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C O N T E N T
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
Epiloguebecause there is more to know
Editor
Zafar Iqbal Choudhary
Publisher
Yogesh Pandoh
Consulting Editor
D. Suba Chandran
Associate Editors
Irm Amin Baig
Tsewang Rigzin
General Manager
Kartavya Pandoh
Art Editor
Keshav Sharma
Research Officer
Raman Sharma
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Price : Rs 30
www.epilogue.in
I N FOCUSGovernments Performance Review
23 Omar AbdullahThe Man, Not in HurryOne year - So far, So goodZafar Choudhary
27 FinanceAbdul Rahim Rather
29 Housing & Urban DevelopmentTara Chand
30 Hajj & Auqaf, FisheriesAjaz Ahmed Khan31 Rural Development
Ali Mohammad Sagar
32 TourismNawang Rigzin Jora
34 CooperativesDr Manohar Lal Sharma
34 School EducationPeerzada Mohammad Sayeed
36 CA&PD and TransportQamar Ali Akhoon
37 Roads & BuildingsG.M. Saroori
39 ForestsMian Altaf Ahmed
40 AgricultureGhulam Hassan Mir
41 Higher EducationAbdul Gani Malik
42 Industries & CommerceSurjeet Singh Slathia
43 Revenue & ReliefRaman Bhalla
44 HealthSham Lal Sharma
45 Medical, Education, SportsR S Chib
46 Social WelfareSkina Ittoo
Volume 4, Issue 2, February 2010
Contributors to this Issue 2
Prologue 3
Letters 4
Note Book 6
Special Report
Revisiting Srinagar-Central on 9
20th Anniversary of BloodshedAhmed Ali Fayyaz
Ladakh Special
Ladakh Scraps Sagheer Report 11
Demands Union TerritoryTsewang Rigzin
Why Union Territory for Ladakh 13Rigzin Spalbar
Chinese Cattle Grazing Ladakh Grass 16Tsewang Rigzin
Iqbal as an Advocate of Disabled 17Vidhya Ramasubban
Pagir- In Service of Ladakh 19Vidhya Ramasubban
LAHDC asked to work out policy 20
on CultureTsewang Rigzin
Ladakh Grieved as Stakna Rinpochey 20
Passes AwayTsewang Rigzin
The Winds of Change : 21
Beyond Conventional TourismThinlas Chorol
Society
The Gujjar-Pahari Divide and 47
Local Politics of Rajouri, PoonchAhmad Shannas
Column
Empire and Regional Identities : 50
Kashmir Under the Mughals-IProf. Jigar Mohammed
Her Big Brother Died Fighting 52
for me and for you...Manisha Sobhrajani
1
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2 CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE
Choral, Thinlas;(Ladakh Special, Rigzin, Tsewang;(Ladakh Special,
p21) is a researcher based in Leh. p11) is an eminent journalist and
She is currently working at a researcher. He is Associate Editor
research project sponsored by New of Epilogue based in Leh, LadakhDelhi based Charkha Development
and Communication Network Shannas, Ahmed;(Society, p47)
recently retired as a bureaucrat
Choudhary, Zafar;(In Focus, p23) is with Jammu and Kashmir
Editor of Epilogue Magazine and Government. However, he is
also Executive Editor of Early known better for his literary
Times, Daily Newspaper from pursuits. He has many Urdu books
Jammu to his credit
Fayyaz, Ahmed Ali; (Special Report, Sobhrajani, Manisha(Features,
9) is a senior journalist, political P52), is a Delhi based independent
analyst and columnist based at researcher working on the variousSrinagar, Kashmir aspects of Kashmir conflict. She
divides her time between Delhi
and Jammu and KashmirMohammed, Prof Jigar; (History,
p50) is professor of History at the
University of Jammu. He is Spalbar, Rigzin;(Ladakh Special,
associated with Epilogue since p13) if former Chairman of Ladakh
inception as Editorial Advisor on Autonomous Hill Development
History of Jammu and Kashmir Council, Leh
Ramasubban, Vidhya;(Ladakh
Special, 17) is a development
activist working in Ladakh. She is
consultant with PAGIR, a Leh basedadvocacy group
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
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
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PROLOGUEFrom the Editor
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
t Epilogue, we had Haider, former J&K Chief Secretary
conceived an editorial Ashok Jaitley, noted author Balraj
po li cy fo cu si ng at Puri, activist Madhu Kishwar and
purely academic and policy expert PR Chari. The issue
d e v e l o p m e n t listed expectations. A year after,
Ajournalism leaving the current when we look at the contents of
trends of political happenings to February 2009 issue and compare the
newspapers. However, third month sugge sti ons with deli very of
into our publication we saw the government, it figures out that
power politics in Jammu and Kashmir effort was not a waste. We don't
running through collision course the have a reason to believe that the
ruling partners Peoples Democratic government was guided by the
Party and Congress taking each other agenda set out in Epilogue but it
heads on. Government came at brink appears that the government
of collapse in March 2007 and leaders worked on the issues we had listed as
of both parties claimed that their imp or ta n t. Th is c an be a
stands were the best in interest of coincidence. The present issue
peo ple . Tha t was the fir st offers a one-year performance
temptation to examine and discuss analysis of the government in key
big egos of not so big men. Therefore areas of governance. While a
our April 2007 issues titled 'Vote Bank comprehensive review can well of
Standoff' earned wide appreciations out of the scope and possibility like
gradually we moved on include the a small institution and publication
issues of governance and power like ours, the analysis is based on
politics in every issue with purely vis ible performance indicators
academic approach. Our February backed with public perception of
2009 issue titled 'Agenda for Omar change and a certain level of
Government' was rare offering of its statistics. It is hoped that this issuekind in which experts of national serves well the government as a
repute joined to write down their feedback and the public as a
suggestions for the government to pe rf or ma nc e re vi ew o f the
list those as priorities. Notable government.
Feedback :among the agenda setters werezafarchoudhary@epilogue.informer Foreign Secretary Salman
ZAFAR CHOUDHARY
A Year After
FEBRUARY 2009
APRIL 2009
3
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LettersReaders Write
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
his is in response to the various articles, regarding the issue of
Tdiscrimination, published in the month of October 09, and in the
subsequent issues of your esteemed magazine. It seems to me as a one
sided affair as the view point taken from valley was negligibleAfter the forced partition of Kashmir in 1948 into Indian administered
Kashmir and Pakistan administered Kashmir, IAK which is now known as
Jammu and Kashmir, has to confront many hurdles (both internal and
external), which has hampered its development, though some of them
may have vanished but some keep on haunting. One of them is the little
dangerous god i.e. ghost of discrimination.Let us try to trace the contours of this god. As we know, J&K comprises
of three regions; Jammu, Kashmir and ladakh. Jammu has been
complaining of discrimination for long, Kashmir has now also rose to the
occasion and has joined the chorus, while as ladakh blames both of
them.In Jammu the politicians have played this card on a regular basis. Even
the politicians of national level like L K Advani used this card in the
parliamentary elections, when he said, jammu aik tou jeetay jammu.
In kashmir this ghost has started its haunting operations also. Recently, a
spectrum of intellectuals gathered in the famous nigeen club (situated
at the banks of Nigeen Lake, in srinager) and debated on the issue,
almost all of them were of this view that kashmiris are being
discriminated.In my opinion the problem can be resolved by addressing the root cause,
which is in the form of regionalism. In order to dilute the strength of the notion of the discrimination, the root cause of
regionalism is to be eradicated. Let the regions be divided into sub-regions;1) Jammu can be divided into three sub regions; - Jammu plains, chenab valley and pir panchal valley.2) Kashmir can be divided into three sub-regions; - central Kashmir , south Kashmir and north kashmir
3) Ladakh can be divided into two sub-regions; - Leh and kargilThen these sub-regions should be given a good amount of autonomy equivalent to a province. This will not only settle the
issue of discrimination but will also help in locating new investment avenues. It may be the first instance of its kind where
dividing the regions (read discrimination) will unite the state.I hope that these few lines will be taken into consideration by the concerned authorities, while framing the future of
state, so that we can have a sigh of relief and can say all is well.MA SUFISrinagar
Divide the Discrimination, Unite the State
The school which produced an IASovernment Middle School, Demote, in Rehan village of Rajouri district has rare honours in twin border districtsGof Rajouri and Poonch for producing first IAS from the region. It is a matter of pride village and inspiration for
thstudents. Immediately after his selection in IAS, Dr Shahid Iqbal who studied here upto 7 standard visited the
school and interacted with teachers and students. His family donated Rs 21000 and two kanals of land to the school.Since his students all 75 students of this middle school are a different lot they are inspirited, motivated andencouraged, they are dreaming to reach where Shahid has. The problem, however, is that for 75 students there isonly one room which serves as class room, staff room, kitchen store and everything a school requires. There is nocompound wall and no toilets. There is no class when it rains, when it is cold or when it is hot. Is this fair weatherschool right place for the students to dream big? Yes, they can dream but may not be able to do big. Is anyonelistening?
NIAZ AHMEDOn behalf of villagers of Rehan
OCTOBER 2009
4
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LettersReaders Write
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
Darling of Ladakh
pilogue's extensive coverage of Ladakh just
Eshows it's proficiency in professionaljournalism. It clearly indicates that it's amagazine with clear-cut visions and definite
missions spearheaded by a sensible editorialboard. Hence it covers the uncovered regionsand areas of Jammu and Kashmir, and puts in thepicture what has not been done so by themainstream media hitherto. Bringing specialissues on Ladakh once in a year, with very
limited readership, well vindicate theirseriousness vis--vis responsible journalism in anera where marketability of news and events arelooked upon first than its suitability and
desirability for the society. But, I believe,prominently covering an area like Ladakh would definitely impinge on it on the commercial front.
As it breaks free from the shackles of corporate journalism that sells only the sensational, tells only the told and hearsonly the heard ones, Epilogue gives space to the unheard and unknown writers and scholars who generally come out withextremely interesting stories and incredibly refreshing ideas. The budding writers and scholars from regions like Ladakh (andother far flung areas of the state) get a good platform to express their ideas/stories and also to nurture their respective
vocations/professions. Furthermore, Epilogue, I believe, is the first magazine (or a news paper) in J&K that has found itdesirable to have a Ladakhi in its editorial boardespecially not just for the sake of it, but to add sensibility andresponsiveness to issues emerging out of all three regions of the state.
SONAM CHOSJAR
Leh
AUGUST 2009NOVEMBER 2007
5
sit miles away from home romanticizing the legendary beauty of Jammu and Kashmir; nurturing nostalgia for a past thatIcan never be recovered in the form I was most familiar with; cherishing the pervasive tranquility brought on by mycontemplation of the intricately carved shrines, architecturally superb temples, and mesmerizing monasteries of Jammu and
Kashmir; filled with longing for the call of the mountains that beckons the diasporic subject to return; irate at the
communal, regional, and linguistic divides created by destructive forces; experiencing a helplessness at being unable to put
together the pieces of the political puzzle that continues to remain irresolvable; shivering at the cold-blooded manipulations
of our political and bureaucratic machinery, I riffle through the past issues of Epilogue magazine.Epilogue voices not just politically savvy but culturally sensitive opinions as well. It provides a forum at which heterogeneity
in terms of cultural, political, social, and regional ideologies, is fostered and encouraged. Reading a magazine that does not
subscribe to myopic ideologies rejuvenates the mind and resuscitates the spirit. In a region which has experienced armed
insurgency, resurgence of religious fundamentalisms, militant nationalism, gendered violence, increasing militarization; some
genuine attempts to fight for the right of self-determination of the people of J & K; some disingenuous attempts to entrench
regional and religious fault lines, Epilogue has successfully created a space for the critical analysis ofnation-building, identity politics, state-sponsored violence, discriminatory politics, etc. Although
still young, exactly three years old, Epilogue is creating a healthy and vibrant discourse community.
Epilogue has opened up an alternative way of negotiating the construction of conflictual identities. I
congratulate Zafar Chaudhary for having undertaken a laudable venture. I wish Epilogue the very
best in its commendable attempts to engage multiple voices and opinions.NYLA ALI KHAN
Author of Islam, Women and Violence in Kashmir
Alternative Way of Negotiating
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NOTE BOOKAwards & Honours
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
Padma honoursFor third consecutive year, three
eminent personalities from Jammu andKashmir have bagged the Padma Awardsthe country's highest civilian awards.Ghulam Mohammad Mir has beenawarded Padma Shri for Public Serviceswhile Dr Jitender Udhampuri and ProfHamidi Kashmiri have bagged the sameaward for their notable contribution inEducation and Literature. Mir, a resi-dent of Beerwah village in Badgam dis-trict of central Kashmir, runs a non-governmental organization.
Gallantry awardsMajor Mohit Sharma of 1 Para (Spe-
cial Forces), Major D Sreeram Kumar of30 Assam Rifles and Havildar RajeshKumar of 11 Rajputana Rifles were therecipients of this year's Ashok Chakra.Maj Mohit Sharma, born in Jhansi inUttar Pradesh and commissioned in 90Medium Regiment (Artillery) in March2004, will get the award posthumouslyas he was killed in a battle with terror-ists in the Hafruda forest in Jammu and
Sher-e-Kashmir awards Jameel Ahmed Khatana, Deputy Super-Kashmir in March 2009.
intendent o Police, Sukh Dev Singh, Dep-As many as 28 cops of Jammu andPresident Patil presented Kirti uty Superintendent of Police, PeerzadaKashmir Police clinched this year's Presi-Chakra, the second highest peace timeNaveed, Deputy Superintendent ofdent's Police Medal for Gallantry and Dis-gallantry medal, to Rukhsana Kausar, aPolice, Rajinder Singh Rahi, Inspector,tinguished Services.village girl from border district ofPawan Singh, Sub-Inspector, KafeelThe Gallantry Medal awardees areRajouri, who shot into limelight afterAhmed, Head Constable, MohammadSardar Khan Superintendent of Police,killing a Lashker-e-Taiba militant on Sep-Rafiq, Head Constable, and Constables,Mohammad Arshad Superintendent oftember 27, 2009 at Kalsian area ofAbdul Majid Najar, Mohammad ImranPolice, Kaliraj Mahaish Kumar, Addi-Shahdra Shrief in Rajouri district ofLone, Aijaz Ahmed Mir, Ishaq Ahmed andtional Superintendent of Police,Jammu and Kashmir.
RAIN OF AWARDS
Men, Women of Exceptional Order
January is always a month of honours and accolades and this year's Republic Day came with a rain of
awards for Jammu and Kashmir. While the valiant Gujjar girl of a Rajouri village Rukhsana Kausar
bagged Kirti Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award, three exceptional performers from the
state were conferred with Padma awards.
6
ARUN JOSHI MAHRUKH INAYAT NIDHI RAAZDAN Lt Gen BS JAMWALIFTIKHAR GILANI BASHARAT DAR BR SHARMA ASHOK GUPTA
RUKHSANA KOSSER
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a Follower, Kanwal Singh. ways, J&K Mohammad Sulamian Salaria, Daily Srinagar Times; Arun JoshiSSP (AIG) Personnel (PHQ) ND Wani, SSP (Deputy Editor Hindustan Times);The medals for Distinguished Ser-PCR, Jammu, Jagdish Lal Sharma and Nidhi Razdan, (NDTV), Marukhvices awarded to the officers and
Head Constable, JKAP 7th Bn Charan Inayat, (Times News), Iftikharjawans of Jammu and Kashmir PoliceDass. Geelani, (Kashmir Times) andinclude. Abdul Qayoom Manhas, Deputy
Maqsood Ahmad, Broadcast Journal-Inspector General of Police, (North Kash-ist, Radio Kashmirmir), Sunil Kumar Sharma, Deputy 7 scribes among 26 state awardees
Inspector General of Police (CID) ?INDUSTRIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIPOn the eve of Republic Day theJammu, Kasturi Lal Bhagat, Comman- Taranveer Singh Gujral, M/S T. V.Jammu and Kashmir governmentdant (JKAP) 12 Battalion, Shyam Sunder Super Filter Industries, Jammu,announced an expanded list of StateSharma, Superintendent of Police ?MEDIAawards in which 26 exceptional per-(APCR), Jammu, Thakur Dass Saini, Sheherbeen (Radio Kashmir,formers were honoured in 10 differentSuperintendent of Police, Railway Head- Srinagar)categories:quarters, Hial Ahmed Shah, Senior ?BRAVERYSuperintendent of Police, Telecommu- 143 medals for Northern CommandRukhsana Kosser and Mr Ajaz Ahmednication, Jammu, Mr. Swatanter Kumar With its headquarters at Udhampur?LITERATURE(SDPO) City North, Jammu, Mohammad in Jammu and Kashmir, the NorthernProf Rehman Rahi, Kashmiri poetAslam, Deputy Superintendent of Police
Command of Indian Army won as manyand writer, Prof Sewa Singh, Punjabi(PHQ), Mr. Abdul Rashid Shah, Inspector as 143 awards in three different catego-writer and Prof Veena Gupta (DogriCID Headquarters, Aurengzeb Rather, ries of gallantry, conduct of operationswriter)Sub-Inspector (DSB), Poonch, Mr.
and distinguished service:?ARTSMohammad Rafiq Bhat Sub-Inspector,
Leading upfront, Lt Gen BS Jaswal,Shameem Azad, (Singer), Kailash(Police Component) Srinagar, Mr.
GOC-IN-C Northern Command wasMehra (Singer), Pradhuman SinghMohammad Shafi, Sub-Inspector (SSG)awarded the Param Vishisht Seva MedalJindrahia (Dogri folk artist) andand Mr. Parvaiz Ahmed Malik, Head Con-(PVSM), which is the highest award forUstad Ghulam Mohammad Saznawazstable (JKAP), 13 Battalion.
(Sufiana Ustad) distinguished service of an exceptionalThe Sher-e-Kashmir Police Medalorder. Havildar Ashok Kumar of 11?ARTS AND CRAFTSfor Gallantry and Meritorious Services, aRajputana Rifles was posthumouslyMohammad Shariq Farooqui, Direc-state level highest police award ofawarded the nation's highest peacetimetor, Craft Development Institute,Jammu and Kashmir, went to 21 cops ofgallantry award - the Ashok Chakra.Srinagarthe state Police.Havildar Rajesh Kumar was part of a?SOCIAL SERVICEThis year's gallantry award went to
team which was on a search mission inViklang Chhatra Trust, AkhnoorRajesh Kumar, IPS, Bashir Ahmed Khan, the dense forest of Kupwara district of?PUBLIC SERVICESP Awantipore and Mohammad AslamJammu and Kashmir. During this opera-B.R. Sharma, IAS, Principal Secre-ASP (Operations) Pulwama.tion he killed three terrorists before lay-tary to Government, Power Devel-The Sheri-i-Kashmir Police Medalsing down his life. Maj Suresh Suri wasopment Department; Basharatfor Meritorious Service awardees werealso awarded the Kirti Chakra. The offi-Ahmad Dhar, IAS, Commissioner/Ashok Kumar Gupta, IGP, Jammu Zone,cer despite being injured retaliatedSecretary to Government, GeneralJohny William, SSP Securitywith fire from his AK-47 Rifle and alsoAdministration Department; Mr.Jammu, Kuldeep Krishan Raina, Inspec-lobbed a hand grenade, killing one ter-Nisar Ahmad Shah, Junior Engineer,tor (PHQ) and Mehboob-ul-Haq, Inspec-rorist and injuring another. He laid downRajpora Lift Irrigation Scheme, Irri-tor, Armed Headquarters.his life fighting in the highest traditionsgation and Flood Control Depart-Other awardees on gallantry cate-of the army. Other gallantry awards are,ment and Mr. Ishtaq Ahmad Khan,gory included SDPO Hazratbnal,
Naib Tehsildar (Settlement), Reve- 15 Shaurya Chakras, two Bar to SenaMubashir Bukhari, SDPO Shaheed Gunj,nue Department. Medals and 73 Sena Medals. ThreeShahzad Ahmed Salaria, DY SP (Opera-
Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 10 Yudhtions) Sopore, Mohammad Yousuf, SHO ?SPORTS PERSONSManjakote , Niaz Ahmed, Constables Seva Medals were awarded for success-Chhering Angchok, Nobra, LehSubash Chander and Javaid Ahmad. ful conduct of operations. The awards(Mountaineering) and Bilquis MirSGCT, Kashmir Singh, Head Constables for distinguished service are two(Kayaking and Canoeing)Ram Rattan and Mohammad Rafi, Con- PVSMs, one Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva?MEDIA PERSONSstables, Ajeet Kumar, SPO Mr. Chuni Lal Medal (AVSM), three AVSMs, two Bar toLate Sonaullah Bhat (Posthumously)
The Sheri-i-Kashmir Police Medals Sena Medal Distinguished, nine SenaEditor-in-Chief Urdu Daily Aftab;for Meritorious Service (independence Late Sofi Ghulam Mohammad (Post- Medal Distinguished, six VSMs and 15Day-2009) awardees t are DIG, Rail- Mention-in-Despatches.humously) Editor-in-Chief Urdu
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
NOTE BOOKAwards & Honours
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SPECIAL REPORTNotes from Maisuma
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
t doesn't take much to remember
and forget in the Valley. History isIreplete with remembrance andforgetfulness. Nobody remembered
Kashmir's last monarch Yusuf Shah for
over 400 years till Sheikh Abdullah and
Yusuf Taing went all the way to Biswak
(Bihar) to discover his tomb in 1977.
That again ended up as a celestial
event. Nobody talked of that Yusuf Shah
thereafter. May be someone does innext 400 years.
With the Kashmiris finding Sher-e-
Kashmir's name on the fallen autumn
leaves of Chinar in 1950s, he himself had
reduced to a sub-conscious entity in
early 1970s. Pakistan's defeat in two
successive wars in between pushed
Sheikh to a far bitter mundane reality.
The referendum in his mind voted forSheikh conquered Srinagar with a Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, with apower. Days to come vindicated Sheikh's
massive gathering as melancholy faded courtesy lift to then Sopore MLA Syed Alidecision. Valley dismissed him as ainto euphoria and jubilation on his Shah Geelani, came all the way fromtraitor and observed total shutdown onarrival in Lalchowk on that historic day Civil Secretariat of Jammu and landedZulfikar Ali Bhutto's call on the day of hisof spring in 1975. One-odd voice of his flying machine on the Mahaz-e-Azadidecision to return to the chair of Chiefdissent, Sofi Mohammad Akbar, was chief's town. He even set free Sofi'sMinister. Three days later, Kashmirisconsigned to oblivion. In contrast to protg Azam Inquilabi for whosegave him a veritable hero's welcome asShei kh' s mill ion -st ron g fune ral signing of parole die-hard Farooqthousands of them gathered on eitherprocession in 1982, Sofi's last rites in Rehmani had failed to find a surety inside of the highway to greet and garland1988 became a bit of 'news' only when the valley of four million people.him.
AHMED ALI FAYYAZ
Revisiting Srinagar-Central onth20 Anniversary of Bloodshed
In 20th year of the movement forAzadi, Maisuma-Gawkadal the central separatist hotspot of Srinagar
came up with a queer presentation of its split personality as groups of people maintained their stone
pelting sessions against Police and CRPF and the JKLF Chief became the glamorous hero of a celebrity
wedding with the young Pakistani painter Mashaal Mullick. Amid a razzmatazz, wags were heard shouting:
Bharat teri maut aayi, bhabhi aayi bhabhi aayi---a parody of once the popular slogan Bharat teri mautaayi, Lashkar aayi Lashkar aayi.
A scene of complete shutdown in Maisuma sometimes in summer 2009.
Epilogue File Photo
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Nobody remembered Maqbool Bhat daughter of the Braroo family of the Hurriyat themselves forgot to issue a
on the day of his execution at Tihar Jail staying back Kashmiri Pandits at Basant call of strike on this historic day.
on February 11 in 1984. Abdul Gani Bag. It was silenced with just a couple of This Wall Street of Azadi observed
Lone's loud calls of shutdown fell on the browbeats. total boycott to all Assembly and Lok
deaf ears on that day and the following Th is Ma is u ma -G aw ka da l- Sabha elections from 1996 to 2004 but
anniversaries. It took the people of Basantbagh locality, bordering Srinagar flocked to the polling booths at
Valley six long years to first remember uptown and downtown, came to be Veterinary Hospital and Mallinson
Bhat in February 1990. By that time they remembered later for being the School in the Municipal Elections of
had forgotten Sheikh Abdullah and residence of JKLF Chairman, Yasin 2005. A couple of years before, Chief
begun to remember Sheikh Mukhtar--- Malik. Much more than the massacre, Minister Mufti Sayeed's demolition
the lion of the African desert. people later began to remember it for squads had the temerity of dismantling
Much like Sofi Akbar's loneliness in being a rendezvous of the Indian an unauthorized projection of a shop
1988, Sheikh Abdullah in 1990-95 had that belonged to once revered, once
one-odd homage payer at his grand dreaded Yasin Malik's close relative.
mausoleum at Hazratbal in Maqbool Shah In 20th year of the movement,
Khaksaar of Ikhrajpora, who never hid his Maisuma-Gawkadal came up with apride of leading Sher-e-Kashmir's militia queer presentation of its split
to repulse the Pakistani tribal raider's personality as groups of people
invasion in 1947 till he was gunned down maintained their stone pelting sessions
by guerrillas outside his mosque in 2005. against Police and CRPF and the JKLF
I n 1 9 9 0 s , K a s h m i r i s d i d Chief became the glamorous hero of a
enthusiastically begin to remember celebrity wedding with the young
another Yusuf Shah, albeit only after his Pakistani painter Mashaal Mullick. Amid
turning into the Hizbul Mujahideen a razzmatazz, wags were heard
chief 'Syed Salah-ud-din'. Nobody really shouting: Bharat teri maut aayi,
knows how long Shah's guns and amulets bhabhi aayi bhabhi aayi---a parody of
loom large on their conscious mind. once the popular slogan Bharat teri
maut aayi, Lashkar aayi Lashkar aayi.It was exactly on this day of
January 21 in 1990 that the real And look what the champions offoundation stone of a def iant, Azadi did on the 20th birth day of the
secessionist movement was laid in Gawkadal massacre: Biggest crowd
Kashmir with a major massacre. CRPF puller Geelani shot off a statement of
troops opened machinegun fire from tributes from his second home in the
their sandbag bunkers on an Azadi Indian Capital, New Delhi; Others from
procession, killing nearly 50 civilians at Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to Maulvi Abbas
Gawkadal. Anniversaries for the next Ansari to Bilal Gani Lone to Prof Abdulintellectuals, mediapersons and foreign
many years did not need anybody's call Gani to Shabir Shah even didn't do thatdiplomats who for years thronged
to ensure a total shutdown in entire in their luxurious drawing rooms inMalik's non-descript house and office.
Valley. Those critical of the brutal Srinagar. There was no activity in theOne day, even Kuldeep Nayar found
killing of SHO Maisuma , Sadullah, by Valley, either at the Martyrs Graveyardhimself tired of offering glasses of juice
the 'Mujahideen' a year before, and or elsewhere, as everybody seemed to
to break Malik's weekly and fortnightlygunning down of two IB officials around be busy with routine daily chores.fasts-unto-death. And he turned his
the same spot later, vanished into the Business was brisk at Lalchowk andback on Maisuma. With that change in
thick fog of the sentiment of Azadi. around. Yasin Malik addressed athe atmosphere, it required a much
gathering of a little over 100 fellowFirst murmur of protest instressed call from militants and Hurriyat
residents at Maisuma to remember theGawkadal came three years later whento remember the martyrs of the
Gawkadal martyrs and tell his audienceJKLF gunmen allegedly committedGawkadal massacre on January 21. In
that their blood wouldn't go waste.rape-cum-murder of a mother andthe next couple of years, militants and
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
And look what the champions of Azadidid on the 20th birth day of theGawkadal massacre: Biggest crowdpuller Geelani shot off a statement oftributes from his second home in theIndian Capital, New Delhi; Others fromMirwaiz Umar Farooq to Maulvi AbbasAnsari to Bilal Gani Lone to Prof AbdulGani to Shabir Shah even didn't do thatin their luxurious drawing rooms inSrinagar. There was no activity in theValley, either at the Martyrs Graveyardor elsewhere, as everybody seemed tobe busy with routine daily chores.
Business was brisk at Lalchowk andaround. Yasin Malik addressed agathering of a little over 100 fellowresidents at Maisuma to remember theGawkadal martyrs and tell his audiencethat their blood wouldn't go waste.
SPECIAL REPORTNotes from Maisuma
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LADAKH SPECIALPolitics
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
zations in this regard. All political par- added reiterating the 'in principle' sup-s the Working Group rejectsties having their office in Leh, Muslims port of the Shia community to the UTUnion Territory status for Ladakh,communities (Shia and Suni) and the demand. With the support of all politi-Athe Leh based political partiesChristian community have expended cal and religious organizations to thisincluding the District Congresstheir support for the LBA to pursue the 'third front for UT', sources say that theCommittee (DCC) Leh and the LadakhUT demand. Welcoming such an apoliti- first meeting of the front is likely to beUnion Territory Front (LUTF) have pro-cal forum for demanding UT status, ES held in February to chalk out strategiesjected strong resentment by stagingGergan, Principal Moravian Mission to advocate the UT demand for Ladakh.dharnas and organizing public meetings
against the Sagheer report, terming it Last year when the Government of
as prepared under the influence of cer- India proposed to hold quiet talks
tain political forces that advocate with all shades of opinions to find an ami-
autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir. cable solution to the Kashmir issue, peo-
ple of Ladakh urged the Government ofWith this the UT demand has cer- India to involve Ladakh also in the pro-tainly intensified once again. Religiousposed talks. Reiterating the longstand-associations are also trying to float aing Union Territory demand for Ladakh,new conglomeration with representa-the Congress Party passed a resolutiontives of all political and religious organi-appealing to the Prime Minster and thezations to carry forward the UT demandHome Minister to involve the people ofwithout politicizing the issue. This moveLadakh as well in the proposed talks.was first initiated by the Youth Wing ofLadakh, from all aspects, fulfils all cri-the Ladakh Buddhists Association (LBA).teria for creating a Union Territory. AtThe Prime Minister's constitutedthe same time people of Ladakh,Working Group's report on the 'Centre- School Leh, said that as a communitythrough this resolution, firmly place onState relations' presented by Justice Christians of Leh will always supportrecord, that we reject any solutions likeSagheer is shocking for Ladakh as it has anything that is good for Ladakh.Autonomy or Self rule or restoration of
ignored the UT demand of Ladakhis. We, Ashraf Ali Barcha, President Anjuman pre-53 status to the state of Jammu &therefore, felt the need to form an Imamia Leh feels that at the present sce-Kashmir which involves Ladakh in it. Inaction committee on the UT issue with nario, no organization seems too effec-the event of finding a final solution toall political and religious organizations tive to put forth the UT demandthe Kashmir issue, come what may,of Leh on board, said Tsewang strongly. The proposed conglomera-Ladakh shall not settle for anything lessThinless, President LBA Youth, adding tion of different organizations of Lehthan Union Territory with Legislature forthat the LBA had already consulted all will be helpful to strongly demand theit, the resolution reads.Leh based political and religious organi- UT status for Ladakh collectively, he
TSEWANG RIGZIN
Ladakh Scraps Sagheer Report;
Demands Union Territory
The report on Prime Minister's Working Group on Centre-State relations submitted to the
government of Jammu and Kashmir by Justice (Retd) Sagheer Ahmad has anguished the people of
Ladakh and evoked strong objections against recommending autonomy to the State of Jammu &
Kashmir and ruling out the status of Union Territory (UT) for Ladakh region
Ashraf Ali Barcha, President Anjuman
Imamia Leh feels that at the present
scenario, no organization seems too
effective to put forth the UT demandstrongly. The proposed
conglomeration of different
organizations of Leh will be helpful to
strongly demand the UT status for
Ladakh collectively, he added
reiterating the 'in principle' support of
the Shia community to the UT demand
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In a memorandum presented to the ers demanded creation of New States during the Dogra regime of nearly a cen-
Prime Minister on January 23, Thupstan of Telangana in Andhra Pradesh, tury and a quarter, Ladakhi people had
Chhewang, President- Patron LUTF, has Vidharbha in Maharashtra, Bundel countless bitter experiences at the
accused Justice (retd) Sagir Ahmed of Khand, Harit Pradesh, Sonanchal in UP, hands of Kashmiri administrators. Inpreparing a document on his own with- Saurashtra in Gujrat, Gorkhaland in addition to this, continued discrimina-
out even showing its draft to the West Bengal, Bodoland in Assam and tions meted out to Ladakhi people by
Working Group. Justice (retd) Sagir Union Territory for Ladakh. While advo- successive rulers of J&K for decades
Ahmed has given a report which has cating the conferment of Union after the independence, further inten-
rejected our demand for the Union Terr itory status to Ladakh with sified Ladakh's demand for separation
Territory status without even going to Legislature, Rigzin Spalbar, who was from Jammu & Kashmir. There are his-
the merits of the issue and sparing a made a member of the Executive Body torical documents that reveal that right
thought for our feelings. We had high of the Bhartiya Federation for New after the independence, even before
hopes from the Working Group headed states, strongly crit icized Justice Jammu & Kashmir finally acceded to the
by him and appointed by you with the Sagheer Ahmed for not recommending Indian Union, people of Ladakh sought
best of intentions for reaching a consen- UT for Ladakh in the Working Group separation of Ladakh from Jammu &
sus on the Centre-State relations, Ka shmi r, and appealed to the
memorandum reads adding that the Government of India to administerreport has ignored the multi-region, Ladakh directly from the Center on the
multi-ethnic and secular character of pattern of the North Eastern Frontier
the State. Chhewang was the Lok Sabha Area (NEFA) administration or to make it
MP from Ladakh when the Working a part of erstwhile East Punjab.
Group was constituted. He was also a In the present political scenario ofmember of the Working Group on the the State, Ladakh, that had been anCentre-State relations. The independent kingdom for about nineCongress Party in Leh criticized centuries until 1830s, has been reducedChhewang for failing to raise the Union to mere two districts. This uniqueTerritory demand effectively at region has its unique problems for whichWorking Group meetings. most of the laws legislated by the State
Amidst all oppositions against this Government go against the interests of
report, came the shocking statement by the people of Ladakh.Hassan Khan, the Lok Sabha MP from Anyone with an average commonLadakh, who without any consultation sense would easily understand that itmeetings with the public, went on to doesn't make any sense to keep Ladakhsupporting the report that recom- forcefully with Jammu & Kashmirmended Autonomy to the State. Mr. despite that fact that Ladakh has noth-
report and vowed that Ladakh shallKhan has endorsed the report in an ing in common linguistically, culturally,never be a part of J&K with Autonomyinterview to the Lok Sabha TV channel historically and geographically withand fight to the last blood to achieve UTand in an Urdu Daily, called Hindustan other parts of Jammu & Kashmir.for Ladakh. Justifying the UT demandExpress on January 21, 2010. In protest Moreover snow falls in winter monthsfor Ladakh and seeking support fromof his statement, calling it unilateral cause the closure of Ladakh-Srinagarleaders and people nationwide, heand 'unwarranted', the Congress Party highway for about six months a yearargued that after the accession ofhas called a complete Ladakh bandh on thereby isolating Ladakh physically
Jammu & Kashmir with the IndianJanuary 30, 2010. from rest of the State.Union, there was no ground left to keepRigzin Spalbar, President District Geographically Ladakh constitutesLadakh still as a part of the State,Congress Committee, Leh, represented two-third of the entire State of Jammubecause Ladakh was forcefully annexedLadakh in a day long Dharna staged at & Kashmir, but at present in the 87 mem-to the Dogra Rule by Jammu MaharajaJantar Mantar New Delhi on 14 January ber state assembly, representation toGulab Singh's Army general Zorawarby the Bhartiya Federation for New Ladakh is very minimal as there are onlySingh in 1834.states when leaders from different four seats, two each for Leh and Kargil
It is pertinent to mention here thatstates of India, along with their support- districts.
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
Amidst all oppositions against thisreport, came the shocking statement by
Hassan Khan, the Lok Sabha MP from
Ladakh, who without any consultation
meetings with the public, went on to
supporting the report that
recommended Autonomy to the State.
Mr. Khan has endorsed the report in an
interview to the Lok Sabha TV channel
and in an Urdu Daily, called Hindustan
Express on January 21, 2010. In protest
of his statement, calling it unilateral and'unwarranted', the Congress Party has
called a complete Ladakh bandh on
January 30, 2010
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Opinion
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
exploitation, feudal and colonial rule, In the absence of any study whichadakh was once an independentbut we, the people of Ladakh, with a has analysed Ladakh's problems from aHimalayan Kingdom. The politicaldistinct identity of our own have been nationalistic and political perspective,Lhistory of Ladakh dates back topushed under an oppressive political our endeavour is three-fold. Firstly, we930 A.D. when several small, sovereigndomination of Kashmiris and denied the intend to highlight the emergence andprincipalities outlying the Westernfruits of freedom and national asserti on of nation al identity,Himalayas were integrated and given aindependence. patriotism and national integrationunified polity by Lha-Chen-Palgigon.
The State of Jammu and Kashmir, among the Ladakhis towards ourLadakh as an independent kingdomthe territorial limits of which never motherland. Secondly, we want to havegained political status during 15th-16thformed a natural geopolitical entity in an objective assessment of the politicalcentury when the Namgyal dynasty
its real sense, still suffers from exploitation of the people of Ladakhcame into power. The reign of the geopolitical crises and disorder. and the Ladakhi's resistance towardsNamgyal dynasty lasted until 1842 whenFrederic Drew who served as Governor Kashmiri sub-nationalism. Thirdly, wea Dogra General, Zorawar Singh,in Ladakh in the 19th century remarked are determined to mobilize publicannexed Ladakh into the Dogra Empire.that the territories of Jammu and opinion and national consensus in orderAfter 100 years of Dogra rule, LadakhKashmir have no other bond of cohesion to evolve a new perspective towards thealongwith Jammu and Kashmir becamethan the fact of Maharaja's rule, no reorganization of Jammu and Kashmiran integral part of India in 1947.simple name for it exists. State.In the modern times, when the
The degree of heterogeneity among The history of modern Ladakh canwhole subcontinent has passed throughthe three regions is very high not only in be considered as the history of thethe process of decolonization to enjoyform but also in sharpness. In the case of emergence and assertion of nationalismthe fruits of national independence,Ladakh this heterogeneity is expressed and integration with modern India.we, the people of Ladakh, and our landnot only in terms of its totally different Nationalism became the mass ideologystill continue to suffer under the oldphysiographic setting but also manifest in propagated and perpetuated by theconcept of colonial administrativeits ethnic composition, language, faith, leadership of Ven. Kushok Bakula.structure, which suited the imperialphilosophy and culture. In the last 52 Nationalism remained a dominantinterests and feudal rulers under theyears of independence, the people of ideological creed and became a rallyingname of the pseudo-state of Jammu andLadakh, not only have suffered rampant force among the Ladakhis to fight backKashmir. Gandhiji and other nationalKashmiri political domination but also the Pakistanis and the Chinese wholeaders emancipated the Indian massessevere drive of separatism. made frequent bids to conquer our landfrom the oppressive alien domination,
RIGZIN SPALBAR
Why Union Territory
for Ladakh ?
From the very outset Ladakh's political merger with J&K did not form any natural cohesion and proved to
be a folly throughout. Except for the Dogras' suzerainty as a commonality, Ladakh is fundamentally
different from Kashmir in all respects - culturally, ethnically and linguistically. Over the years the
successive governments of the state have adopted a policy of discrimination and subversion towards the
region with the sole objective of oppressing its people and marginalizing its historical, ethnic and culturalidentity.
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in 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 behalf of the people of Ladakh on 4 May Territory. The Government of India,
wars. The jawans of Ladakh Scouts 1949. The memorandum concludes as however, never responded favourably to
played an exemplary role in decisively under: Ladakh is not prepared to go to our sincere conviction; instead left us to
foiling the enemy's misadventures. The Pakistan whatever the result of the be governed by Kashmiris during these
people of Ladakh always stood for plebiscite may be. The memorandum decades to our utter ruin. In the post -
national unity and integrity of the further put forth a poignant appeal to Independence period we have been
country. We always supported the India: reduced to the status of slaves in our
We seek the bosom of thatGovernment in Delhi, irrespective of own homeland. The impact of
gracious mother (India) to receive morethe political party in power. oppressive rule unleashed by the J&K
At the time of the British plan to nutriment for growth to our full stature Government over us has obliterated our
partition India we made our stand clear in every way. She has given us what we cultural and social ethos.
vis-a-vis our position within the State of prize above all other things - our Sheikh Abdullah's Government
J&K through our memoranda to the divided Ladakh on communal basis in
Maharaja of J&K and to the Prime 1979 by creating two separate districts
Minister of India. of Leh and Kargil with Buddhist and
Based on bitter experience that Muslim majorities respectively.the people of Ladakh faced during the Subsequently they encouragedperiod of a century, their growing communalization of Ladakh's political,apprehensions for future were social and cultural life. Such policiesexplicitly communicated by the people have severely challenged our age-oldof Ladakh and adjoining areas to the communal harmony and secularMaharaja through a memorandum in the credentials. Their policy of divide andState Praja Sabha. It consists of three rule by creating rift between Leh andalternative proposals: Kargil is a ploy to keep innocent
(1) The Maharaja should govern Ladakhis under thei r furtherLadakh directly without tagging it on to subjugation. Therefore, our majorKashmir valley. struggle in the post - Independence
(2) Our homeland be amalgamated per iod has been to have anwith the province and should form a
administration in Ladakh to beseparate province in which adequate
controlled directly by the centralsafeguard should be provided for
government.distinctive rights and interests of
The history of our struggle goesLadakhis.
back to 1964 when the first organized(3) Ladakh should be permitted to
effort of Ladakhis against Kashmirireligion and culture. The Ashoka wheeljoin East Punjab.
domination and exploitation, under theon her flag, symbol of goodwill for allHowever, the Maharaja's inability
leadership of Ven. Kushok Bakulahumanity, and her concern for herto reply due to sudden developments in
manifested itself in a demand for NEFAcultural children, calls us irresistibly.the State leading to the relinquishment
type Central administration. A similarWill the great mother refuse to take toof his position as a party in respect of
agitation was launched in 1974 underher arms one of her weakest and mostour proposals at (1) to (2) made us
the leadership of Lama Lobzang,forlorn and depressed children - a childchoose a path independent of him. AfterThupstan Chhewang and Tseringwhom filial love impels to respond tomature deliberation it was decided byS a m p h e l d e m a n d i n g C e n t r a lthe call?our people to merge with Indiaadministration for Ladakh. Again inLadakhis have s ince thenstraightaway. This historic decision was1982 a movement was led by Sh. P.cons i s t ent l y been demand ingcommunicated through a memorandumNamgyal, M.P demanding Regionalseparation from Jammu and Kashmirsubmitted by Kalon Chhewang Rigzin toAutonomy. But instead of satisfying ourState and asking for the status of UnionPrime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru on
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
In the absence of any study which has
analysed Ladakh's problems from a
nationalistic and political perspective,our endeavour is three-fold. Firstly, we
intend to highlight the emergence and
assertion of national identity, patriotism
and national integration among the
Ladakhis towards our motherland.
Secondly, we want to have an objective
assessment of the political exploitation
of the people of Ladakh and the
Ladakhi's resistance towards Kashmiri
sub-nationalism. Thirdly, we are
determined to mobilize public opinionand national consensus in order to
evolve a new perspective towards the
reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir
State.
Opinion
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democratic rights and aspirations the its General Council for grant of Union Ladakhis are peace-loving people.
successive Kashmiri rulers severally Territory for Ladakh. The recent Taking to arms and violence is against
suppressed the democratic movement recommendation of Justice (Rtd.) our basic philosophy. In fact, our entire
of peace loving Ladakhis through the Sagheer Ahmed, with no support of movement has throughout been
State Armed Police. The Ladakh other WG members, advocating peaceful and democratic. We are also
agitation of 1989, led by Ladakh autonomy for J&K on the lines of against the violent path followed by
Buddhist Association is quite well- National Conference stand, which is people elsewhere in the country. Our
known, which was a result of the totally against the wishes of the people main objective is to convey our
cumulative alienation of our people. At apprehensions which are related not
a time when anti-national activities only to our own problems but also to
were gaining momentum in the Valley, national security issues. We appeal to
re su lt in g in to ta l bo yc ot t of the national leaders, intelligentsia and
Independence Day the common people to support our
demand for Union Territory status andcelebrat ions, the Farooq
also help us in our struggle against allgovernment instead of nipping the
forces which are trying to bringsecessionist movement in the bud,
destabilization in this strategicallychose to let out his anger on the
sensetive frontier region. Their moralpeaceful demonstrators in Leh resulting
and material support to our demand willin loss of lives. On the intervention of
greatly help in creating a stable andCentral Government and in view of the
strong national frontier.increasing anti-national activities
elsewhere in the State and, therefore, It is absolutely erroneous to equate
keeping in mind the larger national Kashmir valley with the rest of the
in te re st , the Ladakh Buddhi st state. Ladakh constitutes 69.6% of the
Assotiation suspended its demand for total J&K territory with a distinct geo-
Union Territory and accepted the political and geo-cultural identity of its
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development own. The aspirations of the people of
Council (LAHDC) as a compromise under Ladakh and their national outlook are
the tripartite agreement reached different from those of the people of
between the State government, the Kashmir. Leaders of Kashmir valley can
Central government and the LBA on 29 never be leaders of our people and our
October 1989. It is however, most assimilation with the people of the
unfortunate that the then National Valley is next to impossible. The need of
Conference Government did not the hour is, therefore, to tackle all the
actual ly allow any quantum of problems relating to Jammu, Kashmir
autonomy to be exercised by the and Ladakh in totality.
democratically elected LAHDC and also Any attempt at handling theof Jammu and Ladakh, goes to prove
starved it of funds. It is ironical that the Kashmir issue in isolation by ignoringthat Kashmiri rulers treat Ladakhsame Party (NC) is pleading for, greater the problems of Jammu and Ladakh willmerely as its colony. Under these
autonomy, for the state. not only be shortsighted but alsocircumstances we are left with noIn the wake of the then National counterproductive. Grant of UT withchoice but to reiterate our long-
Conference Government passing a Legislature to Ladakh on the basis of itsstanding demand for granting Unionresolution in State Assembly for grant of lin gui st ic, cultu ra l, ethnic andTerritory status to Ladakh, which wouldgreater autonomy to J&K, the Ladakh geographical isolation from Kashmirguarantee us an administrative set-upAutonomous Hill Development Council shall be an investment in permanentlyto run our own affairs and safeguard ourLeh unanimously passed a resolution in securing our borders in Ladakh.interests.
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
The history of our struggle goes back to
1964 when the first organized effort of
Ladakhis against Kashmiri domination
and exploitation, under the leadership of
Ven. Kushok Bakula manifested itself in
a demand for NEFA type Central
administration. A similar agitation was
launched in 1974 under the leadership of
Lama Lobzang, Thupstan Chhewang and
Tsering Samphel demanding Central
administration for Ladakh. Again in
1982 a movement was led by Sh. P.
Namgyal, M.P demanding Regional
Autonomy. But instead of satisfying our
democratic rights and aspirations the
successive Kashmiri rulers severally
suppressed the democratic movement
of peace loving Ladakhis through the
State Armed Police. The Ladakh
agitation of 1989, led by Ladakh
Buddhist Association is quite well-
known, which was a result of the
cumulative alienation of our people
Opinion
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Reportage
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n a representation to the PrimeMinster, Dr. Manmohan Singh, theINambardar Demchok, Rigzin Tangayhas asked the Government of India to
pay serious attention towards the developments. Nawang Norbu,development of remote areas in Ladakh Councillor Nyuma Constituency alsobordering China. Demchok is a place shows his resentments against thelocated near the Line of Actual Control, Government of India for neglecting theabout 300 kms away from Leh, where border areas and accuse local leaders ofChinese army has recently objected and Leh for ignoring border areas in terms ofstopped the construction of roads in allocating due share of funds under deployed on the border often don't wantDemchok inside the Indian border under BADP. He told Epilogue that every day the locals to inform the Government ofNREGA. China is grapping India land small by India about this gradual incursion by the
Nambarder has pointed out that small but the Indian security forces Chinese. The grass lands that belongedfunds provided under Border Area
Development Program (BADP) by the
Government of India have been often
utilized in places far from the deserving
border areas. Whereas people of
Demchok have over the few years
observed that the Chinese Government
created lots of infrastructure along the
border across the border. Urging upon
the Government of India to develop the
border areas, in the representation he
warns, If the Government of India has
no will for the development of its own
areas then we have no point of
remaining integrated with India, as we
did our best in 1962 war with China and
still keeping the Indian soil untouched
by Chinese army but we often fail to
receive our bas ic needs and
Chinese CattleGrazing Ladakhi Grass
With civil administration and Army divided over what is China doing in Ladakh's last village, the local
village headman has written to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reminding him of Demchok's
patriotism of 1962 and Indian indifference there after
The grass lands that belonged to the
Indian nomads of Changthang for
centuries have been used by the
Chinese shepherds in the recent times
Demchok Village Headman'sLetter to Prime Minister
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to the Indian nomads of Changthang for
centuries have been used by the
Chinese shepherds in the recent times,
he says. Regretting the negligence of
the Government of India, the
disgruntled councilor says that it is now
a question for them whether to remain
integrated or not if the presence stateof af fa i r s with secur i ty and
development activities is continued by
the Government of India with these
boder areas despite the fact that recruitment and other with theLadakhi nomads have guarded the recruitments in other centre and stateIndian Border for decades from Chinese government services for the youth fromincursion. these border areas. In a similar
The Nambarder Demchok in his representation to the Chief Executiverepresentation puts on record that Office, LAHDC, Leh, referring to a Govt.funds for some works executed under order No. 1026 GD of 1986; dated 6-07-NREGA in the year 2008 were yet to be 1988, Gurmet Dorjay, presidentreleased and also regretted that Changthang Youth Welfare Associationrecently the construction of a road for Nyoma Block and former Councillor hasDemchok village under NREGA had to be appealed to the authorities in thestopped due to the objection raised by district to give due preference toChinese army. The inhabitants of candidates from border areas during theDemchok village are educationally and selection of teachers which is scheduledfinancially backward, there must be for February this year.reservat ion of seats in army - Tsewang Rigzin
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
The Nambarder Demchok in his
representation puts on record that
funds for some works executed under
NREGA in the year 2008 were yet to be
released and also regretted that
recently the construction of a road for
Demchok village under NREGA had to bestopped due to the objection raised by
Chinese army.
VIDHYA RAMASUBBAN
Iqbal as an
Advocateof disabled
qbal has been a disabled people's advo-
cate for the last eight years. In 2007,
he started a disabled people's move-Iment, called People's Action Group for
Inclusion and Rights (PAGIR).In all these
years, Mr. Iqbal has worked actively topromote an environment that is positive
towards disabled persons and is condu-
cive for their inclusion, be it education,
employment or in society. He has done
this through various door to door to cam-
paigns in villages; radio and television
programmes; and lobbying with leaders
at the village and the district level.
A good education forms the basis for
future livelihoods and a successful life.
While the government of India has many
schemes to ensure equal employment
opportunities for persons with disabili-ties, these are unfortunately not benefi-
cial to disabled persons in Leh. The main
problem was that disabled persons in
Ladakh do not qualify for even the most
basic jobs or for any of the other higher
skilled jobs. Most of the disabled people
here are uneducated, and there are no
vocational training options to fill this gap.
Mr. Iqbal had the foresight to realise the
importance of improving access to quality
education for disabled children and has
been campaigning with the local adminis-
tration for the same.Mr. Iqbal has been working towards
implementation of the Persons with Dis-
ability Act in the district. He has been
advocating with the government on issues
of inclusive education, physical access,
health and employment.
He has also been working to create
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Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
the image of disabled persons as 'contributors' rather than mere 'receiv-
ers'. An example of this is the waste management programme of PAGIR,
called Jungwa Shrungskyob. The objective of this programme is primar-
ily to promote livelihoods for disabled and other marginalised people,
while addressing this in a socially responsible manner.
In the year 2005, he presented to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill
Development Council and the district administration, the status of dis-
ability in the region and also proposed policy recommendations. Today,
this is Leh district's official policy on disability. He has developed himself
to be a self advocate to fight for the rights of disabled people and has led
protests and represented disabled persons in the district to promote
equality in society. Due to his constant and unrelenting advocacy for theneeds and rights of disabled persons in Ladakh he is considered as an
opinion leader in Leh and has won an immense amount of respect from
his villagers who come to him for advice n various issues. Today Mr. Iqbal
is considered as the leading voice of disabled persons' issues and is
invited by the local government as well as outside resource institutions
for policy and other meetings for his valuable inputs.
M. Iqbal firmly believes in economic development of people with
disability. He believes that without this, empowerment has limitations.
He is a visionary, would educate and inspire people with all disabling con-
ditions about self reliance including civil and political rights.
In a place like Ladakh, for the first time an initiative to work with
people with disabilities was undertaken. The circumstances are difficult
(nature's kindness/unkindness) and the processes chosen were verymuch community based, respecting individual autonomy. Md. Iqbal
ceased this opportunity to bring out potential of individual and groups of
people with disabilities. The movement created has been moving from
strength to strength. The spirit with which he himself and the team met
challenges like financial constraints, and other adverse conditions are
heartening. He found an opportunity in adversity to build the move-
ment. He is a true role model
For CM's Attention
Sh. Omar Abdullah,
The Hon'ble Chief MinisterGovernment of Jammu & Kashmir, Jammu.Sub: Creation of a nominated post for a disabled person in the LadakhAutonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh.Dear Sir
Greetings and happy new year from Leh-Ladakh!I am writing to you from the People's Action Group for Inclusion and
Rights (PAGIR), based in Leh- Ladakh, initiated by disabled persons andfamilies of disabled persons.
We are a rights movement working to create a society that is inclusiveand free of prejudice. We believe that it is a matter of right that disabled per-sons should be a part of mainstream society and access opportunities thatexist for other non-disabled citizens. Our focus is therefore not to create spe-cialized services for disabled persons that are potentially isolating in nature.Instead, we work with government systems, political institutions, NGOs andother community structures to create an environment that ensures inclusion
of disabled persons in the mainstream.Leh district has 3,000 persons with disabilities according to Census
2001. Over the last nine years, since the disability movement began in Leh,one significant achievement has been the making of a district-specific dis-ability policy. While this is a landmark achievement, the implementation ofthis is seriously wanting as is for other policies. Today, therefore, these 3,000disabled people are largely invisible.
India has ratified the UN Convention on Rights of Persons withDisabilities (UNCRPD) and by this our government has a legal obligation to
promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. However, in Leh,so far, the onus of mainstreaming disability has rested on disabled activists.Unless there is an equal force from the policy makers, disabled people willremain in the backyard of development for a long time to come. Even thoughdisabled people are equal citizens, disability has not become an agenda ofthe politicians and is still seen as a 'minority' problem. Yet, 3,000 is a signifi-cant number and if multiplied by the number of family members who aredirectly affected by disability, the numbers would be about 18,000.
Sir, our appeal this disability day has a significant relevance to theabove issues.
We appeal to you that the LAHDC allocates an additional nominatedseat for a disabled person in the council. Currently there are 4 such nomi-nated posts.
To us, this is the only way that the disability agenda will be heard and beincorporated into the mainstream.
We disabled persons do not see this as reservation. We do not want adisabled person to simply 'represent' the council for the sake of projectingdisability in the mainstream. Ours is a question of a) addressing disability asa development issue, b) ensuring equitable opportunities in social, eco-nomic, cultural and political spheres and ultimately c) ensuring that disabled
persons too reach their highest potential.We think that disabled politicians will be more committed to this as they
have much more stakes on the issue - just as it makes sense for women tohold positions pertaining to their needs and rights!
We thus appeal to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir anominated seat for a disabled person is created in the LAHDC. An affirma-tive action to this effect will ensure the right for persons with disabilities to
participate in political and public life on an equal basis with others, as out-
lined in the UNCPRD.This will also be a trend setter in the country for other states to follow.With the forthcoming LAHDC elections in Sept 2010, the process needs to
begin now and therefore, the timing is crucial.
With regardsSD/-Mohammed IqbalPresident, People's Action Group for Inclusion and Rights (PAGIR),Leh Ladakh
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e are a rights movement working to cre- talents equally with others in society-providingate a society that is inclusive and free of training, linking artistes with other organiza-Wprejudice. We believe that it is a matter of tions and artistes are some ways in which we do
right that disabled persons should be a part of thisthe mainstream society and access opportuni- PAGIR BUSINESSESties that exist for other non-disabled persons. In addressing livelihood for disabled per-
Our focus is therefore to work with gov- sons, it is common place to focus on charityernment systems, NGOs and other community and to address only the 'behavioral' issues of dis-structures to create an environment that abled people.ensures inclusion of disabled persons in main- In PAGIR's business enterprises, we notstream society. Conversely, we do not create or only think that the charity model will not beadvocate for specialized services that are sustainable, we also firmly believe that dis-potentially isolating in nature. abled people are capable and have a right to
Our work involves mobilizing people and participate in economic development. Weadvocating a) to implement government poli- therefore promote disabled persons as activecies and to ensure that services reach disabled contributors rather than as mere objects ofpeople b) to create mass awareness amongst charity, thus breaking traditional stereotypes.people regarding rights issues c) to promote dis- Jungwa Shrungskyob (protection of the fourabled people's participation in the social and elements- earth, water, fie, air)political processes of the region d) to empower Jungwa Shrungskyob (JS) is a businessdisabled people economically, so that they con- enterprise led by disabled people. The enter-tribute to the economic development of the prise focuses on a huge environmental concernregion. - garbage. Jungwa Shrungskyob engages dis-
Set up in March 2007, most of our mem- abled artistes, who turn waste to craft andbers are disabled or have family members who other useful products. Through JS, we are sureare disabled. we will contribute in reducing carbon emis-ADVOCACY sions in a huge way.
For disabled persons to achieve their high- In JS, we hope to engage at least 200 dis-est potential, we attempt at removing barriers abled people in the long run. Besides this, the both attitudinal and physical that exist in entire community will benefit from the aware-society. Alongside, we work towards building ness drives that we will conduct on wastethe individual capacities of disabled people. issues.
In the long run, we hope to see disabled Our focus here is on two aspects: a)persons hold leadership positions; employed in Reducing waste : eg, producing paper and clotha variety of jobs; exhibit their skills in art, cul- bags, so that poly bags are minimized and b)ture, sport.. Reusing and recycling waste: eg, producing
Promoting leadership is an important craft and other useful items so that they areaspect of our movement- we do this by provid- not burnt, buried or dumped in landfills.ing training and information and by simply cre- TOURISMating opportunities for disabled people to Enabling disabled tourists to visit Ladakh
lead. is an enterprise that we are soon to launch.Advocating with the government on needs Though this we are attempting to make tour-
and rights of disabled people is our other focus- ism accessible to all. We will develop spe-holding meetings with government officials, cial itineraries that will cater to needs ofsending appeals and memorandums, accessing disabled people, make available equipmentthe law are some ways in which we do this. like wheel chairs, portable toilets, ramps
Promoting special skills so that they have and provide helpers to assist those whothe opportunity to compete and display their might need them. - Vidhya Ramasubban
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
PAGIR- In Service of Ladakh LAHDC
askedto workoutpolicy onculture
he Ladakh Cultural
TForum (LCF) has
urged the Ladakh Auton-
omous Hill Development
Hill Council (LAHDC) Leh
formulate some con-
crete policies to pre-
serve Ladakh's unique
and rich cultural heri-
tage. Expressing con-
cerns over what it called
the sorry state of affairs
in the absence of any pol-
icy in the developmental
plan of the Hill Council to
promote and preserve
Ladakh's cultural heri-
tage, the forum has pro-
posed some points to be
adopted as policies of
the Hill Council by pass-
ing a unanimous resolu-
tion in the LAHDC Gen-
eral Council scheduled to
be held from February 22
for three days.
It was a moment ofgreat joy and respite
when, after a sustained
struggle, the LAHDC, Leh
was finally granted in
1995 on the ground of
Ladakh's distinct cultural
identity. It has been 15
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years now since LAHDC to Ladakh. If we introspect for
a while, we may realize that nothing concrete has
been done in terms of formulating policies by the Hill
Council in the last 15 years to keep the cultural iden-
tity of the region alive, a letter addressed to the
Chairman of the LAHDC by this forum reads.
LCF, in its proposal, suggested that among the
four Executive Councilors, one should be exclusively
for the promotion and preservation of Ladakhi cul-
tural values and identity. Therefore, this Executive
Councilor should be called the Executive Councilor
for Arts & Culture who, in consultation with eminent
scholars and personalities of Ladakh, could formu-
late an exclusive plan for the promotion of Ladakhi
culture.
Secondly, LCF has proposed that LAHDC shouldidentify a line department as the 'executing agency'
for carrying out the policies and programs of LAHDC
for the promotion and preservation of the distinct
cultural heritage of Ladakh.
The district plan has sector called 'Arts & Cul-
ture' with an allocation of mere rupees 8 to 10 lakh.
But even this amount is often used as an untied grant
whenever some money is needed. LCF has asked the
authorities of the Hill Council to enhance the alloca-
tion of funds under 'Arts & Culture' sector at least up
to rupees one crore annually to effectively imple-
ment the programs and policies concerning the pro-
motion and preservation of cultural heritage ofLadakh.
LCF has also appealed to all Ladakhi public rep-
resentatives including the Councilors of the LAHDC
to dress in Ladakhi traditional Gonchha on important
occasions like the LAHDC General Council Meetings,
Republic Days, Independence Days and other impor-
tant occasions to uphold the sanctity of Ladakhi tra-
ditions. The Forum has proposed that the Hill Coun-
cil should honour individuals and associations who
have made a difference by contributing significantly
in promotion and preservation of Ladakhi Arts & Cul-
ture. The Ladakh Cultural Form Leh was formed and
registered as a society in the year 1979 to by a group
of eminent scholars of Leh to encourage and pro-
mote arts, culture and literature among Ladakhis.
The forum has organized numerous conferences and
seminars, and brought out several publications
including a magazine called 'The Voice of Himalaya'.
- Tsewang Rigzin
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
eligious and political leaders of LehRhave expressed deep sorrow over thedemise of Stakna Rinpochey, a spiritual
lama of Ladakh, who passed away on 25
January 2010 at the age of 91 years.
Terming the death of Rinpochey an
irreparable loss to the Ladakhi Society,
Ladakh's leaders inclduing Minister for
Tourism, Nawang Rigzin, Chief Executive
Councilor, LAHDC, Leh, Chering Dorje
have said that Rinpochey had rendered
invaluable religious service to the entire
Buddhist Societies of Leh district,
Zanskar and Lahaul (Himachal Pradesh) as
well as social service to the needy people
through out his life.
Late Stakna Rinpochey, whose real
name was Nawang Tonyot Dorje, was
born to father Padma Dadul and mother
Idzin Wangmo of sGangpa family of
Martselang village in 1920. When he was 3 years of age, the 15th
Karmapa Lama and Skyabgon Staktsang Rinpochey recognized him
as the reincarnation of Stakna Tulk. At the age of 5 years, he was
enthroned as Stakna Rinpochey in Stakna Monastery in Leh in 1924.
When he was 7 years old, Stakna Rinpochey started his religious
and spiritual studies under the guidance of Skyabgon Stantsang
Rinpochey at Hemis Monastery. Late Rinpochey had contributed a
lot in construction of Chokhang Vihara in 1967. He also rendered a
great service to the society as President of Ladakh Buddhist Associ-
ation from 1977 to1986 for 9 years. Late Stakna Rinpochey had
also struggled with other Ladakhi leaders when Schedule Tribe sta-
tus was demanded for Ladakh.
Observing the passing away of Stakna Rinpochey as a big loss
to the Buddhist community, a condolence message issued from theLadakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing said that Rinpochey had
given a l ife time religious service to the entire Buddhist Society par-
ticularly to the poor and needy people. In honour of most departed
revered Spiritual figure of Ladakh, the Ladakh Buddhist Association
in collaboration with Ladakh Gonpa Association and Merchant Associ-
ation observed a half day Bandh in Leh on January 28, 2010.
- Tsewang Rigzin
Ladakh Grieved as
Stakna RinpocheyPasses Away
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Features
Vol. 4, Issue 2 Epilogue, February 2010www.epilogue.in
here has been an opening up of response to local sensibilities, more in heri tage bui ldings, conserved by
Ladakhi society to meet the tune with what the visitors sought UNESCOTneeds of the tourists who throng Tourists were interested in Int ere sti ngl y eno ugh , thethe region. The benefit is not only in monasteries reflecting local history, influence has not remained restrictedeconomic terms but a deep realization culture, art. A repository of printing to strictly 'tourist' aspects. It has
and appreciation of local art forms, and sculpture, showcasing a unique permeated into the rest of society asdances, food and indeed the heritage of architectural style built atop hills on in well. In schools across Ladakh,this spectacular region. Sometimes, it valleys, these structures were a major children would find nothing on theirneeds another to point out the finer attraction. Alchi, a monastery built in own land and culture in their books. Allpoints of one's own culture. the midst of a village was exceptional the study material in the school was in
For a region which has a unique for its exquisite woodcarving, sculpture Urdu and English, not the language of
history and culture, a geographical and printing. The fascination shown by the people who speak Ladakhi.
location that has prevented any the tourists was infectious and also Examples given in these books were
significant interaction between the rest lucrative for locals who were part of the from cultures and symbols from other
of the country, Ladakh has evolved a booming tourism industry. A revisiting parts of India and even other countries,
rich culture and tradition. It is difficult of their own culture and history began leaving the Ladakhi child alienated from
to understand however that in more to happen and a pride in their heritage. his/her own study materials and in a
recent times, local Ladakhis have sense from the very purpose ofA change also driven by the needs
undervalued this. The first outside education. Strangely if a Ladkahi childof the tourism industry. Almost everyinfluence in this highly sensitive saw a picture related to life here,monastery in Ladakh celebrates astrategic zone region was clearly the he/she would get very surprised andfestival once a year. The Hemis festivalAr my wh ic h in so me se n se s show it to all the friends!is famous, catching the tourist season atamalgamated into life there. Then its peak. Festivals anywhere are all But now plenty of books are
came the tourists, both domestic and about celebrating a particular tradition available written by tourists andinternational and suddenly Ladakh was and custom and in Ladakh have led to a visitors. The visitors who connected inthrown open to a whole new world. resurgence of the joy, gaiety and more meaningful ways with the region,
Somewhere in this surge of fervour amongst locals. Conservation its culture became also a source of
influences from beyond, the Ladakhis has taken on a new meaning in this immense lea rning for the local
began to lose their identity, their link resurgence. Old palaces of kings in the Ladakhis. Young people now understand
with what was intrinsically borne of the long history of Ladakh dotted the the value of culture and read about it
land and its historical, cultural landscape, most were neglected and more extensively. It also has somethinginfluences. It happened in small ways. derelict. Today the pages of history to do with the opportunities they now
Traditional jewellery and kitchenware have come alive again, shaking out of its get for using this knowledge. In their
disappeared from shelves of homes and stupor to give a new lease of life to work as mountaineering and culture
shops. Instead items which were in historical buildings. The nine-storied guide for tourists, this fulfils an
vogue outside began to be used. This Leh Palace is now being repaired by important and much sought-after
phase however did not endure and Central government, while the Basgo requirement.
gradually things began to change less in monastery is a part of the world Based on wisdom passed down the
THINLAS CHOROL
THE WINDS OF CHANGE :
Beyond conventional tourism
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generations, Ladakh has been home to this, troupes from different regions of processed for jam and juice. The local
an indigenous form of medicine called Ladakh put up a colorful, rich fare of handicraft industry has also received a
the 'Amchi' system. Over time, its their unique forms of traditional songs shot in the arm. All over trekking trails,
popularity had waned and support for and dances in the Leh, the capital and small shops selling local craft and
sustaining this ancient form was the hub of tourists. clothes have mushroomed in response
fl