TSEWANG RIGZIN D SUBA CHANDRAN

CURRENT AFFAIRS
Too young to be Integrating Rajouri, Poonch
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RAJOURI-POONCH : A SCHOLARLY INSIGHT

the MICROCOSM
of PIR PANCHAL
Mughal Road :The Charm of Rajouri, Poonch
Social Structure and Perceptions of Regional Disparities
Pir Panchal Regional Festival Facing the Challenges Ahead
Who Patronises Caste Politics in Rajouri, Poonch
Biodiversity, High Altitude Wetlands

nsible jo
se We tend to turn to the western periodicals. And, whatever is said by our people,
ur
h year of

enterprising youthful minds, with fresh ideas, is seen something without merit.
41th f
nalis

o Epilogue has changed that. It has generated awareness among the people that there
issue e was something more in it- both inside for the residents to see and analyze and for
m

sens outside world to view it differently. ARUN JOSHI

4t

Deputy Editor, Hindustan Times P4

A land of varied attractions,
Jammu has a surprise waiting for you at every corner.
Savour the excitement at your own pace

Patntiop
87 Kms from
Katra
Krimchi 55 Kms. from Katra Mansar Lake Shiv Khori 78 Kms from Katra
18 Kms. from Jammu Pathankot NH

Ancient temples | Abodes of Gods & Goddess | Natural Caves

| Forts & Palaces | Charming Meadows | Picturesque Plateau
| Thickly Wooded Forests | Deep River Valleys | Nature’s Beauty
| Heritage | Lakes of Blessings | Exclusive Hill Station - Patnitop IN TOUCH WITH THE DIVINE

For further information, contact or write to: Government of J&K, J&K Tourism Offices at : • Jammu :
Tel : 0191-2548172, Fax : 2548358 • Srinagar : Tel : 0194-2472449, 2452690-91, Fax : 2452361 • New Delhi :
Tel : 011-23714948, Fax : 23714947 • Mumbai : Tel : 022-22189040 • Kolkata : Tel/Fax : 033-22285791 •
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24734806 •Visit us at www.jktourism.org. Email : jkdtourism@yahoo.co.in
 1

Epilogue
because there is more to know

www.epilogue.in CONTENT
Editor Contributors to this Issue 2
Zafar Iqbal Choudhary Letters 3
Prologue 5
Publisher
Yogesh Pandoh Column
Dateline : India-Pakistan 6
Consulting Editors The nitty-gritty details of my dream
D. Suba Chandran Manisha Shobarjani
Manu Srivatsa Strengthen RTI to Right the Wrongs 41
M Shamsur Rabb Khan
Associate Editors
Irm Amin Baig Current Affairs
Tsewang Rigzin Needed Ethnic VCs 9
Zorawar Singh Jamwal for J&K’s Universities
Epilogue Correspondent
Volume 4, Issue 5, May 2010 Please don’t ask teacher his caste 12
General Manager
Anmol Sharma
Kartavya Pandoh
I N FOCUS Exclusive Stories
Art Editor
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal Henry Scott 44
Keshav Sharma
The Forgotten Soldier of Kashmir
14 What Patronises Caste Politics in Rakesh Ankit
Research Officer Rajouri, Poonch
Raman Sharma Zafar Choudhary Ladakh Affairs
Vicious Cycle to Virtuous Cycle : 50
Phones & email 17 Rajouri & Poonch : Ladakh’s Tryst with Education Reform
Office : +91 191 2493136 Facing the Challenges Ahead Thinlas Dorjay
Editorial: +91 94191 80762 K D Maini Too young to be addicts 51
Administration: +91 94191 82518 Tsewang Rigzin
subscriptions : +91 90188 87136 21 Social Structure and Perceptions Can Ladakhi students study in Ladakh? 52
editor@epilogue.in of Regional Disparities Lobzang Stanzan
Mazammal Hussain Malik Don’t Neglect It; 54
subscription@epilogue.in
Ladakh too is in India
29 Pir Panchal Regional Festival Stanzin Khewang
Printed and Published by
Integrating Rajouri & Poonch with the Bankers told to reach the masses 55
Yogesh Pandoh for Epilogue mainstream
NewsCraft from Ibadat House, D Suba Chandran
Jora remote Durbuk 56
Madrasa Lane, Near Graveyard, block of Changthang
Bathindi Top, Jammu, J&K - 180012 36 Mughal Road : Leh-Sringar highway reopens 56
and Printed at : DEE DEE The Charm of Rajouri, Poonch
Reprographix, 3 Aikta Ashram, New Pia Malhotra
Rehari Jammu (J&K)
39 Biodiversity, High Altitude Wetlands
Disputes, if any, subject to jurisdiction Pankaj Chandan
of courts and competitive tribunals in
Jammu only.

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www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE 2

Ankit, Rakesh; (Forgotten History Maini, KD; (In Focus, P17) is a

p44) is a young historian from Bihar.
As a Rhodes Scholar recently he
studied various missing links in the
making of Kashmir conflict. Based
on his first hand study, he is
contributing exclusive series to
Epilogue
peace activist and acclaimed
writer on the history and culture
of Poonch. Author of many books,
he has published his work in many
leading newspapers. Based in
Poonch, he also edits a journal
called 'Peace'.

Chandan, Pankaj; (In Focus, P39) is
a wildlife and environment
researcher currently looking after
WWF-India's wetland projects
Chandran, D Suba; (In Focus, p29)
is Deputy Director at Institute of
Peace and Conflict Studies. Author
of many books and an acclaimed
expert on Kashmir and Indo-Pak
relations, he is Consulting Editor of
Epilogue Magazine
Choudhary, Zafar; (In Focus, p14) is
Editor of Epilogue Magazine and
also Executive Editor of Early
Times, Daily Newspaper from
Jammu
Khan, M Samur Rabb; (Opinion p41)
is Editor with Indian Institute of
Dalit Affairs
Malhotra, Pia; (In Focus, P36) is
with Institute of Peace and
Conflict Studies, New Delhi.
Malik, Mazammal Hussain; (In
Focus, P21) teaches Sociology at a
Government College in Jammu and
Kashmir
Sharma, Anmol; (Current Affairs,
P12) a regular writer at Epilogue,
he is a practicing lawyer at Jammu
and Kashmir High Court
Sobhrajani, Manisha (Features,
P6), is a Delhi based independent
researcher working on the various
aspects of Kashmir conflict. She
divides her time between Delhi
and Jammu and Kashmir

Readers' requests for getting in touch with the

authors, for feedback, comments and further
discussions on their subjects of interest, are
welcome. Since all authors/contributors are not
interested in taking mails directly, the readers are
requested to send us interview requests at
editor@epilogue.in for passing on to the authors

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 3 Letters
Readers Write

Ankit Doing Great Job

T he years of 1947-48 is the most misunderstood period in the history of Jammu and
Kashmir. Who did what and who had actually wanted has all been hearsay over the years.
In absence of any authentic documents, our political class has been choosing the convenience
of attributing statements and actions to different actors of that time. For example, the
National Conference leaders while in Kashmir or specifically in opposition charge the
Maharaja Hari Singh of acceding to India without taking into account popular wishes of the
majority. When they are in power or addressing a constituency in Jammu or making a larger
statement to India they credit Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for making Jammu and Kashmir a
part of India. In the latter case, the National Conference enlarges the debate to drive home a
point that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah emerged as the most important Muslim leader of the
subcontinent to defeated Mohammad Ali Jinnah's two nation theory. Rakesh Ankit in Pandit
Ramchandra Kak: The Forgotten Premier of Kashmir (Epilogue, April 2010) seem to have
brought to public knowledge few facts for the first time. Though the present essay does not
deal fully with all aspects of accession but your exclusive series with Rakesh Ankit on 'New
Research on Kashmir' is certainly a new well researched and much needed addition to the
public knowledge on history of Kashmir. We hope that this series continues for long and
unfolds many unknown aspects of those crucial and decisive years. After all what is happening
today in the region and in the larger question of India and Pakistan relations has its roots in
the developments you are discussing in this series.

AFTAB MIR
Srinagar

Budget Simplified! Don't Ignores Vital Issues

B efore 2007 I had no idea of how state budget is
formulated, what are key parameters, how money
is earned and distributed and why a common man
should at all be concerned about this technical thing.
It was in 2007 when I first read Prof Nisar Ali's analysis
of the budget in Epilogue and thought that it was
perhaps written for a person like me who is keen but
has no knowledge of state finances. Year after year
your coverage of budget has gone finer. As I read the
'Road to Recovery' Epilogue (April 2010) I have all
the details of state budget on my finger tips. There
are no technical terms. Every aspect of the budget
has been written in such a simplified manner as it
makes a good reading for a beginner. I hope this trend
is continued not only with budgets but also with all
the subjects you deal with.
JAVED AHMED
University of Kashmir
In recent two months, the politics remained
unusually eventful in Jammu and Kashmir. Once
again the Kashmir based arch rivals –the National
Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party –were
seen in consensus on issues which boil up sentiments
in Jammu region. Not only was the consensus
between these 'north pole-south pole', their stand
was also supported by the separatist Hurryiat
Conference. I am talking about the inter-district
recruitment bill and permanent residents'
disqualification bill. On such issues the media in
Jammu and Kashmir divide on the regional lines,
something which Epilogue never did. But we were
surprised to see that there was no coverage of these
issues at all. Editors should take note if such
important issues are left ignored by journals like
Epilogue, readers might not get to read a balanced
story at all.
RANJIT JAMWAL, ARSHAD HUSSAIN
Jammu

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

Letters 4
Readers Write

Epilogue has given

something to all of us to
feel proud of

W orld begins somewhere. It begins from

here- the land where we live. In this
case, it is Jammu and Kashmir. That is, from
ARUN JOSHI where a voyage for strategic journalism began.
Three years ago, Epilogue, hit stands, with
many skeptical minds questioning the wisdom
of talking in depth of the issues, for which the
readers didn't have time to read.
Still ruled by the colonial mindset, where
there is a quest to look for what West is saying
about our land, our people and our issues,
whether it concerned our political voices, and
economic development or otherwise, our
farming community or water. We tend to turn
to the western periodicals. And, whatever is
said by our people, enterprising youthful
minds, with fresh ideas, is seen something
without merit.
Epilogue has changed that.
First thing first, it has generated an
awareness among the people of this state,
often described in terms of – “ a disputed
territory”, “ nuclear flashpoint”, “ hotbed of
militancy”, “ beautiful but bloodied,” that
there was something more in it- both inside for
the residents to see and analyze. And for
outside world to view it differently. This
magazine has done that.
Undoubtedly, it is an achievement in
itself. It has given something to all of us to
feel proud of. It has infused a sense that it can
be done. Its editor, Zafar Choudhary , has set
a trend , in establishing a fact that the world
view is not in the think tanks or journals based
In Washington DC or London or Brussels. It is
here too, and even without the help of
borrowed magnifying glasses and thoughts
from the west – J&K has its own intellectual
capital. There is a need to see it. The pages of
Epilogue offer a plenty of that.

ARUN JOSHI
Deputy Editor, Hindustan Times

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 5 PROLOGUE
Inside the Mind of Pir Panchal
ZAFAR CHOUDHARY
L
ooking at Jammu and Kashmir in
bits and pieces divided on
linguistic, ethnic, cultural and
geographical lines will always
keep the pot boiling. With little
readjustment of emotional spaces the state
will have to get into a working operation of
single entity to reach a stage of stability
where conflict can be seen as thing of past.
However, achieving this homogeneity at the
cost of suppressing many identities for one
will always throw disastrous results. Instead
of breeding hatred and contempt between
identities we need to forge alliance
between them for which there is imminent
need of first understanding and then
respecting each identity and its aspirations.
In at least our four exclusively focused
issues in past three years we have argued
that Jammu and Kashmir is not ‘only
Kashmir’ as it is seen in the approaches
applied at national and international level
towards understanding of this conflict
riddled state. There are three historically,
geographically and culturally well defined
regions –Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Until
recently, the overall reference to Kashmir
would invite reaction from Jammu and
Ladakh as people there wanted to be heard
and known by their own identity. Last two
decades, therefore, saw emergence of
strong regional identity of Jammu and
Ladakh as people wanted and to some
extent got a seat at dialogue table, role in
www.epilogue.in
From the Editor
decision making process and share in resources.
Deficits –of logics and also of perceptions –are
still there and so are the movements at different
levels. Emergence of these regional identities,
instead of resolving any issue, has compounded
the understanding with further emergence of sub
regional identities from the margins. Kargil in
Ladakh region, Chenab Valley –comprising
districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban –and
Rajouri-Poonch sub-regions within Jammu region
are the case in point. As it unfolds in the
OCTOBER 2009
following pages, the twin border districts of
Rajouri and Poonch occupy a unique position in
Jammu and Kashmir. Studded with the Line of
Control along Pakistan administered Kashmir,
these districts despite being Muslim majority
refuse to be seen as part of a larger Kashmiri
identity. On the other hand they find very little in
aspirations and sentiments to share with the
Jammu based urban politics which is mostly seen
under the Hindu rightwing influence. While these
two districts have maintained a fair distance
from the core separatist politics despite the fact NOVEMBER 2007
that nearly half of Muslim families there have a
sibling in the Pakistan administered Kashmir,
militancy too in this region could not take firm
roots as it did in Kashmir Valley. In context of
present political scenario, gradually, Rajouri and
Poonch districts have established an identity of
their own. The present issues looks into some
aspects of this regional identity with a scholarly
approach.
Feedback :
zafarchoudhary@epilogue.in
MAY 2008
Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010
COLUMN 6
Indo-Pak Dialogue

DATELINE: India-Pakistan
The nitty-gritty details of my dream

MANISHA SOBHRAJANI

It would be naive to assume that the transformation of the 'state of Jammu & Kashmir' into the 'Kashmir
issue' happened once India was divided into India and Pakistan. The troubled history of the region dates
back to a time much beyond the Partition. However, the 'love-hate triangle' of India, Pakistan and Kashmir
was born the minute there was talk of Partition. Let us briefly go through the events since.

nThe British, before making their exit from the Indian

WULAR BARRAGE is a
Kashmir Water Storage
dispute (Under IWT)
between India & Pakistan
SIR GREEK is a boundary
issue between India &
Pakistan along Indian State
of Gujarat & Pakistani
province of Sindh PM
empire, divided it into 'Hindu' India and 'Muslim' Pakistan,
a move which led to one of the most gruesome incidents
of migration and partition in modern history in the year
1947.
nIn 1947/48, the two newly created nations go to war over
Kashmir, ultimately leading to UN intervention. A
ceasefire was regimented, resulting in the division of
Jammu & Kashmir into Indian and Pakistan administered
Kashmirs. Orders were issued to carry out a plebiscite to
ascertain whether the people of Jammu and Kashmir
wanted to be a part of India or Pakistan. The plebiscite,
however, still remains elusive.
n1965 saw the second war over Kashmir, and the UN again
had to call for ceasefire.
nPakistan and India went to war for a third time, resulting
in the creation of Bangladesh, in 1971.
nThe Simla Agreement was signed in 1972 between
Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Indian
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
nIn 1974, India ignites its first nuclear device.
nTrouble starts brewing in 1989 with separatist revolt in
Indian Kashmir.
nIndia conducts nuclear tests in 1998, followed by
Pakistan.
nThe Lahore summit takes place in 1999 between Indian
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistani Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif.
nThe 1999 Kargil war takes place.
nThe Agra Summit between Pakistani President General
Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee
takes place in 2000, which does not result in any signifi-
cant development.

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 7 column
Indo-Pak Dialogue

nIn 2001, the Indian Parliament is attacked by militants.

VAJPAYEE AND MUSHARRAF
met in Agra on July 15, 2000.
Talks failed but note without
making a symbolic importance
CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT
between India & Pakistan on
Line of Control is a best
kept Confidence Building
Measure despite aberrations
India blames Pakistan-based Kashmiri separatist groups
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). A
war-like situation prevails in both countries, and armies
are mobilised on either side of the border. War is
averted almost 6 months later, in 2002.
nA ceasefire agreement takes place between India and
Pakistan on the Line of Control in 2003, followed by a for-
mal peace process in 2004.
nIn 2006, a series of seven bomb blasts take place over a
period of 11 minutes on the Suburban Railways in Mumbai.
nIn 2007, bombs go off in two carriages of the Samjhauta
Express -- a twice-weekly train service connecting Delhi
and Lahore.
nThe Mumbai multiple terror attacks in 2008 again lead to a
war-like situation between the two countries.
nIn 2009, Pakistan admits, after much pressure, that the
Mumbai attacks were planned in Pakistan. Later in the
year, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani
President Asif Ali Zardari meet on the sidelines of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Russia.
India and Pakistan agree to work together to fight terror-
ism. However, Prime Minister Singh, after talks with
Pakistani counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani in Egypt, rules out
a resumption of the 'composite dialogue'.
nIn 2010, the two countries exchange fire across the bor-
der, creating a tense atmosphere. Later, a bomb explodes
in a bakery in Pune.

In the 'Conflict Transformation and Peace-building' arena, we are often asked to do a hypothetical exercise
where we are encouraged to predict where two warring parties might stand, say, 20 years from their
current position. The trick is to jump straightaway 20 years hence, and then take 20 steps backwards, in
terms of trying to ascertain what the two parties might do every year to get to their ultimate goal (of where
they might be 20 years later). Let us try to attempt this in the case of India and Pakistan.

n2030: The state of Jammu & Kashmir is one of the best pre-
vailing tourism spots in South Asia, jointly managed by
India and Pakistan—the LoC serving as some kind of a per-
manent demarcation between territories administered
by the two countries. The people of the two territories
have access to the entire region without the hassle of for-
mal travel documents.
n2028: The two countries come to an agreement on Sir
Creek.
n2026: Water issues between India and Pakistan are
resolved to the satisfaction of both.
n2024: Wullar Barrage dam provides water energy not just
to Indian-administered-Kashmir but also to Pak-
administered-Kashmir.

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

column 8
Indo-Pak Dialogue

n 2022: Siachen ceases to be

the world's highest battle-
ground.
n 2020: Discussions around the
actual issue of Kashmir lead
to step-by-step solutions in
terms of territories, both
common and individual.
n 2018: The Mughal road, by
now fully functional, aids
and sustains dialogue.
n 2016: Intra-Kashmir bus ser-
vices and trade routes are
exemplary.
n 2014: Both countries elimi-
nate all formulas towards
the resolution of the
Kashmir issue not accept-
able to each other.
n 2012: India and Pakistan
agree on terrorism and
Kashmir as the two main
areas of trepidation
between them.
n 2010: The two countries
resume dialogue—whether
c o m p o s i t e o r o t h e r- PRIME MINISTERS Manmohan Singh and Yousaf Raza Gilani have been shaking hands at
International forums but a one-to-one meeting is a long pending desire
wise—and take up every
opportunity that comes
their way to 'talk', whether
at the Foreign Secretaries'
level or Prime Minsters'
level. India, on its part, for-
goes any assumptions of
being 'holier than thou', and
GRAPHIX

Pakistan stops pretending

the world can't see what it
does! Kashmiris, on their
part, accept the fact that
their future is inter-related
to the relationship between
the two countries, and do
whatever they can to aid dia-
logue.
Wishful thinking? I am certain
it is not! I implore leaders of all
three parties—India, Pakistan and
Kashmir—to come together and
work out the nitty-gritty details of
my dream.

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 9 current Affairs
Education-Politics

Needed Ethnic VCs

for J&K's Universities?
EPILOGUE CORRESPONDENT

Identifying people by their religions, castes and places of births has always been a taboo at the
Epilogue but this detail is being painfully compiled in context of recent debate as who should
administer the Universities in Jammu and Kashmir.

I n the urban areas of Jammu region
the elitist debate is centered on the
grouse that three important
Universities in the region are being
repeatedly put under the stewardship
of non-locals –which means people not
born in Jammu and this term also
includes those belonging to the Kashmir
Valley. Prof Varun Varun Sahni from
Delhi is currently Vice Chancellor of the
University of Jammu, Prof B Mishra is
heading the local Agricultural
University, Prof PNK Bamezai, a
Kashmiri Pandit is new Vice Chancellor
of Mata Vaishno Devi University. A for-
mer top Police Officer Masud
Chaudhary, a Gujjar from Poonch, is the
Vice Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah
Badshah University based at Rajouri but
that region (Rajouri-Poonch), ironically,
has rarely been part of any debate in
Jammu.
The immediate trigger in the case
is the impending appointment of the
Vice Chancellor of yet-to-come-up
Central University of Jammu. A Central
University, along with an IIM, was sanc-
tioned by the UPA-I but it could not roll
out in 2009 due the regional politics on
location of University. Initial indications
suggested that University was coming
up in Kashmir after a Kashmiri academi-
cian, Prof Abdul Waheed Qureshi, was
appointed as Vice Chancellor and he set
up temporary office in Srinagar. Several
Jammu based political parties and other
organizations, actively backed by BJP,
wanted Central University to be estab-
lished in Jammu at any cost.
Shutdowns, protests and demonstra-
tions followed. Congress, a part of the
ruling alliance in state and an ace com-
While in political circles the debate on
appointment of Vice Chancellors veers
around the domicile and ethnic
considerations, in academic circles it
goes much beyond that. Is Jammu and
Kashmir a 'colony' of Jawaharlal Nehru
University? This is the question
dominating select academic circles. The
present Vice Chancellors of four of the
seven Universities have their academic
backgrounds linked to the Jawaharlal
Nehru University
petitor of BJP in local political scene
saw the ground slipping and put its
weight behind the row. In summer 2009,
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led a cabi-
net delegation to the Prime Minister and
surrendered the IIM for another Central
University to be established in Jammu. A
bad deal, indeed! In a regionally and eth-
nically polarized state, the decision was
celebrated in Jammu as a great victory
–second highest moment of glory after
the 2008 Amarnath temple land row.
Now when names are being
screened for appointment of the Vice
Chancellor for Central University of
Jammu, there is a fresh round of anger
and anxiety in the town as media specu-
lations are zeroing in on Prof Amitabh
Matoo of Jawaharlal Nehru University, a
Kashmiri Pandit who headed the
University of Jammu between 2002 and
2008. A section of press in Jammu is
replete with opinionated columns on
front pages strongly batting for a Dogra
academician to head the Central
University. No names have, however,
been suggested for the post. While
reputed academicians are critical of
such demands as they fear trivialization
and petty regionalization of the insti-
tutes of higher learning, this feature is
not very unique to Jammu region. It was
not long ago when a distinguished aca-
demician and administrator Prof Jalees
Ahmed Khan Tareen was shooed away
from the University of Kashmir for being
non Kashmiri. Prof Tareen, now Vice
Chancellor of Puducherry University,
was sent packing at a time when the
choice of his successor was not clear in
mind. Between 2000 and 2004, a
seniormost teacher at the campus Prof

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

current affairs 10
Education-Politics

Abdul Waheed Qureshi func- A section of press in Jammu is replete

tioned as 'acting' Vice
Chancellor at various occa-
with opinionated columns mostly on
front pages strongly batting for a Dogra
Now Know
sions before he was formally academician to head the Central UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR
designated as Vice
Chancellor in 2004 and held
the Chair until 2008. Prof
University. No names have, however,
been suggested for the post. While P ROF REYAZ PUNJABI: An
ethnic Kashmiri, he
studied and taught at
reputed academicians are critical of
Riyaz Punjabi, another such demands as they fear trivialization University of Kashmir before
native Kashmiri, succeeded moving to Jawaharlal Nehru
and petty regionalization of the University. Doctorate in Law
Qureshi who is now first Vice
institutes of higher learning, such and expert on International
Chancellor of the Central
demand is not unique to Jammu Peace and Conflict Studies
University of Kashmir.
he is also a visiting Professor
At seven Universities
and fellow in Jamia Millia
functioning in Jammu and Kashmir, Vice Chancellors of three are not Islamia, Indian Institute of
from the state, two are headed by Kashmiri Muslims, one by a Kashmiri Advance Study and Centre
Pandit, one by a Gujjar Muslim and one by a Delhiite. Three of the for South Asian Studies
seven Universities are relatively new. The two Agricultural Universities Switzerland.
have mostly been dominated by non-local Vice Chancellors while the Predecessors: Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi
two main Universities –the University of Kashmir and University of (Kashmiri), Prof Jalees AK Tareen
Jammu –have had most of their Vice Chancellors local academicians (Karnataka)
except some initial years in University of Kashmir when distinguished
people like KM Panicker and TM Advani topped the charts. UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU
Unfortunately, the obtaining academic and research environment of
the Universities during tenures of different Vice Chancellors hardly
becoming part of the debates dominated by 'who was born where and
P ROF VARUN SAHNI: A
Hindu from Delhi, is an
author of at least 75 reach
what language he spoke issue'. articles in highly acclaimed
While in political circles the debate on appointment of Vice journals and books. Editor of
Chancellors veers around the domicile and ethnic considerations, in South Asian Survey he taught
academic circles it goes much beyond that. Is Jammu and Kashmir a at JNU and lectured at
'colony' of Jawaharlal Nehru University? This is the question dominating National Defence College,
Foreign Service Institute,
select academic circles. The present Vice Chancellors of four of the
College of Naval Warfare,
seven Universities have their academic backgrounds linked to the
Mumbai; Army War College,
Jawaharlal Nehru University. Questions like JNU background or Mhow; Royal Naval Staff
regional and ethnic identities are increasingly becoming parts of dis- College, Greenwich;
cussions as locals eye the top positions. One important issue which is Australian Defence College,
not being questioned or answered in any of such debates is who many Canberra Royal Australian
academicians or scholars the Universities in Jammu and Kashmir pro- Naval College, Jervis Bay;
duced who made a mark at and the LBSNAA. He has
the national level. There are held visiting
It was not long ago when a distinguished fellowships/professorships at
only few who can be counted
academician and administrator Prof Sandia National
on fingers and most of them
have already got the rewards
Jalees Ahmed Khan Tareen was shooed Laboratories, Albuquerque,
away from the University of Kashmir for New Mexico (1997), CIDE,
they deserved. What Jammu Mexico City (1997-1999)
and Kashmir ideally needs is being non Kashmiri. Prof Tareen, now
National Defense University,
a discussion on why the local Vice Chancellor of Puducherry Washington DC and the Asia
talent is not reaching the University, was sent packing at a time Pacific College of Diplomacy.
national horizons of aca- when the choice of his successor was Predecessors: Amitabh Mattoo (Kashmiri
demic excellence. not clear in mind Pandit), RR Sharma (a Dogra from Jammu)

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 11 current Affairs
Education-Politics

Them By Castes
ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
P ROF SIDDIQ WAHID: A Shia Muslim
from Leh (not Kargil), his family
lived in Kashmir and he studied and
taught mostly in US and Europe before
taking this assignment. Holding an
M.B.A. and a Ph.D. from Harvard in
Inner Asian and Altaic history, Wahid is
a much sought after public lecturer on
peacemaking, Kashmir and Muslim
world.
Predecessors: Incumbent is founder Vice Chancellor
since 2004
SKUAST-KASHMIR
BABA GHULAM SHAH BADSHAH
UNIVERSITY
M asud Chaudhary: A Gujjar
Muslim from Poonch, he was
Additional Director General of J&K
Police when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed
government appointed him as Project
Director and CEO. Upon retirement
from Police the same year he was
elevated as Vice Chancellor. An alumni
of Aligarh Muslim University, he set a
rare example of bringing up the poorly
funded University in competition with
many in league of best.
Predecessor: the incumbent is founder Vice
Chancellor since 2004

P rof ANWAR ALAM: A Muslim from

Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, he is
an outsider for Kashmir but never
faced any criticism for his domicile. A
doctorate in 1972 from University of
Illinois, Urbana–Champing, USA and D.
Sc (Honoris Causa) in 1999 from
Chander Shekhar Azad University of
Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur,
worked in US for four years and also
remained Chief Technical Adviser FAO.
Predecessors: Prof MY Kamal (Delhi), Prof Dar
(Kashmir)
SKUAST-JAMMU
SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI
UNIVERSITY
P rof RNK BAMEZAI: A Kashmiri
Pandit, is a Doctorate in Human
Genetics and worked at National
Centre of Applied Genetics, School of
Life Sciences, JNU. He is credited
with more than 29 years' experience
of teaching and guiding research in
various Universities in the country
and has trained more than 300
researchers in the past seven years

D r B Mishra: A Hindu from Benaras

in Uttar Pradesh, he is a famous
rice and wheat breeder. He headed
in the area of Human Genetics and
Genomics. He has also lectured at
various Universities abroad and
the Directorate of Rice Research
authored nearly a hundred research
(DRR), Hyderabad and Directorate of
papers published in eminent
Wheat Research (DWR), Karnal - the
journals within and outside the
two most important crops, rice and
country.
wheat, contributing more than 75 % to
National Food basket. He was National Predecessor: Prof NK Bansal, Prof Chattoo (a
rice and wheat research programme Kashmiri Pandit)
leader for more than eight years.
Predecessors: Nagendra Sharma (Bihar),
Hashmatullah Khan (Kashmiri civil servant)

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

current affairs 12
Education-Politics

Please don't ask

teacher his caste
ANMOL SHARMA

Theatrics in the local news has sadly started once again. The circus this time will be performed by
unschooled creatures and the uneasiness here is that it will be as outrageous as the “Magic Show” held
recently in a broken movie theater of Jammu. But one thing is sure that it is going to be a typical case
of comedy of errors because something that will be put on show which is completely alien even to
them. The analogy here is the slang of pseudo-literate individuals about extremely delicate subject
like manner and system of learning in the upcoming Central University of Jammu.

I f any such doubt would have been
expressed by academicians from
Jammu that a non Dogra Vice
Chancellor is incompetent in merits to
perform, then things would have been
comprehensible. But such speeches
from the mouths of ordinary politicians
and people who have no acquaintance
with academics is both weird and
bizarre. Irony does not stop here. There
are also some academicians and watch-
dogs of public affairs seeking privileged
entry in the fourth estate sharpening
the debate for a Dogra Vice Chancellor.
It is an interesting debate minus the fact
that they are not dropping any guess on
choices.
Would not it have been appropri-
ate for people who are against Non-
Dogra as VC to have also suggested the
name or names of few individuals who
they suppose are better suited than any
other professor in India. I say this
because the prime consideration for any
well wisher of students is that the best
individual should be managing this pre-
mier institution. There can, of course,
be better persons than the one being
tipped to take over the Vice Chancellor.
Isn't it time to unveil their names to help
the selectors with choices? Don't we
desire only one thing from the selectors
that only best faculty should tutor a
Jammuite? Is this not good enough that
only the best should teach us?
Moreover, the matchless wisdom
rooted in our Holiest scriptures like
Srimad Bhagvatam and Ramayana is
that Guru should be peerless and expert
in his field. This has repeatedly been
declared as the only criteria and there is
no other parameter apart from this. The
glorious Saint Kabir has also spoken in a
similar comportment when he sang
“Jaat na pucho sadh ki, pucho sadh ka
gyan, mol karo talwar, padi rahen do
mayan.” His forceful declaration to all
and sundry is, please do not ask the
teacher his caste, (or his place of birth
in this case) just be his obedient stu-
dent. So in other words Saint Kabir also
forbids us not to display the height of
stupidity by asking a teacher a question
like, Are you from Jammu? By demand-
ing that only Dogra should teach in CU is
in fact going quite opposite to the wis-
dom of Kabir Das.
Education is such a treasure that
Lord Rama directed his younger brother
Lakshman to go and learn wisdom by sit-
ting near the feet of Ravana. What more
can be said about the philosophy of
Education. If we can learn something
good from anybody then even a prosti-
tute can be accepted as a Guru like
ancient Sage Dattatreya did, whose pre-
historic temple is located in our very
own circular road!
The greatest spiritualist of Hindus
Sage Shukdev Goswami advised King
Parikshit that one should learn only
from an exalted soul even if he very
much ridicules you. On the other hand
we in Jammu instead of hailing, are ridi-
culing any eminent scholar of national
fame who is willing to come to Jammu
and impart knowledge at our door steps.
What can be more unfortunate for us
and what a pity that we think like this?
Of course, a Dogra academician
rising to the high position of Vice
Chancellor of a Central University will
bring a sense of highest pride and hon-
our to this land of Dogra but the way this
case is being presented on the 'sole basis
if ethnicity' reflects our intellectual
bankruptcy. Isn't it? Since a couple of
newspapers speculated the names of
Amitabh Mattoo and Siddiq Waheed,
there is a whole gung-ho against them.

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 13 current Affairs
Education-Politics

Why oppose two particular academi- Mr VC, ARE YOU FROM JAMMU?
cians? Why not propose the alternate
names.
ome of these phony people who are
Sant Kabir's forceful declaration to all
and sundry is, please do not ask the
teacher his caste, (or his place of birth
Epilogue
because there is more to know
doing interviews in the press supporting
in this case) just be his obedient
a dogra VC have themselves studied out
student. So in other words Saint Kabir
of the Jammu and their children have Regional in Content
also done their education from outside.
also forbids us not to display the height
of stupidity by asking a teacher a National in Presence
So why are they denying the students of
far off places who manage to enter CU question like, Are you from Jammu Ask for your copy at :
the privilege of being trained by a per- ?
Abhijeet Sagar Book Center
To ask a bitter question then what
son who has national/international Pune,
is the standard of Jammu University
expertise in his field. The focal idea MAHARASHTRA
compared at National level? What is the
behind the inception of these universi- ?
American Book Center
level of research done in the Physics,
ties was that they will entertain inter- Anna Salai, Chennai
Mathematics, Law Departments? Where TAMIL NADU
national faculty as well as international
everyone passes the exam after fixing ?
B N Dey & Co.
under-grads/grads students who aspire
the result in re-evaluation? Are students Pan Bazaar, Guwahati
specialized schooling.
from SMVDU (Headed by non-dogra VC) ASSAM
The whole idea of a desi Rector or ?
Deepak Kumar
not better placed than students from
chief executive for CU will keep on Magazine Agents, Patna
JU?
short-circuiting this principle value and BIHAR
Reasoning would have been in the
goal behind this Institute. The person ?
Dey & Bose Magazine Agent
fact that only academicians who are Howrah,
who is shouting the loudest in the melee
like swans (Hans) be left to do the job WEST BENGAL
of dogra as VC of CU has ironically for-
that they know best and for the rest of ?
Ideal Books
gotten that he himself was not a student Tutors Line, Trissur
owls and crows the saying of the leg-
of Jammu University when the same KERALA
end Socrates is apt when he says, “Na-
course which he studied outside was ?
JMD Book House
ture has given us two ears, two eyes,
available in J&K at that time. Shimla
and but one tongue, to the end that we
Just for arguments sake, if today HIMACHAL PRADESH
should hear and see more than we ?
Life Book House
suppose IIT is planned to be opened in
speak.” Himidira Road Bhopal
Jammu will they also then insist that
MADHYA PRADESH
some person from ITI, Vikram Chowk, be ?
Modern Book House
made its head? I believe it would be com- PROPOSE, DON'T OPPOSE NAMES Lucknow,
plete madness even to think like that!! Of course, a Dogra academician rising to UTTAR PRADESH
I only thank my stars that AIIMS like ?
Rajesh Agencies
the high position of Vice Chancellor of a Jaipur
institute failed to come up in Jammu.
Central University will bring a sense of RAJASTHAN
Otherwise they would have also
demanded that only Jammu Doctors highest pride and honour to this land of ?
Shams News Agency
Farmanwadi, Hyderabad
should be appointed and Gods knows Dogra but the way this case is being
ANDHRA PRADESH
what kind of standard of that Jammu presented on the 'sole basis if ethnicity' ?
Uniquality News Agency
AIIMS would have been then. All those reflects our intellectual bankruptcy. Isn't Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneshwar
who demand that Desi VC should be it? Since a couple of newspapers ORISSA
there must on principle declare that
speculated the names of Amitabh Mattoo India Book House, MUMBAI
they will bind themselves to be (mis)
treated in GMC by desi-doctors only and
and Siddiq Waheed, there is a whole Oxford Book Stores
will never go outside the state in crisis gung-ho against them. Why oppose two NEW DELHI, MUMBAI, KOLKATTA,
as on the principle of parity they mean particular academicians? Why not CHENNAI, BANGALORE & GOA
the same. propose the alternate names. Central News Agency, NEW DELHI

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

In focus 14
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

Who Patronises Caste

Politics in Rajouri, Poonch
By offering petty largesse to local legislators,
NC and Congress have systematically kept this
region unrepresented in Cabinet for last 10 years

ZAFAR CHOUDHARY

Within the definition of 'mainstream' if you are looking for best examples of participatory,
competitive and truly democratic politics in Jammu and Kashmir, the twin border districts of Rajouri
and Poonch, perhaps, offer an excellent example. If castes were not a factor, Rajouri and Poonch
would have offered best examples of secular politics as well but such a possibility is remote. Even if
people burry the caste hatchet the political parties –particularly National Conference and Congress
–would never let them do.

A
mix of different identities
and cultures, the political
landscape, particularly the
electoral politics, of Rajouri
and Poonch has always
remained different from any other part
of Jammu and Kashmir. Elections have
never been unusually rigged here and
the poll percentage has often registered
much higher than the state average.
Consisting of seven assembly constitu-
encies, this Muslim majority region
never allowed the separatist politics to
creep in in any form. A part of larger defi-
nition of Jammu region, Rajouri-Poonch
have always rejected the religious fac-
tor in politics as it prevails in the plains
of Jammu where the discourse often
veers around Jammu versus Kashmir to
touch down an obvious undercurrent of
Hindu versus Muslim. The twin districts
have mixed population of Hindus and
Muslims even as Muslims further stand
bitterly divided along castes and lan-
guages. It is this division between
Muslims –Gujjars and Paharis –which
offers fodder to the political parties.
These two communities differ from
each other on a range of issues and the
political parties in power often offer
doles to keep both in good humour. As
bitterness between Gujjars and Paharis
grows over the years, the political par-
ties have walked an extra mile to catch
hold of the either community. In this
reach out drive from time to time, indi-
viduals have benefitted greatly while
the plight of common peoples has not
improved much. The region therefore
remains one of the most backward –edu-
cationally, socially and economically –in
the state.
Rajouri-Poonch is perhaps one and
the only region in the state which has
always remained under-represented,
sometimes not represented at all, in the
decision making process even as these
two districts constitute the safe pocket
boroughs of the ruling parties. National
Conference has its deep roots in the
region and Congress as its traditional
competitor until Peoples Democratic
Party of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed made
inroads. There were times getting
National Conference for assembly elec-
tions would in itself be taken as a vic-
tory and the voting a mere formality.
Such was the influence of National
Conference and following of Sheikh
Mohammad Abdullah in the region. The
Congress later made steady inroads and
became a main competitor of the
National Conference. In 1957 elections
when there were only five constituen-
cies, the National Conference bagged
four while one –Nowshera –went to the
Congress. However, in 1962 elections all
five seats went to the NC basket. Since
1967 and 72 elections were all Congress
affairs while Sheikh Mohammad
Abdullah was in jail, National
Conference bagged one of the five seats
–Darhal –in 1972. In a discredited poll
history of Jammu and Kashmir before
2002 elections, the 1977 elections were
regarded as the best of the times. That
year, with addition of one more constit-
uency, NC won two seats, three went to
Congress and one to an independent. In
the bitterly fought elections of 1983
when National Conference was almost

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 15 In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

To keep its Gujjar constituency happy the Congress from the region Chowdhary Mohammad
installed veteran leader Choudhary Mohammad Aslam as Hussain and a new comer Mushtaq
leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Assembly. Ahmed Bukhari as Ministers of State but
Shabir Ahmed Khan was inducted as Minister of State to that was largely seen in the region as an
keep Paharis represented in the Council of Ministers. insult.
Congress also bagged the office of Gujjar Advisory Board In 2002, the National Conference
tally remained intact but the party had
and appointed Bashir Ahmed Naaz as its Vice Chairman to
lost power to a ragtag coalition of
send across a message in the region that party is sensitive
Peoples Democratic Party and Congress.
about Gujjars. Naaz had lost 2008 elections to Ajaz Jan of
This was the time for most of its hurt
National Conference in Poonch constituency.
leaders to say enough is enough and
switch sides to other parties. In these
With Congress's suddenly growing love for Gujjars, National elections, the NC had bagged five seats,
Conference jumped in to own up the Paharis. It was widely Congress one and one went to an inde-
expected that Vice Chairmanship of Pahari Advisory Board pendent. The Congress won over the
might go to Kafil-ur-Rehman, a legislator from Karnah, for lone independent candidate and then
giving representation to Kupwara district but Omar inducted both its legislators as Ministers
Abdullah picked up Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari for the post. of State. Another leader from the region
Bukhari had lost 2002 elections to Choudhary Mohammad –Shabir Ahmed Khan –was appointed as
Aslam of Congress in Surankote constituency. Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board for
Pahari Speaking People, a post equiva-
routed out in Jammu region, the party –Mohammad Sharief Tariq and Nisar lent in status and rank of a Minister of
had two face savers from Rajouri- Ahmed Khan –as Ministers of State. Two State.
Poonch. In 1987, NC bagged two seats years later they were elevated to the Latest elections of 2008 have
from the region, Congress walked away rank of Cabinet Minister but only to be returned the National Conference with
with three and one went to an inde- sacked disgracefully in year 2000. Close lowest ever tally of three. Two seats
pendent. The Congress was quick to to elections, Dr Farooq Abdullah have been bagged by the Congress and
decode the message and it inducted two inducted party's senior-most leader the remaining two by the Peoples
of them as Cabinet Ministers with
important portfolios and third one was Choudhary Zulfikar Ali and Sardar Rafiq Hussain Khan won
made Speaker of the Legislative 2008 elections from Darhal and Surankote constituencies
Assembly. Perhaps this was the time respectively on Peoples Democratic Party ticket. Both these
that initiated the process of erosion of
constituencies have remained a traditional bastion of the
the base of National Conference in this
National Conference. Zulfikar's father Choudhary
region. In 1996, National Conference
Mohammad Hussain represented Darhal in 1967 through
won five seats from the region and
Congress got two. NC formed govern-
1996, barring two exceptions. PDP's presence in Rajouri and
ment while Congress returned to oppo-
Poonch is a sign of trouble for National Conference but the
sition with only eight seats in its kitty. party is going overboard with caste and not specific public
Despite being in opposition, Rajouri- welfare measures.
Poonch again figured prominently in
Congress scheme of things as the partly Since year 2000 there has been no representation from
installed one of its two legislators from Rajouri-Poonch in the state Cabinet. Between 2002 and
the region as its Chief Whip in the 2008 elections, two legislators were with the ruling
assembly. National Conference again alliance. Both were inducted as Ministers of State and none
misread the message. In return of five could make to the Cabinet. Both were dropped in November
seats it bagged from the region, the 2005 and only one of them returned the next year again as
party inducted two legislators Minister of State.

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In focus 16
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

MLA Kalakote Rashpal Singh, a Rajput fitting in the identity of 2008 elections in Surankote constitu-
Pahari, was picked up by Omar Abdullah for the post of Vice ency, has been appointed as Vice
Chairman of Kissan Board –an office created on the same Chairman of the Advisory Board for
day when Rashpal was appointed its head with status of Pahari Speaking People while Kunwar
Minister of State. Since Congress had given representation Rashpal Singh, MLA from Kalakote, was
appointed Vice Chairman of Kissan
to two Gujjars in the region, NC toyed with this creative idea
Board, a new office created for welfare
as a caste balancing act.
of farmers. Now Congress is harping on
its Gujjar card and the National
Jahangir Mir, Ravinder Sharma of Congress and MR Qureshi
Conference is going full throttle to con-
of National Conference are three Members of the solidate the Pahari speaking constitu-
Legislative Council from Rajouri and Poonch at present. Mir ency. Both parties have been able to
of Poonch was promised this seat in the Upper House in play their cards well at the cost of the
2008 to surrender election ticket in favour of Bashir Ahmed people of Rajouri-Poonch. Individuals
Naaz in Poonch constituency. Ravinder Sharma, a Brahmin have benefitted from NC's and
from Sunderbani is also a Pahari leader. Congress's new penchant for Paharis and
Gujjars and the region is against thrown
Democratic Party. This time the ruling –and appointed him as Vice Chairman of outside the decision making process.
alliance is a partnership between the Advisory Board for Development of Selective largesse offered to few lead-
Congress and the National Conference. Gujjars, a post equivalent to a Minister ers has clearly suggested that no legisla-
Congress picked up its senior-most of State in status and rank. tor from Rajouri or Poonch is likely to
leader from the region Choudhary This came in as knee jerk reaction make to the Cabinet in the present gov-
Mohammad Aslam, who won from for National Conference. Instead of mak- ernment.
Surankote constituency and installed ing efforts at removing caste from poli- Meanwhile, the murky battle
him as leaders of its Legislature Party in tics, as one would have expected from a between Gujjars and Paharis has been
the assembly. Though people had young and western educated leader like left to them as keeping this caste con-
expected a ministerial berth for him but Omar Abdullah, the National flict alive between the communities
since party is encouraging young blood, Conference went on with a balancing helps the parties. The main contention
the CLP leadership is an honour for act. To outsmart Congress, Omar between the Gujjars and Paharis is the
Aslam. Its other winner from the region, Abdullah picked not one but two Pahari Scheduled Tribe state on which both
Shabir Ahmed Khan has been inducted leaders for appointments to the posts groups continue to fight against each
as a Minister of State with an array of carrying status and rank of a Minister of other under the larger political patron-
departments under his charge. National State. Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, who lost age.
Conference again missed the message
only to late react in a hasty manner. After 2008 elections, five of the seven legislators are part
As long as it was about giving rep-
of ruling coalition but none of them in Cabinet. There is only
resentation to the region in decision
one Minister of State from the region and three other
making process, the Congress went slow
leaders hold the rank and status of a Minister of State. The
and the National Conference just slept
over things until the Gujjar Pahari fac-
MoS Shabir Ahmed is a Pahari and belongs to Congress
tor hit the politics. It was at the time of
distribution of non-ministerial posts Take example of Ladakh: Of four seats in the region, three
between alliance partners, Congress were with ruling alliance between 2002 and 2008 and two
and National Conference, that the caste of them were Cabinet Ministers. In 2008, again three have
factor in politics of Rajouri-Poonch sud- returned in the ruling alliance and two of them are again
denly assumed prominence. The Cabinet Ministers with important departments of Tourism,
Congress picked up a Gujjar from Culture; Consumer Affairs and Public Disbursement and
Poonch –Chowdhary Bashir Ahmed Naaz Transport.

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 17 In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

RAJOURI & POONCH:

Facing the Challenges Ahead

K.D. MAINI

The twin districts Rajouri and Poonch fall in Pir Panchal belt of Jammu province. This is an important
mountainous range which bifurcates the valley of Kashmir from the Jammu province. Stein, the
commentator of Raj Tringani defined Pir Panchal track as a region located between the rivers Jehlum
and Chenab in the southern and south-western slopes of this region, which starts from Banihal Pass
and comprise of Rajouri, Budhal, Poonch on India side of LOC and Kotli, Rawalakote and Bagh on the
other side of the LOC. The 223 kilometer long LOC touches the boundaries of Sunderbani, Nowshera,
Rajouri and Manjakote blocks of Rajouri district and Balakote, Mendhar, Poonch and Mandi blocks of
Poonch district.

P resently these twin districts of Pir
Panchal track on Indian side of
LOC comprise of one Municipal
Council at Poonch, six notified area com-
mittees, 13 community development
blocks and 563 villages. This track is
located on extreme border in the tail
end of Jammu province. Most of the
area is cut off, mountainous and inac-
cessible. Very meager infrastructural
facilities are available in this belt. Due
to disadvantages caused by geograph-
ical conditions, existence on line of
actual control, continuous cross firing
and shelling across the border for about
8 years far away from power centres;
and negligible representation in the
political scenario and administrative
setup of J&K state, the people of these
border districts turn economically back-
ward where 46% population is still living
below the poverty line. 49% families are
without power, 23% souls are without
drinking water facilities, 73% families
are residing in Kachha houses, 79% are
without flush latrines, 29% villages are
yet to be connected with roads, 43000
educated unemployed are wandering in
search of jobs. There is no medium or
large scale industrial unit, no hydel pro-
ject, commercial avenues are very lim-
ited. There is less than 1% representa-
tion in secretariat. No air link, no ATM
and no rail link services are available in
this track. The condition of only link
road leading towards Jammu worsened
for about last ten years. There are 62%
Muslim families which are divided due
to establishment of Line of Control. This
scenario had turned the people of this
district economically and educationally
backward.
As per the revenue record, the
total area of Poonch-Rajouri districts is
4304 sq. kilometer while the projected
population for the year 2009 is 10.63
lacs. As per the census 2001, the popu-
lation of Rajouri district was 4.83 lacs,
out of which 4.49 lacs were residing in
rural areas while 0.34 lacs in the urban
areas. There were 0.38 lacs Scheduled
Casts and 1.67 lacs Schedule Tribe popu-
lation in the district. The district was
represented by 60.23% Muslims, 37.28%
Hindus, 2.24% Sikhs, 0.02% Budhists,
0.04% Christians and 0.03% others. The
total population of Poonch district was
3.73 lacs out of which 41% were
Schedule Tribe, 52% were Paharis and 7%
were Kashmiris while 87% were Muslims,
7% Hindus and 6% Sikhs. Hindus were
dominating in Tehsil Nowshera,
Sunderbani and Kalakote of district
Rajouri while Muslim population was in
majority in all the tehsils of Poonch dis-
tricts apart from tehsil Thanamandi,
Budhal and Rajouri of Rajouri district. In
Poonch district before independence
almost all the villages were having some
minority population, however due to
the happenings of 1947, 1965, 1971 and
proxy war from 1989 onward, the minor-
ity population gradually migrated to
other parts of the country and presently
the Hindus and Sikhs are concentrated
in Poonch, Surankote and Mendhar
towns and eleven surrounding villages.
The twin districts Rajouri and
Poonch are dominated by 93% Gujjar-
Bakerwal tribes and Pahari speaking peo-
ple including Hindus and Sikhs while 7%
Kashmiri speaking population inhabiting
in those villages which are nearer to the
Kashmir valley. The historic back-

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
grounds, cultural aspects, dresses,
diets, languages, habits, life style, eco-
nomic conditions, miseries and prob-
lems of the people of this belt are very
distinct as compared to the other dis-
tricts of the Jammu province. In spite of
sufferings and repeated disturbances,
surprisingly, the people of this region
had maintained communal harmony and
peaceful atmosphere. The traditions of
composite cultural heritage and secular
outlook have traveled with the history.
The brotherhood of the people of
Poonch and Rajouri is taller than the
mountains surrounding this belt. The
ties of communal harmony, friendly rela-
tions and tolerance survived in very odd
events of the history. The people of vari-
ous religions, races and sections have a
long tradition of restrain and respect of
each other.
RAJOURI
Before 26th October 1846, Rajouri
remained the principality of Jaral
Muslim Rajas for about 700 years. These
Rajas were secular and accommoda-
tive. The forces of Jaral Rajas were com-
prised of Hindu Rajputs apart from
Muslims. The Prime Minister's post was
A fort suspension bridge in Rajouri.
www.epilogue.in
always retained by Hindu Mehta family.
As per Tuzk-e-Jhangiri there was a cus-
tom of inter-religious marriages
between the royal Muslim Jaral Rajas
and the Hindu Rajputs which was
banned by the Emperor Jhangir during
his visit of Rajouri in 1616. After the cre-
ation of new J&K state in 1846, in the
light of Amritsar Pact between Raja
Gulab Singh of Jammu and Britishers,
the Rajouri principality was taken over
by Maharaja Gulab Singh. The Muslim
population of Rajouri was deadly
against the rule of Maharaja Gulab Singh
but there was no communal tension in
this area. It is a fact that large number
of minorities was killed in 1947 by the
Sudan rebels under the leadership of
Sakhi Daler and a deserter Colonel
Rehmatullah of Maharaja's forces but
the local Muslims had not taken part in
this brutal act. At this crucial stage,
there are hundreds of examples in
which local Muslims had given shelter to
Hindu brothers in the villages and pro-
tected their lives.
POONCH
In Poonch principality, the atmo-
sphere of brotherhood and communal
Vol. 4, Issue 5
18
harmony was more congenial from early
times. W.C Archer the writer of 'Indian
Paintings of Punjab Hills' writes that dur-
ing the rule of Raja Rustam Khan
Rathore from 1760-1787, Poonch town
was dominated by Hindu traders. Raja
Rustam Khan was a disciple of a Hindu
hermit. It was during his period when
Dashnami Akhara Poonch was con-
structed by Raja Rustam Khan on the
request of the hermit. In this period,
number of Hindu traders, Hakims,
Munshis and Artists had shifted from
other parts to Poonch principality. They
were having equal rights from the Raja's
side while the Muslim natives had
accommodated them in their villages.
There was no official protection to
minorities. The local Muslims were not
only protective but also attentive to
issues and affectionate in nature.
Therefore, with the passage of time the
minority people diluted their original
identity and became the part of cultural
heritage of this area. During the Gujjar
rule of Raja Ruallah Khan Sangu on
Poonch from 1798-1819, a great Sikh
Saint Thakur Bhai Mela Singh had came
to Poonch from Rawalakote in 1802 and
established a Gurudwara Dera Santpura
Nangali Sahib, the biggest Sikh shrine in
J&K state at present. During the rule of
local Dogra Hindu Rajas from 1852-
1947, there was complete communal
harmony in the region. Majority of the
Ministers and officials of these Rajas
were Muslims including the first and the
last Prime Minister of Poonch Mian
Nizam-ud-Din.
After independence, the people of
all the communities were living in an
amiable manner, in the twin districts
Poonch and Rajouri. There are such vil-
lages where 90% population belongs to
one community and 10% to another. The
minority population had never been
given to understand that they are out-
siders or different, rather they have
been given more affection and respect
Epilogue, May 2010
 19
by the majority Muslim brothers who
had always protected the minority popu-
lation. The minority community was hav-
ing full faith and confidence on the
majority population. During militancy
days, when a large section of the minor-
ity population were brutally killed, nei-
ther Hindu nor Sikh blamed the local
Muslim brothers because they were
aware of the fact that this was not a
local act. Accordingly, hundreds of
patriotic Muslims were beheaded, their
houses were burnt and 21,000 thousand
persons of Muslim community were com-
pelled to migrate from their native
places to security areas because they
were patriotic, with a secular outlook
and not hardliner; and never accepted
the radical views of the militants.
Therefore, the Hindus, Muslims and
Sikhs jointly faced the militancy sce-
nario 1989 onwards.
UNDERSTANDING THE
CHALLENGES
The above facts reveal that the
habitants of twin districts of Rajouri and
Poonch have always remained secular,
moderate and accommodative. The cor-
dial and friendly relations among the
communities had given birth to compos-
ite cultural heritage. The most impor-
tant factor behind this brotherhood was
During militancy days, when a large
section of the minority population
were brutally killed, neither Hindu
nor Sikh blamed the local Muslim
brothers because they were aware
of the fact that this was not a local
act. Accordingly, hundreds of patri-
otic Muslims were beheaded, their
houses were burnt and 21,000 per-
sons of Muslim community were
compelled to migrate
www.epilogue.in
ALONG THE MUGHAL ROAD :
Thanna Mandi
the impact of Sufism on the life of the
people of this region who taught love for
mankind, tolerance and respect of all
the religions. Almost every village have
a Sufi Dargah, Asthan or Ziarat. These
Sufi centres are still inspiring the people
belonging to all the communities. The
shrine of Shahdara Sharief Rajouri and
Sain Miran Bakash Guntrian Poonch is
equally respected by Hindus and Sikhs.
The Urs of Sain Ellahi Bakash of
Battlekote Mandi is organized by a Non-
Muslim Organization Pritam Spiritual
Trust. On the eve of Rakshabandan
Festival, the Chari Mubarakh Yatra
which starts from Dashnami Akhara
Poonch and leads towards Swami Budha
Amarnath Mandi is received by Suni
Muslims at Chandak and Shia Muslims in
Mandi Bazar. The Muslims and Hindus
jointly participate in Baisakhi Mela at
Gurudwara Nangali Sahib. The oldest
Ramkund Temple of Raja Lalita Ditya's
time is located in hundred percent
Muslim populated village Narol of
Mendhar tehsil. The Muslim natives
have been looking after and protecting
the temple since centuries..
Vol. 4, Issue 5
In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
Therefore, we can say that the habi-
tants of Poonch and Rajouri had man-
aged and maintained an atmosphere
largely free from communal hostilities.
There is a big question that why
communal conflicts of very serious
nature erupted in this region during
August 2008 which had tarnished and
tainted our traditional brotherhood.
Immediately after the happenings of
Jammu and Srinagar during Amarnath
Shrine episode, the hardliners and
fanatics of Kashmir valley and Jammu
city prevailed upon both the communi-
ties and communalize the situation in
this border and sensitive track. On the
inciting of outsiders, the small groups of
local youths gathered in religious
places, organized rallies and raised
unwanted slogans on communal lines
which had resulted the communal out-
bursts in Thanamandi, Surankote,
Mendhar and Poonch town. The worst
type of communal riots were in Poonch
town, Bhainch and Dalera villages in
which 134 shops and houses of both the
communities were either burnt or
looted. When the worse was taking
Epilogue, May 2010
In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
place, there were still cases of sympa-
thy for the other community during the
riots. The role of M.R Qureshi MLC
Mendhar, PDP leader Hamid Manhas of
Surankote and Yashpal Sharma of
Poonch remain appreciable in restoring
the confidence of people at this stage.
No doubt those 16 months have
been passed, law and order situation
have been improved and composite cul-
tural heritage have been restored up to
some extent. But still doubts and confu-
sion persists. There is a lack of trust and
confidence due to the riots. The minor-
ity people both in rural and urban areas
are still frightened, harassed and upset.
The mistrust and the feeling of alien-
ation have not been removed com-
pletely from their minds. There are vari-
ous factors behind this tension. The Pak-
sponsored agencies are working in this
sensitive area to disrupt the normal life,
destabilize the region and create com-
munal tension in which it becomes
impossible for the minorities to live in
this region. The contribution of hardlin-
ers, fanatic and radical elements of
Kashmir valley is equally responsible in
inciting some youths on communal
lines. Some Urdu newspapers of Kashmir
valley have exploited the situation in
Poonch and Rajouri on communal line
and propagated for a separate region
comprises of Poonch and Rajouri dis-
tricts. It is fact that the people of
Poonch and Rajouri have severe type of
grievances with the leadership of
Jammu who had never represented the
aspirations of the people of these dis-
tricts. They are visiting only during the
election time to get the votes of the peo-
ple. They failed to establish the link
with the majority Muslim community of
this area. There is a vacuum of relations
and understanding between the leader-
ship of Jammu and Poonch-Rajouri.
Therefore, they are ignorant about the
problems, miseries and suffering of the
www.epilogue.in
20
people of Poonch-Rajouri belt. This sce- arrangement for the relief of those
nario has given birth to the idea of sepa- Pahari-speaking population to address
rate region for Rajouri and Poonch so their grievances without disturbing the
that development could take place. Scheduled Tribe status of Gujjar and
Inspite of all the above facts the major- Bakerwal communities otherwise the
ity population of Poonch and Rajouri is rift between the ethnic groups shall
not in favour of separation from Jammu widen in future and therefore, it will
province because of the similar social, not be a healthy symptom for the people
cultural and linguistic characteristics of the border belt of Poonch and Rajouri.
with Jammu people as compared to the WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
other regions of the state. Therefore,
The people of this region have
this is time for Jammu leadership to
always remained in the mainstream of
awaken and fulfills the urges and aspira-
national politics. There was no political
tions of the people of these twin dis-
alienation even during militancy period.
tricts so that the economic backward-
No voices asking for separatism or
ness from this belt could be eradicated.
autonomy emerged in this belt until
This is very essential for the smooth rela-
2008. However, after the happenings of
tions of the communities within Jammu
August 2008, the fundamentalists and
province.
radical elements from the outside had
As stated above the people of
tried best to setup a separatist political
Poonch and Rajouri districts are mostly
platform in this region. No doubt that
comprise of Gujjar-Bakerwal tribes and
the mainstream leadership is very
Pahari speaking people including Hindu,
strong, active and dominating the poli-
Muslim and Sikhs. All these ethnic races
tics of the area. However the scattered
have an unique type of historic, cultural
separatists and radical voices emerged
and linguistic identities. Still they are
in Thanamandi, Surankote and Poonch
neighbours since centuries, living in the
area. In this initial stage, these voices
same belt, villages, dhoks and mead-
are not very strong. But we must be con-
ows. However, the Gujjars and
scious from such sections of the people
Bakerwals were given Schedule Tribe
that can create tension and chaos at any
status in 1991 on the bases of vulnerable
time in these districts as it happened in
economic conditions. Same type of
2008. They must be dealt in a political
demand was raised by Pahari-speaking
manner. It is very essential to work for
section which is yet to be considered.
the restoration of old traditions of
Therefore, there is resentment among
brotherhood on the basis of the sermons
Paharis on this issue. Ethnically these
of Sufi saints and Darveshs who always
races have been polarized and severe
preached love for mankind, tolerance,
rifts have emerged between the
restrain and respect of every religion.
Scheduled Tribe and the remaining popu-
There is a need of understanding and
lation during last twenty years. No
reconciliation among the religious com-
efforts from government side have been
munities. Let the NGOs, human rights
made to bulge the differences between
activists, religious personalities and
Paharis and Gujjar-Bakerwal communi-
social workers come forward and start
ties rather during the election time the
the journey of peace and reconciliation.
candidates use this tension to
On government side, efforts need to be
strengthen their vote bank. This tension
made to strengthen the ties of commu-
can be worsened at any time. Therefore
nities to resore peace, happiness and
there is a need of some package or
harmony in the region. (IPCS)
Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010
 21
Social Structure and Perceptions
of Regional Disparities
MAZAMMAL HUSSAIN MALIK
T
he whole region of Rajouri and
Poonch is populated with differ-
ent religious and caste communi-
ties –drawn mainly from Hindus,
Muslims and Sikhs –with deep rooted cus-
toms and traditional system. Socio-
Cultural and Economic pattern of inhab-
itants of the region are mostly similar to
each other.
Hindu community is divided into
four caste groups as practiced in Indian
traditional caste system while the
Muslims are rigidly stratified into four
caste groups –Rajputs, Gujjars,
Kashmiries and 'others'. They never prac-
tice exogamous pattern of marriage and
are the staunch believer of caste system
and allied practices.
RAJPUTS: The term Rajput is
derived from Sanskrit word “Rajputra”
found in the Vedas, the Ramayana, and
Mahabharata. It has been used by the
warriors and the Rulers, with passage of
time there were many kshatriyas. The
primogeniture allowed only the oldest
male offspring of a king to succeed him,
the rest were known as Rajputra.The
word Rajput is claimed to be a changed
term of Rajputra. Gradually it became a
caste. Rajputs regard themselves as
being descended from the Vedic warrior
class known as the Kshatriyas.
The majority of Rajputs in Rajouri
District are the Muslims and their origin
is claimed from Rajasthan, Gujarat,
Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
Though the Muslim faith is against belief
of a person being born from sun, moon,
www.epilogue.in
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
and fire, but even Muslim Rajputs feel
proud of being from the Rajput Clan.
They often make reference to the brav-
ery of their ancestors in the battle fields
of the past and extend equal status to
the parallel clan that is Hindu Rajputs.
At the time of any conflict with non
Rajput communities, the Hindu and
Muslim Rajputs communities emotion-
ally unite to protect their prestige. They
love to serve in armed forces.
Rajputs of Rajouri-Poonch have
been divided into two religious commu-
nities, ie, Hindu Rajputs and Muslim
Rajputs. Hindu Rajputs have been clas-
sified into various sub castes like
Thakers, Manhas, Chauhan Thakyal,
Chandial, Charrak, Kamlak, and Chib;
Muslim Rajputs have been further
divided in to various sub castes such as,
Jarral, Malik, Domal, Thakyal, Khokhar,
Janjua, Salaria, Bhatti, Feerozal
Gakhar, Manhas, Manial, Chib, Thakkar,
and Kamlak etc. As such there are more
than 54 sub-castes of Muslim Rajputs
existing in the area.
GUJJARS: The Gujjars are an eth-
nic group in India and Pakistan. In India,
the Gujjars follow Hinduism, Sikhism
and Islam. The Hindu Gujjars belong to
the traditional Kishatriya Varna in
Hinduism, while the Muslim Gujjars are
considered to be a Potwari tribe in India
and Pakistan. The historical background
of the community is associated with the
Rajputs clan of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
In India Gujjar population is found in
Delhi, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir,
Vol. 4, Issue 5
In focus
Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, western
Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, northern
Madhya Pradesh, Utterakhand, Gujrat
and Maharashtra. Gujjars in north India
are now considered as vote bank by the
different political parties. Rajesh Pilot
was prominent Gujjar leader in north
India, with his political support the
Gujjars have been classified as a
Scheduled Tribe in Himachal Pradesh
and Jammu and Kashmir, and as other
backward classes in Rajasthan and
Madhya Pradesh. In Jammu and Kashmir
the population is mainly concentrated
in Rajouri and Poonch Districts, fol-
lowed by Baramulla, Kupwara,
Anantnag, Udhampur and Doda
Districts. The Bakarwals is the Parallel
ethnic group to the Gujjars, inter sec-
tion marriage takes place freely among
Gujjars and Bakarwals. All Gujjars of
Jammu and Kashmir are the followers of
Islam. While considering the sentimen-
tal attitude, physical features, racial
and genealogical background of the
Gujjars and Bakarwals, it is observed
that the clan is purely a Rajput clan. But
on account of the regional variation
their recognition is different from that
of the fact; they do not perceive them-
selves as Rajputs. Period of their con-
version to Islam is treated to be the
same as the conversion of the other
Muslim Rajputs, of the area. Majority of
the Gujars are illiterate due to which
they can be exploited easily by their
political leaders. The Major economy of
the Gujars community is comprised of
Epilogue, May 2010
In focus 22
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

Agriculture, government jobs, cattle Per Capital Net District Domestic Product for the Year 2002-03 (P)
rearing and few among them are rearing
Sheep and goats and leading semi Rank District Per Capita Income Rank District Per Capita Income
at current prices at current prices
nomadic life, during winter they
migrate with their herds to the foot hills 1 Srinagar 17896 1 Pulwama 9509
of Peer Panchal, and in summer season 2 Leh 17555 2 Kathua 9328
in search of pasture they migrate to high
3 Jammu 16323 3 Leh 8228
up in the mountains.
The Gujjars of Rajouri-Poonch are 4 Kathua 16193 4 Jammu 8198
divided into innumerable sub-castes but 5 Pulwama 15406 5 Rajouri 8114
major among them are, Dhakkar, 6 Kargil 14581 6 Udhampur 8042
Khatana, Badana, Sood, Paswal, Kalas,
Benth, Bijran, Chauhan, Chechee, 7 Baramulla 13997 7 Poonch 7993
Sango, Rana etc. associated with the 8 Udhampur 13870 8 Srinagar 7815
Rajputs clan of Rajasthan and Gujarat. 9 Anantnag 13868 9 Budgam 7736
KASHMIRIS: The term refers to the
10 Rajouri 13725 10 Kargil 7504
people who are inhabitants of the valley
of Kashmir, but generally the term is 11 Poonch 13049 11 Anantnag 7042
used in its broader concept for the peo- 12 Budgam 12698 12 Baramulla 6837
ple of Jammu and Kashmir by the people
13 Doda 11573 13 Doda 6814
of rest of India. But in Rajouri and
Poonch Districts, Kashmiris are the peo- 14 Kupwara 9999 14 Kupwara 5407
ple who speak Kashmiri language with
Pahari language. A small section of the Agriculture
people in Rajouri district is speaks Area sown more Cropping Gross Area Gross Area
Kashmiri language. They reportedly than once as %age of intensity irrigated irrigated as
migrated from valley of Kashmir to net sown area %age of gross
Rajouri and Poonch districts since the area sown
time immemorial, their major concen- Rajouri 81.51 181.51 82.76 8.51
tration of the community is observed in
Poonch 66.97 166.97 6691 14.48
Thannamandi Tehsil of District Rajouri
and Buffliaz, Chandhimarh and J&K State 53.9 153.9 471134 41.45
Loranmandi in District Pooch, as these
are the adjoining Mountainous areas of Post Offices
Kashmir Valley. The old persons of the Area Sq.km Population
community are claiming themselves as
Rajouri 125 21.04 4525
traditional manual labourer working in
the areas for centuries, majority of the Poonch 64 26.16 6814
community members leading miserable J&K State 1691 .60 7021
life in extreme poverty. Their historical
background is similar to that of other Banking
Kashmiri Muslim in the valley of Kashmir
District Average area Population CD Perceptive BPL
as they had been converted to Islam per bank branch coverage per Ration Plan population
from Kashmiri Pandhits. Caste stratifi- (sq. km) bank branch outlay
cation among the Kashmiries is not so
Rajouri 64.15 14925 24.39 1206.97 25.1
rigid as among other Muslim communi-
ties of the areas. They have matrimo- Poonch 79.71 22467 22.61 1347.09 33.67
nial relations with all the Muslims irre- J&K State 104.74 13268 49.19 1053 21.63

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 23
spective of the caste. They are liberal
like Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri
Pandhits. As such Kashmiri Hindus
(Pandhits) are different from else-
where. (Subash Kak, 1996). Major
castes among Kashmiries are Bhat, Mir,
Khawaja, Bhanday, Maghray, Khans
Kandru, Itto, Muttoo and Sheikh. There
are more than 130 caste titles of
Kashmiries of the Valley of Kashmir but
few among them are existing in the area
under study.
OTHER COMMUNITIES: - These
communities are comprised of Sayeed,
Qureshi, Mughal, Pathan and Sheikh
(muslim banghi) and They are claiming
their origin in golf countries. The caste
structure of these communities is not
similar to that of the whole Indian
Muslims. In all the studies of caste
among Muslims the term 'Ashraf' (Arabic
words meaning honourable) is used for
the Muslim of foreign origin and con-
verts from Hindus of higher birth. And
Risely (1908) in Bengal used the term
'Ajlaf' for the Muslims engaged in clean
occupational group like, barber, car-
penter, laundrymen, potter, tailor, and
Rangrez. 'Arzal' for the Muslims engaged
in unclean occupational groups like,
Bhangi (scavenger), Cobbler (Mochi).
In Rajouri and Poonch Districts
except Sayeeds, 35% of the total popu-
lation of these communities are origi-
nally belong to the Ashraf category of
the Muslims, majority of the Ajlaf claim-
ing themselves as Ashraf are the Muslim
Dooms(drum beater) Mouchies (Cob-
bler) and Banghies (scavenger) using
the title of Sheikhs with their names.
The historical accounts refer that this
section has been converted from
untouchable Hindus due to the suppres-
sion of rigid caste system of Hindus and
social disability. During the process of
Islamization they changed their caste
and claim themselves as Sheikh which is
higher caste among Muslims in the
www.epilogue.in
whole of the country. Clean occupa-
tional group in Rajouri District claim
themselves as Qureshi, Mughals and
Thakkers, such as Barbars, carpenters,
Black smiths, weavers, Muslim jewel-
ers, etc, but in the real sense they have
been converted from clean occupa-
tional Hindu castes. Their economic
activities are confined to their tradi-
tional occupational system, still they
use the out dated techniques in their
activities due to which they are poor
and lead miserable life.
It is taken into consideration that
four Muslim caste categories and Hindus
as well as Sikhs are dwellers of the
remote and hilly Districts, whose socio-
cultural affinity and language is binding
strength of their cultural heritage.
Which have been nourishing their age
old secular out look, extending common
culture, speaking common language,
residing on the foothills of Panchal
Range starting from Budhal to
Muzaffarabad. They extend very pecu-
liar familial pattern, marriage customs
and rituals which are not observed in
other parts of the State.
FAMILY AND MARRIAGE PATTERN:
The family as primary institution per-
forms the same functions every where.
But pattern of the family in one society
is different from the other. The family
pattern in Rajouri-Poonch is purely
joint, male dominated, traditional and
orthodox. Modern urbanization and
industrialization has hardly impacted
the family structure and values.
On the basis of study of the Region,
among 651 respondents majority of
them(74%) practices joint family sys-
tem, because (83%) of the population is
comprised of Paharies and Gujars and
their means of subsistence is agricul-
ture, cattle rearing some among them
are semi nomadic, this type of setup
requires manual force.. In whole area
the parental property is inherited only
Vol. 4, Issue 5
In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
by the male members of the society.
Majority of the respondents (93%) elic-
ited that female members are not given
importance in the familial or matrimo-
nial decisions. Majority of the respon-
dents (89%) expressed their views that
they give preference to the male child
birth instead of female child.
Marriage among people of the
Region is considered to be most impor-
tant. These are performed according to
the traditional rituals of each caste
group. The marriage among the people
is purely endogamous, inter caste mar-
riage is considered as a serious threat,
among four caste categories of Muslims.
Gujars are purely endogamous, but in
rear cases Rajputs (Male) can marry out-
side the caste but never give their girls
to any of the other castes of the
Muslims. In the past marriage proposals
were initiated by the Barbers but with
passage of time custom has been
changed, and now friends and relatives
perform the practice, the mate selec-
tion is made by the parents, and early
marriage is a common practice among
the people of Rajouri and Poonch
Districts. The rate of divorce is very low
among the people in the area.
Matrimonial disputes are settled by the
elderly members of the areas and few
cases are settled by the courts.
The study indicates that majority
of the respondents (72%) prefer early
marriage of their sons and daughters
due to mass illiteracy, orthodoxy, out-
caste threat and prevailing insecurity
caused by militancy and allied factors,
Majority of the respondents (97%)
observe caste endogamous marriage,
02% to 05% of the marriages are per-
formed by love or elopement. In the
past polygamous pattern was also per-
formed but major change has taken
place in this custom, as only 2% to 3% of
the people prefer more than one wife.
Dowry system is very simple, majority of
Epilogue, May 2010
In focus 24
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

the respondents (91%) expressed that Agriculture

they give buffaloes, cows, goats, sheep,
District Reported Area Cultivable Area Cultivable Area as %age
spinning wheel and other domestic
(ha) (ha) reported area
materials, where as, 09% of the popula-
tion, imitate the modern practices of Rajouri 253340 54039 21.33
dowry system and spend major amount Poonch 11381 27918 24.41
according to their income structure, J&K State 2415801 803466 33.26
Marriage bonds are maintained in accor-
dance with the religious citations and
social sanctions. They generally wear NREGA : Statement for the last two years as on ending December,
silver ornaments like jumka. Kangan, 2008 & 2009
Sierie(necklace), long, Challa, Payal, District 2008-09 2009-10 upto Jan 2010
but among some people the gold jew- Works Works Works Works
elry is considered as the status symbol. executed completed executed completed
ECONOMIC CONDITION: - The Pulwama 219 46 777 187
Economic condition of the people of the Kupwara 1797 658 1406 489
District Rajouri is miserable and inade-
Bandipora 54 4 265 16
quate, according to census 2001, the
Shopian 58 0 293 71
major occupation is agriculture and
allied activities due to the Geographical Budgam 169 13 495 133
disadvantage, mass poverty and illiter- Sri nagar 5 1 38 12
acy the people are economically back- Ganderbal 87 6 224 165
ward, the small farmers have little Kargil 440 145 370 89
pieces of land holdings, kacha houses,
Anantnag 632 77 1200 424
most of the agricultural area is located
Leh 55 0 96 28
on the hill slopes where irrigation and
tractor facilities can not be availed. On Baramulla 47 0 1088 174
the other hand due to snow fall only Kulgam 347 58 607 206
Kharief crop is possible in their fields, in Jammu 1163 669 2810 269
addition to that there is lack of employ- Samba 288 138 399 115
ment, and manual workers go outside
Kathua 199 03 767 102
the state in search of job. Major econ-
omy of the people is agriculture but it Rajouri 1238 334 1970 978
can be expected that a single source of Poonch 1761 1582 2692 756
income which cannot fulfill the basic Reasi 517 193 647 221
amenities of a particular community Ramban 705 546 1027 423
does not deserve to be recognized as Kistwar 1309 950 1934 1395
the economy of the community. On the
Doda 1687 1646 2127 1076
basis of study, the whole economic
structure of the districts is divided into Udhampur 335 0 736 192
four categories: (i) Population with Total 13112 7069 21968 7521
Agricultural activities, (ii) Population
with Government services. (iii) Estimated literary rate for 2009 (Excluding 0-6 population(
Population with cattle rearing, (iv) Male Female
Manual labourer. 48% of the total work-
Rajouri 59.19 70.76 46.07
ing population is engaged in agriculture
economy while, 13% of the working Poonch 62.54 71.11 54.78
Population is engaged in government J&K State 67.89 74.96 59.71

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 25
services, where as, 23% of the total pop-
ulation depend upon cattle rearing, 16%
of the total population is working as
manual labourer. Among them 09% of
the labourers are working outside the
state, as, in Mumbai, Punjab, and H.P.,
on account of non availability of work
avenues in the State. The major portion
of the youths is unemployed. The econ-
omy of the district is not satisfactory
and more than 60% of the population is
living below the poverty line. The
youths of the area is badly effected by
the prevailing limited economic
resources7. Due to extreme poverty and
unemployment some people even
indulge in illegitimate sources of earn-
ing, either they smuggle forest wood,
make local wine (in Khawas, doungi
Grarti and some other areas) or join mili-
tancy in the State for their means of sub-
sistence.
E D U C AT I O N A L C O N D I T I O N : -
Educational condition of the Districts is
not good though census figures of 2001
indicates the 57.65 literacy rate in
Rajouri, it stands at the 6th place in the
district wise literacy data, but it is
expected less than this, and further
decline is expected in the higher
reaches. According to Education
Department of J&K, (2007-08) the
District has 1250 educational institution
at primary level and 366 institution, at
upper primary level. The people have
not been encouraged to send their chil-
dren to the school. Majority of the stu-
dents cannot complete even their
school education up to the 10th level, so
dropped out from the school due to the
financial constraints of the parents and
uncertainty of future career. The data
indicates that, 45% to 55% of the chil-
dren's population of the District goes to
school. Among them 48% of the children
dropped-out from the school from first
to middle class level, and female
dropped out children constitute major-
www.epilogue.in
ity among them at the same level. The
major causes of educational backward-
ness are their rigid Caste system, tradi-
tional beliefs, orthodoxy, extreme pov-
erty and mass illiteracy and non avail-
ability of educational facilities. They
prefer the children to graze the cattle in
the field or (male children) to work as
labourer and earn money to fulfill the
basic needs of the family, instead of
sending them to the school. They are
not aware of the legal restriction on the
child labour.
HEALTH CONDITION:- In the
region majority of the people are suf-
fering due to lack of health related
facilities, the area has not been facili-
tated with the modern health care sys-
tem, according to the survey of (EPOS
health India 2004-05) In Rajouri there
are 146 sub center, 40 PHCs,7 functional
CHCs, and one District Hospital. More
than 80% of the sub centers are without
their own buildings, all the Medical sub
Cs are with out public utilities for male
and female and also without the toilet,
labour rooms, telephone facility, even
the PHCs are running in similar condi-
tion. The District Hospital is also ill
equipped. The district health adminis-
tration is divided in to four Medical
blocks namely Sunderbani, Darhal,
Kandi.and Nowshera one CHC in
Nowshera which caters about 121627
populations, in block Darhal 2 CHCs
which cater about 172460 populations,
only one CHC in block Kandi which
caters about 141000 populations. In the
area more than 58% of the deaths cases
are associated with Maternal- mortality
(district Hospital record 2007-08). 84%
of the deliveries in the hilly areas take
place with out trained personnel
(FMPHW), as in hilly areas Medical
Termination of Pregnancy services are
not available, due to which Infant
Mortality rate is also very high. 81% of
the women of the area are not aware of
Vol. 4, Issue 5
In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
'Woman and child' health care and the
precautions, which are to be taken dur-
ing pregnancy. Early marriage is also a
cause which leads to increase in the
maternal mortality rate. Some migra-
tory labourers are the HIVAIDS infected
under treatment at ART Center Medical
College Jammu.
PERCEPTION OF REGIONAL
DISPARITY:
The Jammu and Kashmir State of
North India having area of 222,200 sq.
km. including area occupied by China
and Pakistan with 10,069,900 popula-
tion (census 2001), its three cities are
Jammu, Srinagar and Leh (Ladakh). The
State has four types of unique cultural
blend that differentiate it from the rest
of the Country. The Socio-cultural and
demographic structure of the State is
roughly comprised of five distinct parts
namely Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh,
Chenab Valley and Rajouri-Poonch.
Zhese five regions have their own
separate linguistic identity, Kashmir is
represented by Kashmiri language,
Jammu is represented by Dogri language
Ladakh is represented by Ladakhi com-
prised of Balti, Dardi and Shina and
Rajouri-Poonch is represented by Phari
comprised of Gojri and Poonchi lan-
guages. For interregional interaction
Urdu or Hindi is used as Communicative
language. Though the four region of the
State are different from each other in
socio-cultural, ethnic, linguistic and
demographical background but they
have maintained the Indian tradition of
unity in diversity.
The regional disparity is the term,
which indicates the developmental
imbalance among regions or it may be
said that regional disparity is the result
of common efforts for the development
of all the regions with out systematic
evaluation of level of backwardness.
Balanced regional development does
not mean equal development of all the
Epilogue, May 2010
In focus 26
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

regions of the state or nation but it
needs socio-cultural and economic
development to its fullest potential so
that the fruits of development can be
shared by all the regions. It is generally
considered that the existence of any
community is closely associated with its
racial, ethnic, social and regional his-
tory. (Sukhbir Tamang 2009)
In so for as regional disparity of the
area under study is concerned, it
remained a battle field of various wars
since the Paula Dynasty, it was more
affected during the turmoil of 1947 and
tribal raids. the prosperity of the region
has taken its hugely turn witnessing
heartrending episodes of genocide and
mass exodus, moreover two wars of
1965 and 1971 have been fought in the
region which effected socio-cultural
and demographic structure of the
region, besides wars majority of the pop-
ulation of the region has been the victim
of cross boarder bullets, mines network-
ing of the boarder areas, which lead to
the loss of their lives, moveable and
immoveable property. (Hasham Ali
2007)
The on going movement in the
Kashmir valley has also caused much
havoc to the region. Since 1947 the
region has long history of dejection,
plethora of untold miseries and chroni-
cle disparity being a neglected part of
the state. The successive Governments
in the State, political parties and other
organizations are unable to perform
expected role for the rehabilitation of
aggrieved and neglected masses due to
their own limitations, but exploit them
on the name of castes and enhance the
inter caste distrust.
During recent past political turmoil
in 1989 over 700 families comprising
6300 persons migrated from their
respective areas and settled in different
towns like Jammu, Rajouri and
Nowshera, they have not been provided
any relief including ration or cash for
want of funds. The State Human Right
Commission couldn't proved to be effec-
tive in the process of rehabilitation of
the people of Rajouri and Poonch as
more than 15 cases had been recom-
mended by the SHRC to the State gov-
ernment to consider all the internal dis-
placed persons of Rajouri-Poonch at par
with the boarder migrants of the Jammu
District as well as the migrants of
Kashmir8. Following directives of the
Supreme Court government agreed to
facilitate the displaced but due to defi-
ciency of funds assurance could never
transformed in to the practice. All the
organizations and social activists have
failed to provide justice to the victims
of terrorism and State apathy. In any
political issues the people of the region
have no space, the aspirations and opin-
ions of the people are not taken in to
account. Violation of human rights and
atrocities on these people remain unno-
ticed and are not reported any where.
The true representatives of the people
of Kashmir and Jammu have never vis-
ited this area are completely unaware
of the geographic, ethnic, linguistic and
cultural composition of the State. Same
is true with Government of India, in the
process of maintenance of peace
between India and Pakistan the interac-
tion of youth of both the countries has
been extended but youth of effected
regions have not been involved in the
process.
The administrative data, of differ-
ent departments, particularly the eco-

Households, Household size and Household Services

District Area No. of House Households services
Households hold size Electricity Latrine Sale drinking Availing Without any
water Banking service specified assets
Total 81850 5.9 56384 18333 23905 31097 27643
Rajouri Rural 75253 6 49933 12543 17920 27061 26838
Urban 6597 5.1 6451 5790 5988 4036 805
Total 59644 6.2 33251 17908 21348 21372 21135
Poonch Rural 55239 6.3 28989 14.37 17237 18037 20593
Urban 4405 5.4 4262 3871 4111 3335 542
Total 1551768 6.5 1250738 824602 10111589 566133 399767
J&K State Rural 1161357 6.6 868341 485434 638004 344778 362009
Urban 390411 6.4 382397 339168 373585 221355 37758
Total 191963935 5.4 107209054 69887599 149581740 68230642 66198648
India Rural 138271559 5.4 60180685 30304359 101251117 41639949 55988658
Urban 53692376 5.3 47028369 39581440 48330623 26590693 10209990

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 27
nomic survey of the State9 and primary
survey of the investigator have indi-
cated that Socio-cultural and economic
condition of the region is relatively back-
ward from other three regions of the
State having mass illiteracy out dated
customs, traditions and rituals, major-
ity of the population is leading tribal
way of life with rigid caste system.
Modern governmental efforts, limited
opportunities and external impact
could not change the attitude of the peo-
ple of the area. While examining the
ethnocentric attitudes of the people of
other two regions of Jammu and
Kashmir it has been observed that
majority of the people about 85% to 90%
use the term 'Gujjar' to identify the peo-
ple of Rajouri-Poonch, the term 'Gujjar'
in J&K State refers to the victim of
extreme poverty and social
backwardness10. It is to be considered
that when common man of the other
regions has general perceptions of the
regional backwardness of the area
under study, so it does not require any
technical rating scale to measure the
regional disparity.
In developmental aspects disparity
can be observed when the work perfor-
mance has been evaluated in context of
roads connectivity of the areas, the
roads which have been initiated in 1974
still could not become motor able, one
among them is a road to connect
R a j o u r i - Po o n c h H i g h w a y w i t h
Thannamandi having only 21 Km dis-
tance. Where as most of the roads and
allied facilities have been provided in
the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh areas.
Rajouri-Poonch Mughal road leading to
the Valley of Kashmir has some what sim-
ilar history. The economic survey of the
State for 2006-07 indicates that the
road length per 100 sq. km., in Jammu
District is 70.81 km; it is 34.17 km and
12.66 km in poonch and Rajouri districts
respectively.
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In education sector, Jammu has
2,278 government and private run pri-
mary, middle, high and higher second-
ary Schools, where as, in poonch and
Rajouri, the number is only 10,65 and
1,400, respectively. Due to which the
rate in Jammu is 77% whereas it is
51.20% in poonch and 57.65% in Rajouri.
In Jammu District five model vil-
lages have been created by the
Government, where as, only one in
poonch and two model villages in
Rajouri have been established. In
Jammu among 30,000 household 29000
are getting electricity and 28000 are
getting drinking water, where as in
Rajouri and poonch among 60000, only
34000 are getting electricity and 22000
are getting drinking water. When alloca-
tion of District funds are considered
Rajouri-Poonch get meager funds in com-
parison of the other Districts of the
State.
The regional disparity is also
observed in employment opportunity as
admitted by the former chief Minister
Mufti Mohammad Sayyed in march 2005
in the assembly session indicating that
total strength of the administrative offi-
cers is 3,032 out of which 1, 23 were
from Rajouri and Poonch, In other cate-
gories of Government jobs the region is
lagging behind in comparison of other
districts of the State. In University of
Jammu only three faculties, (one each
in education, law and economics
Department) one Library Assistant and
one computer Assistance (on contrac-
tual basis) representing 8, 56,000 popu-
lation of Rajouri and Poonch indicated
in census 2001.
Major causes behind the fact is the
mass illiteracy, unawareness, ortho-
doxy, traditional and rigid caste system
which leads to the intra regional caste
conflict, poverty and backwardness of
the community and ineffective political
approaches, irrelevant developmental
Vol. 4, Issue 5
In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
programmes and policies, insincere
efforts of the Government and political
leaders.
SOLUTION AND IMPLICATION: -
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir
has tried to mitigate the regional dis-
parity by providing scheduled tribe sta-
tus in 1991, to a section of the society
and also granted reservation for back-
ward areas. The provisions have created
intra regional conflict between ignored
and reserved sections; it has created
another problem which is threat to the
unity of the region as well as the State.
Thus pick and choose approach for a par-
ticular section for the developmental
process has not proved to be successful,
as the whole region is socially, educa-
tionally and economically backward.
Regional disparity is a major prob-
lem it can take ugly turn until it is han-
dled properly at the gross root level, as
the Rajouri and Poonch Districts are
more sensitive from defense perspec-
tives; it is in the interest of the national
security to bridge the gap that has been
created since a long time. Observed
Socio-cultural and economic backward-
ness caused by regional disparity can be
solved by the diversified and demo-
graphically relevant approaches of the
State and Central Government as well
as the united efforts of the political lead-
ers and educated youths of the region
successful and progressive policies and
implications related to the economic
development are functional only when
both the providers and the recipients of
the facilities and opportunities have the
empirical knowledge of the thrust
areas. Facilities can be managed but the
target group (Recipient) requires large
scale counseling related to the general
awareness to avail the overall develop-
mental opportunities. Thus, the fore-
most duty of the local educated youth
and political leaders is to enlighten the
illiterate and poor people about the pro-
Epilogue, May 2010
In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
gressive way of life and utilization of
their talent for the betterment. On the
other hand the Government should pro-
vide loan facilities with reasonable
rates and subsidies to the people of the
region for the establishment of small
scale as well as large scale industrial
units. The whole region should be
brought on the Map of national as well as
international tourism on the pattern of
valley of Kashmir, as these areas are also
famous for their scenic beauty with the
rich socio cultural heritage. The govern-
ment of Jammu & Kashmir has provided
subsidy to the poor for the improvement
in Horticulture of the hilly areas but it
should be further improved so that fruit
industry particularly of Walnut, apple,
apricot and almond etc, in the areas can
be established that acquire the best
market during the season. Training
camps should be organized to impart
technical training to the people related
the trades by seeking the help of NGOs
and experts of the relevant depart-
ments. The youths of the region should
be encouraged to generate avenues of
self employment. The establishment of
various industrial units, Tourism
Industry and fruit industry will generate
new types of diversified jobs in the
areas to improve economic condition.
Regional equality can be main-
tained if the autonomous hill develop-
ment council is provided for the region
in the ambit of Rajouri-Poonch autono-
mous Hill development council, on
Ladakh Pattern, it would be most effec-
tive approach for the development of
the whole region. Hill area Develop-
ment Programme was identified in 1965
by a Committee of NDC first phase area
to be covered by WGDP (Western Ghat
Development Programme) that was rec-
ommended in 1972 by the HLC set up for
the purpose. After the formation of
Uttarkhand (2000) the designated areas
covered under HADP/WGDP are: Two
www.epilogue.in
Hill Districts of Assam (North Cachar and
Karbi Anglong), Major part of Darjeeling
District of West Bengal, Nilgiris District
of Tamil Nadu, and 171 Talukas of WGDP
comprising (63talukas) Maharashtra,
(40) Karnataka,(32) Kerala, (33) Tamil
Nadu and(03) Goa. In the developmen-
tal process of the Hilly areas Hon'ble
Prime Minister remarked at the 54th
meeting of NDC on 19th December 2007,
as, “Many of the smaller hill States have
raised problems unique to their geogra-
phy. They have specific connectivity,
transport and infrastructure problems.
Norms applicable to the rest of the coun-
try are not easily relevant to them. I
therefore propose to constitute a Task
Force in the Planning Commission to spe-
cifically look into the problems of hill
States and hill areas and suggest ways in
which we can ensure that they do not
suffer in any way because of their
locational peculiarities.” In the light of
the of above remarks the proposal for
Autonomous Hill Development Council
should be submitted for the consider-
ation of the Government of India. The
State government is well aware of the
plight of the region it should make simi-
lar efforts that were made for District
Kargil in 2003. More over political lead-
ers should be sincere and active to
achieve the target, the prevailing posi-
tion is profoundly favourable as the J&k
State has political influence in Union
Cabinet with two Ministers having
Strong political background.
The concept of Hill development
council fructified for the development
of Leh district of ladakh in 1995, on the
pattern of Darjeeling hill development
council, it was established in Kargil dis-
trict in July 2003, by the strong support
of government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Its aim is to register prompt monitoring
of the developmental works, working
plans made, taking public representa-
tive even at panches and surpanches
Vol. 4, Issue 5
28
level in to confidence by ensuring trans-
parency and accountability in the
focused areas, as it is going on in the Leh
and Kargil districts of Ladakh region.
Similar approach should be adopted for
Rajouri and Poonch Districts of Jammu
Region. This opportunity for the region
will change the perceptions of discrimi-
nation among the people with respect
to employment and promotions of
career prospects especially because of
higher level of development. It will
accommodate the diverted youth who
have been exploited. This role of the
Center and State Government in influ-
encing development and regional equal-
ity will gain the confidence of the people.
At the end, it can thus be con-
cluded that Rajouri and Poonch twin
boarder Districts have their separate
historical background with separate
socio cultural identity and Muslim domi-
nant caste ridden society, remain battle
field of three indo Pak wars, different
from any other area of the State in all
aspects of social life. The region is the
victim of backwardness, poverty, unem-
p l o y m e n t a n d i l l i t e r a c y. T h e
Government efforts could not bring the
region up to the mark of expected
developmental equality with other
regions of the State. The developmental
balance is expected to be maintained by
the provision of Rajouri-Poonch
Autonomous Hill Development Council.
This would be the most effective and
democratic step for the eradication of
all types regional imbalance. And espe-
cially the opportunities will accommo-
date and ensure the rehabilitation of
the diverted youth.
Projections 2010
Population Density/Sq. Km
Rajouri 611927 233
Poonch 471797 282
J&K State 12843799 127
Epilogue, May 2010
 29 In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

Pir Panchal Regional Festival

Intergrating Rajouri and Poonch with the Mainstream

D SUBA CHANDRAN
AN IPCS REPORT

This essay focuses on two districts in the Jammu sub region of J&K—Rajouri and Poonch, along the Pir
Panchal range of the outer Himalayas. The primary objective is to highlight the conflict transformation
(both positive and negative) in this region during the recent years; to explore the opportunities of an Pir
Panchal festival bringing the various communities together and build peace from below; integrate the
border districts with the national mainstream.

I dea of using a festival to promote

tourism in J&K is not a new one;
those who have witnessed the
Ladakh festival, in all its colorful glory
and culturally rich historical past,
would agree how it has brought the
region, its people and culture to the
limelight. Of course, there are other
places – from Dal lake to Gulmarg and
from Bhaderwah to Basohli, which can
easily boast the same – in terms of their
rich culture, colorful people and beauti-
ful places. The irony of J&K, however
has been - there are numerous such ALONG THE MUGHAL ROAD :
The Forts & Sarais of Chingus
regions in J&K, unfortunately remaining
in the periphery, physically isolated and
psychologically looking inward. increased emphasis on a Jammu festival is the constituency of the former Chief
Ladakh festival, now celebrated as well. In 2007, the Jammu festival was Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad.
during August every year, attracts global celebrated for three days, which subse- The Pir Panchal region, consisting
attention and tourists who visit the land quently became a fortnightly festival, of Rajouri and Poonch districts has the
of moon, as it is popularly referred, to starting 2008. Although it attracted a potential to be promoted with a similar
enjoy the culture, people and places. huge crowd, especially since the per- festival at an international level. Doda
While Ladakh has its own set of loyal formers at the festival came from all and Bhaderwah also are a part of this
tourists, mostly with an adventurous over the world, it remained confined to mountain range, but for the purpose of
streak; the Ladakh festival has Jammu town. Bhaderwah, another this essay, only these two districts are
expanded its tourism base, with an ever region in J&K, also had its own festival being concentrated. Besides the tourist
greater number from within J&K, else- recently. While none can deny the cul- potential of this region, there is also an
where in India and across the world, tural and tourist importance of this essential strategic need for such a festi-
especially Europe, visiting the region. beautiful valley; the festival seems to val here (and in other border and inte-
For the last few years, there has been an have been organized for the fact that it rior districts of J&K).

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
PIR PANCHAL REGION
UNDERSTANDING THE STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE
W hile each district of J&K has its
own unique history, culture, festi-
vals and traditions (and in some cases,
even language), the politics of violence
and over emphasis on militancy within
the state and New Delhi's obsession with
Kashmir valley and J&K as a 'security
state', unfortunately, have isolated the
people and their proud culture in this
region.
Rajouri and Poonch districts, are
located in one corner of the J&K, and
the country as well. To get from Jammu
to Poonch, it takes a back-breaking
eight-hour journey in private operator-
run vehicles, most of which are tempo
travelers or Tata sumos. Poonch is per-
haps, one of the few district headquar-
ters in the country, where the State
Road Corporation runs only two services
from the state capital. Like in many
other districts, the JKSRTC does not
have a depot either in Rajouri or in
Poonch. A comparison with the neigh-
bouring states of Punjab, Himachal and
Haryana, would reveal the disastrous
state of state-run buses
The condition of the roads is rela-
tively better today, with the road
between Jammu and Rajouri being dou-
ble-laned and metalled. The road
between Rajouri and Poonch however, is
still under renovation. Here, news
papers get delivered only in the eve-
ning, electricity is erratic, and private
mobile operators are yet to make a dent
in the area. The BSNL communication
network, when it works, and the Airtel
are the people's only link with the rest
of world. Television network is far
behind reaching these districts; even if
they do, there is no guarantee, that peo-
ple can view them, for electricity is
always a problem here. In fact, people
are more tuned to listen to the imita-
www.epilogue.in
tions of Bollywood numbers being
beamed from Radio Bagh for example,
than from India!
Thanks to the above, there is a feel-
ing of helplessness amongst the local
communities, that their interests and
welfare have been taken for granted by
the Union and State governments.
There is a clear need for the State and
Union governments to address this feel-
ing, otherwise, it may end up creating
The Pir Panchal region, con-
sisting of Rajouri and Poonch
districts has the potential to
be promoted with a similar
festival at an international
level. Doda and Bhaderwah
also are a part of this moun-
tain range, but for the purpose
of this essay, only these two
districts are being concen-
trated.
one more region within J&K, which feels
alienated.
Second, besides the alienation feel-
ing, the political, and sociological
importance of Rajouri and Poonch dis-
tricts is important. Composed primarily
of Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, the popu-
lation is diverse. Further divisions (the
Gujjars, Bakerwals, Rajputs, PoK refu-
gees, and ethnic Kashmiris), cutting
across religious lines, make these two
districts not only colourful, but on the
flip side, also politically volatile.
While these two districts are
known for its communal harmony and
peaceful co-existence, tremors of com-
munal tensions have been felt in recent
Vol. 4, Issue 5
30
years. To their credit, Poonch and
Rajouri have never witnessed the dis-
placement of minority communities on
a large scale, unlike what has happened
in the Kashmir valley over the last two
decades. While the Kashmiri Pandits
felt insecure and were forced to leave
the Valley and settle elsewhere as 'in-
ternal refugees'; there has never been a
large scale displacement of the Hindus
and Sikhs in Poonch and Rajouri.
Today however, there are clear
fault lines. While there have been no
major communal riots between differ-
ent religious communities in recent
years, the tension is palpable. There is
an increased feeling amongst the
Muslim community that militant Hindu
organizations such as the Bajrang Dal
are trying to increase the communal
cleavage in the region. The increase of
religious yatris to the Buddha Amarnath
shrine, situated at Mandi, a few kilo-
metres away from Poonch town, is seen
as a deliberate move to communalize
the situation, by diverting the Amarnath
yatris into this region. The recent
torching of shops in Poonch during the
Amarnath Shrine land allotment contro-
versy is also viewed by the Muslim com-
munity as a Hindutva agenda to polarize
the community along regional lines.
On the other hand, the dominant
perception, shared by the Hindus and
Sikhs, is that since they are a silent
minority, their sentiments are being
taken for granted by the government,
which is only interested in appeasing
the Muslim community. Most of the
developmental expenditure, the minor-
ity community complains, goes into
addressing the concerns of the majority
Muslims in these twin districts. One
example, that repeatedly finds mention
is that there is no degree college along
Epilogue, May 2010
 31
the 40 km stretch of road between Nowshera and
Rajouri, which is dotted primarily with Hindu com-
munity settlements, most of them PoK refugees.
On the other hand, there are two degree colleges
and a university along the 20 km stretch between
Rajouri and Thana Mandi. In a communally sensi-
tive situation, perceptions assume greater power
and influence than the reality.
Besides the communal divide, there is a slow,
but strong divide taking root between the Paharis
and Gujjars, especially since the time the latter
were granted the status of a 'scheduled tribe' (ST).
The Paharis (meaning 'people of the hills'), com-
prise a category of people, which cuts across reli-
gious lines. They feel that granting the ST status to
the Gujjars has undermined their position and
undercut their opportunities, as they believe that
both, the Gujjars and Paharis come from the same
geographic, social and economic terrain. The
Paharis believe that with such a decision, the
future of their forthcoming generations has been
put at stake. Hence, they have also started
demanding that the same status or its equivalent
be granted to them. Whereas the Gujjars oppose
any extension of this reservation to the Paharis.
This simmering divide which is becoming more pro-
nounced, could erupt at any time.
Third, strategically, Rajouri and Poonch
shares its borders with Pakistan occupied Kashmir
and has witnessed the Indo-Pak wars of 1947, 1965
and 1971. The 1947 war, in fact, divided the erst-
while Poonch region into two; with most of its dis-
tricts, including Rawlakot and Kotli, falling onto
the other side of the Line of Control (LoC), under
Pakistan's occupation.
Today, Mendhar, Surankote and Poonch sub
regions are three main arteries, that the militants
use to cross over to Kashmir valley. Peace and sta-
bility in these two districts are absolutely vital for
any long term solution to Kashmir valley. Though
there is a boder fence today, it is not totally fool
proof. Given the nature of topography, and the
fact that no single barrier erected in the history of
mankind has actually stopped the movement of
determined human beings, LoC fence, is unlikely
to be the solution. The way ahead, clearly is to
keep these border districts safe, by making them
peaceful.
www.epilogue.in
In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
GETTING READY
FOR THE CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION
T he rationale for the Pir Panchal international festival in these two dis-
tricts stem from the following positive factors relating to conflict
transformation in this region.
While the strategic significance of this region and certain negative
developments have been highlighted in the previous section, there have
also been a few positive developments in the last few years. Given the fact
that both, Rajouri and Poonch have largely gone unnoticed on the regional
and certainly, on the national radars; these positive developments should
be expanded further. At least two encouraging developments are worth
mentioning – decline in militancy and greater cross-LoC movement of
divided families. While militancy reached a peak in the late 1990s in this
region, in the last few years, it has been gradually dying out, even if it is
not already dead. There are presently, no or very few local recruitments.
In most cases, the militants for the lack of local support, use these dis-
tricts as a transit to Kashmir valley, across the Pir Panchal, than to stay
here and indulge in violence.
The security forces – both the army and local police have worked hard
to bring the militancy down. Thanks to these factors, the people feel far
more secure and relaxed, especially with a decrease in the regular gun and
artillery fire from state and non-state actors – both overt and covert.
Unlike few years ago, today, once could travel in any road, without any
fear.
Second, the opening of the Poonch-Rawlokot road to enable members
of divided families visit each other, has opened the eyes and hearts of peo-
ple living across the LoC, by breaking the numerous myths and false propa-
ganda unleashed by state machineries on either side. People are now able
to see for themselves what is really happening and can therefore, make
their own assessments, based on their experience of realities at the
ground level. This perhaps, has been the most remarkable development in
the region in the last six decades.
The above-mentioned developments need to be built on, and a Pir
Panchal festival, as has been explained subsequently, can prove
immensely helpful in this regard.
PIR PANCHAL FESTIVAL AS AN AGENT OF CONFLICT
TRANSFORMATION & BUILDING PEACE FROM BELOW
H ow to address the conflict transformation mentioned above? How to
arrest the negative growths and strengthen the positive develop-
ments? How can an regional festival play a role in this?
Creating Awareness about Rajouri and Poonch in the rest of J&K and
India
There is an unmistakable need to market this region to the rest of
J&K, India and abroad and the proposed Pir Panchal international festival
will precisely do this . Unfortunately, J&K is largely seen as synonymous
Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010
In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
with violence and conflict. Even if there
is any discussion on terrorism—it is
restricted to tourism in Leh, Dal lake
and Gulmarg, or the pilgrimage to the
Amarnath and Vaishno Devi shrines.
While undoubtedly, places like Srinagar
and Leh deserve the attention they
receive; this should not undermine the
capacity of other places like
Bhaderwah, Kargil, Poonch and Basholi
to attract and enthrall visitors. With a
disproportionate focus on the former,
the latter areas seem to have been aban-
doned by the tourists – whether those
visiting for purposes of religion, plea-
sure, or adventure. Poonch and Rajouri
abound with places of scenic beauty,
and opportunities for trekking and other
adventure-related activities, and also
shrines and other places of religious
importance.
It would be pertinent to ask how
many of the tourists who have visited
other parts of J&K for adventurous and
religious purposes, have toured Rajouri
and Poonch districts? For example,
while the numbers to the Vaishnodevi
shrine, has substantially increased in
the recent years, how many of them vis-
ited Rajouri and Poonch? If only these
attractions were marketed well, then
this region would not be thought of as a
godforsaken place.
Besides the tourists from outside
J&K, it is unfortunate that there are not
many even from within the state who
has visited these regions. Many govern-
ment employees – from teachers to tour-
ist officials, who have been appointed in
these districts, have been candid
enough to accept that it was their first
visit ever to these regions. Even after
their posting however, many of them
have admitted that till date their own
family members, including spouses and
children have not visited these places.
A Pir Panchal festival, will bring to
these culturally and religiously diverse
www.epilogue.in
and scenically splendid districts along
the LoC, the publicity that they require
and deserve. Once people from other
parts of J&K and the rest of India start
visiting, they are likely to act as brand
ambassadors of Poonch and Rajouri, just
as every visitor to Dal Lake and Ladakh
does, bringing in an ever increasing num-
ber of visitors. More importantly, the
rest of J&K will also understand more
about Rajouri and Poonch.
Bringing the Communities Together
Second, the Pir Panchal festival is
equally important from the perspective
of cementing the ties between religious
and ethnic communities. As shall be
seen subsequently, the Pir Panchal festi-
val will have to include the different cul-
tures and religions that are cohabiting
in this district. As mentioned above,
there are fault lines within these societ-
ies, which have otherwise largely been
peaceful and kept themselves away
from violence.
A secular Pir Panchal festival is
likely to address this cleavage and
remind the people of different faiths
and denominations of the common his-
tory and rich cultural heritage their
region is endowed with. During the
maharaja's rule in the pre-1947 period,
secular melas in the united Poonch were
commonplace and helped emphasize
the cultural diversity of the region and
the need for the people to live together
in harmony.
Restoring the Past Glory
Third, such a regional festival is
likely to revive the historical and cul-
tural ties that undivided Poonch
enjoyed before 1947. Much before
becoming the subjects of Poonch rajas
– under independent rulers, or under
the influence of Mughal or Sikh rule,
the people of Rajouri and Poonch dis-
tricts on the Indian side, had frequent
and intense interactions with the peo-
ple of Bagh, Haveli (as Poonch was
Vol. 4, Issue 5
32
referred then), Sudhanati, Kotli, and
Bhimber districts of Kashmir under
Pakistan control. In fact, “Azad
Kashmir” and “Pakistan occupied
Kashmir” are misnomers. Except for a
few ethnic Kashmiris, mainly in
Neelum and Muzaffarabad districts
across the LoC, the rest of the people
and districts have more in common
with the people of Rajouri and Poonch.
The fact, that there are more divided
families in these two districts and that
the Poonch-Rawlakot bus service is
more famous that the Uri-
Muzaffarabad bus, are reflections of
the actual reality.
Today, although the people of this
region are divided by the LoC; before
1947, they celebrated their religious
and secular festivals together. With the
inauguration of the Poonch-Rawlakot
bus service there has been considerable
interaction between people on either
side, especially amongst the divided
families. The proposed Pir Panchal festi-
val is likely to expand this interaction
beyond divided families and attract peo-
ple even from across the LoC to cele-
brate the festival. Already, those who
have been visiting from across the LoC,
have been taking part in or observing
some of the secular events in India, such
as its republic and independence day
celebrations, and have also been
attending some religious festivals that
have taken place in numerous Sufi
shrines in Poonch and Thana Mandi, near
Rajouri.
Attracting the Diaspora and
Preventing Brain Drain
Finally, such an international festi-
val is likely to attract the diaspora of
this region back to its roots and in the
process, provide the much-needed expo-
sure to the people of Rajouri and
Poonch, besides arresting the brain
drain. Before 1947, Poonch was the
main center of learning and till date,
Epilogue, May 2010
 33
the Poonchis are known for their
high level of literacy within the
region. Since 1947, especially
since the wars in 1965 and 1971
and the establishment of the LoC,
Poonch has been relegated to one
corner of India, linked to the rest
of world by just one road – Poonch
to Jammu via Rajouri and Akhnoor.
Earlier, the people of these two
districts would interact with the
people of Kashmir through the
Poonch-Uri passage and the rest of
Punjab mainly through the
Poonch-Rawlakot, Mendhar-Kotli
and Nowshera-Mirpur accesses.
With the erstwhile Mughal road
also having gone into complete
disrepair, external connectivity
for the people of this region
became primitive and extremely
difficult. Additionally, the failure
of successive governments in J&K
to provide better governance has
resulted in the decline of the
socio-economic standards within
this region. As a result, many peo-
ple from these regions are settled
today in the rest of India and
abroad
Lack of adequate resources
and opportunities in these two dis-
tricts have also forced a brain
drain from these two districts.
Today, there are more well edu-
cated people from these two dis-
tricts, living elsewhere, than from
the region where they belong to.
Except for a few dedicated and
concerned noble souls, the rest
have migrated for all practical
purposes. An international festi-
val, not only would revive the
rich culture and provide its peo-
ple, the much needed exposure,
it will also arrest the brain drain
and bring back a section of
Diaspora and be a part of it again.
www.epilogue.in
In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
PIR PANCHAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL:
THE COMPONENTS
W hat should the proposed international festival include? What can be done imme-
diately, without investing much, and what can be left for later, which might
require long-term planning and greater investment? And who should lead it – the gov-
ernment or the civil society, or both?
The last question is easy to answer. Such a festival should be a private-public
partnership – for without the two, this initiative cannot be made as a long term suc-
cess. While the top should assist, this initiative should essentially be a bottom up
approach, where there is sufficient input and space for the civil society. Otherwise,
one cannot discount the possibility of a government tamasha, depending on the ruling
government's equations with those elected from the region.
The nature of the proposed international festival could be both secular and reli-
gious – covering historical, archeological, anthropological, cultural and entertain-
ment subjects. To start with, the Pir Panchal festival could be a five-day affair, with
most of the activity concentrated mainly in Rajouri and Poonch towns. Subsequently,
this can be extended to ten days or two weeks, covering other towns as well, includ-
ing Mendhar, Surankot, Kalakot and perhaps even Bafliaz. The focus of this festival
could be on the following:
Shahdra Shrine and the Poonch Triumvirate
Shahdra Shrine, near Rajouri town, undoubtedly is the most important sufi
shrine of the entire J&K, promoting harmony and peace for several decades. The
shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah, after whom, the local university is named after, is a sym-
bol of hope and reverence for many people from different faiths – Muslims, Christians,
Hindus and Sikhs. A clear torch bearer of Sufi Islam, this shrine is perhaps the greatest
secular tradition, which every one should cherish and embrace.
Besides the Shahdra Shrine near Rajouri, the Buddha Amarnath temple, Sai
Miran Shrine and Nangali Sahib Gurudwara of the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communi-
ties, situated within a span of twenty kilometers near Poonch, is a symbol of religious
harmony. No other region in J&K has such important places of worship belonging to
three different communities, situated next to each other. Both Sain Miran and Nangali
Sahib are located along the banks of the Drungali Nallah (rivulet); with Sain Miran
perched atop a hill, close to the LoC, from where one can see the villages on the other
side, and Nangali Saheb almost at the confluence of the Drungali Nallah and Poonch
river. Besides their religious significance, both these places are also a visual treat for
tourists. Budha Amarnath, on the other hand, is situated on the Loran Nullah, from
where one can see the snow-clad Pir Panchal.
One could start from Poonch town, offering early morning prayers at Budha
Amarnath, visit Nangali Sahib in the noon, take part in the langar (community lunch)
and spend the evening in Sain Miran and return to Poonch the same day.
The Gujjar and Pahri Cultures
For the sociologists and the anthropologists, there are two distinct cultures –
Pahari and Gojri, each with its own folk songs, dances and literature. Unfortunately,
these cultures are declining, as the patronage they earlier enjoyed has been wither-
ing away. While before 1947, the Mahrajas used to be the chief patrons of these cul-
tures, post-1947, thanks to the neglect by the state and violence during the last two
decades, these cultures no longer have the platform and space they deserve. There
Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010
In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
are numerous well-meaning people
within the region, who are extremely
concerned and enthusiastic about reviv-
ing their declining cultures.
Mushiara, recital of Urudu poetry is
another popular entertainment in these
two districts, which is also popular in
other parts of the State. Easily, a series
of such events could be organized in five
days in different towns of these two dis-
tricts. The local police in the recent
months have organized such events in
Mendhar, Poonch, Surankote and
Rajouri, which have been a huge success
amongst the local civil society. Recently
in 2009, the Cultural Academy of J&K
along with local civil society organized a
painting exhibition at the national level
in Rajouri. Pahri paintings having a
unique space, (though practiced mainly
around Basholi) could be a part of this
international festival.
Wrestling, Stone Lifting, Trekking,
Cycle Race and Pir Panchal Car Rally
Recently during February-March
2010, the local police organized Volley
ball matches, which were a huge suc-
cesses in these two districts. Besides
such well known sports and activities,
this region has certain secular events,
peculiar to this region, including wres-
tling, 'stone lifting' and 'wrist holding'.
Though the state has supported some of
these events as part of the region's rural
sports culture, especially among the
youth, these activities could become
the highlight of the Pir Panchal festival.
To attract participation from other
regions of J&K and beyond, more events
could be included in the fest. For exam-
ple, a cycle race from Bafliaz to Dera-ki-
Ghali (the highest point on Poonch-
Bafliaz-Rajouri) road, or a trekking com-
petition from Loran to Gulmarg across
the Pir Panchal or even a race – cycle or
motor – along the Mughal road from
Bafliaz to Sophian, could attract people
from all over the world. People from all
www.epilogue.in
over Europe and Canada already come
to Leh to cycle to Khardung La, a dis-
tance of 40 kms, and if promoted prop-
erly, one could expect a decent partici-
pation from these countries to take part
in the proposed Pir Panchal festival.
More importantly, a car rally, start-
ing from Rajouri – taking the circuitous
route to Mendhar and Poonch via
Bhimber Galli can get back to the start-
ing point and should be an interesting
one. Once the most popular Mughal road
is ready, there could be a car rally across
the Pir Panchal – starting from Srinagar
and ending up in Jammu via these two
districts.
Remnants of History: Chingus,
Thanna Mandi, Noor-e-Chamb and
the Mughal Road
For those archaeologists and peo-
ple interested in history and heritage,
there could be no better place than the
Chingus and the entire Mughal road in
this region. The Mughal road, as the
name suggests, is the road used by the
Mughal rulers, to move from Agra to
Srinagar via New Delhi and Lahore,
before crossing Rajouri and the Pir
Vol. 4, Issue 5
34
THE POONCH TRIUMVIRATE :
Shrines of Sai Miran
Panchal. This road is dotted with sarais
(inns) constructed by the Mughals to
help their movement.
While many of these sarais are in
dilapidated condition or encroached,
the forts in Chingus and Thanna Mandi
before and after Rajouri in the Mughal
road have tales of history. Chingus hosts
the intestines of the Mughal emperor
Jahangir, while Thanna Mandi is a treat
to watch, especially the Queen's quar-
ters and her bathroom. Noor-e-Chamb,
situated in the Pir Panchal is a water
falls, where the Queen Noor Jahan used
to bathe. Besides, there are numerous
huts across the Pir Panchal.
The elders in this region also con-
sider, much before the Mughals, other
should have also taken this road. They
even consider, that those who attended
the Second Buddhist Council in Kashmir,
during the period of Kushanas in first AD,
should have gone via the road. Though
this cannot be historically proved, it
sounds logical. Perhaps, they traveled via
Loran near Poonch. If true, then Mughal
road, predating the Mughals, should be
one of the oldest road in the country!
Epilogue, May 2010
 35 In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

THE FESTIVAL AHEAD

C learly, the need for a Pir Panchal

festival and its implications for the
society and nation cannot be underesti-
mated or overlooked. How does one pur-
sue the matter further? What needs to
be done at the societal and state levels?
Budget and Funding
Such a festival needs support from
both the state and society. Clearly, the
local society cannot organize such an
event on its own. The direction and fund-
ing support will have to come from the
State and Union governments, in the
same manner that it has assisted the
organization of the Ladakh and Jammu
festivals. The same way, the govern-
ment could not organize such an event,
without the local support. There is a
need for the private-public partnership.
The civil society should also organize
itself, than just complaining that the
State has to do everything.
Creating Necessary Infrastructure
From travel to accommodation,
there is a need to improve the basic infra-
structure of the district. Intervention of
the State is crucial in this sector, in terms of
improving the connectivity and provid-
ing adequate facilities for people to
move around, stay and take part. As men-
tioned above, the JKSRTC operates few
services in this regions. There are hardly
any accommodation facilities available;
and given the current infrastructure, the
district headquarters, may not be able
to accommodate even 100 people in the
government and private hotels and bun-
galows. The roads need to be developed
urgently. Unfortunately, despite being a
national highway, the Jammu-Poonch
road is perhaps one of the worst roads in
the entire country. Other access roads
also need to be developed along with
proper wayside amenities.
It will be an impossible task to
attract national and international tour-
ists in the absence of such basic infra-
structure. Imagine a 200 km plus high-
way, with a signboard that proudly
declares “Welcome to the Jammu-
Poonch national highway”, but is full of
potholes and without any decent road-
side restaurants and washrooms!
Providing this basic infrastructure
should be the joint responsibility of
both, the state and union governments.
Including Civil Society Actors
Civil society actors can be called
upon to help in organizing the events of
the festival. Both, religious and secular
civil society groups will be extremely
interested in being part of the festival
and will also have a stake in organizing
it. The trusts of Shadra Sharief, Sai
Miran, Nangali Sahib and Budha
Amarnath, will be more than willing to
District Wise Handicrafts and Handloom Industrial Co-operative Societies
(2005-06)
District No. of Societies
Rajouri 80
Poonch 61
J&K State 2318
take part in such a festival. So will the
cultural and business groups of the
region. In terms of organizing the event,
the local administration in Poonch or its
tourism department can take the lead,
with support from civil society actors
and foundations.
Pir Panchal Festival across the LoC
At a later stage, when the govern-
ments are confident, they could even
invite people from across the LoC; peo-
ple across the LoC on the other side,
share the same culture and history. In
fact, it could become a great CBM in
itself, if this festival is to be extended
and celebrated simultaneously in
Bhimber and Rawlokot as well, and the
population moving across for a period of
three to five days!
Looking upto Omar and Jora
All that is needed is a vision. With
young and dynamic Chief Minister and
Tourism Minister in the form of Omar
Abdullah and Rigzin Jora, this should be
a cake walk for them to organize. The
entire region and the rest of India will
be indebted to them, for taking such an
initiative. Don't forget, 2010 is the year
of tourism for J&K!
Percentage of Total Membership (Nos)
3.45 6.44
2.63 1387
26939

Registered Vehicles by District as on 31.3.2007

Name of Registered Vehicle Vehicle Density
the district Buses Mini-buses Trucks Cars Jeeps Tests 3-wheelers 2-wheelers Others Total %age No. of Regd.
LD vehicles share Vehicles per
100 sq km Lakh of
of area population
Rajouri 9 151 92 231 38 106 194 2270 326 3517 0.62 134 622
Poonch 7 151 34 128 20 140 71 851 146 1548 0.27 92 355
Total J&K State 9077 13042 35598 112162 11222 14747 28614 320755 25091 570308 100.0 563 4804
%age share 1.59 2.29 6.24 19.67 1.97 2.58 5.02 56.24 4.40 100.0

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

In focus 36
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

MUGHAL ROAD:

The Charm of Rajouri, Poonch

PIA MALHOTRA

O
ne of the most remarkable
achievements of the ancient civi-
lizations was the Silk Road. For
the first time in the history of mankind,
a road connected different countries
and nations from the Mediterranean to
the Pacific Ocean, combined their mate-
rial, art and spiritual cultures. For many
years, people interchanged handi-
crafts, goods, ideas and beliefs. By
doing this, the road brought peoples
from various countries closer to one
another. The Silk Road was also known
for the beautiful monuments along its
route. Monuments such as Ichan-kola
ensemble in Khiva, historical monu-
ments of ancient Bukhara, Samarkand,
Shakhrisabz, have acquired worldwide
UNDER RECONSTRUCTION :
significance. Armenian and Georgian The heritage Mughal Road across the Pir Panjal
temples and monasteries are renowned
for their grandeur. The Silk Road is today the most feasible and shortest route to Jammu-Srinagar Highway through the
one of the most significant tourist sites the Kashmir Valley passing through Banihal Tunnel. The road passes through
as it brings mankind closer to the histor- Bufliaz-Shopian, now known as the Buffliaz, Poshana, Chattapani, Peer Ki
ical heritage of many nations who for Mughal road. The Mughal emperors used Gali, Aliabad, Zaznar, Dubjan, Heerpora
thousands of years lived along this road. this road to conquer Kashmir during the and Shopian.
The World Tourist Organization has been sixteenth century. Akbar used this route The Mughals constructed various
implementing long-term tourist pro- to conquer Kashmir in 1586. The road monuments on this road, which are pres-
jects, aimed at promotion of tourism in extends between Bafliaz, a town in the ent to date. In Chingus in Rajouri,
this region. Poonch district, to Shopian of Pulwama Emperor Jahangir died during his return
The road that was used by the district in the Kashmir valley. The road from Kashmir and his body was kept at a
Mughals in Jammu and Kashmir in the is 84kms long and situated in the state fort at the place. They built a rest house
sixteenth century has the potential to of Jammu and Kashmir in India. It passes on this road, which still exists at
endeavor for the same feat. Reviving over Pir Panchal mountain range. The Muradapora. There was another rest
this road can bring people within road brings the Poonch and Rajouri dis- house at Nayn Sukh (Fatehpur), a grand
Jammu and Kashmir closer to one tricts closer to Srinagar in Kashmir val- Sarai at Thanamandi and a terrace at
another besides connecting it to the ley. This makes for an alternate road Noori Chamb water falls, named after
rest of India. When the Mughals con- route to Kashmir valley from the rest of Jahangir's wife, Noor Jahan. A grand
quered Kashmir in 1586 AD they chose India, other than the highly crowded rest house was constructed at the moun-

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 37
tainous peak at Chandimarh on the
Mughal road, which still stands there.
Besides, numerous smaller rest houses
were built at Alyabad, Ziarat of Peer
Baba at Pir-ki-Gali, Dubjian, near the
Sculptures springs. There is also a rest
house, which is now dilapidated in
Heerapura in Shopian.
The new road was proposed in the
1950's for improving the economy of
Poonch and Rajouri. Chief Minister
Sheikh Abdullah had taken up this pro-
ject in 1979 and named it “Mughal
Road”, but it came to a halt as militancy
took over. Similarly, Mufti Mohammad
Sayeed of the Jammu and Kashmir
People's Democratic Party, was inter-
ested in the culmination of the project.
The actual process of construction was
started by him and he laid the founda-
tion stone for the Mughal road. The con-
struction of the road was started in 2005
to be completed by 2010. It is proposed
to be open to traffic by summer of this
year for light vehicles. Initially, there
was opposition to the construction of
the road because it would fragment the
wildlife. It was also claimed that the
road would get early snow in winter and
would be not be operational.
The Mughal road has numerous his-
torical monuments and forts on its
route. These constructions have
immense historical value and are also
extremely beautiful. Unfortunately,
most of these buildings have just been
ignored by the government and are lying
ramshackle in the state. If the govern-
ment develops these buildings along the
Mughal road, it will create much needed
tourism and economic development in
the state. It will additionally make for a
very beautiful and scenic drive!
ChandiMarh; one of the scenic
stops on the Mughal Road in the Pir
Panjar Mountains and verdant wood-
lands. A grand Mughal Serai still stands
here at the pass through this mountain
www.epilogue.in
range of Pir Panjar. Alliabad; the site of
a small rest house, one of the many built
for travelers on this scenic road.
Khampur; one of the three Sarais being
protected and looked after by the cen-
tre through the Archaeological Survey of
India.
Chingus; a place on the Mughal
road where Emperor Jehangir is sup-
posed to have died on his way back from
Kashmir. His body (his intestines) was
kept in a fort near this place. The
Chingus fort was built with an exclusive
room for the King and the Queen. The
fort also had separate areas where the
King could address a public audience
and a private audience. It is believed
The Mughal road has the potential to
improve connectivity among the vari-
ous regions in Jammu and Kashmir
besides connecting Kashmir to the
rest of India. Political parties and peo-
ple belonging to all sections of society
have been demanding the opening of
the Mughal road
that the doctor who operated on the
Emperor was also buried at the same
spot. The fort is an extensive construc-
tion with a massive dome like structure
as the main entrance. Once inside the
fort, one is surrounded by a thick brick-
wall enclosure. The fort was supposed
to cater to the king's large armies and
cavalry and has numerous stables and
feeding rooms inside the brick walls.
The fort was built along the river bank
and the Mughal road runs behind the
fort. The government, in its attempt to
promote tourism in the place, had con-
structed tourist huts, where people
could come and stay, but unfortunately,
the fort itself is now in a dilapidated con-
dition. It was initially under the coun-
ter-insurgency forces and at that time,
Vol. 4, Issue 5
In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
it was in a better condition, but since
the forces evacuated, the place has
become ramshackle.
Noori Chamb; this place was
named after Jehangir's wife, Noor
Jehan who used to visit this place fre-
quently. The place is essentially a
waterfall which is surrounded by beau-
tiful terraced gardens. The waterfalls
itself are not very easily accessible, as
they are neatly tucked away, almost in a
cave, away from all the roads and one
has to trek down to the spot. It has a
very peaceful and verdant look to it.
The place, being hidden from view, has
not been frequented very often, and
hence has a very pristine look to it.
Thanna Mandi Sarai; The Mughals
used to stay here during their journey
from Delhi to Kashmir and vice versa.
Thannamandi is significant because a
severe conflict took place here between
Shahi Khan (Zain-ul-Aabdeen) and his
brother Sultan Ali Shah of Kashmir. This
battle for Kashmir, which was fought at
Thannamandi, decided the fate of
Sultan Ali Shah who was killed and Shahi
Khan who after defeating his brother at
Thanna ascended to throne of Kashmir
in 1420 AD under the title of “Sultan
Zain-ul-Aabdeen-Badshah”. On the
orders of the Mughal emperor Jehangir,
a big Sarai of red bricks was constructed
here. Jehangir had visited this place
about 13 times. This Sarai has now been
captured by the security forces to com-
bat militancy in the area. The forces
have made rooms and washrooms inside
the Sarai, which is unfortunate, as the
place is just slowly languishing.
There are also some temples of
Dogra's period that are in a decrepit
state now. This place is also known for
its “Chikhri” wood craft. The main sig-
nificance of the place, however, is the
shrine Shah Dara Sharif, the shrine of
Baba Ghulam Shah which attracts fol-
lowers from all over India. The shrine
Epilogue, May 2010
In focus 38
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

dates back to the 19th century. It is
believed that Gulab Singh, once the
army general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
of Punjab, got this shrine constructed.
It is believed that Gulab Singh had gone
to meet Baba Ghulam Shah, who had
predicted that he would have a huge
territory, including the place that they
were meeting at. In time, his prediction
came true and Gulab Singh became the
Maharaja of the state of Jammu and
Kashmir. When Gulab Singh went back
to thank Baba Ghulam Shah, he had
already left. Gulab Singh, then decided
to get a shrine,the Shah Dara Sharif con-
structed at that place. The shrine is vis-
ited by Hindus, Muslims and Christians.
There is also a belief that an orange tree
in this shrine contains the potential to
cure people of many skin ailments.
Peer ki Gali This is one of the high
altitude points on the Mughal road. The
altitude here is 11460 feet in compari-
son with 5412feet at Bufliaz its starting
point. In fact there is a proposal to dig a
tunnel between Zaznar and Ratachamb,
which will significantly shorten the dis-
tance bypassing Peer ki Gali, and mak-
ing the road more dependable during
bad weather. Light vehicles have
already started using this prestigious
road on a trial basis and the completion
of the double laning will change the
future tourism and economic prospects
of the State. Besides, it will serve as a
great way of connecting the various
areas within Jammu and Kashmir.
The Mughal road has the potential
to improve connectivity among the vari-
ous regions in Jammu and Kashmir
besides connecting Kashmir to the rest
of India. Political parties and people
belonging to all sections of society have
been demanding the opening of the
Mughal road and the Jammu-Poonch
road link. The government of India
should promote this project as it will
promote interaction across the LoC,
besides promoting trade. The old
Mughal road connecting Lahore-
Bhimber-Nowshera-Bufliaz-Shopian can
be re-opened by converting it into a
four-lane project to foster friendship
between India and Pakistan. One of the
ways to connect Jammu and Kashmir to
the rest of the world is through develop-
ment and economic progress. Increasing
connectivity and developing the Mughal
road is the simplest way of achieving
this. The government should revive the
old monuments and forts built by the
Mughals, on the Mughal road. This will
enhance the beauty of the road and
encourage more tourism and hence
more economic development to the
state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Live Stock Population by Districts 1997 and 2003 (P)

S.No. District Live Stock Lakh Nos. Live Stock Average Live stock
2003 %age 1997 Increase/Decrease (2003) per 2003 per household
(%age) over 1997 Sq. Km of area (No) 2001 census (No)
1 Rajouri 11.811 11.93 7.514 57.19 449 15
2 Poonch 8.108 8.19 4.906 65.27 484 14
J&K State 98.993 100.00 91.751 7.89 98 6

District profile of LIC for the year 2005-06 and 2006-07

District Year No. of Sum First Year Average Percentage Percentage Growth
Policies Assured Premium sum assured contribution
(Crore (lakh Rs.) per policy Policies Sum Policies Sum Ist year
Rs.) (000 Rs.) Assured Assured Premium
Valley 2005-06 40976 350.05 4461.24 85.43 32.16 35.24
2006-07 54331 444.21 10263.52 81.76 31.90 36.63 32.59 26.90 130.06
Rajouri 2005-06 6942 48.25 877.24 69.50 5.45 4.86
2006-07 9289 42.05 2484.70 45.27 5.45 3.47 33.81 -12.85 183.24
Poonch 2005-06 3195 21.50 417.72 67.29 2.51 2.16
2006-07 3814 17.36 917.98 45.52 2.24 1.43 19.37 -19.26 119.76
Jammu 2005-06 86433 643.34 10495.45 74.43 67.84 64.76
Division 2006-07 115991 768.48 23217.87 66.25 68.10 63.37 34.20 19.45 121.22
J&K State 2005-06 127409 993.39 14956.69 77.97 100.00 100.00
2006-07 170322 1212.68 33481.39 71.20 100.00 1000.00 33.68 22.07 123.86

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 39 In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal

Biodiversity,
High Altitude Wetlands
PANKAJ CHANDAN

P ir Panchal Range in Rajouri and
Poonch districts of Jammu and
Kashmir is a unique landscape
bestowed with matchless high altitude
wetlands and Biodiversity. The high alti-
tude wetlands in Pir Panchal range
besides supporting the livelihood of
nomadic communities of Gujjars and
Bakerwals are also the habitat of the
rare and endangered species of wildlife.
Many rare and endemic species of the
medicinal plants are also found in the
area. The lower slopes in the range have
thick growth of Pine and Deodar trees. If
we move further up some higher slopes
in the Pir Panchal pass have very good
patches of Junipers as well. Also in the
higher reaches there are vast open mead-
ows commonly known as murgs and
these are used by nomadic graziers dur-
ing summer months.
The nomads in the areas are using
the high pastures in the Pir Panchal
Range since ages. Nomadic pastoralism
as a way of life developed relatively late
in human history, arising only about
9,000 – 10,000 years ago in Southwest
Asia at roughly the same time as agricul-
ture. The earliest nomadic pastoralists
lived in Southwest Asia, herding mostly
sheep and goats. Slightly latter, there is
evidence in south Asia of sizable cattle-
herding culture. Pir Panchal nomads rep-
resent one of the great examples of the
nomadic pastoral way of life once com-
mon in many regions of the world.
With its varying altitudinal range,
Pir Panchal Range has a good diversity of
birds as well as mammals. In fact alti-
tude is the main factor which deter-
mines the distribution of various unique
species of flora and fauna in the region.
The key species of birds found in the
area are Common Buzzard, Monal
Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Golden
Eagle, White Backed Vulture, Pintails,
Mallard, Paradise flycatcher, Treepie
and many other rare and important spe-
cies of migratory birds which use high
altitude wetlands of Pir Panchal as tran-
sit points during migration on the Indus
flyway. The key mammal species found
in the region are Markhor Goat, Musk
Deer, Barking Deer, Black Bear, Leopard
Cat, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Porcupine
etc.
Like other parts of the Himalaya,
this region also has a huge number of
medical plants which are being used to
prepare traditional medicines since
time immemorial. The important
medicinal plants recorded from this
r e g i o n a r e R h o d i o l a , R h e u m,

WHITE BACKED VULTURE at Pir Ki Gali DESTRUCTION of a patch of Junipers as a result of

near Mughal Road. construction of Mughal Road.

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

In focus
The Microcosm of Pir Panchal
Tanacetum, Meconopsis, Dracocephalum,
Aconitum etc.
This region has some very pristine
high altitude wetlands. Almost all the
high altitude wetlands in Pir Panchal
range are glacial fed freshwater bodies
which feed water into the small rivers
originating from the region. At resent
WWF is carrying out the scientific docu-
mentation of the 27 high altitude
wetlands in the Pir Panchal range. The
scientific documentation involves stud-
ies on the flora, fauna and water quality
of these wetlands. At the same time
the various threats to these wetlands
especially the emerging threat of cli-
mate change is also being docu-
mented. Some key high altitude
wetlands where WWF is presently con-
ducting the scientific studies are
Nandan Sar , Katoria Sar, Chandan Sar,
Koker Sar, Neel Sar, Ding Sar, Sukh Sar,
Simar Sar, Akal Dakshini and Bhag Sar.
At present the key threat to these
wetlands is tremendous grazing pres-
sure as a result of the livestock owned
by nomads. In some wetlands like Neel
Sar and Bhag Sar the problem of
eutrophication as a result of the nutri-
ents entering to these lakes from the
nearby nomadic camps has also been
documented.
Katori Sar
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The revival and construction of the
five century old Mughal road will open
up this remote area to further develop-
ment. If proper management and con-
servation measures are not taken in
time then these high altitude water bod-
ies and the unique wildlife of the area
Some key high altitude wetlands
where WWF is presently con-
ducting the scientific studies are
Nandan Sar , Katoria Sar,
Chandan Sar, Koker Sar, Neel
Sar, Ding Sar, Sukh Sar, Simar
Sar, Akal Dakshini and Bhag Sar.
will face a serious threat. At present the
work on the construction of Mughal
Raod is in full swing and this has led to
huge impact on the fragile ecology of
the region. This 84 Km road will connect
Bafliaz area of Poonch district with
Kasmir region and will serve as an alter-
nate road between Jammu and Kashmir
regions. It is also believed that this will
RODIOLA imbricata a medicinal plant near
Nandan Sar.
Vol. 4, Issue 5
40
be a all weather road and will be less
prone to land slides. Before the road
construction activities started, this
region used to be the most pristine area
of the state. There is no doubt that
development is must but at the same
time we need to ensure that this devel-
opment should have minimum impact
on the ecology of the region. For this it
is vital that a sustainable tourism action
plan must be prepared before these frag-
ile areas and especially the wetlands of
Pir Panchal range are thrown open for
tourism activities. The primary objec-
tive of this plan should be to manage the
ecosystem of the area.
Keeping in mind the importance of
the area for its various wildlife species
and high altitude wetlands, the entire
region has also been proposed as a Pir
Panchal National Park. It is important
that more and more research studies
about the lesser known wildlife of the
area should be initiated. For long term
conservation of the region all the stake-
holders in the area should be involved in
the conservation process. A major edu-
cation and awareness campaign also
need to be initiated and common
masses should be made aware about the
unique flora and fauna of the region and
need for its conservation.
Epilogue, May 2010
 41
Strengthen RTI to
Right the Wrongs
M SHAMSUR RABB KHAN
T
wo recent information retrieved
by Right to Information (RTI) Act
activists suffice to the serious
holes in the functioning of two different
government departments: PWD in
Ranchi and Special Cell of the Delhi
Police. Against his application, seeking
to know the reason for an inordinate
delay in laying a metalled road to a vil-
lage in his district, Sunil Kumar Mahto, a
Ranchi-based RTI activist, received a
shocking reply. In writing, the Public
Information Officer (PIO) of PWD,
Ranchi provided the documents that
clearly stated that the road had been
laid two years ago and that a total of Rs
28 lakh was spent on the project, albeit
in actuality no work was done. Mahto
went on to file more RTI applications to
unmask the officials responsible for the
sheer irregularities and was able to
know the government officials, who
embezzled the money meant for public
welfare. Among them, a few officials
were suspended, while cases against
others are in the process.
Another daring RTI activist, Firoz
Alam Sahil of New Delhi, after a sus-
tained efforts and painful wait of 18
months, was able to obtain the autopsy
report of the two suspected terrorists –
Atif and Sajid – who were gunned down
in the Batla House encounter in
September 2008. As in the case of road
construction project in Ranchi, the
autopsy report, received on March 17,
2010, conclusively establishes the fact
that none of the two received any bullet
www.epilogue.in
entry wound on the frontal part of their
bodies. While Atif received all gun shot
wounds on his back, Sajid was pumped
bullets on the upper portion of his head.
A close examination of the autopsy
report only suggests that none of them
were killed in 'combat' position', as nor-
mally happens in fierce encounter. The
highly secretive report, which the
Special Cell of the Delhi Police refused
to make public despite repeated
demands by civil society groups further
strengthens the barrage of uncanny
questions raised from all quarters chal-
lenging the authenticity of the Batla
House encounter in which the two
youngsters from Azamgarh, along with
Special Cell cop MC Sharma, were
killed.
The efforts of Mahto, Sahil and hun-
dreds of other activists across the coun-
try are surely creating an environment
towards better governance via unearth-
ing the official misdemeanours as well
as helping the people to benefit from
the Right to Information Act, 2005. Not
only RTI Act has helped people in send-
ing a strong message to the politicians
as well as the officials that they are
entrusted with task of dispensing their
duties with utmost integrity, but it has
also prompted people to campaign
across the length and breadth of the
country to curb corruption, which is eat-
ing away the very objective of people's
welfare through countless programmes
and schemes being implemented by the
government. However, the recent move
Vol. 4, Issue 5
column
Governance
by the Central Government to go for a
few crucial amendments to the RTI Act
could seriously limit the people's power
to hold government functionaries
accountable for their actions. The pro-
posed amendments that the govern-
ment is considering to put in place
include refusal of “frivolous or vexa-
tious” applications, non-disclosure of
“discussions/consultations that take
place before arriving at a decision”, i.e.
file notings. The proposed amendments
in the RTI Act being considered also
include the need to exempt the office of
Chief Justice of India from the purview
of the RTI Act, as upheld by the Delhi
High Court in its ruling this January.
There was news about Prime Minister Dr.
Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi hav-
ing exchanged correspondence on the
issue: while Mrs. Gandhi favoured status
quo, PM wanted some crucial changes.
In her address to the Parliament in
June 2009, President Pratibha Patil had
assured that the government would
strengthen the RTI Act, analysts are of
the view that the proposed amend-
ments, in the name of strengthening the
Act, would only weaken the law and
reduce transparency. Quite recently,
Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)
Wajahat Habibullah, too, pointed out
the consensus of the Commissioners
according to which there is no need to
bring about amendments in the existing
laws. However, voices in favour of
amendments have gained ground since
the sheer inability of the bureaucracy to
Epilogue, May 2010
Column
Governance
handle the pressure from citizens filing
RTI applications. Moreover, government
officials have felt the heat of being held
accountable for their actions, and that
they are not secured by law anymore to
hide that they had been doing for
decades. While the “increase in the
number of RTI applications and appeals
r e v e a l t h e g r o w i n g a s p i r a-
tions/expectations of the common citi-
zens from the Lok Sabha”, as noted in
the Status Report from the Secretary
General-Lok Sabha, the government offi-
cials, who leave no stone unturned in
maintaining secrecy over their deeds
and misdeeds, find the Act as the great-
est means of their exposure.
Coming to the proposed amend-
ment related to Section 8 of the RTI Act
that deals with “exemption from disclo-
sure of information”, the government is
very much keen to add to this Section
the “discussions/consultations that
take place before arriving at a deci-
sion”, or 'file notings'. Since govern-
ment officials are reluctant to register
their frank opinion while passing or
rejecting a file because they are aware
of the fact that some dedicated activ-
ists can access it in the future, they
want the 'file notings' to be exempted
from the purview of the RTI Act. If we
believe that those opposing the amend-
ments claim that it is only the corrupt
who would benefit if 'file notings' were
exempted from RTI Act, then why would
an upright officer fear anything, and
why would the government pay heed to
the opinions of such bureaucrats? And
since it is through 'file notings' that cor-
rupt officials can be unmask, amend-
ment to it can make the RTI Act a tooth-
less tiger. The sheer reluctance of offi-
cials in procuring sought after request,
or deliberate delay in providing asked
information shows that those in the
helm of affairs do not like the people to
be aware of their working. The signifi-
www.epilogue.in
cance of file notings can be gauged from
the fact that it could save millions of
rupees staked in numerous schemes for
India's development. For example, the
high cost electricity agreement
between Dhabol Power Company
(Enron) and the Maharashtra State
Electricity Board (MSEB), which guaran-
teed by the Maharashtra Government
and Government of India, was not an
ideal, and which saw massive protests
from local people. In April 1993, the
World Bank questioned the project's eco-
nomic feasibility, citing the high cost of
In her address to the Parliament in
June 2009, President Pratibha
Patil had assured that the govern-
ment would strengthen the RTI Act,
analysts are of the view that the
proposed amendments, in the
name of strengthening the Act,
would only weaken the law and
reduce transparency.
importing and using liquefied natural
gas (LPG) compared to other domestic
sources of fuels. Why did this happen?
Because the terms of agreement were
kept secret and were not made public in
spite of the repeated demands from
NGOs and activists in Maharashtra, the
officials, particularly the police was
accused of high-handedness with pro-
testors, who smelled foul play. It proves
that right to vital information that are
hidden in invisible folds of file notings
must be known to the people.
In a healthy democracy, it is highly
imperative that the decisions taken by
the Cabinet should be known to the peo-
ple except the information that are sen-
sitive and security-related issues.
Deliberate hiding of information not
Vol. 4, Issue 5
42
only puts the government in quandary
but takes away the right of the people,
who must be made the part of all issues
that are significant for the welfare of
the country. Except for security inter-
ests, privacy issues, and trade related
rights, no other information needs to be
kept secret since the information is gen-
erated for the people. In principle, a
file in public authority is not compila-
tion of documents containing trade
secret or a copyright material, but it is
the statistical data, opinions, prece-
dents, pros and cons and the economic
cost to the public exchequer meant to
develop people's welfare or directed to
answer the possible public demand.
Furthermore, the information con-
tained in the file notings is not personal
property of the government officials,
who express their legally-bounded opin-
ions that are based on the project pro-
ceeding, outcome and overall perfor-
mance that could used for future assess-
ment. It is not the property of the
incumbent government either. In a work-
ing democracy, government representa-
tives are liable to the people; there-
fore, if the Cabinet, on any important
issue of public interest, ends without
reaching any viable decision, then it
should reveal the reasons for it. In place
of keeping the people in the dark, the
Cabinet should come out with complete
proceeding, which includes the refer-
ences of different opinions given by vari-
ous ministers on vital issue related to the
welfare and development of the people.
Examples of other countries such
UK, US and Australia are sufficient to
prove that file notings are not
exempted from the public access. In our
country, this has also been the tradition
in case of both the Judiciary and
Parliament that continue to function
openly and without any adverse effects.
But, it is the bureaucracy that presently
functions under the obdurate veil of
Epilogue, May 2010
 43
secrecy. Hence, any move to amend RTI
directed to delete file notings from the
public domain would mean a retrograde
measure, which would only be aimed at
bureaucracy appeasement. And it is
quite clear that by such a backward mea-
sure, the government would help the
officials, who are the ultimate benefi-
ciaries if they are left to maintain
secrecy. Also, it would a serious denial
of rights to the people of their own
information.
The other proposed amendment is
related to the rejection of “frivolous
and vexatious” applications. This is
nothing but an official trick to reject
the applications under the RTI Act out-
right at the outset. In this regard, the 2nd
A d m i n i s t r a t i v e a n d Re f o r m s
Commission (ARC), 2005 suggests an
amendment to Section 7 of the RTI Act
by inserting sub-section (10) that
states: “PIO may refuse a request for
information if the request is manifestly
frivolous or vexatious, provided that
such a refusal shall be communicated
within 15 days of receipt of application,
with the prior approval of the appellate
authority.” No doubt, addressing a large
number of applications does amount to
a waste of government resources. But to
allow PIOs the right to label an applica-
tion “frivolous and vexatious” may lead
to gross misuse of the clause. Since PIOs
have been found rejecting a good num-
ber of petitions on this ground, any fur-
ther amendment would embolden them
to reject many more applications,
which may not be quite so “irrelevant or
frivolous.” For example, if a worker
under the National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) files appli-
cation to know the exact amount of
wages due for him could be interpreted
as “frivolous” by a PIO, but, in actuality,
it is not. In case of an amendment that
requires any rejection by the PIO on
“frivolous” grounds can be appealed to
www.epilogue.in
the CIC, it would surely lead to the CIC
being flooded with an unmanageable
number of petitions.
However, the most hotly debated
amendment to RTI Act relates to the
judiciary. Why should the judiciary,
especially the office of Chief Justice of
India be exempted from the ambit of
the Act? Why oppose to induce account-
ability in a non-accountable judicial sys-
tem? There is an element of surprise
here. When the Delhi High Court
rejected the Supreme Court's plea to
exempt the Chief Justice of India's
Examples of other countries such
UK, US and Australia are sufficient
to prove that file notings are not
exempted from the public access.
In our country, this has also been
the tradition in case of both the
Judiciary and Parliament that con-
tinue to function openly and with-
out any adverse effects.
office from the RTI Act, the Supreme
Court has appealed to itself and an
order is expected soon! By and large, all
stakeholders – from the Supreme Court
of India to the common man – must
understand that Act is still young rather
a perfect legal provision and its implica-
tions are yet to be understood by gov-
ernment officials. What is needed is the
full implementation of the Act in its pres-
ent form. The Act, it must be under-
stood, is not directed against officials
for setting personal scores, but it is a
healthy tool to put in place good gover-
nance through transparency and
accountability, and right to the people
to know how the officials work, is the
backbone of healthy democracy. We can
assess its implications only after the Act
Vol. 4, Issue 5
column
Governance
is sincerely implemented. If the UPA gov-
ernment is indeed serious about making
some changes to the Act, it should
repeal Sections 27 and 28 of the Act that
give the “power to make rules by appro-
priate government”, and should make
the law uniform for all states and public
authorities. For instance, many states
and public authorities, till date, have
drafted their own RTI rules which are
contrary to the basic sections of the Act
itself. While the government has made
it clear that it would consult all stake-
holders before making any amendments
to the RTI Act, the impending appeal to
the Supreme Court by itself holds the
key in this regard.
We must, therefore, know that the
promotion of accountability and trans-
parency in the working of the public
authorities, which is the stated objec-
tive of the RTI Act, does not stop merely
with revealing the government's deci-
sions to the public, but it also demands
that the government makes it possible
for the people to know the grounds on
which important decisions were taken.
It is against the idea of people's empow-
erment that they are denied the right to
have access to file notings by officials,
and thereby, keeping them at bay so
that they could not evaluate the process
of decision-making. We must acknowl-
edge the services of Satish Shetty, an
RTI activist killed mysteriously in
January this year in Pune, Sunil Kuma
Mahto and Firoz Alam Sahil, along with
hundreds of others across the country,
who are working tirelessly to enhance
good governance via exposing the mis-
demeanours of the officials and helping
induce transparency and accountability
in the system. Finally, if we want to save
those in authority from further going
down into the quagmire of corrupt prac-
tices and people from being made con-
stant victims, we need to have the RTI
Act in place as it is.
Epilogue, May 2010
exclusive series
New Research on Kashmir
HENRY SCOTT
The Forgotten Soldier of Kashmir
RAKESH ANKIT
Chief of Staff, Jammu and Kashmir Forces, between 1936 and 1947, Brigadier Henry Lawrence Scott,
in his note on 'options in 1947' says that theoretically there were three options for Maharaja Hari
Singh and his Prime Minister Rai Bahadur Ram Chandra Kak: accession to India; to Pakistan and
independence. He confirms that constitutionally, Hari Singh was empowered to make the decision
B rigadier (Sir) Henry Lawrence
Scott Kt, CB, DSO, Bar, MC was
born in 1882 and died aged 89 in
1971. He was commissioned in the
British Indian Army in 1903 and served in
Mesopotamia during the Great War of
1914-18. After returning to India, he
was appointed as Instructor, Senior
Officer's School from 1921 to 1923 and
rose to become the Quarter-Master
General between 1929 and 1931. He
commanded the strategically signifi-
cant Kohat Brigade from 1932 to 1935
and was made ADC to King George V
(1910-1936) in 1934-35. In 1936, Scott
began his eleven-years long employ-
ment as the Chief of Staff, Jammu and
Kashmir State Forces, which was due to
end in November 1947. In the summer of
1947, he was invited, as in the past, to
stay on for another year. He asked for
time to consider this and eventually
decided, in view of the developments
described below, that he would prefer
not to accept an extension. He informed
His Highness Maharaja Hari Singh and
accordingly his resignation was
accepted. He left Kashmir on 29
September 1947 and gave a final report
on 8 October 1947 about “the situation
in J & K State”. Simultaneously, he also
left a note on “the options in 1947”.
www.epilogue.in
Scott served under Kak for 5 years
(1942-47), first when Kak was Minister-
in-Waiting and then when he became
Prime Minister. He enjoyed close
relations with Kak and agreed 'entirely'
with Kak's view 'that Kashmir should
remain on friendly terms with both India
and Pakistan and must, for economic
reasons and because 85% of the
population if Muslim, have close
relations with Pakistan'. Scott charges
that over the months of July-August
1947, Hari Singh increasingly came
under the influence of the Deputy Prime
Minister Rai Bahadur M. M. Batra, a
Hindu Swami, who had great influence
with the Maharani, and the Maharani's
brother, Chand, who was appointed the
“Household Minister”.
While the copies of the former report is
available in The National Archives of Her
Majesty's Government, Kew Gardens
(Richmond, Surrey) – in file series DO
142 and FO 371; the latter note – MSS Eur
D 862 – can be consulted from among the
files at the Oriental and India Office
Collections, British Library, London.
Let us begin with “the options in
1947” which has a broad sweep of per-
sonalities and politics. Scott begins pre-
Vol. 4, Issue 5
44
dictably enough, that theoretically, in
1947 there were three options for
Maharaja Hari Singh and his Prime
Minister Rai Bahadur Ram Chandra Kak:
accession to India; to Pakistan and inde-
pendence.
He confirms that constitutionally,
Hari Singh was empowered to make the
decision. Unlike Lord Mountbatten,
Jawaharlal Nehru, Sheikh Abdullah and
subsequently many historians, Scott
does not merely repeat the feeling that
had Hari Singh been pragmatic, urgent
and decisive over July-October 1947 sub-
sequent events could have been
avoided but seeks to explain it. He gives
two reasons for the Maharaja preferring
the comparative autonomous peace of
his realms: a) his historical and zealous
guarding of 'state laws' against any form
of closer integration with British India
which – in August 1947 – extended with
equal force to India and Pakistan; and,
b) his horror at the unfolding of post-
independence partition, migration and
massacre in Punjab which saw 100, 000
people regularly passing through
Jammu towards either side.
Scott now proceeds to analyse the
three above-mentioned options and
begins by giving the reasons which made
accession to India an unattractive
Epilogue, May 2010
 45
option for Hari Singh. He lists 'the fear of
economic domination; Nehru and the
Indian National Congress' history of
being, [generally], anti-princely state
rulers and, [in particular], anti-Hari
Singh as they were pro-Sheikh Abdullah,
also Nehru had been refused a visit
[thus] exacerbating animosity; acces-
sion to India would have reduced Hari
Singh's [personal] powers and privi-
leges; atleast 80% of his subjects were
Muslims and while [the] Sheikh had a
following in the valley of Kashmir; in
western Jammu, Poonch, Gilgit, [and]
Muzaffarabad, a move to India would
not have been acceptable; and, in the
Gilgit agency, [in particular], were the
Gilgit Scouts (under the command of
Major Brown, a British officer lent by
the Crown Representative, recently
taken over from the Government of
India) upon whose loyalty to the state
under this particular issue, no reliance
could be placed'.
In comparison, to Scott's mind,
accession to Pakistan offered many
advantages. 'The very great majority of
State subjects were Moslems closely con-
nected by religion and race with the
Moslems of the Punjab. It was obvious
that the Moslem League would use all its
great influence with the Government of
Pakistan to persuade the latter to take
action to ensure the union of atleast
Poonch and Gilgit to Pakistan. Failing
Government's action the Moslem League
Scott's final report in his capacity as the
Chief of Staff of Jammu and Kashmir
State Forces, dated 8 October 1947, is a
different, rather detailed, affair. It has
five sections and they represent the
entire spectrum of the concerns and the
interests at play in Jammu and Kashmir
over the summer and autumn of 1947
www.epilogue.in
was more than likely itself to take such
action. The economies of the state and
of the [West] Punjab were closely inte-
grated. The principal land communica-
tions of the state with the outside world
passed through Pakistan. The prosperity
of the agriculture of the Western Punjab
is dependent on the waters of two of the
great rivers of the state, the Jhelum and
the Chinab (sic.). It was most unlikely,
to say the least, that Pakistan would per-
mit, without a struggle, the headworks
of these great canal systems to pass into
the control of India or even probably of
an independent J & K State. The princi-
pal source of the State government's
income derived from the sale of timber
felled in the State forests and floated
down the Jhelum and Chinab rivers for
sale in the Punjab'.
But Scott understood that the idea
of union with 'Moslem Pakistan was most
repugnant to the Maharaja and his
Hindu and Sikh subjects on religious
grounds. It was on the support of the
Hindu Rajput subjects that the throne
of the State had rested since its birth.
Accession to Pakistan it was thought
also would result quickly in the massa-
cre and expulsion from the State of the
Hindu and Sikh inhabitants, as indeed
Vol. 4, Issue 5
exclusive series
New Research on Kashmir
most probably it would have. In the opin-
ion of the Maharaja and his Hindu and
Sikh subjects these objections far out-
weighed the advantages of accession'.
As for the third, improbable,
option of independence, according to
Scott, Hari Singh and Kak laboured for it
'until the dismissal of the latter [11
August 1947] and the great raid of
October 1947 put an end to the dream.
It was hoped that the Stand Still
Agreements concluded with both India
and Pakistan would ensure a peaceful
passage from British suzerainty to inde-
pendence. They hoped to maintain a
reasonable degree of peace and good
order within the State in spite of the hap-
penings in India and Pakistan. It was
hoped that if the State were but able to
ride without disaster through the period
of revolutionary strife disturbing the
two Dominions, the position and policy
would be capable of calm discussion and
consideration and, if then desirable,
revision'.
Scott then points out the two fac-
tors which, above all else, 'rendered
hopes of securing and maintaining the
independence of the State illusionary.
First, the widespread disturbances and
consequent rupture of the communica-
Epilogue, May 2010
exclusive series
New Research on Kashmir
tions of Pakistan and India had put an
end to the sales of State timber in
[ We s t ] P u n j a b . M o r e o v e r, t h e
Government of Pakistan urged by the
Moslem League and with a view to
applying pressure on the State had
placed an embargo on those sales. By
the autumn the State was really bank-
rupt though it managed to scrape along
by internal borrowings and other expe-
dients that could not have served for
many months and certainly would not
have financed serious military opera-
tions even on the State scale. Second,
the other factor was the military situa-
tion which was precarious in the
extreme. J & K State covered an area
approximately as large as
France…Throughout August-October
1947 State forces had been thoroughly
stretched in managing the refugee prob-
lem in Jammu and establishing law and
order; peace and harmony in sensitive
areas'. Since 1846, British Crown had
been responsible for guarding Kashmir
against external aggression hence its
State forces were not adequate. It had
been dependent for arms on the British
Indian army and now with two new
Dominions – both eyeing it – Kashmir was
suddenly militarily extremely vulnera-
ble.
Despite this precarious military
and economic situation, the Maharaja
and his Prime Minister, as Scott puts it,
were 'determined to play for independ-
ence' [as] their choice was one between
'frying pan and fire' (independence or
accession to either dominion).
Next, Scott turns towards the
domestic politics of the state and
relates the manoeuvres and antics of
the Hindu and Sikh Sabhas which did not
desire any change in the status of the
State or its administration; the National
Conference (NC) and Muslim
Conference (MC) whose rank and file –
despite being more attracted to demo-
www.epilogue.in
cratic and popular governance – were
alive to the advantages they enjoyed as
State subjects vis-à-vis accession to
either Dominions. For Scott, it was the
'ironic impartiality' with which the tribal
raiders looted Hindu/Muslim inhabit-
ants of the valley alike that made them
welcome the Indian accession and
Indian troops, albeit temporarily.
Scott analyses why accession to India
was felt as an unattractive proposal for
Maharaja…'the fear of economic domina-
tion; Nehru and the Indian National
Congress' history of being, [generally],
anti-princely state rulers and, [in par-
ticular], anti-Hari Singh as they were
pro-Sheikh Abdullah, also Nehru had
been refused a visit [thus] exacerbating
animosity; accession to India would have
reduced Hari Singh's [personal] powers
and privileges; atleast 80% of his sub-
jects were Muslims and while [the]
Sheikh had a following in the valley of
Kashmir; in western Jammu, Poonch,
Gilgit, [and] Muzaffarabad, a move to
India would not have been acceptable;
and, in the Gilgit agency, [in particular],
were the Gilgit Scouts (under the com-
mand of Major Brown, a British officer
lent by the Crown Representative,
recently taken over from the
Government of India) upon whose loyalty
to the state under this particular issue,
no reliance could be placed'.
Scott presents Sheikh Abdullah's
National Conference as 'predominantly
a Muslim body of the valley of Kashmir.
50% of the Muslims of the valley were
members of the NC while its member-
ship was open to Hindus and Sikhs.
Outside the valley, however, its support
dwindled to 5-15% of the population.
While NC agitated for democratic gov-
ernance it was not whole heartedly for a
closer integration with India and to its
Vol. 4, Issue 5
46
minority position but also realised
Congress' power and ability against Hari
Singh. It plotted an unsuccessful coup in
the summer of 1947 but Abdullah was
promptly arrested and nothing hap-
pened beyond local disturbances as the
Muslim officers and officials of Hari
Singh's administration were mostly sup-
portive of the MC. Nehru sought to visit
Abdullah after Kak/Singh had him
arrested but was denied entry on State
soil. This increased the existing enmity
between the Congress and the Maharaja
and also between the former and Kak.
At this point, Scott brings in an element
of personal hatred and even hostility
between Abdullah and Hari Singh/Kak
which is well-documented and between
two Kashmiri Pandit families of 'the Kaks
and the Nehrus' – which has not seen
much work.
The MC, the state branch of the
Moslem League, was bitterly opposed to
the NC and to the Congress. Like its
rival, it agitated for a more democratic
form of government. Scott judges MC's
agitation as 'more sincere' and asserts
that MC's adherents, throughout the
State, probably outnumbered those of
the NC while even in the Kashmir valley
– until the conduct of the raiders from
October 1947 – the supporters of the MC
were, probably, about equal in numbers
with the supporters of the NC'. Scott
says that throughout June-July 1947 the
MC was content to sit back and watch
the quarrel between Hari Singh and
Sheikh Abdullah and the reverses suf-
fered by the latter at the hands of the
former which, in Scott's words, 'were by
no means displeasing' to the MC. Scott
confirms though that the organisation
and discipline of the MC were definitely
inferior to those of the NC and local lead-
ers were inclined to take a line of their
own regardless of the central policy, in
particular in Poonch. He argues that it
was only after the dismissal of Kak, the
subsequent tilt of Hari Singh – under the
Epilogue, May 2010
 47
influence of the coterie around him –
towards India and the unexpected suc-
cess of the State Forces against the
rebels in Poonch that the Moslem
Conference declared for accession to
Pakistan and its leaders fled Kashmir.
Scott sheds some useful light on
Ram Chandra Kak and his position. He
finds favour with Kak's policy to secure
and maintain the independence of the
state with a view to saving the State
from the inter-communal strife that
was raging in Punjab. He praises Kak for
all that he could do – rather successfully
– to ensure a friendly or atleast not
actively hostile, Pakistan and Moslem
League. He informs that till Kak was the
PM, Pakistan maintained troops along
the two main roads leading into the
State and allowed no raiding and that
the embargo on the sale of Kashmiri tim-
ber and on the importation from
Pakistan into the State of petrol began
after Kak's departure. However, it is
equally clear from Scott's account that
Kak was not so particular about main-
taining friendly relations with India and
the Congress, coloured by his 'personal
dislike for the Congress and family feud
with and antipathy for Mr. J. L. Nehru'.
Scott fears that these factors uncon-
sciously influenced Kak in his decisions
to have a show down with the National
Conference in the summer of 1947 and
to forbid Mr. J. L. Nehru to enter the
State; although he tempers this by argu-
ing that given the atmosphere, it was by
no means certain that that trial of
strength was not just about to be initi-
ated by Sheikh Abdullah. Nehru did
enter the State and was put to arrest
and confinement. There after, there is
no doubt in Scott's mind that Nehru and
the Congress 'and even Mr. Ghandi (sic.)
intrigued in the State for the dismissal
of Kak' and their success was regarded
by Pakistan and the Muslim Conference
as 'marking a change of policy from
friendliness to hostility to Pakistan…if
www.epilogue.in
not that then at least a mark of under-
standing with the Congress'. The new PM
– Jannak Singh – lost little time in apply-
ing, what Scott calls, 'a policy of small
pin pricks to Pakistan' thus confirming
In comparison, to Scott's mind, acces-
sion to Pakistan offered many advan-
tages. 'The very great majority of State
subjects were Moslems closely con-
nected by religion and race with the
Moslems of the Punjab. It was obvious
that the Moslem League would use all its
great influence with the Government of
Pakistan to persuade the latter to take
action to ensure the union of atleast
Poonch and Gilgit to Pakistan. Failing
Government's action the Moslem League
was more than likely itself to take such
action. The economies of the state and
of the [West] Punjab were closely inte-
grated. The principal land communica-
tions of the state with the outside world
passed through Pakistan. The prosperity
of the agriculture of the Western Punjab
is dependent on the waters of two of the
great rivers of the state, the Jhelum and
the Chinab (sic.). It was most unlikely, to
say the least, that Pakistan would per-
mit, without a struggle, the headworks
of these great canal systems to pass
into the control of India or even proba-
bly of an independent J & K State. The
principal source of the State govern-
ment's income derived from the sale of
timber felled in the State forests and
floated down the Jhelum and Chinab
rivers for sale in the Punjab'.
the change of policy. Scott also had a
word to say about the celebrated
refusal to Jinnah from coming to
Kashmir for a month or two holidays. He
reveals that 'Mr. Jinnah undertook to
take no part in politics during his stay in
the State and to forbid any kind of dem-
Vol. 4, Issue 5
exclusive series
New Research on Kashmir
onstrations in his favour within the state
by his followers and admirers'. He hopes
– no doubt in hindsight – that 'At the
time, Mr. Jinnah made this request,
early autumn; it is probable he could
have secured to the State the peace he
promised during his stay'. He is con-
vinced that 'the refusal [of Jinnah's
request] further alienated the Moslem
leaders in Pakistan and in the State'.
Scott's final report in his capacity
as the Chief of Staff of Jammu and
Kashmir State Forces, dated 8 October
1947, is a different, rather detailed,
affair. It has five sections and they rep-
resent the entire spectrum of the con-
cerns and the interests at play in Jammu
and Kashmir over the summer and
autumn of 1947.
Scott begins by talking about the
law and order situation. When he left,
Kashmir had been quiet, except for the
trouble in Poonch in late August and
September, and he elaborates. 'The pop-
u l a t i o n i n Po o n c h i s l a r g e l y
Mohammadan, although the proportion
of Muslims is not so high as in the
Kashmir Valley and some other parts of
the State. The Hindus, mostly Dogras,
and the Sikhs live largely in the towns.
The Muslim community in Poonch
includes tribes, the Sattis and the
Suden, who are akin to the Punjabi
Mussalman, have served in the Indian
Army in considerable numbers and are
fairly well-armed, and the Doons, who
have no martial tradition and possess
few arms. Towards the end of August, a
party of about 30 Muslims from the
Punjab entered Poonch and incited the
Sattis to march on the capital, to
demand Kashmir's accession to
Pakistan. A considerable number, swell-
ing to 10, 000, agreed to go to Poonch,
primarily in order to represent their
own local grievances, their principal
complaint being the high prices of food-
stuffs. They decided to march on
Epilogue, May 2010
exclusive series
New Research on Kashmir
Poonch via a little town called Bagh, of
about 3, 000 inhabitants, many of whom
are Hindus and Sikhs. Bagh is garrisoned
by a company of the Kashmir State
Forces. They were told by the local civil
officials that they would not be permit-
ted to enter Bagh, and they thereupon
surrounded the town. A small detach-
ment of State Force Signallers proceed-
ing towards Bagh was attacked by the
Sattis, who killed one or two of them
and then attacked the town, but were
easily driven off. Reinforcements were
sent to Bagh from Srinagar and relieved
the town without great difficulty. The
insurgents then collected at several
places on the banks of the Poonch River
where they were attacked by the State
Forces and dispersed without offering
any serious opposition. The total casual-
ties did not exceed 20 Muslim insur-
gents, about a dozen Hindus and Sikhs
and a few State troops'. Mentioning the
refugee problem in the State, Scott
writes that at least 100, 000 Muslims
from East Punjab, and about the same
number of non-Muslims from the West
Punjab, had been allowed and escorted,
on their escape from or to Gurdaspur
through the State and that at the time
of his departure there were had been
some 60, 000 refugees in the State.
Scott served under Kak for 5 years
Scott understood that the idea of union
with 'Moslem Pakistan was most repug-
nant to the Maharaja and his Hindu and
Sikh subjects on religious grounds. It
was on the support of the Hindu Rajput
subjects that the throne of the State had
rested since its birth. Accession to
Pakistan it was thought also would
result quickly in the massacre and
expulsion from the State of the Hindu
and Sikh inhabitants, as indeed most
probably it would have.
www.epilogue.in
New Research on Kashmir
exclusive series
By RAKESH ANKIT
By George :
The Cunningham Contribution
(Vol. 4, Issue 3, March 2010)
Pandit Ramchandra Kak
The Forgotten Premier of Kashmir
(Vol. 4, Issue 4, April 2010)
By George :
The Cunningham Contribution
(Vol. 4, Issue 3, March 2010)
(1942-47), first when Kak was Minister-
in-Waiting and then when he became
Prime Minister. He enjoyed close rela-
tions with Kak and agreed 'entirely' with
Kak's view 'that Kashmir should remain
on friendly terms with both India and
Pakistan and must, for economic rea-
sons and because 85% of the population
if Muslim, have close relations with
Pakistan'. Scott charges that over the
months of July-August 1947, Hari Singh
increasingly came under the influence
of the Deputy Prime Minister Rai
Bahadur M. M. Batra, a Hindu Swami,
who had great influence with the
Maharani, and the Maharani's brother,
Chand, who was appointed the “House-
hold Minister”. Scott holds this coterie
desirous of joining India; getting Kak
dismissed, prevented from leaving the
State, and publicly humiliated (a
Commission was appointed to enquire
into various misdemeanours alleged to
have been committed during Kak's long
service). Scott claims that he courted
Vol. 4, Issue 5
48
unpopularity with Hari Singh and his
team by protesting against the treat-
ment accorded to Kak.
Scott also relates a little-known
episode of September 1947 when he
received a telegram from the Pakistan
Army HQ, Rawalpindi asking whether 'in
view of impending political changes'
Scott would consider that the British
military families should leave Kashmir.
Scott met the Maharaja, apprised him of
the contents of the telegram, enquired
whether any change in policy was con-
templated and, receiving Hari Singh's
denial, drafted a telegram to
Rawalpindi saying that no political
changes were contemplated and there
was, there fore, no need to evacuate
British families. The Maharaja approved
and initialled the draft telegram. Apart
from the usual summer visitors, who left
before the winter set in, the number of
British residents in Kashmir was around
3-4, 000. Most of these had settled
there, more or less, permanently and
Epilogue, May 2010
 49
owned houses, houseboats and other
property and, in Scott's opinion, were
unlikely to leave voluntarily. Scott was
convinced that if Kashmir acceded to
India there will be 'such serious trouble'
that special arrangements will be nec-
essary to evacuate willing British sub-
jects but thought that many of them will
probably prefer to remain and take
their chance rather than leave all they
possess behind them.
With a mix of hurt, shock and
betrayal, Scott recounts how the very
next day Sheikh Abdullah was released
from jail and, offered a post as Minister,
promptly went to Delhi to see Nehru.
Another NC leader, Ghulam Nabi Baksh,
who had been externed from the State,
was permitted to return. One or two
leaders of the rival (pro-Muslim League)
MC were imprisoned. Scott also found
that orders were being issued by the
Maharani's brother to the State Forces
without his knowledge. These develop-
ments, and the apparent intention of
the Kashmir Government to tie up with
India, made Scott's mind up and he
decided to decline the offer of a year's
extension. Mr. Powell, the British IG of
Police, had a similar experience and,
having made up his mind to go, was – in
fact – relieved of his appointment. Scott
was succeeded by his Brigadier General
Staff, a steady Hindu Dogra Officer, and
was neither informed nor asked about his
views about his permanent successor.
Scott claims that he saw no evi-
dence of specific activity by the
Government of India to persuade
Kashmir to accede to India. He holds the
clique around the Maharaja, 'working
like beavers', for such a development by
every means short of a declaration.
Equally, he was convinced that, what-
ever may be the policy of Karachi, the
local officials in Rawalpindi were defi-
nitely 'turning on the heat' on Kashmir
by ensuring that no petrol or sugar
www.epilogue.in
reached there. He met Liaquat and
informed the PM that no petrol was, in
fact, reaching Kashmir despite the for-
mer's repeated assurances that Pakistan
government had given definite instruc-
tions that there was to be no breach of
the Standstill Agreement with Kashmir.
He dismisses the excuse given by
Pakistani authorities that this was due
to the reluctance of the Mohammadan
drivers to travel on the road between
Rawalpindi and Kashmir owing to the
presence of large number of Sikhs. He
pointed to Liaquat that Kashmir had
used half its reserves of petrol on evacu-
ating Muslims from East Punjab and this
atleast should be supplied by Pakistan.
On 'future developments, Scott's
report is very prophetic. Kak's successor
as PM was Jannak/Janak Singh, an octo-
genarian Rajput in favour of union with
India who 'conveniently' was laid down
by lumbago soon after assuming charge.
Deputy PM M. M. Batra, the Hindu Swami
and the 'Household Minister' Chand
emerged with the most influence on
Hari Singh and they all strongly favoured
union with India. Without mincing his
words, in an accurate statement, on
what would happen should Kashmir
accede to the Indian Dominion, Scott
writes: '…trouble is certain, not at its
most serious immediately from within
the State – though the Muslims of
Poonch and Jammu are fairly well-
armed – but from the incursion of the
fanatical tribes of Hazara and the Black
Mountain and the Muslims of Jhelum and
Rawalpindi. The 9 battalions of the
State Forces, largely Hindu, could not
effectively cope with such an invasion'.
He asserts that the vast majority of
Kashmiris have no strong bias for either
India or Pakistan and prefer to remain
independent of either Dominion and
free to earn their living, but they realise
that a hostile Pakistan could seriously
disrupt Kashmir's economy. He again
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compares the incapable, weak and ill-
organised pro-Muslim League MC
against the well-led pro-Congress NC.
Scott also grasped the duality within
Sheikh Abdullah and observed that
while he has always been pro-Congress
and anti-Pakistan, 'there is some evi-
dence that he realises that accession to
India would lead to serious economic
difficulties and certainly to war
between India and Pakistan'. Scott also
speculates on possible Indian military
involvement by noting that the so-
called 'new' road from Jammu to
Pathankot (the only link connecting
Kashmir with India without entering
Pakistan) would not be of much value to
Kashmir for military purposes because,
first, this long-existed fair-weather
road would take about 2 years to be
turned into an all-weather one and sec-
ond, for a considerable distance, it runs
close to the Pakistan border. Scott could
not have visualised the heavy Indian Air
force involvement.
Giles Lytton Strachey wrote, in the
preface of his spectacular Eminent
Victorians (1918): 'The history of the
Victorian Age will never be written: we
know too much about it. For ignorance
is the first requisite of the historian –
ignorance, which simplifies and clari-
fies, which selects and omits, with a
placid perfection unattainable by the
highest art'. Much the same can be said
about the Kashmir conflict, too. Such a
vast quantity of information and opinion
have been poured forth and accumu-
lated since the events of 22 October
1947 – and, indeed even before – that a,
no matter how scrupulous, narration
can no longer help to depict the water-
shed year of 1947. The above attempt
represents a different strategy reveal-
ing hitherto obscure personalities and
their perceptions thereby bringing to
fore – at times new/different truths and
at others confirming/negating the old.
Epilogue, May 2010
ladakh affairs
Education
VICIOUS CYCLE TO VIRTUOUS CYCLE:
Ladakh's Tryst with
Education Reform
THINLAS DORJAY
U
seful and relevant educa-
tion for all will not only help
India tear down its social
inequalities but will also go
a long way in its nation build-
ing process. Way back in the 1960s
American President Lyndon B. Johnson
had realized it when he stated that ''the
answer to all our national problems
comes down to a single word: education''.
'' Education for all'', as envisioned
under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and
UNESCO campaigns, is a great challenge
as well as an opportunity. One of the
most vulnerable groups that lag far
behind their more fortunate fellow
countrymen— also likely to remain unaf-
fected in the foreseeable future— by
the ''education for all'' campaign is the
tribal community. Given the different
cultural ethos, language, custom, and
beliefs of the tribal communities, the
government must look at tribal educa-
tion from their perspective: their
needs, problems, fears, strengths and
weaknesses.
Ladakh is one such tribal area.
Since independence, education has
lacked proper attention from the gov-
ernment. This is evident from the poor
passing percentage of only 0-5 in
matriculation from 1947 to 1998. Every
year, 95% of the students were sent back
home with a 'rejected' stamp after
spending ten precious years of their
lives in school and having learnt pretty
little. Education was, then, the name
for a disaster in Ladakh.
When 95% of students appearing in
www.epilogue.in
exams fail, the million dollar question
to be answered was whether the stu-
dents have failed the system or the sys-
tem has failed the students. SECMOL
(Students Educational and Cultural
Movement of Ladakh) an NGO set up by
a bunch of local students in 1988 to
reform the education system started
with the principle that 'if 95% of the
product fails, not just in schools, in any
system whether it is car factory or a jam
factory, then it is not the product, it is
the system...that has defect, and the
system has to be changed''. Thus began a
movement aimed at improving the sys-
tem.
In 1994 Operation New Hope (ONH)
was jointly launched by Ladakh
Autonomous Hill Development Council
(LAHDC), SECMOL and village commu-
nity members as a modus-operandi of
the reform process. The goal of the ONH
was integration and cooperation among
the three pillars of education—
Government, Community and Civil
Society— with the long term aim of what
it calls the 3Hs for Ladakhi children: a
Skilled Hand, a Bright Head and a Kind
Heart. It identified major defects inher-
ent in the education system there and
tried to redress them according to their
respective nature and gravity.
Adopting Understandable Language
Educationists all over the world rec-
ommend that the medium of instruc-
tion, at least in initial stage, should be
the mother tongue. Mohanty and
Perregaux, for example, have found
that replacing Bodo as a medium of
Vol. 4, Issue 5
50
instruction against Assamese has posi-
tively enhanced achievement of pri-
mary grade children of Bodo tribe.
Mohanty further argues that denial of
education in mother tongue results in
“childhood of tension and total rejec-
tion of a relationship with the larger
society, as was the case when the Bodo
Movement started'' Moreover, imposi-
tion of languages other than the mother
tongue on the minorities violates their
Fundamental Rights guaranteed to pre-
serve minority language under
Article.29-30 of the constitution.
Keeping such a prospect in mind,
ONH tried to do away with the imposi-
tion of Urdu, the official language of
J&K, as the medium of instruction in
Ladakh. Urdu used to be the medium of
teaching in Ladakhi schools till 8th stan-
dard and from there on the medium
used to shift to English. But for the lack
of an accepted grammar and script of
spoken Ladakhi till date, ONH strived to
keep English as the medium of instruc-
tion from 1st to 10th standard. In this
way the burden of grasping two alien lan-
guages has been somehow reduced, but
not completely done away with.
Rationalizing the Curriculum
Before ONH, Ladakhi children in
first year of school used to learn from
books supplied from outside. They had
to learn the alphabets by connecting 'E'
with elephant; 'F' with fan, 'Z' with zebra
although they had never seen an ele-
phant or a fan or a zebra. Their books
talked about the monsoon phenome-
non, without any one word about the
Epilogue, May 2010
 51 ladakh affairs
Education

intricate irrigation system in their local-

ity. This led to a reality where firstly
they could not understand what the
Too young to be addicts
books were talking about and had to Parents pulling out children from JNV Leh as
resort to rote memorizing, and; sec- drugs make way to prestigious campus; school
ondly many of the teachers began to
is without a fulltime Principal for a year
realize that there is learning defect
inherent among the Ladakhi children.
This also led to a feeling of inferiority TSEWANG RIGZIN
complex among the Ladakhi kids.
Under ONH, the curricula of the
books for primary classes were restruc-
tured and localized. These books are J awahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) centers are considered models in the
country because these institutions are supposed to “provide good quality
modern education to the talented children predominantly from the rural areas,
accepted by the State government to be
taught in Ladakhi schools. Today, thanks without regard to their family's socio-economic condition”.
to ONH, all Ladakhi children study about However, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Leh, probably the country's highest
Yak, the glaciers and the canals etc in JNV branch, has been left without its principal for almost one year now. Recently
their primary classes. They also learn there have been some disturbing reports of students indulging into all kinds of
chapters like ''Wild Life of Ladakh'', '' Life shocking activities including use of alcohol, smoking and becoming addict to
hazardous substances such as rubber solution and correction fluid within the
in a Farming Village'' etc.
premises of the school campus.
Building Teachers' Capacity
On March 21, 2010 few students were found lying unconscious under the
Adding to the agony of the frac-
influence of inhaling some addictive substances within the school campus.
tured system was the non-availability of
Similarly last year, many of class 12th students were found lying drunk in a nearby
trained and competent local teachers in
village called Sabu. On being asked, officials of the school, including the in-
Ladakh. Subsequently, teacher hailing
charge principal, Manoj Kumar, while denying having found any student lying
from Kashmir and Jammu, proficient
unconscious, admitted and confirmed the fact they recovered some addictive
only in Hindi or Urdu, used to be
substances from some students last month on the campus and also admitted that
engaged in Ladakhi schools where chil-
some students were found drunk last year outside the Vidayala campus. Students
dren could speak and understand
maintaining anonymity of their identities told Epilogue that use of alcohol,
Ladakhi only. Moreover, the non-local
smoking and inhaling of drugs like substance etc have become so widespread in
teachers generally used to take trans-
the school that many new students learn it so quick.
fers in Ladakh as a punishment leading
After this incident of students becoming unconscious because of use of such
eventually to their insensitivity vis-à-vis
substances, many worried parents have started taking out their children from
the local children. Hence, some of them
the institution. Phontsog Stobdan from Nubra has discharged his son, Tsewang
had the tendency to label Ladakhi chil-
Norboo, of class 10th from JNV and got him admitted into the government high
dren as ''backward'' and ''uncivilized''.
school Panamik in Nubra which is closer to his village. “My son was one of the
Their attitude, action and words in
students who were found lying unconscious because of inhaling some rubber
classes stem from this labeled percep-
solution. From that moment I didn't feel like keeping my son far from home. In
tion. While local teachers were lacking
JNV monitoring of hostel seems to be very poor because teachers were not really
in training, competence and sensitivity
aware of what's happening within the school compound”, says Stobdan.
to teach Ladakhi children. In short, the
overall happenings in classes impacted There is a Parent Teacher Counsel (PTC) in the School but the meeting of the
child's self-esteem and achievement PTC takes place only once a year. In the wake of last month's incident, the
motivation negatively. It is estimated authorities have decided to call a PTC meeting shortly. When contacted, Deputy
that 60-80 percent of the tribal children Commissioner of Leh AK Sahu told Epilogue that he was not aware of the situation
in India are pushed out by the end of pri- and was intending to visit the school.
mary education. ONH prioritized local It is disheartening that an institution like JNV, which is considered a model
teacher trained in child-friendly/local in the country, is left without the head of the institution for a year which has
teaching-learning method so that the apparently led to the present state of affairs. JNV Leh, which runs from 6th to
children can relate to them very easily. 12th class, has about 600 students, who are mostly from far flung areas of Leh
Activating the Community and Kargil districts. (Under NGI Media Fellowships)

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

ladakh affairs 52
Education

Ladakh too, like other tribal com-
munities, was distinguished by minimal
participation of the community in edu-
cation reform. Parent's responsibility
ended once their child was admitted in
a government school. In many cases
they even discouraged their children
from pursuing education. The general
assumption was that education for their
children was something imposed from
above and or at least something that the
government should care. Creating a
demand for education among the peo-
ple was a challenge for the Local gov-
ernment and SECMOL.
Thus began a campaign to sensi-
tize, to raise the awareness and influ-
ence of the community i.e. make them
understand the importance of educa-
tion and root cause of failure of 95% of
their children. Since majority of the chil-
dren in Ladakh are first generation
learners, ONH campaign used graphic
illustration, films, plays, songs etc to
make their parents understand the
things in proper perspective. A very
interesting graphic illustration used by
SECMOL was the Wheel of democracy
(adapted from the idea of Cyclic
Existence in Buddhism). It showed edu-
cation system through a Vicious cycle
(failure of education system—wherein
community members do not prioritize
education and run after subsidies and
other secondary facilities from the
Government leading to a chain of igno-
rance virtually leading to increased fail-
ures, drop-outs) and Virtuous cycle (suc-
When 95% of students appearing in
exams fail, the million dollar question to
be answered was whether the students
have failed the system or the system
has failed the students.
SECMOL (Students Educational and
Cultural Movement of Ladakh) an NGO
set up by a bunch of local students in
1988 to reform the education system
started with the principle that 'if 95% of
the product fails then it is not the
product, it is the system...that has
defect, and the system has to be
changed'. Thus began a movement aimed
at improving the system.

Can Ladakhi students study in Ladakh?

Probably no! There is a strong civil society movement in region for
education but government is not coming up with required
infrastructure and manpower

LOBZANG STANZEN

D espite a revolutionary movement in the region for excellence in education, Ladakh is doomed to finish poor, if not fail, for
the lack of basic infrastructure which has to be created, run and monitored by the state. If you want to see the Ladakhi
students they are found more in Jammu, Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun and other cities than Ladakh itself. In Ladakh they can
just think of education and can't actually attain it as the matching education system is yet to come up.
Up to high school the facilities are fair, but not good. Now as we talk of higher secondary, there are only few schools and
that too with inadequate number of lecturers, lack of other facilities like laboratories and libraries etc.
As we talk of colleges, there are only two colleges in the heart of region, one in Leh and another in Kargil. Students in
colleges face the same problems of lack of lecturers and professors and other facilities as colleges should have. In addition,
the exams are delayed and held late, due to which it takes more than three years to complete the degree course. These and
many more force the Ladakhi people to send their children outside the region for attaining even the basic education. What to
talk of excellence, Ladakhi students are unable even to pass the matriculation examinations.
The promising development in the region is that Ladakhi students are now well aware of the importance of education in
Ladakh and despite all the problems they work hard to achieve success and are doing excellent in many professions. The
students studying outside Ladakh are spreading education awareness when they go back to their home town.
The credit for all these goes to the dearest parents who support and encourage their children to face all the
problems happily. It is also pointed out by concerned people that economically it is a big drain because more than Rs 20
Crore are spent by these students from Ladakh attaining education in different parts of country. This amount is almost
the same as Ladakh earns from its only industry -tourism. Those who are concerned and those who are in power should
improve the system in Ladakh, to prevent such drain.

www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010

 53
cess of education system—wherein com-
munity members prioritize education
leading to their active participation as
active stakeholders in the system).
According to Sonam Wangchuk, one of
the main founders of SECMOL, ''with
such illustration we found that even the
simplest villagers could see that if they
were to break this cycle of failure. Then
it had to start with the people them-
selves. Therefore it is the people's prior-
ities (as voters) that that must change”
Under ONH, the progressive mem-
bers in villages were formed into Village
Education Committees (VEC) with at
least 1/3rd of women and 2 students from
the school of concerned village as its
member. Since its inception, VEC played
an important role in keeping vigil at
teachers, maintaining and improving the
school infrastructure and looking into the
complaints and connivances of the teach-
ers. Moreover, VECs also activated com-
munity to contribute physically, like the
building of Residential Higher Secondary
School at Durbuk block where the local
community voluntarily came forward
with labour and materials required for
the construction of the school building.
Today the same school is being consid-
ered a grand success story in the entire
Ladakh.
In short, since community life in
Ladakh, like any tribal society, is based on
cooperation (non-competitive) and col-
lective joy, initiatives like the VEC
acknowledges the social fabric and val-
ues thereof.
The joint effort of the Local govern-
ment, civil society and community
started bearing fruits. During the last few
years Ladakh witnessed perceptible
changes in the education sector at every
level. At the level of community, people
are much more awakened vis-à-vis edu-
cation. At governmental level, the Vision
Document 2025 for Ladakh prepared by
LAHDC in 2005, education has been put
on the priority list. In 2003, the matricu-
lation result went up to 49% with a Govt.
www.epilogue.in
school in remote Turtuk recording a 100
percent result. In schools, the teaching
approach has changed from '' chalk, talk
and stick'' to ''child-centered, joyful and
meaningful learning'' while text books are
culturally rooted and geographically rele-
vant, and teachers are locals and rela-
tively well trained.
Happy Beginning, Sad Ending
Be it educational reforms in Ladakh
or any other reforms in other parts of
India, such reforms and changes generate
resistance and reaction in its course. It
always goes directly against the existing
set up, the Chalta Hai attitude people
and against the established interests of
the powers that be. Ladakh has its own
story of reforms, resistance and reaction.
After the progressive role played in
ONH, SECMOL has had a fretful disap-
pearance from Leh in 2007. In a sequence
of events following the controversy
between then DC of Leh and NGOs, MK
Dwivedi, the DC framed Sonam Wangchuk
and SECMOL on very flimsy grounds like
''anti-national connections with China''.
Unfortunately, the local leaders
remained mum and dull and did not try to
resolve the matter, despite their appreci-
ation of work done by Wangchuk earlier.
This unfortunate event ultimately led
SECMOL to withdraw from further reform
and collaboration with the Local govern-
ment. However, the good news is that the
Ladakhi students studying outside Ladakh
(Jammu, Chandigarh, Delhi, Deradun,
Varanasi etc.) have seemed to realize the
importance of education. Recently, a sem-
inar namely ''An interactive seminar on
education with Sonam Wangchuk''
ogranised by Ladakh Student Union
Jammu saw thousands of students turn-
ing up with representative from all
Ladakhi Students Unions from different
parts of the country in the jam-packed
Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu on
the 21st of Feb. 2010. In the same breath,
they emphasized their concern for edu-
cation, back in Ladakh. Now, that seems
to be a happy beginning once again.
Vol. 4, Issue 5
ladakh affairs
Education
In 1994 Operation New Hope (ONH) was
jointly launched by Ladakh Autonomous
Hill Development Council (LAHDC),
SECMOL and village community members
as a modus-operandi of the reform
process. The goal of the ONH was
integration and cooperation among the
three pillars of education— Government,
Community and Civil Society— with the
long term aim of what it calls the 3Hs
for Ladakhi children: a Skilled Hand, a
Bright Head and a Kind Heart
Before ONH, Ladakhi children in first
year of school used to learn from books
supplied from outside. They had to learn
the alphabets by connecting 'E' with
elephant; 'F' with fan, 'Z' with zebra
although they had never seen an
elephant or a fan or a zebra. Their books
talked about the monsoon phenomenon,
without any one word about the intricate
irrigation system in their locality
Today, thanks to ONH, all Ladakhi children
study about Yak, the glaciers and the
canals etc in their primary classes. They
also learn chapters like ''Wild Life of
Ladakh'', '' Life in a Farming Village'' etc
The general assumption was that
education for their children was something
imposed from above and or at least
something that the government should
care. Creating a demand for education
among the people was a challenge for the
Local government and SECMOL
After the progressive role played in
ONH, SECMOL has had a fretful
disappearance from Leh in 2007. In a
sequence of events following the
controversy between then DC of Leh and
NGOs, MK Dwivedi, the DC framed Sonam
Wangchuk and SECMOL on very flimsy
grounds like ''anti-national connections
with China
Epilogue, May 2010
ladakh affairs
Opinion
DON'T NEGLECT IT;
Ladakh too is in India
STANZIN KHEWANG
Time and again Ladakhis are made to believe that whatever little development is there in the region is all
an unintended dividend of spending on defence infrastructure to check China and Pakistan. Ladakhis are,
however, craving to be seen as citizens of India
F or its unique cultural and
topographical features Ladakh
is increasingly becoming a famous
tourist destination especially among
the western adventurers. However,
unfortunately being a part of Jammu
and Kashmir State, the region has been
suffering unusually. Government of
India claims that it is putting in all possi-
ble efforts to develop the Ladakh region
in the Himalayas. However it has been
observed in the last few decades the
developments in Ladakh have taken
place for the army operations against
China and Pakistan. Leh district which
borders both China and Pakistan has
seen some developments to some
extent whereas in Kargil district the
peripheral areas are still all the same as
they used to be in 1960's. It has also
observed in the recent days that
Government of India has downplayed
report of the Chinese incursion into the
Indian Territory in Ladakh region. The
Deputy Commissioner of Leh, who vis-
ited the area where the incursion have
reportedly taken place, officially
placed on record saying a large chunk of
area was illegally captured by the
People's Liberation Army of China. But
on the other hand, very surprisingly, the
Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram
through media refutes this report as
www.epilogue.in
baseless. Under this circumstances the
Nambarder (village head) of Demchok
village in Changthang, the eastern
region bordering China in Ladakh, has
reported that Government of India is
not paying serious attention to save its
land from Ladakh side. Whereas in the
name of protecting Kashmir, thousands
of precious lives of human beings have
been lost to the ongoing political tur-
moil of the valley in the last two
decades. The Nambarder has further
threatened to show their disloyalty to
India if they are not provided with the
basic facilities and situations like the
current incursions are not checked on
time on the border. It is pertinent to
mention here that people in Ladakh
bravely and selflessly helped to protect
the Indian soil from invasion across the
borders during different wars, be it
1962 with China or 1971 and 1999 with
Pakistan. It seems to me that lots of
funds are being allocated to Kashmir by
the Government of India and also differ-
ent academic institutions are being
developed in Kashmir as well as in
Jammu for the development of youth of
these regions. But comparatively
Ladakh seems to have been neglected
by the Government. Why? Is Ladakh
lesser important government of India?
In their speeches many politicians
Vol. 4, Issue 5
54
describe Ladakh as the third important
region of the State without which
Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete. If it
is so then why they haven't demanded
and provided a separate central univer-
sity for Ladakh too? Every Ladakhi is not
equally affordable to send their chil-
dren to study in far off places like
Jammu, Srinagar and other parts of
India for education. As a result of which
education becomes something for those
only who can afford it.
There are two degree colleges in
Ladakh which are left without adequate
basic facilities and faculty members. All
basic rights ensured by mother India are
being snatched by vested Kashmiri
administrators and politician. Like any-
where in the country Ladakhi students
are equally capable and intelligent to
pursue different higher studies pro-
vided that we have facilities such as a
University at home like the other
regions of the state.
Culture genocide is taking place in
Ladakh in the name of education. Right
from the age of 16 years when the chil-
dren passed their tenth class, students
in Ladakh have to think about going out-
side Ladakh to cities like Srinagar,
Jammu etc for their higher studies.
Hence they have to spend the critical
period adolescence as educational refu-
Epilogue, May 2010
 55
gees far from home. This cir-
cumstance affects the teen-
agers in different ways as
when the return to their home-
land after completion of their
studies.
Since the future of a com-
munity and society lies in the
hand of youth and if youth are
living in such an environment
(far from their culture and
identity) it may affect badly
in preserving the cultural iden-
tity. So seems to be a policy of
the Government to deterio-
rate the culture propagation
and preservation in Ladakh. If
such a scenario continues,
then ultimately Ladakh would
become a story to be narrated
to the future generation.
So many foreigners are
coming to Ladakh because of
the unique and beautiful cul-
ture being preserved in its
original form by the people. If
this culture faded, then no
tourism related economic
growth will take place.
Nowadays, you will find so
many Ladakhi youngsters who
are not even familiar with the
letters of Tibetan script –
which is used to write
Ladakhi.
This ongoing menace or
the cultural onslaught needs
to be curbed before it's too
late. We are still keeping very
high expectation that the gov-
ernment will extend every
possible help to preserve the
unique culture, develop the
peripheral areas and provide
basic facilities to every
Ladakhi which may instill
them with the sense to owe
their country. “truth shall pre-
vail”.
www.epilogue.in
Bankers told to
reach the masses
S
tressing need for greater awareness
regarding different sponsored
schemes and bank loans among the
masses at grass root level, the Deputy
Commissioner of, Ajit Kumar Sahu has said
that desired results could be achieved by
implementing agencies only after educat-
ing common people properly at grass root
level. He asked the line department to
invite Bankers as and when they
holdsawareness camp in the district for cre-
ating awareness among the people about
different sponsored programme and loans
schemes, so that farmers and other con-
cerned could be acquainted about the dif-
ferent welfare scheme.
Recently Sahu chaired a meeting of
District Consultative Committee and
District Level Review Committee to review
credits under Action Plan 2009-10, perfor-
mance of banks in key areas related to
deposits advances priority sector lending
for the quarter ending March 2010. The rep-
resentatives of various Banks and District
Officers of different departments of Leh
district attended.
Chief Manager Lead Bank Office, Leh
Bhardawaj gave a detail performances of
Banks achieved up to ending March, 2010.
The meeting had threadbare review of
SGSY/JKSES,ST,KVIB,DIC SJSRY etc with spe-
cial emphasis on DIR, SHGs, Kissan Credit
Cards, Women beneficiaries in general and
financial literacy in particular PMEGS etc.
It was informed in the meeting that Rs
8781.63 lacs have advanced under priority
sector, Rs 126.59 lacs under Agriculture,
Rs.1342.16 lacs under weaker section sec-
tor and Rs. 470.90 lacs have been advanced
under women sector respectively as on
March 31, 2010.
Vol. 4, Issue 5
ladakh affairs
Opinion
Leh Deputy Commissioner AK Sahu asked
the line department to invite Bankers as
and when they holdsawareness camp in
the district for creating awareness among
the people about different sponsored
programme and loans schemes
It was told in the meeting that under
JKSES, RS. 313.80 lacs was targeted to be
sponsored for 175 cases during the year
2009-010,out of which 126 cases have been
finalized and disbursed Rs. 306.81 lacs up to
ending March, 2010. Similarly Rs. 36.23 lacs
disbursed among 15 beneficiaries under
PMEGP (KVIB) and Rs. 23.60 lacs disbursed
among 64 beneficiaries under SGSY.
It was further informed that under dis-
trict credit plan 2009-010,the district has
received an achievement of Rs.88.84 per-
cent as on ending March,2010. Under the
plan over Rs.22 crore were provided under
priority sector while Rs.24 crore were pro-
vided under Agriculture and non-farming
sector.
The Chief Manager Lead Band Office,
Leh informed in the meeting that Annual
credit plan target for the year, 2010-11 of
Leh district will be the order of Rs.43 crore,
of which Rs.3439.60 lcas under priority sec-
tor and Rs.860.04 lacs under non priority
sector respectively.
Epilogue, May 2010
ladakh affairs
Opinion
Jora tours Leh-Srinagar
remote Durbuk highway reopens
block of
he Leh-Srinagar Highway, after remaining closed during winter months,
was reopened for heavy vehicular movement from April 22 even as the
Changthang light vehicles had already started plying on the road from April 17th.
A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting held in Jammu
I n order to take a stock of the
developmental activities and also
redress the grievances of the people,
the Minister for Tourism and Culture
Nawang Rigzin Jora conducted a two day
tour of Durbuk block of Changthang areas in
the middle of April. Giving the different
geographical terrain of Changthang region
and the huge developmental vacuum
therein, the Minister gave full assurance to
the people of Tangtse and Durbuk that he
would try his best to convince the
Government to sanction special Sub
Division status to Durbuk Block which has
been a long pending demand of the people.
Taking serious note of the illegal
encroachments around the beautiful
Pangong Lake, the Minister Rigzin Jora
issued strict instructions to the Sub
Divisional Magistrate, Nyoma and
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh to
stop all the construction encroachments
near/around Pangong Lake hence forth so
that the natural beauty of the magnificent
lake is maintained intact.
www.epilogue.in
56
T
on April 18 under the chairmanship of the Minister for Finance and Ladakh
Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather.
The meeting discussed and finalized the plan for movement of vehicles on
Leh-Srinagar Highway particularly on Zojila Pass, convoy timings for smooth
flow of traffic and arrangements relating to disaster management enroute the
highway.
The Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Consumer
Affairs, Public Distribution and Transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Chairman, Leh
Autonomous Hill Development Council and Kargil, Autonomous Hill
Development Council, Tsering Dorjay and Kachoo Ahmed Ali respectively also
participated in the meeting.
The meeting also approved Convoy timings according to which all the heavy
vehicles shall have to cross Drass-
Gumari stretch between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. whereas the vehicles from
Srinagar have to cross Sonamarg-Drass stretch between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
However there shall be no time restriction for light vehicles except during road
repairing to be undertaken by the BEACON between 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The meeting also discussed a 6 months truck movement schedule based on
the requisition of various departments commencing from the month of May up to
September 2010. As per estimates 18300 truck trips are required to build
bumper stocks of foodgrains and other essential commodities including con-
struction material and fertilizers.
It was decided that the total regulation and management of traffic move-
ment on the highway would be managed exclusively by the Traffic department.
However, the district police, Kargil would also be associated in regulating traf-
fic especially on Zojila Pass.
Mr. Rather directed the concerned departments and agencies to immedi-
ately put in place adequate men and machinery to regulate traffic on the highway.
Mr. Rather also asked the District Development Commissioner, Kargil to
immediately formulate and put in place a comprehensive disaster manage-
ment plan including first aid facilities to meet any exigency of emergency situ-
ations in the wake of routine weather vagaries on the highway. He also called
for setting up of a monitoring cell at Sonamarg on the pattern of Lower Munda
to oversee flow of essential commodities and quality of food grains.
Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon said that Government would explore all possibilities
to install an additional weighbridge at Sonamarg to cope up with the rush of
vehicles adding that as per records, about 250 to 300 trucks pass through the
existing weighbridge per day. He said Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution
department and Food Corporation of India have planned to complete stock-
ing/dumping of foodgrains and essential commodities for 18th months as com-
pared to 16 months previous year by the month of September this year.
Mr. Jora called for dumping quality timber wood to meet the requirements
of the people of Leh and Kargil districts. He also called for adequate stocking of
essential commodities across Ladakh region.
Vol. 4, Issue 5 Epilogue, May 2010
A TRIBUTE TO CENTURIES OLD GLORIOUS HISTORY, ART & CULTURE OF GUJJARS

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