Daily Excelsior... Editorial

EDITORIAL

Dr Farooq Abdullah at the KFPD Conference at Srinagar. Besides him is Mr M K Rasgotra, former Foreign Secretary.

Kashmir--Challenges
and prospects

By Sati Sahni
Blueprint was drawn up at Srinagar at two-day conference last week for political dialogue, for enonomic reconstruction, for social development and to end human rights excesses in Jammu and Kashmir.

EDITORIAL

FOODGRAINS MANAGEMENT

It is ironical that NDA Government fails to tackle the problems of plenty even as successive Governments invariably failed to manage scarcities of foodgrains. This year it has been a bountiful wheat production. Its mismanagement story is very fresh in as much as godowns of procurement agencies remain full to the brim with hardly any scope to accept the new crop. During the intervening period Government resorted to some sort of panic decisions making a mockery of procurement and distribution of foodgrains. On the procurement front it resorted to the usual annual hike in minimum procurement prices since the farm lobby remains very strong. All increases are blended with political expediency howsoever unrealistic the increase may be. The net result of this appeasement policy is that today Indian wheat costs 30% more when compared to international prices. Normally for any commodity, be it industrial or agricultural or anything, if production exceeds demand, prices do go down. But in the case of agricultural commodities, prices are pegged up defying all commercial logic and viability. It has become an annual ritual to increase the procurement prices in quite disregard of the market mechanism. Net result is confusion galore. It stands best manifested in that Government had to reduce the issue price twice in one month to offload its unmanageable stocks which had touched hefty 33 million tons. To support public distribution system, not more than 18 million tons is needed. In fact, storage capacities remain confined to a maximum of 14 million tons. So the Government has exceeded its norms by procuring far in excess of what is needed to sustain PDS. Even after two successive decreases in issues price of wheat still buyers are reluctant to buy from FCI and other procurement agencies. It is so because ruling market price remains less than what it is in the PDS outlets. This is problem number one.

Second, the entire policy remains flawed in as much as disposal of surplus stocks is concerned. If only our prices were competitive enough, at least 3 million tons could have been immediately exported to China where wheat crop has been below expectations. China obviously buys wherever it gets cheap and in no case more than international prices. In the case of sugar which too is surplus some latitute has been given to Millowners Association who have negotiated direct export to many countries. This is good policy in as much as godown capacity is not taxed and cash flows for disbursement to cane growers. So millers are ready for the new crushing season already begun. Nothing of the sort has happened as regards wheat.

The flawed management manifests its ugliness when the concerned minister makes post-haste announcement that supply of free foodgrains upto 3 million tons are being considered to the poorest amongst the poor (about 10 crore whereas those officially rated Below Poverty Line number 36 crore). The whole nasty idea was to get rid of the surplus in godowns to vacate place for the new paddy crop. It augurs well for the nation that the idea of free food grains was abandoned in as much as it would have never reached the targetted poorest amongst the poor and swindled enroute.

Another manifestation of flawed policy relates to procurement of paddy. The drive was to officially commence from September 21. Already three weeks in it, farmers of Punjab which is the granary of India continue to stockpile their produce in mandis with the elusive hope that FCI and other agencies procure the same at the MSP. It is a tragedy that farmers feel cheated and badly let down in that procurement agencies continue to shy away from the mandis. They have thus been left at the mercy of private traders who are willing to lift limited stocks, albeit at prices which are Rs 100 to 130 per quintal less than the MSP announced by the Government. This prospect of distress sales and the consequent indebtedness has forced the farmers to resort to mass agitation including rail-roko. Many trains are delayed/diverted or cancelled. Such is the magnitude of their protests. MSP is fixed to assure remunerative return for the farmers. It acts as incentive for producing more and more in subsequent years. At least that is the avowed objective of the Government policy of hiking minimum support prices year after year besides assuring reasonable price to the consumers. Both these objectives stand fully defeated.

Tackling problems of plenty has thus proved to be more tricky than managing scarcities whence massive imports come handy. It is good to hear Minister for Human Resource Development who proudly mentioned increased food production as one of the achievements of Vajpayee Government. Food production got to be increasing in direct proportion to rise in population as this country adds at least one Australia every year to its numbers. Increased production should in no case result in distress sale. It would be quite apt to address to the problem of plenty on at least three fronts. Out grains must in no case cost more than the international prices. Second, export markets should be explored to dispose of the surplus giving of course enough of cushion for the ‘rainy days’. Third, annual ritual of increasing minimum support price should be reviewed in as much as it should correspond to market realities. Lastly, something has to be done urgently to make FCI a viable entity to subserve the purpose for which it was created. Meanwhile, Government will be well advised to buy all arrivals of paddy so that farmers are re-assured of safe returns.

JKB MARCHES AHEAD

Half yearly results for the period ending September 30 indicates that Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd continue to log excellent success. This stands manifested by income going up 26%, business increasing by 32% and net profit showing 40% increase. Net profit works out to Rs 77.29 which speaks volumes about healthy banking practices and norms being followed by the enlightened management. This performance is better than any other private sector bank in the country. Last year J&K Bank earned the honour of number one bank. It is apparent that this position is set to be retained this year too. Half yearly results provide index to the overall performance in terms of growth for the whole year. If anything more auspicious period for bankers start from October 1. The J&K Bank is amongst the fastest growing ones both in terms of branch expansion as also computerisation. More and more branches are being computerised to increase efficiency and better service to the customers. To add new dimenstions to the banking in J&K State in tune with the cosmopolitan centres, the concept of 7 days banking has been introduced in some branches of the bank in the twin capitals which indicates that pioneer banking institution of this state hates to be left behind in any commercial sphere. Another feather in the bank performance relates to increased banking hours in all the computerised branches, introduction of ATMs and bringing all ATMs online very shortly.

To improve customer relations and better service, frequent customers meet would be held. The bank management is also alive to career advancement of its staff because they are the back-bones of the Bank. Likewise, customer service gets top priority in the strategy of the bank to achieve excellence in every banking field. All this has been possible by the progressive outlook of the Chairman Mr Y M Khan who is ably assisted by very efficient and experienced team of senior officers. Progressive dispensation need no better proof than the tie-up with American Express to facilitate launch of Credit Card by J&K Bank from next month.

Kashmir--Challenges and prospects

By Sati Sahni

Blueprint was drawn up at Srinagar at two-day conference last week for political dialogue, for enonomic reconstruction, for social development and to end human rights excesses in Jammu and Kashmir.

This was undertaken at third conference of a series in past 7 months organised by Kashmir Foundation for Peace and Development. This Conference has special significance because it was attended and addressed by Dr Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister. Two senior bureaucrats, Principal Secretary, Finance, Mr Jalil Ahmed Khan and Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism Mr Pervez Dewan also participated in the discussion on recommendations made by Task Force on Ecoomy. At second conference in June last, four Task Forces had been set up to tour different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, survey and study and then present their Reports and Recommendations at next Conference (present one). The Political Task Force was headed by Mr Salman Haider, former Foreign Secretary. Other two members were: Dr Amitabh Mattoo of Jawahar Lal Nehru University and Dr Rekha Chowdhury of Jammu University. The Economic Task Force was headed by Dr Ritu Dewan of Bombay University and the other member was Mr Bashir Manzar. The Relief & Rehabilitation Task Force was headed by Mrs Renuka Mishra of Sadhbhavna Trust (New Delhi), Dr Indira Munshi of Bombay University and social activist Ms Pramila Lewis. Dr Kamal Mitra Chenoy headed the Human Rights Task Force and other member was Mr Zafar Iqbal Minhas. All the 4 Reports with Recommendations were presented at the Conference. Separately the Reports were discussed and later, recommendations accepted.

A large number of men and women political activists of various persuasions, academicians, intellectuals, journalists, human rights workers, businessmen and students from Kashmir attended. These included Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz, former Union Minister, Mr Justice (Retd) Abdul Qadir Parray, Chairman of State Human Rights Commission, Mr Bilal Lodhi (Peoples Democratic Party), Dr Riyaz Punjabi, Chairman, Regional Autonomy Committee, Dr Girija Dhar, Chairperson of State Women Commission, Mr Khurshid Ganai, Divisional Commissioner, Dr Abdul Ahad, Education Secretary.

From Delhi came Mr M K Rasgotra and Mr Salman Haider, both former Foreign Secretaries, Dr Arjun Sengupta, former Member, Planning Commission, Prof S D Muni, former Ambassador, Mrs Renuka Mishra of Sadhbhavna Trust, Mr R K Mishra, Editor-in-Chief of Observer Group of Publications, Dr Kamal Mitra Chenoy of JNU, New Delhi, eminent journalist B G Verghese, Vice Admiral (Retd) K K Nayyar, Ms Pramila Lewis, leading social worker.

Dr Ritu Dewan and Dr Indira Munshi (both of Bombay University) came from Bombay. Mr Phonsok Ladakhi, actor-artist travelled from Leh Mr Balraj Puri, Mr Ved Bhasin, Mr Sat Paul Sahni, Dr Rekha Chowdhury, Prof K N Pandita and Dr Hari Om came from Jammu, while Prof Ashutosh Kumar came from Chandigarh (Punjab University).

The theme of the Conference was KASHMIR TODAY - CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS. In this perspective, appropriately the Reports & Recommendations of the 4 Task Forces were presented and discussed at the Conference. It was felt that too much was tried to be done in 1½ days and that discussion was not thorough and justice could not be done to the Reports in which Task Force Members had put in hard labour, extensive travel and varied interactions. Participants at the Conference were appreciative of the comprehensive Reports full of detailed information -- and data -- both difficult to get. Therefore the discussion was cursory. What else could be expected when you have too many people, too many subjects and too little time. At least one full day should have been devoted to each Report to make discussions purposeful.

It was unfortunate that valuable time was lost because of differing views on a non-issue. Some hardliners were of the view that nothing else needs to be taken up or discussed till main issue of political future of Kashmir was resolved. It is an accepted fact of life that at no time and nowhere in the world, human activity has ever ceased till a political problem has been solved. Before us, we have the recent instances of Lebonon, Israel/Palestine, Ireland, Nagaland where warlike conditions have prevailed because of unresolved political problems but other activities are being carried on. Even in Kashmir, all social, economic and administrative activities did not cease in past 11 years of disturbed conditions. The controversy seemed to have been triggered off by a remark of Mr R K Mishra in his keynote address that time had come to discuss pressing issues outside politics so that peoples problems were attended to. Alluding to some centrifugal forces evident in the three regions of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh he said there was urgent need to do something to ensure that healthy co-existence of three regions in a single unit becomes tension-free. He was critical of "colonial bureaucratic administration" which had failed to tackle corruption and some other basic problems and ensure justice to all. He felt this failure had led to organised violence as means to assert.

Dr Arjun Sengupta, the well-known economist chaired the session in which the Report on Economic Reconstruction was presented by Dr Ritu Dewan. It dealt with Horticulture and Tourism sectors. The Horticultural part was based on very thorough study and survey of Districts of Pulwama, Anantnag and Baramulla in Kashmir valley, Kargil in Ladakh region and Kathua district in Jammu division. The findings were revealing. According to it almost 100% produce of almonds in the country came from this state which also contributed 98% of walnut production and 71% of apple production Baramulla District alone was responsible for producing 50% of apples for 800 crore apple trade of Kashmir. Kargil specialised in production of different varieties of apricots. Kathua produced sub-tropical and citrus fruits. Recommendations included establishment of some fruit-processing units, cold storages, refrigerated transport vans and an alternative national highway to connect Kashmir valley with the rest of the country.

About tourism, the survey conducted was on golden axis of Gulmarg, Srinagar and Pahalgam in Kashmir, Katra, Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine and Patnitop circuit in Jammu and Leh district in Ladakh. It regretted that tourist infrastructure was in poor state of repair while hotels and houseboats needed refurbishing. It pleaded for alternative livelihood for ponywallahs and porters now that Gandola cablecar in Gulmarg was operational and moterised transport was allowed to ply within Gulmarg bowl.

Katra needs to be decongested. Its water supply, electricity, sanitation, parking etc needs to be improved and expanded. Patnitop needs to be paid more and immediate attention.

Speaking on the Report, Mr Jalil Ahmed Khan, Principal Secretary, Finance, J&K Government, deplored that due to abnormal conditions largescale investment was not coming forth and even Banks wre not helpful as their credit-deposit ratio has been declining and had now reached 16/17%. Due to economic liberalisation, incentive are no longer major attraction for industrialists. Globalisation has given rise to new problems with which State has to grapple. On top of all this Plan funds were not released by the Centre in time with the result that many a time those are not fully utilised.

State's Commissioner/Secretary for Tourism, Mr Pervez Dewan was all praise for the Report and the amount of data and statistics it managed to collect. Describing tourism as a major economic activity he said that in Jammu and Ladakh regions it was doing very well but disturbed conditions and sporadic killings were not allowing it in Kashmir valley to return to its old glory. According to him last year tourism turnover in Jammu region, primarily on account of Vaishnodevi pilgrimage, was around 1800 crores. In Ladakh it generated over 65 crores. To Kashmir's economy it contributed over 105 crores to which could be added another 100 crores generated by Amarnath Yatra. Vainly he tried to justify large amounts being spent in these difficult times, on new Gold Course of International standards, near Srinagar. Later, he intervened to give historical background of the Pashmina trade in Kashmir in light of recent ban on Shahtoosh.

Dr Riyaz Punjabi criticised the Central Government for not keeping in consideration the future needs of this State while negotiating Indus Waters Treaty 40 years ago. He wanted that Jammu & Kashmir should now be compensated for this neglect. The Chairman of the session asked Mr B G Verghese to throw light on this little known Indus Waters Treaty. Mr Verghese started the gathering when he asserted that share allotted to Jammu & Kashmir for irrigation purposes had not been utilised fully. About hydroelectric potential, Mr Verghese said that the Treaty puts no restriction on run-of-the-river schemes. He regretted that due to various reasons this potential had not been utilised substantially. He clarified that the Treaty made no provision for storage of water because Pakistan feared that in case of war, India could flood Punjab plains in Pakistan and destroy most of its canal network.

A senior journalist of Kashmir, Mr Ghulam Nabi Khayal complained that since Independence, Kashmiris have not been allowed to have governments of their own choice. He believed that no economic development was possible without a permanent acceptable solution of Kashmir problem and therefore all energies should be bent to find the political solution urgently.

Concurring with Mr Khayal, the senior journalist Mr Ved Bhasin said finding political solution was prime task and there canot be much progress in any other field without it.

With Prof A C Bose in the Chair, Dr Kamal Mitra Chenoy presented the Report on human rights. The Reports believed that insurgency by and large, was the result of denial of political rights and people not being allowed to have Government of their choice. This denial coupled with misuse of power and use of excessive force resulted in allienation of people in Kashmir. With this comes violation of human rights, the Report said further. The Report criticised the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in operation in specified areas of Kashmir valley and the border belt in Jammu region. It alleged that some personnel of the Armed Forces were being misused resulting in illegal confinement, fake encounters, death of innocent civilians and custodial deaths. It was recommended that the Act may be re-examined since it was major cause of violation of human rights. The Report gave detailed data of death and destruction in past 11 years at the hands of militants and security forces. It was revealed that during this period 63387 militant related incidents took place. Taking note of killings of political beings, the Report said the "political kilings were premediated by militants to legitimise their struggle." In all likelihood it was aimed at stifling the political activity by mainstream political parties like National Conference and the Congress and also to incite trouble. The Report severely criticised operations by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police alleging oppression and said incentives to its personnel for arrest and killings of militants had tended to escalate their unbriddled use of force and actions outside law. The Report also criticised armed militants for killings, kidnappings and destruction. It said that though they dont accept laws and Constitution of India, yet they are bound by International law which they should honour and follow.

Describing the ethnic cleansing of Kashmir Pandits as the most tragic of human rights abuses in Kashmir, the Report strongly advocated Kashmiri migrants return to Kashmir. It also asked the Government to urgently upgrade living conditions in their Camps in Jammu region and enhance thier allowances.

The power vested in National Human Rights Commission and the State Commission need to be given teeth and their jurisdiction should be enlarged to include Armed Forces as well, the Task Force recommended. Other recommendations included: Cecesstion of all hostilities; withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act; ensure that recommendations of these two Commissions are implemented speedly; harassment of civilian population is reduced and Peace Committees are established in all affected areas.

As recommendations go, they are laudable but who is going to bell the cat. Cessation of hostilities in present circumstances and with Pakistan's insistance on Jehad in Kashmir, seems not only impractical but also impossible, even unreal. In face of Army's request for extension when the present period of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act ends, demand for its withdrawal may not even be considered. And who is going to set up the Peace Committees other than the Government? Who will ensure cooperation of secessionists and militants? Is there any indication from gun-weilders that they will give peace a chance after the experience following withdrawal if ceasefire by Hizb-ul-Mujahideen? We all wish and hope that unfortunate Kashmiri migrants will return to Kashmir. Even with grandoise plans (on paper) of the Government, there is no chance unless militants and secessionists are ready to give credible and sincere assurances of their security.

In his intervention, Mr Justice (Retd) Abdul Qadir Parray, Chairman State Human Rights Commission said it may not be possible to end human rights abuses but efforts should be made to contain them. He lamented that the SHRC has no teeth and as such, is not able to do much. He wanted that Armed Forces may be brought under its purview. He suggested that special Human Rights Courts may be set up to deal with such complaints.

Chief Editor of Kashmir Monitor, Mr Zafal Meraj said militants were responsible for substantial number of human rights abuses but State terrorism was unpardonable. He wanted State apparatus to be made responsive and their actions made more transparent.

Prof Mohd Bashir Magrey deplored that attention was being focussed only on human rights but no one talked about the basic needs like water, power, roads etc.

Prof K N Pandita was critical of allegations made in the Report and he declared that he did not accept it. He described the contents of the report as "highly controversial".

Prof Riyaz Punjabi said connotation and dimensions of human rights have been changing. For some years now, Pakistan has been using it internationally as a weapon to defame India.

Kashmir Times Chairman Mr Ved Bhasin while agreeing broadly with the Report, pointed out that no mention had been made of extortions, indiscriminate arrests, torturing and interrogation centres. He alleged that there is largescale non-compliance of judicial orders in cases related with abuse of human rights.

Mr Ghulam Nabi Khayal, senior journalist and writer bemoaned that Kashmir situation was presented mostly distorted by Indian press while Pakistani press was working under a deliberate plan whereas the International press was misinformed and its projection was mostly out of ignorance. Kashmir press in past 11 years had worked under threats and compulsions.

Well-known human rights activist Mr Balraj Puri asked that in specific instances permission should be granted to established Human Rights organisations to come to Kashmir and to make own enquires.

Mr Phonsok Ladakhi complained that except in case of tourism, there was no mention of Ladakh in the Reports. He wanted NGOs in Kashmir to emulate Ladakh and learn to stand on their own feet and find solutions themselves of problems faced by them.

Ms Pramila Lewis regretted that not much has been said about the human rights abuses by militants.

A students of Kashmir University Sarwar Kashmiri regretted that even when a good number were attending the Conference they were not vocal. He felt this may be due to fact that for past decade there was no students organisation in Kashmir.

Funkar Cultural Organisation General Secretary, Mr Ghulam Hassart Gadda alleged that denial of being taught your own mother tongue was a major human rights abuse. He used strong language to criticise authorities for not teaching and promoting Kashmiri language.

Well-known writer Farooq Nazki who is also Information Advisor to Chief Minister, deplored that in the Report no mention had been made of killings of intellectuals like Maulana Mohd Syed Masoodi, Pt Lassa Koul and Prof Mushir-ul-Haq. He condemned the forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir. He wanted priority to be given to their return to the Valley because according to him they were "cultural chunk and spiritual part of Kashmiriyat".

After Mr Shujat Bukhari, a journalist criticised Press Council of India Report about Kunan Poshpora rape incident, Mr B G Verghese, a member of the PC Inquiry Committee said he stood by the findings because since June 1991 nothing more has come to light to amend thie findings.

Mr Verghese was requested to chair the session when the Report on Relief and Rehabilitation was presented by Ms Pramila Lewis. She prefaced the Report by emphatically saying that providing relief to unfortunate was urgent requirement and this could not be stalled till political process bears fruit. She also stressed that assistance to needy should not be given as charity but instead should be used to build self-confidence and self-reliance. Report regretted that no dependable data about orphans, widows, destitutes and the disabled resulting from militancy related incidents, was available. It said that unofficial reports showed that in Kashmir valley there were over 16,500 orphans and over 10,000 widows. It was regretted that no reliable figures were available for Doda, Kargil, Poonch and Rajouri districts. Mrs Renuka Mishra said that Sadhbhavna Trust of Delhi had taken upon itself to look after schooling of 72 children in first phase.

Chairperson of State Women Commission, Dr Girija Dhar said violence all round leads to depression and over a period becomes a mental disease. She regretted that medical emergency services were inadequate and poor. She castigated the society of being insensitive and not doing much for widows, orphans, rape victims and destitutes.

Rehabilitation Council Executive Director, Dr Ghulam Mohammed Untoo complained that no reliable data was forthcoming for the Council to draw up proposals and schemes. Very meagre funds were available though projected demand for immediate work in 6 Districts in Kashmir was around Rs 3.5 crores. His other complaint was that the Council had no office accommodation, no staff and no direct grant though it is an autonomous body.

An experienced social worker who had been involved in relief and rehabilitation work since 1984, with sufferers of Gas tragedy in Bhopal, Dr Vinod Raina shared his experience with participants and said that relief delayed not only adds to misery of the sufferers but also leads to more problems and complications. In Bhopal, sufferers made it a political movement instead of looking at it as a matter of charity. He advised the Conference to treat this as a matter of right and start a movement to secure this.

Mrs Renuka Mishra in her intervention said active work for social development would help accelerate the political process.

Two interventions which made deep impression were by Nazir Masoodi and Prof Prem Singh. Nazir a former senior Forest Conservator, is youngest brother of former politician of yesteryears Maulana Mohd Syed Masoodi who ws assassinated in December 1990 by armed militants, complained that border belt of Keran-Karnah in Kishenganga valley of Kupwara district, had all along been neglected by administration. He pleaded that border people should not be "forgotten" because they were peaceloving citizens. A respected teacher, Kashmiri Sikh, Prof Prem Singh, who stayed on in Kashmir throughout the troubled period, said earlier Sikhs were unmindful of their security even in disturbed areas but after the brutal massacre of Chitisinghpora last March, they have felt insecure. He complained that even Hurriyat leaders had declined to give any credible assurance. The Professor said Sikhs in Kashmir "need protection to survive". He regretted that following the massacre, promises made by the State and the Central Governments are still to be fulfilled.

Obviously, the participants at the Conference were keen to know the findings of the Task Force on Political Process. Its importance could be judged by the fact that while one former Foreign Secretary Mr M K Rasgotra chaired the session, another former Foreign Secretary, Mr Salman Haider presented the Report. He informed that in Jammu the team had been told about feeling of discrimination and dissatisfaction and discontent. This has given rise to demand by some sections for a separate state. This demand was however, was not supported by minorities of the Jammu region. Team felt that State Government's Report on Regional Autonomy may have contributed to raising of this demand. They felt further that communal divide may sharpen if measures were not taken soon to defuse the situation. Their interaction with Pandit migrants in Camps showed they were keen to return to the Valley but wanted security conditions to be improved considerably. The migrants were deeply concerned with loss of their identity.

About Kashmir valley the Report said though there was overwhelming desire for end of violence and return of peace there was considerable resentment, anger and bitterness against Indian and the Security Forces. Task Force members came across many who were against Pakistan. People in general felt political resolution was central to return of peace. Most of people met also felt that Pakistan was a party to this problem and should necessarily be involved in finding a solution to it. But there was unanimity among different sections of public that Administration was ineffective and had failed to address itself to peoples grievances and problems of basic needs.

Major recommendations made by the Task Force included: Central Government should pay special attention to Jammu & Kashmir with highest political authority taking full interest. New Delhi should set up early a high level Task Force to study situation regularly and provide proper inputs. This Task Force should also assist the Government to start political dialogue to resolve differences. It also suggested that State Government may set up a Task Force to start dialogue to reconcile differences between Kashmir and Jammu regions. Demand for separate statehood for Jammu was described by it as inadvisbale and should not be encouraged. Instead, it recommended political and economic decentralisation and establishment of Regional Council for Jammu region, with transperancy and equity as guiding parameters. About Kashmir Pandit migrants the Committee wanted that they be facilitated to return. For this to happen, it suggested open dialogue between Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits be encouraged to start. In meantime, relief measures in Migrant Camps be upgraded and educational facilities may be improved and expanded.

Mr Ved Bhasin broadly agreed with the Report but pointed out some shortcomings in it. He felt the report should have accepted Pakistan as a party. He wanted Delhi to declare unilateral ceasefire in Jammu & Kashmir. Further he wanted starting of dialogue with full spectrum of political opinion in Kashmir including Hurriyat leadership and major militant outfits. Strongly criticising demand for trifurcation of the State he said that will open up floodgates of disintegeration.

Dr Arjun Sengupta felt that many important issues had not been touched. According to him certainly, issues of need of having early free and fair elections to Panchayats and of Legislative Assembly, should have been discussed. About the recommendation of including Pakistan as a party he wanted to know what will be the issues for dialogue with Pakistan.

Dr Indira Munshi deplored that no mention had been made of syncretic culture highlighting which would be helpful in starting the dialogue which would pave the way for peaceful conditions. This was bound to touch the emotional chords of ordinary Kashmiri irrespective of his religion.

Prof Hari Om pointed out contradictions in the Report. According to him State of Jammu & Kashmir was never a homogenious unit and this fact has been conceded in the Report for it had recommended three different sets for three regions of this State based on three types of responses from the regions. To reconcile interests of three regions healthy open dialogue be started. Having separate Regional Councils duly empowered could be a way out.

Prof Riyaz Punjabi considered the Report flawed because it made no mention of Autonomy demand which according to him was a major issue between Kashmir and rest of India.

Mr Zafar Iqbal Manhas expressed his views that those advocating trifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir were accepting Pakistan's two nation theory.

Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz called demand for trifurcation a conspiracy which should be opposed strongly. He opined that National Conference inspired Regional Autonomy Report advocating carving out 8 divisions of Jammu region will create many problems because it prosposes to redraw the map on communal basis in the name of ethnicity. His solution was to give equitable justice to Ladakh and Jammu.

Mr Ghulam Nabi Khayal wondered who will decide and how, to select true representatives of people from Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu, wo may engage in dialogue with Delhi. Zafar Meraj wanted Delhi to clarify in advance the issues for the dialogue which should be comprehensive.

Much importance was lent to the Conference not because Dr Farooq Abdullah sat for more than two hours listening to critical speeches but for what he said and how he said, that evening. He had a captive audience in the Hall representing almost the entire spectrum of political thought in Kashmir and he expressed himself politely but strongly and honestly using plunt language shorn of political or diplomatic finesse. He opened with a broadside against Pakistan whom he held responsible for untold misery and problems, death, destruction and dark future for Kashmir. How could Kashmiris still consider Pakistan a friend and a political patron, he asked? Bluntly, he said there was no possibility of a meaningful dialogue with militants and Hurriyat Conference or with Pakistan in foreseeable future. India will not give up any part of its territory and Pakistan's existence will become untenable if it gives up any area under occupation. He told Kashmiris to accept unreservedly the fact that they were part of India for "ever and ever" and should forget Pakistani occupied parts of Jammu & Kashmir. He asked Muslims in Kashmir not only to think of their future but very existence of over 17 crore Muslims in rest of India. He warned them to realise that any change in status quo in Jammu & Kashmir would lead to communal hatred and bloodbath worse than one witnessed at time of partition in 1947. He advocated early return to peace, rapid economic reconstruction and strengthening democratic working.

Immediately after Dr Farooq Abdullah left the Hall, a leading Human Rights activist who does not hide his secessionist views, Mr Noor Hassan, former Chief Conservator Forest, stood up and wanted to know if entire discussion at two-day Conference was a waste of time if nothing is likely to change.

Former Foreign Secretary, Mr M K Rasgotra who chaired the session said Jammu & Kashmir was part of India and there is not going to be any change. Pakistan is in no position to change this reality but it will continue to "use Kashmiris to bleed India".

The Conference was very useful initiative towards reviving confidence, opening channels of dialogue and creating understanding for differing points of view. It was generally felt that syncretic culture should be made part of future discussion. Syed Firdous Baba would be well advised to make his Kashmir Foundation for Peace and Development to have these Reports and recommendations published in full at an early date so that general public is made aware about them. The KFPD should consider to enlarge its scope to fill in civil space in Kashmir for it has provided a platform not available in the Valley for past 11 years.