VOICE OF SILENCE

Prof. Virender Gupta

President, Jammu State Morcha

Silence also has a voice. It is the voice of the common masses. But it is unfortunate that the people at the helm of the affairs generally ignore this and give more importance to those who beat the drums, cry loudly and violently about the issues concerning them or create nuisance and violate all the constitutional norms. It is also painful that in a democratic system which India has, the political class gives priority to those who can benefit it in the elections and create favourable political equations, even at the cost of the national interests.

Mrs. Indira Gandhi listened to this Voice of Silence while dealing with the Punjab Problem and separatist movement of Khalistan. The majority of the people of Punjabi were against the Khalistan movement and wanted peace & normalcy; though on certain occasions large section of Sikh community got alienated because of some wrong decisions on sensitive matters. Listening to this silent voice and facing the terrorism boldly and with all means at the states command saved the Punjabi people and integrity of the country.

In the sixties there was an agitation in Tamil Nadu against the domination of north and against the imposition of Hindi on them. The Dravidian parties wanted to overthrow this domination of north on them and asked for the liberation of Tamil Nadu. The common masses of Tamil Nadu who were one with the nation in fighting against the British imperialism were against the separatist movement, though they wanted their equitable share in the Indian polity and were concerned about their cultural and political identity. Those at the helm of the affairs understood the pulse of the common people and showed political maturity in tackling the problem. At present there is no political party or group that is pursuing any separatist agenda in Tamil Nadu state.

With the same maturity and farsightedness most of the problems of the north east part of the country were solved. The country did not break. Identities of the various communities and their political aspirations were recognized and the Assam State was re-organized and was divided into seven states with each state having its own assembly, enjoying the political, administrative powers under the Indian constitution. Similarly all over the world Great Statesman listened to this Silent Voice of the masses in taking decisions affecting the world as it is today.

In Jammu & Kashmir the majority is silent; it is watching the recent developments with shock and surprise as those at the helm of affairs are listening to those who were either in power for last about sixty years and responsible for the present state of affairs or those who have vitiated the peaceful atmosphere of the state by supporting the secessionism, indulged in terrorism and working on the behest of the foreign forces to destabilize the state and the country. Both of these elements coming out with their own propositions asking for Azadi, Kashmiri Sovereignty (Greater Autonomy) and the so called Self Rule under the control of not one but two masters, India and Pakistan. The Government of India is holding parleys and negotiations with these elements to find the solution. Would the Government of India listen to the silent voice of the majority which wants the Constitution of India to prevail and J&K continues to remain as an integral part of the country?

Kashmir Valley constitutes about 50% of the state population and it has and area of about 16000 Sq. Km which is about 16% of J&K state area, excluding the area which is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan. Vast majority of the Valley population is either least concerned or confused about the exercise of negotiations by the Government of India. People in general, even those shouting the slogans of Azadi, do not understand the meanings and implications of Azadi, Self Rule or Greater Autonomy. They are being emotionally sensitized and lured by false promises and assurances. As per the population scenario of the Valley there are about 25% Shia  Muslims,  about 20% Gujjars and 5% Kashmiri Pandits and other minorities ( substantial population of these has migrated from the Valley after 1990 with a majority settling in Jammu region). The Sunni Muslims (excluding Gujjars) constitute rest of the population (about 50%). Leaders of this community have enjoyed power since accession of J&K State and dominated the state polity. They are mostly responsible for the present turmoil and alienation of the Kashmiri Muslims from the national mainstream. More or less a section of this community (which is only about 25 % of the J&K state population) is waging a war against the national integrity and support secessionism in the Valley.  It is very clear that the vast silent majority of J&K State is not engaged in secessionist activities & does not support the Self Rule or Greater Autonomy. In fact, it wants to remain as a part of India and enjoy the fruits of Indian democracy that is based on the principles of humanity, social justice and secularism.

The participation of the people in the last held parliamentary and assembly elections exhibits the peoples’ faith in Indian democracy and their earnest desire  to come out of the situation that was prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir State for the last about two decades. They ignored the boycott calls of the pro- Azadi and pro- Pakistan elements in spite of the threats from the militants. Their participation in the elections should not be misunderstood, as being claimed by National Conference and the People Democratic Party; as a support for the Greater Autonomy or Self Rule. The People voted for the individuals whom they thought as capable of serving them and delivering the goods and also to the parties which had prospective and capability to come to power. The masses in general thought of their own benefit in the power struggle & voted for the people who could better their living conditions. Otherwise, they would have voted for Sajjad Lone or other leaders who had the support of the separatist elements and the militant groups. The victory of National Conference in Jammu province, particularly in the assembly constituency like Vijaypur cannot be considered as a vote from Jammu region for the demand of Greater Autonomy as is being portrayed by the National Conference.

Therefore the Government of India should be mindful of these facts and should not yield to any pressure, internal or external and compromise on the national integrity and national interests. The exceptional autonomy enjoyed by the Jammu and Kashmir state has culminated to the present situation and grant of any further autonomy or the so called self rule to the state would have dangerous consequences and implications. The present turmoil in the state is not because of the so called erosion of the article 370 but it is because of Autonomy granted under the article 370 and also because of the bad governance provided by the successive governments which directly or indirectly also encouraged and supported the secessionist elements in the valley. Passing of Resettlement Bill and Greater Autonomy Bills by the National Conference Government; the role of so called main stream parties like NC and PDP during Shri Amarnath Yatra last year; the on & off anti-India provocative statements of the leaders of these parties and also some times of Congress leaders of Kashmir; clearly reflect the mindset of the Kashmiri leadership, that is responsible for the present situation. The indecisive policy, wrong decisions at the crucial moments which lacked farsightedness by the Central Govt. also contributed to the present situation.

It is, therefore imperative that the voice of the silent majority of the J&K State must be heard. The opinion of the people of Jammu & Ladakh regions and the other Nationalists elements, which always stood for the cause of the country, even at the cost of their own interests; needs to be given due importance. Their aspirations and interests have to be watched and given priority over the separatist elements. The leadership of the country has to distinguish between nationalist elements and the secessionist forces. This nationalism has to be protected and promoted at all cost, if secessionism and anti –India forces are to be defeated in Jammu and Kashmir State.

Filed under: Articles by Prof Virender Gupta, Hypothesis on Kashmir Solution, Jammu blog, Trifurcation

Jammu and Kashmir – A Political Solution

BY PROF. VIRENDER GUPTA

Apart from tackling terrorism and enforcing defeat on the secessionist forces the issue involved in J&K is also a political and as such a political solution has to found to end the present turmoil. But, before that the Government of India and the political leadership of the country have to look into the causes those led to the present situation. They have to take note of the blunders and the follies committed by the Centre that is responsible for the failure to bring the Kashmiri into the national mainstream and to rectify those mistakes. The mistakes were: imposing Kashmiri rule on the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions without seeking their consent, there by subjecting them to Kashmiri domination and discrimination, not reorganizing the state by dividing it into three independent political units on the basis of cultural, linguistic and geographical identities as was done in the rest of the country after independence, taking the issue of J&K to the United Nation, granting autonomy to the state under article 370 thus giving space to raise doubts about the integration of state with India and indirectly accepting the Two Nation Theory, and following appeasement policy towards the Kashmiri Muslims as a part of vote bank policy.

The Kashmiri leadership mind set wants at present to get Azadi and form an independent Islamic State, outside the preview of the Indian State and Indian Constitution. The proposal of Self Rule of People Democratic Party which is the replica of Mushraf’s formula is deceptive and basically is inconformity with Abdul Shah Geelani demand of making whole of Jammu & Kashmir as part of Pakistan. By demanding the Greater Autonomy, National Conference wants the withdrawal of Indian Constitution though agreeing to keep the State under the territorial jurisdiction of Indian State, for the time being. Unfortunate part is that they want Ladakh and Jammu regions be dragged along the path proposed by them against their wishes and aspirations. Can India afford to agree to any form of the solutions being proposed? Would any of the solutions save the integrity of the country and keep Jammu & Kashmir as a part of the Indian State with democratic and secular traditions? Can any of the solutions guarantee that peace would be restored in Jammu & Kashmir and in the Indian sub- continent and the separatist and fundamentalist forces acting in the Valley and in the country on the behest of Pakistan would end the insurgency and the so called Jehad

The Government of India should take lesson from the past and rectify the mistakes at the earliest without wasting any further time. Govt. of India must forcefully stakes its claim on the Pakistan occupied territory of Jammu & Kashmir and adopt offensive policy in the world fora for its vacation. The policy of unduly pampering, patronizing and favouring only one section of the population of  Kashmir Valley at the cost of other Kashmir based communities and Jammu and Ladakh regions needs to be changed as this policy instead of bringing Kashmiri people in the national mainstream provided an opportunity to the political mafias operating in the valley to exploit the situation for their own benefit and further distance the people from the national mainstream. The so called alienation of the people of Kashmir Valley is because of this political mafia that created a wall between them and the centre and blamed the Government of India for all their misdeeds. The voice of Gujjars, Shias, Kashmiri Pandits, Sikhs and other minorities which are or were part of the Valley must be heard and given due weight age. The aspirations of the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions should be fulfilled and discrimination against them, political, economic and administrative must end. The issues pertaining to refugees and displaced persons of 1947, 1965 and 1971 both from POK and West Pakistan be addressed and be resolved as per their satisfaction.

The policy adopted by the Government of India to create states for the development of the people while safe guarding and promoting their culture and identities be also applied in Jammu and Kashmir.The demand of the time is to reorganize Jammu and Kashmir State and divide it into four political units with Jammu region and Kashmir constituting separate states, granting Ladakh a union territory status and carving out a piece of land from Kashmir Valley for the settlement of Kashmiri Pandits and other minorities which is also to be administered by the centre. Then the wishes of the people of these politically independent units be ascertained and provided a political structure and compensations as per their wishes within the Indian constitution. The political leadership and those at the helm of the affairs must realize that people of Jammu and Kashmir do not have single culture and one identity of Kashmiriat as being propagated by the Kashmiri leaders time and again. In the Kashmir Valley itself which constitute merely 15% area of the state   there are Gujjars, Kashmiri Pandits and Panjabi speaking ethnic groups which constitute more than 30% of the Valley population. Jammu region and Ladakh region have distinct cultural, historic, linguistic and identities different from each other and that of the Valley.

Giving extra importance to Kashmiri leaders and the separatists groups operating in the Valley and finding the solution that suits them would be a suicidal for the integrity of the country. Such a solution would be resisted by the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions and other nationalists in the state and in the rest of the country. Instead of going for such a solution it would be better to hold referendum with each province/region forming a unit to seek the opinion on the solutions under the considerations of the Indian Government. The opinions of the POK migrants, Kashmiri Pandits and of the West Pakistan refugees have also to be ascertained on the issues.

Filed under: Articles by Prof Virender Gupta, Hypothesis on Kashmir Solution, Jammu blog

Jammu countryside in pictures

Pictures by Mahesh Sharma

The Jammu country side is just beautiful, see for yourself…

Filed under: Jammu blog

Government should come with a white paper on sanction of Central University for J&K

BY DAYA SAGAR

Senior NC leader Ajay Sadotra has been quoted as having  said that  no decision for the site  of  the Central University in J&K has been taken yet  and no team from MHRD has visited J&K for selection of land. J&K State Cabinet also  resolved on 31^st July  to approach GOI  for sanctioning two Central Universities for the two regions. May be GOI agrees for two Universities but still  the need is to remove the misunderstandings  like shifting the University to Kashmir that was sanctioned  for Jammu .The inter regional divides amongst the YOUTH of J&K must be checked. Rather Omar Abdullah, the youthful CM , must come out with a white paper on the actual status on  (i) the proposals and sanctions already issued for Central University  for Jammu & Kashmir  and (ii ) the reasons  for setting up the temporary  office of the Vice Chancellor of Central University at Srinagar. Let Kashmir Region too get the Institutions that are needed there but Government should not become party to any regional competition ( with bitterness} between the people as regards demands.

Those who claim that a Central University was sanctioned for locating in Jammu Region and land was selected in Samba  area ( district) must  too immediately come out with any documentary evidence that they have. The Divisional Commissioner Jammu has been quoted earlier by media as having denied this.

The student community of Jammu region  is very much disturbed and is on the roads. Their protests are genuine. The youth of Jammu region has  always demonstrated  courage and concernedness for securing their future when ever some discrimination / neglect  has been sensed by them or has been disclosed to them . They have even  sacrificed  academics and worked for the objectives for which  local leaders of Jammu should have otherwise  worked. Elders must ensure that the valuable period of career building is not used for non academic purposes. Over the years the political leadership has not much worked for the ultimate cause. May it be development, employment, education or tourism.

As regard setting up Central University in J and K  daily some statements and disclosures are being made by the leaders including those from within the present Government and those who have remained in the Government   on the issue of setting up Central University . To check the confusions and distrust growing  Government should come with a white paper on  sanction of Central University for J&K so that the issues could be targeted to a solution and the youth in particular is saved from divisive ideologies.

It was during the first quarter of 2008  that Ghulam Nabi Azad discussed the issues regarding Central University, IIM,  Tribal University and like with the HRD and other ministries. The leadership from Jammu should have held the threads right from that time instead of raising the issue much after   even when The Voce Chancellor of the Central university started operating from his office in Srinagar. Rather , if serious,  the  leadership should immediately come out shedding all political reservations to impress upon the Government that the backward and distanced areas of Jammu Region do need  a Tribal University, IIM , IIT ( IIIT )  and a Central University . Udhampur, Doda , Poonch / Rajouri Districts have genuine claims.

Regional divides have grown over the years between Jammu Region and Kashmir Region. The political leadership has  rather more actively taken part in  broadening the gulf  after 1995. Some one may say it after   1990 but I shall not agree since at time local leaders were too weak to prepare  a strong political working ground in J&K. The Militants and anti India insurgents had in 1990  materially and psychologically over powered the main stream leadership of J&K. I would rather say , the leadership of Kashmir Valley, since it was only Kashmiri leaders who were till then more recognized by New Delhi to represent J&K.

After 1995 political fields were prepared under the security cover and  with moral & economic support from New Delhi. But still under the circumstances the  Kashmir based leaders had ( were rather compelled } to behave more Kashmir specific . Valley specific social, economic and administrative issues  appeared better tools to the political leaders in Kashmir Valley to gain some grounds over separatist forces and growing pressures of separatist ideology. 29^th Constitutional amendment bill of 2002 was a step in this direction .Sanction of 4 new districts in 2006 for   Kashmir Valley as against just one recommended by Wazir Commission (1984) too was one such action .

Kashmir Hindu had totally deserted the Kashmir Valley under the pressures of the pro Pakistan / anti Hindu  elements in 1990. Migrants appeared having lost hopes of return to  Valley . Since after 1990 over 98 % of  local population in Valley comprised of muslims  any questions raised by people or parties  for the cause of Jammu  was named by some leaders from Valley  as even anti Muslim. Inter regional issues  between Jammu & Kashmir hence were given  some communal face lift as well by some leaders. Very less has been done to check it.

At the same time the political  competition for votes  grew  more in Kashmir valley amongst  NC, PDP, Congress , others. Kashmiri leaderships  looked for some new fields and strategies to expand their  base out side Kashmir valley on regular basis. The Kashmir centric leadership had for over  50 years totally neglected  far flung / distant /backward / poorly connected areas of Jammu region as regards education, employment, industry, local crafts  , agriculture, horticulture and services .They started using the religious brotherhood tools in  Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and adjoining areas. They sensed   some soft targets in the muslim majority areas of Jammu region. The people of poor backward areas of Jammu region  were too innocent and simple to know  level of neglect . No doubt the leadership in Jammu Region was more near to centers of information and power  was based in  Jammu district and they too did not move out near to areas Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, etc. Masses from Poonch/ Rajouri/ Doda  who were otherwise the worst sufferers  did not go with the protests / projects to undo the  neglect of Jammu Region. So in general when ever some major neglect was pointed out against Jammu region it was given the colour of protests by Hindu majority areas .Any how some  local politicians did reap benefits on the side lines. The Shri Amarnath Yatra land agitation of June 2008  and half hearted delimitation commission demands could be quoted in this regard.

But it  would be unfair to  only blame the Kashmiri leadership. The leaders from Jammu too have not lagged behind to cultivate their  “ own crops” in the fields of the common man of Jammu region. They have at occasion raised some issues on regional basis in the name of discrimination. But firstly their agitation were half hearted and after obtaining some political mileage for their self or their  parties they  left the issues half way. It was during the NDA Government times that upgradation of Jammu Medical College Hospital to the level of a Hospital as of AIMS was sanctioned. Shushma Swaraj laid the foundation stone of the Hospital in the CDS Hospital Complex GMC Jammu.  During the same period 6 Regional Centers of AIMS were also sanctioned by GOI. Sh. Lal Singh Ji was Health Minister of J&K and Sh Chaman Lal Jee was MOS in NDA Government. Earlier Mr. APJ Kalam,  had suggested  during AIMS Convocation that AIMS like super specialist health services need be taken near to  atleast suburban areas if not rural areas. Sushma Swaraj  , the then Union Health Minister announced at the  same venue that Union Government had decided to established 6 Regional Centers of AIMS in different States. She did not name the states. Immediately after this was made known through media  suggestions were made that J&K Government should stake claims for one the Regional Centers  of AIMS. I had even called on Lal Singh Jee through one of my coloumns that without  any prejudice to people of Kashmir Region  JK Government could  demand a Regional AIMS Center instead of upgradation of Jammu Medical College Hospital .Upgraded hospital  had only one time grant where as for a Regional AIMS center  the expenditure would be born by GOI on recurring basis. The Regional Center of AIMS  could be located any where in Udhampur or Doda Districts of J&K in line with the suggestion of then President. Kashmir already had SKIMS and more over the connectivity and nearness level in Kashmir region was much better than that in areas like Doda or Udhampur Districts . But no heed was paid nor any sound case was prepared and agitated by other Jammu leaders. Sh. Lal Singh Jee and Sh Chaman Lal jee would correct me in case they had contested for obtaining REGIONAL  Center of  AIMS as against a simple upgradation of the hospital but could not muster that much scope.  It is now nearly  6 years since Sushma laid the foundation stone of  the AIMS like Hospital ( not an Institution like AIMS) but what to talk of Regional Center of AIMS  even the  hospital is no where in sight ( simple  bricks and cements  can not treat patients }. Even the existing CT Scan facility and Dialysis  facility is not so readily available in the  GMC where as the so called understaffed private centers are rarely non functional. It was  during the times of Gulam Nabi Azad that work could pick some pace and that too after  Kashmiri leaders succeeded in getting  grant from GOI for upgradation of a hospital also in Kashmir. It has to be appreciated that Kashmiri leaders have  more firm concern  for their region.

The tourism of Jammu region  has  remained most neglected . It is not that Jammu region tourism potential has been neglected only after 1947, it was not given due attention even during the days of Maharaja. One would argue that in Maharaja’s times no sufficient money was available to develop new  road network and new tourist resorts. But after independence  funds should not have been problem. For name sake all talked of Bhaderwah as mini Kashmir but no one could find the name of Bhaderwah and Kishtwar saffron in J&K tourism promotion literature. It would be wrong to accuse a Kashmiri for this. Rather the leaders from Jammu region have rarely come up with forceful proposals and demands for development of tourism potential of Jammu Region. It was  again only after Ghulam Nabi Azad who had to contest from Bhaderwah that  some measurable work has started around Bhaderwah, but infrastructure around it ( including even road to Sanasar ) is still neglected.

*( Daya Sagar is social activist and leading scribe on Kashmir affairs    dayasagr@yahoo.co.uk)

Filed under: Articles by Daya Sagar, Central Universities in India, Current Affairs, Discriminations with Jammu, Jammu Emotions, Jammu blog

What’s a Central University?

While other universities in the country are established by the State Governments, a Central University in India is formed by the Government of India, by an Act of Parliament.

The Government of India is responsible for arranging, allocating and distributing financial resources required by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the establishment of Central Universities in India. Currently there are 20 Central Universities in India. The higher education system in India being one of the largest in the world, the responsibility rests on the Central Government to devise policies with a view to improving the quality of higher education in India.Improving the quality and access of higher education and research in India has become all the more important keeping in

view the growing need of qualified human resources in various sectors of the economy. Therefore it can only be hoped that there would be more central universities in India in the immediate future.

Since the State Governments establish and plan for the colleges and universities in the states and the Central Government does it for the Central Universities, it is essential that there is adequate cooperation between the State Governments and the Central Government in the field of higher education. The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) has therefore been constituted to assist in the functioning of the two Governments and ensure that parity is maintained.

The Central Government has also been empowered by a special act of the Constitution to maintain a particular standard conducive to the educational health of the country. The Central Government lays special emphasis on research and development carried out in technical as well as other institutions.

Some of the special features of Central Universities are-

• The President of India acts as the ‘Visitor’ for all the Central Universities
• The President has the power to nominate a few members to the Executive Committee/Board of Management/Court/Selection Committees of the University in terms of the various statutes and provisions laid down in the University Act.
• The Ministry of Human Resources and Development (MHRD) assists the President of India in the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Court Nominees and Selection Committee Nominees.

List of Central Universities in India

• University of Hyderabad, Central Univesity P.O. Hyderabad – 500 046 Andhra Pradesh
• Maulana Azad National Urdu Univesity, Gochibowli Hyderabad – 500 032 Andhra Pradesh
• Assam University, Silchar – 788 011 Assam
• Tezpur University, Napaam, Tezpur – 784 028 Distt. Sonitpur Assam
• University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007 Delhi
• Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi New Delhi – 110 068 Delhi
• Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar New Delhi – 110 025 Delhi
• Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Mehrauli Road New Delhi – 110 067 Delhi
• Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Post Box No.16, Panchtila, Umri Village, Arvi
  Road Wardha-442 001 Maharashtra
• Central Agricultural University, Iroisemba Imphal – 795 001 Manipur
• North Eastern Hill University, P.O. NEHU Campus Mawkynroh Umshing, Shillong – 793 022 Meghalaya
• Mizoram University, Aizwal – 796 012 Post Box No.910 Mizoram
• Nagaland University, P.B. 341, H.Q. Lumami Kohima – 797 001 Nagaland
• Pondicherry University, R Venkataraman Nagar, Kalapet Pondicherry – 605 014 Pondicherry
• Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh – 202 002 Uttar Pradesh
• Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar Rae Bareli Road Lucknow – 226 025 Uttar
  Pradesh
• Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi – 221 005 Uttar Pradesh
• Visva Bharti, Santiniketan – 731 235 West Bengal

* Sourced from the internet sites

Filed under: Central Universities in India, Current Affairs, Delimitation

Sheikh Abdullah was for needs and rights of the common man of J&K, are YOU ?

BY DAYA SAGAR

The miseries, backwardness, illiteracy, poverty and  ill health has grown in the farflung areas. In view of larger distances and difficult terrains the MLAs are not able to regularly reach their areas to check the development  requirements and also can not  effectively  address  the problems of those who fall in their constituencies..

Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah had  cared for the masses . Sheikh Abdullah  did identify his self more with the majority community of Kashmir valley , particularly the lands of the Kashmir valley. But Sheikh Mohd Abdullah never neglected the needs and rights of the common man  of the State as a whole. It was during his times that the preparation of Draft JK Constitution was taken up and under Section- 50 of J&K Constitution Jammu Region residents  have been given 14 elected MLCs in the Legislative Council and Kashmir region residents have been given only 12 elected MLCs in the Legislative council. To be more specific two MLCs have been particularly kept for Poonch district  / Doda ( say now Doda/ Kishtwar/  Ramban ) and two for Ladakh Region ( one each for Ladakh and Kargil Tehsils).  But the Delimitation Commissions for single member segments in the J&K Legislative Assembly ( MLAs ) thereafter have never earned good will from the poor and remotely placed masses of J&K.

Demands for a new Delimitation Commission  have  been made more by Jammu based political groups. Though it is also true that  Leaders from Congress , National Conference and  infant J&K Peoples Democratic Party have not so far truthfully made such demands. So far the balance of seats allocated in the J&K Legislative assembly by any delimitation commission of the past  has all along been towards the areas in Kashmir Valley ( excluding Baramulla and Kupwara sub regions). But it is sure that any fair delimitation, if done under the provisions of J&K Representation of the People Act 1957,would tilt the balance more  towards the distantly placed and backward areas of J&K State. And such areas lie more in  districts of Udhampur, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban , Reasi, Rajouri. And Ofcourse to some extent towards Kupwara / Baramulla  in Kashmir region .

It could be inferred that  Kashmir Valley centric leadership  ( particularly urban elite and rich ) could sense that  in future it may not  be that easy to manipulate the delimitation commission reports. Hence 29^th Jammu & Kashmir Constitution amendment Bill was got passed in  the year 2002. Through this amendment the Sub – Section 3 of Section 47 of J&K Constitution was made inoperative for  about 30 years. This way the State of Jammu & Kashmir had been indirectly divided into three parts in Legislative Assembly. In a way  unconstitutionally allocating 46 MLA seats to Kashmir region, 37 seats to Jammu region and 4 seats to Ladakh Region by putting a nearly 30 year seal on the 1995 Justice K. K. Gupta Delimitation Commission order. Where as otherwise  in principle 87 seats in assembly were  to be rationally redistributed  by a new Delimitation Commission after 2001 census.

And to add to it , Section-49 of J&K Constitution too has been made practically in operative as regards determination of number of seats to be reserved for Schedule Caste candidates in the Legislative Assembly at least till the results of first census after the year 2026 AD are published.

The leaders at New Delhi also never supported the rights of rural people of J&K in this regard.  I too had done a detailed exercise for a rational distribution of assembly seats as per the provisions of Section-4 of J&K representation of the  people Act 1957. A note was also presented by me to the Chairman Delimitation Commission in 1994.  But the K. K. Gupta Commission rushed through the proceedings and notified the delimitation ignoring the provisions as laid down in the Representation of the People Act of 1957.  The exercise done by me had slated 45 to 47 seats ( MLAs ) for areas falling in Jammu region and  36 to 38 seats for areas falling in Kashmir Region. At that time the implementation of Wazir Commission report was also pending. The Wazir Commission Report had recommended 9 ( nine ) Districts for Jammu region and only 7 ( seven ) Districts for Kashmir Region. The proportion of Districts as recommended by Wazir Commission nearly matched the proportion of MLAs as I had proposed for areas falling  in Jammu ( 45 to 47 ) and Kashmir (36 to 38 ) Regions.

A trial under the requirements  would  reveal that the Delimitation done by earlier delimitation commission did  not stand to the test under J&K Representation of the People Act 1957.

Test -1: Jammu Region has more elected MLCs  ( 14 ) in Legislative Council than Kashmir Region ( 12 MLC) has under Section 50 of J&K Constitution . How can MLAs be less ???

Test -2 : Wazir Commission had recommended  increasing the number of districts from 6 to 9   in Jammu Region . Where as for Kashmir Region Commission had recommended only seven  7 districts. This was surely due to Kashmir region being geographically more compact as compared to Jammu Region. J&K Representation of The Peoples Act too suggests like wise under Sub Section -2 Section-4. Non implementation of WC recommendation had delayed justice even to the distantly placed people of Baramulla sub region for over 33 years. National Conference had brought 29 th Constitutional amendment in 2002 and Ghulam Nabi Azad had  given in 2006  three  additional districts of Kashmir valley as against only one to Jammu Region .

Test-3 : The J&K  Representation of People Act 1957  was designed in a very very considerate  manner .It  could well be seen from the contents of clauses a – ( i) to a (v) of  Sub Section ( 2) of  section- (4) of the J&K RPA 1957. Four of five clauses under section four of the  Act very explicitly demonstrate that  any fair trial would allot more MLAs to bad , distant and backward areas .

*Geographical Compactness (Clause a- ii )  : Most parts of Jammu Region and some parts of sub regions of Baramulla/ Kupwara are much less compact .Hence  more representatives may needed in Assembly from areas falling in Jammu region and some remote parts of Kashmir valley.

*Nature of terrain (Clause – a – iii  ): The terrain of areas in Doda , Kishtwar, Udhampur, Reasi, Kishtwar, Ramban, Kathua, Rajouri , even some parts of Samba District  is bad and difficult as compared to most of the areas in Kashmir region.

*Facilities of Communication (Clause – a- iv ) : The surface transport infrastructure/ Roads  in Jammu region and some areas like Baramulla/ Kupwara sub regions of Kashmir Region  is at much lower level .Hence it is more difficult for a MLA of these areas to visit his people or for people to visit him. Surely more MLAs are needed. * And  the like considerations (Clause -  a – v).

National Conference again holds  the reins in 2009. The party has demanded Greater Autonomy for J&K . NC alleges  erosion of provisions of Article 370 of Indian Constitution and  so called 1952 Delhi Agreement as well as 1950 Constitution Application Order. But it was also during the days of National Conference Government by the democratic rights of people were eroded through  29^th Constitutional amendment. Let it be now again National Conference in 2009, the largest group in the J&K Legislative Assembly, to pursue the cause for withdrawing the undemocratic 29^th Constitutional amendment so that Delimitation Commission could be constitutionally constituted. No one should be envy to the modified results incase the number of MLAs for the areas of erstwhile Districts of Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Rajouri, Kupwara , Ramban, Baramulla, Kupwara  etc get additional  10 to 12 seats and those that fall under Districts of Jammu, Srinagar, Badam, Ananatnag , Pulwama lose 10 to12 seats out of present total strength of 87 MLAs ( Jammu Region getting around 45 to 46 MLA and   Kashmir Region getting around 37 to 38 MLA ).

Omar Abdullah has to  prove that he is true heir apparent of the democratic principles of Sheikh Abdullah .PDP for setting its roots in Kashmir would like to irritate National Conference leadership on different issues.. It is not only the seats in  Assembly that need review , even the seats in Parliament need be re decided . It is highly unfair to carry on wilt two MPs for area as large as over 26000 sq Kms wirh large population and  three MPs for closely populated 15000 sq Kms. Delhi  Chandni Chowk  Parliament seat has an area of just 10 sq Km / per lac population where as Jammu Region has nearly 13000 sq km area per MP and Kashmir Region has about 5300 sq Km area per MP.  *( Daya Sagar is social activist and leading scribe on Kashmir affairs)

Filed under: Articles of Daya Sagar, Jammu blog

Dejure J and K, Defacto K!!!!!!!!!

Dr.Rakesh Sharma
drrakishsharma@yahoo.com

Seems to be the policy adopted not just by the political clout in the valley but most certainly even by those at the helm of affairs at the centre and it seems like the ones elected from and for representing and standing up for the cause of the region or the Jammu perspective so to speak, seem to be toeing the same line.
Interestingly this time around the congress party has managed to retain the two seats from the Jammu region, and in fact the party should come good by acknowledging the faith reposed into it by the Jammu region, and the best way to do it would be by at least ensuring that one of the elected representatives gets some kind of a ministerial berth/ portfolio at the centre, which would go a long way in making the people of Jammu realize, that even they happen to be on the political map of the country and that they are not just an adjunct to a region that has perhaps given sleepless nights to the nation and has been haunting the nation post independence (the good old Kashmir imbroglio!!).
The congress leaders have been coming up with these rhetorics of strengthening and increasing the party base across the nation, but what they in addition to it, need to realise is that in spite of having a good base here in Jammu and people ensuring its victory (time and again), the reciprocal has to come from the party which many in recent times would feel has rather ignored the region.
Well all this may be unintentional (and in the larger national interest as the suave politicians would put it!) but interestingly the valley in spite of taking a major share of all the centre support has always felt ignored, needing some kind of a healing touch, and Jammu on the other hand has always been ignored politically and that too in spite of always having voted in for main stream national political parties.
Now it would be impertinent not to mention one’s hope that the valley portion should prosper and peace must prevail but most of the times it so happens that in the process the other regions feel ignored if not left out.
Even if one was to look at the post election scenario, the voices all across the media have been often talking of the young and new faces being given a chance but it becomes quiet self contradictory when one looks at it from the state’s perspective, that when young and dynamic leaders from the Jammu region (who in spite of so many odds working heavily against them), have been re elected perhaps none of them is going to find even a mention in the race for portfolios at the centre(not even an Mos!).
Perhaps an insider of the party would be in a better position to explain the reasons but I as citizen of Jammu would most definitely perceive it to be a great failure of the centre in not being able (yet again!)to take the Jammu region and its elected representatives seriously, and also not willing to give its elected leaders a chance to prove their worthiness more than just as mere representatives of their constituencies.

Filed under: Articles by Dr.Rakesh Sharma, Jammu Emotions, Jammu blog

Sad demise of Maharani Yashoraje Lakshmi

The Jammu Region expresses heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Maharani Yashoraje Lakshmi w/o Dr. Karan Singh, former Sadr-e-riyasat J&K. May almighty bestow peace to the departed soul and give courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

Filed under: Jammu blog

A surprising mandate

By MAHESH SHARMA

maheshsharma.jk@gmail.com

Undeniably, the results of the 2009 Lok Sabha elections have taken everyone without exception, by surprise. The exit polls that had indicated NDA’s slow but steady upward movement in the backdrop of rising prices and changing security equations had prepared many of us for a somewhat different outcome. Congress and its working allies in the United Progressive Alliance, the Nationalist Congress Party, the All India Trinamool Congress, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the National Conference and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen managed whopping 261 seats. The NDA could secure only 159 seats. What went so wrong for the NDA and so well for the UPA?

In consonance with rest of the country, in J&K too, the NC-INC combine took the major share of 5 seats, while the remaining single seat went to a Ladakh independent, that too an NC rebel. Interestingly, the NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah won fourth election in last five months. The valley seats were swept away by NC and the both Jammu seats were retained by INC, though the BJP’s voter share was increased in comparison the assembly elections. INC’s Madan Lal Sharma (382305 votes) defeated the BJP candidate Lila Karan Sharma (260932 votes) in Jammu-Poonch Constituency while BJP’s Nirmal Singh (218334 votes) took a beating by a not so huge margin from the INC candidate Lal Singh (231803 votes) in the Udhampur Doda constituency. Prof. Bhim Singh came third here with 69442 votes while the ex separatist leader Sajjad Lone could not make it from Baramullah constituency and even lost his security deposit. The PDP’s share went down in the valley.

Interestingly, three losers in the recent assembly elections in J&K, valley’s Baramullah and Anantnag, and Ch. Lal Singh from Udhampur Doda constituency could make it successfully to the parliament. What happened in just a few months that turned the tables?

Well, primarily, the positive and progressive image of the UPA seems to have done the trick. Other factors that come to mind that went against the NDA would be the absence of a moderate leader like Vajpayee, perceived alliance of BJP with organizations like the Ram Sene that threaten to take you to the medieval age, lack of young leaders and may be to a some extent projection of Modi as the future leader of India vis-à-vis his image. The UPA definitely gained because of a moderate image nicely supplemented by a well-educated and sophisticated prime ministerial candidate, Dr. Manmohan Singh who was remembered to have taken a strong stand during the Indo-US Nuke deal. Sadly, the BJP failed to capitalize on the policies and achievements of the Vajpayee government in their earlier tenure and harped on the issues of lesser importance in the present context. In J&K too, the moderate and positive NC-INC approach has done the trick. PDP has lost ground in the valley and its people have preferred NC to represent them in the parliament. In Jammu too, people have chosen INC’s Madan Lal Sharma and Ch. Lal Singh for representing them, though many would have preferred to see Prof Nirmal Singh too in the parliament.It is up to these leaders now, how well they represent their people.

Well, what is to be seen is how the UPA will perform in this tenure. The Indian public is not going to be so forgiving and would expect the UPA to deliver what it has been promising.

Filed under: Articles by Mahesh Sharma, Current Affairs , 2009 parliamentary elections, BJP, farooq Abdullah, INC, J&K parliamentary results 2009, Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Lal Singh, Lila karan Sharma, Madan Lal Sharma, NC, Nirmal Singh, PDP, Sajjad Lone, viewpoint from Jammu

The show must go on!!

Dr.Rakesh Sharma
drrakishsharma@yahoo.com

And so would the corruption and anarchy that never seems to be anachronistic to present times. In fact if someone was to ask me ,I wouldn’t have any qualms about admitting that it is the honest lot in the society(which is a sure minority!),that seems to be the black sheep and in fact it is because of them that the system lacks transparency and the pace at which things move is so damn slow. It is only because of these handful of honest men around that works get delayed; time gets wasted in getting an access through the middle men, trying to confirm the willingness of the person to be bribed.
Imagine if there was no honesty around, life would be so damn convenient if not easy as one would know beyond ambiguity that every work that needs to be done has a price to pay(in addition to the regular costs) and there would be so much of a transparency that work would be done at an unimaginable pace like never before and the officials will perhaps find a new lease of life and vigour when they would know that each and every action of theirs would be compensated for in addition to their regular earnings and that too without any middle men or any fear of some kind of a sting operation or vigilance or some kind of an anti corruption drive.
Some might find this proposition a little outlandish and in fact might want to contest that instead if one attempts converting the dishonest into honest, one might stand up and fight the menace of corruption and so on. Accepted that these things look good in books and writings but then they hardly find any ground when it comes to actually getting things executed and also that the job of converting a dishonest person into becoming honest is not just impractical but also unrealistic, boring and outdated.
Instead if one would go with the majority that is dishonest and rather put an effort to convert the minuscule honest group, things would be much more achievable and this in turn would lead to some kind of transparency in the system with the common man having some kind of clarity of concept about how to get things done.
In fact if one could admit it is not the dishonesty that comes in the way of getting things done, but it is the ambiguity associated with it and the hesitation in the mind regarding the mindset of a person that is a hindrance, for if one was clear about bribery being legal ( in a way!), all would be much more comfortable with it .
Well this concept does sound a little thespian if not more but then the need of the hour is perhaps a smooth working of the system that suits a common man who perhaps is all the more confused when he sees that no doubt corruption is a sin but then all are into it, no doubt bribery is a crime but then who works without it, no doubt honesty is a virtue but then who cares for it, and in fact rather than running around finding middle men to get things done , if a commoner is clear that he has to bribe his way through it ,things would be much more feasible and practical as well.
All said and done ,people might talk of this honesty ,dedication and some kind of ethics, but then these have become more or less ritualistic and hardly find any relevance in today’s materialistic times and all one can say is that transparency is the need of the hour whether honest or dishonest, the show must go on!

As they say in cricket world ‘class is permanent, form is temporary’,
In actual life they should say ‘cash is permanent, post is temporary’.

Filed under: Articles by Dr.Rakesh Sharma, Jammu blog