FACTS & FIGURES

FACTS & FIGURES
Area
222,236 sq km
Population
10,069,917
Capital
Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
Languages
Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, Pahari, Ladakhi
Best Time to Visit
April to June (Kashmir Valley), October to March (Jammu Region)
HISTORY
The history of Jammu & Kashmir is quite old. Kashmir is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. In 250 BC, Ashoka, the great Mauryan king, established the city of Pandrethan and built many viharas and chaityas. This says much about the strategic importance that this region held even in that time. Some sources claim that Buddha also visited this region, though no proof is available to validate this theory. Kanishka, the great Kushana king, called the Third Buddhist Council at Harwan, near Srinagar, in the first century AD. This Council saw the division of Buddhism in two distinct streams called Hinayana and Mahayana.Kalhana, the first Indian history writer, gave a vivid account of the history of Kashmir before the 10th century AD. Local kingdoms ruled extensively in this region until the 12th century AD when Muslims invaded the region. The greatest Muslim king of early medieval age in Kashmir was Zain-ul-Abidin, who ascended the throne in AD 1420 and ruled up to 1470. His long rule contributed extensively to the spread of art, culture, music, and every other sphere in the life of Kashmir people. He also created a strong army and annexed many regions nearby Kashmir. These were the time of golden rule in Kashmir when peace and harmony prevailed. After the death of King Zain-ul-Abidin, a period of destruction came calling to Kashmir and many raiders from outside looted the state and made the people and local rulers their captive. In 1587, Akbar annexed Kashmir into his vast empire. Jahangir, son of Akbar and next Mughal ruler, visited Kashmir 13 times and created two beautiful gardens on the bank of Dal Lake, namely, the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. After two centuries of peace and development, Kashmir came into the hands of the Pathans in 1752, when the Afghan ruler Abdul Shah Abdali attacked this region on the request of local noblemen. The Pathans established a rule of terror here, no better than that of Aurangzeb, the last important Mughal ruler. In 1819, the Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed this region, but their empire remained in place only for 27 years. From 1846 to 1957, the Dogras ruled over this region when British defeated Ranjit Singh and handed over the administration of this region to Maharaja Gulab Singh. The Dogra rule also for the first time put in reality the modern state of Jammu & Kashmir. During India's freedom struggle, people from this state participated extensively under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah
wasim rashid

kashmiri hearts not making their mark

LADAKH

The Hangul or Kashmir Stag is the State Animal of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Hangul is the only surviving race of the Red Deer family of Europe in the sub-continent since the Shou (Cervus elaphus wallichi) of Bhutan is now considered extinct by experts. Hangul stags are prized for their magnificent head of antlers, having 11 to 16 points. The Hangul is listed as an endangered species in the Red Data Book of the international Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Dachigam is home to the last viable population of Hangul in the world which has dwindled from 2000 animals in 1947 to a distressing 170 in 2003. Latest figures indicate that the population may be well below 150 animals with less than 20 adult males.

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach

pics of Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach

EVERY KASHMIRI WANTS PEACE IN KASHMIR

CLOSE VIEW OF SAFFRON PLANTS

The district Pulwama is reported to be one of the pretty spots on the earth, because of its congenial climate, innumerable springs, streams, water falls, fragrant flowers delicious fruits and other natural sceneries.Besides Pulwama is famous all over the world for the saffron cultivation which is mainly grown in the Karewa lands of Pampore, Kakapora and Pulwama blocks.The district is also called RICE BOWL of Kashmir for maximum production of rice grains in the J & K state.
The district is centrally located in the valley of Kashmir and is a resting place for Adventure Tourists since it is full of clean water Streams, Lakes, Magnificent Trees and Mighty Mountains where the air is cool and water sweet.
BY MR WASIM

Hazratbal Mosque
A distant view of Hazratbal
Hazratbal Mosque is located in a village of the same name on the banks of the Dal. Its pristine white marble elegance is reflected in the waters of the lake.
Hazratbal's special significance is derived from the fact that it houses a hair of the prophet Muhammad. This is displayed to the public on religious occasions, usually accompanied by fairs. Apart from these occasions, Friday prayers are offered at Hazratbal and attended by throngs of people. Hazratbal is remarkable for being the only domed mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs. The shrine – mosque complex is situated on the western shore of the Dal Lake opposite Nishat Bagh and commands a grand view of the lake and the mountain beyond.
The interior courtyard of Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid at Nowhatta, in the heart of the old city, is the other important mosque in Srinagar at which thousands of people congregate for the Friday prayers. Of imposing proportions, the mosque is built around a courtyard and is supported by 370 wooden pillars.
The hushed quiet of the mosque counterpoints the bustle of the old bazaars surrounding it. Originally built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD, and enlarged by his son, Zain-ul- Abidin, it is a typical example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Destroyed thrice by fire and rebuilt each time, the mosque, as it now stands, was repaired during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh.
Shankaracharya Temple
Shankaracharya Temple
The sacred temple of Shankaracharya occupies the top of the hills known as Takht-I-Sulaiman in the south-east of Srinagar. The site dates back to 250BC. The philosopher Shankaracharya stayed at this place when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma.
Before this date, the temple was known as Gopadri, as an earlier edifice on the same site was built by king Lalitaditya in the 6th century AD. In fact, the road below the hill, with residences of high- ranking State Government officials, is still known as Gupkar road. Built on a high octagonal plinth and approached by a flight of steps with side walls that once bore inscriptions, the main surviving shrine consists of a circular cell. It overlooks the Valley and can be approached by a motorable road. A modern ceiling covers the inner sanctum and an inscription in Persian traces its origin to the reign of Emperor Shah Jehan. The original ceiling was dome- shaped and the brick roof, it appears, is not more than a century old.

Khanqah Shah Hamadan, Srinagar
Khanqah of Shah Hamadan
Situated on the banks of the river Jhelum, between the third and fourth bridge, it is the first mosque ever built in Srinagar. The original one was built in 1395.
Shah Hamadan's full name was Mir Sayed Ali Hamadni, the surname being derived from the city of Hamadan in Persia. Shah-i-Hamdan, who came from Persia in the 13th century, was responsible for the spread of Islam in Kashmir. Khanqah-i-Mualla, on the banks of the Jhelum, was the very spot where Shah-i-Hamdan used to offer prayers.
After staying in Kashmir for many years, he left for Central Asia via Ladakh.A mosque established by him at Shey (near Leh) attracts devotees from far and wide.The Khanqah is a wooden structure whose chief aesthetic feature is its beautifully carved eaves and hanging bells. The interiors are richly carved and painted, and the antique chandeliers give it an air of opulence.
Hari Parbat Fort & Temple of Sharika Devi
Hari Parbat Fort, Srinagar
The Mughal emperor's fort crowns the top of Hari Parbat hill. There is little left of its former glory, but the ramparts are still impressive and the old apartments within the fort, even though in a state of ruin, still convey at least a little of the grandeur of the Mughals’ summer retreat in ‘paradise’. The fort was later developed in 18th century by an Afghan governor, Ata Mohammad Khan. The hill is considered sacred to the Hindus due to the presence of temple of Sharika, which is believed to be a form of goddess Durga or Shakti. The wall around the hill was built by Akbar in 1592-98 AD. The hill is surrounded by almond orchards, which make a lovely sight during April when the trees blossom, heralding the advent of spring in Kashmir.
Makhdoom Sahib
On the southern side of the Hari Parbat hill is the historic shrine of Makhdoom Sahib, which is visited by people of all faiths.
Makhdoom Sahib
Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara
The sixth Sikh guru travelled through Kashmir, stopping to preach occasionally. A gurudwara has been built at the exact site of each of these halts. The most important one among these is Chhatti Padshahi gurudwara, situated near the Kathi Darwaza, in Rainawari, Srinagar, which is held in great reverence by devotees of all faiths.
Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi
Martand
Martand, located atop a plateau, close to the township of Anantnag, has a temple dedicated to Surya, the "Sun God". Built by king Laitaditya Muktapida (7th to 8th century AD), it is a medieval temple with a colonnaded courtyard and the shrine in its centre. The temple complex has 84 columns and offers a commanding view of the valley of Kashmir.
Martand Temple
Kheer Bhawani
Kheer Bhawani Temple
The Goddess Ragnya Devi is symbolised as a sacred spring at Tula Mula village, 27 kms from Srinagar. Within the spring is a small marble temple. The devotees of the goddess fast and gather here on the eighth day of the full moon in the month of May when, according to belief, the goddess changes the colour of the spring's waters. The temple-spring complex is affectionately known as Kheer Bhawani because of the thousands of devotees who offer milk and 'kheer' to the sacred spring, which magically turns black to warn of disaster.
Awantipur
The Awantipur ruins
Founded by Avantivarman who reigned Kashmir in the 9th century, this ancient township is 29 kms from Srinagar.
The site has two imposing temples, the larger one of Siva - Avantisvara is marked by huge walls, some half a mile beneath the town on the outskirts of village Jaubror. The subsidiary shrines are to the rear corner of the courtyard. The complex has, over the years, lost its grandeur and been reduced to ruins, though it is still visited by the devout. Half a mile up is Avantisvami - Vishnu, a better preserved, though smaller temple.

FAMOUS KASHMIRI GARDENS

Kashmir GardensImpressed with abundant natural beauty, Mughals loved this place so much that they have contributed many beautiful gardens to the city of Srinagar. Well-planned and vast, these gardens are home to a variety of flora and delightful water systems. They retain something of the elaborately planned Persian gardens and are mostly terraced to suit the environs of the mountainous slopes. Shalimar GardenEmperor Jehangir built this beautiful Garden for his beloved wife Nur Jehan. It has four terraces and stretches across 539 by 182 meters, watered by the Harwan through canal lined with beautiful fountains. The fourth terrace is the best one and was once reserved for royal ladies and innumerable varieties of flowers bloom in spring and autumn. ChashmashahiShah Jehan laid the Chashmashahi or the Royal spring in Srinagar in 1632. Renowned for the spring of refreshing digestive mineral water, this terraced garden has fountains in the middle and houses multiple kinds of fruits and flowers plants. The tall trees of Chinar can also be seen here. The picnic delights and long walks in the gardens, strolling hand in hand with your partner and treating all your five senses with the unforgettable pleasures are just a modest account of the place. Nishat GardenThe brother of Mughal Empress Nur Jehan, Asif Khan laid the Garden in Srinagar in 1633. Set on the banks of world famous Dal Lake, in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills, this terraced garden offers some magnificent views of the lake. The Garden has a beautiful water channel flowing right through its middle. Not a minute in the garden can be dull with its gorgeous Shikara rides up to the Nehru Park from here. The favorite picnic spot of the natives, a long walk amidst the lush greenery of this well-planned Garden refreshes oneself. There are also some shopping stalls opposite the garden. HarwanLocated in Srinagar, Harwan is a huge garden with a beautiful canal passing through its heart. Lined with flowerbeds and massive Chinar Trees, the canal is fed from a beautiful lake, which lies just behind the garden. Purposefully kept devoid of fanciful things and artificial fountains, the abundant natural beauty of the place complete with vast big green-carpeted lawns, makes it an ideal spot for picnics and excursions. Besides the delightful long walks in the Garden itself, it is also a take-off point for visiting Wild life sanctuary of Dachi Gam and a starting point of trekking up to Mahadev Mountain.Pari MahalThe erstwhile royal observatory, Pari Mahal boasts of a well planned and is just a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi. The place also houses a Buddhist monastery of the olden times, converted later to a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. This ancient monument retains a dream-like quality, illuminated at nights and placed on the very edge of a mountain casting its reflection in the waters of the Dal Lake with a well-laid spacious garden in front.

TREKKING LOCATIONS OF KASHMIR

Jammu and KashmirJammu and Kashmir is India’s northernmost state, and the one, which is most famous for its trekking. It is an extremely beautiful area with flower-spangled meadows, impressive coniferous forests, wild orchards, icy mountain peaks and clear rivers and streams. The capital, Srinagar, is the hub for many treks, particularly to the blue Shankaracharya Hill and Zabarwan Hills.. The three other main bases in Jammu & Kashmir are Pahalgam (100km/62 miles from Srinigar) in the Lidder Valley, the base for treks to sacred Amarnath, Aru, Lidderwat and the glacial lakes of Tarsar and Tulian; Gulmarg (51km/32 miles from Srinagar), from where treks can be taken to the crystal tarns of Apharwat and Alpather, the upland lakes of Vishansar and Gangabal and the Thajiwas Glacier; and Sonamarg, in the Sindh Valley, the starting point for treks into the surrounding mountains.Srinagar is also the base for trips into the dry plateau of Ladakh, an area of constant drought, home of yaks and wild asses with high ranges and many of the largest glaciers in the world outside the Polar Regions. Leh, the divisional capital, is located on an ancient Silk Route and is the starting point for excellent treks across this remarkable landscape.Further south, there is outstanding trekking in the vicinity of Jammu, the railhead to the Kashmir Valley. There are three main centers; Kishtwar, Poonch and Doda.

KASHMIR AS PARADISE

kashmir fort with Holy Shrine
KASHMIRI GIRL ENGAGED WITH HER TRADITIONAL SERVICE COLLECTING SAFFRON


GREENRY OF KASHMIR

VIEW OF DAL LAKE

THE INNOCENT KASHMIRI'S

Republic Day rigours

Republic Day, as has been the norm in the troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir, has once again revived an atmosphere of fear, suspicions and harassment to commoners. There could be no greater irony than the fact that a day observed as celebration of the country's democratic constitution actually ensures suppression of the masses. The beefed up security, crackdowns, searches and frisking operations as a prelude to national days like Independence Day and Republic Day have become an accepted part of life in the entire country, especially conflict ridden states like Jammu and Kashmir, where people are made to face the music of the security forces who have been given blind orders to do anything to ensure an incident free day suited to the occasion. While it is important to observe national days and take pride in the freedom of the country from foreign yolk and its democratic, secular, socialist credentials but not at the cost of hapless people who are at the receiving end of deprivation of basic fundamental rights that they are bestowed with as per the constitution the existence of which is sought to be celebrated on the occasion of the Republic Day. The restriction on movement, the harassment by security forces, the blocking of several roads and highways for traffic, bringing to halt bus services in certain militancy affected pockets of the region certainly do not go with the spirit of the great democratic republic that India is. Srinagar, perhaps, bears the worst brunt of the celebrations where the venue of the Republic Day parade and its surrounding areas resemble a citadel under siege. Unfortunately, the area also houses two major government hospitals which are not spared from the ordeal of searches and massive presence of troops, adding to the miseries of patients, most of whom are sent back to their homes or have to face the ire of the forces. This time, the Valley witnesses a new phenomenon - frisking of women on the roads and checking of their personal belongings. While in some areas this is being done by lady cops, there are also reports of harassment by male cops in some pockets. Neither the police nor the paramilitary forces prescribe checking of personal belongings of women by men in their respective code of ethics. So it appears ironic that Republic Day should be chosen an occasion to violate all norms of decency and legalities. The forces get away with all the allegations of harassment in the name of ensuring security, smooth conduct of Republic Day celebrations and so-called national interest, which is always invoked to justify and legitimize any irresponsible or suppressive acts. While subversive threats before and after such national days of importance cannot be negated and the need for observing a peaceful celebrations is also required, these imperatives cannot take precedence over the fundamental rights of the citizens. Ensuring a peaceful observation of national days assumes significance because the administration wishes to project the hoax of normalcy and the valour of the security forces. But another question is much more important - can Republic Day be observed successfully while violating its basic spirit
WASIM RASHID

Now Winter wear is a trendy affair in Kashmir

Fashion is an aggregation of many items which when combined makes a complete man. For men, designer clothing accentuates their personality boosts their self-confidence and morale much like their female counterparts. The list of men fashion catalog is extensive and encompasses apparels footwear and accessories. When men go for shopping, they usually hunt for things that are stylish, durable and comfortable.The Kashmiri male once indifferent to the latest trends in fashion and apparel, especially in winters is fast turning fashion savvy thanks to the media exposure and choice in designer wear in the market. “There has been a sea change in male fashion, particularly winter fashion,” Muhammad Yasin Dar, who designs clothes for males in Valley told GK Plus adding contemporary garments are more lightweight and compact without sacrificing warmth and can be worn in a greater range of conditions.According to Yasin, men of all ages and appearance demand trendy, colorful and designer clothes, whatsoever the price tag may be. The males now, according to the fashion designer seldom care that if the material provides much-needed warmth to body from chilly winds as they want to look better than others.“Contrary to the male folk of early 90s whose attire comprises of bulging clothes including tight-fit jeans, V-neck and loose sweaters and long jackets in dull colours like grey, faun, navy blue and black, the men today demand colorful and stylish clothing,” Yasin said. Yasin added the males now ask for bright colours and many of them choose from red, maroon, green, orange and pink shades, the colours most loved by females. The choice of fabric and the design of product also matter to the fashion conscious males of Valley. According to the fashion designer, different designer wear pullovers have replaced the ordinary readymade sweaters and the ones knitted at home.“The customers prefer turtle neck commonly known as (T-Neck), round neck, high neck, zipper (full and half) leather parch sweaters as compared to the traditional V-neck sweaters. All the designer wear sweaters are readily available in the market and one has a widest range of designs to choose from,” Yasin adds. The availability of fluorescent colour sweaters has also given a lot of choice to the males in this category, he further said. The jackets worn by males have also undergone tremendous change with the males favouring short and compact jackets having light stuff. “In 90s there wasn’t much of choice available in the jackets category. But things started changing in late 90s with many designer companies coming up with short durable jackets,” Yasin further said adding the latest trend in jackets available in cottry, artificial leather, artificial printed jackets, court type jackets have replaced the leather jackets and over-coats and the traditional Pheran. The jackets, according to the fashion designer is now not used to shield from snow and cold, but is put on to adorn ones personality. Likewise, the style of pants has also changed. The tight-fit jeans have been replaced by comfortable variety of jeans. “The denim tapered bottom, bell jeans, boot-cut and hip-hop lose fit jeans is in vogue these days,” he said adding the cottry and cargos (many pocket jeans) is preferred by youths. Men also give due consideration to their shoes. Leather shoes are in vogue. But winter comes with a style as it brings along fashionable winter boots readily available in market. The fashion conscious males have also become brand conscious and are looking for branded merchandise. The Valley has witnessed opening of shops dealing only with branded clothes and shoes. “We have had tremendous response from the public especially from males after we introduced Allen Solly brand in the market,” Irshad Ahmad told GK Plus adding that there has been vast change in the male fashion and the way he sees the apparel. The customers, according to Irshad demand quality and durability, which is provided by branded products. The customers, according to him aren’t concerned about the product price and usually ask for exclusive clothing.Irshad also corroborated Yasin’s view saying that the male customers now choose fast colours and designer wear irrespective of warmth. “They just want to be good looking,” he added.

THE "RECKONING DAY"

The two days which come with a lot of worries and tension for Kahsmiris are the Republic Day and the Independence Day. While as the entire country is celebrating these historic days, Kashmiris are cursing and swearing by the minute. These days virtually become the “Days of Reckoning” for them. Not only the whole valley comes under siege but even Jammu and some other places also feel the heat. Cordon and search of the sensitive areas especially near the venues of official functions are started at least ten days before the actual events. Surprise checks, roadside searches and even sudden thrashing of public at large for no rhyme or reason by the security forces are just a sampling of the coming events. The happenings on these two events vividly depict an over reaction to security concerns. Government appears to demonstrate in a matter of fact way that Kashmir is a part of India whether Kashmiris like it or not. The flag hoisting and parade near Ghanta Ghar in the historic Lal Chowk is a vivid example of this attitude. This is especially so as the Lal Chowk has an emotional attachment to all Kashmiris for historical reasons. As the days near, the security measures become more and more strict. Commandos of various security agencies occupy the houses surrounding the official venues. Sharp shooters are on the top floors of every house. Almost entire area around the venues to a distance of one to two kilometres comes under virtual (undeclared) curfew. The Government has to go to such a length of inconveniencing the whole population just to show to the world that Kashmiris are with India and not against it. However, as a matter of fact this type of attitude alienates Kashmiris more and more from the mainstream. It would be better if the security forces within their camps and cantonments hold these parades. Some of the willing civilians could also participate in these parades and functions without any hassle. It would spare the population at large from the most unwelcome harassment and inconvenience. The story does not end in the capital city but is carried to all district headquarters. Of course one has to demonstrate that all the districts also are an inseparable part and parcel of the “Republic”! A large number of people used to go away from these sensitive places for the duration of a week or so to avoid harassment. Often people would travel to Jammu or Delhi or any other place outside the State. However, these days Kashmiris are more conspicuous by their presence and also more suspect outside the State. They are monitored more closely there and may have to undergo much more severe questioning and interrogation than back home where everybody is a suspect. The most unfortunate part of the whole episode is the fact that people in the rest of the country do not know the real story. No body tells them how much harassment Kashmiris have to undergo during these two sensitive periods. They believe what the official media dishes out to them. Had they known the real truth, they would definitely protest in a more vehement way than even the locals. All the leaders from both the sides, pro-establishment as well as anti-establishment have failed to either convey the truth outside or to give any emancipation or solace to the local public. Well, one would not blame the so-called mainstream leaders, as they are a part of the whole show. One wonders only about the attitude of the so-called pro-people leaders whose best offer is a very easy and simple escape. Just call a “Total Bandh” on these days and relax at home. Does that free people from all the harassment? Instead of aiming for the ultimate solution of the vexed problem, which does not seem to be in sight, they should be concentrating on getting people some relief from these miserable times. At present even the Nature is against us. In this cold, bleak and depressing weather, Almighty has added the extra punishment of the “Republic” to the hapless population. In the ultimate analysis, one feels that the Kashmiris must, one and all; honestly and genuinely atone for their sins to get emancipated from this perennial torture. Almighty alone can be our saviour!
MR WASIM

THE "RECKONING DAY"

The two days which come with a lot of worries and tension for Kahsmiris are the Republic Day and the Independence Day. While as the entire country is celebrating these historic days, Kashmiris are cursing and swearing by the minute. These days virtually become the “Days of Reckoning” for them. Not only the whole valley comes under siege but even Jammu and some other places also feel the heat. Cordon and search of the sensitive areas especially near the venues of official functions are started at least ten days before the actual events. Surprise checks, roadside searches and even sudden thrashing of public at large for no rhyme or reason by the security forces are just a sampling of the coming events. The happenings on these two events vividly depict an over reaction to security concerns. Government appears to demonstrate in a matter of fact way that Kashmir is a part of India whether Kashmiris like it or not. The flag hoisting and parade near Ghanta Ghar in the historic Lal Chowk is a vivid example of this attitude. This is especially so as the Lal Chowk has an emotional attachment to all Kashmiris for historical reasons. As the days near, the security measures become more and more strict. Commandos of various security agencies occupy the houses surrounding the official venues. Sharp shooters are on the top floors of every house. Almost entire area around the venues to a distance of one to two kilometres comes under virtual (undeclared) curfew. The Government has to go to such a length of inconveniencing the whole population just to show to the world that Kashmiris are with India and not against it. However, as a matter of fact this type of attitude alienates Kashmiris more and more from the mainstream. It would be better if the security forces within their camps and cantonments hold these parades. Some of the willing civilians could also participate in these parades and functions without any hassle. It would spare the population at large from the most unwelcome harassment and inconvenience. The story does not end in the capital city but is carried to all district headquarters. Of course one has to demonstrate that all the districts also are an inseparable part and parcel of the “Republic”! A large number of people used to go away from these sensitive places for the duration of a week or so to avoid harassment. Often people would travel to Jammu or Delhi or any other place outside the State. However, these days Kashmiris are more conspicuous by their presence and also more suspect outside the State. They are monitored more closely there and may have to undergo much more severe questioning and interrogation than back home where everybody is a suspect. The most unfortunate part of the whole episode is the fact that people in the rest of the country do not know the real story. No body tells them how much harassment Kashmiris have to undergo during these two sensitive periods. They believe what the official media dishes out to them. Had they known the real truth, they would definitely protest in a more vehement way than even the locals. All the leaders from both the sides, pro-establishment as well as anti-establishment have failed to either convey the truth outside or to give any emancipation or solace to the local public. Well, one would not blame the so-called mainstream leaders, as they are a part of the whole show. One wonders only about the attitude of the so-called pro-people leaders whose best offer is a very easy and simple escape. Just call a “Total Bandh” on these days and relax at home. Does that free people from all the harassment? Instead of aiming for the ultimate solution of the vexed problem, which does not seem to be in sight, they should be concentrating on getting people some relief from these miserable times. At present even the Nature is against us. In this cold, bleak and depressing weather, Almighty has added the extra punishment of the “Republic” to the hapless population. In the ultimate analysis, one feels that the Kashmiris must, one and all; honestly and genuinely atone for their sins to get emancipated from this perennial torture. Almighty alone can be our saviour!
MR WASIM

FRISKING OF WOMEN INTRODUCED IN VALLEY

For the first time in the 17-year long Kashmir insurgency, women too were frisked on roadsides as the security noose on January 26 eve tightened. The areas in and around the Bakshi Stadium, venue of the main R-Day parade are under siege. Sharp shooters have taken positions in the attics and rooftops of residential houses and tall buildings at Haft Chinar, Sarai Balla, Maharaja Bazar and Goni Khan. Markets in the areas were too hit by the unprecedented security arrangements, as most of the people avoid these routes. Heavy contingent of various security agencies frisked every vehicle and pedestrian at Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, Naaz Crossing and Residency Road throughout Tuesday. No civilian who “cannot prove his identity” is allowed to cross the HSHS bridge. Eight companies of CRPF, troopers deployed for frisking have placed a unique identification tags displaying their names in the run up to the parade. Three more companies of women wing of CRPF have been specially deployed to frisk women at various routes leading to the Stadium. There were long queues of women and children at Lal Chowk who were stopped for frisking by the armed women troopers of paramilitary CRPF. The frisking near Palladium crossing was so intense that a youth who had purchased a DVD player was asked to open its seal. Troopers of CRPF, irked by the presence of mediapersons, had an altercation with a group of journalists at Lal Chowk after they detained a photojournalist of a Jammu-based English daily. The incident occurred when the lensman was clicking pictures of women standing in queues for searches. He was later released after protests by mediapersons and intervention of senior police officials. People have expressed strong resentment against the frisking. “In the name of security now even women aren’t being spared. The security agencies are frisking the people in such a way as if to avert a war or a big attack,” Gulshan Jan, a government employee said after being frisked by troops. Haft Chinar area, a residential area close to Bakshi Stadium, has been cut off from the rest of the city. Police has sealed all the entry points. Besides, top-floor of many houses have been occupied by sharp shooters. The area has witnessed a thorough search operation during the past few days. The residents have been facing inconvenience due to deployment of cops into their houses. “ I’ve two daughters and as a mother I feel insecure in the presence of police who are in our house for two days,” a worried woman of Haft Chinar, wishing anonymity, said. “Our only fault is we live near the parade venue. January 26 and August 15 bring miseries for us. We’re prisoners in our own homes. The security agencies should draw a line between security and harassment,” the residents told Greater Kashmir while pointing towards their houses “taken over” by police. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of CRPF said stringent security measures have been in place for January 26 parade. “We’ve deployed three companies of women’s wing of CRPF for frisking women. For foolproof security arrangements frisking of women is necessary. Besides, we’ve asked our troops to display their names on their uniform to hinder movement of militants moving in uniform,” the PRO said.
MR WASIM

GREAT PERSONS WITH GREAT THOUGHTS

The shell must
break before the bird can fly
(Alfred Tennyson)


The mystery of love is greater
than the mystery of death
(Jackie leven)



Happiness often sneaks in
through a door you didn't
know you left open
(Jhon Barrymore)


The voyage of dicovery is not
in seeking new landscapes but
in having new eyes
(Marcel proust)

The most important thing a
father can do for his children
is to love their mother
(Henry Ward Beecher)

That man is richest whose
pleasure are sweetest
(Henry David Thoreau)

BURNING PARADISE OR HELL

Our group topic: “Causes and Effects of Wars” provoked me to write about the threatening dispute of “Jammu and Kashmir” which has become more threatening after the nuclear capabilities of India and Pakistan. My main claim revolves around the theme that the burning dispute of Kashmir, between India and Pakistan can play a vital role in the emergence of third world war and can act as battle-field for a nuclear war. Due to geographical and social impacts on the world these countries have realized some big nations to resolve the issue.
South Asia, a land of deep historical and cultural representations has more than one billion population. Dominated by British colonization for nearly a century, this region contains a variety of imprints of British rule.
South Asia is the region that holds evidences of one of the ancient civilization of the world. The unsettled conditions of the eighteenth century provided an opening for the European imperialism in this region. In 1957, British Empire took hold of the Indian sub-continent and South Asia was colonized by British Empire. In 1947, when British Empire surrendered control of the Indian sub-continent, the land was divided into two major parts. The Hindu majority area became the independent nation of India and Muslim majority area became the independent nation of Pakistan. Since then they have fought many wars and several battles that have affected the both nations as well as the neighboring countries. Now as both nations have gained the nuclear capabilities so they are predicted as the battleground for a possible nuclear war.
“ If one were to take to praise Kashmir, whole books would be written…Kashmir is a garden of eternal spring, or an iron fort to the palace of kings-a delightful flower-bed, and a heart expanding heritage for dervishes”(Danger In Kashmir 3). Kashmir, with its lush valley nestled among some of the world’s most spectacular mountains, was once one of the South Asia’s premier tourist destinations; now, however, it is a battle-scarred war zone. Kashmir is an area on the northern borders of India and Pakistan: officially known as Jammu & Kashmir. Kashmir is famous for its natural beauty and has often been referred to as the “Switzerland of the East”. “The population according to latest data exceeds than fourteen million inhabitants” (Diversity Amid Globalization 505). The heart of the area is the fertile Valley of Kashmir, which lies between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range. Here the climate is mild and the soil well watered. “Kashmir covers an area of 222,237 Km2 (85,800 square miles). Mount Godwin Austen/K2 (8,611m/28,250 ft) and Mount Nanga Parbat (8,123m/26,650 ft) lie in Northern Kashmir” (http://www.ummah.org.uk/kashmir).
The root causes of the Kashmir problem are to be found in the events leading to the partition of the Indian subcontinent and the ideological perspectives of the All-India Muslim League (AIML) and the Indian National Congress (INC). The AIML stood for Muslim separation and the creation of a Muslim homeland while INC stood for the Hindu separation and the creation of Hindu homeland. During the British rule on South Asia, Kashmir was a large province having a majority of Muslim population. Kashmir also included a Hindu district named as Jammu in its territory. Due to the difference in religion, culture, social life, customs and opposite traditions and believes it was very hard to mix the both religions. At the time of partition, Kashmir had being ruled by a Hindu Maharaja (King) who was sharing Kashmir as a legacy of his forefathers. The people of Kashmir wanted get rid of their Hindu ruler due to the difference in the religion. At that time the Maharaja called on India to help him. He knew that he could not count on Pakistan for help, as Pakistan was a Muslim country. On the contrary, India was willing to help him. They sent their troops into Kashmir to help Maharaja. India soon took over the Kashmir by deploying its army. At that time, Indian authorities, which had good relationships with Viceroy from British Empire, conspired against Pakistan and Kashmir. Due to this secret conspiracy, Kashmiri inhabitants were left alone. India stated that it would arrange fair elections and that kashmiri inhabitants would be able to choose their own leader. Till then, neither an election nor a referendum has been introduced by Indian government.
“The partition of Indian continent, as was to be expected, did not resolve the problem of two communities. Instead of ending the Hindu-Muslim conflict, the division of the country merely elevated the inter-community blood-bath into inter-state rivalry. By the time India was partitioned, considerable venom had been injected into the body politics of both countries. Partition itself was accompanied by some of the worst carnage in Indian history and all semblance of goodwill, decency, and sanity disappeared” (Perspectives on Kashmir 48).
Pakistani authorities did not accept the partition of Kashmir and objected the decision made by Viceroy. Ultimately they decided to fight. In the first war that was fought in 1948, Pakistan gained a slice western and northern Kashmir, but the main territory’s core remained under Indian control. Since then both nations have fought several wars and remained locked today in bitter animosity and has caused an extreme political instability in the region. The two main wars between these two nations were fought in 1965 and 1971 respectively. These two wars, accompanied by several battles and extreme exchange of military attacks on the line of control (border between India and Pakistan) are the outgrowth of the burning issue of Kashmir. These two wars resulted as serious political tensions, economic disaster and loss of property and lives. These two wars proved as nightmares for the inhabitants of this region and stopped the development of the two nations, that is why, the region is one of the poorest region in the world.
According to famous generalist: Alastair lamb (US), “ In one sense the Kashmir problem can be seen as a consequence of British failure to find a satisfactory method for the integration of the Princely States into the independent India and Pakistan which succeeded the British Raj. There were 562 Princely States in British India by the time of the transfer of power, and they covered over one-third of the total area of the Indian Empire” (The Kashmir Problem 3).
So it can be assumed that issue of Kashmir has proved the bone of contention between the relationships of both nations and has resulted in the bitter animosity. Each country claims Kashmir as a part of its territory. As a result of a rebellion in 1947 and the subsequent wars between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, the area is separated by a Line-of-Control (LOC or cease-fire line). To the east of the LOC lies the vale of Kashmir, Jammu that is administered by India. To the west lies the area now known as 'Azad [Free] Kashmir’ that is governed by its own government with strong ties with Pakistan. Inhabitants of the Indian side of Kashmir or Occupied Kashmir are fighting for the freedom for last fifty years. They have been sacrificing their lives and are being martrayed by Indian Army for last several years. There are many freedom-movements working in the area that has also resulted a large number of innocent deaths. They are fighting for their freedom and as the result inhabitants have to face the brutal violence by Indian Army. There are many other movements working in the area for the independence of the region. Indian government has always blamed Pakistan for its involvement in that movements and Pakistan has always regretted the objections.
“The US State department, Amnesty International and Human Rights watch have recorded varying categories of human rights violation in Kashmir by Indian army. These include:
Disappearances.
Rape.
Torture and custodial killings.
Use of Excessive force and violations of humanitarian laws.
Political and extra judicial killings.
Arbitrary interference into privacy, family, home and correspondence.
Denial of fair trial.
Suppression of religious freedom.
Suppression of freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
Suppression of freedom of speech and press.
Opprobrious treatment of elderly.
Repression against holding peaceful demonstrations.
Due to these excesses, more than 60,000 Kashmiris have been killed since 1990, with a lot more unaccounted for. Thousands of helpless Muslim Kashmiris have fled across the Line-of-Control to Azad Kashmir and Pakistan are now living in refugee camps” (http://ummah.org.uk/kashmir).
According to Amnesty International, following data shows the number of deaths and number of violent activities by Indian troops in the dispute valley of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the latest information, more than sixty thousand inhabitants have been mercilessly butchered to death since 1989 in the valley.
“Kashmir has suffered an in-human violence since the partition of South Asia, but 1989, the violence is increased and has resulted in the deaths of innocent inhabitants. The following chart shows the number of inhabitants that were made disabled by extreme and brutal violence by Indian army along with the precise number of deaths for last ten years”(http://ummah.org.uk).
More recently, India has increased its army in Kashmir to suppress the Kashmiri Inhabitants. “ The deployment of 600,000 troops to silence the voice of Kashmiri people is seen as the only solution by the Indian government, resulting in gross violations of human rights” (Divided Kashmir 2). According to the United Nation, “About ten to twelve innocent people are killed every week by Indian paramilitary forces. There is only one soldier to every six Kashmirs and approximately eight thousand Kashmiris are martrayed every year” ( http://www.un.org).
The Amnesty International is trying to draw attention of world’s big nations towards this issue. According to their data, since 1992, indiscriminate firing caused the deaths of 59,170 Kashmiri people. 585 were burnt alive, more than two thousands Kashmiri people lost their lives due to extreme torture, record cases of deaths caused by throwing in rivers reaches to four thousand, more than 100,000 were forced to leave their homes and seventy thousand are still missing. Is this what India was called for? Is this what Indian government calls “peace”. Human rights violations that includes extra judicial killings, rape, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, disappearances, destruction of homes and shops, denial of fair trial and excessive paramilitary force and violation of humanitarian laws, suppression of freedom of speech. Due to the self-determination of Kashmiri people, Indian army can’t control them so they are using illegal and brutal ways to control them. Killing can’t solve the problem. Indian troops kill young children right in front of their parents. They rape innocent girls in front of their brothers and fathers. The extent of torture, killings and rapes perpetrated on Kashmiri people by Indian forces are already creating a new record of atrocities. Gouging of eyes, cutting off of men's genitals, use of ever-new methods of torture and endless curfews would shame Hitler's SS death squads. The Indian occupation army's deviltry such as gang rapes, burning of entire villages and crops, destruction of economic life of whole communities and genocide of the Kashmiri people in defiance of international human rights laws, are everyday affairs. According to UN, “An estimated one million women have been bereaved, tortured or humiliated and beaten up or killed; many hundreds have been subjected to barbaric sexual assaults. Sexual harassment is used as a weapon to subvert people into submission” (http://ummah.com/kashmir/atroc). This database represents only a minute proportion of the Indian atrocities in Kashmir as the majority goes undocumented.
On the other side, Pakistani government thinks that it owes Jammu and Kashmir. Though they haven’t recognized that they are supporting freedom fighters in Jammu and Kashmir, infect they provide them some ammunition and moral support. This resulted in extreme violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan is spending huge money from its annual budget on Kashmir and on its defense despite the fact that Kashmir is not under its control. Similarly, “Indian government is spending 10.7 percent of its annual budget for its defense in Kashmir” (Annual Budget of India 1999’ 674).
While South Asia grapples with the existence of nuclear weapons, ethnic conflict, terrorism, and other threats, it also affords new opportunities for market reform, growth of democratic institutions, and closer ties with the United States. In the fourth month of 1999, when both nations conducted nuclear tests, the situation has become tenser and has produced a threat of nuclear war in the region. Many experts and intellectuals have pointed the region as the battlefield of the next world war that might be a nuclear war. That is why, United Nation is trying to resolve this matter and stabilize the political instability of South Asia.
Since 1948, United-Nation has tried to solve the tense situation many times, but it has not been able to resolve the dispute. Many experts criticize that UN hasn’t played a sufficient role to resolve the dispute. Security Council and General assembly have passed twenty resolutions but all in vain and couldn’t reach a peaceful settlement. The Security Council promised a referendum, in the form of a plebiscite, to the people of Kashmir in 1948. India then accepted the principle of plebiscite but has since obstructed all attempts at arranging fair elections or referendum. Since then the situation got out of hands of United Nation and still UN is unable to provide a peaceful solution.
Pakistani Information Minister in his interview with CNN in 1999 said, “We have been saying that the United Nations and the secretary-general should intervene because this is a threat to peace and regional stability” (http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/asiapcf/9905/27/pakistan.reax).
On May 11, 1998 the Indian government announced that they had conducted a series of successful nuclear tests at their test facility in the Rajasthan Desert. On May 13, the Indian government announced that it conducted two further tests. The Pakistan government responded with a series of there own tests. On May 28 the Pakistani government announced that they had exploded 5 nuclear devices in the southwestern part of Pakistan. These tests were followed by another test on May 30. As now both nations have gained nuclear capabilities, it is a very critical situation for the whole world. Now their nuclear capabilities have drawn the attention of the entire globe to this dispute and many experts have pointed the region as the battleground for next world war.
It is very important for both nations to have peaceful relationship because the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir has played a vital role to make them one of the poorest regions in the world. Pakistan: a populous country of 160 million inhabitants is spending twenty five percent of its annual revenue for its defense capabilities. In 1999, Pakistan’s annual revenue was approximately eleven billion dollars. Out of which, approximately three billion was spent on the army. It is a very huge amount for a poor country like Pakistan. That is why, Pakistan spends two percent of annual revenue on education and as a result sixty three percent of its population is illiterate (Kashmir in The Crossfire 46). Similarly in India, government is spending one-fifth of its annual revenue to its defense capabilities and as a result it has become one the most poorest nation in the world. They should spend money on the needs of ordinary citizens rather than wasting money on their defense capabilities.
Today the burning dispute of Jammu and Kashmir remains unsolved. It seems that both nations are filled with bitter animosity for each other and as a result the dispute is still there as it was fifty years ago. Both nations are escalating the conflict and it seems that there might be no solution until any serious action is taken by United Nation. The United Nation and The United States had arranged many table talks to resolve the conflict. For a moment it was seemed that they would solve this issue, but as soon as the talks were over, both countries started using propaganda’s.
To resolve this burning issue, all big nations should participate in the United Nations peace programs and should stress India and Pakistan to solve the conflict as soon as possible. United Nation should stress India to hold election in Kashmir. The best solution will be the United Nation’s contribution in the election to make them fair and safe. All countries should try to establish good relationship between these neighbors. Kashmiri people have suffered the loss of thousands of lives since partition and it is the time that this issue should be solved according to the will of Kashmiri people.

TORTURE LIFE OF KASHMIRI

Srinagar, Jan 16: In the dark and freezing pre-dawn hours of Saturday, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat of Inderkote was picked up by troops of 22 Rashtriya Rifles and taken to the house of Abdul Majid Parray, half a kilometer away from his residence. The troops told him to knock at the door and ask Majid to come out. He tapped at the door and said, “open the door, Majid.” Majid came out, eyes groggy. Both were blindfolded and bundled into separate vehicles and taken to a security camp where they were subjected to third degree torture. Fayaz last saw Majid in Sopur police station in a very critical state when troops handed them in to police. Lying moribund on a steel bed in smelly ward of SMHS hospital, Fayaz doesn’t know Majid is dead and was buried today in his native village Inderkote Sumbal amid a massive protest demonstration against army. A few relatives attending to him at hospital asked this reporter to show his I-Card before Fayaz could narrate his ordeal. “Army is running a reign of terror in the area so to avoid hassles we asked you to show us your identity card,” one of the elderly attendants told this reporter. His medical record under the column, Chief Complaints, reads: “Brought to casuality by Constable Basheer Ahmed, Belt No 30, Sopore. Perineal tear, induction of stick into anal canal and bruises over gluteal thigh.” Severe beating has left Fayaz’s hearing impaired. Every question has to be asked aloud. “A rod smeared with chilies was inserted into my rectum; my penis was given electric shocks; my limbs were beaten to pulp with a prickly stick,” Fayaz alleged while one of his attendants showed bruises on his swollen legs and feet. Moaning with aches and hardly able to move, Fayaz said, “I was whisked away to a nearby army camp and asked to confess that I was a militant. When I pleaded innocence they offered another option and wanted me to confess that I was harboring militants,” Fayaz, a carpet weaver, said. “They further told me that to avoid torture, I should confess either of the two options. When I didn’t they said ‘OK give us the pistol you have.’ But when I again pleaded innocence they started beating me like savages. “After some hours I heard army officials talking among each other that some protesting villagers were heading towards the camp. They asked me to board a vehicle and said ‘we will take you to Kupwara’,” Fayaz said. “At the new location,” Fayaz says, “I was forced to take up a gun in my hands and pose for a photograph. They even showed me the picture on the screen of the camera. After that they tortured me again. While I was distraught and lying flat on the ground, they forced me to drink water mixed with chilly powder. Then they would take turns and poked their boots into my belly till I spewed out the water. This continued till I fell unconscious.” Fayaz said he regained consciousness at Sopur police station on Saturday evening. “The police offered me water; I found Abdul Majid lying there in a similar condition. After this we were rushed to Srinagar for treatment,” he said. Fayaz and Parray were neighbours once. “I have been told that he (Parray) is being treated at SKIMS as he had more grievous injuries than me,” Fayaz says. Aside, the attendants told this reporter that Fayaz wasn’t informed about the death of Parray. “He is very traumatised as you can see so we thought not to trouble him with the news,” his brother said. Fayaz’s mother, Haja, a suffering from a cardiac disease, too is unaware of her son’s fate. “We told her Fayaz is in Srinagar for a routine medical checkup and will be back home tomorrow,” one of the attendants.

Srinagar, Jan 16: In the dark and freezing pre-dawn hours of Saturday, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat of Inderkote was picked up by troops of 22 Rashtriya Rifles and taken to the house of Abdul Majid Parray, half a kilometer away from his residence. The troops told him to knock at the door and ask Majid to come out. He tapped at the door and said, “open the door, Majid.” Majid came out, eyes groggy. Both were blindfolded and bundled into separate vehicles and taken to a security camp where they were subjected to third degree torture. Fayaz last saw Majid in Sopur police station in a very critical state when troops handed them in to police. Lying moribund on a steel bed in smelly ward of SMHS hospital, Fayaz doesn’t know Majid is dead and was buried today in his native village Inderkote Sumbal amid a massive protest demonstration against army. A few relatives attending to him at hospital asked this reporter to show his I-Card before Fayaz could narrate his ordeal. “Army is running a reign of terror in the area so to avoid hassles we asked you to show us your identity card,” one of the elderly attendants told this reporter. His medical record under the column, Chief Complaints, reads: “Brought to casuality by Constable Basheer Ahmed, Belt No 30, Sopore. Perineal tear, induction of stick into anal canal and bruises over gluteal thigh.” Severe beating has left Fayaz’s hearing impaired. Every question has to be asked aloud. “A rod smeared with chilies was inserted into my rectum; my penis was given electric shocks; my limbs were beaten to pulp with a prickly stick,” Fayaz alleged while one of his attendants showed bruises on his swollen legs and feet. Moaning with aches and hardly able to move, Fayaz said, “I was whisked away to a nearby army camp and asked to confess that I was a militant. When I pleaded innocence they offered another option and wanted me to confess that I was harboring militants,” Fayaz, a carpet weaver, said. “They further told me that to avoid torture, I should confess either of the two options. When I didn’t they said ‘OK give us the pistol you have.’ But when I again pleaded innocence they started beating me like savages. “After some hours I heard army officials talking among each other that some protesting villagers were heading towards the camp. They asked me to board a vehicle and said ‘we will take you to Kupwara’,” Fayaz said. “At the new location,” Fayaz says, “I was forced to take up a gun in my hands and pose for a photograph. They even showed me the picture on the screen of the camera. After that they tortured me again. While I was distraught and lying flat on the ground, they forced me to drink water mixed with chilly powder. Then they would take turns and poked their boots into my belly till I spewed out the water. This continued till I fell unconscious.” Fayaz said he regained consciousness at Sopur police station on Saturday evening. “The police offered me water; I found Abdul Majid lying there in a similar condition. After this we were rushed to Srinagar for treatment,” he said. Fayaz and Parray were neighbours once. “I have been told that he (Parray) is being treated at SKIMS as he had more grievous injuries than me,” Fayaz says. Aside, the attendants told this reporter that Fayaz wasn’t informed about the death of Parray. “He is very traumatised as you can see so we thought not to trouble him with the news,” his brother said. Fayaz’s mother, Haja, a suffering from a cardiac disease, too is unaware of her son’s fate. “We told her Fayaz is in Srinagar for a routine medical checkup and will be back home tomorrow,” one of the attendants.

HISTORY OF KASHMIR

The Muslim and Hindu peoples of Kashmir have lived in relative harmony and friendliness since the 13th century when Islam first became the majority religion in Kashmir. The Sufi-Islamic way of life that ordinary Muslims followed in Kashmir complemented the rishi tradition of Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus), leading to a syncretic culture where Hindus and Muslims revered the same local saints and prayed at the same shrines.
Periodically however, there have been rulers and leaders who have had a narrow view of Islam, and have subjected Hindu minorities to great cruelties and discrimination. The current armed secessionist movement in Kashmir mostly derives its inspiration from these people.
A canard is now being spread past few years by the secessionist-terrorists and their sympathizers that in 1990 Kashmiri Pandits left Kashmir willingly, having been "tricked" by then Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The fact is that Kashmiri Pandits were driven from their homeland after a campaign of intimidation and harassment was launched against them by the military-wing of the secessionists. Kashmiri Pandits were forced from their hearths and homes at the point of gun. The objective of this ethnic cleansing was to create a minority free Kashmir valley where the goal of Islamization could be easily forced on the ordinary people. The books and articles below will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the genesis of the current political situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

EARNING FOR LIFE

To turn their dreams into reality they worked in five star hotel, factories and the battleground! This is a tale of 15 Nepali youth who left their homes to earn money but only one of them survived.
Thri Lo Chan Giri, 24, a Nepali youth is the lone survivor of one of the group of Nepali porters who worked with the Indian Army during the Kargil War in 1999. Despite passing of six years he still remembers the horrific moments when 14 of his friends died in the war though they were not fighting in it.
Thri, who loves to be called as Nandu worked in a factory in Nepal. However, he was not paid according to his work there. Nandu left the job and came in contact with other youth of his neighborhood. And they decided to visit India to earn some money quickly.
“There was so much demand of Nepali Bahadurs in Punjab so we easily got and job in a five-star hotel there. Apart from our salary we earned handsome money out of the tips,” Nandu said while narrating about the fanfare and parties in the hotel.
Those were the “good days”, but destiny has something else in store for them. Their joy had no limits when they came to know that Army requires porters in Kargil. “We being naive rushed to Drass and were employed on hefty salary. We worked for many months braving the cold and kept sending money to home,” Nandu says.
Suddenly Kargil war broke out and life become difficult for Nandu and his friends. “ It rained bullets and bombs in Drass and bodies were scattered on the ground waiting for burial,” Nandu with pale face said while recounting the moment said.
Tasked to take food and ammunition to the soldiers atop a mountain, Nandu and his friends trekked through the tedious slopes and icy waters. For many weeks they climbed the mountain in the evening and returned in the morning and everything went on smoothly.
“Our aim was simply to earn money and had no knowledge why the war was taking place. We had only heard about its beauty and nothing else,” Nandu said.
On the fateful day, after offering prayers Nandu alongwith his friends as usual climbed the mountain. Little did they know it was the last trip for them. “ We were walking in a line when firing started. Some of my friends were hit straight in their head and they even couldn’t even cry or bid goodbye to me. I survived as I took shelter behind a mountain,” recounts Nandu with tears copulating from his eyes.
After the firing stopped , Nandu wandered here and there to look if any of his friends was alive. “ I shouted at the them but they were dead”.
Nandu said that he and his friends worked in hostile conditions to give their families a better life to live.
“All of us belonged to poor families. While my friend Prakash toiled hard to get his sister married, Doon wanted to make his brother a doctor and I aspired to earn money for going to England or Middle-East in search of a decent job,” a lean but vocal Nandu, said.
But there were more miseries in store for Nandu when he climbed down the mountain. “ I was weeping in our tent when I heard a deafening blast. The kitchen where we used to eat was blown and the chef was lying in a pool of blood with spoon in his hand, Nandu said adding “he left Kargil and rested only when I reached Nepal.”
Nandu again visited Kashmir in 2005 and received another “nightmare”.
“This time it was not the firing or blast. An autorikshaw driver stole my belongings.”
“Money comes and goes but my friends will never return. I’ve leant greed to earn quick money comes at a very high cost,” Nandu said while promising to return Kashmir again.

it's time

It's time to beckon all,
seek back identity we lived with.
It's time to rekindle the flame,
awake the soul that loves Kashmir.
It's time to nullify all aspirations,
live for that mother who nourished you.
It's time to vitalise the zeal,
render yourself to a cause that's our own.
It's time to see beyond self,
search your soul in the vale left behind.
It's time to bury all differences,
join hands to seek land that's our own.
It's time to raise one voice,
snatch back identity we lived with.

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