India said any assertion made in any forum on a subject related to an integral part of the country needs to be duly substantiated with authentic verifiable facts.
India has expressed its strong dismay after Members of Parliament from the UK’s All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir tabled a motion on ‘Human rights in Kashmir’ for a debate in the House of Commons.
The Indian High Commission in London said any assertion made in any forum on a subject related to an integral part of the country needs to be duly substantiated with authentic verifiable facts, The Tribune reported.
The Minister for Asia in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Amanda Milling, responded to the debate on Thursday by reiterating the UK government’s unchanged stance on Kashmir as a bilateral issue.
Credit@Jessica Taylor_UK Parliament
She said the government takes the situation in Kashmir very seriously but it’s for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political solution, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
“It’s not for the UK to prescribe a solution or to act as a mediator,” Milling was quoted as saying.
The India government has expressed its strong displeasure over some of the language used by participating MPs in the Backbench Debate, specifically Pakistani-origin Labour MP Naz Shah.
The Indian High Commission in London condemned the attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted Kashmir’s status as an integral part of India, it was reported.
A top official at the High Commission said that “any assertion made in any forum on a subject related to an integral part of India needs to be duly substantiated with authentic verifiable facts.”
Bob Blackman MP
The debate in the UK Parliament was opened by Opposition Labour Party MP Debbie Abrahams who said the discussion was not to be read as “pro or anti” any country as the lawmakers were only speaking in defence of human rights, the Hindustan Times reported.
“Kashmiris must be at the heart of a trilateral peacebuilding process,” she added.
Over 20 cross-party members participated in the debate, with the ruling Conservative Party MPs Bob Blackman and Theresa Villiers speaking out in favour of Indian courts and institutions ability to “properly investigate alleged human rights abuses”, it was reported.
They said the elections held in Kashmir last year were a positive sign.
Nearly three months after LG Sinha hinted that his administration would act tough against the militant sympathizers, the J&K Government terminated the services of eleven of its employees…reports Asian Lite News
In April this year Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha had made his intentions clear by stating that there was no place for militancy and its supporters in the newly carved out Union Territory, and the militant sympathisers would be punished.
“Jammu and Kashmir is moving ahead with a new vision and there is no place for terrorism…. There is a need to take inspiration from the brave hearts and martyrs and their families. Also, there is a need to take a vow that terrorists and their supporters will not be forgiven in J&K,” LG Sinha had said.
Nearly three months after LG Sinha hinted that his administration would act tough against the militant sympathizers, the J&K Government terminated the services of eleven of its employees, including Syed Ahmad Shakeel and Shahid Yousuf—two sons of the Pakistan based self- styled chief of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Syed Salahuddin, designated international terrorist—they were dismissed in the interest of the nation.
The designated committee in J&K UT for scrutinising and recommending cases under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution of India, in its 2nd and 4th meeting, recommended 3 and 8 cases respectively, for their dismissal from the government service.
Flag of Lashkar-e-Taiba(wikipedia)
Three officials recommended for dismissal in the second meeting of the Committee pertain to an orderly of ITI, Kupwara who was an Over Ground Worker of militant outfit Lashkar- e -Taiyaba (LeT). He was providing information to the militants about the movement of security forces, abetting and harbouring militants to carry out activities in a clandestine manner.
Similarly, two teachers both from Anantnag District were found involved in anti-national activities including participating, supporting and propagating secessionist ideology of Jamaat-Islami (JeI) and Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM).”
The eight government employees recommended for dismissal in the fourth meeting of the Committee include two constables of Jammu Kashmir Police who have supported militancy from within the Police department and provided inside information to the militants as also logistic support. One constable, Abdul Rashid Shigan, has himself executed attacks on the security forces.
Syed Ahmad Shakeel and Shahid Yousuf—sons of HM founder Syed Salahuddin were terminated after they were found involved in funding militants.
While tracking the terror funding case, National Investigation Agency (NIA) concluded that Shakeel and Yousuf were involved in raising, receiving, collecting, and transferring funds through the Hawala transaction for militancy activities of HM.
Another Govt employee with militancy link, Naaz Mhammad Allaie, an orderly of the Health Department is an Over Ground Worker of HM and has a history of direct involvement in militant activities. Two militants were harboured by him at his residence.
The two employees of the Education Department who were terminated from the services are Jabbar Ahmad Paray and Nisar Ahmad Tantray. They were actively involved in furthering the secessionist agenda unleashed by the sponsors from Pakistan and are Jamaat-e-Islami ideologists.
Shaheen Ahmad Lone, an Inspector of the Power Department was found involved in smuggling and transporting arms for HM. He was found traveling with two militants on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway carrying arms, ammunition and explosives in January last year.
Out of the 11 employees dismissed, four are from Anantnag, three from Budgam, one each from Baramulla, Srinagar, Pulwama and Kupwara. Out of these, four were working in the Education Department, two in Jammu Kashmir Police and one each in Agriculture, Skill Development, Power, SKIMS and Health Departments.
Indian Army soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir (IANS)
Process commenced in July 2020
The process to act against the terror-friendly employees of J&K Government had commenced on July 30, 2020 when the UT Government amended the service rules and dispensed with the requirement of an enquiry for dismissal of the employees emerging as a threat to the security of the State. For the first time, the government devised a mechanism to terminate the ‘anti-national employees’ without facing judicial scrutiny.
Principal Secretary Home and Additional Director General of Police Criminal Investigation Department were given sweeping powers to decide the fate of the employees reported to the government as a threat to the security of the State
In October 2020 the UT Government amended Article 226 (2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations for a provision to retire at any time any government servant in the public interest after he has completed 22 years of service or attained 48 years of age.
At that point of time the government had stated that the rules have been amended to identify the deadwood and show an exit door to them. But more than non-performing employees the LG led dispensation wanted to tighten the noose around employees with militant sympahies. The earlier provisions empowering the government to prematurely retire an employee on the basis of non-performance, misbehaviour and bad conduct were “very vague”. As a result, all those who were retired prematurely managed to rejoin service following court orders. Following the amendment, the UT service regulations were brought at par with those followed at the Centre.
In April this year the J&K Government had invoked a clause in Article 311 to bypass the requirement for formal inquiry. It was done to set the ball rolling to purge the Union Territory’s administration of dissenting employees “in the interest of security of the state.
A Special Task Force (STF) was constituted by the LG Sinha’s administration, to “scrutinise cases of employees suspected of activities requiring action under Article 311 (2) (c)”.
According to order number 355 issued by J&K’s General Administration Department, the task force headed by J&K’s intelligence chief R.R. Swain, who served for a decade in the Research and Analysis Wing before returning to J&K, had to “compile records of such employees, wherever necessary and to refer it” for action to a committee headed by the J&K Chief Secretary. The grounds for an employee’s dismissal were to be supported by an interrogation report and other collateral evidence to justify dispensing with the holding of an inquiry in the interest of security of the State.
First dismissal of govt employee
In April this year the J&K administration vide order No: 400-JK (GAD) of 2021 Dated 30-04-2021, terminated the service of Idrees Jan, a teacher at Government Middle School Kralpora in Kupwara district. “Whereas the Lieutenant Governor is satisfied after considering the facts and circumstances of the case and on the basis of the information available that the activities of Mr. Idrees Jan, Teacher Government Middle School, Kralpora, Kupwara are such as to warrant his dismissal from service. And whereas, the Lieutenant Governor is satisfied under sub-clause (c) of the proviso to clause (2) of Article 311 of the Constitution of India that in the interest of the security of the State, it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in the case of Mr. Idrees Jan. Accordingly, the LG hereby dismisses Idrees Jan, from service, the order had stated.
Jan’s dismissal was the first dismissal of a government employee indulging in anti-national activities by Sinha led dispensation.
On April 16, 2021, a woman Special Police Officer (SPO) in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district was arrested and terminated from the service for “glorifying terrorism” and “obstructing” government officials in the discharge of their duty. SPO Saima Akhter, was arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
More dismissals to follow
The security agencies have prepared a list of nearly 1000 J&K Government employees who pose threat to law and order and security and integrity of the State.
Multiple probes have revealed that a section of the government employees are proactively promoting hatred against India, assailing New Delhi’s August 5, 2019 decision, trolling and threatening politicians, government officers and business tycoons on social networking sites including WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and other platforms.
The government has collected concrete evidences against these employees, who were promoting anti-India narrative.
The present dispensation in Jammu and Kashmir is determined to take tough action against such employees who are fanning violence and creating law & order troubles on ground by their physical participation.
Presently, the strength of Government employees in J&K UT is around 4.5 lakhs. It’s an open secret that a section of the government employees in Kashmir have been a part of separatist narrative.
Prior to August 5, 2019—when the Centre announced its decision to revoke J&K’s special status and bifurcated it into two union territories—a huge number of employees took part in anti-state protests. These employees resorted to anti-India slogans, stone pelting and other unlawful activities frequently.
Erstwhile regimes often failed to dismiss the employees who publically supported militant activities and acted as their sympathizers.
Govt employees association was part of Hurriyat
Even an association of the government employees had joined and operated for over 20 years as a constituent of the secessionist Hurriyat Conference.
From the outbreak of militancy in 1989-90 to the street turmoil of 2016, the J&K government employees and their associations participated openly in the demonstrations and conferences organised by separatist and militant organisations. However, the senior ranks stood away from such activities after 1998.
In the very beginning of the militancy in 1990, the government employees sympathetic to the separatist cause managed signatures of almost all the top-ranking bureaucrats on a resolution demanding plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir under the UN Security Council resolutions of 1948 and 1949.
Later in 1990, they proceeded on a 72-day shutdown of government offices and services when then J&K Governor Jagmohan terminated five senior officers for supporting the separatists and militants. However, they were all reinstated by Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar’s government on the persuasion of the two J&K politicians Dr Farooq Abdullah and Saifuddin Soz.
Bureaucrat-turned-politician Naeem Akhtar, who later resigned and joined Mufti Sayeed’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and went on to become a cabinet minister was among the five dismissed officers.
Family members and relatives of the separatist leaders in the State government service were particularly promoted and placed on prize positions in some regimes from 2002 to 2019. Some of their close relatives were taken into the government services through the backdoor.(IndiaNarrative)
Projects worth Rs 20,000 crore employing 84,000 persons in J&K are in the process of being approved…reports Asian Lite News
J&K’s High-Level Land Allotment Committee on Thursday cleared land allotment to 15 projects worth Rs 1,548 crore and employment potential for 5,000 persons in the Jammu division.
Projects worth Rs 20,000 crore employing 84,000 persons in J&K are in the process of being approved, an official statement said.
The first meeting of the committee to approve allotment of land for establishing projects having proposed investment from Rs 50 crore to Rs 200 crore under the provisions of J&K Industrial Land Allotment Policy was held Thursday in Srinagar under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Ranjan P. Thakur.
Thakur termed it a historical moment in the industrial development of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that the process of land allotment has been streamlined and transparent. The applications are received round the clock on the Single Window Portal making it an ongoing process.
Director, Industries and Commerce, Jammu and the committee’s Member Secretary Anoo Malhotra presented the cases before the committee and expressed optimism that the decisions in the meeting usher in new era of growth, industrialisation and employment generation in J&K besides promoting a culture of entrepreneurship.
The committee took up 23 cases for allotment of land in various industrial estates of Jammu division with a projected investment of Rs 2,447 crore. After deliberations on cases to case basis, the committee approved 15 cases of land allotment with a projected investment of Rs 1,548 crore and having employment potential of 5,000.
The process of land allotment, for the first time, adopted a strategy of ranking on the basis of different parameters of the project report and presentations. The committee decided to keep 8 projects pending on the basis of huge requirement of power for operation with less employment potential and also due to restriction on setting up of red category units in Industrial Area Ghatti, Kathua.
It was informed that proposals with a projected investment of Rs 10,000 crore and employment potential of 34,000 persons in Jammu and about Rs 10,000 crore and employment potential of 50,000 persons in Kashmir are under the process of being approved.
J&K PCC Member Secretary B.M. Sharma, Additional Secretary, PDD, Tahir Firdous, Joint Director, I&C Department, Ved Prakash, FOIJ Chairman Rattan Dogra and other officers of Industries & Commerce Department, SIDCO and SICOP attended the meeting.
Hashtags like #KashmirRejectsModiAPC already on to ramp up negative sentiments by Pakistan ….reports Asian Lite News
In the run up to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, the Indian listening posts have picked up chatters that the ISI and the Pakistan Foreign Office are asking their station chiefs and diplomatic missions to drum up negative media coverage on Kashmir after the recent initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 76th session of the UNGA will open on September 14 and continue till September 30. In the run up to the UNGA, Indian listening posts have come across messaging to ensure negative publicity about Kashmir and also proliferate it in the international media.
Pakistan seems to be uneasy about the progress made in the fields of education, health and the other developmental initiatives take by the Modi government, along with the impending restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir for which an all-party meeting was convened recently in New Delhi.
A process is already on to ramp up negative sentiments by Pakistan as #KashmirRejectsModiAPC is trending on Twitter.
Soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir. (Photo: IANS)
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has described Narendra Modi’s all-party meeting with top political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir as a “drama” and a “PR exercise”.
“In my view, it was a drama. Why was it a drama? Because at best it could be called a public relations exercise, but nothing was achieved,” Qureshi said a day after the high-level meeting on Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi on June 24.
Qureshi said the Kashmiri leaders at the meeting “unanimously demanded full-fledged restoration of statehood”.
But the fact is that the Government of India is already contemplating such a move at the earliest. In fact, the delimitation exercise has already been jumpstarted.
Under Westphalian sovereignty laws, India is clear as daylight that Jammu and Kashmir is legally, ethically and constitutionally a part of India and no external interference will be brooked. However, Pakistan continues to daydream that it can get this to change diplomatically, militarily and by launching a 30-year long proxy war.
It has failed on all counts and yet it hankers for Kashmir as the unfinished business of Partition and as a reprisal for the brutal defeat in the 1971 war when it was vivisected, and a new nation called Bangladesh was born.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PIB)
Pakistan daily ‘Dawn’ said in an editorial that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has also said that Pakistan is ready for talks with India should the latter provide a roadmap for restoration of Kashmir’s special status.
“Therefore, India must take solid steps to not only address Kashmiris’ concerns, but also to push the peace process with Pakistan forward. Moreover, India needs to halt its efforts to change Kashmir’s demographics by settling outsiders in the region. India must show that it respects the wishes of the people of Kashmir, or else such meetings will be little more than a political pantomime,” Dawn said.
In recent days, there is a bump up in terrorist activity to break Jammu and Kashmir’s peace with encounters almost every other day. The drone attacks in Jammu are also seen as attempts to scuttle the prevailing peace.
All the deputy commissioners and officials of the Social Welfare Department have been directed to identify the families which have lost their loved ones due to Covid…reports Asian Lite News
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday rolled out a Special Assistance Scheme for Covid Mortalities (SASCM) by handing over scholarships and pension certificates to the children and members of families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The J&K government is committed to support the children who lost their parents to the pandemic. The administration will take all necessary steps for their well-being and education, so that they can have a bright future,” Sinha said.
“We stand in solidarity with the families who lost earning members due to the pandemic. Besides pension, every effort will be made to ensure they live a dignified life and have no financial difficulties,” the Lt Governor said, adding: “It is our duty and responsibility to support families, restore livelihoods and ensure stability in their life.”
For extending handholding to the affected families, a special cell has been constituted under the Social Welfare Department to track and facilitate the benefits under the existing government-sponsored welfare schemes which the families may be eligible for, Sinha said.
He also said that the administration will reach out to every affected family with financial assistance if they are willing to start their own business or other ventures for self-employment, besides imparting training and providing market linkages to them.
All the deputy commissioners and officials of the Social Welfare Department have been directed to identify the families which have lost their loved ones due to Covid, so that social protection and other necessary support can be extended to them.
In order to provide round-the-clock support, Sinha directed the district social welfare officers to pay regular visits to such families in their respective areas.
Under SASCM, cash assistance of Rs 1,000 per month shall be provided to the spouse and the eldest member of the family.
Apart from this, the scheme provides for scholarship of Rs 20,000 per annum for school-going students and Rs 40,000 per annum for college-going students.
A family in distress shall be eligible for scholarships for two children, if they are not getting any other scholarship. Besides, the benefits of all the other social welfare schemes, including pensions, etc. will be extended to the families.
All officers allotted the ‘Darbar Move’ accommodation at the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar have been asked to vacate the same within three weeks….reports Asian Lite News
Saying goodbye to the 149-year-old official practice of rotating the seat of governance between the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu on six-monthly basis called the ‘Darbar Move’, J&K government on Wednesday cancelled the practice and the accommodations given to employees who would shuttle between the twin capitals.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha had said on June 20 that since the administration had completed transition to e-office, there was no need to continue the practice of the biennial ‘Darbar Move’ of the government offices.
All officers allotted the ‘Darbar Move’ accommodation at the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar have been asked to vacate the same within three weeks.
The decision to end the biennial ‘Darbar Move’ will save the exchequer Rs 200 crore each year.
Following this decision, government offices will now function normally at both Jammu and Srinagar.
The Raj Bhawan, Civil Secretariat, offices of all major heads of departments would earlier shuttle between Jammu and Srinagar following the Darbar Move.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has also cancelled residential accommodations of government officials in the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar.
According to an order issued by Commissioner Secretary, Estates Department, M Raju, the officials have been asked to vacate their government quarters in Jammu and Srinagar within 21 days.
On June 20, the L-G had announced that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has completely transitioned to e-office, thereby ending the practice of the biannual darbar move.
“Now both the Jammu and Srinagar secretariats can function normally for 12 months. This will save the government Rs 200 crore per year, which will be used for the welfare of the deprived sections,” he said.
The practice of darbar move has been a part of the Jammu and Kashmir administration since 1872 when it was introduced by Maharaja Gulab Singh. Srinagar serves as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, while Jammu is the winter capital. The administration used to function in Jammu during the six months of winter and in Srinagar during the summer.
Due to this, employees from Jammu were allotted residential accommodation in Srinagar and those from Srinagar in Jammu. The Raj Bhavan, the civil secretariat and other major offices used to be shifted to the twin cities in phases, which used to cost the exchequer close to Rs 200 crore.
The order issued by Commissioner Secretary, Estates Department said sanction had been accorded to the cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers and officials in Srinagar and Jammu.
The order said the officers and officials would vacate their government-allotted residential accommodation in the twin capital cities within 21 days.
Kashmir-J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha paying obeisance at Shri Amarnathji Shrine- Umar Ganie
Considering the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been decided to keep the annual pilgrimage “symbolic” this year, with no physical darshan by the devotees…reports Asian Lite News
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine on Monday.
Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), performed puja at the shrine, accompanied by senior officers from the army, civil administration, police and SASB.
“May the divine blessings of Lord Shiva ensure good health and happiness in everyone’s life and bless us with strength to overcome the ongoing health crisis,” Sinha said.
The annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine is a testimony to the tradition of cultural syncretism in Jammu and Kashmir. But considering the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been decided to keep the annual pilgrimage “symbolic” this year, with no physical darshan by the devotees.
Kashmir-J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha paying obeisance at Shri Amarnathji Shrine- Umar Ganie
However, respecting the sentiments of the devotees, the SASB has arranged for live telecast of the morning and evening ‘Aarti’ from the holy cave shrine.
All the traditional religious rituals shall be performed at the shrine as per past practice, the Lt Governor said.
“The J&K government has taken a slew of measures to reduce the spread of the virus and every arrangement has been made to ensure that Covid appropriate behaviour is being followed during the Aarti and other rituals.
“Let us resolve to effectively deal with the pandemic by following the Covid guidelines and work towards furthering human welfare,” Sinha said.
Both the morning Aarti at 6 a.m. and the evening Aarti at 5 p.m., each for 30 minutes, will be live-streamed on SASB’s official website and on the app specifically dedicated for the devotees.
The devotees can pay virtual obeisance through SASB’s portal www.shriamarnathjishrine.com/AartiLive.html.
The same may also be streamed through the shrine board’s mobile based application which can be downloaded from Google play store.
Security forces believe that the spread of Wahhabi sect has changed the paradigm of militancy in Kashmir….reports Asian Lite News
The influence of Wahhabism has changed the nature of insurgency in Kashmir.
During the last 10-15 years, the Ahle-Hadith (Followers of Wahhabism) controlled mosques have doubled from 1,000 to 2,000.
The funding of these mosques is lavish so that they look grand, attractive and pompous in comparison to the traditional Kashmiri mosques built by followers of Sufist Islam.
The Ahle-Hadith controlled mosque takes hardly six months to complete because of the lavish funding from the gulf.
The Salafis sport beards, wear a skull cap and their pants or lowers are always worn above the ankle.
Security forces believe that the spread of Wahhabi sect has changed the paradigm of militancy in Kashmir.
From seekers of the so-called ‘Azadi’, majority of the youth under the influence of the Wahhabi sect are claiming to be fighting for the global cause of establishing the Islamic Caliphate.
Terrorist organisations spread all over the world, controlled by the followers of Wahhabism, are based on Ibn Taymiyyah’s principles and traditions.
These terrorist organisations rely on references taken from Ibn Taymiyyah’s books especially his Mardin Fatwa in which he says one can kill anyone to achieve his target.
The influence of Ibn Abdul Wahhab’s intolerant and supremacist theology has spread to many parts of India especially to Kashmir.
Textbooks taught in the Salfi-Wahhabi Madrassas include controversial books like Taymiyyah’s ‘Majmua Fatwa’ (Compilation of his fatwas), Ibn Abdul Wahhab’s ‘Kitab al-Tawheed’ (Book of monotheism), ‘Taqwiyatul Iman’ (Strengthening of religion) and ‘Sirat-e-Mustaqeem’ (The straight path) authored by the hardcore Indian clerics Shah Ismail Dehlvi and Syed Ahmad ‘Shaheed’.
Syed Ata Hasnain, former GOC of Srinagar based 15 corps said, “Wahhabism has not been understood by the Indian nation, nor by the armed forces.
“The manner in which Wahhabiyat was introduced in Kashmir. The manner in which mosques changed hands in 10-15 years (referring to the early 90s when militancy was at its height) from the local Sufi maulvis to the ones who came from central India e Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.”
In ‘Kashmir-the rise of a hard faith’, author Tariq Mir says, “The rise of this dogmatic faith has raised a host of fundamental questions. Is Kashmir headed the way of Pakistan and Afghanistan, where the Islamic radicalism has fueled a nihilistic ideology of settling disagreements through violence?
“Does its rise mean the complete dominance of Pakistan-based jihadists?
“How might Sufis beat back this onslaught in an age of globalization, free travel, and religious satellite channels constantly beaming in a stream of foreign cultural prejudices?
“Will Kashmir’s unique identity survive in this turbulent neighbourhood? Or will Sufism soften this hard faith, too, and tame its dogmas and thus serve as a lesson to the larger region awash in Islamic radicalism?”
The spread of the Wahhabi sect is gradually changing the religious and the socio-cultural scene in Kashmir.
Instead of extending time in prayer and penance during the five-times daily ‘Nimaz’, as is practised by the followers of the Sufist Islam in Kashmir, the Salafis end their prayers in less than 10 minutes.
They do not observe the birthday of the Prophet of Islam known as the ‘Eid-e-Milat’.
The Safis do not believe in observing nightlong prayers like the night of the ‘Shab-e-Baraat’ as do all other Muslims following practices other than Wahhabism.
The spread and influence of this sect in Kashmir is clearly depicted in the declining numbers of devotees seen at the Hazratbal shrine, the shrine of Sheikh Humza Makhdoom, the shrine of Kashmir’s patron saint, Sheikh Nuruddin Wali at Chrar-e-Sharief town, the Baba Rishi shrine at Gulmarg and scores of other shrines spread through the length and breadth of the Valley.
The arrival of the Wahhabi sect in Kashmir has similarities with the rule of the local King, Sikandar, the iconoclast, who ruled Kashmir from 1389 to 1413 A.D.
Known locally as ‘Sikandar Butshikan’
His rule virtually terminated the longstanding syncretic and tolerant culture of Kashmir and in its rigorous abidance by Sharia, severely oppressed the Kashmiri Hindu population.
‘Music, dance, gambling, intoxicants, etc. were prohibited and the office of ‘Shaikhu’l-Islam’ was established to enforce these rules.
“Brahmans were forcibly converted, Hindu and Buddhist shrines of worship were destroyed, Sanskrit literature were purged, ‘Jizya’ (Tax on religious minorities) was imposed for those who objected to the abolition of hereditary Varnas and caste marks were prohibited.
If left unchecked the spread of the Wahhabi sect in Kashmir would usher in an era of intolerance and religious frenzy that would finally wipe out all socio-religious customs, practices and traditions of tolerance.
As a keen Kashmir observer said, “Would this become a colossal tragedy in which Kashmir would lose everything, including its name and innocence?
“Or, as a hardcore optimist believes, would Sufist Islam with its historical moorings withstand the Wahhabi onslaught?
“Would Kashmir’s tradition of tolerance and brotherhood overcome the Wahhabi tempest and reclaim the land of the Sufis?
Would the Maulvi’s ‘Azaan’ from Sheikh Humza’s mosque-shrine and the sound of the ‘Shank’ from Sharika Devi’s temple in its neighbourhood beckon humankind to its eternal reality of oneness and co-existence?
Srinagar: A view of deserted Srinagar Railway station
Lt governor, Manoj Sinha asserts that the ongoing road and railway construction projects will transform the face and economy of J&K….reports Sheikh Qayoom
There can be no development without road and rail connectivity, this is the mantra adopted by the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure all inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir.
To achieve this objective, the national flagship programme, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has come handy for the J&K government.
“In the ongoing financial year, 2021-2022, we are building 4,500 km long roads under the PMGSY.
“The roads so constructed will connect 150 habitations across J&K those have remained unconnected so far.
“Fourteen new bridges are also being constructed during this fiscal. The government has allotted Rs 4,089 crore as annual budget for 2021-2022.
“This is 467 crore more than last year’s budget. An online monitoring system has been devised through which all project works right from the DPR stage till their final completion are monitored online,” said a senior official of the public works department.
The official also said that national level consultants are being engaged for developing monitoring mechanisms to keep an eye on the roll-out of third party inspection systems.
In addition to construction of 4,500 km road length under the PMGSY-1 and PMGSY-2 during the current financial year, J&K government has decided to upgrade 1,750 km long existing roads.
“Black-topping of 8,000 km long roads in cities and towns is going on. A total of 250 crore is being provided to ensure pothole free roads,” the official said.
In addition to this, the road transport and highways ministry with its arms like the NHAI and NHIDCL in concert with the border roads organisation and J&K public works department is currently engaged in completing a series of projects.
The 8.5 km long Qazigund-Banihal tunnel across the Pir Panjal Mountain range laid at a cost of Rs 2,100 core on Srinagar-Jammu highway is ready to be thrown open.
The heavy vehicle trial run of the tunnel was completed on Tuesday and the tunnel is being thrown open shortly.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha
This tunnel will reduce the distance between Qazigund and Banihal town from the existing 36km by 15 km besides by-passing the Jawahar Tunnel and the Shatani Nallah stretches of the highway those become slippery and snowbound during the winter months.
The other ongoing projects include Srinagar-Jammu-Lakhanpur highway, Srinagar Ring road, Jammu Ring road and the tunnel at Z-Morh on Srinagar-Leh highway in addition to the Zojila tunnel that will make the Srinagar-Leh highway an all weather road.
With its rapidly growing rail and road connectivity and the ongoing construction of the Jammu Ring road, Jammu division will get a huge economic boost with its flourishing religious tourism, Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and star-ups in businesses like wood grain work, basmati rice trade, carpets, electric and electronic items.
Four-lanning of Jammu-Srinagar highway and construction of rail link between Udhampur town and the Valley is going on.
The rail link to Valley includes the construction of World’s highest railway bridge called the Chenab Bridge in Ramban district of J&K.
The bridge is 1,315 metre long and 359 metres above the river bed level. The arch of the bridge, which was recently completed, is an engineering marvel. It is 35 metre higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The construction of the bridge involved fabrication of 28,660 MT steel, 66,000-cum-concrete, 10-lakh-cum earthwork and 26 km long motorable approach.
�Tekla’, the most sophisticated software has been used for structural detailing of the bridge. Structural steel used is suitable for minus 10 to 40 degrees Celsius.
The bridge is being constructed by Konkan railway corporation at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore.
Lt governor, Manoj Sinha asserts that the ongoing road and railway construction projects will transform the face and economy of J&K.
Given the colossal amounts of money being spent on road and rail projects in J&K, Sinha’s assertion is not an over statement.
J&K has an identified capacity of 16,475 megawatts of hydro-electric power, but at present the generating capacity of its projects is only 3400 megawatts…reports Asian Lite News
Despite 100 per cent electrification, Jammu and Kashmir continues to battle for electric energy.
J&K has an identified capacity of 16,475 megawatts of hydro-electric power, but at present the generating capacity of its projects is only 3400 megawatts during peak season when local rivers have maximum discharge.
“Demand during winter is 3500 megawatts, but generation that time is only around 800 megawatts.
“80 per cent power is, therefore, imported from outside.
“The real problem is not how much we generate, but whether we have the money to buy power?
“Average cost at which we buy power is Rs 7 per unit. This is made available to the consumer at Rs 2.9 per unit for domestic use, at Rs 4 for industrial use and at Rs 5 per unit for commercial use on an average.
“Thus the government has to cross subsidise. What actually ails the power sector is 60 per cent aggregate technical and commercial losses (ATNC) that includes 40 per cent pilferage.
“Our agreements with consumers are for 1400 megawatts and we supply 1700 megawatts and still there is dearth of supply on ground.
“To address our electric power woes, the remedy lies in making a huge transmission capacity.
“Generation within or buying from outside is not the actual problem because in most cases, the generation cost would be higher than the rate at which we can buy power from outside.
“We were allotted a coal belt 12 years back. We have still not utilised this because it has not been decided whether coal should be transported to J&K for generation in Kathua district or whether generation should be undertaken at source to avoid the huge transportation charges.
“There are 15 power generation plants in J&K, all hydro based.
“Out of UT owned projects, Baglihar project stage 1 and stage 2 generate 450 megawatts each. This is the highest generation in the UT owned projects.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha
“But, the second unit of Baglihar generates 450 megawatts only for 4-5 months after which it is shut because of minimum water discharge during winter months.
“This is because while stage 1 of Baglihar project is built down a small dam, stage 2nd is run of the river project constructed at the tail race of stage 1,” said a senior engineer of the PDD who wished not to be named.
“Unless we produce enough energy there is little chance for industries to come up in a big way in J&K.
“This is the basic reason why we have not been able to create any major industry especially in the Valley,” said Khwaja Nisar Hussain, retired chief engineer.
There has been a lot of debate on whether the national hydroelectric power corporation (NHPC) owned projects in J&K can be transferred back into the UT’s ownership.
The general refrain has been that because of the NHPC ownership J&K is forced to buy its own power.
Wular Lake, Bandipora district, Jammu and Kashmir.(wikipedia)
The argument looks logical, but the point is that J&K did not have the financial strength to build these projects on its own.
Except for the royalty fixed on these projects, the rest of the local requirement of electric power is met by purchase from the national grid.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha-led government and the Centre have signed several MOUs in the power sector, aimed at drawing an investment of Rs 35,000 crore for the UT.
This ambitious plan will help J&K generate 3500 megawatts which will make the UT both self-sufficient and surplus in electric power generation.
“J&K will turn from a power deficit to power surplus region within four years and there would be uninterrupted power supply throughout the UT for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes,” Sinha said while unveiling the government’s vision on power self-sufficiency.
These MOUs were signed between the power development department (PDD), J&K, NHPC and the J&K power development corporation.
As per the provisions of the MOUs, the projects constructed by the NHPC will be handed over to J&K after 40 years of commercial operation which was not the case in earlier projects allotted to NHPC.
Sinha also said that an overhaul is being made in the power infrastructure, management and distribution with the support of the union government without any expenditure by the UT.
“In the past, J&K was deliberately prevented from attracting investment and despite having abundant potential for power generation, its energy needs were not addressed.
“With the execution of new mega power projects, a number of other employment avenues would also be generated for the locals,” Sinha said.
Given the generous financial and technical support by the union government, J&K is turning a new leaf in power generation.
From a deeply power starved state to a self-sufficient, electric power selling UT during the next four years. This would be a quantum leap in the real sense of the word as described by Lt. Governor Sinha.
