legend

Shaivism. Swamiji had his lunch there . He was able to lo-cate one of the rare books in thissaint’s library.

TO OUR READERSTO OUR READERSTO OUR READERSTO OUR READERSTO OUR READERSTo commemorate 60th Anniversary of India'sIndependence Kashmir Sentinel is bringing out aSpecial Number, with National Security Challengesas the theme. The next issue of Kashmir Sentinelwill appear on 15th August, 2007. We also invite ourreaders to send write-ups on the above theme. Theseshould be neatly typed in double space and shouldnot exceed 1500 words. --Editor

Unpublished works of Swami Ji

Smadhi of Swami Ji

Swami Ji's works

ORAL-HISTORORAL-HISTORORAL-HISTORORAL-HISTORORAL-HISTORYYYYYKASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007 16

By Upender Ambardar

The legends, fables, oralhistory accounts, tales ofsupernatural spirits,

heresy stories and stories oftutelary forest spirits etc. aredeeply rooted in the traditionalhistorical and cultural opinionsof a place or a region. They arepassed on to the posteritymostly orally and form aconnecting link between the pastand the present times. Theysometimes become narratives ofa particular place and it's people.They may possess elements ofdivinity and supernaturalism,though they may not beevidenced by documentary andsupporting facts. They usuallyhave an element of mystery andmay possess a legendary pulland fascination for the nativepeople.

In a plain speak, they can besaid to be based on diverse emo-tional offshoots and legacy ofcenturies of faith and belief.

Aragam is an obscure pictur-esque village nestled in the lush-ness of the green foliage, beinglocated about 50 kms fromSrinagar on Srinagar-Bandiporeroute. Now a part of the newlycarved-out Bandipore district, itis at a distance of five kms. fromBandipore town and abouttwenty five kms. from Sopore.Aragam mainly comprises ofplain lands and is surrounded bywooded mountains on threesides, locally known as Animbar,Fakhnar and Lungmarg forests.The village derives it's name froma riverlet which flows through thevillage. Adjacent to the lungmargforests is a vast stretch ofimposing grazing ground called'Ziasun'-which is a livelyambience of pastoral life. Thesurrounding mountains supportmajestic pine and Deodar forests,whileas wild walnuts, chinar,willow and popular trees can bespotted everywhere in the villagelands. Paddy constitutes themain staple crop of the villagethough isolated pockets alsosupport maize and oil seeds.

Aragam also has substantialstretches of orchards bearingapple, pears, cherry, walnuts, andalmond fruit trees. The villagehas about 2,000 households, outof which about ten wereKashmiri Pandit families; the restbeing Muslims. All the KashmiriPandit families prior to theirforced migration in 1990 were

Kashmir: Roots To Offshoots-I

Tales and Legends of Aragam (Bandipore)agriculturists and orchardistswith livestock forming anadditional source of income.Aragam has a high literacyrate with most of the Panditfamilies serving in Govern-ment departments.

The family of late Sh.Tika Lal Tikoo, who was ahead munshi in the forestdepartment during MaharajaHari Singh's time is a well-known family of the village.He had three sons, namelySh Dwarika Nath Tikoo(agriculturist), Sh.Manmohan Tikoo, an ex-servicemen of the J&K lightinfantry and Sh Chaman LalTikoo, who retired from theBSF. The family of Sh.Divram Tikoo (agriculturist)likewise had three sons,namely Sh. Rattan Lal Tikoo(M.A, M.Ed) being firstposition holder in M.Ed)who served in the stateeducation department, ShGirdhari Lal Tikoo (a retiredemployee from the J&K Secre-tariat) and Sh. Kanya Lal Tikoo(M.Sc. Physics) a senior Lecturerin the State Education Depart-ment. Another Pandit family wasthat of Sh Gulab Ram Raina (ag-riculturist), who had two sonsnamely Sh. Somnath Raina ( aretired police inspector) and Sh.Manmohan Raina, who workedin the Block Development Office.The remaining Pandit familieswere those of Sh. Shamboo NathNehru, Sh. Madhusudhan

Nehru and Sh. Shyam LalNehru, all of them being realbrothers. Their children Sh.

Bushan Lal Nehru and Sh. AshokNehru served in the statedepartments. In contrast to theTikoo families, the Nehrus are notoriginal residents of the village.They are said to have migratedto Aragam village about twocenturies back from Naroovillage in tehsil Kishtwar of Dodadistrict. The village Aragam hasbeen a witness to three plunderslocally known as 'Baem Loot','Pathan Loot' and 'Qabali Loot'.The 'Baem' were ferocious wartribe men of the frontier areas,who are said to have resorted toloot and plunder hundreds of

years back.During the Qabali tribal raid

in 1947, the Kashmiri Pandits ofAragam could save their skinas they fled to the adjacentmountains. But in the nearbyBandipore Kharpora town,nine members of a KashmiriPandit family of Sh. SansarChand Sadhu (Choudhari)were brutally murdered bythe tribal men. They werelined-up in a row and sub-jected to a hail of bullets.Late Sansarchandnicknamed as Chowdhariwas a well-known trader ofhis time, whose businessinterests extended uptoGilgit. He used to trade in'Kishmish', dates, hazzle andcashew-nuts business and inreturn would send Kashmirispices to the frontierprovince.

As per the village lore ofAragam, about two and a

half centuries back, a KashmiriPandit namely Sh. Gash Ramlived here and was endowed withspiritual powers. Besides beinga known agriculturist, he hadabout nine hundred livestock. Hehad acrimonious relations withAkal Bhat, who in order to settlescores with him invited the pro-fessional tribal plunderers called'Baem' to Aragam village.

To escape from the wrath,Gash Ram packed off his twodaughters and two sons to theneighbouring place, while theremaining two sons along with

their entire livestock took shel-ter in the Lungmarg forests. Theyhid themselves in the mountaincave, which even today is nowas Gash Ram's hut. Gash Ramwas caught and as punishmenthe was suspended from a tree bymeans of his skull hair-luft(chaog).

Astonishingly, he survivedthe near-death ordeal. Later-onhe was handed-over to a execu-tioner for being killed. He bribedhim by giving an appreciablepart of his cattle and in the bar-gain got a lease of life. Sh. GashRam had five sons--Sahaj Ram,Prakash Ram, Raja Ram, Siraj Ramand Balram. Among them late Sh.Raja Ram and Sh Sahaj Ram hadsaintly disposition andpossessed exceptional spiritualpowers. Both of them wereardent devotees of Sagar RazBhairav, the presiding deity ofthe village Aragam.

As per the village lore, boththe brothers would enter into di-vine communion with Sagar RazBhairav. To ensure wrinkle freesmoothness of the turban cloth,both Raj Ram and Sahaj Ramwould hold it in their hands tillSagar Raz Bhairav tied turban ontheir head. On special occasions,they would keep offerings offood in a thali for Sagar RazBhairav. The thali would imme-diately vanish from sight and ithad to be collected afterwardsfrom the adjacent cremationground obviously after SagarRaz Bhairav had accepted the of-fering. The village cremationground (Razbal) was about ahundred yards away from theirresidence. Adjacent to it was apiece of land where Raz-Kath thesacrificial religious offering ofsheep was performed in honourof the presiding deity of thevillage. This piece of land is evennow known as 'Rajun', signify-ing the ownership of it to thesaint Raj Ram Tikoo. An attemptmade sometime back by a nativeMohammad Tilwani to cultivateit made him bedridden for a cou-ple of months.

It was seen as an expressionof displeasure and annoyanceshown by Sagar Raz Bhairav. Thelatter regarded as the presidingdeity of the villages of Aragam,Garoora, Brar, Chittibandi, Gund,Dechan, Tantraypora and vastarea extending right upto theWular Lake.

A view of Aragam Village.

Late Sh. Ved Lal Tikoo of Aragam Village.

(Contd. on Page 19)

KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007 17SAKSHAASAKSHAASAKSHAASAKSHAASAKSHAATKAAR-MARATKAAR-MARATKAAR-MARATKAAR-MARATKAAR-MARATHI PRESS REPORTHI PRESS REPORTHI PRESS REPORTHI PRESS REPORTHI PRESS REPORTTTTTAGEAGEAGEAGEAGE

NOSTNOSTNOSTNOSTNOSTALGIAALGIAALGIAALGIAALGIAKASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007 18

By Parineeta Khar

The bride and the groomwere just out of theprecincts of the

courtroom. They had success-fully got their already-solem-nized marriage registered. Reliefand elation dominated the at-mosphere. Parting gifts, Algathand cash were being distributed.I was being counselled to dis-card my selected saree forsomething more colourful andpretentious, as the occasiondemanded. It was the weddingreception of my son and his newbride. The evening was one ofrejoicing and feasting.

Amidst the array of occupa-tions and engagements, while Ipray for an extra pair of eyes, earsand arms, my brother hands tome the liittle gadget, “Call foryou.”

Now who calls me on mybrother’s phone? “Who couldthis be?” I mutter under mybreath. Am I not already a bun-dle of nerves? I barely lisp ahoarse “Hello”. The caller issome Mrs. T. No, I do not haveany friend by that name. Thevoice on the line gets animatedand a little aggressive.

“Aire stupid”, her addresssounds intimate, Nobody re-ferred to me with such familiarityany more.

“Arre Phetir.........this is UKaul.” Oh my God! Yes, I know,she lives in Delhi. My legsbuckle. I slump on to a sofa.Some forgotten and long unusedrecess of my brain is activated. Iam thrilled. Meanwhile, I get ad-monishing looks from family.Was time not precious enoughto waste on phone calls from, aphantom friend!?

“Please come, do

Sugar and Spice and all things nicecome...........”, I implore. I give thelocation of the venue and hangup, only to be engulfed by athousand waves of urgent atten-tion.

I reach the venue, my eyesprobing the crowd, searching fora familiar face. But I must be outof my wits, for the face can cer-tainly not be here. I am lookingfor a bespectacled face with twolongish pigtails, on a lanky girl’sbody in white slacks and Kameez.That is how U looked in college.

I am escorting my new daugh-ter-in-law, our respective heartsfluttering, hers with apprehen-sions at being on the thresholdof a strange life ahead, my ownout of unforeseen times ahead.

I entrust her to her love-myson, her place is beside him.

I walk past two standing fig-ures and then suddenly twostrong hands grasp my nape likethe arms of an octopus. “ArrePagal ladki..... you mad girl”.

The nasal baritone assaultsmy auditory sense! When was itthat somebody last called me agirl?

The grip loosens; I turn andhug the towering figure U, thesweet companion of my teens.The journey of the years has leftits mark on her face, but eyesbehind the glasses as lively asever. A second figure erects her-self beside her and challengesmy memory.

“Now who am I?” I try to rec-ollect that gang of twelve inwomen’s college, Srinagar/

This is fine, graceful middleaged woman. She removes hergold-rimmed spectacles but mybrain cells fail to associate herwith delicate, narrow waisted,cream and peaches complex-ioned H. How could this digni-fied matron be her?

“Your eyes have been scaledover with the newly attained sta-tus of a mother-in-law,” rebukesU. H adds “No, the fact is thatshe is completely engrossed inher own world, the years prior toher marriage have faded intooblivion............isn’t it so?”

I have no answer. In a flash,my memories rush back to thelong lost days of youth. My jawsare locked, I am not able toapologize. My head reels; I havenot slept well for ten consecu-

tive nights, my body can’t takethis ecstatic shock

But the gentle taunt nudgesme towards a reunion I have beenlonging for. I hold their handsand we settle down on a sofa. Uis a cousin of my first cousin’swife. The knowledge of my son’smarriage in Delhi had been car-ried to her. The upshot of thewhole thing was that they seizedthe opportunity to meet me, thelong lost friend.

Was I touched? Yes and cer-tainly overwhelmed .We weremeeting after thirty-one years.The conversation that followedwas akin to that meaninglesschatter of teenage girls sitting onthe freshly mowed lush greenlawns of Girls College. It was acontinuation as if there had beenno interlude of thirty-one years.The music played by the DJ, theclatter of crockery, the greetingsthrown by the guests at eachother, formed only the back-ground score to this drama oflost and found. Thismoment......I am once more aneighteen year old, standing in thering of noisy girls.

We did not brag about theachievement of children andhusbands; neither was anyallusion made to our householdsand absent careers. Each of usstrived to slip into the garb ofcarefree girls to peep into ourpast.

“Hey........ it seemsProf_______is in Hyderabad.

Do you still get a scoldingfrom him?” and without waitingfor my reply, both of them relatedthe incident when he had thrownmy books out of a window dur-ing class; the hard bound Chem-istry textbook had hit a gardenerworking on a flowerbed. Welaughed and clapped our handsin mirth. To get the feeling wassheer physical delight!

“Remember, how twelve of uswould enter the class, after everygirl was seated and then occupythe recesses of the windows?”The English teacher had namedus The beautiful dozen.’ “We areno-beauties now.......Alas!”

I sighed.But they were no patients of

melancholia at this moment.While me and my friends weremerrily roaming around the now-

forsaken corridors of youth andenjoying the bygone idiosyncra-sies of our teachers and friends,my family was not really comfort-able. They gave me nasty looksgrudging my moment ofrelaxation at such a time. “Hey,what if I call my husband?” Hsuggested with gusto, ‘Youknow.... I have told him a lot aboutyou” she added.

‘Like what?” I wonderedwhat remarkable feats I had ac-complished. “You were quitepopular in university”, Uquipped knowingly, though sheherself had enrolled in Aligarhuniversity. “But most of the timeI was either engaged or married”I said wistfully.

“I was present for your wed-ding, I gave finishing touches toyour make up; somebody hadput blotches of eye shadow onyour eyelids”. We guffawedagain on my unskilled ways atdecking up.

The word marriage jolts mysenses to the fact that I am thehostess.

“Why don’t you have some-thing to drink?” I call one of thewaiters and discover my hus-band observing my uncanny be-haviour; totally lost ininsignificant chatter. Hebeckoned me with a finger. Ibeckoned back at him. Hepromptly obliged; more todisentangle me from this hyp-notic hold of my friends thanbecause I called him over. Hegave his trademark dimpledsmile, greeted them politely andvery gently, he poked my ribs-They will be here any moment.”He meant our new relations-ourdaughter-in-law’s family.

How could I be so tactless?They deserve all our attentionand reverence - this fresh rela-tionship, who had handed overtheir dearest joy to our care; theirdaughter was now the grace ofmy house, the better half of mydarling. “Why don’t you havesomething?” I offer again to myfriends. But they have hardlycome to savour the delectablefeast. Their only object being torevive a spark of youth, dead inthe ashes of worldliness. I leavefor a while and come back to seeif they have helped themselvesto some eatables.

“How is your husband?” Hasked, taking the benefit of hisabsence. “He is fine” I repliedcasually. “Arre Phetir.......Weare not inquiring about hishealth. Tell us......how is he as ahusband ......... a human be-ing?,” U explained. Had theyexpected me to enumerate hismerits or display a passionateoutburst- ‘Of! 1 worship the veryearth he treads upon’? I have noclue. “Oh, he is like any otherhusband.........you see........Allmen behave like six year oldswith their wives.” We giggledagain.

“Six year old boys,” I ven-tured to explain, “now sweet,now mean. One moment veryhungry, next moment they losetheir appetite; sometimes ten-derly caring but never shar-ing........ They want every-thing for themselves, their way.And yes, prone to throwing tan-trums at regular intervals.” Theywere grasping the truth of myobservations, and were remindedof my fiery write ups, I had givenevery ‘gang member’ at the endof our session in college. “I stillhave your write up”. He said lov-ingly. I was thankful but I couldlaugh no more.

“Do you still write?” “Yessometimes”, I reply with a som-bre tone. “We know you havewritten some books”, they letout but not with emotion.“Hey.....

Do you still sing?” “No”, Iwhispered. Now there is a knotin my throat, my eyes misty.

“Remember you used to givea full throated lusty rendering ofBindu...... Gulabi RaatGulabi. And they giggled, all Icould manage was a chuckle.

“I can’t sing now my lungsare deflated. My sinuses makemy notes like croaks” and welaughed again at this helpless-ness of advancing years.

Then somebody tore me awayfrom my temporary Utopia. I owethe guests some attention, won’tthey feel slighted?’ Yes, I admit-ted my callousness. But theoverpowering feeling of escapeand freedom has mesmerized meand I am drawn back to myfriends. In the milieu of bustlingguests, video cameras, gifts and

(Contd. on Page 19)

CONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUATIONTIONTIONTIONTIONKASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007 19

(From Page 18)colourful attires, I was not ableto locate them. My eyes areagain trying to trace the dearfaces that had brought back thewhiff of an assuaging breeze andI wanted to let it touch all mysenses and drink in the essence.

They have their plates and Ijoin them. I don’t eat, my desireis to fill my ears with that care-free laughter, enjoy that uninhib-ited conversation which is re-freshingly natural.

No reservations of socialbindings, no artful repartee, noguarded questions and nodiplomatic answers. Words camein a flow of lucid currents.

“How come your son has lesshair than your husband?,” askedU. “Stress- he left India when hewas barely twenty one.......”, I ama fond mother again. “Do youmean your husband leads astress free life even after being

married to you,” teases H. Welaugh again. We talk about ourchildren; all proud andprotective mothers. It was a pitywe have mothered three pairs ofmale offspring, otherwise analliance could be fixed then andthere.

Then U made a remake in hertypical candid yet tactless man-ner “Oh! There are marvellouslyturned out glamour dolls allaround. They all look just out ofEkta Kapoor’s K serials.” H wasalways a sensible girl. Shechecked U with a little “Don’t besilly........They all are her closerelatives”

“I observed that she standsout......though nothing less of aPlain Jane” U added and I re-torted, “Hey!.........you dare callme a Plain Jane,”. This was morea high pitched shriek and sev-eral heads turn. I hardly cared.My present and future had hazy

Sugar and Spice and all things niceoutlines. At the spur of thissweet moment, that nostalgicpast intoxicated my bettersenses.

We talked about Veena keAnde- one of our friends whoseegg curry in a picnic became herpermanent adage. And more gig-gles followed. We did not makeany references to unpleasantevents which other friends hadsuffered. There was not even apassing reference ofwidowhood, bereavementssuffered by one of the friends,neither was there a mention ofthe end of marriage of anotherone. Was it a deliberateomission? We talked and gig-gled, but alas! They had noticedthat the cauldron of my family’spatience had run dry; they de-cided to leave.

Later, I realized in our excite-ment we had not even exchangedcontact numbers. I shoo my girl-

hood away and again assume thefrescoed existence shaded withthe colours of bashfulness, pietyand responsibility.

I wonder how and when I hadimprisoned the little girl insideme in a fort of values, morals,duties, constraints and sacri-fices; surrounded by an uncrossable moat of virtues and a strongsense of doing right. Who had, Istill wonder, indoctrinated intome this perpetual sense of mo-rality? Must I only do right!! Myteenage friends had perhapsbeen sent by an agency whichdesired me to throw the cloak ofdignity and stature away and en-joy myself for some moments. Ilooked at the debonair youngand naively beautiful face of mydaughter-in-law and my youngson, eagerness personified. Atthis moment he is all ears andeyes for his new bride. When thenovelty of the relation wears out,the romantic lover would become

a demanding husband. I wishthis little girl is able to retain alittle fragrance of this girlhoodtightly stored up in her fists, sothat thirty years from now, whenshe is engulfed in the suffocat-ing smoke of pressingresponsibilities, she retires to aremote corner, to inhale from thisstored up freshness and gets re-juvenated. I pray that my boy isno impediment in letting her bethe symbol of the nurseryrhymes’ definition of little girls—

——————”What are lit-tle girls made of- sugar andspice and all things nice “

Let the ponderous fatigue ofmarried life have no place in theirlives. Let her existence be onlysugar and spice and all thingsnice.

*(The author is a notedshort-story writer. Her two col-lections—'On the Shores OfVitasta’ and ‘We were and wewill be’ received rave reviews.)

(From Page 16)The Late Tika Lal Tikoo, adirect descendant of the saidfamily was also a man of spiritualpursuits. Being a great devoteeof the village Bhairav himself, hehad immense faith and reverencefor him. He was said to conversewith the Bhairav in his dreamfulstate during night as strange andununderstanble discourse couldbe heard near his room. The vil-lagers believed that late Sh. TikaLal would often be spotted inthe village cremation ground(Razbal) in his astral form in thecompany of Sagar Raz Bhairavand his associates. It came tolight when a Muslim lady inad-vertently stepped inside the vil-lage cremation ground in searchof her lost cow. She was bewil-dered to spot late Sh. Tika Lalsitting in the company of per-sons supporting white cloaks(pheran) and white turbans.

Due to his spiritual powers,late Sh. Tika Lal was quite popu-lar in the village Aragam and itsneighbourhood as a spiritualhealer for he could successfullycure persons afflicted with vari-ous ailments like infectious boils,jaundice, headache, high feverand those possessed by evilspirits. Once a neighbour, MrGhulam Rasool Bhat's daughter

Shama got possessed by an evilspirit. She was taken to a localMuslim priest for cure. Afterhaving failed to drive-off the evilspirit, the Peer suggested Shamato be taken to Tika Lal for cure.On hearing his name, the civilspirit is said to have communi-cated not to bother Sh. Tika Lalas he would leave Shama's bodyprovided her father promised tomake an offering of turmeric riceat the 'Razbal'. Sh. Tika Lal de-parted from this world in July1990. The Pandit community ofAragam also became the victimsof the militants' furry in 1990,when the wife of Sh. Kanya LalTikoo namely, Mrs Girja Tikoo(Babli) was killed by the mili-tants. She was a laboratory as-sistant at Govt. High School,Trehgam. (Kupwara). At theheight of the militancy she wasabducted and subsequentlykilled when she had gone tocollect her salary at Trehgam.

On her way back, she had tomake a night halt at Tikker vil-lage in the house of her child-hood female friend. Tikker wasalso incidentally her parental vil-lage. She was kidnapped by herfriend's militant turned kins. Shewas taken to an adjacent electricsaw-mill and mercilessly cut intotwo haves upto her chest by the

electric-saw and her dead bodywas later-on thrown near abridge in Tikker. This brutal slay-ing sent a chilling message to thePandit families of Aragam andthe adjoining villages, who wereleft with no alternative but tomigrate from their ancestralhomes in order to save their hon-our and skin.

The village Aragam has anancient temple by the side of aholy spring, which has a Shivlingand a stone idol of the GoddessParvati. The village temple com-plex has plenty of willow andpopular trees. Another villageholy spring called 'Brari MajiHund Nag' has one kanal of landattached to it, which abounds inmajestic chinar trees. The villag-ers irrespective of their casteand creed would offer the milkof their first delivered cow to theholy spring out of reverence forit.

About four kms away from thevillage Aragam is a hillock knownby the name of Shank Paul. Ahermit of the same name is saidto have done hard penance herehundreds of years back. It had afew pious springs in it's vicinity,some of which have now dried-up. The village lore says that anyunholy misdeed committed in thearea would result in instant

Tales and Legends of Aragam (Bandipore)rainfall in earlier times.

A well known Muslim saintand Sofi poet, Lala SahibAragami was a native of Aragamvillage. He lived upto the year1984. In one of his Kashmiricouplets, the poet eulogises thevirtues of a Kashmiri Pandit,

"tan darith.......tah zahnar".In another Kashmiri verse, the

said poet exhorts a KashmiriPandit girl to have unrestraineddevotion for her God as herfavourite deity i.e. enshrined inthe stone idol itself,

"Bata Koori Vate KanieManj Chuai Dai,

Karee Pooja, YinaiMushravak Lai."

Likewise being a devotee ofthe Goddess Parvati, he ex-presses his reverence for theGoddess in the following lines,

"Haran Doh Gaie PraranYaeti Parvati Lo,

Sonihaer Paad YaepaarTrav Lotie Parvati Lo".

A single Kashmiri Panditfamily of Sh. Manmohan NathTikoo, an agriculturist and an ex-serviceman still resides in thevillage Aragam. One of his sonsSh. Rattan Lal Tikoo is presentlyworking as a government teacherthere, whileas the second oneSh. Rajender Tikoo who hasdone Diploma in weaving and

tailoring is a migrant at Batal-Ballian, Udhampur MigrantCamp. The Isht Devi of Tikoofamilies of Aragam is TripurSundri and her birthday called'Tikchoram' is celebrated onMagh Shukla Paksh Chiturthi byoffering turmeric mixed rice andgoat's liver (Tahar-Charbvan) tothe family deity. The KashmiriPandits of Aragam and theadjoining villages used tocelebrate all the religiousfestivals with the usual religiousfervour prior to their forcedmigration from Kashmir.

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KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007 20BOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEW

Diversity of a region is itsbeauty. It enriches thecultural tapestry of the place

and fosters toleration. Lucknow, ahistoric city, has been home to manycommunities which came from afarand made it their permanent abode.Hundreds of Kashmiri Panditfamilies, gifted with mastery overPersian and excellence in soldiery,settled here during the past two anda half centuries. No wonder,Lucknow emerged as the biggestdiaspora of Kashmiri Pandits. Theimmense contribution made by thesepeople in all walks of life, be it ad-ministration, judiciary, education,literature, culture etc., makes historyof Lucknow incomplete withoutthem.

Prof. Shailendra Nath Kapur,who teaches Ancient History atLucknow University, has embarkedon an ambitious project to sensitiseLucknow people to their pluralisticheritage. Through a series ofpublications on the different facetsof the city, Dr. Kapur has introduceda new genre in popularhistoriography. The first publicationdeliberated on the contribution of'Banga (Bengali) Samaj ofLucknow'. The second one dealtwith the 'Lucknow mohallas andtheir glory," Dr. BN Shargas'Lucknow Ke Kashmiri Pandit',the publication under review, is thethird in the series. Its beautifully laidcover carries the picture of BadaShivala, the oldest shrine ofLucknow Kashmiri Pandits. Thisshrine, built by Pt. Zind RamTankha in 1780, is located at RaniKatra, Lucknow.

Dr. BN Sharga is a distinguishedscion of one of those Pandit familieswho made Lucknow their home.Though age has taken toll of hishealth, yet he remains agile to pursuethe forbidden terrain—digging outthe buried past of the Pandit fami-lies, from their roots in Kashmir tothe places of their new settlement.Dr. Sharga's task has not been easy.Despite the ethnic pride which manyof these old Pandit families displaythey are reluctant to get recorded thehistory of their clan. They do notcome forward with clan details, therare photographs and the documentswhich they have preserved overdecades. Dr. Sharga has noinstitutional support to carry on suchan arduous endeavour. At times, hefeels bitter over the stark indifferenceof his fellow Kashmiris. Yet it doesnot dampen his enthusiasm. As a

The Role of Lucknow Kashmiri PanditsThe Role of Lucknow Kashmiri PanditsThe Role of Lucknow Kashmiri PanditsThe Role of Lucknow Kashmiri PanditsThe Role of Lucknow Kashmiri Panditssocial historian Dr. Sharga may attimes be short in methodology buthis unique quality i.e. passion forhistory makes him an outstandingresearcher. Not many KashmiriPandits can rival his immensecontribution to Pandits' socialhistory.

A monograph puts many limita-tions on the author. Dr. Sharga hasdone his job well to provide anexcellent resume of history ofLucknow Kashmiri Pandits. Itwould be enough stimulus for moreambitious researchers to bring out acomprehensive volume on thissubject.

Kashmiri Pandits started enter-ing Avadh at a time when thisprovince of Mughal empire had itscapital at Bangla, which subse-quently attained fame as Faizabad.During Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula'stime Lucknow had remained hiscapital for some time. This broughtsome of the Kashmiri Panditsserving in Royal Army to Lucknow.They included Daya Ram Mattoo,Atma Ram Kitchlu, ChaturbujGanju, Daya Ram etc. Since theRoyal Cavalry used to be stationednear Rani Katra, these KashmiriPandits started living at Rani Katramohalla.

In 1775, the 4th Nawab-Asaf-ul-Daula shifted capital to Lucknowfrom Faizibad. Majority of KashmiriPandit families came to Lucknowduring his reign. Since they formed asizeable group and settled at a place,living together there as a commu-nity, the place came to be calledKashmiri Mohalla. Many of thehavelis, built around 1775-1780, stillstand, and bear distinct influence ofMughal/Iranian architecture. In thosetimes Purdah system was in vogueamong Pandit ladies. This tooinfluenced the architecture. All thesehavelis were interconnected with oneanother to allow free movement ofPandit ladies through blind alleys,without the need to step outsidetheir havelis. To keep alive theKashmiri ambience in course of timethese Pandits brought their familyPurohits and cooks as well. Dr Shargahas served useful information onthem.

Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula was amunificent patron. This attractedmany Pandits to come directly fromKashmir to Lucknow. Pt. BishanNath Taimni (Kaul), a rich shawltrader from Sopore, came toLucknow during his rule. He built abig haveli to run his flourishing trade.It came to be known as ReshamwaliKothi, and was located atChauptiyon. Distinguishedmembers of Taimni clan includeGulab Rai, Ganga Ram, Shri Ram,Kedar Nath, Kuldeep Prakash, IqbalNath, Jagdish Prakash. Shri JagdeepNarain has not only excelled insoldiery Taimni from where heretired as Major General but is alsoan excellent scholar. He has one of

the finest libraries and takes deeppride in his ethnic identity. TheTaimni clan has produced as manyas 11 IAS officers.

Nawab Asaf-ud-Dila appointedKashmiri Pandits to high posts. Pt.Gauri Shankar Kochak was putincharge of Royal mint atChauptiyon. Security and manage-ment of Jagir of Royal QueenShamsul Nisa was entrusted toShargas—Laxmi Narain Kaul and

Niranjan Nath Kaul. These Shargamembers served in Royal Cavalryand distinguished themselves in mili-tary skill, Chivarly and courage. Pt.Dila Ram Madan was a senior officialin Asaf-ud-Daula's army. His son Pt.Dina Nath Madan later served asFinance Minister of Maharaja RanjitSingh.

Bhaskar Ram Tickoo was awealthy shawl merchant inLucknow. His nephew Dewan NandRam Tikoo subsequently becameruler of Kabul. Pt. Bhola Nath Kaowas a high official in the reign ofAsaf-ud-Daula. Such was hisprestige that Nawab would himselfvisit Kao's Kashmiri mohallaresidence to meet him. Bhola Nath'sdescendant Pt. Rameshwar NathKao became a legendary figure innational security in independentIndia.

Dr. BN Sharga has meticulouslydocumented the story of KashmiriPandits who reached good positionsin administration during the Nawabirule. He claims that prestige enjoyedby Kashmiri Pandits was due to theirfair complexion and resemblance inphysique to members of Iraniannobility. A rough estimate puts thenumber of emigre Kashmiri Panditfamilies around this period of onethousand. They lived in variousmohallas—Kashmiri Mohalla, KatraBijan Beg, Toph Darwaza,Chaupatian, Rani Katra, Javai Tolaetc.

A Pandit family—'Gogai' cameto settle in Lucknow from Gwalior.Pt. Shamboo Nath Pandit, the firstIndian to be appointed as Judgehailed from this Gogai clan. Pt. TikaRam Dar had his own printing pressduring the times of Nawabi rule. InWajid Ali Shah's time royal procla-

mations and otherbooks used to beprinted here. Tika Ramremained loyal to WajidAli Shah, even whenBritishers put theNawab under house-arrest in Calcutta. Heran an undergroundcampaign against theBritish, but had tomigrate to Benaras sub-sequently.

The Nawabi era(1775-1856) was aperiod when Persianand Urdu culturereached its Zenith.There was hardly anyKashmiri Panditfamily which did nothave one or two poets.Since many wrotecompositions anony-mously, their nameshave not come down to us.Prominent among the poets of thisperiod were Pt. Daya Shankar Kaul'Naseem'. He was trained by thegreatest poet of the time—Kh.Haider Ali 'Atish'. During Asaf-ud-Daula's reign Firangi Mahalemerged as a centre of Islamic andPersian-Arabic learning. Pt. BeniRam Mubai, a scholar of repute inPersian and Arabic, taught languagesin this centre.

As a true researcher Dr. Shargadoes not feel shy in projecting thedark side of his communitymembers. Some Kashmiri Panditofficials had not only imbibed goodnawabi culture but also fell on badways. They began frequentingKothas. Two of them eloped withwomen from the Royal harem.Mehtab Rai Gurtu ran away toCalcutta, while Chaturbuj fled toKabul.

British Rule:In 1857 Avadh became part of

British India. Kashmiri Pandits wereamong the first to take to study ofEnglish language and moderneducation. This opened up vastopportunities for them in the newadministration. Any student whocame out of the portals of canningcollege would get appointed asDeputy Collector, Munsif or sub-judge. The first Land settlement ofLucknow was carried out by theBritish soon after they took overLucknow. Pt. Daya Nidhan Ganjoowas appointed as first Tehsildar.Kashmiri Pandits were quiteupright. Pt. Har Sahay Bahadur wassub-judge in Farukhabad in 1878.One morning he had gone to see hissuperior judge, Saunders at his resi-dence. The latter rebuked him forcoming so early. Bahadur returnedthe compliment by giving him 3-4slaps on his face. The sub-judge wasdismissed by Lt. Governor. Bahadurfiled a case against the governmentand went to Kashmir whereMaharaja Pratap Singh made him a

judge. Bahadur took the case to Lon-don Privy Council and won it. Healso claimed damages. Pt. JagatNarain Mulla resigned from councilof ministers IN protest againstJallian Walla Bagh massacre.

Many Kashmiri Pandits joinedthe national movement against theBritish. Dr. Atal was a member ofKotnis Medical Mission to China.Prithvi Nath Chakbast was a discipleof Gandhi, while Triloki NathChakbast was closer to SubashBose.

In the field of culture Pt. ShivNarain Bahar took lead by establish-ing the first club 'Jalsa-e-Tehzeeb'.He also launched 'Mursala-e-Kashmir' journal. LucknowKashmiri Pandits producedoutstanding poets/men ofliterature—Ratan Nath Sarshar,Daya Shankar Kaul Naseem, BrijNarain Chakbast, Tribhuvan NathHijr. They attained global fame. BrijKrishan Kaul Bekhabar brought outtwo volume anthology on KashmiriPandit poets in Persian-Bahar-i-Gulshan Kashmir, which waspublished by Jagmohan Nath RainaShauk and Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru.Rajnath Ragu, Ramchandra Narain,Yashodra Katju and Asha Tikuexcelled in film world.

In medicine Dr. Shyam NathChak, who graduated from KingGeorge Medical College, Lucknow,broke records of all time. He wasfirst cardiologist of India. The otherwell known medical practitionersfrom among Pandit communitywere—Dr. Tej Narain Bahadur andDr. Hari Har Nath Hakku. Dr. KishenLal Nehru was Medical Supdt. ofLucknow Medical College.

Dr. Sharga has profiled thecontribution of Lucknow Panditsafter 1947. This makes 'LucknowKe Kashmiri Pandit' a basic sourcematerial for any serious study ofhistory of Kashmiri Pandits.

R.K.T.

Title: Lucknow KeKashmiri Pandit. R.K.T.Author: Dr. B.N. ShargaPublished by: Dr. VasudevSharan Agarwal, SanskritiSansthan, 13 Shivaji Marg,Lucknow.Price: Rs. 50/-

Prof. Dr. B.N Sharga

Literature as a weapon against colonialismLiterature as a weapon against colonialismLiterature as a weapon against colonialismLiterature as a weapon against colonialismLiterature as a weapon against colonialism21BOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEWBOOK-REVIEWKASHMIR SENTINEL

June 2007

Review by Tej N. DharHome and Exileby Chinua Achebe. Anchor Books,2001. Pages 115. $ 10.

Chinua Achebe has already established his rightful place in the worldof letters. Apart from writing influ-

ential novels, poems, and short stories,Achebe has also written ground-break-ing essays. Without being unduly loud,flashy, modish, or controversial, he hasemerged as a critic of seminal importance,and has exercised considerable influencein shaping our response to post-colonialliterature.

Home and Exile is his most recent bookof essays, a published version of threelectures he delivered at Harvard Univer-sity in 1998. They have a strong autobio-graphical flavour, because Achebe looksback on the significant moments of hisliterary journey right from his childhooddays in his home in Nigeria to his presentstate of exile in the USA.

The volume begins with Achebe’s lifewith his parents in their village, where hisfather returned after doing missionarywork at several places. Since the homewas under "imperial fire," his reflectivegaze provides a clear picture of what itmeant to live in a colonial setting. He con-tests misconceptions about Igbo peopleby calling them a nation and not a tribe.In pre-colonial times, Igbo villages andtowns obeyed no king and no centralauthority; they were uniquely positionedto enjoy perfect autonomy, which waslost to them only after colonial powers

imposed their ways on them — a clearrebuff to historians who wrote about theirbarbaric and undemocratic ways.

Achebe’s encounter with JoyceCarey’s work is well known by now. Hisre-telling of the incident, however, makesus understand that the likes of Carey ex-ercised power over the minds of Africansbecause of their "absolute power overnarrative." Basing their work on the"tools of trendy scholarly fantasies andpseudo-sciences," even the best of themcreated a shattering image of the inferior-ity of the African race, for which they de-serve to be censured. This helped Achebeto understand that the innocence of lit-erature is a myth, and one has to see itspolitical implications with adult, matureeyes. However, he does not plead for anyspecial theory of reading, certainly notthe trendy post-colonial variety, thoughsome of its proponents have used his writ-

ings in support of their views.Achebe asserts that writers have not

merely to write back to the Empire butalso to fight it with spirit and conviction.He says that writers have to combat the"stereotypes of malice" contained in thewritings of Europeans about Africa, whichleft people with a "badly damaged senseof the self." The process of colonisationdid not stop at exercising political con-trol over people; it aimed at damaging theirpsyche by colonising their stories. Thejob of the post-colonial writer is to res-cue narratives from the pernicious con-trol of the colonials, by writing their ver-sions, and thus asserting "the curativepower of stories." With loving care and asense of satisfaction Achebe traces therise of the new African writing, and ex-presses his warm appreciation of the writ-ers’ attempt to use their skill and imagina-tion for erasing the misrepresentation oftheir people and infusing a sense of prideand a spirit of confidence in them.

Achebe’s greatest strength lies in hisbeing firmly rooted in his soil and withhis people, even though he is not alwaysamong them. He disparages writers whouphold the idea of universalism in art, be-cause it virtually implies accepting andimitating western culture and civilisation.Africa does not need "copycats but thoseable to bring hitherto untold stories, alongwith new ways of telling."

Because of his concern for one’s placeand clime, of pride in one’s cultural moor-ings, Achebe is critical of writers, eventhe ones with firm reputations, who donot respect this: of Buchi Emecheta, whoself-avowedly minimises her

"Africanness" to do well in the globalmarket; of V. S. Naipaul, for writing darkand unwholesome books on India and Af-rica, which Achebe considers "pompousrubbish"; of Salman Rushdie, for sayingthat "literature has nothing to do with awriter’s home address." Quite under-standably, Achebe writes warmly and ap-provingly about R. K. Narayan, becausehe "invested in India; he did not take him-self out."

For the same reasons, Achebe doesnot approve of "expatriation and exile asintrinsically desirable goals." These maybe fashionable, but may not producegood writing. Implicitly, he also suggeststhat the Empire has not to be fought withmere words, with verbal pyrotechnics orflourishes of style, but with one’sstrength, which derives from one’s placeand culture.

To sum up, Home and Exile is a veryreadable, wise, and fruitful account ofAchebe’s growth as a writer of uncom-mon sanity and exceptional clarity, whichsets him apart from both European andnon-European writers. He affirms the im-portance of the narrative as a powerfulweapon of defiance, but stresses that ithas to bear the imprint of a writer’s socialand cultural bearings and not of spuri-ous and fashionable ideologies of west-ern supermarkets. He is particularly hardon deracinated intellectuals whose es-pousal of universal culture and valuesdoes not augur well for the future of lessprivileged societies, because it threatensthem with new and subtler kinds of colo-nialism.

By Sanjay Godbole

Kashmir is the most picturesque (fullof scenic beauty)valley in thewhole of the world. This province

is situated on the West side of the Himalayamountain range.Though the Southern partof Kashmir is relatively plain and even, inthe Northern part of Kashmir, there arehigh mountain ranges, scaling heights, upto2460 meters above mean sea level. On theNorth West side of Kashmir is Gligit andHindu kush mountain ranges are extensivelyspread in the nearby region. The highestpeak in Kashmir is in the Karakorum moun-tain range.The Meru Parbat, as referred toin Hindu Scriptures is situated inKarakorum pass. Since ancient and His-torical times, this province had trade linkswith other provinces by the “Silken route”.

Afghanistan, the neighbouring countryof Kashmir, has been exporting gems andother precious stones for last several cen-turies. There is a “Lepis” figure, crafted inthe year 1500 B.C. in Egypt. The idolpresently is in Vienna Art Museum of Aus-tria. This “Lepis” stone had been exportedfrom Afghanistan. During several excava-tions, beads of various colours have beenreported in Pakistan. This fact throwslight,as to how the gems and the preciousand semi precious stones were function-ally put to use,since times immemorial,asa tradition in vogue. Pakistan occupiedKashmir is a hot topic of discussion in theInternational Political forum . This part ofKashmir however, is now being criticallystudied for the gems and the precious stonesfound here and all the aspects of these trea-sures are being studied and analysed fromgeological survey & research angle. These

discoveries of the precious stones in Kashmirare of relatively recent origin.It is also conclusively observedthat the rock formations in theregion of Kashmir have notbeen geologically studied to thatdegree of details, as those inAfghan region.

A few years back, in theNorthern part of Pakistan,some shephards accidentlycame across some stones withgreenish tinge; being unawareof the identification as to thevalue and importance of thosestones, these were utilised forsome other odd ends. After-wards, these stones proved tobe real emeralds. In 1999, thegeological survey of France car-ried out in this region an extensive explorativeexercise, to prospect the possibility of min-ing for emeralds.Some legendary stories of em-eralds from Peshawar in Pakistan are alsopopularly famous.

That part and parcel of land, which is un-der control of Pakistan, has since been dividedinto two sectors 1) "Azad Kashmir", and 2)Northern areas, by Pakistan authorities. Themaximum quantity of minerals mined in Paki-stan have been discovered from this area only.The famous gemological journal of the Unitedstates - Lepis international in its illustratedcatalogue, has furnished detailed informationabout the potential stocks of the precious

stones and gems, lying hidden in Pakistan oc-cupied Kashmir.

In Kashmir, theKrishnaganga river valley andSharada Temple are indicativeof the ancient culture exist-ing there once upon a time.This day a gem called Neelam(Blue sapphire) is found inthe mountains nearKrishnaganga valley. Abouta century ago, a Delhi Boundtraveller from Kabul had ac-cidently found some speci-men of Neelam (Saffire) dueto falling of crags (Land slide).The (sapphire) of Kashmiris adjudged as the best and ofSupreme quality in the wholeof the world. There is a verse,

which describes the qualities of the Neelam ofKashmir. Nihal Bhi Kar De Aur Sataye BhiBuri Tarah Purnima ki Khili ChandaniMein Nilam Ki Tarif. The mountains near“Shonthar” and “Colejandar the two villagesin (P.O.K.) have the reserves of Neelam. It ison account of the occurance of Neelam, the“Krishnganga” river valley is newly christenedas “Neelam Valley”.

“Hunza” is an important city in (P.O.K.).Though the presence of “Ruby” was discov-ered here during the British regime, the miningoperation did not commence then. From 1997the mining operations, under the expert guid-ance of a British Scientist, “Richard Hughes”

were begun. The ruby from “Hunza” oc-curs in the faults in the white calcite rock,and some times the ruby crystals get cracksin them. These rubies are used for makingornaments and for carvings of small size inPakistan.

Second reserve of Ruby Stones is struckat “Nangimali” in (POK). “Nangimali” vil-lage is in the north side of Muzaffarabadand can be reached after travelling for threeconsecutive days. This a small village,mostly populated by peasants. Here thereare mountain ranges scaling heights of 4400meters. In these mountains there is a “RubyBelt” which measure 1.8 K.M.long.Nangmali Ruby shows similar characteris-tics as those found in Burma,Myanmar.The Nangmali Ruby is having a dark redcolouration and specimens upto 5 Carratsby weight have been met with here.

Apart from Rubies, an orange colouredcrystal is also found here. This crystal hasunique and distinctive characteristics andis found in Kashmir alone and no whereelse in the world. So it was christend as“Kashmirin” by experts from the West.

The gemological laboratories of theUnited States have made analytical testsof all the precious stones and semi pre-cious stones of Kashmir. An illustrated cata-logue of all the precious stones of Pakistanwas duly published at “Tuscon” in theUnited States of America, These preciousstones, Gems and Jewels of Kashmir wereduly exhibited in American Internationalexhibition and also in Europe and these aregrabbing attention of all admirers of gemsand jewels.

*(The author is a noted Archeologistbased in Pune.)

Gems and Jewels In PakistanGems and Jewels In PakistanGems and Jewels In PakistanGems and Jewels In PakistanGems and Jewels In Pakistanoccupied Kashmir (POK)occupied Kashmir (POK)occupied Kashmir (POK)occupied Kashmir (POK)occupied Kashmir (POK)

Sh. Sanjay Godbole.

Apr 6: The gunbattle at Bijbehara ended with thekilling of a terrorist, while two others managedtheir escape. Three terrorists were killed inNishat area of Srinagar. Body of a youth wasrecovered from a nallah in Kalaroos. Atragedy was averted by detecting an IED atDigdol on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.Two soldiers were injured in a grenade blastin Rajouri. Terrorists managed their escape inan encounter at Malikpora Tilogrih, Bhallesa.

Apr 7: Police said that the three terrorists killed inNishat were planning fidayeen attacks, 10OGWs were arrested and several LeT and Al-Bader hideouts busted in Kashmir. Terroristskilled a person in Baramulla. Siachen talks endwithout any agreement on troop pull-out.

April 8: Six Bangladeshis were killed and 11 othersarrested from Border villages in Arnia sector.BSF repatriated a mentally unsound personto Pak rangers. Police today seized 50,000 fakeIndian currency notes, printed in Pakistan andsmuggled through Delhi-Lahore bus, andarrested a person in this connection Hittingat his coalition partner-PDP, Sh GN Azad saidthat advocates of demilitarization wereunaware of the ground reality. A HMcommander surrendered before troops inBhaderwah, Doda.

April 9: A Pakistani was killed and nine others-7 Bang-ladeshis and two Pakistanis-arrested alongIndo-Pak border in Jammu sector. 40 kg RDXand other arms and ammunition wererecovered at Thanala, Bhaderwah. 108 crossLoC in Poonch district.

April 10: One person was killed and 10 others woundedin a grenade attack at Batmaloo, Srinagar. Afterarrest of two terrorists, Pulwama policeclaimed that they were hunting for someterrorists who were in the process of leavingthe country on a specific mission. A terroristwas arrested and three IEDs defused in Dodadistrict. HM plot to repeat Kulhand at Thanlawas foiled by the surrender of a terrorist andsubsequent recoveries by the forces. As muchhyped Karvaan-e-Aman completes 2-years,visitors number goes on decreasing.

April 11: Two bodies, including the body of AbdulRahim Wagay who had been missing seniorOctober 2006, were recovered from Pulwamaand Srinagar. A civilian injured in a grenadeattack, succumbed to his injuries. Twoterrorists were arrested in Pulwama said it hadand five others with fake currency worth Rs2500 were arrested from Sangrampora, Patan.An Army jawan committed suicide atSangrama. Lashkar asked Huriyat factions toUnite. While the foreign secretary expressedIndia's readness for CBMs and n-doctrinewith Pak, GoC Northern Command said thatsea route was being used for infiltration andwith 1500 terrorists in action, Army could notgo back to barracks.

April 12: Four ultras, including a Congress worker andhis wife were arrested while a fidayeenmanaged to escape as police foiled a plot tokill CM at Ramban rally. A colonel and a SSPwere among 11 chargesheeted in a fakeencounter case. 82 cross at Kaman Post.

April 13: Five top terrorists were killed in an encounterat Navapachi, Doda. A civilian was injured ina grenade attack at Karan Nagar, Srinagar. Asoldier was found dead with gunshot woundsin his camp in Uri. A Pakistani youth wasrepatriated to Rangers.

April 14: Dreaded terrorists Pinto Malik of Littar wasamong two terrorists at Wahil Nowgam inShopian-Kulgam belt. CRPF jawan, fired uponby suspected terrorists at Batmaloo,

CHRONOLOGYCHRONOLOGYCHRONOLOGYCHRONOLOGYCHRONOLOGYKASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007 22

succumbed to his injuries. Three recruits wererescued from HM captivity at Navapachi,Doda. The mobile phone of Haseena gavemore clues in the assassination plot of theCM. Defence Minister oppose troopwithdrawal from J&K.

April 15: Security forces killed two terrorists in Shopianwhile terrorists beheaded a civilian inPulwama and caused injury to a soldier withan IED blast at Palhalan, Pattan. Two LeT ter-rorists were killed and one injured in anencounter at Upper Dandi Bhaderdwah, ajawan was also injured in the encounter.

April 16: Two IRCON engineers survived an attempton their life as their body guard died whenterrorists attacked them at Naina Bhatpora inPulwama. Elsewhere in Valley, three terroristswere among eight persons killed in terroristrelated violence. A terrorist and a civilian werekilled and another civilian rescued in anencounter in Judi Bagda forests in Gandoh,two terrorists escaped from the encounter.Defence Minister Mr Antony said that Pakmust end terror for success of talks. A CRPFjawan committed suicide after criticallyinjuring two of his colleagues in a camp inPulwama.

April 17: Two bodies were fished out from Jhelum. AHM terrorist was arrested in Pulwama. A Armyjawan committed suicide in Kandi area ofRajouri. The CM asked for easing travelrestrictions across LoC.

April 18: A HM Commander was arrested in Doda. Thenames of two girls surfaced in Kalakotemassacre. JKLF leader announced launch ofSafar-e-Azadi from May 6 while turning downDelhi's invitation.

April 19: One person was killed and two others injuredin firing incidents in Sopore. Two dozenterrorists surrendered before forces in Urisector after their return from PoK. An Armyjawan survived while his three family memberswere injured as terrorists struck at his houseat Harni, Mendhar. Hashim Qureshiannounced his decision to attend RTC.

April 20: Two terrorists of HM were killed in anencounter in Pulwama and one more wasarrested in Sopore. A HM terrorist was shotdead by LeT cadres at Kulthu Chilly, Gandoh.19 Bangladeshi were arrested fromInternational Border.

April 21: Two terrorists surrendered in Gulmarg sectoron their return from PoK. A CRPF jawansuccumbed to his injuries while DC Kupwaraordered enquiry into death of a woman andsanctioned ex-gratia in favour of her family.Two civilians were beheaded by terrorists inKala Gawa forests in Budhal, Rajouri. PDPadvocated safe passage to Kashmiri youth.The investigations in the missing of ElectionIdentity Cards in Rajouri suggested that thesecards our being used by terrorists to arrangepassports.

April 22: Three HM terrorists, including deserter SPO,were killed by LeT terrorists in the hilly areaof Kither, Gandoh. Two terrorists were killedin an encounter at Zainpora, Pulwama, whileone more terrorist was killed and a jawaninjured in another encounter in Rangwarforests in Kupwara. Syed Ali Shah Geelaniaddressed a rally at Idgah Srinagar in whichLeT terrorists made display of weapons. LeTterrorists admited hand in Mumbai blasts.

April 23: Three terrorists were killed in Kashmir valley.As RTC III favoured increased cross LoCmovement of people, goods, BJP alleges thatRTC was discussing Musharraf's agenda anddisassociate from Leh observed a bandh insupport of Union Territory demand.

April 24: A terrorist wounded his brother-in-law in abizarre incident at Shamaswari, Srinagar. ALeT terrorist was arrested in Baramulla. ThreeBangladeshis was arrested in Ramgarh sector.

April 25: Police claimed to have foiled another bid tokill CM at Bandipore rally as they arrested aLeT terrorist Showkat from Srinagar, two moreterrorists were arrested subsequently. Aterrorist was killed in Kupwara three terrorists,including a Pakistani, were arrested inKashmir valley. A LeT terrorist was found deadnear his house at Mahore. Two terroristslooted cash and jewellery from a house atBaljarala, Rajouri. Six Hurriyat leaders ofGeelani faction were detain in Srinagar, whilea Pakistani and two Kashmiri terrorists werearrested in New Delhi. 69 cross sides at KamanPost.

April 27: Three suspects were arrested in Rajouri.Geelani, Shabir Shah were among sixseparatists puts under house arrest. Amidstregular arrests of Bangladeshis, an arrestedBangladeshi computer engineer admitedhelping 700 Bangladeshis exfiltrate.

April 28: Three terrorists were killed in Doda. Oneperson died and 53 others received injuries ina grenade attack at NC's rally at Pampore. Abody was fished out from Jhelum. A youth,alleged to be an informer, was attacked byterrorists at Kaloosa, Bandipore. Three LeTterrorists were killed in Doda. The CM saidthat there would be no amnesty or leniencyto ultras. After BJP, Panun Kashmirdenounced RTC joint declaration.

April 29: Four terrorists were killed in an encounter inKupwara. Terrorists gunned down a civilianin Damhal Hanjipora. A terrorist was killed inBudhal, while a JCO died of accidental fire atKalakote. Prominent counter insurgent PapaKishtwari was arrested. An Army officerclaimed that Pak army was preventingsurrender by terrorists.

April 30: Two CRPF and police cops were injured inthree grenade attacks triggered by terrorists.Geelani called for a shut down on May 5. ThreeHurriyat leaders were lodged in Kot BhalwalJail. Arms and explosives were recovered fromDoda and Poonch districts.

May 1: Police claimed to have solved many terroristsstrikes, including the attack on Mirwaiz andHurriyat Hqrs, by arresting a woman and 12"out source" terrorists. A SPO was killed inan encounter in Handwara. A terrorist hideoutwas busted in Thathri, Doda. US designatedHuM, JeM and LeT as terrorist outfits.

May 2: An Al-Badar terrorist group was reportedlytrapped in an encounter in Kupwara. WGfavour Rs 5 lakh relief for kin of militancyvictims and return of Kashmiri youth from Pak.Advocating a free economic zone for J&K,Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said thatgovernment was considering self-rule forJ&K.

May 3: An OGW was arrested in Doda while aBangladeshi was arrested in Nikki Tawi areaof Jammu. Addressing a seminar, GovernorLt. Gen. SK Sinha opposed troop reductionand making LoC irrelevant.

May 4: A top HM terrorist Riyaz Deva was killed inan encounter at Khalhar, Anantnag. An Armyjawan was killed in an encounter at Bapora-Aragam, Bandipore. Terrorist made anunsuccessful attempt to target a convoy asthe grenade exploded without causing anydamage. Pak national was arrested in Ramgarhsector. MHA team visited Talwara camp.

Chronology of Events--April 6-May 31, 2007)Chronology of Events--April 6-May 31, 2007)Chronology of Events--April 6-May 31, 2007)Chronology of Events--April 6-May 31, 2007)Chronology of Events--April 6-May 31, 2007)

(Contd. on Page 23)

(From Page 22)May 5: Five exfiltrators were arrested in Kashmir

valley. Security forces busted a hideout andrecovered arms and ammunition atDoodaban, Handwara. Police seized astabilized IED. Geelani blame Pakistan formisfortune of Kashmiris. Defence Minister MrAntony said that Pak will have to demarcateAGPL in Siachen.

May 6: Three persons, including a girl, were injuredas terrorists lobbed a hand grenade at aCongress rally at Nanil, Anantnag. Terroristskidnapped a Radio Kashmir correspondentfrom Srinagar and released him after severebeating. Terrorists snatched the rifle of a VDCmember in Doda. Soldiers in Kargil and Drassto get high attitude gear like their counterpartsposted at Siachen.

May 7: HM terrorist was killed in Doda. Troops de-stroyed a hideout at Richon, Drabshala inKishtwar and seized arms and ammunition.106 cross LoC at Chakkan-Da-Bagh. SpiritualGuru Ravi Shankar visited migrant camps atPurkhoo and Muthi and said that KPs haveright to live in Kashmir.

May 8: A jawan was killed and four jawans wereinjured while the newly infiltrating terroristsmanaged their escape in an encounter nearLoC in Machil-Keran belt. Two terrorists, anda jawan were killed in a fierce encounter atChowgal, Handwara. Security forces recov-ered 165 kgs RDX and other ammunition asthey busted two hideouts in Doda. A youth,arrested in connection with killing of twocivilians, ended his life by slitting his throatwith a knife in Budhal Police Station. A SPOshot himself dead at Roulka Picket in Kathua.Union MoS Home Mr Jaiswal said that LeTwas training women militants in Pak. BJPleader Jaswant Singh took exception to thecentres's 'out sourcing' of Kashmir policy.

May 9: While five terrorists, belonging to freshlyinfiltrated groups, were eliminated in twoencounters in Kupwara a group of four otherswas reportedly trapped in yet anotherencounter in the same district. A civilian waskilled by terrorists at Hardo Sheva, Sopore.Terrorists smashed window panes him andfired some rounds at a house at Reshipora,Awantipore. A jawan was killed and anotherinjured in accidental blast at firing-range inHiranagar, Kathua. Addressing a publicmeeting at Vilgam Kupwara, Dr FarooqAbdullah said that Kashmir can never becomepart of Pakistan. Yasin Malik dlashes a letterto Mr. Vajpayee, calling him to own his baby-the peace process and support it. MoS HomeMr Jaiswal said that a government committeewill review SPL Powers Act enforced in J&K.

May 10: Body of a woman was fished out from Jhelumat Hajan while another body was recoveredfrom Puhroo. Two newly infiltrated terroristswere arrested in Kupwara. Two Pakistaniterrorists admitted that terrorist training campswere still operating in PoK. 65 cross LoC onKarvaan-e-Aman. MoS defence admits surgein infiltration.

May 11: Four soldiers injured in fierce encounter onMay 8, succumbed to their injuries. Policebusted a hideout at Sherpora and recoveredwar like stores. A terrorist, who lost his limbsin October 2005 earthquake in PoK,surrendered before the police. An Army jawandied in an accidental mortar blast. Two localterrorists were arrested in Baramulla. Kargilobserved a bandh against allotment of threecouncil seats to Buddhist dominated Zanskararea.

May 12: Two terrorists, including a HM commander,were killed in an encounter at Tarzoo, Sopore.Terrorists shot dead a civilian at his host's

house at Gundpora, Pulwama. A major tragedywas averted as civilians found a live mortarshell at Telgam Payeen Kupwara which waslater defused. A headess body of a suspectedterrorist was found in Reasi.

May 13: Three top HM terrorists were killed in twoencounters in Gool Ramban and Navapachi,Doda. A hide-out was busted at Marwah,Doda. Union MoS Commerce Jairam Rameshopined that cross-LoC trade had hugepotential.

May 14: A terrorist was killed in Sopore. Terroristskilled an ex-terrorist at Chanjimullah,Handwara. A seven year old boy was injuredas he fiddled with an explosive device inTrehgam. Mufti Mohammad Syeed claimedthat "Self-Rule" document will be made publicsoon.

May 15: Two LeT terrorists were killed in Budgamdistrict, Two terrorists were arrested inKupwara. Terrorists triggered a blast in Tralcausing injuries to three CRPF personnel.Terrorists attempt to blow an underconstruction railway track was foiled inBijbehara as forces detected the IED anddefused it. A civilian was killed and his twofamily members injured as troops opened firean them in case of mistaken identity.

May 16: Two terrorists were killed in an encounter atBrail in ;Budgam. An IED was detected anddefused at Loktipora, Bijbehara. An OGW wasarrested at Murran road, Pulwama; twoterrorists were arrested in Trehgam. A LeTcommander was killed in Thannamandi. PDFChief Hakeem Yasin stressed on HM chief'sinvolvement in talks, PDP patron MuftiMohammad Sayeed said that delay in troopreduction will complicate matters.

May 17: A wireless operator of HM was arrested atShah Nagri, Handwara. A terrorist hideout wasbusted in Trehgam. An Army jawan shothimself dead at Core Hqs. Nagrota. NC leaderMr Rahim Rather said that NC will fight allconspiracies aimed at weakening specialstatus enjoyed by J&K.

May 18: Five Kashmiri exfilitrators and a HM terroristwere arrested in Kashmir valley. 17Bangladeshis were arrested from Malabela inAkhnoor sector. India voiced concern overcontinued infiltration, NC President OmarAbdullah called for cease-fire and talks withHM. A terrorist strike at a mosque inHyderabad left 12 dead and 50 wounded.

May 19: An Army jawan was killed in a terrorist strikein Baramulal. While one another died ofmysterious gunshot wounds in Badami Baghcantonment Police recovered fake currencynotes worth Rs one lakh and explosivematerial from a car in Shopian.

May 20: Yasin Malik began his so-called "Safar-e-Azadi" from Mati Gawran, Kokernag.Expressing happiness over return of some KPfamilies to Bumai, Sopore, Mr Soz describedKPs as integral part of JK civilization. MrOmar Abdullah opined that self-rule will divideJ&K.

May 21: A police cop and two SPOs were hurt in agrenade blast on a minority police picket atNagni, Kishtwar. Two Kashmiri youth wereheld with one million Euro in Manali. UnifiedHqtrs. was informed that Multi Agency Cen-tre has been set up to coordinate intelligenceinputs amidst reports that 120 terrorists haveinfiltrated since April 2007.

May 22: Seven terrorists, a soldier and a civilian werekilled in three gunbattles in Pulwama district.Arms and ammunition were recovered in twodifferent operations in RS Pura and Gandoh.Sajjad Lone suggested J&K's trifurcation.

May 23: DySP Mendhar Yougal Manhas and his driverwere injured as terrorists struck at Manhas

just outside his office. Police claimed to havearrested the longest surviving and mostwanted HM terrorist, Ghulam Hassan Mir alsoShabnam in Srinagar city. 10 infiltratorssurrendered in Tangdhar. Two encounterswere reportedly on in Kupwara andAwantipore. Rejecting trifurcation suggestionof Sajjad Lone, Mr Geelani described it as anattempt of diversion. One person was killedand another injured in an explosion atHiranagar.

May 24: One terrorist was killed in a gunbattle atSangrampatti, Kupwara. Body of a terroristwas recovered near Rambiara in Shopian.Bodies of three terrorists were recovered fromupper reaches of Ramsu in Ramban. In a newtwist to "Missing Persons Issue", two missingpersons surfaced after working at differentplaces outside the state; DC had even paidexgratia in favour of their families. 103 crossLoC on "Karvan-e-Aman". J&K governmentopposed cut in security forces.

May 25: Terrorists gunned down a civilian at Champal,Gandoh. An infiltration bid was foiled inSunderbani sector. Huge cache of arms andammunition was recovered in Darhal, Rajouri.Euro Parliament blasted Pak for HR violationsin Gilgit, Baltistan.

May 26: Terrorists shot dead a counter insurgent inKulgam; a soldier was killed in an IED blast inKupwara. Two persons were found dead inKangan. An Army jawan was killed andanother seriously injured as Army foiled yetanother infiltration bid in Mankote sector inPoonch. A terrorist surrendered beforesecurity forces in Rajouri. A live grenade wasseized under a seat from a local bus at DodaBus Stand.

May 27: Two infiltrators were killed in an encounteron the LoC in Kupwara; four others managedtheir escape. An IED was spotted and defusedat Watter Khani, Kupwara. A HM Commander,son of a retired Zonal Education Officer, waskilled in Doda. A terrorist hide-out wasdestroyed in Latti Udhampur. Nicholson,European Parliament's rapporteur, describedGilgat and Baltistan as black holes and opinedthat PoK was in chains.

May 28: Security forces arrested three OGWs in Rajouriand Ramban districts and recovered 10 handgrenades. Terrorists shot dead a woman inBijbehara. Police arrested an OGW of JuMand recovered arms and ammunition from hispossession. A PoK woman was released onbail by a local court in Kupwara. Mr OmarAbdullah opposed division of J&K state.

May 29: A terrorist and a drug peddler were arrestedin Doda.

May 30: DySP Shailey Singh, who had manysuccessful operations against terrorists, waskilled by terrorists in Doda. Three infiltratorswere shot dead while two others managedtheir escape in Balakote sector of Mendhar,Poonch. A LeT terrorist was killed inBandipore. Police claimed to have arrested aterrorist Riyaz Khan of Helmatpora after hisreturn from PoK. The family refuted the claimand said that Khan surrendered after hisreturn on a Pakistani Passport and Indian visa.

May 31: A dreaded LeT terrorist and his associatewere killed by police at Asthanmarg, Gool.Two HM terrorists were arrested from Marmat,Doda. Three officials were arrested forsheltering Shailey Singh's Killers. Twoterrorists were killed in an encounter in Tral.Three soldiers were injured in an IED blast inSopore. Muslim leaders resented Army moveto renovate or construct shrines and mosquesin J&K. POW's kin leave for Pak in hope oflocating there kin in Pak jails.

CONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUACONTINUATIONTIONTIONTIONTIONKASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007 23

KASHMIR SENTINELJune 2007 24

By J N Raina

It is ridiculous that most of the Hindu sites of worship,serving as a lifeline for millions of people, directly orindirectly, are surrounded by filth. They have been

rendered ‘unholy’, because as the saying goes: “What isunclean is unholy”.

Several ancient temples, which are not on the radarof political parties speaking at hoarse for Hindutva, arepractically dead for pilgrimage. What is regarded as holyhas become unholy, because of both public and officialapathy.

What exactly is in my heart of hearts bespeaks of theholy city of Gaya (Bihar), where heaps of garbage re-main lying on the roads, lanes and by-lanes for months,due to administrative indifference. People are also to beblamed. They do not protest.

It was nauseating to be in Gaya, where I had beenrecently on pilgrimage. Gaya is one of the oldest and themost sacred cities in India, second only to Varanasi insanctity. The city has been built around VishnupadTemple, revered by Hindus all over the globe for centu-ries. The Temple is the pilgrims’ main attraction.

According to a legend, the temple has been con-structed over the footprints of Lord Vishnu, on a boul-der, which rises on the west bank of river Phalgu. Thetemple was renovated in 1787 by Ahalya Bai, princessof Indore. It is octagonal in shape,100 feet high, with apyramidal roof , which culminates in a single goldenpinnacle, surmounted by a large gilded flag. Pilgrimsvisit Gaya to perform ‘pinddhan’, a ritual to pray forthe souls of one’s ancestors to purgatory.

In Gaya, hardly a road-strip was visible without moundsof stinking garbage and cesspools. I was told that scavengersare not paid for months by the Gaya Municipal Corpora-tion, which is starved of funds. As a result, the garbage keepson accumulating, and lying on the roads, without public pro-test.

The Vishnupad temple is located in the heart of the oldcity, amidst dirty environment. The district administrationpays little attention towards the problem. In hotels, mosqui-toes rule the roost because of dirt and cobwebs. It is a tabooto keep the surroundings clean. Power cut is frequent. Lightis erratic.

In contrast, the nearby township of Bodh Gaya wears afestive look. Foreigners from Buddhist countries, includingJapan and China, visit the historic city frequently. Strangelyenough, Japan has constructed tarred roads leading to BodhGaya, for smooth pilgrimage. It was in Bodh Gaya that PrinceGautam (who later came to be known as Lord Buddha) at-tained Supreme Enlightenment (Samma Sambodhi) under thesacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Bodh Gaya was known as “BodhiMandapa” in ancient times. Emperor Ashoka later built a

Ancient City Of Gaya Is Facing Decaytemple by the side of Maha Bodhi Tree in 250 BC and erecteda diamond throne (Vajrasana) on the exact spot where Buddhasaw ‘Light’ under the Tree. There he became Enlightened One.

As soon as a pilgrim lands in Gaya, ‘pandas’ (priests) willbe the first to greet him. When I, along with my wife landed atthe Gaya Railway station from Varanasi at around 4.30 am, adhoti-clad ‘panda’ met me at the platform itself, to offer hisservices for performing pinddhan. With great difficulty Iavoided him by telling a lie that I had come for a differentpurpose. In fact, I had arranged for a priest through my con-tact in Gaya. I knew there would be lot of harassment fromsuch ‘pandas’. Even when we were busy performing the ritualon Phalgu river, a group of ‘pandas’ approached us and cre-ated a scene. They wanted the pinddhan to be performed bythem. They traced an old record when my father and uncle hadgone to Gaya for performing pinddhan. I was supposed to getit done by them, since we are under their jurisdiction.

The Gaya administration can utilize the services of privatefirms for disposal of garbage. Private companies in metropoli-tan cities like Delhi and Mumbai earn crores of rupees byprocessing waste and generating energy. Garbage collection isa big business. Delhi alone generates a whooping 7000 tonnesof waste daily. I can simply hazard a guess that millions oftones of garbage must have got collected in Gaya. It is mind-

boggling.Private firms make a lot of money in garbage business. A

firm—which manages and treats waste in seven cities—bid-ding for Delhi’s garbage, has an annual turnover of Rs600 crore. The Gaya administration’s turnover couldbe more if it takes over garbage business. Gaya Cor-poration can easily pay its scavengers, who had struckwork for non-payment of dues. But the Gayaadministration’s attention is not gripped by such novelideas.

Nothing is orderly in Gaya. Nearly 2000‘pandas’(priests), who have been performingpinddhan for centuries, are unorganized. Former UnionTourism Minister Jagmohan can play a vital role indoing away with the age-old system and removing theills of Gaya. He can help in establishing a trust or aBoard, like the one he had done in Jammu and Kash-mir for Mata Vaishnudevi and Swami Amarnath Yatra.He had removed the age-old system of ‘baradaris’.Since then, millions of yatris have been visitingVaishnodevi and Amarnath cave every year becauseof better system. If a new Government-controlledsystem is introduced in Gaya, millions of Hindu pil-grims, in spite of subsidy, can rush to Gaya and per-form tension-free pinddhan. One fails to understandas to why Jagmohan did nothing for Gaya during histenure.

Even non-resident Indians can do a yeoman ser-vice for developing Gaya as a modern pilgrim centre.Vishnupad Temple can be renovated . It is facing de-cay. Like Ganga Action Plan, there can be Gaya Ac-

tion Plan. There can be a separate sub-plan for rive Phalgu,which looks apparently dry, but digging just six inches deepyields water, sufficient to serve the limited purpose of per-forming pinddhan. The river is also called “Guphta Ganga”(hidden Ganga). The job of digging is done presently byyoung boys for a small payment of Rs ten or so.

Bodh Gaya, the cradle of Buddhism, resembles a moderntownship, just 11 km from Gaya, which is pretty clean andholy in true spirit. Millions of Buddhists from all over theworld keep thronging there by air, train or other modes oftransport arranged by private operators. Surprisingly, theBuddhist pilgrims generally avoid going to Bodh Gaya viaGaya, because of the ugly environment. While Japan andseveral Buddhist countries have evinced keen interest for themaintenance of Bodh Gaya, neither the Indian Governmentnor a plenty of Hindu organization have taken any interest inthe development of the ancient city of Gaya, which has thepotential of attracting millions of Hindu pilgrims. Massivefunds are needed to make Gaya clean, which is infested withlot of filth and garbage.

*(The writer is a Veteran Journalist, based in Pune)

Buddha, Bodh GayaThis stone Buddha, measuring 20 m (66 ft) high, is in a temple inBodh Gaya, Bihar state.

Dr. Brij Premi

It was a cold Wintery evening, Srinagar wasunder a thick carpet of snow. The newsabout the demise of Kuldeep Rana carried

by the evening bulletin of Radio Kashmir be-numbed me. For a moment I could not recon-cile that Kuldeep Rana, a handsome man withfine intellect was no more in this world.

My nostalgic memories went back to theday when I had first met Rana twenty fiveyears back. It was a chance meeting. Prof.AQ Sarwari had introduced Kuldeep Rana tome by his real name-Janki Nath. The Profes-sor always called him by this name, Kuldeepwould feel inconvenient.

After this meeting, we began meeting quitefrequently. Kuldeep Rana had rented a roomin the Habbakdal quarter of Srinagar. This roombecame a meeting point for his like-mindedfriends to socialize and indulge in animateddiscussions. It was this small room, whereKuldeep Rana penned down many of his shortstories. I had the privilege to listen to thesestories from him. At times he invited criticismfrom me and his other adversaries, but thisnever impinged upon our friendship.

Kuldeep Rana-A MemoirKuldeep Rana-A MemoirKuldeep Rana-A MemoirKuldeep Rana-A MemoirKuldeep Rana-A MemoirBoth he and myself virtually chased emi-

nent poets and writers, whenever they vis-ited Kashmir and benefited from our interac-tions with them. In 1968 Krishan Chanderand Salma Sidiquee visited Kashmir andstayed in the Srinagar Circuit House. We metKrishan Chander and had discussions withhim which spread over three days. There wasa photographic session also with him. I getemotional on seeing these photographs.

Kuldeep Rana had finished his MastersDegree and was working for Doctorate on‘Urdu Literature after Prem Chand’. It wasat the time that he received the appointmentorders as Newsreader in Radio Kashmir. Hecould no longer pursue his Doctorate. Mean-while, he was transferred to Delhi and stayedthere for sixteen long years. Our meetings be-came less frequent, but whenever Kuldeep vis-ited Srinagar he would never miss a chance tomeet his friends with the same enthusiasmand warmth as before. His smile never van-ished from his face. In his Coffee House inter-actions, he would not mind speaking a littlelouder to drive home his argument. Peoplecould make out his presence from a distance.

Kuldeep Rana was no stranger to me, evenbefore Prof. Sarwari introduced me to him. Iused to read his columns in ‘The DailyKhidmat’ and Sunday edition of ‘The DailyAftab’. His writings reflected intellectualdepth and brought forth new trends in liter-ary journalism. He became a familiar name inthe writers’ fraternity. It was around this timethat he published his Urdu novel, which wasreceived well. He was at the Zenith of hisliteraty career, his new name as Kuldeep Ranawas conferred the recognition.

It remains enigmatic to me how he devel-oped taste to write short stories. His firstcollection titled “Tanhaiyan”, was publishedin 1967-68. The collection carried introduc-tory comments by eminent literateurs-Pro-fessor Sarwari, Prof. Shakeel-ur-Rehman,Kamal Siddiqui and Dr. Shamir Nikhat.

He was ecstatic when a literary journal‘Shabi-Khoon’, brought out from Allahabad,published his short story. Kuldeep Rana wasa perfectionist in the choice of subject matterfor his stories and selected titles with greatcare. He displayed keen insight into emotionaland psychological dimensions of society.Human agonies and tragedies found place as aprominent theme in his stories. His other in-terests included depiction of nature and spiri-

tualism. Kuldeep Rana always looked impa-tient, a man in hurry. He had mastered wellthe language he chose as the medium to writehis creative stories. Like Prem Nath Pardesiand Prem Nath Dhar his literary talents suf-fered due to full-time work in the Radio. Hadhe continued to live Rana would have attainedgreater heights in the field of literature. I sa-lute this great craftsman of words.

*(Translated from original Urdu by Sh.SK Handoo).

Dr. Brij Premi with Krishen Chander &short story writer & broadcaster KuldeepRana at Circuit House, Srinagar.