जम्मू। रियासत सरकार ने २०१० में वादी में तीन महीने तक भड़की हिंसा में मारे गए १०२ लोगों के परिजनों को पांच-पांच लाख रुपये मुआवजा देने का फैसला लिया है। पर सरकार का यह फैसला श्री अमरनाथ संघर्ष समिति को अखर रहा है। संघर्ष समिति के सदस्यों के मुताबिक श्री अमरनाथ भूमि आंदोलन के दौरान मरने वाले १४ लोगों में से रियासत सरकार द्वारा सिर्फ दो लोगों को ही तीन लाख रुपये मुआवजा दिया है।
समिति के सदस्यों का कहना है कि सेना और सुरक्षा बलों पर पथराव करने वालों को सरकार पांच पांच लाख मुआवजा दे रही है जबकि अपने अधिकारों के लिए संघर्ष के दौरान जान गंवाने वाले जम्मू के लोगों को सरकार ने मुआवजा नहीं दिया है।
उनका यह भी कहना है कि सरकार पक्षपात को बढ़ावा दे रही है। समिति के चेयरमैन ब्रिगेडियर (रिटायर्ड) सुचैत सिंह का कहना है कि पत्थरबाजों को उकसाया जा रहा है। पत्थरबाजी का इनाम देकर सरकार अगली गर्मियों में भी हिंसा को सुनिश्चित कर रही है। ज्ञात रहे कि सरकार ने हिंसा के दौरान मरने वालों के लिए ५.१० करोड़ मंजूर किया है। इससे प्रत्येक परिवार को पांच-पांच लाख बतौर मुआवजा दिया जाएगा।
सरकार के इस फैसले को लेकर समिति जल्द ही बैठक करने वाली है। बैठक में कैबिनेट के ताजा फैसले पर भी चर्चा की जाएगी जिसमें भूमि आंदोलन के दौरान सांप्रदायिक हिंसा के शिकार परिवारों को भी मुआवजा दिया गया है। समिति के सदस्यों का कहना है कि भूमि आंदोलन के दौरान जम्मू खित्ते के १४ लोगों की जानें गई है। आंदोलन के दौरान भद्रवाह और जम्मू में मरने वाले दो लोगों के परिजनों को ही मुआवजा दिया गया है।
समिति के प्रवक्ता डा. नरेंद्र सिंह का कहना है कि सरकार समिति को आंदोलन करने पर मजबूर कर रही है। सुरक्षा बलों पर पथराव करने वालों को पांच पांच लाख और राष्ट्रवादी लोगों को कोई मुआवजा नहीं दिया जा रहा है। स्टेट मोर्चा के विधायक अश्वनी शर्मा का कहना है कि मामले को हाउस में उठाया जाएगा।
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
There is no space for Pakistani fundamentalism in India
Simrit Kahlon
When the idea of Pakistan was first mooted and conceptualised, it was envisaged as a model Muslim state which would root itself in tradition and the Muslim religious ethos while tuning itself in to the sounds of technological development emanating from the modern West. Today, however, things have taken on a vastly different complexion. The country is slowly being taken over by the radical elements of Islam leaving it absolutely disassociated from the sounds of modernisation.
In fact, the radicalisation of politics in Pakistan is nothing new. Successive regimes in the country have veered towards a fundamentalist approach in governance. As far back as the eighties decade of the last century, when General Zia-ul-Haq was at the helm of affairs, Pakistan began to be governed by the laws of the Shariat. Women’s status in the country plummeted to an all-time low. Music, dance and other forms of art were virtually banned from the cultural milieu of the country. After the demise of the General, Pakistan witnessed a succession of democratic regimes, but the radical laws established during his rule continued to hold sway in the country.
The use of Pakistan as a conduit to stir insurgency and rebellion in Afghanistan, with the intent of undermining the growing Russian influence on the sub-continent further served to buttress the fundamentalist groups operating in the country. These groups spread religious propaganda among the common population with the open intention of bringing them within the fold of fundamentalism and the government did nothing to contain this flow. The birth and development of the Taliban primarily owes itself to this process. The feudal basis of Pakistani society which is vertically divided into the “haves” and “have not’s” also contributed to the moving of the deprived sections towards fundamentalist groups. The result of all these dynamic forces is there for all to see.
Today, when the socio-political milieu in the Muslim world is veering towards a more egalitarian regime, Pakistan remains steeped in fundamentalist politics. While the common man in the Arab countries has woken up to the fact of his being exploited and suppressed by the successive radicalised, didactic and totalitarian regimes in these countries, his counterpart in Pakistan has sunk deep into the quagmire of religious fundamentalism and radicalised politics. Pakistan today is epitomised by chaos, turmoil and destruction.
Just over a period of less than two months, Pakistan has borne witness to two high profile assassinations. Both the leaders were assassinated adhered to a liberal thought process. They were essentially both against the anti-blasphemy law that had been passed during the regime of General Zia and they were assassinated by men adhering to the fundamentalist ideology. But worst of all, the assassinations far from being condemned by the local population were, in fact, hailed as acts worthy of commendation. When such acts receive a social sanction from the common man and when he remains unmoved by such gruesome acts, then it certainly does not bode well for the future of the state as well as the people.
In the context of Kashmir, what is absolutely remarkable is the fact that so called leaders such as Syed Ali Shah Geelani, on the one hand, purport the need, nay the right of the Kashmiris for self-expression and self-rule and on the other hand find themselves on a perfect wavelength with the state of Pakistan as it exists today – a state that has no truck whatsoever with things like human rights and self-expression. One wonders whether when Mr.Geelani threatens a revolution akin to the one in Libya, taking place in Kashmir doe he realise or appreciate the positive fallouts of staying in a state like India? A state where even a terrorist of the like of Ajmal Kasab who has blatantly waged war against the state of India and is responsible for the killing of many innocent Indian and foreign nationals is provided a fair trial and a chance to defend himself. Is this something that Mr.Geelani can guarantee the people of Kashmir once they become a part of Pakistan? Is Mr.Geelani even confident that he would still be alive after having made statements reeking of sedition had he been in Pakistan instead of India? It is high time that Mr.Geelani and those of his ilk did a bit of soul-searching and stock taking to know where they are headed and how dear they hold the interest of Kashmiris to their heart.
Respect for individual rights, freedom of thought and expression and other aspects of civil liberties are all associated with the tenets of democracy, modern outlook and high levels of literacy and tolerance. With the people of Pakistan depending upon religious instruction as a means to education as well as code of conduct, it is only to be expected that they will fail to appreciate the value of such enlightened and civiliised norms. Any leader of the world who gives support to a thought process of this nature needs to be countered in the strongest possible manner
It is quite incredible that the Indian Nation continues to stand a mute spectator to all the Machiavellian machinations of the separatist community while fully realising that they are bent upon hurtling the people of Kashmir into an abyss for personal gains. Instead of exposing them for what they are, the leadership of the country is bent upon targeting those like the security forces that are working day and night to save the region from becoming a prey to Pakistan’s politics of radicalisation. It is time to call a spade a spade and keep national interest first and foremost. It is time to give a message loud and clear that there is no place for Pakistani fundamentalism in India.
Police foiled assembly chalo march of Tehreek-e-Insaf.
a) Three women and a men got injured, admitted in GMC-Jammu.
b) Govt.assured to arrange meeting between Leaders of Tehreek-e-Insaf and the Chief Minister within seven days.
Police foiled assembly chalo march with house hold material organised by Tehreek-e-Insaf an organisation which is fighting for militancy affected people of Jammu province Shouting slogans against the government and in favour of their demands under the banner of Tehreek-e-Insaf-Jammu militancy affected people Jammu region gathered at Mubarak Mandi with house hold materials to go into J&K civil secretariat as no body is listening their woe as they have no food, no shelter and no clothes. Hundreds of militancy affected people which include women and children started march with household material but police tried thrice to stop them but failed at last at Panjthirthi police and CRPF cordoned the protesters which resulted a massive scuffle in which four workers of the organisation including three women namely Gammi Gujar of Gool, Sarina Begam of Kishtwar, Zatun Begam of doda and Choudhary Gulzar of Nagrota got Injured and were admitted in GMC-Jammu,govt.agreed to arreange a meeting between leaders of Tehreek-e-Insaf and the chief Minister within seven days, Magistrate Rajinder singh assured the leaders of Tehreek-e-Insaf to arrangr their meeting with Chief Minister in view of their long pending demands. Before starting march adressing the protesters
Chairman of Tehreek-e-Insaf Jammu ,ex MLA Mohd Farooq Mir accused the state govt.for ignoring the militancy affected people of Jammu and forced the affected people to come on roads. He said militancy victims of Jammu region are at the edge of starvation and our government failed to mitigate their sufferings. said the government was not serious in solving the problems of the militancy-affected people of the Jammu region.
He said over 50 percent cases of SRO-43 are still pending in Jammu province for disposal and instead of the disposal state govt issued an order on January 27, 2009 that family having income more than 5000 per month shall not be given compensation whose family member is killed in militancy. He warned the govt. to end the injustice with the militancy affected people of Jammu province otherwise get ready to face the consiquences
Bali Bhagat ex MLA and the deputy Chairman of Tehreek-e-Insaf said neither the militancy-affected people nor the migrants of the region had been given any relief by the successive state governments inspite of the rulings of Hon’ble Supreme Court. “We have decided to march towards the Civil Secretariat with household materials, as our people neither have food nor shelter,”
Deputy Chairman of the organisation Dr Mumtaz Hussain Bukhari today reiterated his demand regarding constitution of a high level committee to assess the losses suffered by the terrorism hit people of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch districts.He demanded an economic package for affected people and reservations to their wards in the educational institutions especially in professional colleges.
Mohd.Aslam Kohli President said thousands of people from Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts were hit by militancy and a large number of families were forced to migrate and many of them had not been registered as migrants. He said due to terrorism in the state, thousands families have migrated from hilly areas of Jammu region since 1990. These people faced atrocities from the militants and the we have started a campaign to enlist the losses of lives and properties in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch districts,
Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Beig Chief Organiser of the TeI said Doda migrants are on dharna-protest for last five years but nobody paid any heed toward we people.He said the relief Commissioner Jammu is not fare and totally indulged in corruption.He said condition of jammu migrants is very bad and if the govt not meted our demands many of our people may commit suicide because of starvation. Rakesh Sharma,Youth President of the organisation warned the govt that they will not sit as silent spectators.
Simrit Kahlon
When the idea of Pakistan was first mooted and conceptualised, it was envisaged as a model Muslim state which would root itself in tradition and the Muslim religious ethos while tuning itself in to the sounds of technological development emanating from the modern West. Today, however, things have taken on a vastly different complexion. The country is slowly being taken over by the radical elements of Islam leaving it absolutely disassociated from the sounds of modernisation.
In fact, the radicalisation of politics in Pakistan is nothing new. Successive regimes in the country have veered towards a fundamentalist approach in governance. As far back as the eighties decade of the last century, when General Zia-ul-Haq was at the helm of affairs, Pakistan began to be governed by the laws of the Shariat. Women’s status in the country plummeted to an all-time low. Music, dance and other forms of art were virtually banned from the cultural milieu of the country. After the demise of the General, Pakistan witnessed a succession of democratic regimes, but the radical laws established during his rule continued to hold sway in the country.
The use of Pakistan as a conduit to stir insurgency and rebellion in Afghanistan, with the intent of undermining the growing Russian influence on the sub-continent further served to buttress the fundamentalist groups operating in the country. These groups spread religious propaganda among the common population with the open intention of bringing them within the fold of fundamentalism and the government did nothing to contain this flow. The birth and development of the Taliban primarily owes itself to this process. The feudal basis of Pakistani society which is vertically divided into the “haves” and “have not’s” also contributed to the moving of the deprived sections towards fundamentalist groups. The result of all these dynamic forces is there for all to see.
Today, when the socio-political milieu in the Muslim world is veering towards a more egalitarian regime, Pakistan remains steeped in fundamentalist politics. While the common man in the Arab countries has woken up to the fact of his being exploited and suppressed by the successive radicalised, didactic and totalitarian regimes in these countries, his counterpart in Pakistan has sunk deep into the quagmire of religious fundamentalism and radicalised politics. Pakistan today is epitomised by chaos, turmoil and destruction.
Just over a period of less than two months, Pakistan has borne witness to two high profile assassinations. Both the leaders were assassinated adhered to a liberal thought process. They were essentially both against the anti-blasphemy law that had been passed during the regime of General Zia and they were assassinated by men adhering to the fundamentalist ideology. But worst of all, the assassinations far from being condemned by the local population were, in fact, hailed as acts worthy of commendation. When such acts receive a social sanction from the common man and when he remains unmoved by such gruesome acts, then it certainly does not bode well for the future of the state as well as the people.
In the context of Kashmir, what is absolutely remarkable is the fact that so called leaders such as Syed Ali Shah Geelani, on the one hand, purport the need, nay the right of the Kashmiris for self-expression and self-rule and on the other hand find themselves on a perfect wavelength with the state of Pakistan as it exists today – a state that has no truck whatsoever with things like human rights and self-expression. One wonders whether when Mr.Geelani threatens a revolution akin to the one in Libya, taking place in Kashmir doe he realise or appreciate the positive fallouts of staying in a state like India? A state where even a terrorist of the like of Ajmal Kasab who has blatantly waged war against the state of India and is responsible for the killing of many innocent Indian and foreign nationals is provided a fair trial and a chance to defend himself. Is this something that Mr.Geelani can guarantee the people of Kashmir once they become a part of Pakistan? Is Mr.Geelani even confident that he would still be alive after having made statements reeking of sedition had he been in Pakistan instead of India? It is high time that Mr.Geelani and those of his ilk did a bit of soul-searching and stock taking to know where they are headed and how dear they hold the interest of Kashmiris to their heart.
Respect for individual rights, freedom of thought and expression and other aspects of civil liberties are all associated with the tenets of democracy, modern outlook and high levels of literacy and tolerance. With the people of Pakistan depending upon religious instruction as a means to education as well as code of conduct, it is only to be expected that they will fail to appreciate the value of such enlightened and civiliised norms. Any leader of the world who gives support to a thought process of this nature needs to be countered in the strongest possible manner
It is quite incredible that the Indian Nation continues to stand a mute spectator to all the Machiavellian machinations of the separatist community while fully realising that they are bent upon hurtling the people of Kashmir into an abyss for personal gains. Instead of exposing them for what they are, the leadership of the country is bent upon targeting those like the security forces that are working day and night to save the region from becoming a prey to Pakistan’s politics of radicalisation. It is time to call a spade a spade and keep national interest first and foremost. It is time to give a message loud and clear that there is no place for Pakistani fundamentalism in India.
Police foiled assembly chalo march of Tehreek-e-Insaf.
a) Three women and a men got injured, admitted in GMC-Jammu.
b) Govt.assured to arrange meeting between Leaders of Tehreek-e-Insaf and the Chief Minister within seven days.
Police foiled assembly chalo march with house hold material organised by Tehreek-e-Insaf an organisation which is fighting for militancy affected people of Jammu province Shouting slogans against the government and in favour of their demands under the banner of Tehreek-e-Insaf-Jammu militancy affected people Jammu region gathered at Mubarak Mandi with house hold materials to go into J&K civil secretariat as no body is listening their woe as they have no food, no shelter and no clothes. Hundreds of militancy affected people which include women and children started march with household material but police tried thrice to stop them but failed at last at Panjthirthi police and CRPF cordoned the protesters which resulted a massive scuffle in which four workers of the organisation including three women namely Gammi Gujar of Gool, Sarina Begam of Kishtwar, Zatun Begam of doda and Choudhary Gulzar of Nagrota got Injured and were admitted in GMC-Jammu,govt.agreed to arreange a meeting between leaders of Tehreek-e-Insaf and the chief Minister within seven days, Magistrate Rajinder singh assured the leaders of Tehreek-e-Insaf to arrangr their meeting with Chief Minister in view of their long pending demands. Before starting march adressing the protesters
Chairman of Tehreek-e-Insaf Jammu ,ex MLA Mohd Farooq Mir accused the state govt.for ignoring the militancy affected people of Jammu and forced the affected people to come on roads. He said militancy victims of Jammu region are at the edge of starvation and our government failed to mitigate their sufferings. said the government was not serious in solving the problems of the militancy-affected people of the Jammu region.
He said over 50 percent cases of SRO-43 are still pending in Jammu province for disposal and instead of the disposal state govt issued an order on January 27, 2009 that family having income more than 5000 per month shall not be given compensation whose family member is killed in militancy. He warned the govt. to end the injustice with the militancy affected people of Jammu province otherwise get ready to face the consiquences
Bali Bhagat ex MLA and the deputy Chairman of Tehreek-e-Insaf said neither the militancy-affected people nor the migrants of the region had been given any relief by the successive state governments inspite of the rulings of Hon’ble Supreme Court. “We have decided to march towards the Civil Secretariat with household materials, as our people neither have food nor shelter,”
Deputy Chairman of the organisation Dr Mumtaz Hussain Bukhari today reiterated his demand regarding constitution of a high level committee to assess the losses suffered by the terrorism hit people of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch districts.He demanded an economic package for affected people and reservations to their wards in the educational institutions especially in professional colleges.
Mohd.Aslam Kohli President said thousands of people from Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts were hit by militancy and a large number of families were forced to migrate and many of them had not been registered as migrants. He said due to terrorism in the state, thousands families have migrated from hilly areas of Jammu region since 1990. These people faced atrocities from the militants and the we have started a campaign to enlist the losses of lives and properties in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch districts,
Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Beig Chief Organiser of the TeI said Doda migrants are on dharna-protest for last five years but nobody paid any heed toward we people.He said the relief Commissioner Jammu is not fare and totally indulged in corruption.He said condition of jammu migrants is very bad and if the govt not meted our demands many of our people may commit suicide because of starvation. Rakesh Sharma,Youth President of the organisation warned the govt that they will not sit as silent spectators.
Sindu Darshan Mahotsav-2011
Sindu Darshan Mahotsav-2011
Dear Friends,Historic Sindu Yatra is going to start from 20th of June to 28th of June-20011 From Jammu Passing Kashmir Valley to Leh.
SINDHU DARSHAN YATRA - NATION’S PRIDE
The mighty Sindhu River , our nation’s pride, is a symbol of ancient Indian Civilization. The name ‘SINDHU’ which means ‘SAMUDRA’ has been given to it because of its size, volume and the long distance it covers. The Sindhu River is one of the world’s longest river. Various other names given to our country such as – Hind, Hindustan, India etc have been derives from Sindhu or Indus [the name given by foreigners]. Here only Lord Jhulelal was born. The inspiration, motivation and creation of holy VEDAS were also the result of the Sindhu’s magical powers. Hence references of the Sindhu river can be found at many points in the Vedas.
The journey to the Sindhu River takes us to five thousand years old Indus Valley Civilization also known as Harappa and Mohenjodaro. The Sindhu river originates in Southern West Tibbet at the height of 16,000 feet and enters in India in Leh, which is in Laddakh. After travelling for about 200 miles it touches the Southern West borders of Jammu. At this point its height is 15,000 feet. It meets its first tributary “Janskar” at about 11 kilometers from Leh. After traveling for about 1500 kms in the same direction it meets the river ‘SHYOK’. At this point it is 16 kms broad and looks as huge as a sea. Then it flows to Kashmir and enters into Pakistan.
SINDHU DARSHAN YATRA
Sindhu Darshan Yatra is a kind of pilgrimage as it takes us to the ancient and holy Sindhu river where Vedic culture has blossomed. This river has also given name and cultural heritage to our country. The name of our country “India” has originated from Indus Valley Civilization and hence one must visit and have a dip in the holy river. The Sindhu River leads to amalgamation of the whole country culturally, religiously, and socially.
Sindhu Darshan Yatra is an assimilation or religions, enthusiasm and a real adventure. It also establishes Indian unity and communal harmony. It encourages our brave Indian soldiers protecting our nation. Sindhu Darshan Yatra has also helped in integrating people from different regions and has also given them an opportunity to admire the natural beauties of Leh and Ladakh region of J&K. The nature is at its best here and touches everyone’s heart. This Sindhu Yatra visit will enable us to visit some of the historical places. Not only this , you will also be charmed by various cultural and religious programmes. A rise in the number of tourists every year is a clear indication of love and affection of people all over India and abroad of this region.
HOW TO JOIN SINDHU DARSHAN YATRA?
Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samiti has chalked out all arrangements to join Sindhu Yatra
1. BY ROAD (JAMMU- SRINAGAR-LEH – JAMMU )
The first route to reach Leh is by road which goes through Kashmir Valley i.e. Jammu-Srinagar-Leh. Sindhu Darshan Yatra will start from Jammu which is at a distance of 290 kms from Srinagar. On the way one can also enjoy places like Patnitop, Sonmarg, Victory points of Kargil Dras and several Gompas. In Srinagar one can also enjoy boating in Dul Lake and the beauty of world famous gardens and Shankaryacharya & other temples.
This Year Programme
This year Yatra will start from 20th of June to 28th of June.
The details of Programme is as Under :-
1) 19th June:- To reach Jammu by afternoon.
2) 20th June:- Yatra will Start from Jammu at 7am. Night stay at Srinagar.
3) 21ST of June :- To see the important tourist Places at Srinagar ( Srinagar round up)
4) 22nd of June :- At 7am Yatra Will move form Srinagar to Kargil. In the way Yatries will enjoy the beauties of Sonamarg, Jogela, Drass, Tiger Hill, Droupadi Kund, Toloing and Batalic Sector. Night stay at Kargil
5) 23rd of June :- At 6 in the morning Yatra will move for Leh. Yatries will enjoy the most beautiful sites of the world like Chamba, Namkeela, Lama-uru, Gurdwara Pathir Sahib & Magnetic Hill. Night stay at Leh.
6) 24th of June :- To reach at Sindhu River Ghat Leh at 8 in the morning, Bath in the holly river of Sindhu, Sindhu Pujan & Colorful Ladakhi Cultural Programme at historic Leh City.
7) 25th of June :- Leh round up & to attend the programme of “One step for Kailash-Mansarovar”, Cultural Programme at Polo ground Leh and farewell by People of Lah at night.
8) 26th of June :- at 2pm Yatra will start its return Journey. Night stay at Lama-Uru.
9) 27th :- Return journey from Lama-Uru to Mata Kheer Bhawani at Srinagar.
10) 28th of June return Journey from Srinagar to Jammu. Note:- Those who wish to visit Shri Amar Nath ji Can go by making own arrangements from Srinagar.
Famous tourist attractions in Laddakh and Janskar are the Buddhist Monastries and ancient heritage. Most of them fall around Leh and one can reach here by bus or taxi.
Gompas are the places of Buddhist cultural heritage and bear international importance. Some of the spots like Namgyal TsemoShey Palace and Stok Palace Museum have specific visiting hours.
Krishna temple in Leh is a very calm and peaceful place to pray. “Hall of Fame” near Leh reminds us of our brave warriors. About 30 kms from Leh is the famous “Pathar Sahib Gurudwara” This gurudwara is being managed by Indian Army. The cleanliness, calm and peaceful atmosphere touches everyone’s heart. Famous Magnetic Hill is 3 kms ahead. Whenever any vehicle passes from there, this hill tries to attract it. Every passenger on this way can feel this magnetic attraction. World’s highest road ‘Khardungla Pass’ can also be seen near Leh.
Imp.Information :-
1) Yatries have to register themselves by 15th of May 20011.
2) This Yatra Passes through high altitude, by virtue cold, Yatries are requested to bring Warm Clothes with them.
3) Yatra will be traveled through 2/2 deluxe buses.
4) Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samiti Will make all the arrangements of Yatra.
5) The Amount Rs.6000- per Yatri will be charged for this Yatra by Yatra Samiti.
Dear Friends, this yatra has the same significances and importance as that of Praga Maha Kumbh.I wish u to join this histories yatra to know the Jammu,Kashmir & Leh-Ladakh.
For more information You can call 094191-44078 ( Ravinder Raina)
& can contact through mail ID:- indiankashmir@gmail.com,capt.vajpayee@gmail.com
MIlitancy affected people of Udhampur district protested at DC Office Udhampur
Militancy affected people of Udhampur today protested at DC Office Udhampur under the banner of Tehreek-E-Insaaf in view of their long pending demands. Addressing the protestors, Mohd Aslam Kohli, President of Tehreek-e-Insaaf said that the condition of 8 lacs militancy affected people of Jammu including 12000 migrant families are at the edge of starvation. The unhygeinic environment in the camps of Jammu migrants is extremely deplorable. The Govt has not paid any heed towards militancy affected people of Jammu province. No special budgetary provision were made for our people for fulfilling their genuine needs of housing, employment & improving their living conditions.
Addressing the protestors, Sher Singh Vice President said that Govt has back-stabbed our people by not implementing the directions of Hon'ble Supreme Court. He said that we will join the Assembly-Gherao protest organised by the organisation at Jammu on 21st of March and appeal the affected people to show their strength. Later on, a delegation of Tehreek-e-Insaaaf met the DC Udhampur and submitted their demands & problems of militancy affected people of Udhampur Distt. Large no. of people including women participated in the protest against State Govt which started at Mini Stadium & culminated at DC Office, Udhampur. Ravinder Raina, Gen Secy & Haji Mohd Taj Mukri were also present in the protest rally
Wikileaks should help evolve consensus on core issues of security
The whistle blowing web site Wikileaks has once again gained centre stage in our parliamentary politics. The recent expose has got the opposition baying for the blood of the UPA Government on the issue of a "US tilt' in the cabinet reshuffle of 2006 and allegations of payoffs during the confidence vote in the Parliament on the Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008
It is being claimed that Washington framed the UPA Government's foreign policy. The second issue pertains to a soft corner that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is supposed to have towards Pakistan - having been born there --, which leads to a dovish approach by him in engaging the recalcitrant nation in dialogue. His erstwhile National Security Advisor MK Narayanan allegedly opposed this approach. The US bureaucracy comes across as opinionated and suffering from an acute superiority complex. Further, it takes a one sided approach, completely divorced from ground realities, while addressing issues. The language used in the cables attempts to project the incumbent diplomat who leaves the Indian leadership weak kneed in the face of his clout.
Obviously, the person who gains the maximum from the report, which is supposed to be confidential in nature, is the diplomat himself. What defies comprehension is that his superiors buy such na‹ve and infantile ideas and recommendations. No wonder the US policy in South Asia is so lopsided. It is being said that Mani Shanker Aiyar was divested from his portfolio on the recommendation of the US. Mani Shanker Aiyar, though a person acknowledged for his intellectual brilliance, is by no means a political heavyweight who would come in the way of the UPA Government's engagement with the US.
He would have done what his higher command wanted him to do, so where was the need for former US Ambassador David C Mulford to use his so-called 'considerable influence' to have him sidelined. The second issue is that of Dr Manmohan Singh's soft corner for Pakistan. It is very evident that it is not as soft as the one nurtured by Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he was the Prime Minister and he was not born in Pakistan.
There are other more important disclosures that should come up for consideration and debate. The New York Times reported on Sunday, July, 18, 2010, that US military field documents exposed by Wikileaks suggest that Pakistan has been allowing "representatives of its spy service to meet directly with the Taliban to organise networks of militant groups that fight against American soldiers in Afghanistan". What this implies is that, while Washington is blindly paying Pakistan massive amounts of money, the ISI has been functioning against US interests.
There is yet another leak of December 2, 2010 which relates to a report sent by Tim Roemer, the US Ambassador to India, which refers to the Indian Army's mobilisation plan as slow, lumbering and incapable of sustaining the cold start doctrine allegedly designed to punish Pakistan in a limited manner without triggering a nuclear response.
This dispatch suggests that the Pakistani government is not be unduly worried about a possible attack from India should its hands in a terrorist action in the future become visible. It is the cumulative intelligence provided by Wikileaks that should call upon the national leadership to sit up and take notice. The question that comes to mind is - if the US is not relenting in its pursuit to equip Pakistan with military capability against India, and if Pakistan is not worried about a threat from India, then what is India doing to safeguard its interests?
Despite being privy to this information, why is India resolutely following the path of dialogue with Pakistan? In fact, such is India's spirit of accommodation, that Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has given his consent to a Pakistan commission questioning the main accused in the Mumbai attack of 26/11, Ajmal Kasab. Pakistan has taken no reciprocal action of allowing India to question Zaki-ur-Rahman Lakhvi who is s said to be the mastermind of the said attack.
There is not much cause for India to relent and look towards accommodating Pakistan or engaging the Pakistani Government in talks. It is well understood that in any civilised society, the window of dialogue should always be kept open. However, there has to be someone credible sitting across the table with whom one can talk. In Pakistan, it is not clear as to who is calling the shots. Definitely, it is not the government, and a guess between the US, the Army, the Islamic fundamentalists or all of three would not be wildly off the mark. According to the Wikileaks expose, none of these three have Indian interest in mind.
The Wikileaks exposes should be utilised to formulate a national consensus on core issues concerning our security. It is time to confront the US in one voice and insist that it comes out clean with respect to its policy on India and Pakistan. It simply has to stop running with the hares and hunting with the hounds. It has to cease looking at India as a soft and pliable State which can be manipulated in furtherance of its very myopic and misplaced interests in the Af-Pak region.
India cannot go on tolerating Pakistan's propaganda of projecting itself as a reasonable and responsible state living under the shadow of a constant threat from a belligerent neighbour. It is time for the US and the Pakistan government to ensure that General Kayani takes all possible steps to dismantle terrorist infrastructure targeted against India, it is common knowledge that he has the wherewithal to do so only the intention is missing. Finally it is time to make it clear that India has the potential and the will to use the hard option cold, hot or medium. Will it happen ? Unfortunately, a consensus is elusive and more time is likely to be spent in the country on 'pay-offs' for securing the confidence vote. By Jaibans Singh (ANI)
Dear Friends,Historic Sindu Yatra is going to start from 20th of June to 28th of June-20011 From Jammu Passing Kashmir Valley to Leh.
SINDHU DARSHAN YATRA - NATION’S PRIDE
The mighty Sindhu River , our nation’s pride, is a symbol of ancient Indian Civilization. The name ‘SINDHU’ which means ‘SAMUDRA’ has been given to it because of its size, volume and the long distance it covers. The Sindhu River is one of the world’s longest river. Various other names given to our country such as – Hind, Hindustan, India etc have been derives from Sindhu or Indus [the name given by foreigners]. Here only Lord Jhulelal was born. The inspiration, motivation and creation of holy VEDAS were also the result of the Sindhu’s magical powers. Hence references of the Sindhu river can be found at many points in the Vedas.
The journey to the Sindhu River takes us to five thousand years old Indus Valley Civilization also known as Harappa and Mohenjodaro. The Sindhu river originates in Southern West Tibbet at the height of 16,000 feet and enters in India in Leh, which is in Laddakh. After travelling for about 200 miles it touches the Southern West borders of Jammu. At this point its height is 15,000 feet. It meets its first tributary “Janskar” at about 11 kilometers from Leh. After traveling for about 1500 kms in the same direction it meets the river ‘SHYOK’. At this point it is 16 kms broad and looks as huge as a sea. Then it flows to Kashmir and enters into Pakistan.
SINDHU DARSHAN YATRA
Sindhu Darshan Yatra is a kind of pilgrimage as it takes us to the ancient and holy Sindhu river where Vedic culture has blossomed. This river has also given name and cultural heritage to our country. The name of our country “India” has originated from Indus Valley Civilization and hence one must visit and have a dip in the holy river. The Sindhu River leads to amalgamation of the whole country culturally, religiously, and socially.
Sindhu Darshan Yatra is an assimilation or religions, enthusiasm and a real adventure. It also establishes Indian unity and communal harmony. It encourages our brave Indian soldiers protecting our nation. Sindhu Darshan Yatra has also helped in integrating people from different regions and has also given them an opportunity to admire the natural beauties of Leh and Ladakh region of J&K. The nature is at its best here and touches everyone’s heart. This Sindhu Yatra visit will enable us to visit some of the historical places. Not only this , you will also be charmed by various cultural and religious programmes. A rise in the number of tourists every year is a clear indication of love and affection of people all over India and abroad of this region.
HOW TO JOIN SINDHU DARSHAN YATRA?
Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samiti has chalked out all arrangements to join Sindhu Yatra
1. BY ROAD (JAMMU- SRINAGAR-LEH – JAMMU )
The first route to reach Leh is by road which goes through Kashmir Valley i.e. Jammu-Srinagar-Leh. Sindhu Darshan Yatra will start from Jammu which is at a distance of 290 kms from Srinagar. On the way one can also enjoy places like Patnitop, Sonmarg, Victory points of Kargil Dras and several Gompas. In Srinagar one can also enjoy boating in Dul Lake and the beauty of world famous gardens and Shankaryacharya & other temples.
This Year Programme
This year Yatra will start from 20th of June to 28th of June.
The details of Programme is as Under :-
1) 19th June:- To reach Jammu by afternoon.
2) 20th June:- Yatra will Start from Jammu at 7am. Night stay at Srinagar.
3) 21ST of June :- To see the important tourist Places at Srinagar ( Srinagar round up)
4) 22nd of June :- At 7am Yatra Will move form Srinagar to Kargil. In the way Yatries will enjoy the beauties of Sonamarg, Jogela, Drass, Tiger Hill, Droupadi Kund, Toloing and Batalic Sector. Night stay at Kargil
5) 23rd of June :- At 6 in the morning Yatra will move for Leh. Yatries will enjoy the most beautiful sites of the world like Chamba, Namkeela, Lama-uru, Gurdwara Pathir Sahib & Magnetic Hill. Night stay at Leh.
6) 24th of June :- To reach at Sindhu River Ghat Leh at 8 in the morning, Bath in the holly river of Sindhu, Sindhu Pujan & Colorful Ladakhi Cultural Programme at historic Leh City.
7) 25th of June :- Leh round up & to attend the programme of “One step for Kailash-Mansarovar”, Cultural Programme at Polo ground Leh and farewell by People of Lah at night.
8) 26th of June :- at 2pm Yatra will start its return Journey. Night stay at Lama-Uru.
9) 27th :- Return journey from Lama-Uru to Mata Kheer Bhawani at Srinagar.
10) 28th of June return Journey from Srinagar to Jammu. Note:- Those who wish to visit Shri Amar Nath ji Can go by making own arrangements from Srinagar.
Famous tourist attractions in Laddakh and Janskar are the Buddhist Monastries and ancient heritage. Most of them fall around Leh and one can reach here by bus or taxi.
Gompas are the places of Buddhist cultural heritage and bear international importance. Some of the spots like Namgyal TsemoShey Palace and Stok Palace Museum have specific visiting hours.
Krishna temple in Leh is a very calm and peaceful place to pray. “Hall of Fame” near Leh reminds us of our brave warriors. About 30 kms from Leh is the famous “Pathar Sahib Gurudwara” This gurudwara is being managed by Indian Army. The cleanliness, calm and peaceful atmosphere touches everyone’s heart. Famous Magnetic Hill is 3 kms ahead. Whenever any vehicle passes from there, this hill tries to attract it. Every passenger on this way can feel this magnetic attraction. World’s highest road ‘Khardungla Pass’ can also be seen near Leh.
Imp.Information :-
1) Yatries have to register themselves by 15th of May 20011.
2) This Yatra Passes through high altitude, by virtue cold, Yatries are requested to bring Warm Clothes with them.
3) Yatra will be traveled through 2/2 deluxe buses.
4) Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samiti Will make all the arrangements of Yatra.
5) The Amount Rs.6000- per Yatri will be charged for this Yatra by Yatra Samiti.
Dear Friends, this yatra has the same significances and importance as that of Praga Maha Kumbh.I wish u to join this histories yatra to know the Jammu,Kashmir & Leh-Ladakh.
For more information You can call 094191-44078 ( Ravinder Raina)
& can contact through mail ID:- indiankashmir@gmail.com,capt.vajpayee@gmail.com
MIlitancy affected people of Udhampur district protested at DC Office Udhampur
Militancy affected people of Udhampur today protested at DC Office Udhampur under the banner of Tehreek-E-Insaaf in view of their long pending demands. Addressing the protestors, Mohd Aslam Kohli, President of Tehreek-e-Insaaf said that the condition of 8 lacs militancy affected people of Jammu including 12000 migrant families are at the edge of starvation. The unhygeinic environment in the camps of Jammu migrants is extremely deplorable. The Govt has not paid any heed towards militancy affected people of Jammu province. No special budgetary provision were made for our people for fulfilling their genuine needs of housing, employment & improving their living conditions.
Addressing the protestors, Sher Singh Vice President said that Govt has back-stabbed our people by not implementing the directions of Hon'ble Supreme Court. He said that we will join the Assembly-Gherao protest organised by the organisation at Jammu on 21st of March and appeal the affected people to show their strength. Later on, a delegation of Tehreek-e-Insaaaf met the DC Udhampur and submitted their demands & problems of militancy affected people of Udhampur Distt. Large no. of people including women participated in the protest against State Govt which started at Mini Stadium & culminated at DC Office, Udhampur. Ravinder Raina, Gen Secy & Haji Mohd Taj Mukri were also present in the protest rally
Wikileaks should help evolve consensus on core issues of security
The whistle blowing web site Wikileaks has once again gained centre stage in our parliamentary politics. The recent expose has got the opposition baying for the blood of the UPA Government on the issue of a "US tilt' in the cabinet reshuffle of 2006 and allegations of payoffs during the confidence vote in the Parliament on the Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008
It is being claimed that Washington framed the UPA Government's foreign policy. The second issue pertains to a soft corner that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is supposed to have towards Pakistan - having been born there --, which leads to a dovish approach by him in engaging the recalcitrant nation in dialogue. His erstwhile National Security Advisor MK Narayanan allegedly opposed this approach. The US bureaucracy comes across as opinionated and suffering from an acute superiority complex. Further, it takes a one sided approach, completely divorced from ground realities, while addressing issues. The language used in the cables attempts to project the incumbent diplomat who leaves the Indian leadership weak kneed in the face of his clout.
Obviously, the person who gains the maximum from the report, which is supposed to be confidential in nature, is the diplomat himself. What defies comprehension is that his superiors buy such na‹ve and infantile ideas and recommendations. No wonder the US policy in South Asia is so lopsided. It is being said that Mani Shanker Aiyar was divested from his portfolio on the recommendation of the US. Mani Shanker Aiyar, though a person acknowledged for his intellectual brilliance, is by no means a political heavyweight who would come in the way of the UPA Government's engagement with the US.
He would have done what his higher command wanted him to do, so where was the need for former US Ambassador David C Mulford to use his so-called 'considerable influence' to have him sidelined. The second issue is that of Dr Manmohan Singh's soft corner for Pakistan. It is very evident that it is not as soft as the one nurtured by Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he was the Prime Minister and he was not born in Pakistan.
There are other more important disclosures that should come up for consideration and debate. The New York Times reported on Sunday, July, 18, 2010, that US military field documents exposed by Wikileaks suggest that Pakistan has been allowing "representatives of its spy service to meet directly with the Taliban to organise networks of militant groups that fight against American soldiers in Afghanistan". What this implies is that, while Washington is blindly paying Pakistan massive amounts of money, the ISI has been functioning against US interests.
There is yet another leak of December 2, 2010 which relates to a report sent by Tim Roemer, the US Ambassador to India, which refers to the Indian Army's mobilisation plan as slow, lumbering and incapable of sustaining the cold start doctrine allegedly designed to punish Pakistan in a limited manner without triggering a nuclear response.
This dispatch suggests that the Pakistani government is not be unduly worried about a possible attack from India should its hands in a terrorist action in the future become visible. It is the cumulative intelligence provided by Wikileaks that should call upon the national leadership to sit up and take notice. The question that comes to mind is - if the US is not relenting in its pursuit to equip Pakistan with military capability against India, and if Pakistan is not worried about a threat from India, then what is India doing to safeguard its interests?
Despite being privy to this information, why is India resolutely following the path of dialogue with Pakistan? In fact, such is India's spirit of accommodation, that Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has given his consent to a Pakistan commission questioning the main accused in the Mumbai attack of 26/11, Ajmal Kasab. Pakistan has taken no reciprocal action of allowing India to question Zaki-ur-Rahman Lakhvi who is s said to be the mastermind of the said attack.
There is not much cause for India to relent and look towards accommodating Pakistan or engaging the Pakistani Government in talks. It is well understood that in any civilised society, the window of dialogue should always be kept open. However, there has to be someone credible sitting across the table with whom one can talk. In Pakistan, it is not clear as to who is calling the shots. Definitely, it is not the government, and a guess between the US, the Army, the Islamic fundamentalists or all of three would not be wildly off the mark. According to the Wikileaks expose, none of these three have Indian interest in mind.
The Wikileaks exposes should be utilised to formulate a national consensus on core issues concerning our security. It is time to confront the US in one voice and insist that it comes out clean with respect to its policy on India and Pakistan. It simply has to stop running with the hares and hunting with the hounds. It has to cease looking at India as a soft and pliable State which can be manipulated in furtherance of its very myopic and misplaced interests in the Af-Pak region.
India cannot go on tolerating Pakistan's propaganda of projecting itself as a reasonable and responsible state living under the shadow of a constant threat from a belligerent neighbour. It is time for the US and the Pakistan government to ensure that General Kayani takes all possible steps to dismantle terrorist infrastructure targeted against India, it is common knowledge that he has the wherewithal to do so only the intention is missing. Finally it is time to make it clear that India has the potential and the will to use the hard option cold, hot or medium. Will it happen ? Unfortunately, a consensus is elusive and more time is likely to be spent in the country on 'pay-offs' for securing the confidence vote. By Jaibans Singh (ANI)
JUSTICE ON TRIAL: ENQUIRY INTO THE SITUATION OF TERRORISM –AFFECTED PEOPLE OF JAMMU REGION OF THE STATE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR.
JUSTICE ON TRIAL: ENQUIRY INTO THE SITUATION OF TERRORISM –AFFECTED PEOPLE OF JAMMU REGION OF THE STATE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR.
The State of Jammu & Kashmir - - situated in the northernmost part of India – it has two capitals Srinagar (summer) & Jammu (winter).
• One of the most beautiful places in the world -- popular as Heaven on Earth .
• Shares borders with Pakistan in the west, China in the north and east, and the Indian states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in the south.
• It consists of three distinct regions – Kashmir valley, Jammu region, and Ladakh. The area and population of the three regions is –
Region Area (Sq. Miles) * Population (2001 Census)
Kashmir Region 8,639 5,476,970
Jammu Region 12,378 4,430,191
Ladakh Region 33,554 236,539
Total 54,571 10,143,700
• Languages – Hindi,urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, Pahari, Punjabi, Gojari, Ladakhi or Bodhi, Balti, Dardic.
Districts in J & K
The J&K divided into 22 districts,
(1)Districts of Jammu Region are:-
Jammu,Kathua, Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, and Samba
(2)Districts of Kashmir Region are :-
Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Shopian
(3)Districts of Ladakh Region :-
Kargil and Leh
INTRODUCTION :-
This is an enquiry instituted by “Justice On Trial”, a Trust duly registered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act having its registered office at --------------------Ahmedabad in the State of Gujarat. The Trust, hereinafter referred to as “JOT”, is a non-government, non-political institution run by citizens who have decades of experience in working in diverse fields of human activity. Members of JOT are deeply concerned about the problems faced by various sections of the society in different parts of the country and are always ready to extend a helping hand to the affected people by enquiring into and finding out the root causes of the problem and providing and suggesting possible solutions as also by spreading information about the correct factual situation and by espousing the cause of the affected people before various government and non-government organisations. JOT aims at exposing and eliminating all kinds of injustices in the society at all levels and for this purpose institutes Enquiries and Fact finding Committees from time to time focussing on specific problems.
The need for such an organisation and such inquiries was felt because it was observed that there was very little awareness in the society about the plight of sections of society with whom the other sections of the society do not have live contact. The main source of information for the general public to know about the events happening around them and in other parts of the country is media, electronic as well as print. Over the years, media has done an excellent job in exposing injustice and shaping public opinion on various social problems. However, media has its own limitations. To establish a countrywide news telecasting channel or a newspaper house is a very costly proposition. Because of these financial constraints the media cannot afford to engage an army of independent and competent journalists to conduct on-the-spot enquiries into the problems faced by various sections of the people and faithfully bring forward the ground realities before the people. The media therefore, has to heavily depend on the Governmental authorities and agencies for news-collection and as in most of the problems government authorities and agencies are involved, free, fair and unbiased reporting and analysis is not possible. Moreover, to meet the costs of production and to successfully face the cut-throat competition media have to raise funds from various sources. It has to see that it attracts adequate advertisement revenue which depends on the size of viewers or readership. The media cannot afford to ignore or antagonise the advertisers or large sections of the viewers and readers. It cannot always afford to be impartial and unbiased at the cost of loosing advertisers, viewers and readers. There is therefore no guarantee that media will always be able to expose injustices prevalent in the society at all times and in all the circumstances.
Over the years, Governments have been instituting enquiries under the Commissions of Enquiry Act, 1952 to enquire into various incidents and problems. These enquiries are mostly headed by retired or serving judges of the Supreme Court or the High Courts and as such are expected to be more trust-worthy. However, such Public Enquiries have also lost their efficacy, utility and credibility because of the unreasonably long time taken to submit the report and as there is no legal compulsion to accept the recommendations made in the report and to take time-bound action thereon. Scores of such enquiry reports are lying unattended in various states for several years giving rise to a justifiable impression that such enquiries are instituted only to silence the agitated people, to divert the public attention, to avoid exposure and accountability and to gain time till the public feelings are assuaged and cooled off. The intension is not to get at the root of the matter to find out the truth and to punish the guilty.
JOT therefore, thought that Public Enquiries by independent and trust-worthy individuals, who have had a proven record of Public Service in various fields in which they have held positions of high status and responsibilities, may regenerate confidence of the masses in such enquiries and may go a long way in providing succour to the victims of the injustice. JOT institutes enquiries on various matters of public concern by constituting committees manned by eminent persons including specialists from the concerned fields. So far, three major enquiries have been conducted and concluded under the aegis of JOT. The first such enquiry was about the problems in Singur and Nandigram in West Bengal in the year 2007. It was headed by Honourable Justice Shri M. Ramkrishna, former Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Assam High Courts. Second enquiry was held on the incidents of the Kandhmal district of Orissa. This committee was headed by Shri G.S. Gill, former Additional Advocate General of Rajasthan. Third enquiry was held to enquire into the problems of the North Cachhar Hills of Assam under the chairmanship of Honourable Shri Justice M.V. Tamaskar, former Judge of Madhya Pradesh High Court. Eminent persons including Honourable Shri Justice S.M. Soni, former Judge of the Gujarat High Court and former Lokayukta of Gujarat, Shri P.C. Dogra IPS (Retd), former Director General of Police, Punjab, Shri Y.R. Patil IPS(Retd), and Smt. Nafeesa Hussain, former member of the National Commission for Women, were associated with these enquiries as members of committee.
All the above enquiries were completed within reasonable time and the reports of the committees were forwarded to high dignitaries and responsible authorities including H.E. the President of India and the Governors of concerned States. Action is being taken on the reports of these committees.
The present enquiry has been instituted to enquire into the problems of the terrorist affected people of Jammu region of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The Committee is headed by Honourable Justice Shri V. S . Kokje, former Governor of Himachal Pradesh and former Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court. Shri G.S. Gill, former Additional Advocate General, Rajasthan, Dr. Deen Mohammad Otha, M.D., a renowned gynaecologist of Bhav Nagar, Gujarat, Dr. Yogesh Patel, M.D., famous psychiatrist of Vadodara, Gujarat, Smt. Maya Bohra, prominent practising psychologist from Indore, Smt. Sukhpreet Kaur Grewal, prominent social activist from Bhopal and Shri Kanhaiyalal Joshi, social activist from Ahmedabad are the members of the Committee.
SUBJECT-MATTER OF ENQUIRY.
JOT chooses topics for enquiry on the basis of information received from various sources about grievances of classes of people in various parts of the country in respect of injustices and inequalities in various spheres of the society and the public response to such problems. After scrutiny of all the available information, it was found that the grievances of the persons who were displaced from their natural habitat and occupations as a result of terrorist activities in the Jammu region of the State of Jammu & Kashmir have not received due, proper and adequate attention and publicity in other parts of the country as compared to the attention and publicity received by the plight of the displaced persons from the Kashmir valley who were forced by terrorist activities to migrate from the Kashmir valley to Jammu region of the state or to other parts of the country. It was also observed that there was a strong perception and feeling in the Jammu region that the people of Jammu region were being discriminated against by giving preferential treatment to the terrorist affected people of the Kashmir valley. It was felt that the Central and State Governments were neglecting and giving step-motherly treatment to the people of Jammu region. There were no studies, official or otherwise, conducted in the matter and no material was available to test the veracity and credibility of the aforesaid perception and grievance. Moreover, it was found that there was very little awareness amongst people residing in other states of India about the plight of the terrorism affected people of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, especially the people of Jammu region of the state. People in other parts of the country believed that the problem of terrorism was confined to the valley only and Jammu region was safe. In the other parts of the country the general impression was that Kashmiri Pandits were the only people who were forced to abandon their natural habitat. It was also thought that only Hindus and other non-muslim communities were forced to migrate and terrorists targeted only non- muslims. It was therefore thought that an enquiry into the problems of the people of Jammu region who were affected by terrorist activities in the region and who were forced to abandon their normal places of residence and occupations because of terrorist activities in the region should be conducted so that the real factual situation is brought before the people of the country and the Central and State Governments. Hence, this enquiry on this subject.
IMMEDIATE FOCUS OF THE ENQUIRY :
Terrorism and its effect on people of a particular area is a very wide subject. No purpose was going to be served by holding a roving enquiry into the impact of terrorism on the people of Jammu & Kashmir state. As it is, all such efforts concentrate on the terrorism in the Kashmir valley and the impact of terrorism in the Jammu region does not get due attention. Immediate focus of this enquiry is therefore on the impact of terrorism in the Jammu region only. The extent of terrorist activities in the Jammu region and its impact on the local population was enquired into and adequacy of the relief and rehabilitation schemes and their implementation was studied. Conditions of living of the displaced persons who were forced to abandon their homes, work-places and normal occupations because of terrorist activities in the Jammu region of the State of Jammu & Kashmir was the focal point of this enquiry. We concentrated on the terrorist activities which took place in the Jammu region, the impact of terrorism on the local population, the extent of displacement from normal place of residence/business because of terrorism in the region, the extent of abandonment/change of normal occupation because of terrorism in the region, the relief and rehabilitation schemes of the Central and State Governments and their adequacy, efficacy and implementation. We also enquired about the allegations of discrimination in grant of relief to the terrorism affected people of the Jammu region as compared to the terrorism affected people of the Kashmir valley.
On July 12 ,2006,The Supreme Court today directed the Union government and the J&K government to treat the Jammu migrants on a par with Kashmir migrants for grant of relief.
A bench comprising Justices K G Balakrishanan, Tarun Chatterjee and D K Jain passed the directions after hearing counsel Bhim Singh who pleaded that migrant families from Jaammu were discriminated against by the authorities and migrants from Poonch, Doda, Rajouri and Udhampur have been living under inhuman conditions and some of the families have been forced to sell their small children for survival. Some of such children were rescued by the petitioner Bhim Singh.
J&K government had earlier admitted before the court that no relief had been provided to Jammu migrants since 2004.
In all there are 2201 families having 11904 members registered as genuine migrants.
The top court directed the relief commissioner to provide relief to the Jammu migrants after verifying their migrant status at par with Kashmiri migrants.
Note :- In spite of this ruling made by the H’able Supreme court of India,no compensation has been given to the migrants of Jammu Province.
METHODOLOGY ADOPTED.
Before commencing the enquiry, the committee at its meeting in Jammu discussed and decided the scope and extent of the Enquiry. The committee then divided itself into two groups. One group consisting of the Chairman, Justice (Retd.) V. S. Kokje, Dr. Yogesh Patel and Smt. Sukhpreet Kaur toured terrorism affected areas of distt.Rajouri,Poonch & Reasi of Jammu Province. Shri Mukundrao Devbhankar accompanied this group. The other group consisting of Shri G. S. Gill, Dr. Deen Mohammad Otha, Mrs. Maya Bohra and Shri Kanhaiyalal Joshi toured terrorism affected areas of distt.Ramban, Doda & Kishtwar of Jammu Province . These groups interacted with the victims and members of their families and prepared copious notes of their statements and the inputs given by them. They also interacted with Social Workers, representatives of the people, journalists and other leaders of public opinion in the area and prepared notes of their statements and inputs. A video camera team was sent along with each group and these teams recorded many important statements, interactions and inputs given to the Enquiry Teams by the affected people and their leaders and sympathisers. After finishing the task assigned to them, both the groups met at Jammu on the last day of their visit and jointly interacted with the victims of terrorist activities in the Jammu region, the terrorist affected migrants from the Kashmir Valley camping in Jammu and social organizations and workers fighting for the cause of terrorism affected people of the State and people displaced due to terrorist activities. After completing the interactions, the Committee deliberated on the data collected by the two groups, exchanged experiences and decided to meet again for preparation of draft report. The members of the committee again met at Ahmedabad on ------------ and started preparing the report.
SUMMERY OF INTERACTION
As stated earlier, for the purpose of interacting with the victims of terrorism in Jammu area, the Committee members formed two groups. One group consisting of Justice V. S. Kokje, Dr. Yogesh Patel and Mrs. Sukhpreet Kaur Grewal toured the distt.Rajouri,Poonch & Reasi. Shri Mukundrao Devbhankar accompanied this group. The other group consisting of Shri G.S. Gill, Shri Kanubhai Joshi, Dr. Deen Mohammad Otha and Mrs. Maya Bohra toured distt.Ramban,Doda & Kishtawar. The details of the interaction with various persons and the inputs received are given below :
Rajouri,Poonch & Reasi :-
Rajouri :
(1) Rubina Kooser D/o Ashiq Hussain Shah, native of village Ludkoti, District Rajouri:
On 21/11/2005, she was abducted from her home by 8 terrorists. They took her to jungle and was forced to marry one of them. At the time of the incident, she was a minor girl of 12 years. She was raped repeatedly by 3 local militants and 5 Pakistani terrorists for one month in the jungle. She was also beaten brutally and received severe injuries on her private parts. After a month, she managed to run away when the terrorists were offering their daily Namaz. She joined her family and migrated with the family to Jammu thereafter. Because of the incident, her life is threatened and she has not been given any kind of security or financial relief by the Government.
(2) Dilbarjan :
She was a resident of village Dadach Madoon, District Rajouri. Pakistani terrorists used to visit their house frequently and had food many times. The family did not have any choice but to feed them for fear of their lives. Because of this they became suspects in the eyes of Armed Forces. A day prior to the incident, the terrorists came to the family and questioned them about the information they gave to the Army. The family denied having passed on any information whatsoever to the military. The terrorist believe this and later on they came to their house and ordered the members of the family to stand in a queue and brutally killed them with gunshots. They were not allowed to take away the dead bodies for burial and the house was put to fire and burnt with the bodies inside it. However, Dilbarjan managed to save herself along with her son. Subsequently when the son became major, he got married and has now separated from the mother. The poor lady has got no relief from the Government apart from compensation of Rs.1,00,000/- which was given at the time of the fatal incident. The lady is now without any financial or social support and she is not getting any pension or any other relief whatsoever from the Government.
(3) (Story of a bride Shaguphta Naz who was killed by terrorists dragging out her from Doli )
Karmat Hussain R/o Gambhir Mughlan, Tehsil and District Rajouri :
Deceased Shaguphta Naz was his daughter who was killed by the militants on 8/6/2002 at Gambhir Mughlan, (Rajouri) while her Doli was taken to her husband’s house. She was killed on the same day of her marriage before reaching the destination i.e. the house of bridegroom. She was suspected as an army informer by the militants who first kidnapped and later on slaughtered her. Her father got Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees One lac only) as ex-gratia relief. No relief or other compensation was paid to her family and no investigation or inquiry has been carried out in this behalf.
(4) Yashpal Sharma and Gulshan Kumar Sharma.
These two brothers were residing at village Patrada at a distance of about 25 Kms from Rajouri with their family. They were running a shop there. At about 8.00 to 8.30 p.m. on 7th August 2002 when these two brothers were in their shop, about 7 to 8 terrorists entered their house which was nearby and collected the entire family at one place and gunned them down. Ruby Sharma wife of Yashpal Sharma, Kiranbala wife of Gulshan Sharma, Mohit Sharma, 3 year old son of Yashpal Sharma and Muskan Sharma, 4 year old daughter of Yashpal Sharma, were mercilessly gunned down by the terrorists. Yashpal’s elder daughter Diksha was in Rajouri on that day and because of that she was saved. They have also stated that the terrorists had come to the village in two groups, one group fired in the air to distract the attention of the villagers from the other group which committed the aforesaid atrocities. They also complained that the police station was nearby, but none of the policemen came to the rescue of the villagers. They also complained that they were forced to migrate from Patrada to Rajouri because of the incident as their business as shop-keepers also came to a halt after that incident. They were being given Rs.400/- per person per month (only for one year) subject to the restriction of maximum of Rs.1,600/- per family and ration which is given to them along with other displaced persons is also of a bad quality.
(5) Sunita Thakur d/o late Baldev Singh
She is a permanent resident of village Kabukote, Tehsil Kalakote, Dist. Rajouri. During the intervening night of 17th/18th June 2000, some terrorists, about 6 in number, attacked her house and they gunned down her father Shri Baldev Singh. Sunita bravely fought against the terrorists and gunned down one of the terrorist out of six and compelled them to flee from the scene of crime. She bravely resisted the attempt of the militants to kill other members of the family and saved three members of the family by firing from 303 rifle which was provided to her father by the army. Her grievance was that her bravery has not been recognized by the State and her application for suitable employment with the Jammu & Kashmir police or any other Government department was turned down. She also complained that no bravery award or reward was given to her while one such female named Rukhsana of village Thana-Mandi (Rajouri) was nominated for award and in 1990 one Lokesh, resident of Rainawari,(Srinagar) was also nominated for bravery award by the Government. Because of the incident in which her father was killed and the family was attacked, she had to migrate to Rajouri.
(6) Massacre in Tehsil Budhal of distt.Rajouri
Shanti Devi w/o late Shoba Ram
Jatti Devi w/o late Hans Raj
Amro Devi w/o late Munshi Ram
Shanti Devi w/o late Gurdeep Singh
Kailas Devi w/o late Rajinder Kumar
Hakam Singh, father of late Satveer Singh
(All resident of Teh.Budhal,Rajouri)
All of them were residents of village Rajnagar, District Rajouri. On 9th October 2005, terrorists came to village Rajnagar and collected male members from the families about whom they had a doubt that they had received rifles for their protection from the Government. When they were told that no such rifles were received by the villagers, the terrorists refused to believe that and went from house to house in search of rifles. When they did not find anything, they slaughtered male members from 28 families. Only female members and children from the families were left alive. According to the victims, they were attacked because they belong to minority community and the terrorists did not want minority Hindus to live in the village any more. After the slaughter also, the female members of the families were and are being threatened to leave the place, otherwise their children would also meet the same fate as the male members of the family had met. The locals of Majority community have also encroached upon and taken possession of their agricultural lands and other properties and have also murdered their children. In the aforesaid circumstances, they had to migrate to Budhal Town of District Rajouri where also these families are being harassed. They have received no relief from the Government and are forced to live in penury and fearful atmosphere.
(7) Mohammad Iqbal S/o Mir Husain, resident of Gambhir Mughlan (Mohra Chattroo), Tehsil and District Rajouri :
On 17th March 2006, four terrorists entered into his residential house and started harassing him as well as members of his family. He informed the security forces immediately and security forces rushed to the spot and launched an operation on the same day. In this operation, all the four terrorists were killed by the police / security forces. In the encounter, his house was totally damaged along with household goods and one buffalo, five goats and 20 chicken were also killed. After the incident, he had to shift to Rajouri along with 7 members of his family including his old aged parents and 4 daughters. He is facing great financial difficulty. According to him, his services in informing the police at great risk to his life and getting the terorists killed are not being recognized and he is not getting any relief whatsoever.
Poonch (distt.HQ)
(1) Shri Mohammad Javed, Shri Mohammad Azam and 28 others of Tehsil Haveli (Poonch)
The Committee also visited Tehsil Haveli, District Poonch where they received information from Mr. Mohammad Javed, Mohammad Azam and other 28 applicants that on 6/8/2000, mines were implanted in their agricultural fields along with the fields of other residents in the area. When the villagers went for agricultural operations, there were mine blasts which resulted in severe injuries causing permanent disability to most of the victims. So far no appropriate relief or compensation has been made available to the victims by the State. The details with medical reports are in the records of the Committee.
(2) Rajesh kumar S/o Shri Lekh-Raj, brother of deceased Chandrakant :He is a resident of village Mangnar, Tehsil Haveli, District Poonch. His brother – deceased Chandrakant was working as a labour in Hotel Anand at Poonch on 14/03/2003 when he was attacked by the terrorists and was killed along with others in the said hotel. No relief or compensation was paid to him.
(3) Rahul Sharma S/o Shri Mangal Ram Sharma, R/o village Mangnar, Tehsil Haveli, District Poonch :
Few militants entered his house and killed his two daughters viz. Priyanka Sharma and Meenakshi Sharma by firing at them on 27/04/2009. No relief or compensation has been received yet.
(4) Mrs. Faizabi W/o Mohammad Abdulla , R/o Chandak Haveli, Pooch (deceased Shamima Akhtar d/o Mrs. Faizabi :
Daughter of the complainant viz. Shamima Akhtar was kidnapped from her residence by 3 terrorists on 21/11/1998. She was raped and brutally killed. The J & K Government has paid Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees One lac only) to the petitioner as ex-gratia relief. No other help has been given to her.
(5) Ashok Kumar S/o Shri Kanshi-Ram, R/o village Mangnar, District Poonch :
On 12/07/2006, his two sons viz. Lokesh kumar and Pankaj kumar were shot dead by the militants. His another son viz. Arvind kumar was also attacked, but managed to escape. Due to terror and insecurity, he migrated to Poonch City from his native village Mangnar. The Government of J & K did not give any relief or employment to him and his son till date.
(6) Shyam-Lal Bali and others:
About 150 to 200 families were peacefully residing in villages Khanetar, Dalhera, Banchh, Tehsil Haveli, District Ponch. Due to terrorism, most of the minority Hindu families have migrated from the above said villages. At present, only 50 families are residing in the above said villages. The migration has occurred because of non-availability of proper security. It is pertinent to note that in the year 2008, communal riots took place and the house and shops of minority Hindus were burnt by terrorists which resulted in the migration. Number of times the authorities have been informed to provide proper security to prevent further migration of Hindus from the above said villages but to no avail.
(7) Shri Mohammad Javed, Shri Mohammad Azam and 28 others of Tehsil Haveli of distt.Poonch
The Committee also visited Tehsil Haveli, District Poonch where they received information from Mr. Mohammad Javed, Mohammad Azam and other 28 applicants that on 6/8/2000, mines were implanted in their agricultural fields along with the fields of other residents in the area. When the villagers went for agricultural operations, there were mine blasts which resulted in severe injuries causing permanent disability to most of the victims. So far no appropriate relief or compensation has been made available to the victims by the State. The details with medical reports are in the records of the Committee.
Surankote ,Tehsil HQ of distt.Poonch
(1) Imtiaz Ahmed, father of deceased Umar Imtiaz, R/o Village Potha, Tehsil Surankote, District Poonch :
His son Umar Imtiaz, aged about 15 to 16 months was killed in cross firing between terrorists and the Security forces at Fazlabad on 01/07/2004. No relief or compensation was given to him.
(2) Sayad-khan S/o Firoz-khan, R/o Buffliaz, Surankote,
On 02/02/2004, the terrorists set fire on his residential house situated at Buffliaz and also killed his daughter viz. Rubina Akhtar with gun shots. He got only Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lac only) as ex-gratia relief against the killing of his daughter, but nothing has been paid for the damage to his residential house by the Government.
(3) Mrs. Munira Begum of Surankote:
Her son joined Jammu & Kahmir Police following which terrorists killed her husband. Till date, no compensation or employment has been given.
(4) Mrs. Parvez Akhtar W/o late Khalil Ahmad, a victim of terrorism, R/o village Lassana, Tehsil Surankote,
She told us that her huband Mr. Khalil Ahmad was taken away by police on 14/5/2005 at 9 p.m. to assist them in operation against militancy in Fazalbad. On next day, he was found dead. The cause of death till date has not been revealed to the family members in spite of repeated applications. The photograph of deceased was also submitted and is enclosed with the application which is on the record of the committee.
Note:- At Suronkotre Convenor of Tehreek-e-insaf (Terrorism Affected Peoples Front,Jammu, which is fighting for the Justice for terror victims of Jammu region) Dr Mumtaz Hussain Bukhari said that constitution of a high level committee is required to assess the losses suffered by the terrorism hit people of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Talking to the members of the Committee, Dr Bukhari Said that an economic package be provided to these people and reservations given to their wards in the educational institutions especially in professional colleges.
He also demanded that all pending cases of SRO 143 be settled immediately as over 80 percent such cases are still pending in Jammu province for disposal, SPOs be regularized who have played an important role in elimination of terrorism from the state and migrant families be given compensation at par with Kashmiri migrants.
He said due to terrorism in the state, 10,000 families have migrated from hilly areas of Jammu region since 1990 but these families have not been registered by the Govt. Dr.Bukhari alleged that hundreds of innocent women and girls were given maltreatment in these area of Jammu region by terrorists and majority of them are muslims.There was much more worst position in these hilly where gun wielding terrorists were ruling the roost. He said thousands of innocent people were killed by terrorists in these areas which shattered the economy and development in these areas.
Residents of the area toured by the committee:
During our interaction with the residents of the area who came in large numbers to visit us several cases were reported where either because of a suspicion of being informer of army or informer of terrorists, the villagers were either harassed by the armed forces or by the terrorists which created a scare amongst the villagers, driving them to migrate from the villages. It is not possible to catalogue all such incidents reported to us. However, all the documents available with the persons reporting such instances were collected and taken on record of the enquiry and important inputs were video-graphed and included in the record of the enquiry.
Mendher,Tehsil HQ of distt.Poonch
(1) Sikandar Hayat, R/o Mendhar:
He stated that on the fatal night between 21st and 22nd August 2000, a group of terrorists entered the house of Gulam Abbas S/o Kadam Hussain R/o Surhati. He was dragged one kilometre away from his house and was fired at and killed. According to the informant, this was the fourth incident of this nature in the area in the same year. Adequate compensation has not been given to the next of the kin till date.
(2) Roop-Lal Sharma of Mendhar:
He informed that two women and two children were killed along with five adults in Mendhar. The grievance here wais that one person in the family of the deceased victim got the daily wages job who also later on expired. No relief or compensation was given to the next of the kin.
(3) Karamat Hussain of village Kalaban, Mendhar:- Deceased Waqar Ahmed S/o Karamat Hussain of Kalaban was 19 year old. On 18-07-2005 he was taken by the Jawans of 39 RR from the residence of his grandfather at kalaban and later the family was informed that Waqar Ahmed was killed in cross-firing between terrorists & Security forces.
No inquiry has been carried out in this behalf,only Rs.One Lakh was given to the family members of Waqar Ahmed and no other compensation is given to the family members of the deceased
Koteranka,distt.Rajouri (1)....................................................................................................
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Triyath,Area of Tehsil Kalakote (Rajouri)
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Talwara Migrants Camp of Distt.Reasi
(1) Residents of Talwara (Reasi) Migration Camp: (Biggest migrant Camp of migrants of Jammu Province)
The Committee also visited Talwara Migration Relief Camp. Number of families residing in the said Camp is 1362 out of which many are unregistered. The painful and agonizing information defying all human rights were observed. So much was the plight of the refugees there. They complained that some of the inmates there had to sell their children as they had no means to feed them or rear them up (this issue was raised in Jammu & Kashmir Assembly by Jammu-kashmir Panthers Party). Last year Minister for Revenue and Relief, J&k Govt.Mr. Raman Bhalla in reply to question of Syed Mohammad Rafiq Shah informed the Legislative Council that at present 994 migrant families belonging to Jammu province are residing in Talwara and other migrant camps. He said that directions issued by Honble Supreme Court on 12th of July 2006 have been implemented in letter and spirit. The Minister said that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has directed the Relief Commissioner Migrants to look into the matter and see whether they have been provided with all relief measures to which they are entitled as per the policy. Kashmiri Muslim migrants are being treated at par with other Kashmiri migrants in all respects but Lal Man Singh & Balvan Singh along with many others living in this migrant camp told the committee members that all these announcements made by Minister for Revenue and Relief are on papers. We were also told Unconfirmed and unverified stories about sale of females by the refugees and it was also reported that the women amongst the refugees were exploited in all possible ways. This apart, it was personally observed by the committee that proper hygiene, sanitation, electricity, education and supply of ration was not made available regularly. The ration supplied was not fit for animals also to eat. Even monthly financial assistance by way of compensation is not paid regularly.
(2) Migrants from Tehsil Mahore of distt.Reasi:
About 145 families migrated from Tehsil Mahore of distt.Reasi,due to terrorist threats people are residing at Reasi relief camp. They are facing the same difficulties as are faced by inmates of other relief camps.
Residents of the area toured by the committee:
During our interaction with the residents of the area who came in large numbers to visit us several cases were reported where either because of a suspicion of being informer of army or informer of terrorists, the villagers were either harassed by the armed forces or by the terrorists which created a scare amongst the villagers, driving them to migrate from the villages. It is not possible to catalogue all such incidents reported to us. However, all the documents available with the persons reporting such instances were collected and taken on record of the enquiry and important inputs were video-graphed and included in the record of the enquiry.
District Ramban,Doda & Kishtwar :-
On 3rd June 2010, the second committee headed by Shri G. S. Gill and accompanied by the members, visited Banihal, Ukhral, Ramban; On 4th June Doda, Chapandi Wadi, Kishtwar; on 5th Kawar, Thakarai, adjacent localities of Kishtwar; on 6th Gandoh, Bhadarwah; on 7th Bhadarwah, Pul-doda, Udhampur and on 8th migrated colony of Jammu such as Belicharana. At these places the committee met and interacted with approximately 700 persons in various groups out of which approximately 200 persons were interviewed personally. Almost all of this interaction was video-graphed and has been taken on record in the form of video CDs. The gist of the interaction is given hereunder.
BANIHAL of District Ramban– 3rd June 2010.
At Banihal, the committee met about 25 persons at Tourist Bungalow - Banihal, district Ramban heard them collectively in a group. Out of them some of the important people were personally interviewed, Sh.Mohd. Farooq Mir,former MLAs & Convenor of Tehreek-e-Insaf (Terrorism affected Peoples Front,Jammu) Office bearer of local NGOs i.e. Banihal Development Front & Shri Rajeev Chadak Sr.Leader of the BJP, were separately interviewed.
Mr. Farooq Mir, former MLA, while said Migrants of Jammu Province have been undergoing great hardships due to callous attitude of the Central and State governments in sanctioning relief and other benefits in their favour despite the court directions in this regard from time to time.
He said that due to eruption of militancy in the state in 1990s people from valley especially minorities and political activists as well as minorities from various areas of Jammu province particularly Poonch, Rajouri, Doda. Baderwah, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi. Udhampur were forced to leave their native areas and live under miserable and sub-human conditions in Jammu and elsewhere
‘It is sad that Kashmiri migrants were provided relief and ration items but the migrants from Jammu province were denied the same’, he mentioned, adding, migrants are migrants whether from Jammu or Kashmir, they should be treated in same category.
He further mentioned that Supreme Court of India and High Court J&K, in their interim directions have impressed upon the state government to treat the migrants of Jammu province on the analogy of Kashmiri migrants in respect of sanction of relief and other benefits, but the state government is reluctant to implement the court directions as a result of which they have been living in miserable and despondent lives.
He also complained of improper and inadequate compliance of SRO 143. He laid stress on the following points which were also raised by others :
1. Unemployment of shepherds due to terrorism. The terrorists find the shepherds a hurdle in their activities and take them to be the main source of information of the armed forces. Because of this they do not allow the shepherds to carry out their vocation of the higher reaches of the mountains where the Shepherds normally take their sheep during the summer for grazing. Terrorists harassed the shepherds by forcing them to give them sheep for food, compelling them to help the terrorists as guides and informants etc. because of which they became suspects in the eyes of the armed forces. A number of shepherds were killed by the terrorists in the high hills which created a scare amongst the shepherd communities and because of this many people from the communities traditionally dependent on sheep keeping business like Bakarwals and Gaddis lost their vocation and are facing unemployment.
2. Due to continuously diminishing of number of sheep the supply of raw wool is badly affected resulting in unemployment in carpet and shawl industry. This further created unemployment among artisans and semi-skilled workers.
3. Similarly due to terror the unemployed rural labour is not daring to go on the upper side of the hills for picking of herbs and medicinal plant products, such as, Guchchhi, Banafsha, Kalijiri and others. Earlier even a unskilled common labour used to earn approximately 22 to 30 thousand rupees in a season, but due to terrorism he became unemployed, tending towards starvation.
4. Because of diminished supply of milk and milk products due to diminishing number of sheep and goats, the economy based on the milk and milk product is disrupted and had affected the health of the local people as well.
5. Due to terrorism, working hours of the local people had reduced. Earlier the local people were free to work up to late evening but for the fear of terrorists they had to return to their home before 4 pm. Such reduction in working span had further affected their income.
Shri Rajeev Chadak,Sr.BJP Leader reiterated the same things and further added that some people for their personal, economic as well as political interests want to colour the issue of Jammu-Kashmir as communal but in fact the people of Jammu region have been and are being exploited and discriminated against irrespective of their religion. In Jammu region Hindus and Muslims both are killed by the terrorists and in rehabilitation plan both suffered due to discrimination.
Mr. Ata Muhammad Khokha, General Secretary of the Banihal Development Front, became emotional and with tears in his eyes described the incident in which the terrorists burnt his house and all household articles in the year of 2001 which compelled him to migrate to Ramban. Meanwhile, his land was also grabbed. Now he wants to go back and live there but there is no assistance from the state government.
Mr. Khadim Hussen Sohal, resident of Khambal Vaas, narrated the incident in which terrorists killed his three brothers, a sister-in-law and one kid. No security, relief or rehabilitation assistance was provided by the government as a result of which he had to migrate from the village and seek shelter elsewhere and to live a life of a displaced person. No assistance from the govt.
Mr Farooq Ahmed Nayak, resident of Khadi Manjos, complained that his wife was killed by the terrorists but no compensation or relief was given by the government.
Mr. Ghulam Mansoor Vaani, whose property was burnt and family members were killed in 2003, complained of inadequate compensation & ex-gratia .
UKHARAL – 3rd June – 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
Here the committee met approximately 90 persons, out of which 28 were personally interviewed. Their story was not different from that of people who met us in Banihal. In addition, they brought following problems to our notice :
1. It was emphasized by the people that terrorism is curbed by the security forces with the help of Village Defence Committees (VDCs). So, the security forces should not be withdrawn. They further stated that the members of VDCs, without bothering for the security of their person and property and for the security of the members of their family, played a vital and important role in checking terrorism. But, those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle with terrorists were not adequately compensated. In the same incident or encounter, if a military person is killed his dependents are paid Rs. 20 lakhs, if a police person is killed his dependents are paid Rs. 10 lakhs but if a Special Police Officer (SPO) is killed his dependents are given only Rs.1 lakh as compensation. Besides, if any SPO is killed, the government doesn’t employ and deploy another SPO in his place, so the number of SPOs and arms decreases in the VDC. In one VDC, there is a provision of 3 SPOs with gun. Earlier Rs. 1500/- per month per SPO were given, now it is Rs. 3000. This amount is distributed amongst 8 members of VDC. By the death of one SPO, number of weapons as well as quantum of amount decreases, resulting in the starvation and weakening of VDCs. It was also a common complaint that even such meager amount is not paid well in time.
2. It was also reported to the committee that after the advent of terrorism, use of alcohol and drug addiction has increased, resulting in cruelty towards women and children on the one hand and increase of health hazards on the other hand.
3. It was brought to the notice of the committee that after the advent of terrorism, functioning of the schools is badly affected. The number of students as well as teachers has decreased.
Ukharal of Ramban
At Ukharal, in addition to the above mentioned facts, some people stated their personal grievances, complaining of inadequacy of relief given by the government.
Smt. Bansu Devi of village Nagantar, Tehsil Banihal, stated that her husband, son and brother were killed in 1996 but no compensation was given simply for the reason that her daughter had not attained the age of 18 years.
Dharmi Devi, whose four sons, including three who were married, were killed and her daughter lost her eye-sight due to gunshot injury. No relief was given to her by the government.
Rano Devi, whose house was burnt and her husband was killed in 2002, complained that the government gave Rs. 4 lakh to her son who took away the money leaving herself and her daughter to starve without any succour. The government had not bothered for her and her blind daughter.
Shri Udham Singh of Upper Fagmula (Banihal), stated that his brother was killed on duty as SPO but no compensatory employment is given to him for the reason that he is less educated.
RAMBAN,district HQ – 3rd April 2010 – 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm local important persons at Ramban, personally aggrieved persons as well as Development Front, Local Congress, BJP,NC & Panther Party Leaders & Local National Front Leaders, met the committee at tourist bungalow. Generally, in addition to the issues raised at Banihal and Ukharal, the following grievances were brought to the notice of the committee.
1. Due to terrorism number of families, had to shift to Jammu or nearby region. After effective control by the security forces and active role of VDCs, horror of terrorism decreased and people started returning to their native places. After returning they found that there were fraudulent changes made in the revenue records deleting entries relating to their ownership and substituting new entries in their place. They have to go through a long process of litigation to get them corrected. Only a few of such persons could get their lands back for cultivation. The government has to take effective steps to get these entries wrongly made during the period of the terrorism corrected.
2. It was reported that terrorism is not buried forever and even today there is danger of recurrence of terrorism and a few incidents have already taken place in the near past. Sumbad, Gool, Rajgadh, Topbiru, Bhaisah, Sikhly, Milan and Gurmul were identified as super sensitive areas which needed more attention in this respect.
3. In addition to this, individual cases were also reported by following persons:
(i) Shri Balkrishna, S/o Hariram Sharma, resident of Rajgadh, with tears in his eyes stated that he was among the 32 persons attacked by the terrorists out of which 26 persons were killed at Chapandi. He also sustained gunshot injuries resulting in to disability of leg and damage to eye sight. He has not been given any compensation. He has not been given any benefit given to disabled persons either. He complained that he has not been issued disability certificate even today.
(ii) Smt. Bimladevi w/o Amarnath of Saravdhan (Ramban), told the sorrowful story of this village in which not only 13 persons were killed but they were killed brutally by piercing hot rods in their ears and eyes and cutting their necks. So the people of this village had to migrate. The government has not planned rehabilitation of this village as yet.
DODA district HQ – 4th June 2010 – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Doda which is known in media as hotbed of terrorism was visited by the committee on 4th Morning. Many important persons of the area including advocates, social activists, reformed militants and office bearers of the Doda Development Front expressed their views and grievances. In addition to reiterating the same issues which were earlier raised by the residents of Banihal and Ramban area, they raised the issues of development of the area also. They stated that basic necessary infrastructure is not developed in this area and corruption is at the peak. At Doda, there is District Hospital but it does not have even basic staff. And sometimes essential equipments and medicines are not available to meet out emergencies. Anaesthetist is not available in the hospital and because of this surgeries are not possible.
Besides this the following individuals interacted with the committee and shared their experiences:
(i) Mr Mohmad Ashraf Zargar – Doda
Terrorists asked for his son to join terrorist activities. He refused, his one son was killed and all property burnt. No compensation was given to him.
(ii) Mr Faler Singh - SPO Badge No 1680, Khuddhar
He was working with Army and was killed. Rs. 2 lakhs were demanded by terrorists for returning his dead body. Family members refused to give the amount. The dead body was sent by the terrorists after two days. Army disowned him and did not accept that they had employed Mr Falersingh for their work. Because of this no compensation was given to the dependents.
(iii) Mr. Pritam Singh – Kashtigarh – A matador driver
In 2006, he was kidnapped and his body was found in river with multiple injuries after 40 days. FSL report has not been received as yet and that is why his dependents are not given any compensation.
(iv) Mr Gulam Mohmad Bhat – Gundana, Dist Doda
On 1st May 1993, he was killed by militants and his house, house-hold goods and sheep and goats were burnt. His family was given Rs. one lakh only. No any other compensation.
Dr.Shafia Mir( Social Activists)of District doda told the committee members that In the Muslim belt of the Jammu region the mass anti-India demonstrations or for Azadi have been rare. But such demonstrations do occur when the security forces kill an innocent. Such incidents further weaken the fight against terror . The forces need to be sensitized to the importance of winning the confidence of the local people and therefore made accountable for their lapses . Most of the Human Rights groups and media representatives are headquartered at Srinagar. Thus there is a need for State Human rights Commission to open its offices in this part of the state to check human rights abuse. Similarly the security forces need to observe greater restraint in dealing with the civilians so that no body is pushed to the path of militancy. The security of the Hindus in the remote hills spread over long distances needs special attention. Usually the militants strike at the places which fall on the highway routes to make sure that their march remains safe.
(v) Mr Firoz-din Mangta Nayak – Pul-doda
Two brothers, one son and one cousin brother were killed by the terrorists. The case is still pending, no compensation.
Kishtwar – 4th June 2010
In the evening, at Kishtwar, a public program was organized by the Kishtwar Development Front, in which approximately 70 persons participated including advocates, doctors, ex-administrative officers, political workers from Congress,BJP, National Front, Hurriyat Conference including certain eminent women of the city. General issues in the meeting were raised regarding brutality in killing, migration, unemployment, repeated forced call for “Bandh”.The people stated that the Kishtwar area is known for world’s best quality of Saffron, but the government is reluctant to provide the appropriate environment to the cultivators.
There is unique hill where precious stone “Nilam” is found, but proper planning for excavation as well as marketing is not made by the government. There is a lot of scope of tourism due to high green hills and deep valleys but government is not planning to develop the area as tourist centre. Furthermore, there are hydro-electric projects but the employment is not being given to the local people.
GANDOH – 6th June 2010
The Gandoh town, which may be named as among best sights of the world and called “Mini Switzerland”, is trying to rise from the “MURCHHA” of terrorism. Here the committee met approximately 30 persons out of which 18 persons were interviewed. Here the leader of National Conference told the committee that we people are the victim of discrimination as Kashmiri migrants are getting all the benefits from govt. & we are totally neglected by the govt.
Bodies of children killed at Gandoh in Doda district.
Thakarai and Kavad – 5th June 2010
Ramesh Kumar, a retired Army Officer and his wife Parkas Devi along with his two brothers were killed by terrorists. The brutality of the killing can be known from the fact that a victim’s heart was removed by piercing a sword in his chest while he was alive. No wonder that the remaining members of the family migrated to a safer place.
Jairam Lalchand was killed and his family consisting of three dependents was given Rs. one lakh only. Narang Devi Tarachand, resident of Srawa stated that in the year 1998, 25 terrorists came to her place early in the morning and killed her three in-laws along with her husband. Two other family members were also injured. Only Rs. one lakh was paid as compensation and one job was given to member of the family in the year 2003. Sajjan Thakur, s/o Sheruram, a teacher was killed on duty in 1994 because he resisted the terrorists. A job was given to a dependent in 2004. Binorilal, s/o Premnath, resident Hadna-Sanna village, a VDC commander, badge no. 901, was killed in 2005. His body was found on second day in the forest area. He left behind five dependents and all are jobless till date.
Bhadarwah – 6th June 2010
At 6:30 pm, public meeting was held with committee members. A nearly 40 people attended this including prominent leaders of different political parties, prominent citizens, advocates, and members of Bhadarwah Development Front. Their story is not very much different from that of other areas. Sr.Member of Tehreek-e-Insaf, Mr. Hafiz Khateeb said that Doda migrants have
The State of Jammu & Kashmir - - situated in the northernmost part of India – it has two capitals Srinagar (summer) & Jammu (winter).
• One of the most beautiful places in the world -- popular as Heaven on Earth .
• Shares borders with Pakistan in the west, China in the north and east, and the Indian states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in the south.
• It consists of three distinct regions – Kashmir valley, Jammu region, and Ladakh. The area and population of the three regions is –
Region Area (Sq. Miles) * Population (2001 Census)
Kashmir Region 8,639 5,476,970
Jammu Region 12,378 4,430,191
Ladakh Region 33,554 236,539
Total 54,571 10,143,700
• Languages – Hindi,urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, Pahari, Punjabi, Gojari, Ladakhi or Bodhi, Balti, Dardic.
Districts in J & K
The J&K divided into 22 districts,
(1)Districts of Jammu Region are:-
Jammu,Kathua, Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, and Samba
(2)Districts of Kashmir Region are :-
Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Shopian
(3)Districts of Ladakh Region :-
Kargil and Leh
INTRODUCTION :-
This is an enquiry instituted by “Justice On Trial”, a Trust duly registered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act having its registered office at --------------------Ahmedabad in the State of Gujarat. The Trust, hereinafter referred to as “JOT”, is a non-government, non-political institution run by citizens who have decades of experience in working in diverse fields of human activity. Members of JOT are deeply concerned about the problems faced by various sections of the society in different parts of the country and are always ready to extend a helping hand to the affected people by enquiring into and finding out the root causes of the problem and providing and suggesting possible solutions as also by spreading information about the correct factual situation and by espousing the cause of the affected people before various government and non-government organisations. JOT aims at exposing and eliminating all kinds of injustices in the society at all levels and for this purpose institutes Enquiries and Fact finding Committees from time to time focussing on specific problems.
The need for such an organisation and such inquiries was felt because it was observed that there was very little awareness in the society about the plight of sections of society with whom the other sections of the society do not have live contact. The main source of information for the general public to know about the events happening around them and in other parts of the country is media, electronic as well as print. Over the years, media has done an excellent job in exposing injustice and shaping public opinion on various social problems. However, media has its own limitations. To establish a countrywide news telecasting channel or a newspaper house is a very costly proposition. Because of these financial constraints the media cannot afford to engage an army of independent and competent journalists to conduct on-the-spot enquiries into the problems faced by various sections of the people and faithfully bring forward the ground realities before the people. The media therefore, has to heavily depend on the Governmental authorities and agencies for news-collection and as in most of the problems government authorities and agencies are involved, free, fair and unbiased reporting and analysis is not possible. Moreover, to meet the costs of production and to successfully face the cut-throat competition media have to raise funds from various sources. It has to see that it attracts adequate advertisement revenue which depends on the size of viewers or readership. The media cannot afford to ignore or antagonise the advertisers or large sections of the viewers and readers. It cannot always afford to be impartial and unbiased at the cost of loosing advertisers, viewers and readers. There is therefore no guarantee that media will always be able to expose injustices prevalent in the society at all times and in all the circumstances.
Over the years, Governments have been instituting enquiries under the Commissions of Enquiry Act, 1952 to enquire into various incidents and problems. These enquiries are mostly headed by retired or serving judges of the Supreme Court or the High Courts and as such are expected to be more trust-worthy. However, such Public Enquiries have also lost their efficacy, utility and credibility because of the unreasonably long time taken to submit the report and as there is no legal compulsion to accept the recommendations made in the report and to take time-bound action thereon. Scores of such enquiry reports are lying unattended in various states for several years giving rise to a justifiable impression that such enquiries are instituted only to silence the agitated people, to divert the public attention, to avoid exposure and accountability and to gain time till the public feelings are assuaged and cooled off. The intension is not to get at the root of the matter to find out the truth and to punish the guilty.
JOT therefore, thought that Public Enquiries by independent and trust-worthy individuals, who have had a proven record of Public Service in various fields in which they have held positions of high status and responsibilities, may regenerate confidence of the masses in such enquiries and may go a long way in providing succour to the victims of the injustice. JOT institutes enquiries on various matters of public concern by constituting committees manned by eminent persons including specialists from the concerned fields. So far, three major enquiries have been conducted and concluded under the aegis of JOT. The first such enquiry was about the problems in Singur and Nandigram in West Bengal in the year 2007. It was headed by Honourable Justice Shri M. Ramkrishna, former Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Assam High Courts. Second enquiry was held on the incidents of the Kandhmal district of Orissa. This committee was headed by Shri G.S. Gill, former Additional Advocate General of Rajasthan. Third enquiry was held to enquire into the problems of the North Cachhar Hills of Assam under the chairmanship of Honourable Shri Justice M.V. Tamaskar, former Judge of Madhya Pradesh High Court. Eminent persons including Honourable Shri Justice S.M. Soni, former Judge of the Gujarat High Court and former Lokayukta of Gujarat, Shri P.C. Dogra IPS (Retd), former Director General of Police, Punjab, Shri Y.R. Patil IPS(Retd), and Smt. Nafeesa Hussain, former member of the National Commission for Women, were associated with these enquiries as members of committee.
All the above enquiries were completed within reasonable time and the reports of the committees were forwarded to high dignitaries and responsible authorities including H.E. the President of India and the Governors of concerned States. Action is being taken on the reports of these committees.
The present enquiry has been instituted to enquire into the problems of the terrorist affected people of Jammu region of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The Committee is headed by Honourable Justice Shri V. S . Kokje, former Governor of Himachal Pradesh and former Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court. Shri G.S. Gill, former Additional Advocate General, Rajasthan, Dr. Deen Mohammad Otha, M.D., a renowned gynaecologist of Bhav Nagar, Gujarat, Dr. Yogesh Patel, M.D., famous psychiatrist of Vadodara, Gujarat, Smt. Maya Bohra, prominent practising psychologist from Indore, Smt. Sukhpreet Kaur Grewal, prominent social activist from Bhopal and Shri Kanhaiyalal Joshi, social activist from Ahmedabad are the members of the Committee.
SUBJECT-MATTER OF ENQUIRY.
JOT chooses topics for enquiry on the basis of information received from various sources about grievances of classes of people in various parts of the country in respect of injustices and inequalities in various spheres of the society and the public response to such problems. After scrutiny of all the available information, it was found that the grievances of the persons who were displaced from their natural habitat and occupations as a result of terrorist activities in the Jammu region of the State of Jammu & Kashmir have not received due, proper and adequate attention and publicity in other parts of the country as compared to the attention and publicity received by the plight of the displaced persons from the Kashmir valley who were forced by terrorist activities to migrate from the Kashmir valley to Jammu region of the state or to other parts of the country. It was also observed that there was a strong perception and feeling in the Jammu region that the people of Jammu region were being discriminated against by giving preferential treatment to the terrorist affected people of the Kashmir valley. It was felt that the Central and State Governments were neglecting and giving step-motherly treatment to the people of Jammu region. There were no studies, official or otherwise, conducted in the matter and no material was available to test the veracity and credibility of the aforesaid perception and grievance. Moreover, it was found that there was very little awareness amongst people residing in other states of India about the plight of the terrorism affected people of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, especially the people of Jammu region of the state. People in other parts of the country believed that the problem of terrorism was confined to the valley only and Jammu region was safe. In the other parts of the country the general impression was that Kashmiri Pandits were the only people who were forced to abandon their natural habitat. It was also thought that only Hindus and other non-muslim communities were forced to migrate and terrorists targeted only non- muslims. It was therefore thought that an enquiry into the problems of the people of Jammu region who were affected by terrorist activities in the region and who were forced to abandon their normal places of residence and occupations because of terrorist activities in the region should be conducted so that the real factual situation is brought before the people of the country and the Central and State Governments. Hence, this enquiry on this subject.
IMMEDIATE FOCUS OF THE ENQUIRY :
Terrorism and its effect on people of a particular area is a very wide subject. No purpose was going to be served by holding a roving enquiry into the impact of terrorism on the people of Jammu & Kashmir state. As it is, all such efforts concentrate on the terrorism in the Kashmir valley and the impact of terrorism in the Jammu region does not get due attention. Immediate focus of this enquiry is therefore on the impact of terrorism in the Jammu region only. The extent of terrorist activities in the Jammu region and its impact on the local population was enquired into and adequacy of the relief and rehabilitation schemes and their implementation was studied. Conditions of living of the displaced persons who were forced to abandon their homes, work-places and normal occupations because of terrorist activities in the Jammu region of the State of Jammu & Kashmir was the focal point of this enquiry. We concentrated on the terrorist activities which took place in the Jammu region, the impact of terrorism on the local population, the extent of displacement from normal place of residence/business because of terrorism in the region, the extent of abandonment/change of normal occupation because of terrorism in the region, the relief and rehabilitation schemes of the Central and State Governments and their adequacy, efficacy and implementation. We also enquired about the allegations of discrimination in grant of relief to the terrorism affected people of the Jammu region as compared to the terrorism affected people of the Kashmir valley.
On July 12 ,2006,The Supreme Court today directed the Union government and the J&K government to treat the Jammu migrants on a par with Kashmir migrants for grant of relief.
A bench comprising Justices K G Balakrishanan, Tarun Chatterjee and D K Jain passed the directions after hearing counsel Bhim Singh who pleaded that migrant families from Jaammu were discriminated against by the authorities and migrants from Poonch, Doda, Rajouri and Udhampur have been living under inhuman conditions and some of the families have been forced to sell their small children for survival. Some of such children were rescued by the petitioner Bhim Singh.
J&K government had earlier admitted before the court that no relief had been provided to Jammu migrants since 2004.
In all there are 2201 families having 11904 members registered as genuine migrants.
The top court directed the relief commissioner to provide relief to the Jammu migrants after verifying their migrant status at par with Kashmiri migrants.
Note :- In spite of this ruling made by the H’able Supreme court of India,no compensation has been given to the migrants of Jammu Province.
METHODOLOGY ADOPTED.
Before commencing the enquiry, the committee at its meeting in Jammu discussed and decided the scope and extent of the Enquiry. The committee then divided itself into two groups. One group consisting of the Chairman, Justice (Retd.) V. S. Kokje, Dr. Yogesh Patel and Smt. Sukhpreet Kaur toured terrorism affected areas of distt.Rajouri,Poonch & Reasi of Jammu Province. Shri Mukundrao Devbhankar accompanied this group. The other group consisting of Shri G. S. Gill, Dr. Deen Mohammad Otha, Mrs. Maya Bohra and Shri Kanhaiyalal Joshi toured terrorism affected areas of distt.Ramban, Doda & Kishtwar of Jammu Province . These groups interacted with the victims and members of their families and prepared copious notes of their statements and the inputs given by them. They also interacted with Social Workers, representatives of the people, journalists and other leaders of public opinion in the area and prepared notes of their statements and inputs. A video camera team was sent along with each group and these teams recorded many important statements, interactions and inputs given to the Enquiry Teams by the affected people and their leaders and sympathisers. After finishing the task assigned to them, both the groups met at Jammu on the last day of their visit and jointly interacted with the victims of terrorist activities in the Jammu region, the terrorist affected migrants from the Kashmir Valley camping in Jammu and social organizations and workers fighting for the cause of terrorism affected people of the State and people displaced due to terrorist activities. After completing the interactions, the Committee deliberated on the data collected by the two groups, exchanged experiences and decided to meet again for preparation of draft report. The members of the committee again met at Ahmedabad on ------------ and started preparing the report.
SUMMERY OF INTERACTION
As stated earlier, for the purpose of interacting with the victims of terrorism in Jammu area, the Committee members formed two groups. One group consisting of Justice V. S. Kokje, Dr. Yogesh Patel and Mrs. Sukhpreet Kaur Grewal toured the distt.Rajouri,Poonch & Reasi. Shri Mukundrao Devbhankar accompanied this group. The other group consisting of Shri G.S. Gill, Shri Kanubhai Joshi, Dr. Deen Mohammad Otha and Mrs. Maya Bohra toured distt.Ramban,Doda & Kishtawar. The details of the interaction with various persons and the inputs received are given below :
Rajouri,Poonch & Reasi :-
Rajouri :
(1) Rubina Kooser D/o Ashiq Hussain Shah, native of village Ludkoti, District Rajouri:
On 21/11/2005, she was abducted from her home by 8 terrorists. They took her to jungle and was forced to marry one of them. At the time of the incident, she was a minor girl of 12 years. She was raped repeatedly by 3 local militants and 5 Pakistani terrorists for one month in the jungle. She was also beaten brutally and received severe injuries on her private parts. After a month, she managed to run away when the terrorists were offering their daily Namaz. She joined her family and migrated with the family to Jammu thereafter. Because of the incident, her life is threatened and she has not been given any kind of security or financial relief by the Government.
(2) Dilbarjan :
She was a resident of village Dadach Madoon, District Rajouri. Pakistani terrorists used to visit their house frequently and had food many times. The family did not have any choice but to feed them for fear of their lives. Because of this they became suspects in the eyes of Armed Forces. A day prior to the incident, the terrorists came to the family and questioned them about the information they gave to the Army. The family denied having passed on any information whatsoever to the military. The terrorist believe this and later on they came to their house and ordered the members of the family to stand in a queue and brutally killed them with gunshots. They were not allowed to take away the dead bodies for burial and the house was put to fire and burnt with the bodies inside it. However, Dilbarjan managed to save herself along with her son. Subsequently when the son became major, he got married and has now separated from the mother. The poor lady has got no relief from the Government apart from compensation of Rs.1,00,000/- which was given at the time of the fatal incident. The lady is now without any financial or social support and she is not getting any pension or any other relief whatsoever from the Government.
(3) (Story of a bride Shaguphta Naz who was killed by terrorists dragging out her from Doli )
Karmat Hussain R/o Gambhir Mughlan, Tehsil and District Rajouri :
Deceased Shaguphta Naz was his daughter who was killed by the militants on 8/6/2002 at Gambhir Mughlan, (Rajouri) while her Doli was taken to her husband’s house. She was killed on the same day of her marriage before reaching the destination i.e. the house of bridegroom. She was suspected as an army informer by the militants who first kidnapped and later on slaughtered her. Her father got Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees One lac only) as ex-gratia relief. No relief or other compensation was paid to her family and no investigation or inquiry has been carried out in this behalf.
(4) Yashpal Sharma and Gulshan Kumar Sharma.
These two brothers were residing at village Patrada at a distance of about 25 Kms from Rajouri with their family. They were running a shop there. At about 8.00 to 8.30 p.m. on 7th August 2002 when these two brothers were in their shop, about 7 to 8 terrorists entered their house which was nearby and collected the entire family at one place and gunned them down. Ruby Sharma wife of Yashpal Sharma, Kiranbala wife of Gulshan Sharma, Mohit Sharma, 3 year old son of Yashpal Sharma and Muskan Sharma, 4 year old daughter of Yashpal Sharma, were mercilessly gunned down by the terrorists. Yashpal’s elder daughter Diksha was in Rajouri on that day and because of that she was saved. They have also stated that the terrorists had come to the village in two groups, one group fired in the air to distract the attention of the villagers from the other group which committed the aforesaid atrocities. They also complained that the police station was nearby, but none of the policemen came to the rescue of the villagers. They also complained that they were forced to migrate from Patrada to Rajouri because of the incident as their business as shop-keepers also came to a halt after that incident. They were being given Rs.400/- per person per month (only for one year) subject to the restriction of maximum of Rs.1,600/- per family and ration which is given to them along with other displaced persons is also of a bad quality.
(5) Sunita Thakur d/o late Baldev Singh
She is a permanent resident of village Kabukote, Tehsil Kalakote, Dist. Rajouri. During the intervening night of 17th/18th June 2000, some terrorists, about 6 in number, attacked her house and they gunned down her father Shri Baldev Singh. Sunita bravely fought against the terrorists and gunned down one of the terrorist out of six and compelled them to flee from the scene of crime. She bravely resisted the attempt of the militants to kill other members of the family and saved three members of the family by firing from 303 rifle which was provided to her father by the army. Her grievance was that her bravery has not been recognized by the State and her application for suitable employment with the Jammu & Kashmir police or any other Government department was turned down. She also complained that no bravery award or reward was given to her while one such female named Rukhsana of village Thana-Mandi (Rajouri) was nominated for award and in 1990 one Lokesh, resident of Rainawari,(Srinagar) was also nominated for bravery award by the Government. Because of the incident in which her father was killed and the family was attacked, she had to migrate to Rajouri.
(6) Massacre in Tehsil Budhal of distt.Rajouri
Shanti Devi w/o late Shoba Ram
Jatti Devi w/o late Hans Raj
Amro Devi w/o late Munshi Ram
Shanti Devi w/o late Gurdeep Singh
Kailas Devi w/o late Rajinder Kumar
Hakam Singh, father of late Satveer Singh
(All resident of Teh.Budhal,Rajouri)
All of them were residents of village Rajnagar, District Rajouri. On 9th October 2005, terrorists came to village Rajnagar and collected male members from the families about whom they had a doubt that they had received rifles for their protection from the Government. When they were told that no such rifles were received by the villagers, the terrorists refused to believe that and went from house to house in search of rifles. When they did not find anything, they slaughtered male members from 28 families. Only female members and children from the families were left alive. According to the victims, they were attacked because they belong to minority community and the terrorists did not want minority Hindus to live in the village any more. After the slaughter also, the female members of the families were and are being threatened to leave the place, otherwise their children would also meet the same fate as the male members of the family had met. The locals of Majority community have also encroached upon and taken possession of their agricultural lands and other properties and have also murdered their children. In the aforesaid circumstances, they had to migrate to Budhal Town of District Rajouri where also these families are being harassed. They have received no relief from the Government and are forced to live in penury and fearful atmosphere.
(7) Mohammad Iqbal S/o Mir Husain, resident of Gambhir Mughlan (Mohra Chattroo), Tehsil and District Rajouri :
On 17th March 2006, four terrorists entered into his residential house and started harassing him as well as members of his family. He informed the security forces immediately and security forces rushed to the spot and launched an operation on the same day. In this operation, all the four terrorists were killed by the police / security forces. In the encounter, his house was totally damaged along with household goods and one buffalo, five goats and 20 chicken were also killed. After the incident, he had to shift to Rajouri along with 7 members of his family including his old aged parents and 4 daughters. He is facing great financial difficulty. According to him, his services in informing the police at great risk to his life and getting the terorists killed are not being recognized and he is not getting any relief whatsoever.
Poonch (distt.HQ)
(1) Shri Mohammad Javed, Shri Mohammad Azam and 28 others of Tehsil Haveli (Poonch)
The Committee also visited Tehsil Haveli, District Poonch where they received information from Mr. Mohammad Javed, Mohammad Azam and other 28 applicants that on 6/8/2000, mines were implanted in their agricultural fields along with the fields of other residents in the area. When the villagers went for agricultural operations, there were mine blasts which resulted in severe injuries causing permanent disability to most of the victims. So far no appropriate relief or compensation has been made available to the victims by the State. The details with medical reports are in the records of the Committee.
(2) Rajesh kumar S/o Shri Lekh-Raj, brother of deceased Chandrakant :He is a resident of village Mangnar, Tehsil Haveli, District Poonch. His brother – deceased Chandrakant was working as a labour in Hotel Anand at Poonch on 14/03/2003 when he was attacked by the terrorists and was killed along with others in the said hotel. No relief or compensation was paid to him.
(3) Rahul Sharma S/o Shri Mangal Ram Sharma, R/o village Mangnar, Tehsil Haveli, District Poonch :
Few militants entered his house and killed his two daughters viz. Priyanka Sharma and Meenakshi Sharma by firing at them on 27/04/2009. No relief or compensation has been received yet.
(4) Mrs. Faizabi W/o Mohammad Abdulla , R/o Chandak Haveli, Pooch (deceased Shamima Akhtar d/o Mrs. Faizabi :
Daughter of the complainant viz. Shamima Akhtar was kidnapped from her residence by 3 terrorists on 21/11/1998. She was raped and brutally killed. The J & K Government has paid Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees One lac only) to the petitioner as ex-gratia relief. No other help has been given to her.
(5) Ashok Kumar S/o Shri Kanshi-Ram, R/o village Mangnar, District Poonch :
On 12/07/2006, his two sons viz. Lokesh kumar and Pankaj kumar were shot dead by the militants. His another son viz. Arvind kumar was also attacked, but managed to escape. Due to terror and insecurity, he migrated to Poonch City from his native village Mangnar. The Government of J & K did not give any relief or employment to him and his son till date.
(6) Shyam-Lal Bali and others:
About 150 to 200 families were peacefully residing in villages Khanetar, Dalhera, Banchh, Tehsil Haveli, District Ponch. Due to terrorism, most of the minority Hindu families have migrated from the above said villages. At present, only 50 families are residing in the above said villages. The migration has occurred because of non-availability of proper security. It is pertinent to note that in the year 2008, communal riots took place and the house and shops of minority Hindus were burnt by terrorists which resulted in the migration. Number of times the authorities have been informed to provide proper security to prevent further migration of Hindus from the above said villages but to no avail.
(7) Shri Mohammad Javed, Shri Mohammad Azam and 28 others of Tehsil Haveli of distt.Poonch
The Committee also visited Tehsil Haveli, District Poonch where they received information from Mr. Mohammad Javed, Mohammad Azam and other 28 applicants that on 6/8/2000, mines were implanted in their agricultural fields along with the fields of other residents in the area. When the villagers went for agricultural operations, there were mine blasts which resulted in severe injuries causing permanent disability to most of the victims. So far no appropriate relief or compensation has been made available to the victims by the State. The details with medical reports are in the records of the Committee.
Surankote ,Tehsil HQ of distt.Poonch
(1) Imtiaz Ahmed, father of deceased Umar Imtiaz, R/o Village Potha, Tehsil Surankote, District Poonch :
His son Umar Imtiaz, aged about 15 to 16 months was killed in cross firing between terrorists and the Security forces at Fazlabad on 01/07/2004. No relief or compensation was given to him.
(2) Sayad-khan S/o Firoz-khan, R/o Buffliaz, Surankote,
On 02/02/2004, the terrorists set fire on his residential house situated at Buffliaz and also killed his daughter viz. Rubina Akhtar with gun shots. He got only Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lac only) as ex-gratia relief against the killing of his daughter, but nothing has been paid for the damage to his residential house by the Government.
(3) Mrs. Munira Begum of Surankote:
Her son joined Jammu & Kahmir Police following which terrorists killed her husband. Till date, no compensation or employment has been given.
(4) Mrs. Parvez Akhtar W/o late Khalil Ahmad, a victim of terrorism, R/o village Lassana, Tehsil Surankote,
She told us that her huband Mr. Khalil Ahmad was taken away by police on 14/5/2005 at 9 p.m. to assist them in operation against militancy in Fazalbad. On next day, he was found dead. The cause of death till date has not been revealed to the family members in spite of repeated applications. The photograph of deceased was also submitted and is enclosed with the application which is on the record of the committee.
Note:- At Suronkotre Convenor of Tehreek-e-insaf (Terrorism Affected Peoples Front,Jammu, which is fighting for the Justice for terror victims of Jammu region) Dr Mumtaz Hussain Bukhari said that constitution of a high level committee is required to assess the losses suffered by the terrorism hit people of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Talking to the members of the Committee, Dr Bukhari Said that an economic package be provided to these people and reservations given to their wards in the educational institutions especially in professional colleges.
He also demanded that all pending cases of SRO 143 be settled immediately as over 80 percent such cases are still pending in Jammu province for disposal, SPOs be regularized who have played an important role in elimination of terrorism from the state and migrant families be given compensation at par with Kashmiri migrants.
He said due to terrorism in the state, 10,000 families have migrated from hilly areas of Jammu region since 1990 but these families have not been registered by the Govt. Dr.Bukhari alleged that hundreds of innocent women and girls were given maltreatment in these area of Jammu region by terrorists and majority of them are muslims.There was much more worst position in these hilly where gun wielding terrorists were ruling the roost. He said thousands of innocent people were killed by terrorists in these areas which shattered the economy and development in these areas.
Residents of the area toured by the committee:
During our interaction with the residents of the area who came in large numbers to visit us several cases were reported where either because of a suspicion of being informer of army or informer of terrorists, the villagers were either harassed by the armed forces or by the terrorists which created a scare amongst the villagers, driving them to migrate from the villages. It is not possible to catalogue all such incidents reported to us. However, all the documents available with the persons reporting such instances were collected and taken on record of the enquiry and important inputs were video-graphed and included in the record of the enquiry.
Mendher,Tehsil HQ of distt.Poonch
(1) Sikandar Hayat, R/o Mendhar:
He stated that on the fatal night between 21st and 22nd August 2000, a group of terrorists entered the house of Gulam Abbas S/o Kadam Hussain R/o Surhati. He was dragged one kilometre away from his house and was fired at and killed. According to the informant, this was the fourth incident of this nature in the area in the same year. Adequate compensation has not been given to the next of the kin till date.
(2) Roop-Lal Sharma of Mendhar:
He informed that two women and two children were killed along with five adults in Mendhar. The grievance here wais that one person in the family of the deceased victim got the daily wages job who also later on expired. No relief or compensation was given to the next of the kin.
(3) Karamat Hussain of village Kalaban, Mendhar:- Deceased Waqar Ahmed S/o Karamat Hussain of Kalaban was 19 year old. On 18-07-2005 he was taken by the Jawans of 39 RR from the residence of his grandfather at kalaban and later the family was informed that Waqar Ahmed was killed in cross-firing between terrorists & Security forces.
No inquiry has been carried out in this behalf,only Rs.One Lakh was given to the family members of Waqar Ahmed and no other compensation is given to the family members of the deceased
Koteranka,distt.Rajouri (1)....................................................................................................
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Triyath,Area of Tehsil Kalakote (Rajouri)
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(3) ...............................................
Talwara Migrants Camp of Distt.Reasi
(1) Residents of Talwara (Reasi) Migration Camp: (Biggest migrant Camp of migrants of Jammu Province)
The Committee also visited Talwara Migration Relief Camp. Number of families residing in the said Camp is 1362 out of which many are unregistered. The painful and agonizing information defying all human rights were observed. So much was the plight of the refugees there. They complained that some of the inmates there had to sell their children as they had no means to feed them or rear them up (this issue was raised in Jammu & Kashmir Assembly by Jammu-kashmir Panthers Party). Last year Minister for Revenue and Relief, J&k Govt.Mr. Raman Bhalla in reply to question of Syed Mohammad Rafiq Shah informed the Legislative Council that at present 994 migrant families belonging to Jammu province are residing in Talwara and other migrant camps. He said that directions issued by Honble Supreme Court on 12th of July 2006 have been implemented in letter and spirit. The Minister said that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has directed the Relief Commissioner Migrants to look into the matter and see whether they have been provided with all relief measures to which they are entitled as per the policy. Kashmiri Muslim migrants are being treated at par with other Kashmiri migrants in all respects but Lal Man Singh & Balvan Singh along with many others living in this migrant camp told the committee members that all these announcements made by Minister for Revenue and Relief are on papers. We were also told Unconfirmed and unverified stories about sale of females by the refugees and it was also reported that the women amongst the refugees were exploited in all possible ways. This apart, it was personally observed by the committee that proper hygiene, sanitation, electricity, education and supply of ration was not made available regularly. The ration supplied was not fit for animals also to eat. Even monthly financial assistance by way of compensation is not paid regularly.
(2) Migrants from Tehsil Mahore of distt.Reasi:
About 145 families migrated from Tehsil Mahore of distt.Reasi,due to terrorist threats people are residing at Reasi relief camp. They are facing the same difficulties as are faced by inmates of other relief camps.
Residents of the area toured by the committee:
During our interaction with the residents of the area who came in large numbers to visit us several cases were reported where either because of a suspicion of being informer of army or informer of terrorists, the villagers were either harassed by the armed forces or by the terrorists which created a scare amongst the villagers, driving them to migrate from the villages. It is not possible to catalogue all such incidents reported to us. However, all the documents available with the persons reporting such instances were collected and taken on record of the enquiry and important inputs were video-graphed and included in the record of the enquiry.
District Ramban,Doda & Kishtwar :-
On 3rd June 2010, the second committee headed by Shri G. S. Gill and accompanied by the members, visited Banihal, Ukhral, Ramban; On 4th June Doda, Chapandi Wadi, Kishtwar; on 5th Kawar, Thakarai, adjacent localities of Kishtwar; on 6th Gandoh, Bhadarwah; on 7th Bhadarwah, Pul-doda, Udhampur and on 8th migrated colony of Jammu such as Belicharana. At these places the committee met and interacted with approximately 700 persons in various groups out of which approximately 200 persons were interviewed personally. Almost all of this interaction was video-graphed and has been taken on record in the form of video CDs. The gist of the interaction is given hereunder.
BANIHAL of District Ramban– 3rd June 2010.
At Banihal, the committee met about 25 persons at Tourist Bungalow - Banihal, district Ramban heard them collectively in a group. Out of them some of the important people were personally interviewed, Sh.Mohd. Farooq Mir,former MLAs & Convenor of Tehreek-e-Insaf (Terrorism affected Peoples Front,Jammu) Office bearer of local NGOs i.e. Banihal Development Front & Shri Rajeev Chadak Sr.Leader of the BJP, were separately interviewed.
Mr. Farooq Mir, former MLA, while said Migrants of Jammu Province have been undergoing great hardships due to callous attitude of the Central and State governments in sanctioning relief and other benefits in their favour despite the court directions in this regard from time to time.
He said that due to eruption of militancy in the state in 1990s people from valley especially minorities and political activists as well as minorities from various areas of Jammu province particularly Poonch, Rajouri, Doda. Baderwah, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi. Udhampur were forced to leave their native areas and live under miserable and sub-human conditions in Jammu and elsewhere
‘It is sad that Kashmiri migrants were provided relief and ration items but the migrants from Jammu province were denied the same’, he mentioned, adding, migrants are migrants whether from Jammu or Kashmir, they should be treated in same category.
He further mentioned that Supreme Court of India and High Court J&K, in their interim directions have impressed upon the state government to treat the migrants of Jammu province on the analogy of Kashmiri migrants in respect of sanction of relief and other benefits, but the state government is reluctant to implement the court directions as a result of which they have been living in miserable and despondent lives.
He also complained of improper and inadequate compliance of SRO 143. He laid stress on the following points which were also raised by others :
1. Unemployment of shepherds due to terrorism. The terrorists find the shepherds a hurdle in their activities and take them to be the main source of information of the armed forces. Because of this they do not allow the shepherds to carry out their vocation of the higher reaches of the mountains where the Shepherds normally take their sheep during the summer for grazing. Terrorists harassed the shepherds by forcing them to give them sheep for food, compelling them to help the terrorists as guides and informants etc. because of which they became suspects in the eyes of the armed forces. A number of shepherds were killed by the terrorists in the high hills which created a scare amongst the shepherd communities and because of this many people from the communities traditionally dependent on sheep keeping business like Bakarwals and Gaddis lost their vocation and are facing unemployment.
2. Due to continuously diminishing of number of sheep the supply of raw wool is badly affected resulting in unemployment in carpet and shawl industry. This further created unemployment among artisans and semi-skilled workers.
3. Similarly due to terror the unemployed rural labour is not daring to go on the upper side of the hills for picking of herbs and medicinal plant products, such as, Guchchhi, Banafsha, Kalijiri and others. Earlier even a unskilled common labour used to earn approximately 22 to 30 thousand rupees in a season, but due to terrorism he became unemployed, tending towards starvation.
4. Because of diminished supply of milk and milk products due to diminishing number of sheep and goats, the economy based on the milk and milk product is disrupted and had affected the health of the local people as well.
5. Due to terrorism, working hours of the local people had reduced. Earlier the local people were free to work up to late evening but for the fear of terrorists they had to return to their home before 4 pm. Such reduction in working span had further affected their income.
Shri Rajeev Chadak,Sr.BJP Leader reiterated the same things and further added that some people for their personal, economic as well as political interests want to colour the issue of Jammu-Kashmir as communal but in fact the people of Jammu region have been and are being exploited and discriminated against irrespective of their religion. In Jammu region Hindus and Muslims both are killed by the terrorists and in rehabilitation plan both suffered due to discrimination.
Mr. Ata Muhammad Khokha, General Secretary of the Banihal Development Front, became emotional and with tears in his eyes described the incident in which the terrorists burnt his house and all household articles in the year of 2001 which compelled him to migrate to Ramban. Meanwhile, his land was also grabbed. Now he wants to go back and live there but there is no assistance from the state government.
Mr. Khadim Hussen Sohal, resident of Khambal Vaas, narrated the incident in which terrorists killed his three brothers, a sister-in-law and one kid. No security, relief or rehabilitation assistance was provided by the government as a result of which he had to migrate from the village and seek shelter elsewhere and to live a life of a displaced person. No assistance from the govt.
Mr Farooq Ahmed Nayak, resident of Khadi Manjos, complained that his wife was killed by the terrorists but no compensation or relief was given by the government.
Mr. Ghulam Mansoor Vaani, whose property was burnt and family members were killed in 2003, complained of inadequate compensation & ex-gratia .
UKHARAL – 3rd June – 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
Here the committee met approximately 90 persons, out of which 28 were personally interviewed. Their story was not different from that of people who met us in Banihal. In addition, they brought following problems to our notice :
1. It was emphasized by the people that terrorism is curbed by the security forces with the help of Village Defence Committees (VDCs). So, the security forces should not be withdrawn. They further stated that the members of VDCs, without bothering for the security of their person and property and for the security of the members of their family, played a vital and important role in checking terrorism. But, those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle with terrorists were not adequately compensated. In the same incident or encounter, if a military person is killed his dependents are paid Rs. 20 lakhs, if a police person is killed his dependents are paid Rs. 10 lakhs but if a Special Police Officer (SPO) is killed his dependents are given only Rs.1 lakh as compensation. Besides, if any SPO is killed, the government doesn’t employ and deploy another SPO in his place, so the number of SPOs and arms decreases in the VDC. In one VDC, there is a provision of 3 SPOs with gun. Earlier Rs. 1500/- per month per SPO were given, now it is Rs. 3000. This amount is distributed amongst 8 members of VDC. By the death of one SPO, number of weapons as well as quantum of amount decreases, resulting in the starvation and weakening of VDCs. It was also a common complaint that even such meager amount is not paid well in time.
2. It was also reported to the committee that after the advent of terrorism, use of alcohol and drug addiction has increased, resulting in cruelty towards women and children on the one hand and increase of health hazards on the other hand.
3. It was brought to the notice of the committee that after the advent of terrorism, functioning of the schools is badly affected. The number of students as well as teachers has decreased.
Ukharal of Ramban
At Ukharal, in addition to the above mentioned facts, some people stated their personal grievances, complaining of inadequacy of relief given by the government.
Smt. Bansu Devi of village Nagantar, Tehsil Banihal, stated that her husband, son and brother were killed in 1996 but no compensation was given simply for the reason that her daughter had not attained the age of 18 years.
Dharmi Devi, whose four sons, including three who were married, were killed and her daughter lost her eye-sight due to gunshot injury. No relief was given to her by the government.
Rano Devi, whose house was burnt and her husband was killed in 2002, complained that the government gave Rs. 4 lakh to her son who took away the money leaving herself and her daughter to starve without any succour. The government had not bothered for her and her blind daughter.
Shri Udham Singh of Upper Fagmula (Banihal), stated that his brother was killed on duty as SPO but no compensatory employment is given to him for the reason that he is less educated.
RAMBAN,district HQ – 3rd April 2010 – 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm local important persons at Ramban, personally aggrieved persons as well as Development Front, Local Congress, BJP,NC & Panther Party Leaders & Local National Front Leaders, met the committee at tourist bungalow. Generally, in addition to the issues raised at Banihal and Ukharal, the following grievances were brought to the notice of the committee.
1. Due to terrorism number of families, had to shift to Jammu or nearby region. After effective control by the security forces and active role of VDCs, horror of terrorism decreased and people started returning to their native places. After returning they found that there were fraudulent changes made in the revenue records deleting entries relating to their ownership and substituting new entries in their place. They have to go through a long process of litigation to get them corrected. Only a few of such persons could get their lands back for cultivation. The government has to take effective steps to get these entries wrongly made during the period of the terrorism corrected.
2. It was reported that terrorism is not buried forever and even today there is danger of recurrence of terrorism and a few incidents have already taken place in the near past. Sumbad, Gool, Rajgadh, Topbiru, Bhaisah, Sikhly, Milan and Gurmul were identified as super sensitive areas which needed more attention in this respect.
3. In addition to this, individual cases were also reported by following persons:
(i) Shri Balkrishna, S/o Hariram Sharma, resident of Rajgadh, with tears in his eyes stated that he was among the 32 persons attacked by the terrorists out of which 26 persons were killed at Chapandi. He also sustained gunshot injuries resulting in to disability of leg and damage to eye sight. He has not been given any compensation. He has not been given any benefit given to disabled persons either. He complained that he has not been issued disability certificate even today.
(ii) Smt. Bimladevi w/o Amarnath of Saravdhan (Ramban), told the sorrowful story of this village in which not only 13 persons were killed but they were killed brutally by piercing hot rods in their ears and eyes and cutting their necks. So the people of this village had to migrate. The government has not planned rehabilitation of this village as yet.
DODA district HQ – 4th June 2010 – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Doda which is known in media as hotbed of terrorism was visited by the committee on 4th Morning. Many important persons of the area including advocates, social activists, reformed militants and office bearers of the Doda Development Front expressed their views and grievances. In addition to reiterating the same issues which were earlier raised by the residents of Banihal and Ramban area, they raised the issues of development of the area also. They stated that basic necessary infrastructure is not developed in this area and corruption is at the peak. At Doda, there is District Hospital but it does not have even basic staff. And sometimes essential equipments and medicines are not available to meet out emergencies. Anaesthetist is not available in the hospital and because of this surgeries are not possible.
Besides this the following individuals interacted with the committee and shared their experiences:
(i) Mr Mohmad Ashraf Zargar – Doda
Terrorists asked for his son to join terrorist activities. He refused, his one son was killed and all property burnt. No compensation was given to him.
(ii) Mr Faler Singh - SPO Badge No 1680, Khuddhar
He was working with Army and was killed. Rs. 2 lakhs were demanded by terrorists for returning his dead body. Family members refused to give the amount. The dead body was sent by the terrorists after two days. Army disowned him and did not accept that they had employed Mr Falersingh for their work. Because of this no compensation was given to the dependents.
(iii) Mr. Pritam Singh – Kashtigarh – A matador driver
In 2006, he was kidnapped and his body was found in river with multiple injuries after 40 days. FSL report has not been received as yet and that is why his dependents are not given any compensation.
(iv) Mr Gulam Mohmad Bhat – Gundana, Dist Doda
On 1st May 1993, he was killed by militants and his house, house-hold goods and sheep and goats were burnt. His family was given Rs. one lakh only. No any other compensation.
Dr.Shafia Mir( Social Activists)of District doda told the committee members that In the Muslim belt of the Jammu region the mass anti-India demonstrations or for Azadi have been rare. But such demonstrations do occur when the security forces kill an innocent. Such incidents further weaken the fight against terror . The forces need to be sensitized to the importance of winning the confidence of the local people and therefore made accountable for their lapses . Most of the Human Rights groups and media representatives are headquartered at Srinagar. Thus there is a need for State Human rights Commission to open its offices in this part of the state to check human rights abuse. Similarly the security forces need to observe greater restraint in dealing with the civilians so that no body is pushed to the path of militancy. The security of the Hindus in the remote hills spread over long distances needs special attention. Usually the militants strike at the places which fall on the highway routes to make sure that their march remains safe.
(v) Mr Firoz-din Mangta Nayak – Pul-doda
Two brothers, one son and one cousin brother were killed by the terrorists. The case is still pending, no compensation.
Kishtwar – 4th June 2010
In the evening, at Kishtwar, a public program was organized by the Kishtwar Development Front, in which approximately 70 persons participated including advocates, doctors, ex-administrative officers, political workers from Congress,BJP, National Front, Hurriyat Conference including certain eminent women of the city. General issues in the meeting were raised regarding brutality in killing, migration, unemployment, repeated forced call for “Bandh”.The people stated that the Kishtwar area is known for world’s best quality of Saffron, but the government is reluctant to provide the appropriate environment to the cultivators.
There is unique hill where precious stone “Nilam” is found, but proper planning for excavation as well as marketing is not made by the government. There is a lot of scope of tourism due to high green hills and deep valleys but government is not planning to develop the area as tourist centre. Furthermore, there are hydro-electric projects but the employment is not being given to the local people.
GANDOH – 6th June 2010
The Gandoh town, which may be named as among best sights of the world and called “Mini Switzerland”, is trying to rise from the “MURCHHA” of terrorism. Here the committee met approximately 30 persons out of which 18 persons were interviewed. Here the leader of National Conference told the committee that we people are the victim of discrimination as Kashmiri migrants are getting all the benefits from govt. & we are totally neglected by the govt.
Bodies of children killed at Gandoh in Doda district.
Thakarai and Kavad – 5th June 2010
Ramesh Kumar, a retired Army Officer and his wife Parkas Devi along with his two brothers were killed by terrorists. The brutality of the killing can be known from the fact that a victim’s heart was removed by piercing a sword in his chest while he was alive. No wonder that the remaining members of the family migrated to a safer place.
Jairam Lalchand was killed and his family consisting of three dependents was given Rs. one lakh only. Narang Devi Tarachand, resident of Srawa stated that in the year 1998, 25 terrorists came to her place early in the morning and killed her three in-laws along with her husband. Two other family members were also injured. Only Rs. one lakh was paid as compensation and one job was given to member of the family in the year 2003. Sajjan Thakur, s/o Sheruram, a teacher was killed on duty in 1994 because he resisted the terrorists. A job was given to a dependent in 2004. Binorilal, s/o Premnath, resident Hadna-Sanna village, a VDC commander, badge no. 901, was killed in 2005. His body was found on second day in the forest area. He left behind five dependents and all are jobless till date.
Bhadarwah – 6th June 2010
At 6:30 pm, public meeting was held with committee members. A nearly 40 people attended this including prominent leaders of different political parties, prominent citizens, advocates, and members of Bhadarwah Development Front. Their story is not very much different from that of other areas. Sr.Member of Tehreek-e-Insaf, Mr. Hafiz Khateeb said that Doda migrants have
Saturday, March 12, 2011
कश्मीर में मुठभेड़, 3 आतंकी ढेर
श्रीनगर। कश्मीर घाटी के शोपिया और सोपोर में सुरक्षाबलों के साथ शनिवार हुए दो अलग अलग मुठभेड़ों में तीन आतंकी मारे गए। इनमें पिछले सप्ताह कुलगाम जिले में पुलिसकर्मियों से राइफलें छीनने वाले दो आतंकी शामिल हैं।
सेना के अधिकारियों ने बताया कि गुप्त सूचना के आधार पर सुरक्षाबलों ने कल रात श्रीनगर से 52 किलोमीटर दूर स्थित शोपिया जिले के लेहंद हब्दीपोर क्षेत्र में तलाशी अभियान चलाया। इस दौरान क्षेत्र में छुपे आतंकियों और सुरक्षाबलों के बीच मुठभेड़ शुरू हो गई जो आज सुबह दोनों आतंकियों के मारे जाने के साथ ही समाप्त हुई।
उन्होंने बताया कि मुठभेड़ में मारे गए आतंकियों की पहचान अशफाक अहमइ चोपन और खुर्शीद अहमद इट्टू के रूप में हुई है। दोनों शोपिया जिले के निवासी थे। बताया गया है कि दोनों गत सोमवार को कुलगाम जिले के यारीपोर में पुलिसकर्मियों से इंसास और एके 47 राइफल छीने जाने की घटना में शामिल थे। छीनी गई राइफलें मुठभेड़स्थल से बरामद कर ली गई।
अधिकारियों ने बताया कि सोपोर नगर के मुस्लिम पीर क्षेत्र में हुई एक अन्य मुठभेड़ में एक आतंकी मारा गया। सुरक्षाबलों ने क्षेत्र में आतंकियों की मौजूदगी के बारे में गुप्त सूचना के आधार पर यह अभियान शुरू किया था।
श्रीनगर से हुर्रियत नेता गिरफ्तार
पिछले साल राज्य में हुए हिंसक प्रदर्शनों में शामिल होने के आरोप में पुलिस ने श्रीनगर में हुर्रियत कांफ्रेंस के एक नेता को गिरफ्तार किया है। सोपोर के पुलिस अधीक्षक अलताफ खान ने पत्रकारों को बताया कि हुर्रियत कांफ्रेंस के बारामुला जिले के अध्यक्ष गुलाम हसन मीर को इस हफ्ते की शुरूआत में सोरा इलाके से गिरफ्तार किया गया।
(Courtesy : www.jagran.com, 12. 03.2011)
सेना के अधिकारियों ने बताया कि गुप्त सूचना के आधार पर सुरक्षाबलों ने कल रात श्रीनगर से 52 किलोमीटर दूर स्थित शोपिया जिले के लेहंद हब्दीपोर क्षेत्र में तलाशी अभियान चलाया। इस दौरान क्षेत्र में छुपे आतंकियों और सुरक्षाबलों के बीच मुठभेड़ शुरू हो गई जो आज सुबह दोनों आतंकियों के मारे जाने के साथ ही समाप्त हुई।
उन्होंने बताया कि मुठभेड़ में मारे गए आतंकियों की पहचान अशफाक अहमइ चोपन और खुर्शीद अहमद इट्टू के रूप में हुई है। दोनों शोपिया जिले के निवासी थे। बताया गया है कि दोनों गत सोमवार को कुलगाम जिले के यारीपोर में पुलिसकर्मियों से इंसास और एके 47 राइफल छीने जाने की घटना में शामिल थे। छीनी गई राइफलें मुठभेड़स्थल से बरामद कर ली गई।
अधिकारियों ने बताया कि सोपोर नगर के मुस्लिम पीर क्षेत्र में हुई एक अन्य मुठभेड़ में एक आतंकी मारा गया। सुरक्षाबलों ने क्षेत्र में आतंकियों की मौजूदगी के बारे में गुप्त सूचना के आधार पर यह अभियान शुरू किया था।
श्रीनगर से हुर्रियत नेता गिरफ्तार
पिछले साल राज्य में हुए हिंसक प्रदर्शनों में शामिल होने के आरोप में पुलिस ने श्रीनगर में हुर्रियत कांफ्रेंस के एक नेता को गिरफ्तार किया है। सोपोर के पुलिस अधीक्षक अलताफ खान ने पत्रकारों को बताया कि हुर्रियत कांफ्रेंस के बारामुला जिले के अध्यक्ष गुलाम हसन मीर को इस हफ्ते की शुरूआत में सोरा इलाके से गिरफ्तार किया गया।
(Courtesy : www.jagran.com, 12. 03.2011)
पंडितों की आवाज उठाएं विपक्षी दल
जम्मू। कश्मीरी पंडित कांफ्रेंस ने विपक्षी दलों के विधायकों से अपील की है कि वह विधानसभा में कश्मीरी हिंदू श्राइन व मंदिर बिल पारित करवाने और पंडितों की वादी वापसी के मुद्दों को उठाकर पंडित समुदाय की आवाज सरकार के कानों तक पहुंचाएं। कांफ्रेंस ने इसी प्रकार की अपील विपक्ष के संसद सदस्यों से भी की है।
काफ्रेंस के प्रधान कुंदन कश्मीरी ने केंद्र व राज्य सरकार से वादी में कश्मीरी पंडित समुदाय की वापसी को यकीनी बनाने को कहा। कश्मीरी ने शुक्रवार को जारी बयान में कहा कि यह सर्वविदित सच है कि पंडित समुदाय कश्मीर की पांच हजार साल पुरानी सभ्यता के पूरक हैं, जबकि बहुसंख्यक समुदाय के लोगों का आना सदियों बाद हुआ है।
उन्होंने कहा कि अलगाववादियों व उनके जैसे भाषा बोलने वाले दलों की ओर से वादी में जो माहौल तैयार किया गया है, उसके मद्देनजर कश्मीरी पंडितों को वादी में एक ही जगह पर बसाया जाना उचित होगा।
(Courtesy : www.jagran.com, 12.03.2011)
काफ्रेंस के प्रधान कुंदन कश्मीरी ने केंद्र व राज्य सरकार से वादी में कश्मीरी पंडित समुदाय की वापसी को यकीनी बनाने को कहा। कश्मीरी ने शुक्रवार को जारी बयान में कहा कि यह सर्वविदित सच है कि पंडित समुदाय कश्मीर की पांच हजार साल पुरानी सभ्यता के पूरक हैं, जबकि बहुसंख्यक समुदाय के लोगों का आना सदियों बाद हुआ है।
उन्होंने कहा कि अलगाववादियों व उनके जैसे भाषा बोलने वाले दलों की ओर से वादी में जो माहौल तैयार किया गया है, उसके मद्देनजर कश्मीरी पंडितों को वादी में एक ही जगह पर बसाया जाना उचित होगा।
(Courtesy : www.jagran.com, 12.03.2011)
कश्मीर में अशुभ की आशंका
जम्मू-कश्मीर राज्य भारत का मुकुटमणि है, धरती पर स्वर्ग के समान है, भारतीय संस्कृति इसकी गोद में पली है। अमरनाथ और मां वैष्णो देवी धाम पूरे देश की आस्था के केन्द्र हैं। जम्मू-कश्मीर का पाकिस्तान द्वारा अधिकृत भू-भाग आज भले ही भारत के सामान्य नागरिक की पहुंच से दूर हुआ हो लेकिन आज भी उसके मन के निकट है।
इस भावनात्मक संबंध के इतर जम्मू-कश्मीर के भारतीय संघ में विलय के साथ ही पूरे देश के साथ इसका एक संवैधानिक रिश्ता भी कायम हुआ। यहां चलने वाला कोई भी अलगाववादी प्रयास भारत की संप्रभुता को चुनौती है। भारतीय संसद ने जम्मू-कश्मीर राज्य के भारत का अभिन्न अंग होने की स्पष्ट घोषणा की है और पाकिस्तान व चीन द्वारा अवैध कब्जे वाले भू-भाग को वापस लेने का सर्वसम्मत संकल्प दोहराया है।
भू-राजनैतिक दृष्टि से जम्मू-कश्मीर देश के लिये सर्वाधिक महत्व का स्थान है। सदियों तक खाड़ी देशों तथा यूरोप व अफ्रीका के देशों तक सड़क मार्ग से होने वाले व्यापार के कारण भारत सोने की चिड़िया बना रहा तो इस सीमावर्ती राज्य की शक्ति कम होने पर यही दुनिया भर के आक्रमणकारियों के लिये मार्ग देता रहा। इसलिये निस्संदेह भारत की सुरक्षा की दृष्टि से चार देशों से लगने वाली इसकी सीमा का रणनीतिक महत्व भी सर्वविदित है। यही कारण है कि सीमा पर बैठे शत्रु इसे कब्जे में लेकर जहां भारत की सीमाओं को असुरक्षित बना रहे हैं वहीं देश के आर्थिक विकास को भी कुंठित कर देना चाहते हैं।
1947 में भारत विभाजन के समय भूल, भ्रम और षड्यंत्र का जो दुष्चक्र चला उसकी सबसे गहरी चोट जम्मू-कश्मीर को ही लगी। उस समय की गयी राजनैतिक त्रुटियों की कीमत गत छः दशकों से पूरा देश चुका रहा है। असंख्य सैनिकों और हजारों निर्दोष नागरिकों के प्राणों की बलि देने के बाद भी उस भूल का प्रायश्चित पूरा होता नहीं दिखता।
वर्ष 2010 की गर्मियों में हमने कश्मीर घाटी के कुछ हिस्सों में अलगाववादी हिंसा का एक नया ही रूप देखा था। मासूम बच्चों के हाथों में पत्थर थमा कर अलगाववादियों ने उन्हें सुरक्षा बलों की गोलियों के आगे धकेल दिया और उन मासूमों की लाशों पर अपनी अलगाववादी राजनीति को परवान चढ़ाने की कोशिश की।
दुर्भाग्य से देश का राजनैतिक नेतृत्व आज भी पिछली गलतियों से सबक लेने को तैयार नहीं है। एकबार पुनः वार्ताकारों का दल श्रीनगर घाटी में अलगाववादी आंदोलन को हवा देने वाले आधारहीन लोगों को ही पूरे जम्मू-कश्मीर का प्रतिनिधि मान कर उनसे संवाद कर रहा है। एक बार पुनः केन्द्र सरकार इन अलगाववादियों को तरह-तरह की साधन-सुविधाओं और पैकेज के बल पर कुछ समय के लिये खामोशी ओढ़ लेने के लिये मना कर रही है। एकबार पुनः जम्मू ही नहीं, कश्मीर के भी अनेक समुदायों और आम नागरिक के अधिकारों को बंधक बना कर यह अलगाववादी तत्व केन्द्र सरकार के साथ सौदा करने की तैयार कर रहे हैं। और एक बार पुनः केन्द्र सरकार देश की संप्रभुता से समझौता कर अलगाववादियों के सामने घुटने टेकने को तैयार दिखती है।
केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा जम्मू-कश्मीर में समस्या के अध्ययन और समाधान सुझाने के लिये गठित वार्ताकारों के दल ने जिस प्रकार राज्य में जाकर अलगाववादियों की मांगों के समर्थन में बयान देने और भारत के संविधान के लचीलेपन का उल्लेख करते हुए इसी में से आजादी का रास्ता निकल आने की बात की, उसने प्रारंभ से ही वार्ताकारों की सोच और दिशा का संकेत दे दिया था। गृहमंत्री ने अतीत में किये गये कुछ वादों को पूरा करने की बात कह कर संदेह को और गहरा कर दिया।
वार्ताकारों द्वारा जल्द ही रिपोर्ट सौंपे जाने का अनुमान लगाया जा रहा है। राजनैतिक प्रेक्षकों की नजरें भी इस रिपोर्ट और उस पर केन्द्र की प्रतिक्रिया पर टिकी हैं। ऐसे समय में जम्मू से 20 किलोमीटर दूर जगती में बनाये गये एक कमरे के जनता क्वार्टरों को कश्मीरी पंडितों के पुनर्वास के अभियान के रूप में प्रचारित किया गया और उसके लोकार्पण के लिये प्रधानमंत्री मनमोहन सिंह स्वयं वहां गये। उनमें से तैयार 12 कमरों की चाबियां प्रधानमंत्री ने कश्मीर के विस्थापितों को सौंपीं।
यहां उल्लेखनीय यह है कि कश्मीरी पंडितों का विस्थापन का दर्द कम करने गये प्रधानमंत्री ने इससे बड़ा तोहफा अलगाववादियों को यह कह कर दिया कि उनकी सरकार कश्मीर समस्या के हल के लिये पाकिस्तान से भी बात करने को तैयार है। वार्ताकारों की रिपोर्ट आने से पहले ही पाकिस्तान के साथ कश्मीर के मसले पर बात करने की चर्चा की भी क्या आवश्यकता थी। वह भी ऐसे मौके पर जब संसद के भीतर और बाहर भ्रष्टाचार के मुद्दे पर उनकी सरकार की जबरदस्त किरकिरी हो रही है। मुख्य सतर्कता आयुक्त की नियुक्ति में अपनी जिम्मेदारी स्वीकार करने के लिये उन्होंने सदन के स्थान पर जम्मू को चुना। इन सारे प्रसंगों से वे किसे और क्या संकेत देना चाहते हैं।
प्रश्न यह भी उठता है कि 1994 में तत्कालीन प्रधानमंत्री स्व. नरसिम्हाराव के नेतृत्व में केन्द्र में कांग्रेस की सरकार ही सत्तारूढ़ थी जब सदन में पाकिस्तान से अपनी भूमि वापस लेने का सर्वसम्मत संकल्प लिया गया था। आज ऐसी कौन सी महत्वपूर्ण परिस्थिति उत्पन्न हो गयी हैं जिसमें सरकार को अपनी नीति बदलनी पड़ रही है। साथ ही संसद में लिये संकल्प के विरूद्ध यदि नीति में इतना महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तन किया जा रहा है तो उसकी घोषणा का भी मंच संसद का सदन है। जम्मू की आमसभा में इस प्रकार की घोषणा के पीछे क्या तर्क हो सकता है यह तो अवश्य स्पष्ट किया जाना चाहिये।
आम तौर पर प्रधानमंत्री किसी भी मामले जिस प्रकार की चुप्पी साधते हैं उसे देखते हुए इसकी संभावना कम ही है कि उनकी ओर से कोई स्पष्टीकरण आयेगा। इसलिये इस घोषणा के पीछे के तर्क और भावना तो संभवतः तभी उजागर होंगे जब वार्ताकारों की रिपोर्ट पर केन्द्र सरकार की प्रतिक्रिया दिखाई देगी। लेकिन पूरे परिदृश्य को देखते हुए यह संभावना बलवती हो रही है कि परदे के पीछे अवश्य कुछ बेहद गंभीर चल रहा है। साथ ही यह आशंका भी बढ़ती जा रही है कि जो कुछ भी चल रहा है वह संभवतः राष्ट्र के लिये शुभ न हो।
(लेखक : वरिष्ठ पत्रकार एवं नोएडा स्थित 'मीडिया नैपुण्य संस्थान' के निदेशक हैं।)
कश्मीरी हिंदुओं के प्रति सरकार संवेदनहीन
विमला रैना 10 साल की थी जब श्रीनगर की रैनाबाड़ी में उसका परिवार उजड़कर जम्मू पहुंचा था। माता-पिता, दो भाई और वह खुद। बमुश्किल जम्मू में रहने की जगह मिली। जैसे लोग झुग्गी-झोंपड़ियों में रहते हैं वैसे एक तम्बू में सिमट गया वह घर, जो रैनाबाड़ी की शान हुआ करता था। बगीचा था, सब्जी का खेत था, पांच कमरों का दो मंजिला लकड़ी का बना पुराना कश्मीरी मकान। अखरोट, बादाम और सेब के पेड़। डल झील को छूकर आती कश्मीरी पहाड़ियों से बहकर आती ठंडी हवा। मां तो यह सब याद कर के आंखें ही गंवा बैठीं। पिता रोजगार की तलाश में कभी दिल्ली, कभी लखनऊ भटकते रहे।
भिखारियों जैसी जिंदगी में बड़ी हुई विमला ने भाइयों को आवारा और नशेबाज होते देखा। हर पड़ोसी और राहगीर की निगाहों से खुद को भेदा जाते पाया। लाज की रक्षा का एक ही उपाय था- घर में रहो, आंखें नीची रखो, घर के काम-काज में मां का हाथ बंटाओं, किसी की फब्ती का जवाब मत दो। स्कूल और कालेज इसी तरह पूरा किया विमला ने। पिता कभी घर आते, पैसे दे फिर चले जाते। पिछले साल विमला 30 साल की हो गयी। अध्यापिका हैं। शादी नहीं की। भाइयों और मां का ध्यान रखती हैं।
गत 4 मार्च को जम्मू में एक राष्ट्रीय शोकान्तिका को बड़े उत्सवी जलसे के रूप में मनाया गया। प्रधानमंत्री ने कश्मीरी हिंदू शरणार्थियों के लिए एक बड़ी आवासीय कालोनी जगती का उद्घाटन किया। अपने ही देश में तिरंगे के प्रति वफादारी निभाने के ‘गुनाह‘ में यदि राष्ट्रीय नागरिक अपने घरों से उजाड़ दिए जाएं तो उनको ससम्मान वापस घर भेजने के बजाय उन्हें शरणार्थी कालोनी में फ्लैट देने वाले प्रधानमंत्री की ‘हिम्मत’ की प्रशंसा करें क्या?
विमला रैना जैसे हजारों, परिवारों को यह उम्मीद बंधी थी कि जब डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह जुगती कैम्प में कश्मीरी हिंदू शरणार्थियों को फ्लैट आवंटन योजना का उद्घाटन करने आएंगे तो कम से कम ऐसा ठिकाना तो मिलेगा जहां भाई, मां और कभी-कभी आने वाले पिता के साथ वह रह सकें। लेकिन वह और बाकी तमाम शरणार्थी यह सुनकर स्तब्ध रह गए कि जो फ्लैट उन्हें मिलने वाले हैं, वे सिर्फ एक कमरे के हैं। साथ में रसोई और एक गुसलखाना।
सरकार यह मानकर चलती है कि इन बदनसीबों के घर में कोई मिलने नहीं आएगा, कोई अतिथि नहीं आएगा, कोई रिश्तेदार नहीं आएगा। सरकार कश्मीरी हिंदू शरणार्थियों के बारे में योजनाएं घोषित करती है, लेकिन उसका नतीजा क्या निकलता है? अभी तो इन नए फ्लैटों में रहने कोई नहीं गया है। पता नहीं कैसे बने हैं? सीमेंट और सरिये में कितना कमीशन खाया गया है?
ये तमाम शरणार्थी अभी तक जिन शिविरों में रहते आए हैं वहां की जिंदगी और रोजमर्रा के कामकाज निभाने के लिए आसपास छोटी दुकानें खुलीं। छोटे-छोटे काम-धंधे खुले। उनके लिए कोई जगह नहीं और कोई आवास नहीं, कोई सुविधा नहीं। वे शरणार्थी कहां जाएं? 21 साल के बाद उजड़े हुए परिवारों को तम्बूओं और शिविरों से हटाकर घर दिए जाने का बंदोबस्त बहुत नगाड़ों के साथ प्रचारित किया जाता है।
दुनिया भर को बताया जाता है कि सरकार इन शरणार्थियों के बारे में कितनी संवेदनशील तथा चिंतित है। स्वयं प्रधानमंत्री उनको मकान दिए जाने की योजना का उद्घाटन करने आते हैं। लेकिन यह उद्घाटन किस प्रकार की सुविधा का होता है इसके बारे में न तो कहीं कोई नहीं बोलता है, न ही कहीं कोई जांच करता है।
सिर्फ श्रीनगर, कुपवाड़ा, अनंतनाग आदि घाटी की जिहादग्रस्त जगहों से उजड़े हिंदुओं के बारे में नहीं बल्कि 1947 में पाकिस्तान के अवैध कब्जे में गए कश्मीर से उजड़े हिंदुओं के बारे में सरकार संवदेनशील के चरम को छू रही है। उन शरणार्थियों की संख्या तो अब लगभग पौने दो लाख तक पहुंच गयी है। वे जम्मू-कश्मीर से उजड़े, पाकिस्तानी हमले में देशभक्त भारतीय और हिंदू होने के ‘अपराध‘ में घरबार उजड़वाकर माता-पिता, पत्नी, बच्चों की अमानुषिक हत्याएं अपनी आंखों के सामने देखते हुए जो कुछ मिला वे समेटकर जो भी बचकर आ पाए, आ गए।
लेकिन इन तमाम हिंदू शरणार्थियों को आज तक न तो जम्मू-कश्मीर की नागरिकता दी गयी, न उन्हें मतदान का रिकार्ड मिला और अब जब सरकार शरणार्थियों की सहायता का आश्वासन देती है तो उस सूची में से भी ये तमाम हिंदू गायब कर दिए जाते हैं। ऐसी स्थिति में वहां लीबिया या काहिरा की तरह हिंसक विद्रोह, विस्फोटक आक्रोश या पत्थरबाजी के दहलाने वाले प्रदर्शन क्यों नहीं होते?
लोग कहते हैं कि यही वह पक्ष है जिसके कारण महात्मा गांधी को अली बंधुओं की आक्रामकता के सामने कहना पड़ा था कि हिंदू कायर हैं। मैं समझता हूं कि यह कायरता नहीं बल्कि संविधान और गणतांत्रिक पद्धति के प्रति हिंदुओं का गहरा विश्वास है कि बार-बार छले जाने के बावजूद वे कानून हाथ में नहीं लेते। इसी पहलू को लेकर अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी ने दशकों पहले लिखा था-
कब तक जम्मू को यों ही जलने देंगे? कब तक जुल्मों की मदिरा ढलने देंगे?
चुपचाप सहेंगे कब तक लाठी गोली? कब तक खेलेंगे दुश्मन खूं से होली?
प्रहलाद परीक्षा की बेला अब आई, होलिका बनी देखो अब्दुल्ला शाही।
मां-बहनों का अपमान सहेंगे कब तक? भोले पांडव चुपचाप रहेंगे कब तक?
आखिर सहने की भी सीमा होती है, सागर के उर में भी ज्वाला सोती है।
मलयानिल कभी बवंडर बन ही जाता, भोले शिव का तीसरा नेत्र खुल जाता।
यह कैसा तीसरा नेत्र है कि जो सिर्फ गुस्सा पीने और उजड़ने के दर्द को दिल्ली, मुम्बई, कोलकाता में नौकरियां ढूंढने में गंवा देता है? वे 1947 में उजड़े, भारत आए, उन्हें नागरिकता भी नहीं मिली। फिर पैंसठ के युद्ध में उजड़कर पाकिस्तान से आए। फिर इकहत्तर के युद्ध में भी सरहद पार के हिंदुओं को उजड़कर भारत आना पड़ा। वे कहां जाएं?
सवाल यह उठता है कि इस देश में हिंदू के उजड़ने पर दर्द क्यों नहीं उमड़ता? कश्मीरी हिंदुओं को घाटी उजड़े दो दशक हो गए। क्या संसद में इस पर सवाल उठे? क्या हिंदू-मुस्लिम या सेक्युलर संगठनों ने देशभक्तों के मानवाधिकारों के नाम पर ही कहीं एकजुटता से उनके उजड़ने के सवाल पर दुःख, क्षोभ या आत्मीयता व्यक्त की?
मौलाना वस्तानवी ने कहा कि मुसलमानों को गुजरात का दर्द भूलकर प्रगति के पथ पर आगे बढ़ना चाहिए। इतना कहने भर पर उन्हें निकाले जाने की मांगे उठने लगीं। लेकिन कभी किसी हिंदू ने तो ऐसा नहीं कहा कि जब तक घाटी के हिंदू वापिस नहीं लौटते तब तक हर उस पार्टी को वोट देना बंद कर दो, जो उनकी मदद नहीं करती। बल्कि वे तो उनके साथ भी खड़े होने में गुरेज़ नहीं करते जिन्होंने न सिर्फ उनके उजड़ने पर आंसू नहीं बहाए बल्कि उन्हें उजाड़ने वालों के साथ रिश्ते कायम किए। लेकिन उन्हें मिला क्या? प्रदर्शन, आंदोलन, लाठी, गोली, और नौ फीट के एक कमरे वाला घर। एक उजड़ने के बाद यह दूसरा उजड़ना ही तो कहा जाएगा।
(लेखक : वरिष्ठ पत्रकार एवं भाजपा के राज्यसभा सदस्य हैं।)
Saturday, March 5, 2011
आस्तीन की नागिन
अनिल बिहारी श्रीवास्तव
जम्मू कश्मीर में महबूबा मुफ्ती की पार्टी-पीडीपी ने विजन आन कश्मीर नाम से एक पॉवर पाइंट पे्रेजेंटेशन तैयार किया है। खास बात यह है कि इस प्रेजेंटेशन में कराकोरम और अक्साई चिन को चीन का हिस्सा बताया गया है। यह एक तथ्य है कि भारत इस क्षेत्र को हमेशा से अपना मानता है। यही नहीं पीडीपी श्रीनगर को चीन के यारकंड से जोडऩा चाहती है। पीडीपी का यह कारनामा स्वीकार नहीं किया जा सकता। महबूबा मुफ्ती और पीडीपी सवालों के घेरे में हैं। पीडीपी की इस हरकत पर केंन्द्रीय गृहमंत्री पी. चिदम्बरम ने गंभीरता से लेते हुए चेतावनी दे दी है कि पीडीपी ने नक्शे को नहीं सुधारा तो कार्रवाई करेंगे। गृहमंत्री की नाराजगी समझ मे आने वाली बात है परंतु पीडीपी के विरूद्ध तत्काल कोई कार्रवाई करने में केंद्र की झिझक उजागर हो रही है। यह तय मानें की पीडीपी ने यह हरकत जानबूझकर और किसी दूरगामी रणनीति को ध्यान में रखकर की है। इससे दो दिन पहले ही पीडीपी ने कश्मीर की तुलना मिस्र से की थी।
यह कहने में झिझक नही हो रही कि महबूबा मुफ्ती सियासत के बुखार के चलते अपनी ज्ञान ज्योति खो बैठी हैं। नक्शे वाले मसले पर उनका मूर्खतापूर्ण तर्क यह है कि ‘‘नक्शे को गलत संदर्भ में लिया जा रहा है, यह कश्मीरियों की सहूलियत के लिए इस्तेमाल किया गया है।’’ कैसी सहूलियत और क्या संदर्भ? महबूबा मुफ्ती की अब तक की राजनीतिक यात्रा पर नजर डालें। एक बात साफ तौर पर समझ में आती है कि उनका रवैया टकराव वाला रहा है। वह विवाद को गरमाने और उसकी आंच में अपनी राजनीतिक रोटियां सेंकने मे माहिर हो गई हैं। पिछले पांच सात सालों पर गौर करें महबूबा मुफ्ती और उनके अब्बा हुजूर के अधिकांश फैसलों और हरकतों से पाकिस्तान या पाकिस्तान समर्थित आतंकवादियों और कश्मीर अलगाववादियों को ही लाभ मिला होगा।
दो टूक शब्दों में कह सकते हैं कि महबूबा मुफ्ती और उनके पिता मुफ्ती मोहम्मद सईद की निष्ठा हमेशा संदिग्ध रही है। बाप बेटी की इस जोड़ी ने कितनी बार कश्मीर घाटी में अलगाववादियों के द्वारा पाकिस्तानी झंडा फहराये जाने का विरोध किया? अमरनाथ बोर्ड भूमि आवंटन के खिलाफ अलगाववादियों द्वारा किये गए उपद्रवों में महबूबा की भूमिका आग में घी जैसी रही। सुरक्षा बलों पर पत्थर बरसाने वालों के खिलाफ महबूबा ने कभी मुंह नहीं खोला। महबूबा ने हमेशा भारत के विरूद्ध नागिन की तरह जहर उगला है। वह जवाब दें कि पाकिस्तान के कब्जे वाले कश्मीर मे कश्मीरियों के मानव अधिकारों के हनन पर क्यों चुप रहती हैं ? विडम्बना यह है कि महबूबा मुफ्ती और मुफ्ती मोहम्मद सईद की फितरत से वाकिफ होते हुए भी इस देश का राजनीतिक नेतृत्व इन्हें मुंह लगाये रखता रहा।
अब तो यह संदेह होने लगा है कि विश्वनाथ प्रताप सिंह की अगुआई वाली सरकार में मुफ्ती मोहम्मद सईद को गृहमंत्री बनाया जाना किसी अंतरराष्ट्र्रीय साजिश का हिस्सा था। सईद ने १९९० में अपने बेटी रूबिया सईद के अपहरण के नाटक में अपहर्ताओं के सामने जिस तरह घुटने टेके उसी के बाद कश्मीर घाटी में आतंकवाद बढ़ा। गृहमंत्री रहते सईद यदि अपहर्ताओं को छोडऩे से इंकार कर देते तब उनकी छवि एक कायर और अक्षम गृहमंत्री के रूप बनने से बच जाती। वैसे महबूबा मुफ्ती के व्यवहार को देखते हुए यह आशंका निराधार नही कहीं जा सकती कि रूबिया का अपहरण सईद की जानकारी में ही और रूबिया की सहमति से किया गया होगा।
बहरहाल, यहां बरबस ही आस्तीन के सांप वाली कहावत याद आ गई। यह पक्की बात है कि आस्तीन में गोल-मटोल सांप नहीं रह सकता। यदि वह किसी तरह आस्तीन में घुस जाये तब उसे डसने में अधिक जुगत नही भिड़ानी पड़ेगी। ऐसा लगता है कि महबूबा मुफ्ती सईद जैसे लोगों को ध्यान में रख कर ही आस्तीन का सांप जैसी कहावत गढ़ी गई होगी। ऐसे लोग सांप ही हैं। आस्तीन में रहें या स्वतंत्र विचरण करें दोनों स्थिति में खतरनाक हैं। पिछले दिनों एक अनुसंधान रिपोर्ट पढ़ी। बताया गया था पहले सांपों के पैर होते थे। पता नहीं चल रहा कि विकास के क्रम में पैर कैसे गायब हो गये? वैज्ञानिकों का कहना है कि पैरों वाले सांप आज भी देख जाते हैं। हालांकि पैरों की मौजूदगी उनकी शारीरिक संरचना के समक्ष नगण्य सी होती है। ऐसे सांप आस्ट्रेलिया में दिखाई देते है। हम कहते हैं पीडीपी वालों ने अपनी देशद्रोही हरकत से साबित कर दिया कि वे भी पैरों वाले सांप की प्रजाति से ही हैं।
(लेखक : भोपाल में ईएमएस न्यूज एजेंसी के सम्पादक हैं)
जम्मू कश्मीर में महबूबा मुफ्ती की पार्टी-पीडीपी ने विजन आन कश्मीर नाम से एक पॉवर पाइंट पे्रेजेंटेशन तैयार किया है। खास बात यह है कि इस प्रेजेंटेशन में कराकोरम और अक्साई चिन को चीन का हिस्सा बताया गया है। यह एक तथ्य है कि भारत इस क्षेत्र को हमेशा से अपना मानता है। यही नहीं पीडीपी श्रीनगर को चीन के यारकंड से जोडऩा चाहती है। पीडीपी का यह कारनामा स्वीकार नहीं किया जा सकता। महबूबा मुफ्ती और पीडीपी सवालों के घेरे में हैं। पीडीपी की इस हरकत पर केंन्द्रीय गृहमंत्री पी. चिदम्बरम ने गंभीरता से लेते हुए चेतावनी दे दी है कि पीडीपी ने नक्शे को नहीं सुधारा तो कार्रवाई करेंगे। गृहमंत्री की नाराजगी समझ मे आने वाली बात है परंतु पीडीपी के विरूद्ध तत्काल कोई कार्रवाई करने में केंद्र की झिझक उजागर हो रही है। यह तय मानें की पीडीपी ने यह हरकत जानबूझकर और किसी दूरगामी रणनीति को ध्यान में रखकर की है। इससे दो दिन पहले ही पीडीपी ने कश्मीर की तुलना मिस्र से की थी।
यह कहने में झिझक नही हो रही कि महबूबा मुफ्ती सियासत के बुखार के चलते अपनी ज्ञान ज्योति खो बैठी हैं। नक्शे वाले मसले पर उनका मूर्खतापूर्ण तर्क यह है कि ‘‘नक्शे को गलत संदर्भ में लिया जा रहा है, यह कश्मीरियों की सहूलियत के लिए इस्तेमाल किया गया है।’’ कैसी सहूलियत और क्या संदर्भ? महबूबा मुफ्ती की अब तक की राजनीतिक यात्रा पर नजर डालें। एक बात साफ तौर पर समझ में आती है कि उनका रवैया टकराव वाला रहा है। वह विवाद को गरमाने और उसकी आंच में अपनी राजनीतिक रोटियां सेंकने मे माहिर हो गई हैं। पिछले पांच सात सालों पर गौर करें महबूबा मुफ्ती और उनके अब्बा हुजूर के अधिकांश फैसलों और हरकतों से पाकिस्तान या पाकिस्तान समर्थित आतंकवादियों और कश्मीर अलगाववादियों को ही लाभ मिला होगा।
दो टूक शब्दों में कह सकते हैं कि महबूबा मुफ्ती और उनके पिता मुफ्ती मोहम्मद सईद की निष्ठा हमेशा संदिग्ध रही है। बाप बेटी की इस जोड़ी ने कितनी बार कश्मीर घाटी में अलगाववादियों के द्वारा पाकिस्तानी झंडा फहराये जाने का विरोध किया? अमरनाथ बोर्ड भूमि आवंटन के खिलाफ अलगाववादियों द्वारा किये गए उपद्रवों में महबूबा की भूमिका आग में घी जैसी रही। सुरक्षा बलों पर पत्थर बरसाने वालों के खिलाफ महबूबा ने कभी मुंह नहीं खोला। महबूबा ने हमेशा भारत के विरूद्ध नागिन की तरह जहर उगला है। वह जवाब दें कि पाकिस्तान के कब्जे वाले कश्मीर मे कश्मीरियों के मानव अधिकारों के हनन पर क्यों चुप रहती हैं ? विडम्बना यह है कि महबूबा मुफ्ती और मुफ्ती मोहम्मद सईद की फितरत से वाकिफ होते हुए भी इस देश का राजनीतिक नेतृत्व इन्हें मुंह लगाये रखता रहा।
अब तो यह संदेह होने लगा है कि विश्वनाथ प्रताप सिंह की अगुआई वाली सरकार में मुफ्ती मोहम्मद सईद को गृहमंत्री बनाया जाना किसी अंतरराष्ट्र्रीय साजिश का हिस्सा था। सईद ने १९९० में अपने बेटी रूबिया सईद के अपहरण के नाटक में अपहर्ताओं के सामने जिस तरह घुटने टेके उसी के बाद कश्मीर घाटी में आतंकवाद बढ़ा। गृहमंत्री रहते सईद यदि अपहर्ताओं को छोडऩे से इंकार कर देते तब उनकी छवि एक कायर और अक्षम गृहमंत्री के रूप बनने से बच जाती। वैसे महबूबा मुफ्ती के व्यवहार को देखते हुए यह आशंका निराधार नही कहीं जा सकती कि रूबिया का अपहरण सईद की जानकारी में ही और रूबिया की सहमति से किया गया होगा।
बहरहाल, यहां बरबस ही आस्तीन के सांप वाली कहावत याद आ गई। यह पक्की बात है कि आस्तीन में गोल-मटोल सांप नहीं रह सकता। यदि वह किसी तरह आस्तीन में घुस जाये तब उसे डसने में अधिक जुगत नही भिड़ानी पड़ेगी। ऐसा लगता है कि महबूबा मुफ्ती सईद जैसे लोगों को ध्यान में रख कर ही आस्तीन का सांप जैसी कहावत गढ़ी गई होगी। ऐसे लोग सांप ही हैं। आस्तीन में रहें या स्वतंत्र विचरण करें दोनों स्थिति में खतरनाक हैं। पिछले दिनों एक अनुसंधान रिपोर्ट पढ़ी। बताया गया था पहले सांपों के पैर होते थे। पता नहीं चल रहा कि विकास के क्रम में पैर कैसे गायब हो गये? वैज्ञानिकों का कहना है कि पैरों वाले सांप आज भी देख जाते हैं। हालांकि पैरों की मौजूदगी उनकी शारीरिक संरचना के समक्ष नगण्य सी होती है। ऐसे सांप आस्ट्रेलिया में दिखाई देते है। हम कहते हैं पीडीपी वालों ने अपनी देशद्रोही हरकत से साबित कर दिया कि वे भी पैरों वाले सांप की प्रजाति से ही हैं।
(लेखक : भोपाल में ईएमएस न्यूज एजेंसी के सम्पादक हैं)
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