Sunteți pe pagina 1din 38

Epilogue

because there is more to know

www.epilogue.in CONTENTS

Editor Prologue 3
Zafar Iqbal Choudhary Who Said What 4
Others
Consulting Editor Peace Process
D. Suba Chandran Concern 7
US Elections 9
Associate Editor
Irm Amin Baig HUNG Report
Trading Via Email
Designs & Layout
Keshav Sharma
HOUSE? Haste Makes Waste
A Historic Initiative 37
Mailing Address
PO Box 50, HO Gandhi Nagar, Volume 2, Issue 11, December 2008
Columns
Jammu
IN FOCUS
Vision From Valley 41
Prof Noor Ahmed Baba
Phones & email Assembly Election 2008
Office : +91 191 2493136
Days Gone By 43
11 Surprise For Many, Shocks For Others Prof. Jigar Mohammad
Editorial: +91 94191 80762
Administration: +91 94190 00123 12 Vote against Azadi ? Not Really Srinagar Sentiments 55
Syeda Afshana
editor@epilogue.in 15 Story behind those long queques
editor.epilogue@gmail.com Ladakh
subscription@epilogue.in
19 Kashmiri Pandits return to politics
Monarchs Still Exists... 46
20 Atal In Kashmir
Skarma Sonam Gya
Edited, Printed, Published and 22 What is on agenda ?
Owned by Zafar Iqbal Choudhary. Reviews
23 Peoples Democratic Party
Published from : Ibadat House, Self Rule for lasting Kashmir Solution Books 48
Madrasa Lane, Near Graveyard,
Bathindi Top, Jammu, J&K - 25 National Conference
180012 and Printed at : DEE Ready To Look Beyond Autonomy
DEE Reprographix, 3 Aikta 26 Congress : To Rewrite Constitution For
Ashram, New Rehari Jammu Empowering Regions
(J&K)
27 BJP : Making Jammu Epicentre of Power

Disputes, if any, subject to 28 Defying The Sterotypes


jurisdiction of courts and 30 The ‘Lone’ Challenger
competitive tribunals in Jammu
only.
32 Star Constituencies

34 Headed For Hung Asssembly


RNI : JKENJ/2007/26070
For more News, Views & Analysis
ISN : 00974-5653 Log on to
Price : Rs 15 www.epilogue.in
Epilogue Ø

December 2008
MAKE YOUR CONNECTION TODAY

www.epilogue.in

JAMMU & KASHMIR


POLITICS
BUSINESS
VIEWS & NEWS
CULTURE
STRATEGIC AFFAIRS
P R O L O G U E
FROM THE EDITOR

Time To Consolidate

Zafar Choudhary

A Epilogue
ny election is essentially a game those who did not want people to vote
of surprise and shocks. It can't be have been left shocked. But there is a
an election if the element of word of caution for both sides.
surprise is missing. Till last month Tremendous participation of people in
because there is more to know
everyone appeared in a tizzy on holding electoral process should not be seen as a
elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Two verdict on resolution of Kashmir issue.
strong reasons made the Election Government of India has often erred in EPILOGUE aims at providing a
Commission, the Government and the the past by construing successful
platform where a meaningful
parties wary –violence and the voter elections as signs of complete normality
exchange of ideas, opinion and
thoughts can take place among the
turnout. Two phases are over. More than in the Valley. Look at the uprising of
people and about the people of
60 per cent of total electorate in 16 summer this year and then see
Jammu & Kashmir. The attempt is to
constituencies has cast their votes. participation of people in elections. The
research, investigate, communicate
Overwhelming! Well, this percentage is message from the Valley is very clear.
and disseminate information, ideas
far above the national average of 55 to People have conveyed that Kashmir
and alternatives for the resolution of
58 per cent. Look at the constituencies issue and elections are two separate
common problems facing the state
like Gurez and Lolab in north Kashmir subjects which they would like deal with
and society of Jammu & Kashmir and
where turnout is going beyond 70 per separately. Once these elections are in the context of their significance to
cent. Agreed, that government put over, the Government of India must South Asia as a whole.
strong restrictions against anti-poll make efforts to resume the sagging
campaigners and locked almost all dialogue respecting sentiments of the We welcome contributions from
senior separatist leaders up but still if majority which has vouched for Indian academics, journalists, researchers,
people brave the falling temperatures democratic system. Denial will again be economists and strategic thinkers.
and cut their ways to polling stations delusion. People are now keenly waiting We would also like to encourage
through thick carpets of snow, what for outcome of the elections. Trends first-time writers with the only
these elections should be called. don't suggest any single party coming to requirements being a concern for and
Certainly not sham. Democracy has its power at its own. As it did in 2002, the the desire to understand the
roots in J&K, strong and deep. Violence, New Delhi should keep away from fixing prevailing issues and themes of life in
the major fear about elections, too a government in J&K. Epilogue recently Jammu & Kashmir
makes an interesting story. There have received few complaints from people in
been some incidents of violence in poll Jammu region that why state politics is Contributions may be investigative,
bound areas. But put together all always seen in perspective of Kashmir. descriptive, analytical or theoretical.
incidents will not cross two percent of We would like to clarify this. There can't They may be in the form of original
what happens in Bihar or even the be any stability in Jammu and Ladakh till articles or in the form of a comment on
sensible states like the neighbouring completely restored in Kashmir. As long current events. All contributions have
Himachal Pradesh on poll eve. This is as this objective is pending we have to to be neatly typed in double space and
how the two phases of polling have keep on talking about Kashmir issue. may be sent to the address given
passed off and the exercise, spanning This is how we can contribute our bit. alongside or e-mailed to the editor.
over seven phases, is likely to conclude There is a time to consolidate gains of
like this. The trend has been set with overwhelming public faith in While the editor accepts
surprises for many and shocks for others. democracy. responsibility for the selection of the
All those who were wary of violence and material published, individual
poor turnout have been surprised by Feedback : authors are responsible for the facts,
overwhelming response of people and zafarchoudhary@epilogue.in figures and views in their articles.

Epilogue Ø

December 2008
H E A R A N D H E A R
WHO SAID WHAT

In Verbatim
‘Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris',

ASIF ALI ZARDARI, President, Pakistan, In reply to a


question, while addressing Hindustan Times leadership
Summit in New Delhi view teleconferencing from
Islamabad.

''PDP will never come to Power because of the


loss and tragedy caused by them in
(Amarnath) Land Dispute'
Dr. FAROOQ ABDULLAH, Chief Ministerial candidate
of NC, while addressing media persons at the party
headquarter in Jammu.

These elections are held under the shadow of


the guns of 800,000 soldiers; it's a 'fauji drama'
SYED ALI SHAH GEELANI, Senior Separatist Leader,
while addressing his first press conference after return from
New Delhi (for treatment).

‘N.C has reverted to its age-old tactics of deceit


and emotional blackmail to grab power'
MUFTI MOHAMMAD SAYEED, Patron, PDP, while
addressing an election rally in Lolab, Kashmir.

As long as (Syed Ali Shah Geelani) is alive,


Kashmir will not get freedom'
SAJJAD LONE, Leader, People's Conference, while
replying to the allegations of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, that he
is tacitly supporting three election candidates in North
Kashmir

Epilogue Ø

December 2008
Now
Epilogue
because there is more to know
Telling
The J&K Stories

For online subscription log on to


www.scholarswithoutborders.net
or just visit
www.epilogue.in
Why Epilogue ?
Epilogue is perhaps the first scholarly, analytical and investigative monthly journal
on Jammu and Kashmir which addresses important issues ranging from economy,
politics and culture to security and strategic affairs in the region. Epilogue offers a
variety of perspectives and plurality of approaches to meet challenges of future
and present predicament of our society.
Epilogue is collectively edited by leading editors and publishes original
contributions from scholars, experts and journalists having a keen eye on Jammu
and Kashmir. The journal reaches and further endeavours to reach all people in the
South Asian region who contribute to policy formulation.
Epilogue is backed by a network of journalists, media practitioners, academics,
experts, researchers and scholars belonging to different parts of Jammu and
Kashmir across both sides of the Line of Control.
Epilogue has a shelf life that extends far beyond the news or event period covered;
therefore, this journal becomes an important source of information and future
reference on Jammu and Kashmir. Precisely, Epilogue is a must read for all those for
whom Jammu and Kashmir is anything to look at!

Epilogue
because there is more to know

Yes, I want to subscribe Epilogue Magazine

Name : .............................................................................................................................. .
Age : .................................. Education :.............................................................................
Profession :........................................................................................................................
Phone : ............................................... Email :....................................................................
Mailing Address :...............................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
F
I have enclosed a payment of Rs. 180/- in the name of ‘Epilogue Magazine’ towards annual subscription

Signature

www.epilogue.in
CMRD Publications and Communications
‘Ibadat’ Madrasa Lane, Bathindi Top, Jammu (J&K)
Phone : (O) 0191 2493136, (M) 94191 80762 (C) 94198 91777, 99067 11747
Email : editor.epilogue.in, editor.epilogue@gmail.com, epilogue2008@gmail.com
P E A C E P R O C E S S
CONCERN

J&K Worried As Mumbai Storming


Threatens Peace Process

Epilogue Report

T
he blame game after National Conference and former chief from Jammu and Kashmir was
Mumbai terror storm has minister, also condemned the Mumbai scheduled to visit Muzaffarabad to take
once again brought India attack in strong words. forward talks on trade across the Line
and Pakistan eye to eye but Of Control that divides Kashmir
people of Jammu and 'I feel this was planned and executed by between India and Pakistan.
Kashmir do not want this to happen. As those groups that do not want India and
the terror trail at India's financial Pakistan to come closer. I think a 'We are worried about its future now
capital assumes larger proportions Security Council meeting be called on after these attacks in Mumbai. But we
than any incident of terrorism in post- this where both India and Pakistan, all want this visit to go on as planned,'
independence history of country, the besides other major countries, should said Ram Sahai, president of the
intellegentia, political and business talk it out,' says Abdullah. He said Chamber of Commerce and Industries in
class are getting wary of its though there would be some short term Jammu. ‘The continued involvement of
repercussions. There is a strong urge effect on the peace process, 'it will be both sides in such times of crisis is a
from all that the Mumbai attack should able to sustain in the long term'. must to fight terrorism together. I am
not be allowed to derail the peace sure my friends across the LoC in
process between India and Pakistan Pakistan will not be happy over such
and both the countries have to fight Perhaps their words come none to soon.
Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab terrorist attacks.'
the scourge of terrorism together.
Mukherjee has already said the
terrorists had links with Pakistan but Rekha Choudhary, a political expert
'The Mumbai attack in which innocent said he could not give any details from Jammu University, said: 'We must
lives have been lost is most because investigations were still on. keep in mind that Pakistan itself is now a
condemnable. These are reprehensible victim of terrorism. Both India and
acts of terror against humanity,' said Pakistan have to cooperate with each
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, patron of the The militants attacked prominent
landmarks in Mumbai on the night of other and devise strategies to fight
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and terrorism jointly.'
former chief minister. December 26 and
continued their assault
for next 60 hours.
On whether it would have an impact on Apprehensions about the
the India-Pakistan peace process, he future of the peace
said: 'It might have a temporary effect process have been raised
but I do not see any long term impact. as ties between the two
We must understand that India and countries were snapped
Pakistan have to live together and fight after the December 2001
terrorism together. Even Pakistan is attack on the Indian
facing the same kind of terrorism.' parliament, which India
blamed on Pakistan-
He felt that India and Pakistan would based terrorists. Ties
stand to benefit if they fought terrorism between the two
jointly. countries have improved
greatly since then.
Farooq Abdullah, the patron of the A business delegation

Epilogue Ø

December 2008
P E A C E P R O C E S S
CONCERN

Mumbai Attacks May Sharpen


Obama’s Kashmir Focus

Mayank Chhaya, in New York

T
he multiple terror attacks on the Middle East who has been appointed logical that he would have to pay
Mumbai could push the by the new president as his Pakistan particular attention to Kashmir.
incoming Barack Obama adviser.
administration to sharpen its While the chatter over Obama
focus on the Kashmir issue. In an interview with the influential proposing to appoint a special envoy on
The attacks are being viewed by some in think tank Council on Foreign Relations Kashmir has died down in recent weeks,
the transition team here as President- Reidel was quoted as saying as recently it is clear that the Mumbai attacks
elect Obama's first major national as September: "There's another place would bring back a whole lot of options
security challenge that could draw him where I feel creative American on the table. At the very least they
into the Kashmir dispute sooner than he diplomacy could be helpful. We ought to would force Obama and his South Asia
might like. Although there is no direct try to encourage a long-term advisers to reassess the situation on the
link established between the terrorists settlement between India and Pakistan ground. Those who know the issue of
operating in Kashmir with those who of the Kashmir dispute, based again on terror in India understand that the
carried out the Mumbai attacks, a case the principle that the existing Line of mushrooming jehadi outfits use the
may be made that eventually all jehadi Control ought to become an justification of the community having
groups are bound by a common Islamist international border with some special been wronged in India as much as it
philosophy. status reserved for Kashmiris." having been wronged globally.
To that extent the Deccan Mujahedeen,
a likely offshoot of the more organized "We can't expect Pakistan to behave like Such outfits no longer make any
Indian Mujahedeen, may well share the a normal state, unless it has normal distinction between what they consider
broader vision of those operating in borders. And we can't expect Pakistan to wrongs being done to Indian Muslims
Kashmir. behave the way we would like it to while and those being done to Muslims
it's obsessed and fixated on its neighbor worldwide. This fusion of global and
Part of the reason why the Mumbai and the problem in Kashmir. The domestic grievance among the jehadi
attacks could more sharply define the problem in Kashmir has been in the groups, perceived or real, could make it
new Kashmir approach is because in the doldrums for the past several years. It is hard for the Obama administration to
final analysis Kashmir (including the now starting to boil really quickly, and tailor their Kashmir policy.
part under Pakistani control) is seen as a when Kashmir boils, the result is Indian-
fount of the rising Islamist terror in Pakistani tensions that can produce war. Nobody knows who Deccan Mujahedeen
India. Of course, factors such as the We've seen that over and over again," he are or what their objectives are or
2002 mass killings of Muslims in Gujarat said. whether they feel any affinity towards
do fuel some of the sense of extreme the Kashmiri separatists. But it may be
disenchantment within the Muslim With Prime Minister Manmohan Singh safe to assume that all these groups
community. However, the larger pointing at external links of the Mumbai morph into each other when it comes to
connection between the disparate attackers, it is not lost on experts in the what they have framed in their minds as
groups will always remain a feeling of US that he could be talking of groups Islam versus the world conflict. It is in
pan-Islamism. based in Pakistan. If that is indeed the this nebulousness that the Obama
case the brazen Mumbai attacks could administration will have to pitch its
Perhaps the clearest indication of a yet work up new tensions with Pakistan. Kashmir approach in the framework of
more pro-active Kashmir approach Since Obama is committed to making its national security policy on South
under Obama has come from Bruce A f g h a n i s t a n a n d Pa k i s t a n h i s Asia, in the light of threat perceptions
Reidel, a former CIA officer and adviser administration's foreign policy as well emanating from Afghanistan and
to three US presidents on South Asia and national security priority, it is only Pakistan. (Courtesy IANS)

Epilogue Ø

December 2008
P E A C E P R O C E S S
US ELECTIONS

Is Kashmir Key To
Afghanistan Peace ?

Mark Sappenfield & Shahan Mufti

A
s part of his push to find new
solutions to the war in It is a strategy that
Afghanistan, US President- worries Indians, who
elect Barack Obama is
considering a new diplomatic
suggest the Pakistani
push on Kashmir, reversing eight years of Army is blackmailing
American silence on the issue.
Obama to support its
Mr. Obama has argued that Pakistan will claims. Yet security
not fully commit to fighting the analysts say the Afghan
insurgency it shares with Afghanistan
until it sheds historic insecurities toward
insurgency has roots in the
India. Talks about Kashmir, the central power struggle between
point of contention between the two
nuclear rivals, are among the "critical
India and Pakistan and
tasks for the next administration," cannot be solved without
Obama said in an interview last month
a regional approach.
with Time magazine.

It is a strategy that worries Indians, who entire region, which includes not on India, but on the situation with
suggest the Pakistani Army is Afghanistan. those militants," he told MSNBC on Oct.
blackmailing Obama to support its 31.
claims. Yet security analysts say the General Petraeus has been an open
Afghan insurgency has roots in the power advocate of regional diplomacy as a key Obama went further in the Time
struggle between India and Pakistan and counterinsurgency tactic. On Oct. 15, he interview, mentioning he has spoken with
cannot be solved without a regional told a round table of Washington Post former President Bill Clinton about
approach. reporters that in seeking solutions to becoming a special envoy to the region – a
Afghanistan, "there may be opportunities comment that has been front-page news
"It will be very hard to put Afghanistan on with respect to India." in India and Pakistan.
a long-term positive path without
alleviating some of the Indo-Pakistan The goal would be to build a level of trust Nothing could be more damaging to
tensions," says Xenia Dormandy of the between India and Pakistan, freeing American interests in the region, says
Belfer Center for Science and Pakistan from its historic fear of India, Raja Mohan, a member of India's National
International Affairs at Harvard with which it has fought three wars. The Security Advisory Board. He claims Indo-
University in Cambridge, Mass. surest way to do this, Obama has said, is Pakistan relations are better than they
to find a solution to Kashmir – the state have ever been, citing the recent opening
Such ideas would appear to fit well with split between each but claimed in full by of trade between Pakistan - and-Indian-
the doctrines of Gen. David Petraeus, both. controlled Kashmir as something that
who oversaw a significant improvement would have been unthinkable in the past.
in law and order in Iraq. He is now the "We should try to resolve the Kashmir
commander of American forces in the crisis so that [Pakistan] can stay focused – Moreover, he suggests India and Pakistan

Epilogue Ø

December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

have behind the scenes made significant yielded to Indian influence. Fears are Malik, a Pakistani government security
progress on the issue of Kashmir, to the stoked by the memories of 1971, when adviser during a trip to Washington.
point that the two nations have a the Indian Army helped Bengalis secede
tentative road map for how to resolve the from Pakistan to form Bangladesh. With Analysts say this might be true, but only
crisis. It was scuppered only by the Afghanistan historically claiming a to a small degree. Militants "might be
collapse of former Pakistani President significant chunk of Pakistan as its own, getting some support from India, but it's
Pervez Musharraf's regime in August. Pakistanis worry that an Indian-backed not anywhere near what the Pakistanis
Afghanistan could dismember Pakistan like to suggest," says Marvin Weinbaum,
Bush steered clear of Kashmir further. an analyst at the Middle East Institute in
The progress was partly the result of the Washington.
Bush administration's decision to steer "Pakistan is the only country in South Asia
clear of Kashmir, says Mr. Mohan. Entering that stands between India's complete Privately, a Pakistani diplomat who spoke
the fray now would only disrupt the hegemony in this region," says Fahmida on condition of anonymity agrees. India's
delicate balance, making it appear as if Ashraf, an analyst at the Institute for involvement in the unrest along
the US was merely trying to placate Strategic Studies in Islamabad, a Pakistan's western front "might be no
Pakistan in return for its support in the thinktank funded by the Pakistan more than 5 percent of all the trouble out
war against terror. government. there." But publicly, Pakistan "is basing
its Afghan and Indian policy on its
In such a case, Mohan says, India might Repeatedly, Pakistan's Army has acted to perception," says Mr. Weinbaum.
have a hard time winning concessions for prevent this from happening. It has done
a fair deal: "So long as the Pakistani Army this by cultivating networks of militants In July, militants struck the Indian
thinks that the Americans are on their as a proxy army. In Afghanistan, the Embassy in Kabul with a bomb blast that
side, they're not going to deal with India." Pakistan-backed mujahideen chased out killed 41 people. American intelligence
the Soviet Union, India's ally. Then the agencies have said they have evidence
Both Obama and his top South Asia Pakistan-backed Taliban took control of that Pakistan's intelligence agency, the
adviser, Bruce Riedel, have spoken of the the country, preventing it from falling
Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)
need to be discreet. In a 2007 into the hands of pro-India Northern
directorate, was involved. "Even today,
teleconference for the journal Foreign Alliance warlords.
the Pakistani military sees India as the
Affairs, Mr. Riedel said: "I would urge the threat," says Ms. Dormandy, of Harvard.
administration to seize the opportunity This proxy war continues. India has "Until that attitude changes, you're not
to quietly, but forcefully, push for a invested $750 million and pledged $450 going to see Pakistan step back from its
resolution there." million more to the government of historically strong use of militant assets
President Hamid Karzai, who is strongly to affect foreign policy."
In the interview he called Kashmir "the pro-India. India is Afghanistan's largest
itch that has driven Pakistan towards trade partner. And it has taken the
There are signs that this attitude is
supporting terrorism for the last 20 provocative step of opening consulates in
beginning to change. Pakistan is now
years." Indeed, many experts say the two cities sitting on the border with
fighting many of the militants it once
enmity – for which Kashmir is the most Pakistan – Jalalabad and Kandahar.
sheltered in Bajaur and Swat in northern
potent symbol – has shaped security in Pakistan. Obama's intent would be to
the region, including Afghanistan. Pakistan claims Indian intelligence accelerate this process and send a clear
agencies are using these consulates as message to Pakistan. "Why do you want
Rivalry plays out in Afghanistan bases, though it has never made this to keep on being bogged down with [India
evidence public. Generally speaking, the and Kashmir], particularly at a time
For years, the mutual mistrust has led
allegations are that India is funding where the biggest threat now is coming
India and Pakistan to play their own
separatist militants in the Pakistani from the Afghan border?" he told Time. "I
version of the Great Game in Afghanistan.
province of Balochistan. think there is a moment where
India has consistently been Afghanistan's
main ally in the region. But Pakistan sees potentially we could get their attention.”
Afghanistan as its strategic backyard, "India wants to destabilize [Pakistan's tribal
which under no circumstances can be areas] and Balochistan," said Rahman (By arrangement : Christian Science Monitor)

Epilogue Ø
10 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

Surprise For Many,


Shocks For Others
Zafar Choudhary

There are no easy conclusions. But the


voters in parts of Kashmir Valley have
left the mainstream political parties
surprised and separatists shocked.
Dispelling all worries and fears of a
low voter turnout which could have been
an international embarrassment for
India, the first two phases of polling
in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir
assembly elections have set a confident
trend for the subsequent phases. An
average poll percentage of 65 in 16 out
of 87 constituencies was no one's
imagination. Almost every constituency
has registered a remarkable upward
poll percentage over the figure of 2002
when enthusiasm was at its highest and
even separatists had fielded proxies in
some constituencies of Kashmir Valley.
As state moves towards subsequent
phases of polling and fears of decline
in voter percentage return, even 15 per
cent turnout in Srinagar district (going
to polls along with Jammu district in
last phase on December 24), which
appears certain, will be a record polling
of last two decades.

I
n Jammu and Kashmir –Jammu,
Kashmir and Ladakh –the regions
have always responded differently
to the electoral process. For Jammu
and Ladakh elections are a
democratic competitive exercise the way
they are in any part of India involving all
ingredients of emerging electoral trends,
good and bad. In Kashmir Valley it is a
different scenario, always. Once the
Government of India would get elections
rigged to see formation of a government
of its choice. Now it is about good voter

Epilogue Ø
11 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

By Definition... Name 2002 2008


Karnah 07 14
participation and no matter which party while it is to be seen as which party
Kupwara 07 19
returns to power at the end of the day. A actually wins to form the next
high voter turnout is victory for India government. Lolab 10 10
Handwara 09 13

S
over Kashmir and a poor percentage ince 1989 the major challenge
proves point of separatists and gives about holding any election in Langate 10 15
Pakistan a much required leverage for Jammu and Kashmir has always Uri 03 13
drumbeating about the 'disputed' nature been security. Militant threat, an Rafiabad 07 09
of territory. Therefore, any election, increased pitch of violence and hostile Sopore 06 24
particularly post-1987, has never been circumstances drove the participants, Sangrama 07 19
less than a referendum. The way aspirants and electors alike, away from Baramulla 13 12
elections are officially projected here, the electoral process. This time there
Gulmarg 02 15
the competition between parties for was no such threat even as caution
Pattan 03 13
forming government appears as a always remains. Still the Election
ancillary product of exercise and not the Gurez 05 06
Commission and Government of India
main exercise, per se. Going by the appeared in a double mind on holding Bandipora 06 19
voter enthusiasm, the elections of 2008 elections in the state at this stage. Sonawari 06 22
are well geared to declare India winner Worries were quite genuine. If people Kangan 07 10
Ganderbal 06 11
Chadoora 08 18

Vote against Azadi? Not Really Budgam


Beerwah
07
06
16
17
Khansaheb 04 11
are shooed away from election scene by movement as people would throng to
Charar-e-Sharief 04 09
the ominous threat of gun it makes going the streets in hundreds of thousands on
Nobra 01 05
tough for the contestants but call of Kashmir Coordination Committee
strengthens India's one major point on –an amalgam of several separatist outfit Leh 01 04
Kashmir –Pakistan and its sponsored floated early this year to oppose Kargil 02 05
militants are derailing the course of transfer of land to Amarnath shrine. It Zanskar 04 05
democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. An was the call of coordination committee Total 151 334
imminent international condemnation which saw over two lakh people trooping Average number 5.81 12.85
for Pakistan and, may be, some towards Uri in Baramulla August this of candidates
sympathies for India. Imagine a year as a symbolic march towards Gulabgarh 10 14
converse situation. There is no role of Muzaffarabad and then as many of them Reasi 12 15
gun and still people do not come to vote. gathering at the Srinagar Id Gah Gool-Arnas 10 10
This makes it tough for India to explain chanting slogans for Azadi. Since then Udhampur 14 18
as what happened in Kashmir. The most parts of Kashmir Valley have Chenani 07 12
second scenario has this year been continuously reeled under curfew
Ramnagar 09 12
clearer than ever in the two-decade –declared and undeclared. The same
Nowshera 05 11
long current history of separatist coordination committee calling for a
Darhal 09 12
movement in Jammu and Kashmir. In the complete boycott of elections had left
backdrop of the 'Summer 2008 Uprising' everyone wondering for the possible Rajouri 14 23
triggered by the Amarnath land transfer options to hold elections in Kashmir and Kalakote 05 13
row it was a movement of peoples and then draw some people to the polling Surankote 06 11
not militants which set Kashmir burning booths. Mendhar 05 12
and boiling and the establishment After two phases of polling in five Poonch-Haveli 06 13
looking for options to quell the protests. constituencies of Kashmir Valley, four in Total 112 176
There was no militant angle to the Ladakh and seven in Jammu division, it Average number 8.62 13.54
of candidates

Epilogue Ø
12 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

has become difficult for the separatists


to understand and explain as what drove “These elections are not any indication
people to the polling booths. The of a vote for India. These (elections)
overwhelming voter turnout on have been held against wishes and
2 November 17 and then on November 23 aspiration of people who had made clear
1 3 was an imminent surprise and shock as it by their protests between June and
4 was bound to happen after an August that they stand for right to self
5 unprecedented participation of determination”, says separatist
contestants and a record number of hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani. He
rallies and outdoor elections meetings prefers to skirt a much required
since announcement of poll schedule on comment on overwhelming voter
participation. Reacting to first phase of
DISTRICT KUPWARA polling, the ailing veteran separatist
Percentage of voter turnout is not
5 Constituencies said in a statement, “undoubtedly
Total Vote count: 341004 likely to come down by any people of these constituencies
Karnah, 26591 (13,613M, 12,978F); drastic measure in the subsequent (Bandipora, Gurez and Sonawari) face
Kupwara, 90594 (46,974M, 43,620F); problems of jobs, roads and other basic
Lolab, 85,474 (45,069M, 40,405F); phases in view of the prevailing
amenities which pro-India parties
Handwara, 78,118 (40,549M, enthusiasm and an promise to address in lieu of votes”. He
37,569F); Langate, 60,227 (31,655M,
28,572F) unprecedented participation of added, when a nation fights for freedom
its people have to rise above self
contestants.
interests and be ready to offer

B etter known as ideological


stronghold of widely
respected separatist leader late
October 19. Percentage of voter turnout
is not likely to come down by any drastic
sacrifices. I hope people of other
constituencies will show sympathy to
lakhs of Kashmiris, who laid their lives
Abdul Ghani and post-2002 his measure in the subsequent phases in for their birthright of plebiscite and
view of the prevailing enthusiasm and boycott the polls”. Six days later, people
sons Sajjad and Bilal, but in
an unprecedented participation of in two more constituencies of Kashmir
electoral politics people of contestants. –Ganderbal and Kangan –chose to ignore
Kupwara have been invariably
trusting NC for almost three
decades. As proxy of Peoples
Conference, GM Sofi took away
Handwara seat from NC in
2002. While Sofi still remains
strong in pitch, Lone's daughter
Shabnam has defied anti-poll
campaign of brothers to seek
election from Kupwara
constituency. On remaining
three seats, NC is saddled
comfortably against Congress,
PDP and independents. Anti-
election campaign is more likely
to influence fortune of
contestants than their
performance and credibility.
PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, at a public meeting in Ganderbal.

Epilogue Ø
13 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

Geelani's appeal and turned up in still forced to stay away from the polling
more numbers to cast their votes. The booths…now they come to polling
overall poll percentage in Ganderbal booths or not, it for them to see”, says
district has been recorded at 52.5% J&K's Chief Election Officer BR Sharma.
against 43% of 2002. In Bandipore Separatists say that the high polling 16
district which went to polls in first phase percentage has been possible only due
on November 17, the overall poll the strict restrictions and strong arm 17
percentage was around 63% against 54% tactics against the anti-election
of 2002. In 2002 the elections were held campaign. These arguments can not be
in a pleasant weather and absence of brushed aside easily in view of situation
any major boycott call from separatists. explained above. But why the anti-
This time, most of the areas of election campaign when people are
Bandipore district were under a snow clear about what they have in mind.
DISTRICT GANDERBAL
cover of upto three feet and sub-zero Interestingly, the trend in present 2 Constituencies
degree temperature prevailed all elections have boldly underlined one Total Vote Count :
around. important fact that a common man in Kangan, 59,879 (31,354M, 28,525F);
Kashmir is more clear about his ideas as Ganderbal, 77,616 (39,982M,
well as ideologies than the separatist or 37,634F)
The elections are still being described as
sham by separatists but not even a single
allegation has come, even from There is clearly a strong use of
separatist camp, to suggest any
coercion on part of government in
force to prevent the separatists
from taking out rallies and
I n 2002, Ganderbal emerged as
symbol of change in Kashmir
politics when third generation
pulling crowds to the polling stations. It
is true that the top separatist leaders processions against elections. heir of Abdullah dynasty and
have either been jailed or put under
NC's Chief Ministerial candidate
However, what earns credibility Omar Abdullah lost to a hitherto
house arrest and strict restrictions have
been imposed on taking out any boycott
to the election exercise is that unknown Qazi Mohammad Afzal
campaigns. Urban areas of Valley, there is absolutely no use of force of PDP. Nothing worst could have
particularly in central and north to make people to vote. happened to Abdullahs. Omar is
Kashmir, have been intermittently again face to face with Qazi.
coming under an undeclared curfew like Curfew like situation prevailed
situations to thwart the boycott mainstream political elites. The at headquarters of this new
campaigns. Top separatist leaders political elites of all hues, whether in district when PDP workers
Mohammad Yaseen Malik and Shabir Srinagar, New Delhi or Islamabad, link brought down NC banners the
Ahmed Shah have been booked under elections with the basic Kashmir issue day Omar filed nomination
Public Safety Act for their anti-election and try to score a point over each other papers. On his second visit to
activities. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is under according to convenience of prevailing constituency, Police had a tough
house arrest and so is the case with Syed situation. “Elections are not any
time when Congress workers
Ali Shah Geelani who returned to solution to Kashmir issue”, argues
pelted stoned at his cavalcade.
Kashmir only in last week of November Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
Noor Mohammad Kalwal, an 80 year old
He is tendering public apologies
after his treatment in New Delhi and
resident of a Bandipore village who
for past mistakes as contest is not
Mumbai. There is clearly a strong use of
walked more than two kilometers over
quite smooth. In Kangan, Mian
force to prevent the separatists from
snow to cast his vote, does not differ Altaf Ahmed appears well
taking out rallies and processions
against elections. However, what earns much from Mirwaiz. “Elections are placed to win seat fourth time in
credibility to the election exercise is certainly no solution to Kashmir issue row.
that there is absolutely no use of force but there are a host of other issues
to make people to vote. “This is our which can be resolved through elections
responsibility to facilitate a smooth and alone”, says Kalwal. He has a long list of
fearless electioneering and polling. Our complaints against the local MLA but the
effort is to ensure that people are not point of relevance he makes here is:

Epilogue Ø
14 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

“don't mix up elections with Kashmir the mass uprising of this year, following
issue”. Amarnath land dispute.

I
Our team traveled across several areas ndia has an average polling
of Bandipore and Ganderbal districts percentage of 58%. Past trends
and shared with many people Syed Ali suggest that more people from rural
10 Shah Geelani's argument of sacrificing areas turn for exercising their voting

11
9 the right to vote for resolution of rights than their urban counterparts. It
Kashmir issue. The dominant opinion has been very recently that urban poll
from a cross section of respondents percentage has started picking up but
says: “Kashmir issue has its own still it is far less than the rural trends.
importance and we will keep fighting for Boycotting the boycott call of
that; election is about addressing the separatists and braving the chill, if
DISTRICT BANDIPORA local issues and we don't want to waste around 55% are turning up to vote in
3 Constituencies this opportunity”. Bandipore and Kashmir Valley and the overall
Total Vote Count : Ganderbal districts were the hot spot of percentage is going much higher
Gurez, 15,330 (8,006M, 7,324F); violent protests and demonstrations in (including districts of Jammu and
Bandipora, 86,013 (45,120M,
40,893F); Sonawari, 84,726
(43,722M, 41,004F) Story behind those long queues
Ladakh regions) it can be seen as victory comprehend or explain the reasons of

B
andipore district was of democracy. But democracy overnight this blatant defiance of their boycott
carved out of Barmulla turning highly competitive in Kashmir calls. The only reason they have been
last year. Except Gurez have left many wanting for reasons. able to offer is that the government
constituency which is both Bandipore constituency polled 31% in bundled them all in to ensure that anti-
2002 and this time it was 57%. Ganderbal election campaign is not taken out. Not
geographically and has polled 51% against 35% of last time. a cogent reason. There are no reports or
ideologically usually cut off from There is hostile weather and strong anti- allegations (even from separatists) of
rest of Kashmir Valley, election movement but still people are government forcing people to vote.
Bandipore has a contest between coming out in large numbers. Then who is pulling crowds to the polling
separatists with mainstream Separatists are not able to either booths. The answer perhaps rests with
leanings and the mainstreamers.
Kukka Parray, the militant
commander turned politician
won Sonawari in 1996 and lost to
NC after a significant contest in
2002. His Deputy in Awami
League Usman Majid, however,
won neighbouring Bandipore
with a thin margin. While no
major party is out of contest here
but none of them can be seen
much ahead of others.
Independents are still better
placed.

Epilogue Ø
15 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

an unprecedentedly and surprisingly Kashmir Valley, this time the average


high number of candidates taking part in participation of candidates per
elections. On an average around five constituency is 12. For example,
candidates contested 2002 elections in Sopore, the home turf of Hurriyat leader
20 of 46 assembly constituencies of Syed Ali Shah Geelani had only six
8
6 13
7
12

Observers believe that high voter percentage is a direct consequence of 14 15


large number of candidates participation in the elections. For example,
after an intense campaign, every candidate is able to pull an average of
500 to 1000 supporters to the polling booths, the net voter turnout at the
end of the day can be something upward 15,000 put together with the DISTRICT BARAMULLA
share of main contenders. A horde of independent candidates and the 7 Constituencies
Total Vote Count: 518215
candidates from smaller parties or the national parties is actually Uri, 65,476 (34,351M, 31,125F);
enhancing the voter turnout to unexpected percentages. Participation of Rafiabad, 70,256 (36,282M 33,974F);
Sopore, 89,395 (46,359M, 43,476F);
such players in huge numbers in the Kashmir is quite unusual and S a n g ra m a , 5 8 , 4 9 2 ( 3 0 , 2 3 5 M ,
something unforeseen in Valley's electoral landscape. For instance BJP 2 8 , 2 5 7 F ) ; B aram u l l a, 7 3 , 5 8 7
(38,117M 35,470F); Gulmarg, 81,662
and Jammu based Panthers Party each have fielded more than 25 (42,408M, 39,254F); Pattan, 78,907
candidates in the Valley where the electoral scene took off at a time when (40,595M 38,312F)
regional and Kashmir based parties like National Conference and
Peoples Democratic Party were dragging feet in view of prevailing hostile
circumstances.
S takes are highest for all parties
in Baramulla as their stalwarts
of Kashmir politics belong to this
district. Home of state Congress
president and Union Minister
Saif-ud-Din Soz has one of his
predecessors Ghulam Rasool Kar
in fray as independent in Sopore.
Representing Uri five times in
row, NC veteran Mohammad
Shafi was unseated by Taj
Mohiuddin of Congress by 184
votes in 2002. Both are again
face to face. Abdullah dynasty
scion Mustafa Kamal is facing
PDP rebel and DP-N founder
Ghulam Hassan Mir in Gulmarg.
Ex-DyCM Muzaffar Hussain Baig
(Baramulla), Dillawar Mir
(Rafiabad) and Iftikhar Ansari
(Pattan) are PDP's hopes of
survival. Congress' No 2 in Valley
Ghani Vakil and NC MP AR
Shaheen are also in fray.

Epilogue Ø
16 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

candidates contesting in 2002. This time Name 2008 2002


there are 24 candidates in fray. There Gurez 73.59 76.50
are 15 in Gulmarg against two in 2002 Bandipora 57.24 31.27
25 20 and 22 in Sonawari against only six in last Sonawari 59.64 56.51
19 elections. In Bandipora constituency, as Nobra 74.23 U/C
22 21 18 compared to six candidates in 2002, a Leh 64 U/C
23 total of 19 contestants are in the fray Kargil 72.04 74.83
24 this time. Zanaskar 72.51 78.97
Surankote 74.38 40.01
More participation of candidates Mendhar 77.46 60.29
Poonch 74.46 60.73
obviously makes the game more
Kangan 59.35 52.03
competitive. A remarkably high
DISTRICT SRINAGAR Ganderbal 51.97 35.20
number of candidates is leading to
Nowshera 73.69 57.84
10 Constituencies intense electioneering in these
Total Vote Count : Darhal 76.74 46.61
constituencies. According to J&K
Rajouri 70.16 27.01
Hazaratbal, 82,675 (42,930M, Government, at least 1300 rallies and
39,745F); Zadibal, 66,800 (34,565M, Kalakote 69.53 48.66
other election meetings were held in
32,235F); Iddgah, 58,245 (30,370M,
one month after announcement of percentages. Participation of such
27,875F); Khanyar, 53,842 (28,086M,
25,756F); Habakadal, 51,391 elections on October 19. An upward of players in huge numbers in the Kashmir
(26,325M, 25,066F); Amirakadal, 800 such rallies and meetings were is quite unusual and something
75,488 (38,936M, 36,552F); Sonawar, held in Kashmir alone. It is important unforeseen in Valley's electoral
66,065 (34,313M, 31,752F); Batmaloo, to note here that except three landscape. For instance BJP and
1,02,759 (53,459M, 49,300F) incidents of grenade lobbing –two on Jammu based Panthers Party each have
Mehbooba Mufti's cavalcade and one on
fielded more than 25 candidates in the
National Conference meeting –all

S afest constituency for NC in


Valley has always been
Srinagar district. Its tally reduced
election related meeting and rallies
went off peacefully with no report of
Valley where the electoral scene took
off at a time when regional and
militant violence from
from cent percent to 5 out of 8 in anywhere.
2002 as two independents and
one Congressman won. Intruding
into NC bastion in a 2004 bye- Observers believe that high
election in Batamalloo, PDP's voter percentage is a direct
Tariq Hameed Karra made a way consequence of large number
for party's expansion in urban of candidates participation in
landscape. Dr Abdullah, who the elections. For example,
had skipped 2002 polls, is after an intense campaign,
contesting from Hazratbal. While every candidate is able to pull
signs of internal rebellion are an average of 500 to 1000
clearly visible, NC's worries are supporters to the polling
compounded by growing booths, the net voter turnout
presence of PDP and a new at the end of the day can be
contestant emerging from home something upward 15,000 put
–ANC of Farooq's estranged together with the share of
brother-in-law, former CM GM
main contenders. A horde of
Shah. Being cadre based party
independent candidates and
low turnout in urban areas is
always NC's advantage. the candidates from smaller
Overwhelming participation of parties or the national parties
Kashmir Pandits is another is actually enhancing the voter
interesting factor this time. turnout to unexpected

Epilogue Ø
17 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

Kashmir based parties like National Budgam, the number of contestants


Conference and Peoples Democratic this time has gone up to 18 as
Party were dragging feet in view of against only 8 in the last Assembly
prevailing hostile circumstances. elections. 28
27
N e w l y f o u n d p a r t i e s , Pe o p l e s Similarly, in Jammu province, where 13 29 26
Democratic Front of Hakeem constituencies are going to polls in the
Mohammad Yaseen and Democratic first four phases, as against 112
Party of PDP rebel Ghulam Hassan Mir contestants who fought elections in 30
have fielded more than 30 candidates 2002, a total number of 176
each. Awami National Conference of Dr contestants are trying their luck in the
Farooq Abdullah's estranged brother- 2008 Assembly elections. There were DISTRICT BADGAM
in-law GM Shah is participating in 76 contestants in fray in 1983, 74 in 5 Constituencies
elections for first time and it has come 1987 and 95 in 1996. As compared to Total Vote Count :
up with over three dozen candidates 8.62 average number of candidates in C h a d o o ra , 7 3 , 0 2 1 ( 3 7 , 5 2 5 M ,
and so is the case with another new the Jammu province in 2002 Assembly 35,496F); Budgam, 87,028 (44,844M,
party called Socialist Democratic elections, the average number of 42,184F); Beerwah, 83,856
(43,405M, 40,451F); Khan Sahib,
Party. candidates in the elections this time is
71,920 (37,807M, 34,113F): Chrar-E-
13.54. Sharief, 68,089 (35,234M, 32,855F)
There are two newly floated parties of
Kashmiri Pandits fielding more than The Rajouri constituency in Jammu
two dozen candidates and the Bahujan
Samaj Party which had no seat in
dissolved assembly also has around 30
division, which is going to polls in the
second phase of elections on
November 23, has the distinction of
I t is out and out triangular
contest between NC, PDP and
Peoples Democratic Forum. PDP
candidates fielded from different having the largest number of 23 got two seats in 2002 but this
constituencies in Kashmir Valley. It is contestants in the first four phases. In time it has rebel on three seats
agreed that people in Kashmir have comparison, there were 7 candidates and is left wanting for suitable
defied separatist diktats but this call in the constituency in 1983, 11 in
candidates on two seats.
of democracy attracting a huge 1987, 6 in 1996 and 14 in 2002.
number of candidates to the electoral Similarly, Udhampur constituency has
Legislative Council Chairman
battle in Valley incomprehensible. 18 candidates this time as against 17 Ghulam Nabi Lone of PDP is
in 1983, 11 in 1987, 7 in 1996 and 14 in contesting against Abdul
In Kashmir Division, in comparison to 2002. Rahim Rather of NC who has

T
151 candidates in fray in 2002 he self proclaimed election been winning this seat since
elections, a whopping 334 candidates boycott of an important 1977. Lone had lost by 3700
are contesting elections this time in 26 ingredient of the Kashmiri votes in 2002 and since then his
Assembly constituencies in the first society is over. One most interesting party has pumped in huge
four phases. There were 114 feature of the present assembly
energy and resources in
contestants in the ring for 1983 elections is overwhelming participation
of Kashmiri Pandits. This long delayed
constituency. PDF emerged
elections, 122 in 1987 and 128 in 1996.
The average number of candidates in aspect of elections was perhaps much after 2002 elections; its leader
the Kashmir province has also steadily required to make elections really Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen
increased from 4.38 in 1983, 4.69 in c o m p e t i t i v e a n d p a r t i c i p a t o r y. eyes one seat in district besides
1987, 4.92 in 1996, 5.81 in 2002 to Kashmiri Pandits have decided to take his own of Khan Sahib. His
12.85 in the present elections. the election road back home after years contest from two seats
of unfulfilled promises.
underlines the quantum of
Never before have the Valley's
In Chadoora constituency of district confidence.

Epilogue Ø
18 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

Kashmiri Pandits return to politics


migrants contested in polls in so large a have passed through horrible times and
number as they have done this time, there is a trust deficit between the two
32 and ensuring their community's communities. We have to work hard so
31 “honourable” return from exile is their that the two can live as they have for
33 t o p p r i o r i t y. I r o n i c a l l y, t h e long,” he said.
34 participation is so overwhelming that
it is certainly going to mar winning Muju is one of dozens of Kashmiri
prospects of any candidate from the Pandits in the election fray and the
community but at least and at last the number is rising.
DISTRICT PULWAMA Kashmiri Pandits are here to underline
their presence in the Valley's political No Pandit candidate figures on the list of
4 Constituencies landscape.
Total Vote Count : the two prominent mainstream parties
Tral, 73,944 (38,602M, 35,342F); — the National Conference and the
Pa m p o r e , 6 8 , 8 9 8 ( 3 5 , 3 7 0 M , “We want political space in Jammu and People's Democratic Party — announced
33,528F); Pulwama, 70,999 Kashmir where we can fight for the so far, though. But that has not
(36,631M, 34,368F): Rajpora, 79,118
return of Kashmiri Pandits with demoralised the community.
(41,032M, 38,086F)
constitutional guarantees like minority
status. This was the main reason that Some Kashmiri Pandits have floated the

B arring one constituency of


Tral where Congress has a
significant presence, Pulwama
forced me to fight this year's election,”
said Gopi Kishen Muju, who teaches
clinical psychology at Government
National United Front (NUF) while
several others are fighting as
Independents. In Srinagar's Habba Kadal
Medical College in Srinagar.
district is locked in a straight constituency, there are as many as 11
contest between NC and PDP. Pandit candidates.
Pandits comprise less than 4 per
NC dominance of nearly decades cent of the Valley's population.
was broken by a bang by PDP “We are contesting 15 seats, all in the
More than 250,000 Kashmiri Pandits Valley, because of our emotional
which won three out of four seats. had left their burning homes when attachment with that place. But this is
Though NC has changed the militancy broke out in 1989, and not an all-Pandit affair and we want
faces but PDP appears to have since then many leaders have votes from all the communities. In fact,
further consolidated its position pledged to pave the way for their we have given our mandate to two
even though 2002 winners have return. But all have turned out to Muslims,” said A.K. Diwani, who heads
be empty promises.
been repeated. NC is hit by the NUF.

O
severe internal rebellion in this ne stalwart of Bhartiya Janta
Muju's father, Pandit Dina Nath, had Party who is missing from the
district. In Tral constituency been killed by militants in June 1990. “I political scene even the party's
Congress can expect a surprise as had already migrated in March that year New Delhi headquarters is setting the
its 2002 nominee who has lost after I received threats from some campaign theme in Kashmir Valley. The
with a margin of 309 votes is people but my parents had stayed back. era of Atal Behari Vajpayee as Prime
again in the fray after having When my father was killed, I could not Minister is being reminded to the people
spent years among people. In come down for his cremation in Srinagar. in Valley, particularly in North Kashmir.
My mother came to live with us in Strange enough, the Valley's poll skyline
that case Surinder Singh may be
Jammu after my father's death.” also have some lotus flowers in the
a lone Sikh winner from Valley. saffron background.
Despite his personal tragedy, Muju
wants to bridge the gap between Hindus The BJP, which led the Amarnath
and Muslims in Kashmir. “The Muslims campaign pitting Hindus against Muslims

Epilogue Ø
19 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

ATAL IN KASHMIR
With 27 candidates in Valley, BJP is seeking votes 47
in name of Vajpayee
48

DISTRICT LEH
2 Constituencies
Total Vote Count :
Nobra, 11,863 (5,943M, 5,920F);
Leh, 62,533 (31,680M, 30,853F)

T he Himalayan enclave of Leh


is one such area in J&K,
where ideological rivals NC and
BJP are together for an interest
which is not theirs. Ladakh Union
Territory Front (LUTF) is pitted
April 2003:
Then Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee in Srinagar. He is still remembered
against Congress in Leh and
for his visionary peace initiatives on Kashmir. Nubra with tacit support of NC
and BJP. While BJP has no
in Jammu and Kashmir not long ago, The BJP had fielded about the same
significant base in area, NC's
appears to be eyeing a secular image number in the last Assembly elections,
support is symbolic and shrewd
now. The party has picked Muslim when it did not win any seat in Kashmir
–if LUTF wins seats may fall in
candidates for 27 of the 65 seats it will and only one in Jammu. But in the bitter
contest in the state. And barring a few, Amarnath land campaign that the BJP
NC kitty in government
all Muslims have been fielded in the led this year, the party had taken a pro-
formation. LUTF candidate in
Valley. It is certainly a token contest but Hindu stand and also betrayed a bias 2002, Nawang Rigzin is
the BJP does not want to end here. Party against Kashmir vis-à-vis Jammu. Congress nominee for Leh and
veteran and former Himachal Pradesh All that is past now and the BJP appears
journalist-turned politician
Chief Minister is already over with one to prefer Kashmiri Muslims to Pandits as Tsewang Rigzin for Nubra. The
round of campaigning in the Valley. “No candidates. Of the 46 seats in Kashmir, campaign and scheme is skewed
Prime Minister ever has taken bold steps the BJP is contesting 27. Six are Kashmir in LUTF favour in such a manner
on Kashmir the way Atal Behari Vajpayee Pandits and rest all are Muslims as BJP's that Congress victory can be just
took. Through these elections we are candidates in the fray. miraculous. PDP and Panthers
reminding people of Vajpayee's peace Party have fielded their
efforts”, says Kumar.
“There is clearly a bias in favour of candidates in Leh district first
Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits deserved a time.
“We are contesting 65 seats and 27 couple of more tickets. But as a Kashmiri
candidates are Muslims, and most of Pandit I won't mind it. They (BJP) are
them have got tickets from Kashmir,” trying to prove their secular
BJP state general secretary Shamsher credentials,” said Veer Saraf, leader of
Singh said. Roots in Kashmir, a Jammu-based
political group campaigning for the

Epilogue Ø
20 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

return of Pandits to the Kashmir Valley. Pahalgam, around 4,000 people


attended our rally.”
But a BJP leader who asked not to be
49 named said the Pandits had got a raw The party is planning to bring over senior
deal. “When the BJP issued the first list, central leaders, including Mukhtar
there was no Kashmiri Pandit but six Abbas Naqvi, to campaign.
men from my community were given
tickets after we pressed hard for it. We Kashmir has 72,000 Pandit voters out of a
50 still feel betrayed,” he said. total of 34 lakh. But with the separatists
calling for a boycott of the polls, they can
BJP provincial president Sofi Muhammad play a decisive role in several seats if they
DISTRICT KARGIL Yousuf said his party was secular with a come out to vote in large numbers.
national outlook and had taken more
2 Constituencies pro-Kashmir steps than any other group.
Total Vote Count :
Kargil, 58,073 (28,830M, 29,243F);
Zanskar, 20,044 (9,940M, 10,104F) “We are banking on Atal Bihari
Vajpayee's peace initiatives, which
helped improve the situation here. It
Two constituencies of the snow was the NDA government led by him
clad Himalayan district of Kargil which started a dialogue with the
are special among all Hurriyat, and relations with Pakistan
constituencies in Jammu and also improved. It was also our initiative
Kashmir. Here the number of to open the cross-LoC roads but other
women voters is higher than the parties are taking credit for that,” said
Sofi, who is contesting from Pahalgam.
men but still no woman has ever
“We have had roadshows and the biggest
been returned to assembly. NC rallies in different parts of the Valley. In
and LUFT are in league in Kargil
and the main contest is with
independents. In 2002 NC and
an independent had won one
seat each. PDP and Panthers
Party have fielded their
candidates first time in Kargil.

Epilogue Ø
21 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

What is on agenda?
Special status dominant buzzword, emphasis
on regional balance
Yes, it sounds ludicrous. Ideologically poles apart, three parties 53
–Peoples Democratic Party, National Conference and Bhartiya
Janta Party –are fighting Jammu and Kashmir elections on same
plank. True. These are the major parties which have drawn out a 54
common agenda. A look at the manifestos of almost all parties
shows an unusual stress on regional empowerment. The only
difference is that the parties like NC, PDP and others with their DISTRICT DODA
Kashmir origin, even Congress, call for more powers from New
2 Constituencies
Delhi and then equal devolution to the regions. The BJP and other
Total Vote Count :
parties of its hue have gone completely silent on so called 'special Doda, 72,847 (37,495M, 35,352F);
status' of Jammu and Kashmir but their emphasis matches that of Bhaderwah, 94,173 (47,970M
PDP and Congress on devolution of powers to regions and sub- 46,203F)
regions. Besides other local issues, regional imbalance is a strong
factor in the present elections and the parties have drafted their This hilly district has a nearly
manifestos accordingly. straight contest between
Congress and National
Election manifestos of parties in Jammu and Kashmir, except Conference. Bhaderwah is a
National Conference, have always been drab and devoid of any matter of prestige for Congress as
major policy indicators. Local issues like power, water and former Chief Minister Ghulam
employment etc are usually the agenda parties come up with Nabi Azad who seeking re-
during elections. It was in 1996 elections that the National election. He had won with by-
Conference came up with a proposal to settle the Kashmir issue election in 2006 with a record
through elections –Greater Autonomy. Separatists in Kashmir margin that too without
though outrighly rejected and 'ultranationalist' in Jammu went to campaigning even for a single
set copies of autonomy manifesto ablaze but still this proposal day. But that does not mean
works well with a large majority as people believe that between there was no campaign. Entire
Azadi and full integration Autonomy sounds a doable proposal. Congress structure was engaged
The Congress never uses the word 'Autonomy' but has never been in Bhaderwah to create 'history'.
opposed to this agenda. Therefore, it is a matter of political NC has Mohammad Aslam Goni
compulsion for the Peoples Democratic Party to come up with and the BJP has Daya Kishan
something –something little less than Azadi –which goes beyond Kotwal as strong contenders
Autonomy. While Self Rules is the election plank of the Peoples pitted against Azad. In Doda
Democratic Party and surprisingly BJP has gone silent on its constituency contest is between
trademark slogan of 'abrogation of Article 370'. The agenda are all Abdul Majid Wani of Congress
about appeasing majority votes and the common line in manifestos and Khalid Najib Suhrawardy of
of all parties is empowerment of regions through the terminology National Conference.
is different. Jammu based smaller regional parties like Panthers
Party and Jammu State Morcha have called for reorganization of
the state while Kashmir based parties have stressed autonomous
status of Jammu and Kashmir and underlines a need for all
inclusive dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue.

Epilogue Ø
22 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY


Self Rule for lasting Kashmir
solution
51

52 A fter debates and controversies


spanning over nearly three years,
the Peoples Democratic Party has
unveiled its 'Self Rule' manifesto on the
eve of elections. 'Utopian' as it has been
DISTRICT KISHTWAR described by many but the proposal
2 Constituencies cannot be brushed aside just for its
Total Vote Count : perceived 'separatist tendencies'
Kishtwar, 70,218 (35,896M, 34,322F); particularly if one recalls former
Inderwal, 73,500 (37,845M, 35,655F) Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's
disclosure that Indian diplomat JN Dixit
was first to discuss such a proposal in his
Bashir Ahmed Kichloo of 'official capacity' as a pointman of Indian
National Conference won Government.
Kishtwar four times till 1996 and
after his death it was son Sajjad The self rule concept in context of
who retained the seat in 2002. indicative direction for resolution. We
Jammu and Kashmir was first coined by
have tried to contextualise the issue at
Sajjad Kichloo is again seeking then Pakistan President Pervez
various levels and drawn the contours of
election but the contest is not Musharraf in December 2005 and was
a process for building sustainable peace
quite hands down as it has been subsequently adopted by the Peoples
in the State and the region. The essence
Democratic Party in January 2006,
for the Kichloo family at five though in a different form and
of this document lies in trying to suggest
occasions earlier. Syed Asghar perspective. The party, however, could
a creative framework for resolution of
Ali of Peoples Democratic Party the issue without compromising the
not release the document for two and
is a strong candidate to face. sovereignty of the two nation states
half years, apparently due to its running
involved”.
Congress has fielded Jugal trouble with the Congress when it was
Bhandari but he is not likely to part of the ruling coalition.
cut much ice. In Inderwal, Broad contours of self rule
Congress candidate Ghulam The document starts with a word of
caution as it appeal for considering the Regional Council: The centrepiece of
Mohammad Saroori is strongly
same with a rational and objective view the governance structure under self-
pitted against Abdul Karim and not with a parochial and rule is the cross border institution of
Wani of National Conference chauvinistic approach. “The Peoples Regional Council of Greater Jammu and
who made an unsuccessful bid Democratic Party is not presenting a Kashmir. The Regional Council of
earlier also. solution; nor does it pretend to have Greater Jammu and Kashmir will
one. Indeed, it is our belief that replace the existing Upper House of
roadmaps prejudge the issue; state assembly, and will be a kind of a
readymade solutions make the problem regional senate. Members of the
a distorted image of what it actually is; Regional Council will be from J&K as
and models make a mockery of well as from Pakistan administered
specificity of the issue. As such, what we Kashmir. At present the state assembly
have attempted in this document is an of J&K holds 20 seats for representatives
internally consistent framework and from across the line of control. These

Epilogue Ø
23 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

will be given up and replaced by the document explains.


same number of seats in the Regional Constitutional Restructuring: The self
Council of Greater Jammu and Kashmir. rule document has called for restoring
This will serve as a major cross-border the nomenclature of the head of the
institution, which will ensure long-term 59
government and head of the state as it
coordination of matters and interest existed before 1965 and also suggested 57
relating to the state. roll back of all India service. 58

Economic Integration: As a measure of The document, therefore, explains


economic integration on both sides of “Self-rule cannot exist without
Line of Control, the PDP has suggested adequate constitutional safeguards. As
establishment of a common economic the Constitutional position stands today, DISTRICT REASI
space and institution of dual currency Article 356, undermines the core of Self-
system. “The process of economic rule and has to be made non-applicable 3 Constituencies
integration of the two parts of Jammu to J&K. In a similar vein, Article 249, Total Vote Count :
and Kashmir can start with the easiest applied to the State in amended form, Gulab Garh, 59,625 (30,948M, 28,
form of economic integration, a 677F); Reasi, 97,080 (50,608M,
should be rolled back so that the
46,472F); Gool Arnas, 55,537
Preferential Trade Agreement”, says the Parliament cannot exercise legislative (29,097M, 26,440F)
document. In the PTA the two countries, jurisdiction over a matter that, otherwise,
India and Pakistan would offer tariff falls under the State jurisdiction.
reductions, or eliminations confined to This is one such district where
the geographical boundaries of Congress, BJP and National
Sixth Amendment of the Constitution of
“Greater Jammu and Kashmir” and Conference have a significant
the State that undermines its original
restrict it to some product categories.
scheme of a comprehensive and base. Peoples Democratic Party
Stage II would be to make GJAK a
accountable executive (inclusive of the too has made inroads in Ghulab
regional free trade area, with no tariffs
Head of the State) a critical component Garh and Gool Arnas
or barriers between with GJAK, while
of Self-rule, will have to be repealed.
maintaining their own external tariff on constituencies but there are no
Prior to this amendment, the State
imports from the rest of the world,
Legislature elected Sadar-e-Riyasat, the
potential candidates. Ajaz
including India and Pakistan. GJAK will
head of the State. Ahmed Khan of Congress is
set a common external tariff on imports seeking re-election from Gool
from India and Pakistan. Arnas while his brother Mumtaz
The proviso, limiting the powers of State
Legislature, has been added to Article is an independent candidate in
“Further, instead of looking for a Gulab Garh. Both have straight
368, which deals with the powers of the
monetary union, a new system of “Dual
Parliament to amend the Constitution of contest with NC. In Reasi, the
Currency” will be created, where the
India and not the power of State contest is triangular between
Indian and Pakistani rupees are both
Legislature to amend its own BJP, NC and Congress. Jugal
made legitimate legal tenders in the
Constitution. The proviso is, therefore,
geographical areas of GJAK. A better Kishore of Congress had won in
totally and grossly out of place and ultra
description of this system is a “co-
vires the constitutional scheme. The
2002 and is apparently well
circulation of two currencies” in J&K. It
State Legislature's constitutional power placed this time also.
is being proposed that Indian and
of amendment is the core of
Pakistani rupees should be the medium
empowerment or Self-rule of the State
of exchange in J&K. To be more precise,
and this cannot be destroyed by an order
it means, allowing circulation of the
passed under Article 370. All India
Pakistani rupee in the Indian part of J&K
Service Act, 1951 and Article 312 be
currency and circulation of Indian rupee
rolled back and the local human
in the Pakistan administered Kashmir.
resources are provided clear and
This has to be done if we want cross the
unhindered opportunity to develop their
Line of control trade to flourish”, the
full potential and it is trusted to manage

Epilogue Ø
24 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Ready To Look Beyond Autonomy
60 the affairs of the State”

D
61
escribing its manifesto as 'Vision
62 Document', the National
Conference has reiterated its demand of
Autonomy “as only viable solution of
Kashmir issue” but has declared at the
DISTRICT UDHAMPUR same time that the party is ready to
accept any other proposal acceptable to
3 Constituencies the people. Interestingly, first time ever
Total Vote Count : the National Conference has laid a huge On sharing power with the peoples at
Udhampur, 1,02,921 (53,945M, emphasis on devolution of powers to the
48,976F); Chenani, 79,222 (41,917M, grassroots, the National Conference has
regions and strengthening of Panchayati said that if returned to power, the first
37,305F); Ram Nagar, 99,309
(52,214M, 47,095F) Raj. major task will holding elections to the
Panchayats. The Vision Document
Taking a cue from the PDP-Congress recalled with regrets, “the National

A fter split of this district


into two, last year, its six
constituencies were divided
coalition government, the National
Conference has also laid emphasis on
good governance. “Good governance is
Conference Government held elections
to the Panchayats in 2001. But the
Coalition Government after 2002 took
into three each between a primary requisite for overall no steps whatsoever to implement the
Udhampur and Reasi. development. Good governance would Act in letter and spirit. Instead of
Therefore, post-division consist of responsive and people strengthening the Panchayati Raj
Udhampur was left by all friendly mind set of the political system the Coalition Government made
constituencies represented by workers and the civil servants, close repeated but unsuccessful attempts to
Panthers Party. Rise of Panthers monitoring of implementation of dissolve the duly elected panchayats. In
Party has been phenomenal programmes and policies of the a final, sinister attempt to subvert the
–debutant one seat in 1996 and Government, the habitual use of Pa n c h a y a t R a j , t h e C o a l i t i o n
four in 2002. Since their ouster modern aids devised by Information Government introduced and passed a
from these three segments two Technology for improvement of Bill in the Legislature despite strong
efficiency and transparency, and opposition by the National Conference
to three decades back NC and
curbing of misutilization of funds and Party. The Bill aimed at empowering the
Congress are in complete
effective check on corruption. In order government to dissolve duly elected
organization disarray. BJP
to energize the administration to Panchayats at its sweet will. This Bill
supporters are fuming at deliver the programmes of the was prevented from becoming Law by
irrational ticket distribution. PP Government to the people in a time the National Conference Party which
eventually has contest with an bound framework and in adequate convinced the Governor not to give his
independent in Ramnagar and measure, a mechanism shall be devised assent”.
with both BJP and Congress in for each department. This shall be
Chenani and Udhampur. Anti- institutionalized, to take periodical The National Conference government
incumbency, of course, is a reviews and undertake inspections in immediately after coming to power shall
factor against PP. Civic the field. The independence of the civil hold elections to all the Panchayats and
amenities and infrastructure is a service shall be respected and officers fully support them to discharge their
major issue in Garrison town of shall be encouraged to perform their functions as envisaged in the Act.
Udhampur, the headquarters of duties without fear or favour”, says the Similarly the Urban Local Bodies which
Northern Command, where manifesto. are elected and are functioning shall be
present MLA has been to do financially supported and also

Epilogue Ø
25 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

encouraged to raise their own resources The document said if elected to power
and reduce their dependence on the in the state, the NC will try to convince
government. In respect of Jammu and those who have taken recourse to
Srinagar cities which have elected violence and intimidation as means to 63
Municipal Corporations the scope and achieve their goal, that the lessons of
jurisdiction of the existing District history are very clear that all social,
Development Boards shall be reviewed political discords are resolved 66
to eliminate the possibility of ultimately by discourse and dialogue.
64
overlapping of authority for plan 65
formulation and implementation. The vision document, which was 67
released by the NC patron Dr Farooq
NC also promised to attract private Abdullah, his son and party president
DISTRICT KATHUA
sector investment in every field, Omar Abdullah in the presence of senior
rehabilitation of militancy affected leaders, without naming separatists said 5 Constituencies
people, zero tolerance in Human Rights all parties in the state, must accept the Total Vote Count :
(HR) violations, war against corruption, reality that the solution to the Kashmir Bani, 37,197 (19,354M, 17,843F);
employment to unemployed youths in problem can be found only through sustained Basohli, 67,391 (35,234M, 32,157F);
Kathua, 1,10,542 (58,437M,
government jobs and private sectors, dialogue between all stake holders.
52,105F); Billawar, 88,148 (46,274M,
improvement in power sector and 4 1 , 8 7 4 F ) ; H i ra n a g a r, 9 9 , 4 6 9
industrial development. It said the NC will hold elections to all (51,002M, 48,467F)
panchayats and fully support them to

Kathua is only district in entire


CONGRESS Jammu province where Congress
is better placed among all
To Rewrite Constitution For parties. But this time equation is
not all the same. The number of
Empowering Regions rebels is almost matching the
discharge their functions as official nominees. Party had won
envisaged in the Act. MANIFESTO OF three of the five constituencies in
2002. Two other winners –both

D on't look at terminologies of


the 'Self Rule' and
'Autonomy', the Congress manifesto
PEACE, DIGNITY AND HOPE
FOR
ELECTION TO THE
independents –later joined
Congress as associate members.
One of the associate members
takes you right there where Peoples JAMMU & KASHMIR –Manohar Lal –has been given
Democratic Party and National LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ticket in Billawar provoking two
Conference begin to talk about
'more empowerment' of Jammu and 2008 rebels from party to join fray. In
Kathua party has fielded sitting
Kashmir as a road map for resolving
the Kashmir issue. The very first MP Lal Singh (his wife is
point in Congress manifesto says: contesting from Basohli) but here
“The Congress remains fully the associate member –Babu
committed to comprehensive Singh –has rebelled to joined
devolution of powers to Jammu and fray.
Kashmir State so that the people of
the state would be free to realize
their full potential. To this end, the
Congress will strive to work with all
Jammu & Kashmir
democratic forces”.
Pradesh Congress Committee
Comprehensive devolution of
Epilogue Ø
26 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

powers to Jammu and Kashmir is what block level councils to ensure effective
National Conference asks for in its participation of people in the
Autonomy manifesto. On making democratic system. This constitutional
borders soft, rather irrelevant, the mechanism will guarantee the unity and
68 Congress appears to have touched up integrity of regions and the state.
the PDP manifesto as it calls for blurring
of boundaries between two parts of
The party has expressed faith that all
Jammu and Kashmir, making trans-LoC
69 trade and travel completely hassle free
the issues and disputes could be
resolved through dialogue. The party
affairs and opening at least five more
has promised to “restructure the
LoC links for people-to-people contacts.
Constitution of the state into a federal
DISTRICT SAMBA set-up by setting up separate regional
On regional balance, which is the councils for Jammu and Kashmir.”
2 Constituencies dominant buzzword in present
Total Vote Count : elections, the Congress has promised
Samba, 74,863 (37,861M, 37,002F); This could be furthered by
going to the extent rewriting the state “decentralization and devolution of
Vijaypur, 98,066 (48,366M, 49,700F)
constitution for making constitution powers to district and block level councils
empowerment of each region in the to ensure effective participation of
Anyone who wins from either of state. Therefore, the manifesto says: people in the democratic system.”
two constituencies in Samba When elected to power, Congress will
district will be actually like restructure constitution of the State Besides, the party has laid emphasis on
into a federal setup by creating separate
winning a lottery ticket. The setting up a delimitation commission to
regional councils for Jammu and restructure the legislative assembly
reserved constituency of Samba
Kashmir and further decentralization constituencies. The manifesto also
(for Scheduled Castes) and and devolution of powers to district and speaks of consolidating the Panchayati
neighbouring Vijaypur make
Samba district epicenter of Dalit
politics. Major hopes of BSP and BJP
its breakaway National Bahujan
Party are here only. NC, Making Jammu Epicenter Of Power
Congress, BJP and Panthers Raj system. the hands of Jammu and Kashmir's
Party –none of them can be

A
n essentially drab document, the dominantly Muslim rulers.
undermined. PDP too has a strong BJP manifesto does not reflect
contest in Vijaypur segment intellectual prowess its 'thinking But it made no mention of article
where its Manjit Singh had won luminaries' like Arun Jaitly who is party's 370 that entitles Jammu and Kashmir
in 2002 on BJP ticket and later in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir affairs. to have its own citizenship laws,
joined PDP and remained a Otherwise, the party's trademark forbids non-permanent residents
penchant for abrogation of Article 370 from buying immovable assets,
Minister till fall of Azad
would not have been missing from the gaining jobs or admission in
government. manifesto which talks about professional institutions. The BJP
empowerment of regions with Jammu as has for decades campaigned against
epicenter of power. article 370, saying only its abolition
would firmly tie Jammu and Kashmir
The document makes no mention of to the rest of India.
Article 370 of the Indian constitution
that grants special status to the In the manifesto, the BJP promised to do
state. The 16-point manifesto focuses away with regional imbalances in the
mostly on the alleged discrimination state, appoint provincial councils and
of Hindu-majority Jammu region at grant citizenship rights to refugees from
Epilogue Ø
27 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

Defying The Sterotypes


70

N
otwithstanding iconic Independent candidates. However,
presence of leaders like after 1972, it has been downhill for 79
Mehbooba Mufti and new women as their numbers only declined. 78 7
7
2

symbols of women voice 80 73 1


77
like Shabnam Ghani Lone, 75 77
Kashmiri women are not just stepping
parties have been cold to the women in out to vote in the ongoing elections, but
76
giving a fair representation to contest to get voted into office. This is the first
assembly elections but the fair sex is time that a sizeable number of female
breaking barriers. As a large number of candidates are standing for election, DISTRICT JAMMU
the fairer sex contests the Assembly defying stereotype. Traditionally, the
elections in Jammu and Kashmir this woman in Jammu and Kashmir are 11 Constituencies
time, people are waiting to see if a 36- Total Vote Count :
perceived to be housebound. But the
year-old record for the highest number Nagrota, 64,230 (33,230M, 31,000F);
new wave of wannabe women
of women in the Assembly will be Gandhi Nagar, 1,52,100 (78,663M,
legislators have very personal reasons 73,437F); Jammu East, 55,062
broken. for entering the political arena. (28,196M, 26,866F); Jammu West,
1,45,549 (74,383M, 71,166F); Bishnah,
It was in 1972 that four women were For Shabnum Ghani Lone, daughter of 83,936 (42,328M, 41,608F); R.S. Pura,
elected to the legislature, which still 75,646 (38,504M, 37,142F); Suchetgarh,
the slain separatist leader Abdul Ghani
remains the highest figure for women 58,238 (28,691M, 29,547F); Marh, 66,313
Lone, it was the people's will. "They (33,751M, 32,562F); Raipur Domana
MLAs in the state. Zainab Begum, Hajra want their miseries to end," says Lone, 90,520 (46,348M, 44,172F); Akhnoor,
Begum, Shanta Bharti and Nirmala Devi who is contesting as an independent 83,296 (41,655M, 41,641F); Chhamb,
made it to the Assembly then while four candidate from Kupwara constituency. 68,499 (32,796M, 35,703F)
other female contestants -- Khem Lata
Wakhloo, Amina Begum, Hassan Ara
Begum and Misra Bano -- lost their
security deposits after getting very few
votes. All women were elected on
Social worker Seher Iqbal, who is
contesting on a PDP ticket from
Kokarnag constituency in south Kashmir,
B efore its division, Jammu had
13 constituencies and
Congress won 8 in 2002; one
Congress tickets.
says her candidature is an attempt to each went to BJP, Panthers Party,
help solve the Valley's problems. Iqbal NC, BSP and an independent.
helped with rehabilitation work after BJP used the Amarnath land row
This year a large number of women, the Uri earthquake in 2005. She says, to its full to gain the ground; it
more than 30, are in the fray in the state "conflicting situations need creative did gain but the effect appears
and it remains to be seen whether the solutions" and her way of arriving at a fizzling out as polling date comes
36-year-old record will be broken or solution would be to "give priority to closer. The Hindutva vote stands
they will have to wait for the next developmental work." AT 27, she is the divides between BJP and its
elections. youngest woman in the fray in J&K ever 'like-minded parties'. Ability of
who will face the ballot on December Congress to repeat 2002 success
As many as 10 women candidates are in 17. cannot be undermined even as
the fray in the first three phases of NC and BSP are two other active
elections and a large number are There are different reasons driving
players. This imminent division of
expected to contest in the remaining young mother Gowsia Bashir, to seek the
BJP vote bank is a sure
phases. While some political observers people's mandate. Bashir wants to
advantage of Congress. Success
say the boycott of polls by National highlight excesses against women in
in this district holds key to the
Conference in the last polls helped the Kashmir. "I will expose the exploiters of
survival of both BJP and
Congress candidates across the state to women once I am elected an MLA. There
Congress. Contrary to
win, others negate this claim on the expectations, Amarnath
is a need to protect Kashmiri women,"
ground that most National Conference Sangharsh Samiti is not playing
insists the outspoken woman, who has
leaders took part in elections as any active role in campaign.
Epilogue Ø
28 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

contested from Bandipora constituency. But it is not just Kashmir that is seeing
more women candidates than before.
Though each of them marches to a Jammu has several as well. Tabassum
different drummer, all these aspiring Bano is contesting from Poonch-Haveli
women politicians are united in their Assembly constituency as the J&K
87 85 freedom from fear of defeat. Lawyer National Panthers Party candidate; her
Shameema Firdaus is a case in point. She opponent is Sarita Sharma of the
lost the last time she contested from Bhartiya Chaitanya Party. But J&K is
86 Habba Kadal constituency but this time about as far as female participation in
she is confident "people will vote for me politics goes. There are no women
as the previous MLA deceived them" candidates in pristine Ladakh's four
Firdaus is a NC nominee. constituencies.
DISTRICT POONCH
3 Constituencies
Total Vote Count :
Surankote, 84,969 (43,442M,
41,527F); Mendhar, 77,853
(39,023M, 38,830F); Poonch-Haveli,
96,758 (49,642M, 47,116F)

C aste factor between Gujjars


and Paharis is loaded
heavily in this district. Eleven
Pahari candidates are pitted
against one Gujjar (Javed Rana
of NC) in Mendhar but towards
end of campaign non-Gujjar saw
consolidation in favour of PDP's
Rafiq Khan. Contest is neck to
neck. Congress handpicked a
Gujjar from NC for Poonch seat
but backfired by consolidation of
non-Gujjar vote towards NC
nominee. In Surankote RS MP
and former state Congress
president Choudhary Aslam is
pitted against Mushtaq Bukhari
of NC who earlier won twice.
Bukhari's cousin is a PDP
nominee and may eventually
help Aslam regain constituency
after two decades. All parties
and candidates are playing the
dangerous caste factor well
development issues are though
Social activists Sehar Iqbal is PDP nominee
being talked about by electors. from Kokernag constituency in South Kashmir.

Epilogue Ø
29 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

The ‘Lone’ Challenger

A
midst anti-poll campaign Not only Kupwara constituency, a
and call of social boycott of significantly major part of Kupwara
82
those contesting assembly district in North Kashmir draws an
83
elections, the separatist influence from ideology of slain Hurriyat 84
p ol i ti c a l s p e c tru m i n leader Abdullah Gani Lone. A moderate
Kashmir finally has a genuine contest face and ready with imaginative ideas 81
'within' which underlines that elections on Kashmir, Lone was shot dead by
for forming a government and the vexed unidentified militants in May 2002, the
'Kashmir issue' are two different day then Prime Minister Atal Behari
DISTRICT RAJOURI
processes altogether. Vajpayee reached J&K on a two-day
tour. As Vajpayee had come with his 4 Constituencies
Total Vote Count :
Separatist 'stalwart' Sajjad Lone and his proposal of resolving Kashmir issue
No wsh era, 8 4 , 6 5 7 ( 4 3 , 4 0 6 M,
brother Bilal Lone of the Peoples under the 'ambit of humanity' (breaking
41,251F); Darhal, 88,186 (45,488M,
Conference (founded by their father far from clichéd four wall of 42,698F); Rajouri, 105271 (54,323M,
Abdul Ghani Lone) are out on a well constitution), it was widely expected 50,948F); Kalakote, 75,343
drawn up anti-poll campaign in Kashmir. that Lone may meet the Prime Minister (39,312M, 36,031F)
They don't have the well explained and to give a new shape to the dialogue
cogent reasons for opposing polls but process but this initiative was cut short
their bottomline is that elections have
to be opposed because they don't lead
towards resolution of Kashmir. This may
by mysterious bullets that afternoon.

Six years down the line, the Lone


I n three of four constituencies
of this caste-sensitive district,
there should have been a
true in that context but after all brothers have tried to do well keeping triangular contest between NC,
government are also required for his name alive, but it is their sister Congress and PDP but an
running day to day affairs of the public which appears to have donned mettle of unexpected storm by deserters
life which, of course, cannot be held the father and represent his people.
has changed entire scheme of
hostage to the issue which has been Shabnam says, "I have been forced by
lingering on for six decades. the supporters and followers of my
things. Now it is neither
father to represent them where exactly between any party or any caste.
Closer to home and much closer to they need someone to speak for them". Contest is about merits;
heart, the sister of Lone brothers, She admits that Kashmir issue can't be individual winning prospects,
Shabnam Lone has filed her nomination resolved through elections but firmly credibility and reputation of
papers as an independent candidate believes that elections are important contests. Congress has a strong
from Kupwara constituency which goes democratic exercise of empowering rebel in Ashok Sharma in
to polls in third phase of elections on people. Observers believe Shabnam
Kalakote, Qamar Hussain in
November 30. Shabnam's participation would not have been the lone aspirant
Rajouri and Iqbal Malik in
is an election is not a token presence to represent people had her father
and apparently not at all any ploy which Abdul Ghani Lone been alive. Darhal. Choudhary Talib
may be difficult to understand. "I am Hussain is NC rebel and MS
serious and my people are much serious The Kupwara is the north district of Tariq PDP rebel in Rajouri. NC
about it", says the Supreme Court lawyer Kashmir valley which is going to polls for and Congress face straight
Lone who has left the separatists in five seats of Karnah, Kupwara, Lolab, contest in Nowshera. NC had
Kashmir surprised. Shabnam challenges Handwara and Langate on November 30, won three seats in 2002; this
Mir Saifullah of National Conference 2008. The Kupwara district is having time tally is not likely to go
who has represented Kupwara twice 341946 electors and a total of 448
beyond one.
since 1996. polling booths are being set up across

Epilogue Ø
30 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

the north Kashmir district of Kupwara. Elections in Kupwara district are up for
an interestingly battle as the 2002
According to official figures Kupwara element of proxy is missing. In 2002, the
Assembly segment leads the district Peoples Conference of Sajjad Lone had
35 with the largest electorate of 90,805 fielded and supported proxy candidates
36 which includes 47,131 male and 43,674 in Kupwara and Handwara
female voters. constituencies. Sofi Ghulam Mohiuddin,
a staunch follower of Lone, won from
"Shabnam has a chance to win in Handwara defeating NC stalwart
Kupwara constituency as her father has Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan. This
done a lot for the area" said Advocate time the Lone brothers are leading an
DISTRICT SHOPIAN Bushan Lal Pandita, a Kashmiri Pandit, anti-election campaign. Not it has to be
2 Constituencies who originally belongs to the same seen as how democracy responds to call
Total Vote Count: 1,39,475 district and now resides in Jammu. of brothers and sister.
Wachi, 68,388 (35,262M, 33,126F);
Shopian, 71,087 (37,040M, 34,047F)

Mehbooba Mufti is seeking


election from Wachi which
Mohammad Khalil Naik of
CPI(M) represented in 2002. Her
decision to contest from Wachi
speaks of overconfidence as
Muftis have never moved out of
Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam
triangle. There are at least 20
other candidates and most of
them independents. Shopian was
represented by PDP's Ghulam
Hassan Khan in 2002 but this
time he has been denied ticket as
last year he was named in the
infamous Srinagar sex scandal.
He has, however, jumped into
fray as an independent
candidate. National Conference
has fielded Showkat Hussain
Ganai in Wachhi and Shabir
Ahmad Kullay in Shopian. Both
are new faces.

Our previous issue on J&K Elections


Epilogue Ø
31 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

GANDERBAL

O
mar's chief polling agent has declared the results even
before votes are counted. He says 'Omar has won' and for 39
that he has extended thanks to the people of Ganderbal. A
lackluster performance of Omar rival Qazi Afzal of PDP who 41
38
remained embroiled in controversies during five years as Minister is
still not enough a ticket for Omar's entry to legislative assembly and 37
restoration of constituency to the family.

BHADARWAH

A
zad remained in national politics for over 30 years but never won DISTRICT KULGAM
any election from the home state till by-election to assembly in 4 Constituencies
2006 came his way. He wanted to create history. No campaigning; Total Vote Count: 2,83,733
not even a visit to constituency. Azad won by a huge margin. This time he Noorabad, 61, 136 (32,263M,
has a campaign schedule drawn out. NC has fielded former Advocate 28,873F); Kulgam, 80,793 (41,826M,
General Aslam Goni who is giving a tough contest. BJP's Daya Kishan 38,967F); Home Shalibug, 65,657
Kotwal too is strength to reckon with. No candidate in last 46 years has (33,668M, 31,989F); Devsar, 76,147
won twice from here. Azad will have to break this jinx. (39,692M, 36,455F)

HAZRATBAL
Except Kulgam proper seat, this
district has significant stronghold

A
fter he went nearly missing in action in 2002, Farooq
of the PDP. Mohammad Yusuf
Abdullah is this time contesting election for himself and
Tarigami of CPI(M) represented
has been declared as party's Chief Ministerial candidate.
Kulgam twice since 1996 and is
Hazratbal is an NC turf held by straight since 1952. PDP and ANC now seeking election for third
are giving sleepless nights to NC. time. Congress and NC have
gone soft against him but PDP is
posing a tough challenge. If
JAMMU WEST Abdul Aziz Zargar is able to
recapture Noorabad

A
hotbed of Amarnath land agitation, this constituency has
constituency, this will be a
BJP's Chaman Lal Gupta, a former Union Minister and
history of sorts. Zargar is one of
Congress' Mangat Ram Sharma, a former Deputy Chief
the only three living signatories
Minister of state locked in a tough contest. Mangat had won in 2002
of the J&K constituent assembly.
when BJP had no strong candidate. Jammu State Morcha is a
Two others –Comrade KD Sethi
potential entity to cut votes of BJP this time. and Ram Piara Saraf –are
leading a retired life while
ANANTNAG Zargar is still active in public life.

P
DP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is seeking election from
his home district constituency against Dr Mehboob Baig of
National Conference. Baig won here in 2002 and earlier in
1983 and it was his illustrious father Mirza Afzal Baig who had
wrested Anantnag in 1977. It is Mufti's overconfidence which brings
him to Anantnag.

Epilogue Ø
32 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

WACHI

T
his constituency in newly created Shopian district has been
46 held by National Conference from 1977 to 1996. Mohammad
Khalil Naik of CPI(M) won in 2002 by wafer thin margin of 40
45
44 votes and perhaps this what has attracted PDP president Mehbooba
40
Mufti to take on him this time.
43
42

SOPORE

T
DISTRICT ANANTNAG his is home constituency of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the pro-
Pakistan separatist hardliner. He won from here as Jamat-e-
6 Constituencies
Total Vote Count: 4,20,534 Islami candidates in 1972, 77 and 1987 before he launched he
launched a campaign for Azadi. NC stalwart Abdul Ahad Vakil won in
Anantnag, 75,000 (38,325M,
36,675F); Dooru, 61,824 (32,132M, 1996 and lost to Abdul Rashid of Congress in 2002. Geelani's influence
29,692F); Kokernag, 69,604 still reigns supreme and only 8.9 per cent votes were polled last time.
(36,619M, 32,985F); Shangus, 70,159 Former MP and former state Congress president Ghulam Rasool Kar has
(36,489M, 33,670F); Bijbehara, revolted against part and is an independent candidate among 23 others.
75,518 (38,384M, 37,134F);
Pa h a l g a m , 6 8 , 4 2 9 ( 3 5 , 3 0 0 M ,
33,129F)
KUPWARA

A
except two exceptions, Kupwara has been with National
Conference since 1957. Its candidate Mir Saifullah is seeking
PDP nearly wiped out NC in election for third time. Election in this segment is most
Anantnag in 2002. The only interesting scene anywhere in the Valley. Shabnam Lone, the daughter of
solace for NC was Anantnag Hurriyat leader Abdul Ghani Lone and sister of Sajjad and Bilal Lone of
proper seat which Dr Mehbooba Peoples Conference is seeking election. Sajjad and Bilal's anti-election
Beg won. But this time he has campaign failed to influence their sister and electorate of Kupwara.
been challenged by PDP patron
and former Chief Minister Mufti JAMMU EAST
Mohammad Sayeed. Contest is

B
tough. Kokernag was won by JP's state president Ashok Khajuria is contesting against a
Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed of Congress dummy Narinder Singh, former Mayor of City.
Congress who was earlier this Khajuria won here in 1996 and lost in 2002. This time he is in
year eased out of Ghulam Nabi strong position –courtesy Amarnath land row but still it is not an
Azad cabinet on corruption easy going for him. There are at least three other candidates
charges. This time he has been equally banking on vote bank which makes Khajuria confident.
challenged by a political novice
of PDP –Sehar Iqbal, a social
NAGROTA
worker and daughter of a top

S
J&K bureaucrat. This district has cion of Dogra dynasty and son of former Sadre-e-Reyasat, Ajat
a significant population of Shatru Singh is NC candidate from this constituency on
Gujjars –the community PDP outskirts of Jammu City. Congress has fielded a Gujjar
made all possible efforts to woo candidate in view of significant Muslim population here. Both have
since 2002. strong rebels from their own parties in the constituency which BJP
wrested from Ajat Shatru in 2002 by 67 votes. Nagrota is unique in
not repeating any candidate since creation of this constituency.

Epilogue Ø
33 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

Headed for Hung Assembly

4
4 is the magic number a multitude of factors specific to
required in the House of 87 to individual constituencies and individual
form government in Jammu districts. No party is seen having a
a n d K a s h m i r. A s t h e
electioneering heats up,
dominant wave even in any single region
despite the fact the regional divides in
56 55
parties open their cards and people Jammu and Kashmir too are deep. A
break silence on their day, it appears team of Epilogue comprising staffers
that no party is likely to reach anywhere and over two dozen volunteers traveled
closer to the magic number. At a closer across different parts of state between
look of public mood, the planks on which October 30 and November 27 to gauge DISTRICT RAMBAN
elections are being fought and a host of the public mood. At an average of 20 to
2 Constituencies
other reasons including insurmountable 25 respondents per constituency, a total Vote Count :
rebellion in almost all parties one can of 1914 people were spoken to in all 87 Ramban, 77,400 (40,287M, 37,113F);
cautiously conclude that highest tally of segments to elicit their views on winning Banihal, 70,483 (36,998M, 33,485F)
any party is likely to be around just a prospects of parties and candidates.
little halfway the magic number. An The verdict again appears to be divided.
essential ingredient of electioneering, It is not overwhelmingly in favour of any Ramban constituency is reserved
in their public meetings all parties, party or against the other as the mood for Scheduled Castes while the
including Panthers Party, BJP and BSP, varies from case to case and place to neighbouring Banihal always
are claiming that they are poised to place.
witnesses a unique contest
form the next government. However, if
reliable insiders are to be believed, in
–between urban and rural
In Kashmir Valley there are similarities
their private meetings no party is able to aspirants. Well, there are no
and dissimilarities in views as one
peg its tally above 30. This is what travels from South to North. Ever ready
urban areas in Banihal except a
Epilogue team also concludes from a to rend a slogan for Azadi, the men and small township on Jammu-
statewide survey. The one which gets women, the young and old all have an Srinagar National Highway but
something between 25 to 30 seats is appetite for mainstream politics. They people don't prefer candidates
likely to be the largest party on floor of don't find anything in manifestos of who permanently or temporarily
next legislative assembly but no political parties which can actually
guarantee of forming government.
reside in this township. It was this
change destiny of Kashmir. Still
Independents and smaller parties are reason which saw Maulvi Abdul
enthusiasm is high. It reflects upon the
likely to emerge as key players in local issues and local loyalties with Rashid winning as a NC rebel in
government formation. Indications are contesting candidates. A surprisingly 2002 against party's official
clear for a Hung House and Congress in high number of independent nominee. Maulvi later joined
any case is likely to be a part of the candidates, mushrooming small and Congress but has been denied
ruling formation after results are out. newer parties and landing of local ticket. Congress has fielded a
Peoples Democratic Party and National candidates of national political parties
Conference joining hands to form quite youngster who lives in the
have made the election in many
government in Jammu and Kashmir can constituencies of Kashmir Valley more or
township. PDP is also facing
be nothing less than BJP and Congress less like a lottery ticket. Who wins or rebellion. In Ramban it is a
striking an alliance at New Delhi or who is in a winning position is not known contest between BJP and NC
Osama bin Laden and George Bush to even the one who may actually win on
launching a joint war against global December 28 when the votes are
terrorism. counted.

Usually the pre-election waves set In 2002 the National Conference had
trends for position of parties. This time emerged largest party in Kashmir
there are no sweeping waves. There are

Epilogue Ø
34 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

87
A team of Epilogue
comprising staffers
and over two dozen
volunteers traveled
across different
parts of state
between October
30 and November
27 to gauge the
public mood. At an Expected 2008 2002 tally
average of 20 to 25
respondents per NC 24 to 26 28
constituency, a total
of 1914 people were PDP 20 to 22 16
spoken to in all 87
segments to elicit Congress18 to 20 20
their views on
winning prospects of BJP 04 to 06 1
parties and
candidates. The Others* 15 to 19 22
verdict again
appears to be
divided. It is not *Panthers Party, Bahujan Samaj Party,
overwhelmingly in Peoples Democratic Party Front (S),
favour of any party Democratic Party (N), Awami National
or against the other Conference, Ladakh Union Territory Front,
as the mood varies Independents, CPI(M) & Other Smaller
Parties
from case to case
and place to place.

Epilogue Ø
35 ×
December 2008
I N F O C U S
COVER STORY

winning 18 seats. Despite anti- standing against Baig could have been had won 15 seats in Jammu region in
incumbency factor and the devastating just like a ceremonial contest. Now 2002 and later six independents joined
Amarnath land low, the NC tally is Mufti gets in tough contest with Beig the party as associate members. Four of
apparently not poised for any surprise and may even win. Mehbooba has them have been given party tickets. Put
up. With loss of a couple of more seats in moved out of Anantnag district and is together, the party may not be in a
North Kashmir and a gain of two to four s e e k i n g e l e c t i o n f r o m Wa c h i , position to repeat its 2002 tally as losses
seats in Central and South Kashmir, the represented by Khalil Naik of CPI(M). at four to five constituencies are quite
NC tally is likely to hover around 20 to 22 Naik is a thorough gentleman devoted to visible at the hands of rebels joining the
seats in the Valley. Though in a bid to his people but Mehbooba's charisma is fray as independents. It had won five
undo mistakes of 2002, the NC fielded likely to have an easy going in Wachi. seats in the Valley last time and securing
31 in new faces out of 46 seats in the PDP had won 16 seats in the Valley and half of this tally in present elections will
Valley but this has backfired. Its sulking its tally is expected to move upwards by not be less than a surprise.
aspirants either jumped into the PDP around four seats this time. It has been
bandwagon or have joined fray as able to make inroads in Srinagar City If BJP were in a position to consolidate
independent candidates. NC is which has long been a traditional its 'gains' of Amarnath agitation, the
expected to retain its one seat in Kargil bastion of the National Conference. In party could have been able to take
and reap dividends of its tacit support to Jammu region, PDP may open its home around 10 to 12 seats. Probably to
the Ladakh Union Terriroty Front in Leh account by one to two seats even as keep its image at the national level, the
but again in Jammu region prospects are party has a serious contest at six of the party did not enter to into a seat sharing
not quite bright. In Jammu, NC had 37 seats in the region. arrangements with leaders of agitation
secured nine seats in 2002 but this time and preferred to go it alone. Now most
scenario is not promising; strong Congress has been a lone sufferer of its of the parties and leaders, in their
rebellion at two seats and fallout of own making –the communally individual capacities, who toiled for
Amarnath land row communalism at surcharged Amarnath land row. But still two months to keep Jammu burning
two more may bring the tally down even there are no major reasons for during land agitation, are in the fray
as it may recapture one seat in Doda disappointment. The parties Congress against each other. Amidst such huge
which the party lost in 2002. should have been worried about have division of votes, if BJP is able to secure
actually come of a help to it. Main four to five seats it will be a big victory
Peoples Democratic Party appears to influence and emphasis of Congress is in ever.
have done a sort of engineering and an Jammu region and it has very little to
astute strategic planning in handling its catch in the Valley. And it was in Jammu Bahujan Samaj Party is contesting on
election exercise. Its Self Rule proposal that BJP and other Hindutva parties more than 60 seats and so is Panthers
though does well to cut the separatist pushed the Congress to wall during Party. Both parties could have won half
sentiment in Kashmir but, after all, Amarnath land row. At one point of time a dozen seats each had they
slogans are not enough to catch votes. It (during Amarnath agitation) it appeared concentrated on not more than twice as
needs planning. The ticket distribution that Congress is about to get wiped out many constituencies. Their
in PDP has been done in a manner that it but the strength its opponents gathered participation on more than two-thirds
has taken opponents by surprise. For eventually turned into their weakness. of total seats in Jammu and Kashmir
example, Pahalgam is a safe bet for PDP Most of the parties which spearheaded may certainly bring them a significant
but the father or daughter –Mufti or agitation are now contesting separately voter share but not exactly the seats.
Mehbooba –are not contesting on this –BJP, Jammu State Morcha, Shiv Sena
home turf. Instead they have fielded a etc. This is a sure division of votes which
Other keen players in Kashmir Valley are
former NC MLA who joined PDP a couple otherwise had to go against the
Peoples Democratic Front of Hakeem
of years back and was subsequently Congress. Adding to this division are
Mohammad Yaseen, Democratic Party of
nominated to the Legislative Council. Panthers Party and Bahujan Samaj Party
Ghulam Hassan Mir, Awami National
Mufti himself has taken on NC who may not pocket much seats but
Conference of GM Shah, CPI(M) and
strongman Dr Mehbooba Beig in have the built up capacity of taking
some potentially strong independent
Anantnag. For any other PDP candidate away a significant vote share. Congress
candidates.

Epilogue Ø
36 ×
December 2008

S-ar putea să vă placă și