News Kashmir Magazine

Ashis Nandy   is an eminent Intellectual and Indian political psychologist, social theorist, and critic. A trained clinical psychologist, Nandy has provided theoretical critiques of European colonialism, development, modernity, secularism, Hindutva, science, technology, nuclearism, cosmopolitanism, and utopia. He has also offered alternative conceptions relating to cosmopolitanism and critical traditionalism. In addition to the above, Nandy has offered an original historical profile of India’s commercial cinema as well as critiques of state and violence.

 

 

Nandy had received the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize in 2007.In 2008 he appeared on the list of the Top 100 Public Intellectuals Poll of the Foreign Policy magazine, published by The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

In an Exclusive interview with The News Kashmir Professor Ashish Nandy talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.

Where you always inclined to be polymath?
I did not knew that I would be one day termed as polymath. I do not believe in categorization .I have never defined myself .I was ex student of science and then I left it after some years, than studied clinical psychology as my post doctoral  research focused on it and was  also trained as sociologist .
Any specific motivation towards it?
I have always believed in maintaining margins and not been absolutely attached with one field .
Strictly speaking, I do not belong to single field and have enjoyed this marginal status. I have thus got freedom from traditional standard vocabulary.
How do you view the Jammu and Kashmir on academic traditions?
Jammu and Kashmir has a distinct intellectual tradition. The suffering has harnessed the intellectual tradition of Kashmir which cannot come in normal novels and circumstances.
What are your focus areas ?
I have few concerns and in a precise manner two focal areas of interest -one is the human creativity and other is human destructiveness because that too has been part of human nature.
How much relevant are Gandhian thoughts in present era?
Gandhian values are very much relevant in present era as globe is witnessing a bad cycle of violence and anger. A lot of this violence does not have target as violence precedes the target.
Would be fair to state that research related paradigms are still unimpressive in India?
Oh yes definitely. The research related paradigms are yet to relate with the actual problems faced by our societies. The main thrust is just to get good status via research which is cause of serious concern.
Any specific interest to have book on Jammu and Kashmir?
I do not have much knowledge to pen down a book on the issues of Jammu and Kashmir. Although, I comment on the issues faced by JandK.
What is your message to youth especially those pursuing  research?
Suspect everything as exercise of informed suspicion is the path towards intellectual salvation. Only divine beings can be perfect, human beings have laid foundation of nothing perfect be it nation States, democracy  or systems  .Do not Trust even your work because as human beings we carry the burden of humanity.

News Kashmir Exclusive

 

When the former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Passed away many had thought that new government formation in Jammu and Kashmir is matter of few days or hours, but as PDP took rigid stance the hopes faded away.

PDP made it clear that they want concrete Confidence building Measures to form the Government with BJP and even gave signals that it is ready for fresh elections rather than compromising on its core values.

But as now the picture is clear that PDP chief and prominent women politician Mehbooba Mufti is all set to become the first woman chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir after being unanimously nominated as party’s legislature party leader in a meeting of PDP legislators and leaders at  her residence in Srinagar, Thursday 24th March, many believe that after these months of political negotiations with BJP the  PDP has given impression that it has been ‘much ado about nothing’.

Pertinently, even in the first week of February and also few days back it looked PDP and BJP alliance in Jammu and Kashmir is on the verge of collapse. On their Part, BJP sources suggested that to maintain the core support base intact in Jammu they are not ready to compromise or listen to dictations .

PDP on its part stated that they need time bound commitment on completion of projects and agenda of alliance that walks the talk. “Mehbooba Mufti wants assurances from the top BJP leadership. The two parties are ideologically very different, so PDP wants time-bound implementation of agenda of alliance. The assurances must come from the very top,” said a senior leader of the PDP just some days back.

Mohmammad Tauseef, a Political analyst , while talking to News Kashmir stated -“If we do serious Political Analysis of the situation, the question that arises why three precious months were wasted for government formation as nothing new has come out. The government being formed is setup on the base of old formula with no new approach coming up .The perception that has gone among the masses is that PDP has not been able to gain anything despite this long delay in the Government formation .PDP  grasroot workers would also be thinking that this long interval has brought them back to square one .It would be now interesting to more how the Government runs but the path to governance would be now more stiff and beset with challenges.”

On the otherhand,” a senior BJP leader had sometime back stated –“There will be no further assurances given to PDP. The state government is committed to work for the development of all three regions of the state, which include Jammu, Kashmir and Leh. One party alone cannot dictate terms. We are in touch with the senior leaders of PDP and the regional party has to decide.”

From ground zero opinion to analysis  by political analysts the marathon wait for the Government in Jammu and Kashmir seems to have yielded nothing to PDP in terms of gaining upper hand or anything that can be dubbed as concrete.

News Kashmir Exclusive

Drainage systems are key areas of development and contribute to sustainable development  of city and  balance the diverse issues that influence the development of communities. An efficient drainage system has to take into account many realities. Approaches to manage surface water that take account of water quantity (flooding), water quality (pollution) and amenity issues are collectively referred to as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

Kashmir Valley has over the decades seen its drainage system going from bad to worse. Few hours of rain are enough to waterlog and flood the streets of Srinagar city and other areas of Kashmir. Thanks to inefficient drainage system Kashmir gets converted into a cesspool of mud and water as soon as it rains . The drains start  overflowing with just few millimeters of rains . Be it heart of Srinagar the areas like  Maisuma, Regal chowk, MA Road or Old City areas of Nowhatta and Khanyar  and many other parts the drainage system fails immediately  . On the other hand, scores of areas have no drainage system  in place. The low lying areas are the worst hit where residents state that  slight shower blocked flow of water and as streets gets choked they are restricted to homes.

Importantly, the devastating floods that shattered Kashmir Valley in 2014 had caused much damage to its fragile drainage system but no noticeable efforts have been made to repair the same. No new drainage project had been started in the last few years which are complicating the matters further.

Sheikh Sameer, a teacher by profession, while commenting on this issue states-“The drainage system of entire Kashmir Valley presents an abject outlook. During this current rain-spell it has been badly exposed, with water logging and Jamming almost entire Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley. There are many illegal structures – few of them even inside the flood spill channels. Many government offices have come inside or near those channels. They have been choked leaving a little room for water to discharge. Unfortunately enough, our world famous  lakes have  slowly migrated from the status of being a fresh water lakes to becoming a part of drainage system where they have  become a recipient of all the discharges from households to industrial effluents without these wastes actually being checked by  any filtering systems. We are witness  to the fact that government is sleeping over the issue. Pertinently,  Illegal encroachment are  still going on rather intensified after September 2014 floods and no initiative have been taken  to take them task. In the majority of the areas of Kashmir the drainage system has failed miserably . It is important that all drainage systems are properly maintained and at  regular intervals .Government need to outsource this entire Drainage and flood management system as the current setup is failing to achieve any concrete result on this count.”

As a matter of great worry, our existing  drainage systems  causes grave problems of flooding, pollution or damage to the environment and are not proving to be sustainable in the context of wider challenges from climate change and urbanization, and current drainage system   is virtually in mess   .

News Kashmir Exclusive

Gender imbalance is a disparity between male and females in a population. As stated above, males usually exceed females at birth but subsequently experience different mortality rates due to many possible causes such as differential natural death rates, war casualties, and deliberate gender control. But in many places the less ratio of females is becoming serious issue.

 

In our state Jammu and Kashmir too it is a serious issue. In previous census in 2011,we came to know about the ugly realities with reference to it. As against the national average of 919 females in 0 to 6 years age group,  J&K has 862.

Pertinently, as a matter of great misfortune we welcome our girl child with mourning song usually. The scenes usually witnessed in hospitals when a girl child is born are usually- Women are in a sad mood , men also often bowing down their heads in order to hide their tears or sometimes even giving frustrated looks and reactions , grandmother beating her chest, grandfather cursing his destiny and all this leads to gender disparity.

 

As per 2011 census In J&K, all the 22 districts have witnessed decrease in the number of female children. Pulwama tops the list with the loss of 217 female children per thousand. Budgam follows with the noteworthy fall of 172. While as Pulwama (829) and Budgam (832) have fared as the worst, these two districts were ironically on the top of the best performing districts with 1046 and 1004 respectively in 2001. Statistics were little reassuring in Jammu province where Poonch (-66), Kishtwar (-53), Ramban (-43) and Rajouri (-40) have topped the list in the loss. Reasi (-33), Udhampur (-26) and Doda (-26) have followed. Jammu (-24), Samba (-19) and Kathua have witnessed the least amount of loss.

 

Few time back prominent politician and former minister of the state also spoke on the issue. In a function Mrs Sethi also spoke about the recently launched state sponsored social security schemes meant for women i.e Ladli Beti and Aasra. She said many districts in Jammu and Kashmir exhibited declining sex ratio adding that to reverse the dangerous trend, Government started the Ladli Beti Scheme in select districts of Kathua, Jammu, Samba, Budgam, Pulwama and Anantnag to create positive disposition about the girl child and to address the concerns of girl’s right from birth to adulthood by providing financial security to the girls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While talking to News Kashmir, Muhammad Tauseef Mir, President Youth Council, an organization working on youth and women issues stated – “ While we celebrated the recent  women day just few days back , we all know that we are confronting serious issue like Gender Imbalance in our state especially the Valley of Kashmnir .Seven out of ten districts in Kashmir have lost more than a hundred females every thousand. Even as Baramulla has lost 98 female children per thousand, followed by Bandipore (-75) and Srinagar (-63), the Valley’s rural districts of Pulwama (-217), Budgam (-172), Ganderbal (-151), Kupwara (-142), Anantnag (-136), Shopian (-133) and Kulgam (-118) have topped the list of dubious distinction. We have the disastrous consequences from entire world to act now or never against this gender imbalance. More than 24 million Chinese men could find themselves without spouses in 2020 as gender imbalance grows.”

Realities suggest that Gender Imbalance is a serious issue in Kashmir.

2016 International Women’s Day Special
By Rameez Makhdoomi
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Women of Kashmir are no less competent and intelligent than women of other parts of the world.
The theme for 2016 is Pledge for Parity, as progress towards gender parity has slowed in many places.
We unplug the three dynamic women of Kashmir, who have shined in diverse fields and take message from them on the eve of this all important observation.
Mehmeet Sayeed
Mehmeet Sayeed, an eminent artist and singer of Kashmir who recently has performed in noted global musical concerts on Kashmiri music and delivered enthralling performances and her message on eve of World women’s day 2016 is –
“Women have always played an important role in carrying forward the cradle of civilization towards the positive and right direction. Every woman needs to understand that there is absolutely no justification for injustice, inequality and discrimination against them. As women are becoming more relevant in the social and economical fabric of this changing world, they need to learn to speak up whenever they see the world being unfair to them.
Most woman face challenges at every step of her life, as a daughter, sister, wife and mother. Those challenges exist to make us stronger not weaker. As a female artist, I also faced numerous challenges to the extent that I stopped working on my passion. It was during that period of darkness and irrelevance that I recognized the need to get back on my feet and continue chasing my passion of singing. I restarted myself and alhamdulillah, I’m living my dream and working on passion. So, don’t let anyone or anything stop you from doing what you are good at.”
Kusum Kaul
Kusum Kaul, a proud Kashmiri is a communication and Media professional of par excellence and has a rich academic background and is a philanthropist as well .
Kusum Kaul is also Director – Transsphere Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Proprietor – Zest Worldwide Communication, Managing Trustee – Utkarsh Healthcare Foundation .She has this message for women on eve of World women’s day 2016 –

“Women have an equal and important role to play in the civilization development. Indira Gandhi has always been my role model. A strong woman of steel, who steered India out of poverty into a modern India. I was always fascinated by Nehru who chartered his daughter’s mental makeup from jail and faraway places through his letters. I have been brought up with my father’s words. “Gandhiji had four sons and Nehru had one daughter, nobody knows Gandhiji’s sons but everyone knows this daughter.” I have been brought up with this state of mind, she was so frail and delicate in looks but had a brain and determination as strong as steel. Women need to be determined and confident enough to achieve anything is my message. We should all also be more tolerant and humane towards one another and never shun the core of humanity.”
Neelam Singh
Neelam Singh, vivacious and talented actress of Kashmir is known for her acting skills and superb caliber and in field since 17 years . Her first serial was “Tavnich Duniya” in the year 1999.She is currently shinning and performing eminent roles in serials of prestigious TV Channels like Sony Tv,Colours, Life OK, Epic etc. Her message on world women day is .She She has this message for women on eve of World women’s day 2016 –

“Kashmiri women through their diverse roles have shown to world the mettle of their intellect. If I look into my life The childhood days went on normally. After death of my father, my mother really took all the great care of me. Till eight class I studied at Guru Nanak School Baramulla and then shifted to Srinagar for further studies. When I reached 9th standard I started to get offers in TV Serials which I initially refused but after great persuasion I gave it a try and was successful in auditions. I wanted to be a doctor and joining the world of acting came by chance and getting acting offers at early age tempted same. Yes, today I love my work and it became my passion now. Women should never suffocate their dreams but give them platform to shine .We can achieve anything if we remain focused on our work and women should develop tough mettle to survive and thrive. ‘”

News Kashmir Exclusive

 

February is behaving like June in Kashmir Climatic Pattern Vise and it seems environmental Degradation and global warming aftermath  has started to cast its shadows on picturesque  Kashmir Valley.

According to climatic officials, Kashmir witnessed the hottest day in February in 76 years as the mercury rose to 20.6 degrees Celsius in Srinagar on 23rd February more than 10 degrees above normal for this time of the year.

 

Many are concerned that when in February we used to witness  snow but on contrary we  are seeing the  sprouting of plants and blooming of some flower varieties — signs of spring in Kashmir — have started at least one month ahead of the natural process due to the early favorable temperature.

 

As a matter of fact, all  these abnormal changes in Climate patterns has become a source of concern for environmentalists who see it as an effect of climate change. Many expert voices state that part of Climate Change and Global Warming, the two 21st century issues are already posing grave threat to the human civilization in terms of abnormal climate patterns. Kashmir which has already been declared environmentally fragile zone and can be most delicate area to these threats given its predominant reliance on agriculture, natural resources and forestry. The grave scenario with reference of climate has hit us hard at a time when in Kashmir the overall paradigms are already not looking good.

Sheikh Sameer, A researcher states -“A mechanism suggested for tackling climate change and warming has been the idea of using “Carbon Sinks” to soak up carbon dioxide. To aid in this, reforestation, or planting of new forests, have been suggested. This is a popular strategy for the logging industry and nations with large forests interests. While there may be some potential in this solution, it cannot be effective on its own. This is because it legitimizes continued destruction of old-growth and pristine forests which are rich ecosystems and have an established biodiversity base (albeit shrinking now) that naturally maintain the environment (at no cost!). Creating new forest areas would require the creation of entire ecosystems. It is also criticized for being a quick fix that does not tackle the root causes effectively and does not lead to, or promote actual emissions reduction.

In Kashmir we are being impacted by these global factors and also local factors like we destroying our forest wealth and water bodies has worsened the climatic and environmental position of ours. We need to wake up from the slumber and protect our natural resources especially environment than only we can effectively tackle these problems.”

Experts have maintained that large scale havoc caused to water-bodies and wetlands on one hand and to glaciers and forests on the otherside is compounding the environmental problems and giving rise to abnormal climatic patterns in Kashmir. With the threat of another floods looming large in Kashmir valley this season the biggest question, that is talk of town is that how Valley of Kashmir was  literally converted last year into a flood zone with even normal rains that too in month of March which is a no-flood month.  . Pertinently, the answer does not seem simple as the overall environmental scenario is quiet awful as Valley of Kashmir has  lost several precious environmental resources. Over the past few decades, Kashmir  lost a majority of wetlands and lakes. The phenomenon of deforestation has increased. Illegal encroachments have worsened the matters.

 

When one used to witness snowflakes and harsh cold in Chilai Kalan in Kashmir that has now got replaced by bright sunshine and all these are seen adverse impacts of global warming and environmental degradation on the Valley of Kashmir.

News Kashmir Exclusive

The  prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University students protest against  the 2013 hanging of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru has turned into a big row and  generated outrage after it was publicised in the mainstream media. The students, allegedly seen shouting slogans supporting Afzal Guru and Kashmiri separatism triggered the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the BJP’s student wing, who wrote to the Vice Chancellor that such marches should not be held on campus.

This prompted fierce protests from students and teachers in the university. JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested on Friday on charges of sedition. The university also barred eight students — whom they didn’t name — from academic activities pending an inquiry into the events.

The violence on journalists and students by some lawyers has give rise to another controversy .

Voices are expressing their angst over the issue. Bilal Bhat, a Delhi based kashmiri journalist and activist. He is the chairman of JK youth civil society. While talking to News Kashmir he states -“To disrupt the the democratic atmosphere of JNU which is known for freedom of speech and expression . in last three years there was a significant rise of involvement  of kashmiri students who by and large feel alienated in their own country.JNU gave them a soothing shoulder to raise their voice . Many kashmiri students were seen active in terms of running the campus union raising various issues concerning the country. Agencies became apprehensive and hatched a conspiracy to malign the union .”

Reflecting on the issue eminent journalist of India Seema Mustafa wrote -“Have you ever bothered to ask why a particular kind of love for the motherland, professed for instance, by the lawyers as they beat up students and journalists at the Patiala court, is always expressed through vitriol and violence? And why suddenly India is no bigger than Pakistan in her democracy and her vibrancy, and how suddenly debate and dissent—even by young students—becomes a threat to the nation.”

On the otherhand, while leading  AIP’s solidarity march with JNU students MLA Langate Engineer Rashid stated that India has lost moral ground to abuse Pakistan.  Er Rasheed said that people of J&K are thankful to all those saner voices especially the youth who are raising voice in favor of Kashmiris at JNU, Calcutta and other places. Er Rasheed stated, “Congress and BJP are trying to score the political points with regard to this uprising in the educated class of India but need to understand that the uprising is not for Congress or against BJP but the Indian youth has started feeling pain of Kashmiris. The sedition charges on Mr. S.A.R Geelani are unacceptable and illogical and just an attempt to please a very small section of rightest forces and a section of biased media.” Er Rasheed added that GoI has not been able to curb the voice of Kashmiris despite using all shameless measures and sooner or later it will have to resolve Kashmir. He said, “The protests being carried out in prestigious universities are being attended by students and scholars of all most of all states without caring for caste, creed and religion. As such New Delhi has lost the argument of blaming Pakistan in interfering into internal affairs of India. Er Rasheed said that despite the fact that national media has always been biased and harsh towards Kashmiris, every Kashmiri deems it his duty to condemn the assault by ultra-nationalist lawyers on senior journalists in Delhi and added that world community should know if these so called protectors of law, can mishandle and abuse those who have similar views as of them about Kashmir, what would they do with those who differ with them in their ideology and views.

Undoubtedly, JNU for the moment is generating heated politics over the issue.

News Kashmir Exclusive
People in the pain and conflict hit state of Jammu and Kashmir are waiting desperately for elected government to takeover so as to end the governor rule in the state. Overwhelming majority of masses believe that their problems could receive a due attention only when there is elected setup in place.
Worryingly enough, the already politically sensitive and countless problem hit state of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed many long sells of governor rule which has weakened the democratic paradigm and dashed hopes . Masses have felt the hard brunt of these long spells of governor rule as developmental picture has been hurt.
Gulzar Ahmad,a commoner states -“We have been waiting for the government now since many weeks. These often long spells of Governor rule does not augur good for us as we want solution of our grave problems and only elected government has an effective answer to our grievances.
A mechanism should be decided so that we do not have to wait for long intervals of time for the elected setup. We already know that we are far behind in the developmental spectrum and often spells of Governor rule have not proved much effective .We are hopeful that soon the government would be formed in our state and our miseries and sufferings would be thus receive heed.”
Experts have clearly pointed that often governor rule weakens democratic setup and already fragile mainstream of state. The recent moves by Pakistan to make Gilgit Baltistan (part of erstwhile J&K) it’s 5th state is an eye opener in this regard. While Kashmiri pro freedom groups openly challenged it and wrote rebellious letters to Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharief, no mainstream party could speak about it because it is believed that they have lost that moral high ground to speak for the undivided state of Jammu and Kashmir that existed before the tribal invasion of October 1947 and the subsequent landing of the Indian Army in Kashmir.
Faizan Bhat, Eminent columnist states – “It is an open secret that Kashmir is facing worst problems on every front since decades. The issue of poor governance has been one major issue. Whenever the Governor rule is imposed the crisis related to governance further sinks. People depend upon elected representative for their genuine problems. We have seen lot of mess being created on account of long spells of Governor Rule. The concerned parties should brainstorm and form an effective government that focuses on governance and does not harp on raising communal temperatures. Masses on ground are facing thousand problems for which an effective government should soon come into action.”
The J&K has remained to be ruled like this Governor rule from March 1977, 1986, 1990, 2002, 2008, and for 51 days in the present coalition from 9 January 2015 and again this time.

Be it from the perspective of providing effective governance to masses so as to solve their burning issues or to strengthening the democratic fabric the people are eagerly awaiting for Mehbooba Mufti to make a move and form a strong government that can lead the state to some sought of hope. With even the flood hit masses yet to be rehabilitated the wait is ever so desperate .

News Kashmir Exclusive
In the unfortunate land of Kashmir, tragedies and traumas have defined life in Kashmir over the past three decades of violent political conflict.
Pertinently, February is the month of particular pain in Kashmir when two humans from this misfortune hit land were hanged.

More than Thirty years ago on 11 February 1984 one of the stalwart of Kashmir’s pro-freedom movement Muhammad Maqbool Bhat was hanged in the Tihar jail and after 29 years in 2013 the history had repeated itself again when Afzal Guru the main accused in the 13 December, 2001 Indian Parliament Attack Case was sent to gallows in Tihar Jail on 9th February 2013 in utmost secrecy and concealed manner by the Indian State, for a crime in which there was circumstantial evidence against him. It is also a depressing reality that hanging of Afzal Guru lead to outbreak of massive protests in Kashmir which lead to death of several youth. The mature opinion on ground is that issues of political nature should be solved amicably in a civilized manner and mortal remains of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat should be handed back to people of Kashmir .
What is ironical to note according to many sane voices is that some 430 years back Yousuf Shah Chak the last independent ruler of Kashmir was allegedly is buried in Biswak prison near Nalanda in Bihar after captured by Akbar regime in deceitful manner and according to many historians he was poisoned to death.

With the executions of Maqbool Bhat and Afzal many believe and openly state that Kashmiris have every time got a new hero and a new martyr to look after as icons, who have kept the feeling of alienation continuous.
NASIR khuehami, a journalist states -“Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat hangings have cast a painful memory on the browbeaten nation of Kashmir. The entire process surrounding these hangings has been put to great questions and thus controversy raised on overall trials. Hanging Afzal Guru out of turn was a great blow to hopes of people of Kashmir. These hangings at a larger level have also defined the injustice against nation of Kashmir. India as a democracy should leave rigidity and act as mature democracy to heal the wounds of Kashmiri people.9 and 11 February have become undoubtedly the pain evoking days for people of Kashmir.”
RAMEEZ Bhat, A scholar while talking to News Kashmir states -” The hanging of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat are a blot on the democratic credentials of India. Even keeping their mortal remains imprisoned is a matter of grave concern. Even the humane voices within India have protested the process of these hangings .Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat are without doubt being viewed as heroes among the masses .As soon as 9 February and 11 February Date arrives the bitter memories are reviewed and anger is generated. Indian State should show democratic maturity and rectify the mistake and handover the mortal remains of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat to people of Kashmir.”
Many human rights defenders have also opined more often than not that when most countries of the globe are against the implementation of the capital punishment why Indian State is carrying them out and what message it wants to give? .Many had written and answered this development that they believe that The judiciary is becoming a hand maiden of the political executive and is fast losing its independent character with the result that Justice is becoming a casualty. Whether be it the execution of Afzal Guru or Life sentences awarded to Kashmiri convicts the judiciary is being used as a tool against the political opponents and dissidents is a strong opinion held by many.
Undoubtedly, in Kashmir the pulse is that Maqbool and Afzal are hanged heroes.
.

 

(News Kashmir Exclusive Interview by Rameez Makhdoomi)

 

 

 

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan (born 1953) was elected the 22nd president of Pakistan Administered  Kashmir  on 25 August 2011.Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan was born in 1953 in a village “Ali Sojal” (Rawalakot), and brother of renowned figure in political and social scenario of Kashmir Sardar Haji Muhammad Zaman Khan (Late). He graduated from Karachi University and started his political career with an ethnic political party Punjabi Pakhtoon Itehad in Karachi. He joined a Kashmiri political party Tehreek Amel and was elected as Senior Vice President of this party later on. By Safeer Ahmed rind

 

President Pakistan Administered Kashmir President Sardar Yaqoob has also been a seasoned politician. In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, Sardar Yaqoob talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.

 

 

Rameez Makhdoomi: How  do you see Kashmir issue shaping up in 2016?

 

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan : With the grace of Almighty Allah each and every corner of world that matters in global polity is awakened about the Kashmir dispute. Information counts in this world and we have been able to convey the desired information and  message with reference to Kashmir dispute to the world community.

Rameez Makhdoomi: Palestine is now recognized nation state by many and Kashmir issue has not seen much diplomatic breakthrough. What are your views?

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan :Palestine and Kashmir issue are not much different. We both the nations are same  when it comes to the disputed status nature although it is true that many countries have accepted  Palestine as country. We hope we will also achieve in near future more diplomatic breakthroughs with reference to Kashmir dispute.

Rameez Makhdoomi: The feel is that Gilgit- Baltistan has problem with administration of Pakistan Administered Kashmir. Your take?

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan :We definitely recognize the issues of Gilgit- Baltistan and we need to sit with the people and representatives of Gilgit Baltistan to solve their issues. People of Gilgit Baltistan are very patriotic and sensitive. The temporary setup created via Karachi agreement also needs to be taken into consideration. We need considerate and focused view on issues faced by people of Gilgit Baltistan.

Rameez Makhdoomi: How do you look at the moves by Pakistan Government to make Giligit Baltistan as its fifth province?

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan :We believe that the leadership of Kashmir will be taken into consideration by the leadership of Pakistan before final decision is taken on this issue. I belong to Pakistan People’s Party and martyr Bhutto had kept Kashmir dispute and Kashmir cause as core of Pakistan policy and it is very close to our heart.

Rameez Makhdoomi: So you are trying to indicate you are not in favour of GB becoming fifth province of Pakistan?

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan :Yes inshallah we are hopeful that it will not be done.

Rameez Makhdoomi: Some Critics say Indian Administered Part of Kashmir has progressed much than Pakistan Administered Kashmir .How true you think are these claims are?

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan :It is an Indian propaganda machinery at work that gives impression that Azad Kashmir has not progressed much. We need to bear in mind that parts of Kashmir held by India especially Srinagar and Jammu have 2000 year old history of development. While we are very new and had to start from the scratch. Still our education, road connectivity ,Power availability is far better than Indian held Kashmir.

Rameez Makhdoomi: But don’t you feel you still have poor network of universities on your side of Kashmir?

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan : We have come up with a number of universities after earthquake and also a network of medical and engineering colleges. After earthquake we were completely devastated but Pakistan Government and world community backed us fully to be back on tracks with a bang.

Yes I agree there is always scope for improvement with reference to improving health and education sector.

Rameez Makhdoomi: Why has agriculture in your part not progressed much?

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan :Agriculture stagnation has been key area of concern for us. We have in Azad Kashmir millions of people who are working abroad especially in entire middle east and United kingdom and they send solid foreign remittances and on account of this fact too people here are not much focused towards agriculture .

Rameez Makhdoomi: Pakistan Administered Kashmir  does not have much online and other forms of media outlets. What is the reason?

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan :There is definitely a need at government level to increase the information flow and dynamics of e- governance and also media is slowly and steadily coming up to disseminate information to entire world about happenings there.

 

Rameez Makhdoomi: You have yourself indicated India has a strong media as opposed to Pakistan .Why is it so?

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan :One cannot rub off the fact that India has a centuries old history and we are a country since few decades plus when our arm in form of Bangladesh was cut in 1971 it was a great blow but still Pakistan has progressed leaps and bounds and we people of Azad Kashmir are grateful to Pakistan for providing us opportunities to shine on global radar.

 

Rameez Makhdoomi: Many critics believe that Allama Iqbal and Mohammad Ali Jinnah hoped to have Pakistan which is secure and prosperous for women and minorities but you have failed on these two counts. Your take?

 

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan :On women front I agree we need to take many steps to improve the overall condition of our women. But minorities of Pakistan be it Hindus, Christians or Sikhs are proud Pakistanis and it is a baseless propaganda that minorities are unsafe in Pakistan. Look at the condition of minorities in India as opposed to that we are far far better.