Daily Diary (DD) - Day 117 of 2024

2311hrs:

Slightly better than yesterday.

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 116 of 2024

0800hrs:

Even though I didn't sleep until 0100hrs I did get up at 0500hrs, just like clockwork. Returned to Sehnsa yesterday after a lazy bout of 4 days with the family in Dadyaal.

After struggling to control my sleep pattern since even before the 1st of January this year, I can now safely say that I've 'hacked' the problem from its roots. The change of diet pattern did the trick. I now have a large breakfast in the morning after my walk which lasts c. 1.5 hours...then do a bit of light weights once my breakfast is fully digested after about 3 hours. Then apart from the odd little snack of dry fruit or something similar, I don't really eat anything substantial until early evening before 2000hrs, when I enjoy a milk cereal as dinner. Therefore, no lunch and a light dinner are my 'hack' for daily productivity. I no longer feel the urge to sleep in between or at any point during the day either.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 115 of 2024

2124hrs:

My real examination begins tomorrow, as so many stars seem to be aligned - I use that cliche metaphorically - as it is easier or even lazier than explaining how many variables in my life seem to be converging.

Yes, I woke up automatically at 0500hrs. In fact, my first instinctive awakening moment every morning begins at about 0300hrs.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 114 of 2024

0744hrs:

As if by instinct I am getting up near that 0500hrs target every morning. In fact, this morning I actually got up at 0300hrs, did some work and then fell back asleep to wake at 0615hrs. I have also received myself from having to sleep during the day to make up for shortcomings at night.

I feel like I'm raring to go on the efficiency. I just need to get back to base in Sehnsa and work on all those pending issues in reference to waste management & soil management in particular.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 113 of 2024

2314hrs:

Still in Dadyaal though I should have moved on today, back to Sehnsa.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 112 of 2024

1006hrs:

It is now routine that I automatically wake at around 0500hrs. Even an alarm clock is no longer necessary. Today I got up at 0515hrs.

Began my walk not soon after as I have been doing for the past few days. 

Waking up in Dadyaal rather than Sehnsa this morning has made no difference.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 111 of 2024

0910hrs:

Despite getting up at 0630hrs rather than the 'stipulated' 0500hrs I feel that I have broken some barriers or decimated some cobwebs of lethargy that have been present for the past 4 months or so. It so happened that work compelled me to work through until 0300hrs and I didn't eventually get to sleep till 0400hrs, yet still got up 2.5 hours later. My quota of sleep at the time of writing amounts to just that 2.5 hours at the time of writing.

I have also phased in other aspects into my life which will build my daily efficiency. More details in due course.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 110 of 2024

0512hrs:

I have managed to get up at 0500hrs sharp for the past 4 days in a row, like a bolt almost. That isn't where the problem lies. It's how I manage the rest of the day that is crucial.

It seems rain is forecast for the foreseeable future and that does affect our outdoor work - even though it shouldn't - strictly speaking. It also affects our supply of electricity which incidentally has been absent since about midnight. This is going to affect our indoor work too, as I am taking the support of an external monitor to use my laptop. 

Nevertheless, one motors on regardless and there are plenty of things to do at home, even in the absence of electricity. Piles of paperwork for a start!

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It is heartening & solidifying that I managed to work through the day without drifting back to sleep. I hadn't really got much sleep during the night, which probably amounted to 2 hours at best. Nevertheless, by 1700hrs I needed to sleep and did so until c. 2030hrs. Thus, 2 + 3.5 = c. 5 and a half hours of sleep today. A big improvement on the 17 hours yesterday.  

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Today's effort towards implementing transparency in AJK:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 109 of 2024

1444hrs:

Our trials and tribulations over the optimum amount of rest continue. Despite a good night's sleep which effectively began at about 2200hrs during our evening X Space yesterday and then waking up very fresh at 0500hrs this morning, I felt compelled to go back to sleep at c. 0700hrs and woke up again at c. 1300hrs. That is 7 + 6 = 13 hours of sleep today, Effectively, the same amount of 'rest' as yesterday.

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As if that wasn't enough I felt the need to sleep a further 4 hours from about 1600hrs to 2000hrs, bringing the tally today to 17 hours. I need to do a lot to reverse this.

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Every political party in AJK wants to make us all part of little (political) tribes in a subdued territory. Every (political) tribe wants their (political) tribe to be seen as a stronger (political) tribe than other (political) tribes.

Some of these tribes try to gain strength & validation from Pakistan, some from India, some are ostentatious enough to seek strength & validation from larger powers while some try to do the same by co-opting ideologies that seek global dominance like socialism > communism or 'Islamism'.

None of them seem to genuinely want to see a nation come out of its shackles - and much less - have a plan to do so.

As a nation we have great trouble validating each other, which can be the source of our strength but are keen to obtain validation from the rest of the world.

This cannot be done as a part(y). It must be done as a whole. With an initiative that inclusively connects the specific geography of AJK with all its people, or at least a substantial amount more than the amount who take part in elections every 5 years.

According to Wikipedia

Source

3,220,793 was the total number of people on the voter's list (which in my opinion is an inflated amount) of which apparently 61% participated according to the source above.

That would amount to a figure of 1,964,684 (1 million 964 thousand and 684 people) who participated in the last general election in AJK in 2021. 

In terms of perception at least, almost 2 million took part in validating the system of governance in AJK in 2021.

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY estimates that we would need at least 2.5 million respondees to #AJKReferendum2023 to make global institutions & the world in general (including our neighbours) take us seriously. We would still need political representatives from each internal political constituency in AJK to represent public opinion.

In just under 11 months we have achieved c. 500,000 respondees so far. Still only about 20% of the minimum required target and less than 15% of the total target, which I estimate to be about 3 million.

There is still so much to do for the people to restore 'The Right to Rule' in AJK.

I think it is time for political parties operating in AJK to seriously introspect their strategies to mobilise the public, otherwise we will soon reach a stage of 'no return'.

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #E215418042024

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I have begun receiving feedback on the above note. Here are some examples:

Raja Muzaffar 

(working chairman of JKLF currently residing in Texas USA and originally from Uri on the Indian controlled side of JKA while living a significant amount of his life in Chikaar and Muzaffarabad AJK)

Tanveer Raja's note provides a thought-provoking analysis of the political landscape in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), specifically in relation to the exclusion of pro-independence political parties from contesting in AJK Assembly elections. Raja highlights the fragmented nature of political parties in AJK, characterizing them as "little tribes" vying for power and influence within the region. He argues that these parties are more focused on strengthening their own positions and seeking validation from external sources, rather than working towards the collective liberation and empowerment of the people of AJK.

Raja emphasizes the need for a unified and inclusive approach to governance in AJK, one that transcends party politics and connects all residents of the region. He stresses the importance of engaging a larger portion of the population in the political process, beyond just those who participate in the periodic elections. Raja's call for a referendum in 2023 underscores the desire for a more comprehensive and representative decision-making process that truly reflects the will of the people of AJK.

The statistics provided by Raja regarding voter participation and the ongoing referendum efforts shed light on the challenges and aspirations of the people of AJK. The slow progress in reaching the target number of respondents for the referendum indicates the need for increased mobilization and engagement of the public in shaping the future of the region. Raja's warning of a potential point of "no return" underscores the urgency for political parties in AJK to reassess their strategies and prioritize the interests and aspirations of the people they represent.

Overall, Raja's note serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and nuances of political dynamics in AJK, and the importance of fostering a more inclusive and participatory system of governance that truly reflects the will of the people.

Raja Muzaffar

..

Quayyum Raja 

(A senior member of the JKLF who has been a lifelong advocate for the freedom of Jammu Kashmir and has many sacrifices to his credit - both while incarcerated for over 2 decades in the UK and subsequently while struggling on the ground in AJK for almost 2 decades)

Tanveer Ahmed's scientific work is too heavy for existing politicians to comprehend and appreciate, whose all efforts are confined to self-serving campaigns. In name, they are politicians and political parties, but politicians and political parties usually have visions and commitment, which they badly lack. They rely on tribal politics, because they are not sure of their own selves.

The change can be brought about by the people and our people's level is too low. They don't know nor understand anything other than tribal politics. However, inclusivity is the only way forward. The younger generation should be involved in any discussion for change, because those considered old hawks are unlikely to reform themselves.

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The following Facebook post (19 April 2024) has echoes of the sentiment I am trying to relay to our politicians & public alike:

I'll just translate that statement for you:

There is no political party in Azad Kashmir. These are all groups (what I - the translator -have described as political tribes) which cunning people have made for specific interests.

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Now, onto our financial statement for the day:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 108 of 2024

0517hrs:

Yes, I have got up at 0500hrs sharp for 2 days in a row! It isn't easy getting into this groove but the best achievements in life are never easy. I did make it to bed at 2345hrs yesterday and a despite a couple of hiccups along the way I did get a better quality of sleep compared to yesterday. My total aggregate of sleep so far today has been about 5 hours. I may crash for an hour in the afternoon to make up the 6 hours needed for the day and hopefully will not extend it to 4 hours like yesterday.

Onwards and upwards as many have said....

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However, it didn't turn out to be quite onwards and upwards yet as I began feeling drowsy at 1000hrs and felt compelled to rest. This 'rest' kept me separated from the world till 1800hrs. Thus. 5 hours at night + 8 hours in the afternoon = 13 hours in total. I have to struggle harder.

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The following is an interesting development in AJK, given the standard of freedom of expression in this territory:

To read further, click on this hyperlink

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Today's financial statement:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 107 of 2024

0719hrs:

So, here's the deal. I must sleep at 2300hrs sharp and wake up at 0500hrs sharp. I got the second part exactly right today and the first part I inevitably - through habit - struggled with. I didn't actually get any sleep at all, though I was determined to keep my eyes closed as if asleep, despite the distractions of technology which kept me busy until 0200hrs. I then proceeded for my morning walk at 0500hrs sharp. 

Despite not sleeping at all, I feel reasonably fresh and it seems lying down and keeping one's eyes closed in the dark does assist immensely.

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The dying cries of a bird lying on the road - obviously hit by a speeding vehicle as it was in low flight - greatly disturbed me. Its eye was bulging as it lay almost flattened but still breathing. I felt so helpless as I know there is nothing institutional in our midst (the UK has the RSPCA which stands for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). In fact, even those institutions dedicated to humans in this seemingly god-forsaken territory leaves much to be desired. 

This dampened my spirits after witnessing such a beautiful morning mist over my village.

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By midday. I couldn't keep myself going any longer. I intended to rest for an hour which extended till 1600hrs. 4 + 3 = 7 hours in this 24 hour cycle. Indeed, it still aggregates to much better than hitherto.

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Our daily financial statement is slowly but surely moving towards that $100 billion dollar economy:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 106 of 2024

1946hrs:

Today should have been a day of normalisation but it wasn't. I did aim to get to sleep at 2300hrs but didn't succeed until about 0100hrs this morning. I did get up at midday (after 11 hours) but the rain and overcast environment put me back to sleep again until 1700hrs. Thus, almost 16 hours of sleep....the longest I've had in quite a while. 

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Here's today's financial statement:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 105 of 2024

0750hrs:

Yet again, this has been another all-nighter after yesterday's 14 hours in the sack. I am aiming to sleep tonight at 2300hrs as soon as our daily Space on X finishes.

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I did finally get to sleep at c. 1100hrs and woke up at 1700hrs which is the optimum amount of 6 hours but of course the timing is atrocious. 6 + 14 hours yesterday would give an average of 10 hours over 2 days which is still less than respectable. 

Rain over the past couple of days has given us a sense that the winter hasn't quite departed yet despite closing in on the middle of April.

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Today's financial statement:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 104 of 2024

1813hrs:

Inevitably, today was a rest day. I went to sleep at c. 0200hrs and woke up at around 1600hrs in the afternoon. A total of 14 hours. I am hoping that this will be my last break for a while. Such a long stint of sleep should be a once in a month occasion.

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We trot on with our daily financial statement:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 103 of 2024

2320hrs:

Yet another all-nighter but for different reasons than usual. Nevertheless, I did get about 3 hours of sleep between 1100hrs and 1400hrs. 3 hours in total.

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Our daily financial statement is now 5 days short of 2 months of daily publication:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 102 of 2024

2304hrs:

A day of travel....which usually affects my desk work in a significant way. Got to sleep at 0200hrs and managed to get up at 1100hrs. 9 hours in total. Felt very drowsy while driving and had to put in another hour of rest at my first destination of the day in Mirpur.

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Our daily financial statement:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 101 of 2024

0906hrs:

Inevitably perhaps, last night was another 'all-nighter'. I am now really determined to ensure that a new crisp routine can emerge after the upheaval witnessed for the last 100 days.

A very happy Eid Mubarak to everybody celebrating it.

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Our daily financial statement for this auspicious day:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 100 of 2024

2235hrs:

A lacklustre Ramadhan overall. A lot of spiritual commitment on my part was missing. I had my more than fair share of 'rest' during this month.

Sleeping for an hour before Sehri and then sleeping about 9 hours from about 0600hrs in the morning to about 1500hrs in the afternoon has been a norm.

This is why I am reluctant to blame others and concentrate on identifying where blame can be fairly apportioned to me.

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On we go with our daily financial synopsis:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 99 of 2024

1804hrs:

Today was even better than yesterday but still a long way off from where I need to be. It was yet another all-nighter but I got to sleep at 0600hrs and got up again at 1400hrs. A total of 8 hours in the sleep bank today! 

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Our daily financial statement is moving like a train now:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 98 of 2024

2315hrs:

Performed better than yesterday. Feel sprightly too. I managed to get up at 1430hrs after going to sleep at c. 0600hrs plus an hour's sleep before Suhoor. A total of 9.5 hours equals a marked improvement from yesterday.

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Our daily financial statement is inching towards the 2 month mark:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 97 of 2024

1848hrs:

Slept at c. 0230hrs and then got up for Suhoor at 0330hrs. Drifted back to sleep at c. 0600hrs but didn't get up until 12 hours later and just about half an hour before Iftaar. A total of 13 hours of rest for today. It is devastating and all I can think of is how to make amends for the country that is usually described as a territory!

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Our daily financial statement:

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A major turnaround in fortune for Luton Town who have struggled much of late, obtaining their first win (Match 32) since the 30th of January 2024 (Match 21). Overall, they have pleasantly surprised the football world with their determination, grit, guile & specially for going toe-to-toe with teams possessing far more expensive individual talent.

Of course, there is much to potentially link our unresolved 'national question' with the 'soft power' potential offered by professional football in particular. More on that in due course. 

I have made a point of closely following my 'home' team as it were and clearly remember their heady days in the old incarnation of the Premier League (Division 1) when I was at High School (1986-88). It is amazing that despite the lapse of 36 years there still isn't (and to my knowledge) and hasn't been an 'Asian' (as Indians, Pakistanis, Kashmiris & other such like communities were referred to as in the UK) footballer from the local community surrounding Luton's ground 'Kenilworth Road', coming through the ranks. 

I might even suggest (though I am open to being proved wrong) that the 14 year old 'me' playing for Challney Boys High School against Ashcroft High School as an attacking midfielder one sunny afternoon - being watched on the touchline by John Moore (the then Luton Town Manager) - congratulating me on my well-taken goal, was probably the closest any 'Asian'  has come. Again, more on such details in due course. Meanwhile, I hope our Sports Chief in Challney Boys' at the time Mr. Howells is still alive & well. He would be the perfect witness to my abilities & prowess at the time. 

Coming back to Luton Town FC (Football Club) I have made a point of putting together some screenshots from today's brilliant fightback against AFC Bournemouth courtesy BBC Sport's website. It is followed by 3 tables that I've put together to identify where Luton Town can improve, to ensure they remain in the 'top flight' for many years & decades to come:

Note: All times shown are in AJK time (currently 4 hours ahead of UK time) 

God bless the BBC for usually printing my comments, although I do write Tanveer Ahmed - AJK whenever I do text in. However, they usually write 'Tanveer Ahmed' but never my place 'AJK'. It's almost as if they sense the controversy in the name. Though they do usually write the name of the place of others who comment.

That grit and never-say-die determination of Luton Town can be sensed from the comment above.

So, that rounds up an interesting second-half for Luton. 

Reference: BBC

It is a game of 2 halves as the cliche goes and for the past couple of weeks in particular, I have been wondering how different the points table and goal difference would look if we measured Luton's performances over the season so far, in terms of scores at half-time and separately for the 2nd half. We do suspect that Luton concedes far more goals in the 2nd half than in the first. Let's see:

Actual full time results

Half time (HT) scores

2nd half scores

Reference: lutontown.co.uk

I'll end this marathon coverage of Luton Town on this weblog with a list of remaining fixtures for each of the 5 teams (Crystal Palace, Everton, Brentford, Nottingham Forest & of course Luton Town) trying to avoid slipping into the single place left for relegation, along with Burnley and Sheffield United whom I think have already sealed their fate: 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 96 of 2024

1731hrs:

Still struggling! 

Got to sleep after Suhoor at 0500hrs. However, I couldn't get up till c. 1400hrs when our weekly appearance in the court of the public was due. Another 9 hours of sleep to post for this 24 hour cycle.

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Your daily financial statement for AJK Public Treasury:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 95 of 2024

2130hrs:

Slept at c. 0200hrs and got up at c. 0330hrs...went back to sleep again at c. 0600hrs...however didn't really get up till 1700hrs...about 12.5hrs of rest in total...

So, it seems that I'm slipping back into a direction that is not good for me or for the territory of Jammu Kashmir & Allied (areas).

I slept for a further hour between 2130hrs & 2230hrs during our Space on the Kashmir Valley. That brought today's tally of sleep to 13.5 hours.

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Our daily financial report at your service:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 94 of 2024

1541hrs:

Slept close to midnight....woke at 0400hrs...returned to sleep at 0500hrs...not really getting up till 1500hrs...a lot of sleep today....14 hours in total almost....unnecessarily making up for the shortfall in the past few days..

I eventually got up with the force of the wind creating music in my midst...a door slamming here and a loose utensil being dragged there...

Such conditions inevitably mean the loss of electricity for an indefinite period and from nature's point of view, the imminent onset of rain.

The weather does affect the cycle of duties one plans for the day, though it shouldn't. The lack of available technology and the mental mindset required to carry out tasks is missing in our people.

It is these deficiencies we are striving to address.

Not all essential tasks can be done on a phone and a working laptop with a working screen is crucial to work in an all weather and all conditions environment.

One can note from our daily financial statements over the past 2 months, as to how difficult the procurement of a new laptop is, despite straining to develop a $100 billion (US) dollar economy.

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Since February the 20th we've successfully brought you a daily financial statement and will continue to do so:

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