Seminar On Enhancing Jammu and Kashmir’s Pride
May 2, 2012 by Team SAISA
Filed under internal security
The recently concluded two-day seminar on Enhancing Kashmir’s Pride in Srinagar was unique in many ways. First off, the subject itself was deep and evoked a range of emotions from the participants. Passions ran high and the audience got to interact one on one, albeit angrily initially, with the panel dealing with the much-needed aspect of Pride and Dignity of Jammu and Kashmir. Next, the seminar was a no holds barred opportunity for the panelists and audiences, most of which came from the student community and the security forces, to discuss the wounds of Kashmir and find ways to repair the hurt psyche of the awaam (people). It was , as proven by events, an opportunity for the youth to question and argue out their case for a Kashmiri identity with the top army General Ata Hasnain and Police IG SM Sahai – a never before in Kashmir. A free and fair exchange of views followed where each side got to hear of other’s hopes, aspirations and prognosis of the task at hand.
At the end of the two days the respect, faith and dignity with which the panelists and the youth put their heads together to “move on” in Kashmir was contagious. The hostility had been replaced with mutual respect and there was a general mood of finding pragmatic answers to discovering and enhancing Kashmiri pride.
That the army chose this delicate subject to discuss and move forward was in itself a great achievement – a vindication of its confidence in handling the inner most sentiments of the people of Kashmir in this conflict stabilisation phase leading to peace.
The jam-packed Chinar auditorium in the heart of Badamibagh cantonment was addressed by Gen KT Parnaik, Gen Ata Hasnain, Maj Gen (retd) Raj Mehta, Maj Gen Gurdeep Singh, Prof Siddiq Wahid, former Vice Chancellor of Srinagar University of Science and Technology, Ms Madhu Kishwar, Delhi based editor of Manushi and a senior fellow at the CSDS, Dr Shah Faisal, IPS, Mr Samir Yasir of Islamic University, Mr SM Sahai, IPS, IG Kashmir, Dr SS Bloeria, IAS, Vice Chancellor of Central University, Mr Ajai Shukla of Business Standard, Mr Nitin Pai of Takshashila Foundation and Dr Suba Chandran of IPCS.
Gen Ata Hasnain, the visionary who conceived this seminar, shared his passion for Kashmir to bring about the much-needed change. He abhorred the “romanticization of violence” by inimical parties to continue to fester the wounds of Kashmir’s past which prevented any forward movement and hope for the awaam. He emphasised the need to deradicalise the society by good governance and implementation of socio economic activity in the conflict zone to provide relief and succour to people. The fact that the army had transformed the force ethos during this conflict stabilisation phase was evident and various initiatives had started showing tangible results. He equated Sadbhavna (Goodwill) to Corporate Social Responsibility of the army. He argued that there was a need to institutionalise what went right to ensure that there was light at the end of the tunnel. His prophetic appeal was to move forward without waiting for political solutions – “If you wait for the political solution to come first and leave the economic and development part unattended you will be left far behind”.
There was now a need to carry these initiatives forward at the political level.
Professor Siddiq Wahid, commenting on Kashmiriyat argued that Kashmiriyat should not be put on the defensive as it is not an identity issue and to surmise that it would solve the political issues is wrong. He argued that Kashmir was still far from light at the end of the tunnel and the present calm should not be mistaken for peace. It needs bold political initiatives to sustain which can no longer be delayed.
Gen Raj Mehta made a historically rich passionate appeal to all to comprehend the nuances of Kashmiri heritage. His argument that Kashmiriyat was resilient to centuries of dents was well received. His comparison of the Concept of “Heart as my Weapon” to the people friendly policies of Baadshah, the 16th century King of Kashmir, was patterned on bringing peace and stability based on the principles of heart which both Baadshah and Gen Ata Hasnain practiced. He addressed the youth by saying that their’s were minds under construction and that they must put “Taqrir” (Discussion) into practice to see reality. A reality which would result in Kashmir becoming a well-governed, economically vibrant, secure and happy society.
Madhu Kishwar led an emotive campaign blaming the political apparatus for following the European monocultural legacy of governance while dealing with our multicultural society. She reiterated that partisan violence was destroying common space and that all conflicts were politically engineered. She also argued a case for reinforcing local cultures and living languages as english language and culture was responsible for destroying scripts such as Sharda.
Mr SM Sahay, IPS apprised the audience that the police had learnt its lessons from the cycle of violence of the preceding years and had transformed from being a counter terrorist force to a social police with wide-ranging initiatives to bring succor to people ranging from drug de addiction to counselling. He elaborated that there were no bans on social media unless they incited violence.
Dr SS Bloeria talked of the factor of social harmony brought about by permanent and transitory icons of pride and dignity. He emphasised upon the need to focus on women and youth to promote pride. On governance he argued that best form of governance is when people are allowed to govern themselves. It needs political maturity to devolve power to people in consonance with the need of good governance. People’s participation would bring about the much-needed feeling of pride and dignity.
Maj Gen Gurdeep Singh gave a powerful presentation on the role of Security Forces in promoting Pride and Dignity of J & K awaam. He elaborated upon the nuances of Heart as My Weapon and the efforts army was making in changing lives for the better. Because of its vast reach from the borders to the hinterland, the army had made significant progress in ameliorating the conditions of the awaam. His audio-visual presentations were an instant hit with the audiences.
Dr Shah Faisal, IAS, the IAS topper of 2009 and the latest symbol of Kashmiri pride was eloquent in expressing that the time wrap was not allowing Kashmiris to move forward. He argued that the evolving narratives in Kashmir postulate that Kashmir is not Jammu and Kashmir, discussion on Kashmir always gets political and soon every one starts speaking from positions. Historically linking Kashmir to “identity motivated nationalism or sub nationalism” he highlighted that economically, socially and culturally this identity and sovereignty has remained within the proclivity of time. He commented that the legitimacy of the state must be restored and police must take a backseat behind the state administration.
Mr Sameer Yasir made an impassioned appeal to restore the original glory of Kashmir by integrating the Kashmiri Pandits to the mainstream life in Kashmir.He exhorted media to bring about change in mindsets by highlighting the plight of Kashmiri Pandits. His references to his childhood neighbours Chaman and Geeta in Baramulla were emotive and sought Kashmiriyat from a larger perspective of tolerance and forebearance.
Mr Nitin Pai discussed two critical aspects of bringing economic vibrance to Kashmir and conflict management in radically connected societies. His suggestions on a development plan to bring prosperity, dignity and social capital were well received as was evident by the hoards of army and civil administration officials mobbing him for more. His discourse on Narrative Dominance by state and its futility in this information age was prophetic. He made pertinent recommendations to stay ahead of the information loop by actively engaging social media channels and fighting networks of today.
Mr Ajai Shukla’s narrative focused on role of national media in enhancing pride and dignity in Kashmir. He received his fair share of questions as the audience wanted to understand as to why only negative news about Kashmir was given prominence in National media while good deeds seldom received attention. His post seminar piece here answers a lot of questions while asking some uncomfortable ones.
The aim of narrating the proceedings of the seminar are to document these for posterity as this is a path breaking seminar which would open channels of communication between the society and the military. However, the audience, especially the youth were keen on political process to move forward so that they could have a say in governance, have a sense of belonging and reap the fruits of freedom. As per Shujaat Bukhari, the hurt is much deeper and is a begging political answers. The public outbursts by the students and their private handshaking, warm hugs and autograph seeking demeanour however underscores what Gen Raj Mehta has to say,
What becomes clearer is that the Kashmiris, like all other people world-wide who live in a conflict zone, have a public face as well as a private one. The public face is and will continue to be cynical and disbelieving of official intent whereas the private face is far more accommodating and in touch with reality and material needs.
Most Kashmiris crave for peace and its dividends, provided that the transaction reinforces rather than assaults their pride and dignity.
This seminar would be remembered for a long time to come for its honesty of approach and objectivity in dealing with the issue of enhancing J&K’s pride and dignity. This by itself is a case for a case study which the world needs to take a note of.
This poem by Colonel (Retd) VP Singh sums up the sentiments eloquently:
Bina tumhare muqqamal ye Hindoostan nahi
Koi tumhi se wafa ke sawal kyoon poochhe
Watan parasti toh jazba hai imtehan nahi.
Tumhara haq hai, tumhari bhi hissedari hai
Ye Bharatvarsh tumhari bhi zimmedari hai
Iski mitti me lahu hai tumhare purkhon ka
Iski khushboo pe likhkhi dastaan tumhari hai.”
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In regard to the disputes at the UN –Kashmir being one of them — a large number of them has remained unsolved; while action has been swift in others when the US diplomacy pitched in for immediate action under chapter seven. Well, since the US defeat in Vietnam the seventies witnessed a slow and progressive decline in US power to meddle in disputes all over the globe.
The Project for New American Century –aka PNAC– has been a dismal failure as Iraq and Afghan people have visibly fought Americans to a protracted standstill, to be soon followed by defeat, if defeat is yet to come. The rise of China and BRICS has already altered the world order away from USA, which gives every appearence of being in decline. From Paul Kennedy to Fareed Zakaria the phenomenon of global weakening of American power has been described as having come to stay.
As the mideast dominos come down once Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood consolidates its hold by end of June, USA is set for a drubbing not only from the mideast but from the world stage to resolve the 1 percent 99 percent social devide that is destined to unravel the Zionist hold of American imperialist mindset.
The power elites that now rule South Asia and elsewhere will be replaced. Lashkar Tayeba and Maoists are quite likely to come up in the shadow of the great economic tsunami that is well advanced in Europe and finds the USA already in a receptive prone state. China will share power with Pakistan in Central Asia as American go home to lick their wounds. The Kashmir Issue should cease to exist then.
It is sometimes mesmerizing that Sufis have turned radical and have grand designs of China supporting Pakistan in its quest for an Arab identity. Despite the best of so called higher than himalayas friendship, China has offered pittance to Pakistan in trade and aid. Weary of its radical agendas China wants no truck with Pakistan – a failing state in sharing any geopolitical influence. The sooner Pakistanis like you dismount from your high horses and sort out your people, economy and politics, you shall remain the epicentre of terror. But that I presume must be a matter of pride for the sufi you.
America, Europe and the recession should not fool you. It is the resilience of their mono cultural societies bereft of radical thought that shall prevail long after radicalism and genocide engulfs Pakistan.
Kashmir shall prosper and the people of Kashmir have spoken in favour of peace. They are grateful that they did not accede to Pakistan after the partition and are today reaping the benefits of a vibrant economy and society. There are differences but most of them are sponsored by a failing state eager to justify its existence with the blood of Kashmiris. This would not last long.
“It is sometimes mesmerizing that Sufis have turned radical and have grand designs of China supporting Pakistan in its quest for an Arab identity,” says Vikram Jog. The venerable Baba Nanak was unquestionably a great mystic, if not a Prophet. The fact that each individual sikh feels incomplete without a Kirpan should enlighten Vikram Jog as to the real nature of mystics in fighting on the side of justice.
The truth of Sino-Islamic relations being “higher than Himalyas” has powerful historical roots. Since the very inception of Islam the early Muslims enjoyed hospitable relations with China, so much so that Saad Bin Abi Wqqas the conquerer of Persia, was a regular visitor to China as a high level plenipotentiary from the great Caliph; he died there on a visit and was buried with full honors by the Chinese on orders from the emperor. His much honored grave in China inspires Muslims with very positive sentiments for the Chinese. Indeed the author of ‘Clash of Civilizations’ (read West’s war on Islam), Samuel Huntington openly apprehends a rising Sino-Islamic axis. As for “China supporting Pakistan in its quest for an Arab identity,” such Chinese support is probably “scheduled” to happen when the “epicenter of terror” in Pakistan has reached full maturation. The proof of this process lies in the fact that assorted Jehadist outfits that were marginalized in Pakistan have become militarily respectable under the leadership of Hafiz Saeed on whose head USA has SO IMPOTENTLY placed a prize. Once the necessary preparations and the anticipated events, like US withdrawal in defeat from Afpak, are in place (given American ineptitude, they are going very well indeed), the large scale arming of Maoists in northern India through Nepal will be a cakewalk.
But for now it is the pro-US state structures in Pakistan that have to be exhausted by way of the failure of the westernized state of Pakistan. This failure, which is almost complete should be the first step in changing the history of South Asia. The recession ridden western forces are set to depart in defeat from the Asian landmass in 2014, IF NOT EARLIER. And then a multi-state South Asia with excellent relations with its North and the West will arise.We shall live in peace ever after.
Now, how is that for some historical fun, dear Vikram Jog!!!
This is not an India Pakistan match but Geelani Ji there was no Pakistan before the partition of India. Islam is anathema to China as has been proved by their sensitivity to Pakistan’s involvement in attempting to radicalise Xingjiang. You can keep pouring lessons of radical Islam to come to your rescue but in the power games of today Pakistan only remains to be silenced by internal violence against its own people.
Time you looked at the future history of Pakistan rather than quoting travels of one Muslim to China. Your quest to turn Pakistan into an Arab identity is welcome as it would push you into an abyss with no one there to rescue you..not even the Arabs. The future of Pakistan in the hands of radicals like you is what balkanisation of Pakistan is all about.
You carry the burden of a failed terror state on your shoulders which your children and grandchildren will never forgive you for. So it is future rather than history you should be more worried about.
Your logic appears long-winded and muddled.If the Kashmiri people wait for the winds to change and the powers to fall, they’ll keep waiting for ever. I appreciate not only the approach by Gen Ata Hasnain, but also the resolve of the Kashmiris to move on. The sooner they unhook themselves from the illusions created for them by Pakistan, and accept the realities of advancing their economic state which only India can provide, the better. India offers a real chance at re building their lives through jobs in other parts of India and investments by Indian companies in Kashmir. Those in Pakistan who wish to stay in a fantasy world of their own where their dreams of an Islamic world order that is the panacea to all problems can continue to dream on.
A nice article and a nice initiative by Gen Hasnain.
I am sure 15 Corps and Kashmir are in his safe hands.
Such initiatives will go a long way as only social issues and political solns can bring out normalcy in due course.
It is the romanticizing of the Kashmir University youth, the Huriyat backed lawyers association and the separatisis agenda of keeping Kashmir’s wounds open to serve their political cause that is slowing down the healing process in Kashmir.
In this seminar, the youth clearly argued against being chained to a violent past which was subverting their future. If they want a well governed, economically vibrant, secure society the romanticists have a problem with it – it takes the romance of violence out of their system.
This is what they had to say privately: There is a Kashmir beyond Kashmir University – that Kashmir is yearning to move on, Hoping for that eternally elusive hope which would allow their children to live in an environment of trust and peace. Yes the governance model leaves much to be desired but that is a narrative we as Kashmiris have to shape. It hurts when every emotional writing aimed at sensationalizing Kashmir takes us away from our rightful destiny.
Inclusive economics is the mantra to ensure stable growth and prosperity. As M.I.T. economist Daron Acemoglu and the Harvard political scientist James A. Robinson, argue in their recent book“Why Nations Fail” that the key differentiator between countries is “institutions.” Nations thrive when they develop “inclusive” political and economic institutions, and they fail when those institutions become “extractive” and concentrate power and opportunity in the hands of only a few.
“Inclusive economic institutions that enforce property rights, create a level playing field, and encourage investments in new technologies and skills are more conducive to economic growth than extractive economic institutions that are structured to extract resources from the many by the few.”
The lesson of history, the authors argue, is that you can’t get your economics right if you don’t get your politics right. Abrogation or partial repeal of Article 370 to bring Kashmir to the mainstream Indian growth story is thus becoming imperative. The youth in Kashmir are hungry for inclusive economic reconstruction, skilling and jobs. This 370 isolation is working against the people as it prohibits industrial houses, services companies and jobs to move into Kashmir. The idea that Kashmiris are special must be publicly replaced by the idea that all Indians are special. This would bring in right investments into Kashmir and serve the people far better than isolating them from the India growth story. Kashmir, apart from progressing in traditional fields, could well become the world’s back office in this interconnected and interdependent environment.
Sushant K Singh in a Pragati paper comments that, “Better physical connectivity through newer and wider roads, expeditious completion of the Jammu-Anantnag railway line and cheaper and smaller flights will facilitate and spur freer movement of people and ideas within the state. This will lead to greater economic activity and also redress the social imbalance that has crept into the Valley”.
This is a huge political decision which merits urgent attention as the Chinar Doctrine brings relative peace and manages the security situation adroitly. General Ata Hasnain and his team have proved that security and hearts can go hand in hand if sincerity of purpose is retained and followed through genuinely. Further progress needs followup at the political and administrative levels.
Politically, the centre and the state governments must engage with all sections of the society including the separatists (who now have been exposed by US Senate Committee report as being funded and operating by ISI). The momentum gained by the high turn out Panchayat Polls must not be lost and key initiatives must be taken by the administration to invest political capital in maximising the gains in engaging people at the grass root levels in good governance.
This requires political foresight and perseverance to change the face of Kashmir for the better.
We must know that the main problem in South Asia is Medieval anti-Indian Arab/Muslim Imperialism which is the main ideology of this utterly absurd nation
“Pakistan”.Pakistan, like B’desh, should first change its name and become “Muslim India” or “Islamic Republic of India” ie from Arab to Hindu.Hindu Islam should be the core ideology of Pakistan which is Vedic/not Koranic and in Sanskrit, not Arabic.With this basic thesis,Pakistan can become a great success story and role-model for world, but unfortunately the medieval hangover is so much that it makes them unable to see light and reason.They can continue to follow Arab Islam-no problem in that- but to have the Arab View of the world is the problem, because they are not Arab, they are Hindu.Please don’t take this word in the sense of religion, but in the ethnic sense.We all are non-Arab people practicing a variety of religions which should not be allowed to come in our way to achieve peace and progress.Two Kashmirs/two Punjabs/two Bengals are quite ludicrous.Hindu/Muslim issue should end now;Hindu and Arab is the line of difference.We are neither Arab nor anti-Arab, we are just “non-Arab”.
With apology to Marx,may I be allowed to say that ” Non-Arabs of non-Arab Asia, UNITE and march forward”.Bury the Hindu/Muslim problem for ever and find out a New Identity.