A Journey in Jammu Kashmir & Allied areas (JKA)............................
from Subject to Citizen
.........autocracy to democracy
.........Dogra Raaj to Awaami Raaj
.........1947 CE to...........................
#WhiteFlags
#Neutrality
#WaterManagement #MirpurtoLondonviaCentralAsia
Something has clicked today, despite an extremely lax day yesterday whereby I missed both my morning walk and gym routine. Perhaps its the remorse setting in, given the absolutely critical stage we - as a nation have spent the best part of a century transforming from an autocracy to a well informed democracy.
....
Sonam Wangchuk deserves to be discussed every day. I learn that he keeps himself busy in prison too:
Nature has already written the best manuals. We just need the humility to study and apply them. https://t.co/Dm2lGcoitr
I had to retweet and respond with the following salvo:
#SonamWangchuk is the most n tune with nature & has made max. use of his faculties 2 remain true 2 nature's rhythm, within the whole territory of #JKA - as it stood n 1947 - subject 2 the #PeoplesReference . He would understand why we vouch 4 his credentials 2 manage the #3rdPolehttps://t.co/bbuwOs6lcg
Despite a challenging night without an evening assistant (to make kahwa and put embers of the evening fire into a tin pot to keep the tent warm for the night) I still headed to bed by 2030hrs (8:30pm), waking initially at 0443hrs but not getting up till 0551hrs.
This is still a clear improvement but the 0300hrs start remains elusive. Not for long though.
....
On this day, I should have been in Jammu, as per my invitation. Nevertheless, unnecessary circumstances or needless restrictions destined that I address the University of Jammu from Dadyaal:
This address is based on a submitted 250 word abstract, as follows:
An organically created conflict to peace strategy
..
in a region most precious and heavily contested
This strategy has its roots in over two decades of voluntary, independent, uninterrupted, on-the-ground action-oriented public policy research; taking this writer to all corners of the divided pre 1947 State of Jammu & Kashmir (bar Ladakh), hitherto engaged in international & British parliamentary journalism.
Having scrutinised public opinion throughout these above-mentioned territories (most extensively in the controversially termed AJK) using random sampling but ensuring representation, down to village level. This process remains ongoing in various forms & mediums; financed directly by the people of AJK and its diaspora, using an equitable & inclusive framework, ensuring the poorest of the poor can contribute whilst the rich cannot contribute over a certain amount, thus no special interest could monopolise the process at any stage.
Being unaffiliated to any form of lobby whilst also utilising the abundant nature around me helped me find answers – from history (both verbal and written) and from the diversity of opinion here.
These 4 non-negotiables dawned on me gradually:
1) Geopolitical neutrality of Jammu Kashmir & Allied (areas).
2) The people’s reference.
3) Ecological concerns of the territory.
4) Cultural, religious/ideological harmony.
There is actually a peaceful, ethical, legal and democratic strategy available to transform this region from a conflict economy to a peace economy.
Yes, it requires a huge dose of political will, negotiating away from British colonial designed frameworks still shaping legacy here and utilising civilisational strengths that have enriched this region for millennia.
End of abstract....
Of course, I was keen to address this university in person during an international conference entitled, "POJK: An Integral Part of India as a Geo-Strategic Pivot in South Asia" organised by the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies - University of Jammu, Jammu on 10 December 2025. However, my invitation only extended to an online address on this occasion.
....
Public Finance Update:
Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years):
15
Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:
186
Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:
82
Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since arriving in Dadyaal (of total 5,000):
443
Cash in Hand: 60,640
Cash Deposits: 0
Immediate Debts: 0
Public funds received so far in Dadyaal (62 days - up to midnight 09/12/2025):
