Daily Diary (DD) - Day 257 of 2022

1937hrs:

Day 101 at Maqbool Bhat Shaheed Square - Dadyaal.

0757hrs

My punctuality surplus has increased to 15 minutes.

Punctuality percentage: 56 days on time or early of 101 = 55% punctual.

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That was the morning. This is the evening:

Set a reminder for my upcoming Space! https://t.co/kUH44GBdaJ

Lifting the #IronCurtain with imagination, empathy, practicality and care.#WaterGeography#GeopoliticalNeutrality#JKASovereignty#AJKPublicAgency

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) September 14, 2022

Associated reference:

An understanding of the security environment pre 1947 can be assessed from the Gilgit Agency Lease Agreement:

Link 

Space count: (That is: How many people have engaged so far): 87 (updated at 1753hrs on 17/09/2022)

Average space count (2 days so far): 109 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 310 of 2021

2121hrs:

The timing goes with the year but I have so much to do. So many requests for information (research data/analysis), so many communications to inquire about my well being, so many invitations to attend various functions in the forthcoming future and then so many other important matters of life, that I constantly and painfully have to neglect.

What is certain is that winter must be utilised for hibernation more than anything else.

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Here's a glimpse into building design and habitat in the pre 1947 era:

This area is Chawara - Kukuta near Dhar Bazaar in tehsil (subdivision) Hajeera, district Poonch in AJK; ironically not far from the LOC.

A 2 storey house made of mud, stone and wood pre 1947. Its owner is Kundun Lal s/o Maniram of the Hindu Khatri community. For obvious reasons (read 2 nation theory) he had to flee from here in 1947. It is learned from this video that Kundun Lal's descendants live in Chandak, near Poonch city on the Indian controlled side. Which isn't too far - possibly less than 20 kilometres away - but alas separated by what locals describe as a 'khooni lakeer' (bloody line).

This is the only surviving such residence in the region and it is close to dilapidation, as visible in the video footage. Locals have urged the government of AJK to begin taking immediate notice of such heritage and do something to salvage what remains of it. Of course, this also requires mutating out of the 2 nation theory cited above.

Judging from the interviewees' comments the pain of being forcibly divided without reason is regularly evident. Sensing a loss of artistic creativity in the region since 1947 is also noticeable. Being stuck in a conflict zone for decades takes its toll on every aspect of society.

The current occupant since 1983 Sardar Nazakat (a migrant from the other side of JKA) says that the government has never approached them or taken any interest in this piece of valuable heritage. However, many media outlets have visited over the years for its natural attraction. 

The current occupant is also in touch with Kundun Lal's grandchildren who have urged him to not demolish the building, which the former has been seriously considering, as the building's condition is no longer safe to live in.

It is also learned towards the end of the video that when the 'invaders' came in 1947, they used this building as their base and thus gave it the name 'quarter'.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 193 of 2020

1512hrs:

Preparing to leave Dadyaal for my cycle ride from Chamb (in tehsil Barnaala where AJK begins in the South) to Sharda (where AJK ends in the North).

I'll also be doing a lot of work on Google Maps on this particular tour, something that I've regrettably not given any attention to in all my previous tours.

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Just as we brought you the Upper Jhelum Water Canal Agreement we hereby bring you the Gilgit Lease Agreement between the British Indian Empire and the State of Jammu & Kashmir:

Any discernible reader will gauge the difference in equation of balance between pre 47 governance in J & K under an autocracy and the despicable terms under which governance operates here post 1947, despite us supposedly living in the modern democratic age. In the case of AJK and GB we don't even get to see an agreement, let alone agree terms safeguarding our interests.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 133 of 2020

0513hrs:

Now, this article was from way back on September the 10th 2019. Which seems a very long time ago and I probably would have remained oblivious of it if somebody didn't Whatsapp me earlier this morning!

I wasn't aware of this article until someone Whatsapped me earlier today. I was urged by a very senior Pakistani to assist him in reforming the Pakistani narrative about a decade ago. I think he's come a long way even without my assistance! https://t.co/nuFeJi7nxm

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) May 12, 2020

I don't agree with his conclusive paragraphs though. For many years I have strongly felt that the most effective role Pakistan can play in Jammu Kashmir & Allied is to play no role at all! This also means vacating the territories of AJK and GB in a gradual phased manner. Something I've been advocating since 2012.

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It is important for us to understand the extent of pre 1947 governance in Jammu Kashmir & Allied:



For those of you who cannot read the photo caption:

1920-----Amar Singh technical institute Srinagar!


It was started in 1913 and inaugurated in 1914 by Maharaja Partap Singh. Students were taught arts, sculpture, painting, designing, carpentering, architectural techniques and masonry. Fredrick H.Andrew was its first principal and later became principal of Mayo College of Arts, Lahore.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 130 of 2020

2036hrs:

Mobilising our public to do even the most simplest of tasks can be tedious and requiring high levels of time and energy.

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I have a feeling that this issue will run for many more miles. It has struck a very deep chord in the people of AJK:

 

@mushtaqminhas minister of AJK has prominent links with terrorist outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa whose head is imprisoned in Pakistan. Such a shame.

PS: Zameer Bukhari is also involved in child molestation but still roams free because of his links with ministers. @farooq_pm take notice https://t.co/KrpeGduC5T

— Qaisar Javed (@iamQaisarJaved) May 9, 2020

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A hint at why Jammu Kashmir & Allied is so coveted by others:



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It hasn't changed much today. It's just that the number of animals have increased!



For those of who who cannot read the caption above:

A cartoon was published in an illustrated London newspaper in 1885 during the great game played around Pamir region.......Bear depicts Imperial Czarist Russia and Lion as United Kingdom (UK)

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 128 of 2020

1923hrs:

Motoring on..... 

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Indeed, pre 1947 there were 2 entities in contest, in more respects than one:



For those of you who cannot read the photo caption above:

A Polo match between British India and Maharaja Jammu & Kashmir teams at Gulmarg polo ground in 1911

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 293 of 2019

0727hrs:

Preparing for another visit to the LOC. This time in Smaahni sector.

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Meanwhile, many of my co-citizens are gearing up for:

#PNA #MuzaffarabadMarch21oct2019 pic.twitter.com/810fxecSEZ

— PNA (Official) (@PNAOfficial1) October 20, 2019

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Refreshing our memories of life pre 1947:



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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 265 of 2019

1041hrs:

The canvass gets larger and wider.........Jammu is no longer that far.....the city was a magnet for the whole region pre 1947. Our elders would walk there from Sehnsa and beyond in 2 days. For attending court and otherwise.

In the past couple of hours, we have heard unconfirmed reports that the powers that control the prime minister of AJK have issued an indefinite ban on him appearing in front of media forthwith.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 179 of 2019

2357hrs:

The way the wind blows.....can be deceptive at times.....

Whenever we are in a dilemma, let's resort to nature for answers:

Some of the most sighted birds in valley Paradise #Kashmir
Its my #photography......#AllahHuAkbar pic.twitter.com/rT4aU7C8gS

— Syed Afaaq Gardezi (@AfaaqGardezi) June 27, 2019

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Now, I was totally unaware of this fascinating piece of information:

Kashmir had its own international cricket team in 1922 & received test team status a decade before India. Pictured here is the Maharaja with the test team in Gulmarg. pic.twitter.com/VEo34jHm48

— huzan 🦋 (@huzedinehuzane) June 27, 2019

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There is a growing list of such cases and I would suggest that readers should go through the whole thread to obtain a more thorough understanding of this phenomenon:

The Curious Case of “How They made him a Terrorist”

Name is Omar Khursheed, aged just 25, a M. Phil student of Poonch University in Pakistan #OccupiedKashmir. He also had a license to run a drug store. He is from #Rawlakot, Jandali. pic.twitter.com/w0yVzBGQtj

— #SaveRiverSaveMuzaffarabad (@khawajaatteeq) June 28, 2019

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Source: Whatsapp

Translation of above text in image:

SHO Kotli Choudhary Meherban along with 7 others arrested!

Some of you may be aware of the phenomenon of precious relic looting and smuggling in AJK. It has been ongoing since the change of governance in 1947 and has invariably involved the local administration or agents of the Pakistani State in conducting the act of excavation, extraction and export from AJK.

Now with the heightened awareness of our public here - primarily on account of the proliferated use of social media - the level of tolerance in us for such looting practices has sharply declined.

Such an example occurred yesterday at Manjaari near Hussainkot in tehsil Rawalakot (district Poonch), at an old graveyard near the remains of an old Hindu mandir (temple). It is reported that the excavation team involved 2 pathans equipped with metal detectors and other technical equipment. They were accompanied (supported) by members of the AJK administration including a senior local government employee and a serving SHO (station House Officer) from Kotli. 

The local public gathered at the scene in large numbers and inquired as to what was being done by the 'excavation team'. They were deflected by being informed that some mere research of an archeological nature was being conducted. However, the locals were not convinced and there are reports that some members of the 'excavation team' were thrashed for their deceit.

It should also be understood that when the Hindus and Sikhs of this territory that became AJK were expelled for belonging to the wrong religion, most had to leave in a hurry. Many of these hapless souls knew that if they carried anything precious with them, they were likely to be robbed on their journey and probably killed too for 'good' measure. They also understood that Muslims tend not to disturb their own graveyards and thus various precious artefacts including murtis (statues) made of precious metal or stone etc. were hastily but securely buried in such graveyards.

This was one such graveyard and this 'excavation team' - we learn - managed to excavate a murti despite all the commotion. As they returned later under the cover of darkness to complete their 'mission'. Under intense public pressure, an FIR (First Information Report) by local police has been lodged against members of the team and even the serving SHO of Kotli has been arrested:

Here's the FIR:

راولاکوٹ،،، باوردی اہلکاران رات کے اندھیرے میں قیمتی نوادرات کی چوری کرتے ہوئے رنگے ہاتھوں عوامی دباو کے باعث گرفتار pic.twitter.com/O4cBjAc3if

— Sardar Talhah (@sardar_talhah) June 28, 2019

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The following news emerging from the LOC in Khuiratta is as disturbing as it is regular and unreported:

We condemn Pakistan army state terrorism
In khoi ratta kotli pok.#Pakistan #army entered in the house and tortured ladies and childrens we condemn thair brutly violence on wemens and children#UNGA #UNHCR #UNCC #JammuKashmir #HMRC #ImranKhan #JKLF #Kashmiris #KashmirisWantFreedom pic.twitter.com/t0VpvXIckP

— Imtiaz Aslam (@AslamImtiaz) June 30, 2019

It is reported that in the dark hours of last night, members of the Pakistani army stationed at Janjhot Bahadur (a village divided by the LOC in Khuiratta sector) broke into a house and began violently beating all members of the household, including women and children. Apparently, they were accusing all family members of working for the Indian State. They are pleading their innocence whilst also pleading for action to be taken against the members of the Pakistani army allegedly involved.

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This could be understood to be a 'nail in the coffin' of Pakistan's self-assumed responsibility for diplomacy on Jammu & Kashmir:

This should be a blessing in disguise, as explained on my blog: UN drops Kashmir from 'regular report' on situation of Human Rights https://t.co/gwqz1fVGTC

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) July 1, 2019

I feel it could be a blessing in disguise as the following sentence from the news report amply indicates:

"According to a report that emanated from Geneva headquarters of the World Body, The News reported that it is being delayed due to ‘intense pressures’ and international politics, the UN officials and international diplomats at the headquarters contented."

So, it should be clear that Pakistan is incapable of representing us. Not just because it has a vested interest and is doing so by muffling the indigenous voices of the territory. No country in the world is willing to disturb its relationship with India for the sake of Pakistan. 

Pakistan is in a deep state of disorientation like never before in its history. This is an opportunity for us - in AJK in particular - to develop ownership building measures (OBMs) that safeguard our narrative and drive us towards making AJK a truly representative territory of Jammu & Kashmir, through gradual institution-building without external interference.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 124 of 2019

0433hrs:

Wild Berries from the Southern tip of Poonch at Chechan - "Aakhrey" in local parlance

I began preparing for my latest trip to Muzaffarabad on the 29th of April but I could not leave Dadyaal before 1500hrs (3pm) on (Thursday) the 2nd of May. It took a further 36 hours to arrive in Muzaffarabad, just over an hour ago at c. 0300hrs (3am). Its a long story which I'll try and tell in pictures:

Midday at Azad Pattan (yesterday)

Nightfall at Kokraal - Mong (yesterday)

I missed the Teetwaal March towards the LOC in Neelam on 'May Day', which I understand invoked - yet another - brutal response from the AJK police. Political activists have been severely injured and others arrested for protesting against the 'super-imposed' restrictions on freedom of movement in Jammu & Kashmir. Having spent so much time travelling and repairing our vehicle on multiple occasions, I am yet to fully acquaint myself with what happened.

I'm even more gutted for missing out on the following yesterday: 

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In due course, we will compare many aspects of governance in the Dogra era (c. 1820 to 1947) to what we've experienced post 1947. Perhaps most often quoted is the following agreement in 1904, made between the Maharajah of Jammu & Kashmir and the British Indian Empire, which can be formally described as the 'Upper Jhelum Canal Water Agreement':

Source: 'Kashmir: Taareekh ke Ainey me (Urdu) by Professor M. Arif Khan - Page 67 

Let me translate the above:

Through the important articles (and clauses) of this agreement, the Maharajah managed to secure his legal and constitutional rights in totality. knowledge-able sources while referencing articles (and clauses) in the agreement describe it thus:

1) In the spirit of the 1904 agreement, Upper Jhelum Canal and the land secured for it will always remain the property of the 'Darbaar' (viz. The State of Jammu & Kashmir).

2) All materials secured for the construction of Upper Jhelum Canal - for example - gravel, stones, sand etc. will not be taxed as long as they are utilised within the State. All material that is used (exported) outside the State will be subject to collection of royalty by the State.

3) Crops, properties and agricultural land that are affected will be compensated (collected through the State) accordingly.

4) To facilitate travel for the residents of the State - to and from the State - bridges and pathways will be constructed in appropriate places.

5) Within the State, the availability of water will remain continuous and without charge (free).

6) Any officer of the Department of Irrigation - for the purpose of canal regulation - can assign (exercise) judicial powers of the State government. However, only on the condition that any decision of such an officer can be appealed against and heard by the Chief Judge in Jammu, whose decision will be final, subject to approval (assent) of the Maharajah Bahadur.

7) The State's tehsildaar or any officer of higher rank can at any time examine the (water) headworks at Mangla.

8) While conducting the survey of Upper Jhelum Canal, all practical steps possible will be taken to ensure every place considered sacred by the public will be protected and preserved.

9) During construction of the canal within the State territory all such laws related to food and beverage products will be followed.

10) If the Darbaar (The State of J & K) wishes to build (any) industry then electricity etc. will be provided free.

End of translation...

Note: Any words in brackets are for added clarity in the translation.

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This following picture tells more than a thousand stories:



We have an old proverb that spans most of the Urdu/Hindi speaking world (including us): "Behens ke aagey bheen mat bhajhao." It translates as, "Do not play the flute in front of a buffalo." What is implicitly meant is that there's no point explaining something to the targeted audience. In our case, the lack of telecommunications on or near the LOC is not something the Pakistani State would be particularly concerned about. Hence, the creative style of activism on the part of the AJK public to make their point.

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