MARTYRDOM OF AJAY BHARTI HAS A MESSAGE
DR RAMESH RAINA

The ire of anti-India hatred always explodes on Kashmiri Pandits.It has been a pattern since 1990.To ensure therefore that Kashmir remains free of this community,eruption of militancy saw the exodus forced on this hapless minority.Seen from this angle,it scripted a success story for the practitioners of terrorism resultantly to become a yardstick of their strategic objectives and subsequent operations.A big achievement indeed.This achievement lionized the gun wielding men in no mean way.This inculcated a sense of yes we can do it ,an unimaginable act till the time.It is this sense of yes we can do it did an incalculable harm to the place,its politics and practices that gave rise to the presumption in the rank and file of terrorists and its mentors that Kashmir also will be snatched the same way.It made gun a new symbol of power and authority.
The subsequent reign of terrorism and separatism saw an uninterrupted continuity in the killings of Kashmiri Pandits.It was a well thought out strategy to kill them at regular intervals because it gave them the publicity required to publicize such terror acts for greater visibility and ground control of the situation.High profile KP killings like S/Sh Tikal lal Taploo,Lassa Koul,justice Nk Ganjoo,Pn Bhat and many more gave them the unexpected publicity which served their purpose well.It also helped them in creating an organized support structure necessary to sustain the momentum.It was followed by a next wave of recurrent mass murders of Kashmiri Pandits like Wandhama,Nadimarg,Telwani so on and so forth.This also resulted in cultural collateral damage when Shankracharya started to be called Takht-i- Suleiman,Hari Parbhat Kohi Maran.Not content with that Arnimal the famous saint Poetess of Kashmir was described as a poetic imagination.It was an attempt to deny the great personality of her times a place which she deserved.Objective very clear that there is no place for this community in Kashmir.Needless to say that it has had its effect.Such wanton acts put every KP in a thinking mode wheather he should ever venture back to Kashmir. With the change of guard at the Centre,brought a new approach and a new policy towards Kashmir that of its total political integration with mainland India.In continuation of this policy major changes were put in place like dividing State of J&K into two union territories that of Ladakh and J&K,scrapping of Artcle 370 and 35-A.Though Kashmir remained largely peaceful post 370 yet these political changes didn’t go down well in some sections especially the ones who were dreaming either independent Kashmir or its merger with Pakistan.In this regard south Kashmir continued to be hotbed of terrorism and a headache for security and counter terrorism agencies.
Despite all this the politico-constitutional changes brought about by the Govt of India resulted in the increased pace of hope and expectations that saw a large number of KP activists emerging victorious in local Panchayat and civic body elections.Their participation in the electoral politics was a big challenge which they accepted and played a meaningful role in their constituencies for public welfare.The good work done by them got recognized and some were even awarded nationally like Sarpanch of Chowgam.While connecting the dots these elections created new social constituencies and new social leaders at the local level which included Kashmiri Pandits as well who were destined to play a big role in the political affairs of the Valley in the days to come.This saw a continuous depletion of public support towards these gun wielding men and to contest them local intelligence started gaining momentum in defiance of their dictates that saw elimination of big terror names like Rafiq Naiku and his ilk.Not only this but lack of media publicity also turned out to be a big setback for them.The Govt on the ground was enjoying an upper hand with the greater visibility of security agencies that was resulting in the separatist and terrorist leaders losing the ground.This indeed was unacceptable to them and planning for something big has always been in air.
Having said all this the basic anti-KP ideology of this movement continued to remain as its unaltered important element.It is here the hunt for a high profile KP target might have been given impetus.Brave Ajay Bharati unfortunately provided them the much needed opportunity.His killing exactly fitted in their scheme of things as it seeks to convey to KP’s that faced with dire consequences should they start nurturing a desire to return.His killing is a continuation of the same old policy of kill one scare one thousand.Resultantly the national anger at his killing brought once again the issue of KP displacement to the fore and a narrative that is emerging thereafter is once again looking for answers whether KP’s can ever have a dignified return to their native place.His death has posed many questions that will remain unanswered for a long time the most important being why his threat perception and security concerns were not taken seriously. His unfortunate death has some lessons that nurturing any idea of return of displaced community will meet the same fate. Presuming KP’smake a determined bid to return in near future it must have Lions in abundance but not martyred Lions.

 RENAISSANCE WAITING TO HAPPEN

Renaissance a French word meaning rebirth was first used by a French historian Julius Michelet to define its cultural and artistic movement between 15th century and early 17th century.This movement became a pan-European Renaissance and the word found its place in the lexicons of History as a significant historical development thereafter.The main features of renaissance included emergence of secularism and the printing press invention that led to the access to knowledge which gradually replaced Christendom with nationalism.Even the famous phrase in usage until now that “ the world turned upside down” is a gift of 17th century English revolution.Such experiments find a due place in the history only to promote a speculative world. 

The Millennium between the fall of Rome and Renaissance was nicknamed as Dark Ages.Labelling this long period of history as dark ages epitomised Black Death,wars and the collapse of Governments.Black Death had a devastating effect on Europe but its damaging effect was multiplied by the wars making it a dangerous and difficult time in the history.This era of life must have been terrible for humans to live.The world history thereafter has travelled a long distance bringing a glorious age of advancement and enlightenment with it.It might be argued that Renaissance may be waiting to happen but how the historians regard our age in near future is to be waited for.Renaissance in the present context has acquired a wider definition of transition to a new era unlike Middle Ages when it meant light at the end of dark medieval tunnel.

 Although it is too premature to assume Corona pandemic to be an accelerator of global face change but somewhere down the line humanity is already on a path towards change.It has already succeeded in adding a critical layer of fear and uncertainty to the post pandemic world. Social anxiety constitutes its most significant consequence.As a corollary its emergence makes it significantly different as 21st century’s most important social event in human life.The social and biological vulnerability of the society nicely captured by Antonio Gramsci an Italian Communist theorist way back in 1930’s who wrote “The old world is dying and the new world struggles to be born.Now is the time of monsters”As this quote shows things might have been chaotic and out of control at the time of its writing.It however inadvertently highlights the limits of humanity’s power over nature. `

The revelation of its menacing face is speeding towards the exponential explosion which is engulfing the safe human environment built over ages.Its debris continues to spread across the world that  threatens to destroy countless lives and ruin economies with potential catastrophic effect.It sets in motion events that suddenly has put the pace of human life to a halt.Speaking from the historical perspective pandemics from Black Death to Spanish Flu have impacted the societies and politics in a big way.This time there is a certainty that it will leave its footprints with almost existential effects on the civilization.Presently the dominant emotion that runs across the human societies is the fear that stems from both known and unknown aspects relating to coronavirus.The battle has just started as the pandemic continues to stalk the humanity.

The emergence of corona has raised difficult new questions to the humanity whose far reaching consequences can only be imagined from today.Navigating a troubled era’s unchartered waters the world is grappling with the crucial question of inventing the dilution of its toxic impact.The basic question is whether the citizens can be protected from the pandemic.In that sense the world is at a catcall juncture on several fronts above all survival.It is evident that the massive shocks by this biolgical war will indeed last longer than the coronavirus.

Consequently the corona debris which is still unfolding threatens the future in a big way.Exploration of potential impact on the societies is all about what the future may look like.It is not a prediction but hypthication designed to open the humanity either to new opportunities or to new risks.The bottom line is that the global human recovery is long and halting.The world therefore could be fundamentally reshaped by the virus.Thouh the form it might assume is a matter of speculation but it is the surge of a much needed reset in the conduct of public and societal affairs.There is no denying that change dominated by preserving life at the deeper level is in the offing as a propellent with the premise that preserving and sustaining life is an important function of the society.

While concluding the need to be aware and vigilant to fight this nature’s fury assumes significance.The quote from John Milton great English poet who published his epic poem ‘Paradise Lost” few years before getting blind at the age of 44 in 1652 added the last line probably after loss of sight “They also serve who only stand and wait”.Boris Yeltsin too in 2003 had this to say “We don’t appreciate what we have until it is gone.Freedom is like that.It’s like air.When you have it, you don’t notice it”

• 
  
  It is time to connect the dots in Kashmir.After a prolonged spell of death and destruction looks like the pro-Azadi,Pro-Pakistan and Pro-jihad sentiment is gradually evaporating and people in general seem to be realising the futility of getting carried away by all those elements doctored to wage a war against India and that it was not taking them anywhere except keeping them on edge with the false promises and hopes.This perception is rooted in Pakistan taking Kashmiris up the garden path with the assumption that being predominantly a Muslim majority place,people of Kashmir in any eventuality would support Pakistan at all times.Manufacture of Atrocity narrative has been integral in demonising India and it served as a powerful instrument to dominate the Mainstream politics and politics of separatism.Consequently an exhaustive atrocity literature was produced all these thirty years which remained largely unchallenged and alive to this day. Long spell of mayhem and death succeeded only in creating an ideologically surcharged atmosphere.It affirmed the centrality of victimhood resulting in pathological divide between Kashmir and rest of the Country superimposed with accusations and fingerpointing.It succeeded in becoming a dominant narrative and an extension of a new political norm of Kashmir.Resultantly it created an important space and came to occupy all the conceivable areas of the society.Because of its overflow it resulted in the alteration of the plural make up of Kashmir by ceding space to the fundamentalist preachers to advocate a radicalised narrative for a separatist identity.Though embryonic.not fully formed yet Present day Kashmir for the first time post 90 is entering a phase different from a high voltage offensive that spiked leaving the place as strife torn.The combatant offensive acted as a propellent for a toxic Anti India sentiment leaving Kashmir an ideologically surcharged place.It factored at the foundational level causing a deep impact on the social life of Kashmir as the barrel of their gun later turned towards the people itself.This phase is an end product of a political and religious extremes followed all these years.TURN AROUND-ITS REASONSKashmir’s post ninety transformative period challenges us to comprehend its explosive impact.The unprecedented show of force is a strong message that Islamic militants are a force to reckon with.Consequently positioned themselves as a formidable force in Kashmir Politics by creating a space to develop a strong presence influencing the civil society thereupon.This more than thirty years of destructive insurgency has virtually made the contemporary History of Kashmir to originate from a long continued uninterrupted spell of secessionism and separatism.This is marked with dated prescriptions of fundamentalism and radicalism and a call for violent face off against the State with a corrosive impact.It registered an upward trend all these years by dominating both the social as well as political scene.In a prolonged and protracted spell of insurgency its leaders have built their political claims in an effort to  undermine the writ of the State .This paper therefore explores and analyses the changes and shifts at the local and political level as also its nature.It is predominantly designed in an environment to de-legitimise the ongoing war of attrition in Kashmir for their anti-people and anti-societal acts.In recognition of the events of terrorism crisis therefore committed Govt.of India for a hardened counter insurgency operations with zero tolerance towards such acts as the basics.The main goal remains a sustained pressure in the form of operation flush out and by sending a message across the spectrum both to Pakistan as well as the institutional secessionist leadership that “you can’t win the battle”

NIRMAL KANTH-A SYMBOL OF RESISTANCE

DR RAMESH RAINA

Kashmir was part of the general Muslim missionary movement of Asia.This period coincides with the emergence of Shamas-ud-din Iraqi on the scene and his penetration is rooted deep in the fervid ideology which would brook nothing to destroy Hinduism root and branch.Religion thus played as the most influential social and political force in the Kashmir’s history of Muslim rule.It is directly related to the politico-ideological invasion and its subsequent conquest.It descended like an avalanche upon Kashmir,ruthlessly destroying and destructing its native religion,heritage and value structure.Consequently it led to the change of its primary religion,the Hinduism to Islam.

This movement has fundamentally two proponents namely Sayyeds led by Mir Sayyed Ali Hamdani,Shamas-ud-din Iraqi and some neo-converts like Malick Saif-ud-din nee Suha Bhat and Malick Musa Raina nee Soma chandra.Islam therefore owes its success to the demonstration of force displayed by them.The important task undertaken by them was to force a favourable socio-Political and religious atmosphere by turning the tide of local history in favour of Islam.

ARRIVAL OF SHAMAS-UD-DIN-IRAQI

Shamas-ud-din Iraqi had two stints in Kashmir.His first innings starts with his entry in the year 1484 during the reign of Sultan Hassan Shah.He came to Kashmir fromKhurassan as an envoy of Sultan Hussain Mirza Baiqara.Though he came as an ambassador but his real purpose ostensibly appears to promote the Nurbakhshiya doctrine in Kashmir.He was a great patron of Shias and founder of Nurbakhshiya sect.However,upon his arrival Sultan Hassan Shah died.His passing away created a political vacuum in the state and opened it to civil wars.Sensing an opportunity,he associated himself with an influential Islamic missionary ‘Sheikh Ismail Kubrawi’ and used his platform to extend his stay in Kashmir.During the period he encouraged one of the disciples of Kubrawi namely Baba Ali Najar resulting in creating a niche and small group of admirers  for himself.Eventualy he left Kashmir but not before creating a discord among Muslims. 

Iraqi returned second time to kashmir permanently duringFath Shah’s reign(1505-16).While entering he thoroughly analysed the situation prevailing at the time and finding the moment right carried his mission of conversion from were Sultan Sikander had left.They employed identical methods.He identified himself with the Kashmiri Ministers namely Musa Raina(1505-1514) and Qazi Chak(1514-1526).He also reactivated his previous contacts during his first visit and Baba-Ali-Najar whom he had patronised and pitted against Ismail Kubrawi had by now become an influential religious leader with a large following.It thus became easy for him to proclaim himself a representative of Sayid Muhmmad Nurbakhash.

Hinduism as anti-islamic was a dominating factor of his psyche therefore used religious fanaticism as a potent weapon to root out Hinduism from Kashmir.As a follow up unleashed an era of unprecedented tyranny against Hindus,got their temples demolished and built mosques over them.To carry on his task of conversion and indoctrination he created new forces in the form of Neo-converts prominent being Malick Musa Raina,who after accepting his faith used him as an instrument in bringing death and destruction on Hindus.Musa Raina supported and advanced Iraqi’s mission as he had become his ardent supporter.Repeating the coarse of History of earlier periods,Iraqi’s great opportunity came when Musa Rainabecame Chief Minister of Fateh Shah as he exerted a tremendous  influence over him.After becoming Chief Minister,he wielded a considerable authority.He added new chapters to the Muslim history of Kashmir that is replete with both religious and political persecution of hindus.

The stage was set as it was the same as was the audience but only change of dramatis personae.Thus at the instance of Iraqi Musa Raina became a dreaded tyrant andpromulgated an order throughout Kashmir that

1-1500 to 2000 infidels be brought to the doorstep of Mir-Shamas-ud-din-Iraqi everyday

2-Remove their sacred thread(Zunnar)

3-Administer Kalima to them,circumcise them and make them eat beef.(Chronicle of Medieval Kashmir p.106)

He therefore let loose religious forces who spread their tentacles and started a crusade against hindus.Hassan says(THK p.223)twenty four thousand hindu families were converted to Iraqi’s Shia faith by force and compulsion(qahran wa jabran).The property of hindus was confiscated not only that but jazia too was revived should somebody wish to live as hindu.These holy warriors thus succeeded in erasing traces of deity worship and replaced it by Islamic attributes.

EMERGENCE OF NIRMALA KANTHA

Uncertainty and fear characterised the KP response to the changes.The conditions were deplorable and the exhaustion was writ large on hindu faces.They somehow wanted to free themselves from such an intolerable situation.As a response to this formidable challenge,a daring Pandit,Nirmala Kantha shot into prominence to salvage hinduism.Suka writes about him: ‘In times gone by Shriya(meaning Shriya Bhat),the lord chief Justice of Sultan Zain-ul-Abdin,had planted the creeper of his Karma.On the approach of winter it was watered by the good Brahaman Nirmala Kantha(alias Kanthabhatta).Then at the time of the meleecha oppression(caused by Shamas-ud-din Iraqi)this Kanthabhatta and others held a council and he was able to avert the disgrace which such oppression begot’.The force of circumstances thus made him a rallying point for hindus who were desperate to seek protection of their religion as hindus and Hinduism was under severe strain.

It assumes significance to mention that though on the one hand the brute force increased the pace of conversion of people to Shia faith but on the other hand there was a simmering discontent among Sunni muslims.This led to the sharp polarisation along sectarian lines which only intensified and left muslim leaders to fight amongst themselves.There ensued a bitter power struggle between Musa Raina and Kaji Chak which ultimately consumed Musa Raina in the process.It lasted for about two years and this preoccupation of muslim leadership provided an opportunity to Nirmalakantha to undo Iraqi’s success story.

Those who had withstood the storm of religious war organised themselves under the leadership of Nirmala Kantha.Consequently,NirmalaKantha,a religious reformer started with a movement of gradual re-conversion of those hindus who had been forced to embrace Islam during preceding years.But his movement was faced with great odds as Islam by then had spread and gained strength.Defying the pressures of oppression he went ahead with his mission and reconverted most of the hindus converted during the rule of Musa Raina and Kaji Chak.He thus vigorously pursued the shuddhi of newly re-converted hindus.

His initiative also included a long and hectic confabulations with the co-religionists to find a way to wriggle out of the wretched situation.This led to the drafting of a petition against the atrocities and inhuman treatment meted out to hindus and lay it before Sultan.A delegation therefore was sent to Musa Raina with the prayer but it brought out a dreaded tyrant in him and came down heavily on the petitioners who were jailed,unfed and starved to death.

By this time Musa Raina had been eliminated and Kaji Chak had taken over.The anti-hindu policies thus initiated by Sayyids and prominently pursued by Musa Raina were perfected by Kaji Chak.Ruffleded at the work done by NirmalaKantha,it was considered as a seditious act.Thus in order to eliminate Hinduism from Kashmir,Kaji Chak in 1518 under the advice of Iraqi got about 800 hindu leaders gruesomely assassinated.This event silenced all the hindu voices and erased the space of contest if at all any.

The History of Kashmiri Pandits is a story of persecution and martyrdom.It is a story of continuous decline culminating in the current situation with neither an identity nor a future.

FIGHTING CORONA BATTLE

DR RAMESH RAINA

The century gone by has made the world to witness major events like spanish Flu,world war 1,world war 2,Great depression so on and so forth.Every event triggered major changes which created new situations that fundamentally altered the world.Surprisingly everyone post event knew that it was not the same world they knew before event.These were historical moments which changed the direction of future.Similarly the arrival of coronavirus is another unimaginable and terrifying event delivering a major blow to the humanity.It scripted its own history by plunging everyone to mass panic. 

 We are in the midst of an unimaginable situation like a war unleashed by coronavirus.It is an extreme psychological injury inflicted on the entire humankind resulting in an upheaval in its existential environment.It will always occupy a central space which will keep nibbling all the time and never let go any opportunity to shake one’s inner self.As a corollary it will leave a cascading effect on the entire human thinking process.This generation and unfortunately the one immediately following us will be reminded of the domino effects of this invisible corona enemy for a long time.Battling this deadly virus therefore will become an event that shaped our perceptions and societies in a post corona world.Needless to mention its devastating effect on the planet and its inhabitants.

 Once the storm blows over shall we find the new ways to look at the world?Humans now are already conscious that touching things commonly and breathing the same air in an enclosed space in the company of nears and dears can be a risky thing.Saddled with unfathomable task to believe weather world would hereafter remain the same in its outlook and practices is a question that is uppermost in everybody’s mind.Henry Kissinger in this regard in his writing in Wall Street journal predicts that “The coronavirus pandemic will forever alter the world order” with an advice that world’s democracies need to defend and sustain their Enlightenment values.The transition to a post corona world presents us with yet another formidable challenge that calamities often drive change and an ensuing big battle which in any eventuality is going to be different to accept for the people who had the distinction of conquering all the assets of nature land sea and space.

It represents a major high pressure global crisis in post Cold War world with an unfolding health crisis convulsing the world and not just a passing tragedy of sickness and death.There is a good reason to believe that COVID-19 will sweep the international agenda that will lead to far reaching significant global changes.It is perceived as a new feature of world politics which is inseparable from public health.Amidst the uncertainty of it becoming less contagious in future the reality is that it will continue to shape the post pandemic world.Though there is a little reflection on what the new climate of uncertainty means in the event of virus attaining some lethality 

This paradox will precipitate the erosion of socio-emotional health of the society a major part of the big picture.It is evident from the stoppage of unprecedented social interaction.This strangeness of disruption of social connection will have long lasting consequences in terms of the kind of community we are headed to create.Humanity no doubt will survive,vaccines and therapies will be discovered but not before inflicting an irreparable damage on the established human behaviour and social  practices.

  Lockdown,as an instrument to break the chain of transmission has clear societal implications as a promoter of isolation fatigue.Threatened with impacting the societies its emergence is seen to cause a long shadow on the socio-psychological health of the communities.The battle therefore against the psychological consequences of isolation may become emotionally challenging in the heightened moments of panic.There is no way to underplay the emotional and psychological significance of what everyone is experiencing at least for now.       

Though unpleasant but at some point of time the question as to how destructive this pandemic might be in terms of human mortality has to be addressed.As per available information so far the virus is high on infectivity but low on mortality.The mortality statistics revealed so far is suggestive of it being less unkind but the pandemic has sharply aggravated the premonition of possibilities for the people to panic.Illusions of the people returning to the world where the corona impact will be on everything is high.Given to panic the propensity to believe that it has spawned a new wave of death tsunami is high on the public mind.   

  The strong memory of the crisis no doubt will persist but the challenging question that it poses is where will we be a year from now.Nate Hagens one of the great thinkers believes “it is far more likely humanity will bend but not break”. The situation being what it is but it is illustrative of unfolding a new normal with its own protocols.It flows from the human instinct to survive.However in the present day context our world as we know is being left behind in the hope of a new imaginative world.   

  

CORONA HAS TO BE CONQUERED
DR RAMESH RAINA
Corona Pandemic is not new to the human civilisation.Humans have faced and survived such pandemics earlier also.The Spanish flu of 1918 is one such pandemic in the recent human history which is the worst and deadliest that human civilisation had to face.It occurred because of a virulent influenza strain which spread fast around the world.It wiped out about fifty million people nearly one third of the planet ’s population that time.It was even deadlier than World War one.To contain its deadly march therefore in the absence of vaccines, drugs and proper understanding of etio-pathogenesis posed a big challenge to the Medical fraternity and social scientists.
HISTORY OF ORIGIN OF SPANISH FLU
Its presence was first noted in Europe,United States, some parts of Asia and later spreading to the whole world.Though not the originator of the Flu but Spain being a neutral Country at the time of World War one with free press covered the outbreak extensively.The central powers and allied Countries had press censorship in vogue probably to keep the morale of the fighting soldiers high.It is widely believed that the soldiers contracted the disease and infected soldiers spread it across the Country through various Military camps.However the first known case was reported on March11 in Kansas at camp Funston in Fort Riley.It engulfed about 675,000 Americans.India too had to pay a heavy price as this flu engulfed about 17 to 18 million Indians more than the World War One fatalities.To be precise it lost almost 6% of its population.
MEASURES TO CONTAIN FLU
In the absence of the proper understanding, vaccines and effective drugs necessary for the treatment,the steps undertaken consisted of advising people to wear masks, closure of business and schools.Doctors even advised people about the use of Aspirin in high doses as a possible treatment for the disease but it only succeeded in adding to their miseries and agony as the people died of Aspirin toxicity.Only preventive measures as explained above helped.To save humanity from any further loss Doctors even attempted to use antibodies from the recovered patients in fresh patients to save them. 
History has been a great teacher and a guide to help mankind in dealing with such fatal eventualities.In this regard we are reminded of Bubonic Plague in Medieval Italy. 
Social distancing and quarantine were used in Medieval Times to contain Black death.About 700 years back,Doctors fighting Bubonic Plague in Medieval Italy had no idea about hows and whys of the disease but after close observation they understood that to and fro traded goods becoming a source of surface spread of the disease was a strong possibility therefore included social distancing and quarantine in the world’s first anti-contagion measures.As a follow up of Plague entering Milan and Venice in 1348, social distancing and disinfecting surfaces was undertaken.Not only it but a legislation was passed in Adriatic port city of Ragusa(Present Dubrovnik) about mandatory quarantine of all incoming Ships for screening purposes.
History is witness to five major Pandemics like Plague,Black Death,Great Plague of London,Small Pox and cholera taking a heavy toll of humanity.It happened in a pre-antibiotic era when Medicine was not at the peak of its advancement yet in addition to public health initiatives conquered and made world safe for the human civilisation to live a life to the full with additional benefit of increasing the life expectancy. 
CORONA HALT
With the arrival of Corona virus on the scene a Century later prospect of catastrophic human casualties is looming large yet again but the saving grace this time is that this millennium has seen a considerably advanced medical facilities which is a hard reality that cannot be overlooked.Promise of anti-viral drugs and vaccine anytime in future is a possibility.In addition better management and advanced critical care has accelerated the pace of expectations and hope.
Having said that the success to contain the spread of the disease ultimately depends on the vital role played by the civilians as individuals and civil society as a collective entity.It goes to the credit of the Government that without wasting time the authorities acted swiftly and responded positively to a potentially explosive situation.

Kashmir fell into wild disorder after the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. With his death, the Mughal empire began to decay as the later Mughals showed no appetite to rule Kashmir because of their internal dissensions. It unfortunately passed into the hands of new masters and from 1752 Kashmir became a subject of Pathan rule. Thereafter Afghans ruled it for 67 years. In the light of the history, the most horrific periods that we come across is Afghan rule. This era saw a total disruption of social life and civil society of Kashmir on a large and a more frightful scale because of the creation of an atmosphere of terror. People lived in a creeping fear of Afghans brutality. It proved to be a nightmare as they would rage and rant arouse fear and proceed through the same cycle. They were difficult to manage and impossible to subdue, consequently people were tyrannized beyond all measure. It only contributed to the development of a fearful climate. This behavior of theirs was captured by the following Persian couplet BUNDAN. IN. SANGIN. DILAN. QUL. CHIDAN AST (These stone hearted people thought no more of cutting of heads than plucking of flower)ENTRY OF AFGHANS TO KASHMIRThe genesis of the Afghan rule lies in the perception that Mughals were not favorably disposed towards Kashmiri Muslims and that they pursued an anti-Kashmiri Muslim policy which ultimately paved the way for Afghans to enter Kashmir. Despite the observation of some Historians about the partial suppression of local Kashmiris by Mughals, yet during their period three distinct classes of the people appeared on the scene.Muslim commercial class.Punjabi Hindu Khatri tradersKashmiri Pandits.Mughals had encouraged Punjabi Hindu Khatri traders to migrate from neighboring places of Kashmir like Delhi and Punjab to Kashmir for business purposes and subtle Government patronization to their business prospects was visible. Consequently, they established their own residential colony in Mohalla Gulshan near Hari parbhat. Similarly, affluent Kashmiri Pandits started taking up their residences in Rainawari because it was very near to the seat of power. In addition, they had an advantage of Govt. jobs. This set-in motion chain of events resulting in constant conflict between the Hindu Khatri commercial class and Muslim entrepreneurs who were mostly into shawl industries and other similar businesses. This led to the intensification of intrigue against them and loosening of central Mughal authority after the demise of Aurangzeb added strength to the process of getting rid of Mughals.In the pre-Mughal rule chaks, Magreys, Bhats Rainas and Dars constituted the local ruling elite of Kashmir. Emergence of Mir Muqim kanth and Abdul Hassan Bandey therefore on the scene assumes significance as they became instrumental in foisting Afghan rule on Kashmir. Mir Muqim Kanth happened to be the Naib Muqaim to Ala Kuli Khan the last Mughal Subedar of tottering Mughal empire in 1752. To set things right, he introduced certain administrative reforms which included reduction in the pay of army and disbanding large number of soldiers to reduce the financial burden on the empty coffers of the state which silently fueled anger in the affected section of the people. It resulted in the frequent military rebellions against him. Sensing the opportunity Abdul Qasim son of former Subedar installed himself as Naib Subedar by defeating Mir Muqim and forcing him to hide at his hereditary jagir at Koihama.Thereafter he made several attempts to overthrow Qasim Khan but failed which ultimately led him to join hands with Khawaja Zahir Didamari and invite Ahmad Shah Abdali King of Afghanistan to invade and rule Kashmir. Consequently, the result of long chain of events caused by indigenous nobility became a fundamental factor for the conquest of Kashmir by Afghans.  Ahmad Shah Abdali sent 15000 troops led by Abdul Khan Ishaq Aqsai to fight the local army and conquer Kashmir ensuing a battle at Shopian which led to the victory of Pathans and consequent, establishment of Afghan rule in Kashmir.            EMERGENCE OF SUKH JIWAN MAL ON THE SCENEAbdullah Khan Isk Aquasi was appointed as the first Afghan chief by Ahmad Shah Abdali. He unleashed the reign of terror and brought about miseries on the people. Throughout his brief period in Kashmir he undertook all the cruel and exploitative measures to extract wealth from Kashmiris with both the hands and at the time of his departure, he had managed to obtain a fortune worth one crore both in cash and kind by using all the inhuman methods.Well to do Kashmiri people were asked to surrender their wealth or face worst possible death and by such coercive methods he succeeded in extracting huge sums from the affluent people, local traders and those who could not tolerate the torture often committed suicide. Any disobedience or displeasure towards non-payment of huge fines imposed on even poor people resulted in death.They practised a hard devilish and cruel policy towards Shias, Bombas and Kashmiri Pandits in particular. Because of the fear of Kp grooms unceasingly getting killed, they started with a mandatory custom of having Pot Maharaz (an additional boy in standby mode) who would be married in the eventuality of Maharaza getting killed.Ahmad Shah had deputed Sukhjiwan Mal a Gujarati serving in his Army to serve under Abdullah Isk Aquasi, who at the time of his departure handed over the reins of administration to Abdullah Khan Kabuli and appointed Sukhjiwan as his deputy. The people of Kashmir were too tyrannised by Abdullah Khan Isk Aquasi, therefore didn’t expect anything better from his nominee Abdullah Khan kabuli. Consequently, there was a simmering discontent ready to explode anytime soon. Realizing that their time had come and something had to be done urgently to save people from further persecution, Sukhjiwan and another official in the Kabuli administration Abul Hassan Bandey hatched a conspiracy to revolt resulting into the murder of Kabuli. This also ensued anarchy for a few days but it also resulted in ending the climate of terror from the Valley of Kashmir. Pursuant to this Kashmiris welcomed with open arms Sukhiwan Mal’s ascendance as the Subedar of Kashmir.    Sukhjiwan started his innings as Subedar from the year 1754 A.D. His first step was to appoint Abul Hassan Bandey as his Prime Minister. The road ahead for Sukhjiwan Mal was full of thorns and challenges. The biggest formidable challenge for him was to get rid of the clouds of dark rule and its footprints left behind by Aqasi and Kabuli during their brief stint in power. The stains had to be removed by providing humane and efficient administration. Not only that but to identify the moles of Ahmad Shah Abdali who indeed were unhappy at the turn of events and emergence of Sukhjiwan Mal on the scene also assumed significance. Abdali therefore sensing the hatred of Kashmiris for Afghani’s resorted to diplomacy by confirming Sukhjiwan as Subedar but appointed Khawaja Kijak as his deputy. The combination of Sukhjiwan and Bandey proved to be useful and productive for all the sections of the society as every Kashmiris started to enjoy the fruits of the good governance but as ill luck would have been Kashmir was afflicted with severe famine in 1755 and the Valley was attacked by Locust swarms. The cumulative effect of all this was that people were impoverished beyond any measure. As expected the intelligent Administrator in him rose to the occasion and geared up his administrative machinery to meet the challenge. He took strong steps which included;1) Issuing of Ration slips to the people based on the result of census of the population.2) State granaries were opened for the people and Ration provided to them at a subsidised rate.3) He also provided paddy for seeds to the peasantry.With the active intervention of State, the situation improved vastly and the Valley started limping back to normalcy. This rose his stature and respect considerably among the people and looked as if the good days have returned. It was hard for Abdali to digest his popularity and because of frequent rebellions of the Marathas and Sikhs he had emptied his coffers therefore demanded huge sums of money from Sukhjiwan to meet his Military expenses which eventually was refused to him. It became highly impossible for Sukhjiwan to meet such unscrupulous demands and ultimately led to a battle between his and Afghan Forces to rid Kashmir of them completely. This victory led to the chain of events the first being to declare the independence of Kashmir from Afghan rule and to align towards Mughals, who in turn conferred the title of Raja on Sukhjiwan Mal. The enraged Abdali send Aqasi yet again on Military expedition but he too had to lick the dust. This left Abdali with no choice but to bide his time and wait for the opportune moment.Pursuant to this, Sukhjiwan started taking corrective measures to guard against any fresh incursions of his prominent foe Ahmad Shah Abdali and took certain concrete steps in the direction like Strengthening of the 30,000 soldiers experienced in mountain warfare and invited Sikhs and Sansis from Punjab to join the Army. Guard the frontiers and made it punishable to allow Afghan people to cross the frontiers. Such steps insulated Valley from external aggression and ushered in a relative calm and peace for some time. The other side of his persona revealed him as a man of high literary tastes who encouraged men of learning to polish their skills.This was not the end as the evil eyes continued to hover over Kashmir, thinking that Afghans could no more be expected to re-enter Kashmir if Sukhjiwan was there, Mir Muqim Kanth therefore ended his exile at Kabul and made a retreat towards Kashmir. To his utter disappointment he found his influence and power to change the course there gone. He was left with no choice but to resort to treachery and succeeded in sowing the seeds of discord between Sukhjiwan and Abul Hassan Bandey. Resultantly Bandey was imprisoned and Mir Muqim Kanth appointed in his place in 1757, the position that he could not hold for a long time because his machinations against Bandey got exposed and he himself landed in Jail paving the way for Bandey to take over yet again. As was in his nature, Mir Muqim continued with his intrigues as Bandey in the absence of Sukhjiwan who was on a Military expedition to Sialkot could not handle the rebellion by Bomba tribe in his absence which yet again cost him his job paving the way for Mir Muqim Kanth to occupy the saddle again.  Consequently, Bandey was seething with anger and waiting for his time. Following this, rapid changes started taking place which eventually weakened his position, sensing it, abul Hassan Bandey rose in revolt against Sukhjiwan Mal who attacked Bandey only to force him to flee to Poonch. Realising that ever since Mir Muqim Kanth had returned things were not hunky dory as such decided to dispense with both Bandey and Mir Muqim and appointed Pandit Mahanand Dhar as his new Prime Minister, who was a non-controversial and a tactful man.Abdali was having a hawk’s eye on the developments in Kashmir, therefore with the help of the Muslim supporters from within Kashmir, decided to contest militarily Sukhjiwan again and dispatched about 40,000 Afghan Forces led by Noor-ud-din Khan Bamzai to the Valley. Which ensued in a battle between Sukhjiwan Mal’s forces and Afghan forces, though he fought valiantly and courageously and at one point of time looked as if Afghan forces would face defeat yet again at his hands but the desertion of one of his prominant officers Bakhatamal to Afghan side tilted the scales in favour of Abdali’s Forces. Consequently, with the help of Afghan forces Sukhjiwan was captured alive by Bakhtamal and handed over to Abdali who gouged out his eyes with red hot iron rods and put him behind bars. Not content with that had him trampled by elephant to receive the most inhuman death. With his death, the glorious chapter of Kashmir which saw people enjoying fruits of not only good governance but a humane government which pursued a healing touch policy for the welfare of the people coming to an unceremonious end.The parameters of happiness during his period of nine years of rule (1754-1762) can be measured from the fact that his rule and name continues to be a house hold name in Kashmir and often referred as waqt-i-sukhju a reference to good olden days of Sukhjiwan Mal.

Lalleshwari – the great saint-poetess ever produced by Kashmir, was born to a Brahmin family in 1335 AD at Puran Deshthan, the modern Pandrethan, during Udyan Deva’s rule. She was born at a time when social and political putrefaction had set in Kashmir. Its socio-political picture was undergoing a change, in fact sweeping metamorphosis in the life of the people was fast catching up. The spread of Islam in Kashmir came in direct conflict with Brahminism resulting in an ideological battle between the two religions which continued for many years. It was not an ordinary one but a gigantic clash and it had terrific impact on the average man, an ordinary man was simply confused and dazed. The first documented record of her majestic presence at the social scene of Kashmir is available in Baba Dawud Mishkati’s Asrar-ul-Akbar writtenin 1654 AD who has quoted her with reverence as the highest saint poetess of those times. This has been supported by Waqi-ati-Kashmir written in 1746 AD by Khwaja Muhammad Azam Dedammari. It was followed by Tarikhi-Hassan by Peer Ghulam Hassan in 1835 and Tarikhi Kabir in 1909-10, by Haji Mahi-id-din. Later, after some painstaking efforts by eminent Kashmiri Pandit scholars, her sayings and preachings were given a proper shape and form. Resolution of this ideological struggle and end of the crisis assumed significance as Kashmir’s brilliant past was getting replaced by not so pleasant present; in fact it was the mutilation of its face. An attitude of conciliation and not confrontation was the best antidote but that needed a mastermind to change the course of events. The tools of change too had to be such that it would not invite the wrath of rulers and make enemies. Lalleshwari’s arrival at the scene had a tantalizing effect. Her catholic mind, simplicity and intellectual genius acted as an instrument in the psychological transformation of an average mind. Endued with an inborn sensitiveness, Lalleshwari could not but get influenced by the situation around her. She started manifesting her intellectual prowess from her very childhood days but that remained unrecognized as nobody took note of it. From the very beginning she got influenced by the values of religion. She displayed an unusual spiritual calm from her early days which was beyond the imagination of people. Those were the troubled times for the people of Kashmir as there was a persistent attempt to debase the religion in order to malign it. In addition, the political map was being redrawn and that also acted as a stimulus in making Lalleshwari a legend. Her marriage and subsequent maltreatment at the hands of her in-laws is yet another important factor which has contributed to her spiritual growth. This Vaakh which is very popular in every household of Kashmir adequately conveys her agony: Hund Maritan Ya Kath Lalli Nalawath Tsali Na…History indicates that she was influenced mainly by three factors, namely, socio-cultural degeneration, maltreatment by her in-laws and general condition of the people. It was a struggle which involved the participation of the people without violence and her strength lay in the moral authority that she gradually started commanding. She was at her creative best. Her teachings, if watched closely, give an insight of the conditions prevalent at that time. Giving content to her thought, she clothed Shaivism in homespun Vaakhs still very common in every household in Kashmir. Her thinking had been greatly influenced by her family priest, Sidh Bayu, who himself was an eminent Sanskrit Scholar and an erudite exponent of Shaivism though Lalleshwari possessed intrinsic greatness of a revolutionary thinker and that is how she surpassed her contemporaries, including her Guru as regards spiritual attainment. There used to be frequent religious and spiritual discourses between them and one with great spiritual messages is reproduced here which is believed to have taken place between her Guru Sidh Bayu, herself  and her husband about what to be termed as the best light, best pilgrimage, best friend and ultimate happiness in the spiritual context. Her husband is presumed to have initiated the discourse:Chandras Hue Na Prakash Kanh,Gangi Hue Na Tirath KanhBhandav Hue Na Bhando KanhRani Hue Na Sukh KanhFollowed by Sidh BayuAchhin Hue Na Prakash KanhKwathyan Hue Na Tirath KanhChandas Hue Na Bandho KanhAris Zuwas Hue Na Sukh KanhLalleshwari speaks the last:Mayus Hue Na Prakash kanhDayus Hue na Bhando kanhPayus Hue Na Tirath KanhBayus hue Na Sukh Kanh The great scholar, her Guru, must have understood her spiritual depth as she had genuinely grown taller than him and did not need Guru any more. Religion for Lalleshwari was not a mere ritual and worship of idols but something far more deeply connected with the societal welfare that ultimately trickles down to the lowest strata of the society and benefits common man in the process. Her message has a fascinating kinship between spiritual evolution and the plight of average Kashmiri at that time. Her powerful spiritual influence dug deep into all the conceivable areas of the society thus helping a common man in identifying himself with the spiritual movement. An analysis of her philosophy confirms that her sayings present a fusion between various religions especially Brahminism and Buddhism. In fact, to gain greater acceptability an attempt to carry along people belonging to different faiths bore fruits as that was the crying need of the hour. Her focus was on societal transformation by gradually inculcating a sense of common cultural affiliation amongst various sections of the society, the objective being to blur the sense of religious belonging and make it redundant. Her spiritual thought expressed in very simple Kashmiri dialect brought in revolutionary changes as it gradually succeeded in reducing societal conflict. In fact it resulted in transforming the cultural life of Kashmir. The slow acceptance of this thought process helped the people detach themselves from deep religiosity because the basis of her philosophy was to create a space in which different communities could interact freely and thus strengthen the societal bond. The idea was to create a climate for collective societal identification as such a society would ultimately evolve its own culture to be shared by all the individuals alike, and that culture came to be known as Kashmir culture, with religious humanism as its mainstay. One school of thought believes that the historical golden period of Kashmir during Zain-ul-Abidin’s rule owes its success to Lalleshwari’s philosophy as it is widely presumed that the intelligent king as he was, he had undoubtedly adopted her teachings as the basis of his political philosophy and this paid rich dividends as Kashmir not only recorded overall growth and development but also ushered in overall peace and prosperity. Her message transcends all social barriers to reach out to the masses. Such has been her impact that she became the most recognized spiritual personalities of her time. What is unique about her teachings is that she used a common man’s language as the mode and medium of her expression. Even though she had no formal education, yet she explained the most complex spiritual truths with amazing lucidity and simplicity. There is yet another very powerful factor behind her veneration and success that she did not woo anybody away from his or her faith but guided them by reinforcing her belief. Another important dimension of her personality is that she did not leave behind her a distinct sect of followers as she forces nobody to follow the path. What differentiates her from her contemporaries is the strength of her conviction to build on. Even her end is shrouded in mystery as some authorities believe that she had attained nirvana at Vejbror (Bijbehara) and some say that she had vanished into thin air leaving behind a handful of flowers, but both these claims are subject to conjectures as neither of them prove their claims.

Mayhem has been an integral part of the political scene in Kashmir especially after 1947.It has created a state of mind which has provided an ideological domination to the pro-secessionist forces.It played a self destructive role by destroying and stoking the fire that ignited the flames of terrorism.The most important element of its creators is their selective amnesia.They feign to forget the events especially the ones that are not to their liking and even tend to suppress such events to deprive the current generation of angry Kashmiri youth of the ground realities still prevalent in Kashmir.But in actuality the real history is cruel as it records everything for posterity.Howsoever one might prevent the truth from surfacing yet it finds its expression.

it is regarding a major political killing on 16th August 1989 of one Mohd yousuf Halwai near Safa kadal Srinagar Kashmir.He was a Block President of National Conference.His only fault was that he refused to put out lights in his house on August 15.To understand the characterisation of this larger phenomenon taking shape,one needs to rewind and go a few days back when the pro-self determination terrorists succeeded in celebrating Pakistan Independence day on 14th August.It was marked by bursting of crackers,hoisting of green Pakistani flags,March pass and saluting Pakistan Flag.They succeeded in observing the day with an unprecedented fervour.Thus lionising its script writers and authors.

As against it 15th August was dubbed as Black day and marked by complete Bandh.It turned Srinagar into complete darkness.With increased frequency of terror related incidents,the year1989 brought with it a new wave of anti-India psyche to the fore.Strongly supported by the people,It was indeed allowed to develop deep roots.Accordingly the acts of terrorism started getting more brazen,daring and better planned.This terrorism also resulted in enforcing the social code especially for women.It manifested with an acid attack on two young muslim girls walking on the road without Burqa.Not only that but an explosion in the ladies toilet of Khayam Cinema,both these incidents took place on 29th July 1989.

The Valley was gradually coming under the total sway of these neo-terrorists whose writ seemed to run every where.Consequently the usual celebratory mood accompanied by the Independence day was marred by terror incidents and complete Bandh.Yousuf Halwai’s utter refusal to toe the line was therefore seen as an act of defiance.

He openly contested and challenged these forces by exhibiting a sense of nationalism at a time when Kashmir had come under the psychological state of extreme fear.His martyrdom for the national cause questions the very morality of the movement for secessionism.It assumes significance to know as to how Kashmiri people relate to this hero who nevertheless remained unsung and unwept all these years but his act has created itself a place in the history.