Kashmir has been passing through a rough phase for the last consecutive four years by facing row after row. Since Amarnath land row in 2008, it has become a routine to approve an order without giving a due thought before it is issued. And some of the policy makers who are at the helm of affairs act in such an irresponsible manner, that their decision subsequently give rise to one controversy or the other. These controversial issues have unfortunately consumed many human lives in the past and are continuously disturbing the peace and progress of the valley during last three years. With the dawn of 2011, the people of the valley in general and business community in particular leaving all the-apprehensions aside,
were expecting a good tourist season during this summer. But the issue of Dogra certificate has again caused many doubts in the minds of the people and ripples in the calm atmosphere of the valley. Though the people in general are not aware about the genesis and the benefits of the certificate but the members of the civil society and other educated people have undoubtedly challenged the very intentions of the founder of this unjustified and irrational order. The government always becomes wise only after the act. There was no need of issuing such order when PR certificate already exists in the state and which gives all benefits to its subjects. The certificate of permanent residency has been in vogue since Dogra rule and keeping multi regional and racial character of the state in view, they never thought of issuing a separate certificate for a particular community of a particular region. There was no justification in introducing Dogra certificate by Revenue minister to appease the people particularly residing within two and a half districts of the Jammu division unless there is a some hidden agenda behind it.
The claims of the honorable R.M. regarding accruing of benefits by obtaining this certificate for giving relaxation in height and chest while applying for the posts in Army has already been refuted by the Army Hqr's. Also as per the news (Greater Kashmir dated;- 23/04/2011, MHA) is also proposing to amend rules to provide relaxation in height and chest to all the residents of the J&K state including Kashmir and Ladakh for recruitment in Central Armed Police Forces. This is a good gesture on the part of the centre and this was possible only due to the follow up action of Chief Minister with the Union H.M. All the claims of the state R.M. have been proved wrong. The intentions, aims and object of the state Revenue minister behind issuing such order, have not been unraveled so far. For the smooth functioning of a coalition government it is necessary for a minister to take the whole cabinet into confidence particularly on the important policy matters which have ramification on the future structure of the people of the other regions of the state. The Dogra certificate had no plus points for the people of J&K state except an attempt to divide them on regional and ethnic lines. Though the Kashmir history and culture is very old and rich in all respects, the issuance of Dogra certificate would not matter and effect this aspect of the people of this region. Even Kashmiri Pandits who were forced to leave Kashmir by the circumstances of the time and lived under pathetic conditions outside the valley have never forgotten their culture and the ethos. They have rather succeeded in maintaining their identity as Kashmiri even outside the valley and abroad. They are still contributing a lot to the Kashmiri literature and their culture. We all Kashmiris should feel proud of our culture and heritage. So far as the records are concerned, the number of officers of Kashmiri origin, serving in the Dogra Army was not so big as compared to Punjabi Muslims and Rajputs of Jammu origin, though the history of Kashmir is replete with the instances of courage and bravery shown by the Kashmiris while fighting and defending their territory successfully against the Mughal. The statement made by professor Fida Hassnain in his letter to Greater Kashmir dated 11/04/2011 that "In the Indian Air Force, we had several Kashmiri officers like Asgar Khan of Baghi-Mehtab Srinagar, who rose to Admiral vice Marshal of the Pakistan." needs some correction, Asgar Khan was not a Kashmiri but a Punjabi Muslim originally from Battle Barrian Udhampur of Jammu division. He retired as Air Chief Marshal of Pakistan Air force. No such rank like admiral vice marshal exists in the Indian or Pakistan Air force. Dr. Ghulam Nabi of Magarmal Bagh who served in the Army, retired as Colonel and not as Captain. Similarly Dr. Ghulam Muhammad a Punjabi Muslim also retired as a colonel. The Kashmiris have not only made their mark in the uniform forces but also excelled themselves in all streams of the education particularly in the field of medicine. Kashmir has produced doctors of repute, whose services are recognized world wide. Therefore they do not require any such document like Dogra certificate to establish their identity. It is also not advisable to politicize this issue. Though there is a criminal silence on the part of leaders of PDP on this issue, but we have to be resilient, calm and wait to expect a bright and peaceful summer. The CM. is matured enough to understand the sensitivity of the issue and will not give chance to any political party to hijack this issue. It will be also fair enough for the government to bury the controversy as soon as possible to strengthen the bonds between various communities to maintain the integrity of the state as one unit.

(Abdul Rashid Khan is a Rtd. IGP email abdulrashidkhan47@gmail.com)   

Lastupdate on : Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 IST