KASHMIR and IDPs

By K.N. Pandita

Unbiased observers had been predicting that the way militancy was run in Kashmir it would ultimately head towards crime. This is the worst thing to happen, and unfortunately, it has come true. A European Union NGO delegation that visited Kashmir this summer has made a seventeen-page report that uncovers very disturbing situation of Kashmir civil society. The report holds militancy responsible for ushering in a phase of criminality in Kashmir. “They are abducting people for money, raping, murdering, extorting money, using mafia practices, etc. under the cover of ‘the movement’. For them this is a lucrative industry and under the present circumstances, it is easy to blame the security forces for all crimes that are committed,” the report says.  Continue Reading…

By K.N. Pandita

Sir Sayyid Seminars should not remain confined to Urdu Departments in our universities, including Jammu University. Given the role of Sir Sayyid and its historical importance, he stands out as one of the leading lights in social history of modern India especially of the Indian Muslims. His futuristic vision of Indian Muslim society became the beacon light for opening the dark alleys in which the Muslims and also the Hindus of India had got trapped. Therefore his contribution transcends communities and institutions and hence his anniversary should be observed befittingly by our educational and social institutions. We in India have the tradition of remembering our eminent educationists and visionaries. Continue Reading…

By K.N. Pandita

Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted by the government to make recommendations on Justice Sagheer report cannot be wronged for asking extension in its tenure. It already has had some extensions but this time the Chairman has particularly asked for “enough time” meaning extension for a longer period, on the plea that Justice Sagheer Report is a copious one and needs time for study and analysis. Additionally, as the Chairman puts it, the report deals with some sensitive issues and has to be treated with caution and sense of responsibility. The future of the State and its people is involved. The real hindrance in fulfilling the task is the deeply divergent views held by the stakeholders in regard to future political arrangement of the State. Consensus of opinion on divergent perspectives remains elusive even if many more extensions are given to the Committee.  Continue Reading…

By K.N. Pandita

Security scenario along our eastern frontier is rather disturbing.  Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir is two decades old but that of the North Eastern States is much older. Ground realities in these two insurgency infested sectors are different and bear little similarity. Yet according to the reports coming in from different sources, a new development is taking place under which Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) commanders are planning a ‘Strong United Front’ against Indian Government along with Maoists and JK-based terror outfits, the Delhi Police today claimed after arresting two “high-ranking” militants of the Manipur-based organisation.  Continue Reading…