Last Friday on May 27, a sea of people swarmed on the roads of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir demanding the revocation of the land transfer.  Around 40 hectares of forest land in Baltal area have been transferred to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) for Rs 2.31crores (23.1 million rupees).

The people’s mass movement was ensured after Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, I G Sahai made a statement that police has been asked to exhibit restraint. Sahai’s statement came four days after street protests and clashes with police and CRPF left three people dead besides hundreds wounded.

Tens of thousands of people came out in one of the biggest demonstrations in recent years shouting pro-freedom slogans. The demonstrators including men women and children marched through streets in Srinagar and ultimately gathered at Lal Chowk (Red Square) in city centre.

The youth hoisted green flags over a historical clock tower in the Lal Chowk of Srinagar, where authorities hoist national flags on independence and republic days in tight security vigil.

Lal Chowk drowned in the sea of people and reverberating with slogans made the gun wielding CRPF personnel who have a post at the base of the tower to watch the unusual ceremony as mute spectators. However, none from the mob tried to clash with these personnel nor did they bother to hinder. People watched the scaling of clock tower by youth with much jubilation and intermittently clapped in affirmation.   

“This is for the first time that people have been able to hoist the flag of resistance in broad day light. That is enough a message that should stir New Delhi. Now it’s a people’s movement. No militants, no Jehadis, we are Kashmiris and that is our verdict,” said a protester Muzamil Ajaz from down town locality of Srinagar.  Ajaz has come to city centre along with his cousins. Friday protests reminded people of the 1990s protests. Large-scale processions were common in Kashmir in the early 1990s soon after the outbreak of an anti-India armed insurgency in the region. However, a strong police presence later made such processions almost impossible.

Clock tower in Lal Chowk has been a symbolic. Paramilitary troopers have been occupying it since 90s. Earlier the space around it was encircled by piled up sandbags and net but of late the decline in militancy related incidents made security officials to relieve the place to ensure free traffic movement.

Friday’s episode culminated without any violence but people met the resistance on Saturday after they tried to come again to register the similar protest. This was followed by an undeclared curfew by authorities in parts of city to confine people inside the houses.

Flags were also hoisted outside radio station in Srinagar and main traffic intersections.

The mass participation of the people took amy people by surprise and reminded them of the 1990s.

A row over transfer of 100 acres of forest land at Balthal in Sindh forest division is going on in Jammu and Kashmir. The issue came up after people came to know about the coalition government’s approval of the land transfer to Shir Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB).

State government last month announced that people would be allowed to visit Dachigam National Park, a mountainous sanctuary located along the foothills of majestic Zabarwan range on the outskirts of Srinagar, the state’s summer capital. It has even fixed Rs 125 as entry fee for the intending visitors. Inside the park the people would be asked to board the cabs kept for taking the visitors around the park.

The major attraction in the park once was Hangul (Kashmiri stag) as herds of them used to graze inside the area. Decades ago the number was in thousands.

This year the census carried out by state Wildlife department and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun in Kashmir to ascertain actual number of Kashmiri stag or Hangul has revealed their decline in population by a third in the last four years.

Hangul is the only surviving race of the Red Deer family of Europe in the sub-continent and is counted among one of the world’s most endangered species.

The fall in the number is attributed to the increasing interference in their habitations. Experts blame the threat of poaching, excessive livestock grazing, predation, and frequent forest fires as the reason for the sharp decline.

Nowadays, the poor animal is struggling for existence in its last bastion- a restricted area of 141 sq km inside Dachigam National Park.

Survey has found the numbers of the majestic looking deer with a brownish coat and antlers have fallen from 228 to 160 in just four years.

So in backdrop of this steep decline, allowing further interference by officials is totally unjustified. Instead of this serious efforts should have been underway to overcome this precarious situation and save this endangered red deer from extinction.

Tail Piece

Perhaps there are plans to convert the sanctuary into a picnic spot. Planners might have thought that in view of declining deer population inside park, why not open it for the recreation purpose far away from the maddening crowd of city.

May be the sanctuary gets popularity for the cabs now in wake of decline in Hanguls.     

I was engrossed in my work to such an extent that I couldn’t takeout time to blog. I apologize for taking an off. During checking my blog, I came across a unique question in response to my post about “subdued politics”.

The person is eager about the results of Assembly elections in J&K scheduled later this year. The questioner want to know which political party would win majority of the seats. Well, I just want to tell my friend that I don’t believe in making assertions or what in media jargon is called ‘exit polls’.

As far as elections in this region are concerned, I don’t see the majority of population interested in this affair. So at the first place let me put it here that mass participation in election is a far of affair in Kashmir. People by and large prefer to remain aloof from such exercises after insurgency broke out in Kashmir in 1989.

The revival of elections in J&K took place in 1996 and subsequently in 2002. Each time people boycotted the polls. A low turnaround was recorded. However, governments were formed both the times. It is a mystery to me as to how governments were chosen despite the fact that majority of the people abstained from voting.  

Year 1996 saw National Conference (NC) emerging again on the political scene with two-third majority. The NC’s ‘victory’ came as a setback to the assertion that militancy in Kashmir was fallout of manipulation of 1987 elections.  Civil society groups and studies based on newspaper reports maintain that elections were held under the influence of gun.

The counter-insurgent group Ikhwan enjoying the patronage of Indian Army and government then forced people to cast the votes in rural Kashmir. However, across the urban centres complete boycott was observed. Again in 2002, elections were conducted under the shadow of gun.

I had been to many such polling booths during my assignment to cover the elections. I don’t remember coming across a place where I could have seen men in queues out side polling stations. Instead, I met people persuading journalists to ask soldiers not to force them to cast the votes.

I still remember that across the polling stations in South Kashmir, the votes casted were in between 10-25. I haven’t come across any polling station where in I could have recorded the number of votes casted around 100 or more.

Anyways, let us come to the point what good the so called governments have done to the people? A quick appraisal of the last decade does not make one to cheer, when seen in comparison to the period from 1989-1996.

Kashmir issue still continues to haunt the inhabitants despite much rhetoric about the ‘peace process.’ Development is as elusive as peace. Employment of the unemployed, better healthcare and education are other things people aspire for.

So let me come to the point that so far J&K has not seen any government that could end the miseries of common people.

Tail piece

Nowadays everyone is promoting himself as a politician, particularly the people with shady characters. They are heavily investing in stage managing rallies by purchasing the men for gatherings. Today there might hardly be any political party in rest of India that has not a unit in J&K. So in such a scenario what one can aspire in coming elections would be a broken verdict.

Srinagar

Inferences always bring out wrong conclusions. So better is to shun it. Wrong conclusions complicate the simpler issues and thus fail us to comprehend the reality. They make us myopic and thus shape our thinking in prejudiced manner.

Last week a known rock band of Pakistan Junoon was here to perform during a concert in Srinagar. Media went agog with the news stories around it. And of course, with the interpretations and interferences.

A young crowd mostly from schools had gathered to witness the live show of rock stars singing sufi lyrics.

Enthusiastic girls and boys were up on their feet, their arms outstretched and hair flying.

The concert had been organised by a non-government organisation, the South Asia Foundation. The Foundation had anticipated up to 10,000 people in the audience. But the numbers were well below that, estimated around 4000.

More people would have gathered had media and politicians not made it a political show.

Concerts and musical shows are a routine outside, why make it a deciding point. Entertainment should be taken within the limits of it why interpret it as the peoples verdict?  

The organisers for the event promoted it as a part of peace process, as promoting regional cooperation.  Peace process, Kashmir issue has nothing to do with the musical shows. That is totally a different issue. Political issues need a political solution. Blaring of musical instruments like guitars can’t achieve the same.

Peerzada Arshad Hamid

Srinagar

For the first time in the past 19 years, separatists in Kashmir are subdued and so is their politics. Run -up to the assembly elections scheduled later this year see a stark dissent in their voices.

The face of defiance - All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) - a conglomerate of 23 seperatist parties, founded in 1993 to intensify separatist politics under one banner today seems to have lost relevance to a large extent.  

Hurriyat faction led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani is hell bent to persuade people for boycotting the upcoming polls and has even kick started his campaign by addressing Friday gatherings in Mosques. The other faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is learnt to have decided not to be part of poll boycott campaign. Although they are yet to speak it in open, their leaders are tightlipped over the matter.

Assumptions are rife that 2008 elections would be turning point for separatists in valley. Already elections in 2002 saw bifurcation of Hurriyat after Syed Ali Shah Geelani sought public explanation from the Hurriyat over its failure to boycott elections and proxy participation into the polls, a hint towards Lone brothers. Deepening crisis resulted in division among People's Conference, with Sajad Lone opting out from Hurriyat and launching salvos openly at Geelani. Bilal Lone retained his position in the APHC.

However, this year's election with two Hurriyat taking up two different agendas is going to deepen the divide further.  

The defining image of Kashmir's new separatist politics is the discord among two Hurriyats and Pakistan government's approval to mainstream politicians. The creation of new bonds (sharing of dice by Asif Ali zardari and Mehbooba Mufti on laters visit to Pakistan) is enough an indication of the changed situation and political discourse in Kashmir.

Pakistan's changing favourites has left common man in Kashmir disillusioned. He sees approach of moderate Hurriyat more as escapism on their part rather than anything else. If separatists like Syed Ali Geelani use to lead the funeral prayers of militants, for people in mainstream visiting the families of deceased militants and joining the mourning is no more seen as supporting or abetting the "terrorism". Earlier it was Mehabooba Mufti, who use to visit families of killed militants, now National Conference leaders too have started similar tactics. Very recently brother of Farooq Abdullah, Mustaf Kamal was seen attending a condolence meeting of a killed militant in his Pattan.

Mirwaiz has been maintaining that elections should not be linked with Kashmir issue as they had no impact on the Kashmir issue during the past 60 years. Recently he even proposed that his alliance would advance 10 steps if New Delhi takes one step in showing sincerity to resolve the Kashmir issue.

"In no case should the assembly polls in the state be linked to the Kashmir issue because the two are not even remotely connected. Our entire attention is focused on resolving the Kashmir issue and we have a complete agenda and political thought. If India takes one step forward in resolving the issue, we are prepared to take ten," Mirwaiz said.

On the contrary Sayeed Ali Shah Geelani believes that implementation of UN resolutions can only solve the Kashmir issue and he advocates right to self-determination.  Although, having turned a recluse in its fight, pressure is building up on Geelani to take on the state as well as mainstream politicians.

Firdous Sayed is a militant turned legislator turned peace activist in Srinagar. He does not subscribe to the view that moderate Hurriyat is escaping the situation but maintains that end of elections will see separatist sentiment revolving around Geelani.

Sayed foresees that separatist sentiment would outlive the situation but separatist infrastructure will be in doldrums after elections.

"At present I don't see any difference in their ideologies instead a difference in modus operandi. Geelani Hurriyat will vigorously pursue the poll boycott campaign while as Mirwaiz Hurriyat many not," said Sayed.

Though Mirwaiz Hurriyat faction is expected to under take a journey to Pakistan in the month of June this year to mobilize support in their favour, Kashmir watchers see the move as an indication to evade the poll boycott campaign. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is also expected to leave valley for year long fellowship program at Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University.

Mirwaiz's absence from Kashmir at the time of the Assembly elections too is being seen as a move to keep himself away from the state during the poll process.

The other groups silence over election boycott may be haunting Geelani but he does not disclose it. The old man is adamant on his programme to call for a poll boycott.

The discord among the separatists is going to benefit the mainstream parties, who are all agog to sweep the polls. During their rallies and public meetings they accuse each other of being New Delhi's stooges and talk of resolution of Kashmir issue citing their own formulas. They do all this to woo the voters in their favour.

Peerzada Arshad Hamid

Srinagar

People's Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to come up with a detailed draft on its much hyped proposal 'Self-rule', that the party kicked up a storm after suggesting introduction of dual currency in state as well Pakistan administered Kashmir.

The need for introducing dual currency was felt by PDP patron and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Sayeed advocates that both Indian and Pakistani rupees should be the medium of exchange across LoC. PDP terms the move a step forward towards ending up a status quo on Kashmir. The Party President and Member of Parliament, Mehbooba Mufti not only seconded her father but also confidently argues that the proposal is in line with the ground realities.

"Our prime minister and president of Pakistan have already acknowledged that boundaries can not be changed, let us make them irrelevant. So for making borders irrelevant there is a need to address the implications of boundaries like free movement of people and goods. What we propose is what situation demands," Mehbooba told TEHELKA.

During her visit to Pakistan earlier this month, Mehbooba suggested structuring of a regional council (dual power-sharing arrangement between India and Pakistan for undivided Kashmir) for an amicable solution to Kashmir. She had gone there to present a paper on Prospects for Kashmir in Indo-Pak relations in two-day Pugwash conference on "regional stability".

Pugwash an American think tank has been organizing conferences in the sub-continent to discuss problems of regional stability and initiatives that should be taken to promote peace and cooperation in the region and make recommendations to the respective governments.

Mehbooba believes that biggest measure to bring both sides together is to set up a mechanism where in both countries can grow together by using joint resources.

PDP's top leadership propagates 'self-rule' as the only viable way out for permanent resolution of Kashmir imbroglio. Insiders in party say that it is the economic component of 'self rule' formula. Ask Mehbooba whether self-rule contains the option of dual currency as well and she says self rule is about empowering people.

"It is something like empowerment of people. There is going to be no full stop on self –rule. The way things are moving and economics is going around, there are so many things that can empower people. We are talking about empowering people. If tomorrow chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir is called prime minister, it is empowerment of government but if options like dual currency and routes are explored, that is empowerment of common people and empowerment of people of J&K is the essence of self-rule," Mehbooba explains.

However, PDP's proposal comes in for severe criticism from different political circles, ranging from pro-freedom Syed Ali Geelani to Hindu nationalist BJP. Even PDP's coalition partner in government Congress and largest opposition party in state National conference have rubbished the proposal in one voice.

Senior separatist leader and chairman of All party Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Geelani undermines the proposal as a trick to further complicate the Kashmir issue. Geelani rebuffs the ideas for according to him the proposal is aimed at deviating the attention from the main issue.

"Slogans like self-rule, joint management and joint currency are all meaningless propositions put forth by Indian stooges to help New Delhi buy more time and keep the dispute lingering besides covering up the atrocities being perpetrated on the people of the state to muzzle their voice for freedom," Geelani said.

Political analysts in the state view PDP's proposal as an election gimmick to woo the voters. Rekha Chaudhury is the former Head of Political Science Department in University of Jammu. She keeps track of the political developments in state and Indo-Pak relations.

Chaudhury does not see any practicality in the proposal for she says issue of currency can not be taken in isolation.

"I don't see any seriousness in this proposal. Since this is an election time, they have to woo the voters. Otherwise the issue of currency can not be taken in isolation. First there should be a proper consensus over movement of people, followed by trade and other things will follow. Since Kashmir is a political issue and unless you don't have a wider political arrangement, how can you expect progress in finances, monetary issues, currency etc.," she says.

Chaudhury is of view that currency has to be a part of some arrangement.

Earlier governments in India and Pakistan had agreed to much awaited trade across Line of Control (LoC) and even exchanged the list of items to be traded but political instability inside Pakistan played a spoilsport. The common sentiment among the business circles is that unless trade is not resumed across LoC, talking about such things is living in 'fool's paradise'. 

"We have not been able to open up the trade links and you are talking about currencies. Let them put in their efforts for opening up trade links first and then talk about other things. Why are they creating hue and cry on currencies," asks Muzaffar Ahmad Tak, a businessman in

Srinagar.

Up to 1947, Kashmiri goods, including fruits, almonds, walnuts and handicraft items, used to be traded via Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road. After Pakistan-backed tribesmen invaded Kashmir in 1948, the LoC - a ceasefire line - became the de facto border and vehicular movement was suspended across this road.

Last year the two governments exchanged trade list between two countries.

PDP base its argument on dual currency and maintains that economic upliftment can pave way towards resolution of Kashmir. They argue that integrating both sides economically through tourism and trade can bring people together without changing boundaries.

"Prime Minister of India has stated d said that we need to have some joint mechanism for common good of citizens. He said joint mechanism and here we are suggesting how it can be achievable. I think dual currency is going to facilitate this integration," Mehbooba says.

BJP has termed the proposal as "condemnable, outrageous and anti-national''. BJP spokesperson Hari Om has said PDP leaders should be tried for sedition and has even expressed surprise over the silence of Congress over the issue.

"You have people opposing it because they have always opposed identity of Jammu and Kashmir, Article 370, etc. Then there are other parties who oppose it in the grab of national interest. In Jammu and Kashmir there are people opposing it as PDP's election stunt. Let me tell you both currencies will be exchanged here once trade starts," Mehbooba says.

The largest opposition party in state National Conference president Omar Abdullah termed the proposal as mere eyewash. "PDP keeps on floating such ideas and when one is rejected another is floated. Slogans like demilitarization, self-rule are hollow and nothing else," Omar said.

NC has been championing the cause of autonomy to the state within Indian union and as the possible solution for the Kashmir crisis.

PDP's coalition partner state Congress president and Union Minister for water resources Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz has also rejected the proposal. The Congress party leaders credit themselves with what once PDP leaders were taking credit of. The clash between the coalition partners has put an end to the speculations of pre-poll alliance between the duo.  

"It is unfortunate that Mufti Muhammad Sayeed does not differentiate between Europe's joint currency and Pakistan rupee," Soz said.

Although it has generated a furor among the political circles, the economists do not see any hope in the viability of this proposal.

 "I don't see any practicality in this proposal. Maintaining two currencies - Pakistani one for Pakistani goods and Indian for Indian goods will be difficult for people. First we have to build a favourable atmosphere between two countries and then understand the aim of introducing the dual currency. I don't see it beneficial for the people," said Prof G M Bhat, Economist at the University of Kashmir.

Since Indian economy is growing compared to Pakistan, experts fear that such proposals if implemented will result in weakening the economy of state.

"In such a case the currencies will be vulnerable to fakes and thus would result in creating chaos and confusion among the people. These are pure political gimmicks and nothing else," Bhat said.

Earlier this year the state finance minister Tariq Hameed Karra was in the centre of a similar controversy when he raised the question of separate currency for Jammu and Kashmir. However, Mehbooba Mufti today shields the minister and says he did not meant separate currency instead dual currency. Mehbooba says Qarra was misquoted.