NAHR-E- ZAINAGEER- A NEGLECTED HERITAGE

Bilal Hassan Shah

 Protection of heritage is important for many reasons, and it can give a boost to economy. To begin with, all civilizations have thrived on rivers, because water is important. The writer’s concern is about Nahr-e-Zainageer, whose origin is from Wullar lake. It irrigates miles of hectares of rice fields and orchards. Its origin is from earlier kings, but later it was renovated and further extended by Budsha (Zain-ul-Abidin). It is a network of channels and streams. But now it is in a pathetic condition. People have encroached upon it. Because of this and government’s negligence, its condition is deteriorating. Will government’s conscience wake up?

Excerpts:

Protection of heritage:

“This piece of writing is about understanding the value, treatment and protection of heritage, and in it I am trying to highlight the various issues related to heritage identities, the maintenance, repatriation, and protection of heritage. All are important concerns that have global and domestic applicability. Transformations of geo political economy over the past century have threatened the importance of heritages and identity. In recent years, many of the efforts to conserve heritage resources have been expressed in terms of “heritage development.” Number ofgovernment and NGO initiatives have begun to increase our vision for the importance of strengthen locality and encouraging diversity in the face of increased pressures toward globalization and homogenization. The protection of the past is necessary component of preserving local identity and sense of heritage. However, the protection  of heritage often comes at a cost. With the increased interest and the new infusion of funds into heritage development, there are always tradeoffs that have social, political, and economic implications. The question that often arises is, “Which heritage is best to preserve, and will the promotion of heritage have an impact on the local cultural resources, the community, and the environment?” For instance, the protection of heritage may provide a boost to the local economy in the form of tourism, but at present there is too little understanding of this economic impact. Let’s talk of the ancient canals which are an important part of our heritage and cause of the civilization. It is because of the water the civilizations flourished and reached at the apex. The history of canals is the history of civilizations. With the beginning of agriculture the start of   canal system also emerged and endeavor was in the form of urbanization. The story starts with the civilizations which developed in the basins of the Indus, Tigris, Euphrates, Nile, Amu Darya and Yellow rivers”. Kashmir News Pakistan

Nehr-e-Zainageer:

Now my main concern here is the Nahre Zainageer (BAEDH KOUL) which is the incredible gift inherited from our fore fathers. Its origin is from the famous Wular Lake which is the famous picnic spot though the major portion of it is under the control of Indian Navy and the entry is restricted. The Nahre Zainageer is also the tributary of the river Jehlum. From its origin Nahre Zainageer irrigates miles of hectares of rice fields and the apple orchards on which the economy of Sopore depends. Due to the blessings of this canal Sopore is also called the apple town of Kashmir Climate. This canal also has the historical significance, it is said to be originally constructed by the famous engineer of Avantivermn known as Suya though we don’t have literary sources to prove it, but the town built by him Suyapur presently known as Sopore was mentioned by the Kalhana in his book Rajatarangni. Later in the sultanate period also known as the Muslim period when Badhshah (Zainul Abidin) was ruling the Kashmir News Srinagar the canal was renovated and further extended. This is not just one canal it’s the network of channels and streams. It runs through the mountain ranges from its origin up to the village of Pazalpora which was once the famous  picnic spot also (again in control of Indian Army). The stunning thing is that gravity plays its role in flowing of water and rate of discharge at each connection is constant. Zainul Abidin also built a town in his name called Zinageer which is still known in the same name and also the Islands in the Wular lake known as Zinalank. The canal was also called Nahre Zainageer then.”

Dogra Period:

“During the Dogra rule people were not allowed to walk on the banks of canal with pin sole shoes so was the respect and care of the canal. We owe a lot to this fascinating water source which kept us alive during the droughts. The canal is  wailing for the help from the people. It is in pathetic condition now as people have encroached upon its banks which once stood five meters high and are barely now one and half meters. The soil of the banks is used in the filling of the lands and for construction purposes. It was an everlasting gift to us but the people unfortunately changed it to the dumping yard. All the waste materials and polythene bags are dumped in and along the banks of the canal”.

The Latest Trend:

“The condition of the Nahre Zaingeer is deteriorating fast and callous people and negligent Government are pushing it to extinction.  Making roads along the banks of the canal also is adding to its misery. MGNERAGA road connectivity along the banks of the canal also devastated the banks. Government has done nothing to preserve this heritage. Some maintenance work was done before a decade which yielded nothing. People easily erode the soil and the poplar trees are uprooted for construction purposes without any concern. A decade ago along the banks of the canal there used to be thousands of mulberry trees, now looking at the banks there are no signs of greenery. If you walk along the canal you will feel the pain and hear the silent sobs of Nahre Zainageer”.

“Indeed I have no words to explain. The banks of the canal was once the home to the famous Kashmiri willows but due to the lack of attention and the carelessness of the concerned authorities, there is nothing left for the purification. Trees are the main components which balance the ecology but now we have no place for them. Our water sources are drying at an alarming pace. People are always self-centered. It is the Government which has to take the initiative to protect this dying heritage. Awareness campaigns are wasting of money and time. People are educated enough to understand the Heritage value. It is again the authorities who are in hibernation. Government is paying crores in the form of salary of the officers and guards to prevent the loot of natural resources. Then where is the flaw?  If this  present condition of the Nahre Zainageer remains as it is, there will be no Nahre Zaingeer after 10 years and obviously no agriculture in its vicinity. Please save your present for your future.

[Courtesy: daily Kashmir Observer, Srinagar, Kashmir, January 10, 2019].

THE FINE ‘COPPER WORKS’ - Kashmir Trends

Iqbal Ahmad

The tale of Kashmiri metal works is very old and is prominent part of Jammu and Kashmir Heritage. The craftsmen produced brilliant metal works. Since Hindu and Buddhist cultures needed icons for various deities, these were made not in wood or stone, but bronze. Since coming of Islam discouraged these image makings, craftsmen shifted to other trades, like making utensils.

Excerpts:

Tradition of metal images:

“Handling Metal is a bit difficult and tedious when compared to handling wood. It requires not only high skill but also improved instruments and casting as well as clipping technologies. Romans and Greeks were the first to introduce metal in various forms. Harappan people also made ornaments and seals of it and people of Kashmir News Army did not remain far-behind in making impressive objects of copper and bronze. The tale of Kashmiri metal works is very old, perhaps as old as the political history of the land. The metal workers commissioned impressive objects to meet the social and economic requirements of the country. Official coins, ornaments, religious icons, domestic utensils etc. are the things, which have a long history in the Valley. The craftsmen of the land produced brilliant metal works. The early medieval and medieval ages witnessed the promotion of Hindu and Buddhist cultures here. The followers of these faiths required icons of various deities. These deities were not only made in stone and wood but also in bronze. The land is said to have cultivated a rich tradition of metal images, rarely found anywhere else. “Unlike other regions where copper alloys were preferred, Kashmir sculptures had been partially of brass which were often inlaid with silver and copper,” says Pratapiditya Pal, in his book, ‘Kashmir News Zone’. Besides masterpieces in copper and bronze, Kalhana has made mention of several gold and silver images and some of such images, according to his reports, were installed in the temples of Parihaspura”.

Declining practice:

“The European and local archaeologists recovered a number of wonderful bronze images from excavated sites that today have become the zenith of stalls of world museums and art galleries. Prepared through casting technique these wonderful images clearly speak of the valley’s high skilled metal art. Percey Brown, George Watts, Pratapaditya Pal and John Seuidmark like veteran scholars on the subject have made a detailed mention of Kashmir metal works in their respective accounts. They have classified the Kashmir News Tomorrow works in separate groups and found its influence on the bronze produced in other regions. It was during the Hindu and Buddhist ages that impressive bronze images were commissioned here while the practice was discouraged by the new faith that got cultivated here from 14th century onwards. It was the advent of Islam wherein not only worshipping but also commissioning of the image was strictly prohibited. So the communities involved in making brilliant images shifted to other trades. The trade involved making of various types of domestic vessels used for cooking and serving food made from copper. This new trade also developed very fast as its makers extended their ingenuity and skill to working in copper with Persian and Iranian influences. The copper utensils turned more popular and Muslim society adopted it quickly. This gave rise to copper industry, which rapidly flourished throughout the valley. Centuries old magnificent utensils of Kashmir also found their place in the art galleries of the world. Although many old traditions of land vanished from the scene but copper utensil manufacturing is flourishing all over Kashmir. Despite inroads made by the machine-made objects, the popularity of using copper pots has not diminished, says Muhammad Ramzan, who runs a copper shop in old Srinagar city. As per unofficial estimates four to five hundred families are involved in making these objects while thousands of people are involved at various stages of this trade”.

[Courtesy: daily Kashmir Images, Srinagar, Kashmir, January 13, 2019].

KASHMIRIYAT: IN A CULTURAL PRISM

Kashmiriyat is a composite culture. It represents the fruits of interaction between ancient ethno- religious traditions  of Kashmir. It is a synthesis of Budhism, Hinduism and Islam. It believes in inter community tolerance and co-existence. The Hindu- Muslim “Rishi-Sufi” movement thrived between 14^thand 15^th century. It was a period of socio-cultural assimilation. The success of Islam in Kashmir is strongly linked to the fact that Sufi saints were able to cope with cultural differences and managed to live collectively together. Kashmiriyat remains a secular movement. But during the current period, essence of Kashmiriyat is fading, because of unending violence, and is being overtaken by radicalism and communalism.

Excerpts:

Fruits of Interaction:

        “Composite culture is known as shared culture, popular culture. It is symbiotic in that people who share it have cooperative and mutually dependent relationship. It involves the amalgamation of different world views, thoughts, beliefs, food habits; dress partners, and so forth. It is the culture which transcends the boundaries of the religion but albeit of religious unification. The cultural boundaries are fuzzy and not demarcated clearly. Plural societies are embedded with cultural diversity; composite culture is an acknowledgment of heterogeneous identities rather than imposition of homogenous culture and identity. Here, I am sharing the most culturally ethos storyline, Kashmiryat. To begin with, while Kashmiris who originally migrated from countries like Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and Afghanistan mainly occupy the kashmir news paper Valley, they were also spread out in the other areas of the state like Kishtwar, Bhadarwah, Doda, and Ramban. They were distinct from other ethnic groups with their tall stature, broad shoulder, well developed forehead, and long narrow face. As far as their dress was concerned, they wore short pyjamas, along with a loose-fitting and large sleeved gown locally known as Pharan, and a skullcap. They were intellectually sharp, friendly, cheerful and quite efficient in the fields of doing business and agriculture. Kashimiriyat represents the best fruit of the centuries of interaction between ancient ethno-religious traditions of Kashmir and Islam. It is a synthesis of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islamic teaching. It was thorough the cultural appropriation of Hindu-Buddhist religious elements such as immanence of God, respect for other religions, belief in reincarnation, the right path developing mind’s potential through meditation and absorption, belief in miracles, and love of idols of gods and goddesses by the Sufis created the social religious space of Kashmiriyat.  The Kashmiriyat, as a matter of fact, functioned as not only a social space for inter -community interaction but also as a value that broadened the Hindus’ and Muslims’ horizon of intercommunity tolerance and co-existence in Jammu Kashmir Latest News. Kashimiriyats idea can be traced to the historical past of Kashmir. In the 13th century, the main religions of the Valley (Hinduism and Buddhism) encountered Islam”.

Rishi – Sufi Movement:

        “The new religion seemed appealing to many of the inhabitants of the region who converted to Islam. Such religious and cultural encounter created a new culture by assimilating various ethno-religious traditions and beliefs that were shared among the different communities. This idea of sharing traditions came to be called the Hindu-Muslim “Rishi-Sufi” movement. The most important part of such movement was experienced between the 14th and 15th century. It was during this period that there was a clear socio-cultural assimilation process in kashmir news services. Certain characters such as Lalla Ded influenced this concept. She managed to prove that there could be an in-between among Hindu Vedic traditions and Muslim mysticism. Among her legacy relies the foundation of Kashmir’s biggest Sufi order. Indeed, the success of Islam in Kashmir is strongly linked to the fact that Sufi Saints were able to cope with the cultural differences and managed to live collectively together. Also, Sufism is a division of Islam which does not preach strict orthodox values. Hence, this facilitated cultural assimilation. Another view is that Kashmiriyat is not an ideology, but rather a behavior pattern shared by Pandits and Muslims in the region. Besides, Kashmiriyat is also perceived as the sense of mutual supports which still not wholly free of tensions. In other words, this notion refers to a pluralistic culture of tolerance, but does not represent syncretism. Even though many centuries have passed (and there is a religious difference among the diverse ethnic groups in Kashmir) most of the Kashmiri traditions remain very close to their original form. Indeed, modernization is transforming costumes and rituals at a fast pace”.

A secular Movement under attack:

“Kashmiriyat could not have been possible without the Muslim interaction with the spiritual symbiosis that existed between ethnic communities, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It also needs to be remembered that though Kashmiriyat has evolved through influence of the religious teachings, in essence it remains primarily secular movement. However, in recent years, Kashmiriyat has been under attack from the communities of Kashmir for various reasons. While the Fundamentalist Muslims who demand autonomy from India see Kashmiriyat as deviation from Islam, the Hindus of Jammu and the Buddhists of Ladkah who seek autonomy from the dominant political control of the Kashmir Valley see Kashimiriyat as the Muslim religious tool for Islamisation of region. Thus, the current Kashmir conflict should be considered as an interreligious political conflict in which people among different communities demand their right to decide the future of politics in Kashmir. The essence of Kashmiriyat is fading because of the unending and worsening violence; it is being overtaken by radicalisation and communalism. Radicalisation has made deep inroads into society, eroding the communal and social harmony that for a long time characterised the Valley’s Kashmiriyat (or ‘identity’). As this brief will show, today, the youth in the Valley are overwhelmed by a deep sense of alienation”.

Visit here: http://www.kashmirtrends.in/kashmir-news-latest/kashmiriyat-in-a-cultural-prism/

[Courtesy: Daily  Rising Kashmir, Srinagar, Kashmir, January 06, 2019].

IN DEFENCE OF ISIS

The ongoing episodes have demonstrated that ISIS in Kashmir is a reality. Obstruction administration may restrict it, so to state, yet it is dishonest. We have been all along advancing a dream of history that suits ISIS attitude. We buy in to a Future ISIS. Kashmiri Muslim culture, and Resistance governmental issues hints at no clasping under that weight. In any case, how to manage ISIS inside? It is a test for all, not just Resistance development. A change of Resistance governmental issues is required. No imagery yet legislative issues dependent on some substance. 

Portions:

Weak Opposition:

"In the ice chomped a week ago of December, the year simply past us, a crazy occurrence at the Srinagar's church building mosque likens to a crisp disturbance in a long solidified lake. In every single such circumstance our own reaction starts with judgment, closes with raging objection. And after that everything stays where it was. Be that as it may, the signs let us know, things won't remain where they are. Coming occasions have started to cast a long shadow. The main significant appearance of this Black was at the memorial service of Esa Fazili, avowedly an individual from IS in Kashmir. Conveying dark banners, a gathering of covered men push into the room where Esa's dead body was kept. Observer account says that these individuals jumped their way into the room pushing even Esa's close family menacingly off, to bring the dead body into control. Allegedly such individuals were seen at numerous different funerals, including that of unmistakable activists like Mannan Wani, and before that Dr Muhammed Rafi. The surfacing up of gatherings like Ansar Gazvat al-Hind, Jund al-Khilafah, and JKIS combined the discussion of ISIS in Kashmir. We have young men who state they have a place with these gatherings, and kick the bucket. Their passing is as genuine as the demise of somebody having a place with gatherings like HM. As agonizing, and as appalling, as the demise of all others. From one perspective we call them "our children", and at the same time we state ISIS is our foe. It doesn't make any sense. Who do we trick – ourselves! Genuine, the Resistance authority in Kashmir restricted ISIS transparently. Geelani Sahab took a lead in this, and reprimanded it at its initial thunderings. Be that as it may, that restriction is unclear, and pitiful. It puts a dishonest spread over the profound situated logical inconsistency between our ideological substance and political practice. ISIS in Kashmir, whatever it is, will at some point or another convey that logical inconsistency to fore. The fact of the matter is this: our restriction to ISIS is stunning, and absolutely incapable. This new wonder has a capability of dissolving all resistance in its way, since we basically have confidence in a similar governmental issues that ISIS discusses. We have been all along advancing a dream of History that suits this ISISised mentality. We as a whole buy in to a Future ISIS transparently says it works for. Our goals, our legends, our models, and our ideal world – it's every one of the one. A plain demonstration of remaining before a mirror can disclose to us that we are for the most part Black. So who do we restrict, and why!" Jammu and Kashmir News

Not Buckling Under Pressure:

"The West, the US, Israel, and India – all blended into an excellent intrigue against Islam and Muslims, is currently our most loved dish. We cook it, and afterward there is a serving in the wake of serving, and afterward another serving. A nonexistent dinner that neither completions, nor mitigates our yearning. We are devouring this table for long, and there is no discernable want to scan for some genuine sustenance: something worth mulling over. What's more, the main piece of that sustenance is that it's less demanding to battle the ISIS we extravagant is a piece of some connivance. That ISIS is a thing outside, and regardless of how hard it attempts, Kashmir's Muslim culture, and its Resistance legislative issues, hints at no clasping under that weight. This also will pass. Be that as it may, how to manage the ISIS inside. The ISIS that we as a whole are. The ISIS that we lecture and supplicate. What occurred at Jamia Masjid is a clarion call to open our shut personalities. It's anything but a test to Mirwaiz Umar alone. It can't be kept to Joint Resistance Leadership. It is a danger to us all – the Islamists, the secularists, the conservatives, the falcons, even the spectators. All will be bombarded to bits. After the Hindu conservative took control in India, new plans have unfurled. The Doctrine of State that says absolute persecution is the solitary method to manage Kashmiris, can, and will, in the event that it has not as of now, associate with this marvel. This messengers another fate. On the off chance that that occurs – may that never occur - Kashmir would be a district of an exceedingly pulverizing brutality. Be that as it may, are we furnished to manage this. Not in the least. It needs a gallant returning to of all our religious idea. Our obstruction legislative issues is likewise founded on that idea, so a change of Resistance governmental issues is seriously required. The restriction to ISIS will undoubtedly make a few exposures, and furthermore get extraordinary brutality its wake. An unequivocal judgment of this viciousness is sufficiently not. The buck stops at bringing into talk the religious substance that breeds ISIS. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Yasin Malik need to sit, and examine truly, how to manage ISIS. Imagery is simply not going to do it. A governmental issues dependent on some substance is required. A few suggestions may help. One, Syed Maududi's accentuation on straightforward, popularity based, and peaceful governmental issues. Two, Rashid Ghannoushi's reconciliatory national legislative issues. Third, and the most urgent, Ghamidi's Counter Narrative".


[Courtesy: Daily Greater Kashmir, Srinagar, Kashmir, January 05, 2019].

THE SHRINKING WATER BODIES, THAT WERE ONCE OUR PRIDE

We have caused tremendous damage to environment by our greedy and selfish actions, writes Urdu daily Kashmir Uzmaeditorially. Our water bodies – the greatest resource- are shrinking. All famous lakes, from Wullar to Anchar, are not only shrinking, but their waters are polluted. We have destroyed our forests. We have used agriculture land for building mansions. It shows that we have become insensitive because of our greed and irresponsible behavior.

Excerpts:

The tragedy:

“It is a tragedy that as a community (nation) we are not only losing moral and human values, but even our human sensitivity. There can be dozen of examples to show that. If we just ponder over, how during many decades we have been damaging our environment because of our selfishness and wrong behavior, and as a consequence losing our national resource, we might have an idea of where we stand. Our water bodies, our water resources, are shrinking with every day, and the forest cover is continuously getting reduced. Anybody could feel sad and gloomy on reading media reports about the destruction of our lakes and water bodies. The largest fresh water lake in Asia, Wullar lake, that was 217 sq km in 1911, has shrunk to mere 58 sq km. This revelation has been made by Wetland International – South Asia, after a survey. The reason for its shrinking, is the continuous encroachments on its banks. According to data, 70,000 kanals of the lake area has been converted into agriculture land by filling up and plantation. As it is, 28% of lake has been converted into agriculture land and 17% has been subjected to plantation. The survey also points out that the sewage and waste that goes into it because of Jhelum river, has also worsened its condition. The lake that was famous for its sweet water, is now full of sewage and waste.” Kashmir News Online

Wullar Lake:

“Some decades before, Wullar Lake was the key to tackle the flood-like situation that would be created by vagaries of weather. The lake could in its body, hold a major part of flood waters. The lake was also a place, where birds would make their home. It was because of the coming of migratory birds, it was famous. In 1990, under Ramsar Convention, Wullar lake was given international status. It is unfortunate that our governments one after another, have failed to give protection to Dal Lake, Nigeen and Anchar, also failed in case of Wullar and all claims made by government proved to be mirage. Inspite of the fact that state got aid/funds from national and international sources in billions (arabs) for protection of our natural resources – especially water resources. Only 7 years ago, Centre gave a grant of Rs. 389 crores in 2011. But because of corruption and embezzlements of our bureaucrats, the state’s natural resources are getting destroyed. The general impression is that these natural resources have become a source of income for the ‘big fish’. That is the reason that the condition of not only Wullar, but Dal lake, Nigeen, Anchar, Khushal Sar, Babademb and other dozens of water bodies has become worst.” Kashmir News India

Our Tradition:

“The surprising thing is that our ‘ancestors’ though not educated, were conscious about the protection of environment. It was Sheikh Noor-ud-din who said, ‘Food will last, as long as forests last’. Our ancestors would not conceive of throwing dust or sewage into lake. But we, the educated people did not feel any compunction in diverting drainage and sewage towards water bodies. During lifetime of our ancestors, forests were thriving. But, because of our selfishness, these are continuously shrinking. We constructed concrete mansions on agriculture land and we feel proud of this. It seems materialism has made us insensitive. Yet we don’t feel aggrieved on seeing the situation. Civilized people, who are conscious, get engaged in protecting the environment, but we are bent upon destroying. There can’t be worse kind of greed/selfishness.” Kashmir News Today

[Courtesy: Urdu daily Kashmir Uzma, Srinagar, Kashmir, December 28, 2018].

Source Page : http://www.kashmirtrends.in/jammu-kashmir-news/the-shrinking-water-bodies-that-were-once-our-pride/

THE SLOGANS OF AUTONOMY - Kashmir Trends

Sheikh Ghulam Rasool

 In analyzing the impact of raising the issue of Regional Autonomy Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, former Chief Secretary of J&K Government who joined National Conference after his retirement, writes that the impact of this issue needs to be assessed to maintain the solidarity of the state. According to him, Delhi agreement 1952 had been approved by Parliament and State Constituent Assembly, giving the state an unassailable constitutional position. The Government of India showed its commitment by issuing constitution order under Art 370/35A. The attack on autonomy began with coming of GM Sadiq as chief Minister. Though Indira Gandhi – Abdullah accord of 1975 allowed state government to review the central laws enforced in the state, but reports of two high level Committees on the subject remained on shelves in the secretariat. While Dr. Farooq Abdullah announces introduction of regional autonomy, with ambitions to  secure power, BJP has been advocating concept of Regional Council for Jammu  to thwart state autonomy. But Dr. Farooq has shifted to regional autonomy without considering its long term impact leading ultimately to trifurcation of state. It is time to cool down and evolve a pragmatic and attainable goal.

Excerpts:

The Constitutional Orders:

“In Oct 1947 Maharaja of Kashmir’s accession to India limited Jurisdiction of the Central Government to three subjects namely: Defence, Foreign Affairs and Communication. Its acceptance by Lord Mount Batten Viceroy on the recommendation of the Union Government sealed the special status of the state which has been further elaborated in the Delhi Agreement between the State leadership headed by Sheri Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Prime Minister (as he was then called) of the state and Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Prime Minister of India. The Delhi agreement in 1952 was duly approved by the Indian Parliament and  the State Constituent Assembly. Having scored a firm and unassailable constitutional position, it is still a mystery as to why Late Sheikh Sahib chose to come open against the Central Government on some other issues. While the agitation of  Praja Parishad and some pricks by Central government infuriated the late leader and gave in to his emotionalism over real politics against the saner advice of his trusted colleagues like Beg Sahib (Mirza M Afzal Beg) and Maulana Masoodi who were of the considered view that any battle in future could be fought within the system and not outside. This resulted in the dismissal of Sheikh Abdullah and his long incarceration. The government of India expressed its commitment to Delhi Agreement of 1952 by issuing Constitutional order under Article 370/35A which was duly incorporated in the State Constitution adopted in 1957. Till 1964, only financial integration of limited level and administrative integration under All India Services Act was carried out under Article 370 of the Constitution of India”.

The erosion of autonomy:

“The misplacement or theft of the Holy Relic at Hazratbal in 1963 provided upheaval to the suppressed sentiments of the people which ultimately resulted in change of the government and installation of G.M. Sadiq as Chief Minister. With Congress party at the helm and National Conference with the deposed Prime Minister Bakhshi Sahib/ Shamsuddin. With the changeover, full onslaught  on the State Autonomy was carried out with PM designated as CM- elected Sadri Riyasat replaced by Governor as nominee of the President of India and number of changes in the  state constitution by the state legislature of the state. The Indira Gandhi/Sheikh Abdullah Accord in 1975 allowed state government to review Central Laws with the specific condition  not to change the nomenclature and procedure of Chief Minister, Sadri Riyasat , abolition of legislative Council and various laws related to internal security without approval of Government of India. In spite of two high level committees, one led by late D.D. Thakur, the reports to review any state laws remained in the debris of Secretariat record.

The Impact of Accord:

The Accord in fact fortified the status quo of 1964/1975 and the state autonomy remained a hollow slogan. This is further amplified by rejection of the state Autonomy Resolution of the State Legislature in 1998 by the Central Government. It is another story as to why the NC government led by Dr. Farooq Abdullah didn’t leave the NDA government though Omar Abdullah was handy with the resignation as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Farooq Abdullah had to be content with assurance of Mr. Arun Jaitely as an emissary  of Vajpayee Government. In the same manner he was duped by “Sky is the limit” assurance of PM Narasimha Rao. During the election of 1996 and 2002, I did speak once or twice about political slogan of Autonomy but after seeing the real politics of the party, had to limit my utterances to Sadak, Bijli, Pani….etc (Roads, electricity and water). Then for election of 2008, the Election manifesto was drafted which I co-authored along with Abdul Rahim Rather sahib and Mr. Vijay Bakaya . This repeated the demand of restoration of Autonomy as per Delhi agreement. However we were conscience of our limitations on this account and advocated decentralised power to the three parts of the state by introducing the concept of single line Administration at the district level. This was kept in view of the success story of the system for Ladakh and Kargil regions which I had authored as Chief  secretary in 1992-1993 known as Ladakh Hill Autonomous Council”. Latest News Updates of Kashmir

Regional Autonomy Slogan: Impact

“Dr. Farooq Abdullah has few days back announced that introduction of Regional Autonomy within 30 days of formation of his Government. He has stated that the proposal has already been prepared. In this context, it is worthwhile to mention that BJP and some other parties have been advocating concept of Regional Council for Jammu partly to thwart State Autonomy and partly to assuage feelings of neglect of Jammuites by Kashmiri hegemony. This concept has not been accepted by  NC and other sections of the society as it would sow seeds of trifurcation of the state. Under the proposed Regional autonomy, divisional level, political set up with counsellors as mini MLA’s, chief executive as mini CM and regional council as  mini Legislature charged with developmental agenda to start with will lead to parallel executive and legislative set up at the divisional level. The Hill Council based on development strategies has already led widening scope of administrative matters of state level and even Chief Council Leh refusing to unfurl state flag and instead hoisted National Flag with local Council flag. Kashmir News India

“It appears that Dr. Farooq Sahib either disgusted and disappointed with the slogan of state Autonomy has shifted to Regional autonomy without any consideration to its ultimate trifurcation of the state. May be the pending writ petition before The Supreme Court about Article 370/35-A have unnerved the mainstream stake holders. Very shortly, we will hear a parallel slogan of Autonomy at Local Self panchayat level as the boycott by the NC/PDP has provided other stake holders with promising greenery to build strong institutions at the grass root level. With all autonomy slogans going around  would ultimately lead to parallel legislative and executive set up. What will be the fate of mainstream, out stream and other fringe streams for the future of the state very easy to understand. All round democratic Rajwars! It is high time to cool down tempers and evolve a pragmatic and attainable goal consistent with our cherished history of egalitarian principles of “Uswai Hasna” of  Beloved  Prophet (SAW)”.

Source Page : http://www.kashmirtrends.in/kashmir-news-latest/the-slogans-of-autonomy/

[Courtesy: Daily Greater Kashmir, Srinagar, Kashmir, December 26, 2018].