Epilogue Magazine, January 2009

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DEMOCRACY TRIUMPHS
We salute the people of
Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh
for their courage & unflinching faith in democracy
Turnout (%age)
Phase 1 69.02
Phase 2 68.29
Votes polled Phase 3 68.22
Votes polled
in 2008-39.60 lac in 2002-26.56 lac
Phase 4 59.24
%age - 61.49 %age - 43.69
Phase 5 58.50
Phase 6 65.93
Phase 7 55.60
Total % 61.49
District-Wise Turnout
Bandipora 59.66 Kulgam 64.45
Leh 65.87 Anantnag 63.20
Kargil 73.56 Kishtwar 73.57
Poonch 75.33 Doda 68.77
Ganderbal 55.10 Ramban 66.27
Rajouri 73.39 Srinagar 21.67
Kupwara 68.22 Samba 77.90
Baramulla 47.88 Jammu 72.75
Budgam 62.41 Pulwama 46.09
Reasi 75.33 Shopian 50.65
Udhampur 63.96 Kathua 70.47
Your massive vote will give more strength to newly

elected Government and usher J&K in new era of all
round development
No. : DIP/J-5811
Dt. : 25/12/08 J&K Government
Epilogue
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Annual Review Anniversary Special Election Special

Content
www.epilogue.in
Editor Annual Review Anniversary Special Election Special
su e
Zafar Iqbal Choudhary Annual Review Anniversary Special Election Special
I s Election Special
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Consulting Editor Annual Review Anniversary Special
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s Special Election Special
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e
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niv Special
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Research Officer
A Anniversary Election Special
Annual Review Anniversary Special Election Special Anniversary Section
Raman Sharma Annual Review Anniversary Special Election Special
Designs & Layout Letters 5

Keshav Sharma Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2009 The real journey
Mailing Address has just begun... 10
PO Box 50, HO Gandhi Nagar, IN FOCUS Zafar Choudhary
Jammu Election Special 2008
...And Miles to go
Phones & email 18 Mandate 2008 Before We Sleep 16
The Change of Regime D Suba chandran
Office : +91 191 2493136
Editorial: +91 94191 80762 19 Kashmir crisis come full circle
Administration: +91 94190 00123 Epilogue @2 :
21 Change, not by Mandate
A quick look 12
+91 920 50 46146
[email protected] 22 Vote for change of faces
[email protected] 22 NC : Same number, some new faces Our Authors 143

[email protected] 24 PDP : Gaining grounds, substantially
Edited, Printed, Published and 25 Congress : Worst sufferer of 2008

Owned by Zafar Iqbal Choudhary. 27 BJP : Performance beyond land row
Published from : Ibadat House,
Madrasa Lane, Near Graveyard, 29 Coalition’s Ministers face crushing defeat
Bad performance of ‘good governance’
Bathindi Top, Jammu, J&K -
180012 and Printed at : DEE 31 34 parties, 1100 candidates bowled for duck
DEE Reprographix, 3 Aikta
Ashram, New Rehari Jammu (J&K)
33 Srinagar Factor
NC pockets seats, PDP eats vote share
Disputes, if any, subject to 34 Unemployed Chief Ministers

jurisdiction of courts and 35 Generational Change
competitive tribunals in Jammu only.
34 Headed For Hung Assembly
RNI : JKENJ/2007/26070 For more News, Views & Analysis

ISN : 00974-5653 Log on to
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January 2009
Epilogue

Annual Review Anniversary Special Election Special Annual Reviews
s e
u
Mughal Road
I s Election History
The Dream Turns into Reality 113
r
Annual Review Anniversary Special
a y Special
rs Special
e Special
Annual Review Anniversary Special
Election
Election
Special
Rajput Rulers and Sufis
Special
iv
n
of
Special Election SpecialJammu 116
Annual Review n
Annual Review Anniversary Election Special
A Anniversary Special Election Special
The Great Leap Forward :
Indo-Us relations
on the Upswing 118
Bangladesh :
Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2009 The Great Experiment
Fails 121
IN FOCUS
Indo-Pak Relations
Election Special 2008 Back to Square One 123
Winner’s Profile, Inside Pakistan ::
constituency-wise poll Changing Realities 127
analysis past background
38-112 Recounciling with the Taliban 131
Mumbai Attacks :
Those who do not learn
from the past... 133
India Most Wanted 134
Perform JKPDC
‘Fortify JKPDC Instead of
NHPC’ 138
Movies :
Movies that made difference 140
For more News, Views & Analysis

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January 2009
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Second Anniversary Spe
Mail your letters to [email protected]
BRIG VK SHARMA SHABIR AHMAD GILKAR

VSM BG VERGHESE
Improve e-magazine
Bold, forthright At two years you have Your e magazine looks
M y heartiest
felicitations to you
struck roots good and need more
improvement in design,
and your team on the
second anniversary of the
C ongratulations on attaining the
ripe old age of two. If you have
survived for two years you have
so that the look and feel
should be at par and
illustrious Epilogue. You expresses the best
have indeed rendered a struck roots. technological workout.
Yeoman's service to the I have found the journal interesting.
general public by your Maybe you need to broaden your canvas to look at what *****
bold and forthright has been happening in PAK and the Northern Areas and at SANDEEP KELKAR,
approach to report latest the solutions on offer or desired Also the surrounding MUkherjee Nagar, New Delhi.
issues/ happenings scene - Tibet, Xinjiang, Afghainstan - the last being
concerning J&K. All the closely linked to developments in J&K. And, of course July 2007
articles published are well Pakistan. True, violence is
researched and apt to the
prevailing situations. May
not the only story
Allah be with you in all PV MAHESH, RK SHARMA, Delhi Dear editor,
your earnest endeavours. Mangalore University, New Delhi. The catch-line of the
EPILOGUE magazine says
“now telling the untold
OCTOBER-2007 Good Show stories of Jammu and
*****
Make it more inclusive
A magazine from
Jammu and Kashmir!
Kashmir”. We here in Delhi
WAJAHAT HABIBULLAH
G reat initiative for the
first time I saw this
magazine last month and
This should not only be a
readers paradise but an
and other parts of the
country know only one
story about Kashmir-that
also for the first time a important asset to all there is terrorism, there is
magazine on J&K published researchers who are violence, there is poverty
from the state. Great working on Jammu and and there is political
initiative and I commend Kashmir or want to know conflict. Your efforts are
the effort. There could be about this region. appreciable on looking
more reports and views from But you may also like to beyond the conventional
different regions of J&K provide more news stories but still to live up to
including that are under the report in a nutshell on your slogans, the magazine
occupation of Pakistan. what is happening needs to dig little deeper.
Excellent Job! Ladakh, for example, people inside the region. How There have been quite a
Congratulations!
outside J&K hardly get to about chronology events few interesting stories on
You are doing an excellent
know anything. in J&K? business and economy
job. All the best.
which were even quoted by
the prestigious journals
SYED MUBASHIR RUFI like 'Economic and Political
Weekly', but your main
Veteran writers making Epilogue more focus still remains on
politics. It has been enough
interesting reading about politics of
I have gone through many issues of Epilogue and found

that the magazine is altogether different from all
those magazines which r published in our state.
Kashmir but there are still
many issues which people
are not aware of. Your
Epilogue keeps its readers well informed about political reporting on environment is
& social issues. Moreover the veteran writers of our quite dismal. We are keen
state have contributed to the magazine in the best to know more about
possible way, thereby rendering excellent services to economy and environment
the readers of the magazine. I congratulation to you of Kashmir. Please do
and your team for completing two successful years in consider some stories on
brilliantly bringing out the magazine .I hope that the these issues in your
tempo will be kept on. I have all my good wishes for ultimate success of epilogue. forthcoming editions.
Epilogue Ø
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January 2009
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SHEIKH FARAZ IQBAL
JUNE 2007
May be a political stunt, but every one wants demilitarisation
Dear editor
T his pertains to your article's “cautious approach to demilitarization” (Priyadarshnee Andley,

P35, May edition). The statement that issue has been raised by the coalition partner PDP with
political interest may be nothing short of truth. But analyzing the J & K scenario does this not
appear to you that though the demand my be political in nature but demilitarization is required. I
mean it is we the people of J & K who have suffered at the hands of these terrorists (militants and
army). I though agree when you say that the local police are inefficient when it comes to handling
militancy but if you consider the amount that the center has been spending on this ruthless and must I say communal
army, is utilized for upgrading the local police both in standards and weaponry. I presume that this problem can be dealt
with, though I do realize that this might take some time. The situation in valley is so, that any citizen of the sate is
required to show and prove his identity to these army men, this to me is utter non-sense, I don't understand why we
should be subjected touch harassment when this land and state belong to us. Speaking constitutionally army is suppose to
guard the boundaries of nation and not settle into establish their despotism, what they are doing in our state is just
acquiring land and setting up cantonments. Obviously it remains a fact that the enchanting beauty of our state is hard to
resist and nowhere else to be found in this world that is why they aren't ready to vacate our lands. I would request you to
support this demilitarization ideology in any way you can let his land go back to its rightful owners and army be
withdrawn, let each and every child of this soil breath in air without the fear of being watched by a fauji.
VINEET NARAYAN, Bangalore with a keen eye on the VISHAL SINGH, Bangalore
developments in
SEPTEMBER 2007 Jammu and Kashmir, DECEMBER 2007
Bring Voices from PoK also your August edition has Epilogue in Bangalore
Dear editor come to me as a rare
book of reference but I unbelievably true
Y our attempt of highlighting
important events past sixty
years( EPILOGUE, AUG 2007, Edition)
suggest that in
subsequent editions A mazing 1 I belong to Jammu
and have been working in
efforts are made ot Bangalore for past eight months in
which shaped up Jammu and Kashmir
deserves appreciation but this work discuss the events of post a software company. Recently I
was little hasty. Since this magazine in contextual details. You happened to be at an outlet of
appears to me as only serious had a regular column Oxford Book Store here where I
journalism reaching out to different from Muzzafarabad but saw a copy of Epilogue.
parts of country with exclusive coverage that has not appeared in the present edition. The quick thought in my mind
of Jammu and Kashmir, therefore focus Please see that some voices from the other was that a magazine with the
should be on in depth coverage instead of side of the line of control are given space same name is being published
just giving the key dates, being a journalist every month . from Jammu also. When I picked
up a copy I realized that it was
MARJAN LUCAS, The Netherlands. the same magazine. My
heartiest congratulations for
two things: one that its image
Improve web edition makeover puts Epilogue not only
Dear editor, in league but also in
Congratulations for the serious effort which goes in making of ' epilogue '. I have been competition with leading
reading epilogue on web with a keen interest bun of late there is some problem with national magazines and second
the web edition. that you have reached out to
I tried to subscribe the web edition but so far didn't succeed because either the page is the places like Bangalore.
not available on the screen or PDF format says on e most send a cheque, which is rather Very true-your catchword-
difficult for interested person like me living outside Kashmir. Can you tell me how to act Telling the Jammu and Kashmir
so that I read indeed the contents of Epilogue in full ? I must say that this is a wonderful stories, really it was a
publication particularly for the person living outside but interested in Kashmir. heartwarming experience. MY
Regards.
good wishes.
Epilogue Ø
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January 2009
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SANJAYA BARU JANDYAL

New Delhi. Dr. MIRZA ASHRAF BEG.
I Look Forward To
Reading It Enlist first major Some events skipped your attention
event
Regularly
Dear Editor
Just happened to glance at
I have just seen epilogue on line and was surprised to
notice that some important events that should have
been on front page have escaped your keen observation.
E pilogue is quite
interesting and
objective source of
the cover and noticed that
you did not list the 1st
Land reforms in Jammy and Kashmir.
Creation of department of custodian to safeguard the
important event that took properties of those who have left the state in 1947 ( the
information on Jammu place in July 1947. After same law could have been applied to safeguard the
and Kashmir. I look receipt of a letter from the properties of migrants of unfortunate events of the
forward to reading it British Residents that due present turmoil) had the governments in power wished to
regularly. to the end of paramountcy do so ?
they were returning the Arrest of Shiekh Mohammad Abdullah in 1953- Reasos and
control of Gilgit Maharaj consequences.
issued a proclamation Kashmir accord between Mrs. Idira and Shiekh Sahib.
C PHUNSOG Vote of non confidence against the sheikh government,
accepting control. Only
reason I know is because Reasos and effects.
JANUARY 2008
my father drafted the Elections of 1977.
Make Book Reviews proclamation and gave it to Reasons of the present turmoil that has lead to the
A Regular Feature PM Kak to get Mahahraja's loss of more than hundred thousands lives, custodial
I congratulate you on
bringing out a quality
monthly magazine within
signature. My father also
drafted the constitution
that went into effect in
Killings,rapes,forced disappearances, migration of
the minority community and suicides of the armed
forces atc.
one year of its launching. I January 1957. There are are many more suggestions. Let us stay in
don't have any major touch. We are all well wishers of humanity.
comments on its ******
improvement except that
there is a need to label BRIG ABHIJIT GUHA
pictures in the magazine. VIKAS KHAJURIA
One book review in each Progressive Farmer, Expand area of
issue may also help in Kalakote, Rajouri, J&K coverage to entire
promoting reading habit
MAY 2008
J&K
among the readers.
******
From Lab to Field W e are greatly
appreciative of your
magazine which has provided
M.S Swamitnathan has definitely put in right an alternative to mainstream
perspective (Towards A Food Secure J&K, Ladakh : coverage of events in Jammu
BRIG SK CHATTERJI Epilogue April 208) the agriculture and horticulture and Kashmir. We, however,
Deputy Director General, potential of J&K State. But the concern still remain feel that to garner greater
Public Information, DGoMI that with two apparently vibrant agricultural readership, your articles
universities in the state, with tall claims of great should cover all regions of
FEBURARY 2008 Jammu and Kashmir
strides made in research, the
Army Chief effective transfer of including the Pakistan
occupied Kashmir, Gilgit and
appreciates Epilogue technology to the field is still
Balochistan and also the
The Chief of the Army Staff lacking. The extension
education needs to be adjoining Pakistan. This
has gone through the would meet aspirations of
Epilogue magazine and has strengthened at Panchayat
level apart from mobilizing region specific readers and
conveyed his appreciations also provide an over-arching
Krishi Vigyan Kendra's and
to you for bringing out such compendium to interested
Research & Development
quality magazine. analysts.
activities.
******* ******
Epilogue Ø
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January 2009
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MIR HILAL AHMED SAIMA LATIF, Kishtwar

SACHIN PILOT,
University of Kashmir
MP, Lok Sabha
Bollywood must look into other
Epilogue Has Filled Up The roles of Muslims
Vacuum
P rint media has registered a huge growth
in Jammu and Kashmir over last one
T he movie review written by Aprajita
Mazumdar is a good piece, she has done
her work very well. And the question she raises
and half decade. It is still growing. While is really very fair one that why terrorism is only
there is a wide array of newspapers to associated with Islam? There are still several
issues related to Muslims which never come to Sincere effort
choose from every morning, there was
I have been reading
always a need of a serious journal which light, Muslims are poor, they are illiterate, they
Epilogue magazine
looks beyond the run of the mill and bring are jobless but it seems that every Bollywood
regularly. I appreciate
about some indepth stories. We are happy director has only one thing in mind for Muslims the sincerity of
that Epilogue is playing that role quite –terrorism, terrorism and terrorism. In a efforts that go into
professionally. routine Bollywood story a Muslim is always a making of this
bad man whether he is Amrish Puri in Gadar or magazine.
Naseeruddin Shah in Fanna. Can we please
RAVINDAR SINGH SASAN SOMI have something better to watch?
Council For Social Dev. AHSAN AHMED RATHER,
New Delhi Advocate, Anantnag
RANADHIR GHOSH
Cooch Behar, West Bengal SEPTEMBER 2008
Conduct Some Research on
Thanks ! Wajahat
Brahmin Sikhs Not available in Cooch Behar Habibullah
I n Kashmir, the sizable population to the
tune of few lakhs is of Brahmin Sikhs,
scattered in Jammu, Poonch, Baramula and
I had the pleasure of going through Epilogue
magazine after I got a copy from the Secretary T he views expressed
by Jenab Wajahat
General of the Press Club of India. The Habibullah over recent
earlier in Muzaffrabad and Mirpur areas. I construction of stories and page layout has happenings in the state
wonder if EPILOGUE could throw some impressed me. The range of issues discussed (in his interview,
light on these original natives of the state- by the magazine is quite relevant and need Epilogue, August 2008)
may of their history, race and culture. Or wider dissemination. It is, however, sad to clearly signify that no
some of your research staff could take up note that the magazine is not available in areas secular and informed
this task in hand for the benefit of of Cooch Behar. Please make arrangements of person like him can
posterity. distribution in North Bengal. remain mute at this
juncture, perhaps he
knows more about the
MOHIT SHARMA RAVINDAR SINGH SASAN SOMI state and is worried
Agr. Student Solan, HP Council For Social Development, New Delhi
about the present
scenario. Wajahat
About Livestock Scenario Conduct Some Research on Sahab truly deserves a
E pilogue (April 2008) has given a unique

analysis of Agriculture in field. It would
have been more comprehensive with a
Brahmin Sikhs
I n Kashmir, the sizable population to the
warm appreciation for
always showing courtesy
for the cause of
tune of few lakhs is of Brahmin Sikhs,
detailed presentation of livestock scenario, scattered in Jammu, Poonch, Baramula and Kashmir, surely time has
potential and challenges. J&K has a great earlier in Muzaffrabad and Mirpur areas. I compelled him to speak
potential of livestock development but still wonder if EPILOGUE could throw some light up. People like him,
majority of the demands from livestock on these original natives of the state- may across the society need
sector are met from the imports from other of their history, race and culture. Or some to come for the sake of
states. Livestock still remain a neglected lot of your research staff could take up this task nationality.
in Agriculture. in hand for the benefit of posterity.
*******
Epilogue Ø
8×
January 2009
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Under this Chinar

TARIQ GILKAR
Nowhatta, Srinagar. A New Year for Her
Basant Rath
Did Sinha know
Kashmiriyat?
I nstead of just carrying
an interview with
former Governor Sinha
the young man in uniform
in a walnut photo frame
still smiling outside the burial site
(Epilogue, July 2008)
with his full military honors
you should have done a
story on what he did to
Jammu and Kashmir a gallantry medal pinned
before demitting on his bride's chest
office. He talks loud writes widowhood, tells her too
about Kashmiriyat. of the bloodshed that led
What does he know about Kashmiriyat except for to his death in the snow
organizing a Sufi festival every year and visiting Charar-e-
Sharief. He made the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to as she stands alone
dance to his tunes and lead to not only fall of his
before our drawing-room-eyes
government but also got him isolated in the Congress
party. Azad will have to pay a price for being a party to leisurely just enough
the Hindutva campaign unleashed by Sinha. In his to paint her tomorrow
interviews, after leaving J&K, he has been criticizing in two minutes' silence
Congress and praising Azad. You carried just Sinha's in two drops of tears
interview when his views were well known. Why your
in two apple-scented candles
comment was missing?
in two broken bangles
Win
Write to the editor for your six-month free
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Letters should preferably be

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January 2009
cial
The real journey

has just begun...
E
pilogue, the name of this magazine, is not just a beautiful word
picked up to promote a brand. It has a lot to do with idea and
policy of your magazine which is now two years old. By
definition, Epilogue means: “a speech or piece of text which is
added to the end of a (play or) book, often giving a short
statement about what happens to the characters after the play or book
finishes”. Journalism, it is said, is history written in haste. Our idea was to
give a calm deal to the history and come up with a comprehensive account
every month. Therefore, the name Epilogue. In our first issue, that hit the
stalls in January 2007, I had written in detail in the mission statement that
why this magazine is being launched. Since then thousands of readers
from across the country and many parts of world have joined us. On
second anniversary of magazine I would like to reiterate that our mission
is to bridge the gaps, through information, Jammu and Kashmir has within
or outside. As many times we recall the August 13, 2003 statement of then
US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage our resolve gets stronger in
telling the world untold stories of Jammu and Kashmir. Delivering a
lecture in Sydney, Armitage had said: Kashmir along with Palestine and
Israel is the most dangerous place on earth…there are a lot of other
dangerous parts in world but India and Pakistan over Kashmir come to
mind”. True, Jammu and Kashmir continues to be at the center of conflict
between nuclear armed two hostile South Asian neighbours but the point
is that conflict and violence is not the only feature Jammu and Kashmir
should be known for. If one looks at richness of our state from historical,
social, political, economic and even spiritual angles the area of conflict
will appear dwarfed. In this direction we have been writing on the areas
beyond conflict while keeping a track of the conflict we well. This effort
has been appreciated by hundreds and thousands of such readers who had
always wanted to know the stories beyond violence. Our endeavour has
consistently remained and will continue to remain on bridging gaps,
exploring the constituencies of peace, cooperation and development and
then strengthening them. We have always tried to report on areas, events
and people which largely go missing in the mainstream areas for want of
space and time. As you look at the following pages in our anniversary
section, you will get a fair idea on the range of issues we dealt with over
past two years.
Initially, Epilogue had a little drab outlook and we lacked in many areas
which should have been an essential part of any magazine like this. A
meeting with one of leading policy analysts and a keen researcher on
Jammu and Kashmir, D Suba Chandran, a Deputy Director at the Institute
Zafar Choudhary of Peace and Conflict Studies in New Delhi, changed the whole future
Editor course. Once we knew each other well (just in one meeting) we agreed to
[email protected] work together while keeping our primary engagements and commitments
Epilogue Ø
10 ×
January 2009
cial
intact. The first thing Suba did was to change from unexpected people and unexpected Inspired by the magazines
the design and layout. He is not a designer areas despite the fact that we had no
but he put in a vision which we later worked advertisement budget at all. It was the word delivering global stories to
at. He introduced magazine to some leading of mouth which spread fast and is still even small townships, the
columnists, analysts and policy experts in spreading. There are many examples which
country and made many to write for came as moral booster but here is one which idea of this magazine was
Epilogue. The constituency has only grown changed out mindset. Without applying for conceived in reverse
ever after. There have been other people we got a bulk subscription order from the
responsible for shaping the structure of Ministry of External Affairs in March last year. manner four years back.
Epilogue. A leading columnist, whose We had a fair idea that our work is being
political satire has rare parallels, Dr Ajaz taken note of at the places where it should
'Reverse manner' means
Ahmed Baba is one among them. Wajahat really have been. Over the months our we wanted to take the
Habibullah, MS Swaminathan, Abdul Rahim subscription base enlarged significantly but
Rather, Dr Haseeb Drabu, Dr SS Bloeria, stability in economy remained a far cry.
small stories to big places.
Masud Chaudhary, Gautam Navlakha, Prof Magazine or newspapers can not survive for Precisely we had in our
Nisar Ali, Prof Rekha Choudhary, Prof Noor long without advertisement revenue backup.
Ahmed Baba, Prof Jigar Mohammad, Syeda Many would have wanted to advertise in
mind an influential and
Afshana, Pawan Bali, Tsewang Rigzin are Epilogue but we did not have the money to serious reader sitting
among the people who have remained hire a marketing team for the purpose. For
continuous source of strength and inspiration me getting into advertisement business
elsewhere in the country
for Epilogue in their own ways. personally would have been a process of or world looking for some
belittling the journalist inside. Killing the
journalist and nourishing the businessman or
alternate source of
Inspired by the magazines delivering global
stories to even small townships, the idea of manager was not the aim of my joining information on Jammu
journalism or launching this magazine.
this magazine was conceived in reverse
Therefore, I picked up a unique way of
and Kashmir. This idea
manner four years back. 'Reverse manner'
means we wanted to take the small stories to backing magazine's finances. I took part-time really worked. Today
assignments at a couple of media outlets and
big places. Precisely we had in our mind an
some media research projects to mobilize
there is hardly any
influential and serious reader sitting
elsewhere in the country or world looking for income drawn from there on the magazine. influential think-tank,
some alternate source of information on Such an arrangement too has its own
limitations. My wife Irm, a backbone of the policy institution or the
Jammu and Kashmir. This idea really worked.
Today there is hardly any influential think- magazine as its associate editor, allowed me official policy desks in
tank, policy institution or the official policy to put on magazine whatever I earned from
my other assignments. Towards the end of India which is not on the
desks in India which is not on the subscription
base of Epilogue. Our readers come from the our two-year journey some advertisements subscription base of
genre of their own. They are those who make too have started pouring in which certainly
will see expansion of magazine turning it into Epilogue. Our readers come
policies, influence policies or implement
them. When we see Epilogue quoted by a fortnightly very soon. If Epilogue has been from the genre of their own.
leading newspapers or magazines that really able to complete two years of uninterrupted
publication, I owe a lot of it to Irm, son They are those who make
comes as strength for us to carry the mission
on. It is this acknowledgement of work which Hamaad and my parents who allowed me to policies, influence policies or
has contributed in real manner to remain completely disconnected from the
family except for a total of six hours a day implement them. When we
uninterrupted journey of Epilogue otherwise
at many occasions in past two years I thought when I would return for eating and sleeping. see Epilogue quoted by
“this is going to be the last issue”. This Not even a single holiday in two years. With
two years and 25th issue out, we have just leading newspapers or
magazine had come as a reporter's initiative
with no financial backing of any kind. When learnt how to run the magazine and I believe magazines that really
first issue was put in the press, there was the real journey starts now as Epilogue has
absolutely no idea about the second issue. raised huge expectations of the readers. comes as strength for us to
After every issue his stalls we got feedbacks carry the mission on.
Epilogue Ø
11 ×
December 2008
cial
The Annual Review Book

B ringing out the inaugural issue was a challenge. The idea was to offer something to readers
which clicks immediately and had a longer shelf life. Since the first issue was to hit the stalls
on first day of New Year, therefore, we came up with an annual review issue. It was then not
surprising that the first issue went out of stalls within 10 days. That was the time we started
getting calls for distributors and vendors asking for more.
January
2007
The Promises Ahead

Y ear 2007 began in Jammu and Kashmir really on a promising note. There was a huge push to
the peace process and the talk of Cross-LoC trade gained currency. We interviewed Mirwaiz
Umar Farooq a day before left for Pakistan and the Pak administered Kashmir tour. He talked of
'imaginative solution' to Kashmir issue. Almost same sentiment was echoed by Syed Ali Shah
Geelani in another exclusive interview. State budget advanced by two months promised a
massive employment program to take the youth out of quagmire.
February
2007
Baglihar and other Chestnuts

I n the backdrop of World Bank appointed neutral expert Prof Raymond Lifette's award on
Baglihar hydro-electric project on Chenab, our March issue focused on management and
resolution of conflicts between India and Pakistan. Indus Water Treaty one such agreement
between both countries which withstood all harshest tests of the times since 1960 and this was
first time ever that both countries first agreed to appointment of a third party arbitration and
then both accepted the award describing it s victory in their own way.
March
2007
The Vote Bank Standoff

D escribing themselves as natural allies at the time of formation of coalition government in
October-November 2002, uncalled for conflict between PDP and Congress started showing
towards the end of 2006. It reached almost a point of no return on March 2007 when Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh intervened to save the coalition form a disastrous fall. Our April 2007
issue, thus, came out with a fearless commentary on the politics of vested interests. This issue
also carried an interview with Zulfikar Abbasi, president of PaK CCI who later led a trade
April delegation to J&K in October 2008.
2007
Billion Dollar Question for Peace

F ormer Finance Minister of Pakistan, Shahid Javed Burki had written a paper for United States
Institute of Peace. The study suggested an investment of US Dollar 20 billion for
infrastructure development on both sides of J&K and argued that subsequent stakes in economy
will overrun politics to pave way for Kashmir becoming conduit of peace between India and
Pakistan. Our analysis of this research endorsed the argument but with an addendum: emphasis
on economic development is good but political aspiration can't be overlooked. This issue also
May carried an interview with J&K Finance Minister and President of PaK Bar Association.
2007
Looking Beyond 'K' Issue

W hat we tried to underline in our June 2007 issue became dominant nationwide cry exactly a
year later. In June 2008 thousands of people in Jammu were on streets and the state was
engulfed in a fire of regional and communal hatred. This issue was a forewarning on the fallout of
a skewed political approach. Our main argument was based on the premise that external
dimensions of Kashmir issue can be resolved by force or by diplomacy but no resolution can be
lasting without addressing the internal dimensions.
June
2007
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12 ×
January 2009
cial
Power: Policy Failures

J ammu and Kashmir is a classic case of summering from what the state has in plenty. For long,
during peak winters and harsh summers, the people have been told that Indus Water Treaty's
discriminatory clauses against J&K have left the state devoid of its electricity generating
potential –waters of Chenab and Jhelum flowing to Pakistan. The fact of the matter, however,
remains that J&K never had a visionary policy on harnessing its hydro-electric potential. Our July
2007 was a piece of comprehensive research on water potential and politics.
July
2007
JK & 60
T he problem with our younger generation in understanding Jammu and Kashmir is that they
know very little about past. They key events most of the people in our age remember are the
partition and wars. Our August 2007 issue was essentially a commemorative volume chronicling
metamorphosis of change Jammu and Kashmir underwent from 1947 to 2007. Every key
development arranged in a sequential order made this issue an essential reference on J&K.
Which is why August 2008 issue is still in demand not only from across the country but also from
August abroad.
2007
J&K: The Land of Contact

T his was second of our four issues exclusively devoted to the people-to-people contacts
between two parts of Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. A team of experts traveled different
parts of state including Ladakh and spoke to key stakeholders before concluding that Jammu and
Kashmir can essentially be a land of contact not only between India and Pakistan but also in the
South and Central Asian region. Backed with extensive research, this issue analyzed importance
of throwing other routes to open to trade and tourism.
September
2007
60 Years of Conflict
I t was the month of October 1947 that the events, one after the other, pushed Jammu and
Kashmir into a most enduring of the conflicts world saw in recent history. That no two people
have been seen or heard sharing same opinion on Kashmir issue, we requested many to send in
their view points. Few of them responded with their understanding. Notable among them were
Wajahat Habibullah, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Aziz Zargar, Masud Chaudhary, MY Tarigami,
Iftikhar Geelani and KN Pandita. In their own perspective, the authors trace genesis of conflict
O c t o b e r and its journey over 60 years.
2007
Ladakh: The Land of Moon

T he present day Jammu and Kashmir is comprised of three distinct units and Ladakh, the least
visited is perhaps the least understood. Our November 2007 issue was therefore a tribute to
the land of the moon and its innocent people. It explored the politics, art, culture, life and style.
With this exclusive issue on Ladakh we initiated our editorial commitment with this last place of
the country. Since November 2007, Epilogue carried a regular section on Ladakh bringing reports
from grassroots and connecting with the people.
November
2007
Forests & Foresters

Jammu and Kashmir should have been known better in country for its supposedly thick forest
cover. The fact of the matter, however, is that now it is known more its depleting greenery. At
a time when protection of forests appeared a non-priority and their exploitation had become a
rank priority in the government we dared to bring out this special issue which was taken by a
pinch of contempt by department's top brass. Nevertheless, government institutions, forest
agencies and non-governmental organization dealing with subject are still writing us for copies
December of this issue.
2007
Epilogue Ø
13 ×
January 2009
cial
Economy & Other Ideas

F or past some time the state government has been seen laying a huge stress on economic
revival of Jammu and Kashmir. Our January 2008 issue came up with an analysis of the
performance on economy where the former Finance Minister and the incumbent Finance Minister
shared their ideas and approaches to the subject. Issue assumed significance as the budget
session of legislature had been advanced by a month. Then Governor SK Sinha spelt out his stand
on a variety of issues in a detailed interview.
January
2008
Money Movement
T his issue came after presentation of J&K's annual budget and therefore carried a
comprehensive analysis of the proposals made therein. As members of ruling coalition and
opposition locked horns leaving almost no scope of debate inside assembly, we carried it here in
the magazine. Finance Minister wrote for Epilogue what he could not say in assembly. There are
articles from Abdul Rahim Rather, the leader of opposition who was also the former Finance
Minister and interview with Mohammad Shafi another Finance Minister
February
2008
Pakistan Elections
W e can say with authority and confidence that no other magazine in India could cover the
general elections in Pakistan as we did in March 2008 issue. There were indepth reports,
regional trends and analysis. We transcended borders to cover Pakistan elections as restoration
of democracy in our neighbourhood assumed a huge importance for India in general and Jammu
and Kashmir in particular.
March
2008
Food security
I n the thick of politics the crucial issues of food and shelter are often lost. Our April 2008 issue
dealt with the question of food security in Jammu and Kashmir and that perhaps the most
comprehensive coverage of the subject. A lead essay by father of green revolution MS
Swaminathan left hardly any thing to add. State Agriculture Minister gave the policy vision and
Vice Chancellors of two Agriculture Universities in J&K made an elaborate account of research
and technology in making Jammu and Kashmir food secure.
April
2008
Identity and Politics

W e believe that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir can not be dealt with properly without
obtaining an understanding of identities –regional and ethnic. Our May 2008 issue was about
the tribal identities which have not been touched upon in researches and also in the larger
political discourse. Gujjars, spread across the state, and Dards of Ladakh were the two tribes we
covered in this issue with a promise to cover all identities in subsequent issues.
May
2008
Cross-LoC trade
T rade across the Line of Control has arguably been the mother of all confidence building
measures between India and Pakistan involving Jammu and Kashmir. Epilogue was arguably
the first news and current affairs publication to come up with a comprehensive issue on broad
contours of Cross-LoC trade. The bottlenecks we had talked about were later evident when trade
was actually initiated in October.
June
2008
Epilogue Ø
14 ×
January 2009
cial
Amaranth Land Row

I n June-July-August 2008 Jammu and Kashmir was at face to face with a worst crisis of the
history. Earlier the troubles have been involving regions this time religion was at the center of
controversy. Truth was the obvious casualty when all parties involved fought pitched battles with
state on streets and in the media. We carried a complete backgrounder in July issue and wrote an
elaborate account of politics mixing up with religion. Then Governor Gen SK Sinha was in the line
of fire. He gave a detailed interview to Epilogue –the only occasion he spoke to any media outlet
July before demitting Raj Bhawan office.
2008
Fall of Coalition
T he coalition government peoples PDP and the Congress had come up with a Common
Minimum Program at the time of its formation in 2002. When the government fell down in
July 2008 after a bitter acrimony between coalition partners, they went out without leaving a
report card on their performance. Epilogue brought out a point-wise examination of all 30 points
contained in the CMP of governance and concluded that the pledges were forgotten.
August
2008
J&k's Summer Agitation

S ummer of 2008 will always be remembered as a dark chapter in the secular and tolerance
history of Jammu and Kashmir. On Amarnath land row, the lunatic and hawkish voices had
completely taken over the sensible voices. We launched a search for the voices of peace and
reason and came up with as many ideas as possible. We are happy that no chance was given to the
narrow regional or religious views to creep in our pages.
September
2008
Intra-Kashmir Contacts and Trade

S hortly before the historic cross-LoC trade was launched between two parts of Jammu and
Kashmir, the United States Institute of Peace had come up with a most comprehensive study
on making borders irrelevant. Under a special endowment from USIP, Epilogue carried
reproduced the study in fall. It was a painstaking research taken by Hassan Askari and PR Chari,
two leading policy experts of Pakistan and India, respectively.
October
2008
Elections: Challenge 2008

W e have brought out three issues on assembly elections 2008 and the November issue was
first in the series. Elections were being held in the backdrop of a worst separatist and
communal agitation in state. With a commentary on the prevailing political and security
atmosphere, the November issue carried a complete backgrounder on the past elections.
November
2008
Hung Assembly
I n the middle of elections our small team of staffers along with some 30 volunteers traveled
across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir to gauge the public mood. The conclusion
was that there will be a hung assembly with NC as largest party, PDP second and Congress third.
Looking at the pages of our December issue one can see all parties have come up with same
number of seats as we had predicted except the BJP.
December
2008
Epilogue Ø
15 ×
January 2009
cial
...And Miles to go
Before We Sleep
I
t's been two years since the first edition of Epilogue
hit the stands. Publishing a monthly magazine.
From J&K. Based in Jammu – may appear an easy
task to most of you who have been reading magazines
like India Today and Outlook. In principle, yes. After
all, what's the big deal? All you need is to put together a
few articles from different contributors, an editorial,
and a cover story – and you've got yourself a brand new
issue! I wish running a magazine was that effortless
though!
Two years of Epilogue, is no mean achievement; all of

the credit for which should go to Zafar Choudhary, the
Editor. I met him first in 2007, in Jammu University,
even though we had been interacting through email
and over the phone much before that. Remarkably
enthusiastic and deeply committed, I've seen him go
through his share of immense suffering and struggle to
keep this magazine going.
We have had numerous meetings on how to make

Epilogue better – questions about what its focus should
be, how it could be revamped, and how its circulation
might be increased – have all been discussed and
debated, at length. To be honest, most of the times,
we have been unable to meet our own deadlines and
follow through with what we had planned.
At the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New

Delhi, where I have been working for over a decade
now, we have a website (www.ipcs.org) dedicated to
addressing topical South Asian political and strategic
issues. Despite being based in New Delhi, which has no
dearth of strategic experts and scholars from the three
foremost Indian Universities – JNU, DU and Jamia
Millia; we have frequently faced problems in receiving
articles worth publishing. The Institute has brought
out numerous publications, some of which however,
had to be abandoned since it had become difficult to
D Suba Chandran carry on publishing them. This, despite having a small,
Consulting Editor but dedicated team!
Epilogue Ø
16 ×
January 2009
cial
At Epilogue, we do not have adequate staff J a m m u , K a s h m i r, L a k a d h , M i r p u r & Our dream is to

support, like many other magazines and news Muzaffarabad and Gilgit and Baltistan. We
papers. Neither do we have funding like other recognize the importance of giving adequate see Epilogue
publishing houses. We do not have big focus to all the regions and the different issues
become the bridge
circulation numbers like the national that confront them. Despite our efforts
magazines either. What we have instead, is a however, we have not been able to do much in between J&K and
dream and the determination to pursue it. this regard, these first two years. We promise
ourselves and our readers, that in 2009,
the rest of the
Our dream is to see Epilogue become the Epilogue will become a holistic magazine, world. In these
bridge between J&K and the rest of the world. representative of all regions and peoples of
In these times of unprecedented commotion the state. times of
and phenomenal acceleration of globalization unprecedented
processes, it is hard to remain isolated. It is It is our endeavour to make Epilogue the new
our endeavour therefore, to make Epilogue voice of J&K – the voice of the youth, of commotion and
the window through which the world can get a budding dreams and hopes, and a platform for phenomenal
peek into the rich and complex life of this those voices which have long been submerged
enigmatic state and its people, and a forum in the violent political cacophony. We acceleration of
through which the outside world can be sincerely hope to become such a voice that will
globalization
brought into your lives. rise above the din, to act as a constructive
critic, and express the dreams of the people processes, it is
To this end, we have been regularly trying to fearlessly of building a safer and more
peaceful future. To this end, we also hope to
hard to remain
publish essays on the goings-on in our
neighbourhood and other parts of the world. be able to organize a leadership summit for the isolated. It is our
While the progress we have made in this regard youth, particularly students.
is heartening, we are yet to systematize this
endeavour
process. One of our biggest challenges and In terms of periodicity, we have been thinking therefore, to make
resolutions for 2009 therefore, is to ensure we for a while to convert the magazine into a
bring the world to J&K in a much more fortnightly. A month is too long a period; for at Epilogue the
systematic way. Our readers should be able to times the world can change dramatically in window through
know what is happening in the rest of the world incredibly short durations. Although we would
simply by flipping through the pages of love to have Epilogue as a weekly, that might which the world
Epilogue. take a while to materialize, given the
can get a peek
considerable challenges involved. We
While most of our coverage so far, has sincerely hope convert it into a fortnightly by into the rich and
primarily revolved around the political aspects the end of 2009. Finally, in terms of
presentation, we also look forward to making
complex life of
of J&K, there is a lot more that demands our
attention and which needs to be told to the this a fully colored magazine. It's a gigantic this enigmatic
world – the economic, social, cultural, and dream, given the costs involved, but a dream
historical facets of the state. While we have worth pursuing. state and its
made important advances in this direction, people, and a
there remains a lot more to be accomplished. This is where we stand today, two years after
Once again, we hope to ensure, that in 2009 embarking on this exciting journey. 'Every forum through
Epilogue becomes the vehicle for J&K in its beginning hath an end, and every end marks a which the outside
entirety and does not remain limited to its new beginning'. Armed with this as our guiding
political and security dimensions alone. spirit, Epilogue sets out on another year's world can be
journey, to become the new voice and vehicle
brought into your
J&K is not just one monolithic region, but a of J&K and the bridge that connects us with
world composed of several diverse regions – the rest. lives.
Epilogue Ø
17 ×
January 2009
Election Special
MANDATE 2008
The Change of Regime
Zafar Choudhary
History's most credible elections yet in Jammu and constitution, again appeared out of question. Three
Kashmir have again changed the regime but this months later, the temperatures were falling to sub zero,
change was not exactly by the public mandate which snow was carpeting the Valley and several thousands
did not favour any party. Viewed from a national or of the same peoples were seen queuing up in front of
international perspective and even from academic polling stations. Then some observers felt that the people
point of view, the composition of assembly after queuing up to vote were actually a silent majority who
elections is often immaterial factor. What is seen with were not the part of summer agitation. The strong
importance from a wide angle is the voter turnout. Our nationalist argument said that the separatists have been
previous two issues exclusively devoted to assembly bowled over as an overwhelming majority defied their
elections have dealt with the voters' response and boycott call to cast votes. Arriving at such conclusions
election campaign patterns elaborately. By the time this will be like undermining the public faith in democracy.
issue reaches the readers the nationwide celebrations Voter response in Jammu and Ladakh has though been
on huge voter turnout will be over and focus will be on entirely different but the elections in Kashmir Valley are
the shape and structure of new government and always projected as a referendum –both by
challenges before it. We are, however, taking a quick establishment and the separatists. To say the least, this is
look at the most interesting elections of our times. a dangerous approach to understanding Kashmir.
When around two lakh people defied the strongest Dividing people into two groups –those who took the
possible security restrictions to take a symbolic 'march Muzaffarabad march and those who voted –will further
to Muzaffarabad' earlier in August, holding elections confuse an approach to conflict resolution. They are the
anytime later in the year appeared a completely same people, they have reiterated their faith in Indian
impossible proposition. Later same month when over democracy and they want the Indian democracy to
five lakh Kashmiris gathered at Srinagar's Idgah with address their issues. Therefore, a process to consolidate
rant slogans for Azadi, a democratic exercise called the gains of elections must immediately follow at the
elections, for which people have to swear by Indian level of State government and Central government.
Epilogue Ø
18 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Backed by the 'credibility' commitment of

then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee,
2002 elections were the watershed in
Kashmir crisis comes full circle
electoral history of Jammu and Kashmir. First
A
Andrew Whitehead s the Kashmir valley prepares for a new
time ever an incumbent government was
state government and a new year, it
changed by way of elections. This time again
must seem to some as if the Kashmir
the incumbent government has been
crisis has come full circle over the past 20
changed but not necessarily by the public
years.
mandate. The public mandate has clearly not
favoured any party to form the government. Indian-administered Kashmir enters 2009 with
It is in fact the flexibility and whim of the a member of the Abdullah family poised to be
Congress as a national party to join hands the state chief minister - at the head of a
with any of the two regional parties to form coalition that brings together the Abdullahs'
government. National Conference had won regional party, the National Conference, with
58 seats in 1996 and when its tally dropped India's governing Congress party.
down to 28 in 2002, the party immediately
declared, “we have been voted to sit in the That's just as it was when the bitter separatist
opposition”. That was the clear rise of insurgency erupted in Kashmir in 1989.
Peoples Democratic Party and fall of National Some commentators, particularly in India,
Conference in electoral landscape of the have been encouraged by recent events to
state. Six years later National Conference suggest that a corner has been turned in the
has though improved its vote percentage long-running Kashmir crisis.
considerably but has been returned with
exactly the same number of seats -28. But They point to the good turnout in the recent
this time the party leadership was quick to state elections and the success of parties
announce that people have returned them to regarded as "pro-India" - along with a decline
power. With same floor arithmetic in both in the level of armed militancy.
elections the only visible difference this time
remains the return of the Abdullahs to the
A reader of It's not that simple. Kashmir continues to face
profound challenges in the coming year. And
House and brightly looking up relations with Epilogue there is still no sign of a lasting solution to one
Congress –the party which holds key to
government formation. Magazine in of the world's longest-running conflicts.
London, ANDREW Certainly the hardline separatists' call for a

NC's performance therefore has remained WHITEHEAD is poll boycott received limited support. And in a
quite static while the gainers of 2008 part of India where over the decades there
associated with the have been many complaints of rigged
elections are Bhartiya Janta Party and the
Peoples Democratic Party. PDP has been able BBC. He is also elections, this time - as last - polling and
to add five seats more than what it got in author of a recent counting seems to have been relatively
2002 and improve vote percentage untarnished.
book “A Mission
significantly while rise for BJP has been Yet a close look at the recent elections - in
meteoric –straight jump from one seat in
in Kashmir” which
the Kashmir valley at least - suggests little
2002 to 11 seats in 2008. The Congress, which has been described
change in the relative strengths of the two
emerged as key player in government by many as most main Kashmiri parties, the National
formation in 2002 has returned in the same
authentic account C o n f e r e n c e a n d t h e r i v a l Pe o p l e ' s
role though with huge losses. The net result
of the making of Democratic Party who are sometimes
puts NC as static, BJP as foremost gainer, PDP
described as "soft separatists".
a significant gainer and the Congress a worst Kashmir conflict.
loser among the key players.
Epilogue Ø
19 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Accomplished politician security forces opened fire. into deep crisis. And as Kashmir has
been the main contested issue - and
The coming year will indicate whether principal battleground - between these
Omar Abdullah, 38 years old, is about to
these protests portend a new style of now nuclear-armed neighbours ever
follow his father and grandfather in
Kashmiri nationalism - or whether this since independence in 1947, that's not
becoming the chief minister of the
was a remarkable but passing episode in good news for Kashmiris.
Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
the region's unhappy recent history.
He is an accomplished politician and has Unless relations with Pakistan are
The protests of 2008 were neither repaired, it's difficult to see how
served as India's junior foreign minister
called for nor co-opted by the armed progress can be made towards a lasting
- but he still has to demonstrate that he
separatist groups. The level of militant settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
can run an administration and win and
violence in Kashmir fell in the past year. And until that is achieved, then it may
keep the trust of a bruised and
The hardline separatist groups appear remain difficult for Kashmir's parties
suspicious citizenry.
to be a diminishing force. to demonstrate that conventional
Although Omar Abdullah's party is often politics is the best way of resolving
But Indian security officials have been
seen as pro-India, both main Kashmiri grievances.
reported as saying that there are still
parties have been sharply critical of
several hundred
India's policy towards Kashmir and the
armed separatists
actions of Indian security forces.
active in Indian-
They are prepared to tolerate Indian ruled Kashmir - so
rule, and are opposed to armed action the threat may be
by separatist militants, but want much less acute, but it's
more far-reaching autonomy for still there.
Kashmir than Delhi is prepared to
Armed groups are
countenance and the involvement of
now increasingly
separatists in resolving the Kashmir
choosing targets
issue.
elsewhere. The
"The separatists should not feel Indian authorities
alienated and should be brought into hold Lashkar-e-
the mainstream to talk," former Chief Taiba to blame for
Minister Farooq Abdullah declared as his November's brutal
party's election victory became attacks on Mumbai.
apparent. Lashkar-e-Taiba's
main field of
Kashmiri nationalism operations has been
Kashmir, though it's
The outcome of the recent state believed that only a
elections does not mean that Kashmiris modest proportion
are fully reconciled to Indian rule or of its members are
that their sense of grievance has Kashmiri.
abated.
The Mumbai attacks
Indeed the past year saw the biggest h o l d g r a v e
mass protests against Indian rule in repercussions for
Kashmir for more than a decade. Tens of Kashmir. They have
thousands of young Kashmiris took to again plunged
the streets for the first time. The relations between
demonstrations were non-violent - India and Pakistan
though dozens died when Indian
Epilogue Ø
20 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Change, not by Mandate
L ooking at the election came up with another 'startling

RESULT 2008 2002 results, it is clear that revelation'. He said, “the PDP had
National Conference 28 28 the decision of changing offered us unconditional support to
government this time has not run the government for full six years
PDP 21 16 but instead of settling down for power
exactly come from the public
Congress 17 20 mandate. It has actually we went for the numbers –NC was
BJP 11 01 come from the Congress. largest party in assembly”. Tiwari's
After 2002 elections, the and Singhvi's statements apart, the
Panthers Party 03 04
alliance between Peoples developments after the election
Others 07 18 Democratic Party and the results were announced clearly
Congress went quite well indicated that the Congress was
before it ended in June 2008 unambiguous about supporting
bitterly. Earlier it was seen as clash National Conference as not a major
between individuals and not a cross of surprise was expected in the results.
policies between parties but after the
election results were announced it This is third time since 1975 that the
was clearly evident that Congress had Congress and the National Conference
already made up its mind to dump the have come along. It was after the
Peoples Democratic Party and chose historic Indira-Sheikh accord that
National Conference for forming Congress supported a National
government in the state. Mufti Conference government headed by
Mohammad Sayeed has minced no the Sheikh in 1975. A year and half
words in admitting this: “political later Sheikh dissolved the assembly
morality warrant consultation…as a one fine evening after getting
partner in United Progressive Alliance inputs that the Congress had
we should have been consulted by decided to pull the rug the next day.
Congress on this (government He saved grace and announced
formation) issue…but they did not elections with him as caretaker
speak to us”. What exactly the Chief Minister. A grand Congress-NC
Congress had wanted probably no alliance popularly called as Rajiv-
body had an idea. A day after election Farooq accord came into being in
results were announced, the Congress 1986 as a reward for New Delhi
spokesman Manish Tiwari pointed out engineered fall of Farooq
to political philosophy as a more government in 1984. The Rajiv-
important factor over the political Farooq accord went together for
arithmetic. He was responding to a elections in 1987 marking the
question on whether National beginning of an era of insurgency
Conference being largest party in and unrest which has only grown
assembly was a national choice for the year after year. Politics in Kashmir
C o n g r e s s . Ti w a r i ' s s t a t e m e n t makes a full circle as the alliance
reflected that numbers did not matter between state's grand old party with
in the Kashmir politics. However, a country's grand old party returns after
day after the Congress Okayed its 21 years. The hope for this alliance
alliance with National Conference, its being different from previous two
senior leader and another national clearly rests on the generational
spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi change in both parties.
Epilogue Ø
21 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Vote for change of faces

W
hile people did not offer any party full mandate to form a government, they have otherwise clearly preferred a change –a
change of the faces. Of 86 members (NC leader Farooq Abdullah has won from two places) elected to the Assembly 44 are
new faces. While many of them have been Members of the Legislative Assembly once or twice earlier but as many as 29
are coming to the House first time ever. This change is significant if one looks at the list of those who were the legislators in
previous House and were dealt with crushing defeat in this election.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
NAME CONSTITUENCY VOTES %AGE RUNNER-UP MARGIN
Mir Saifullah Kupwara 16696 30.06 Fayaz Ahmed Mir (PDP) 5182
Ch. Mohammad Ramzan Handwara 27907 48.38 Ghuam Mohi-ud-Din (Ind.) 11590
Javid Ahmed Dar Rafidabad 13918 35.88 Mohammad Dilawar Mir (PDP) 216
Mohammd Ashraf Gani Sopore 4368 46.44 Abdul Rashid Dar (Cong.)
Aga Sayed Ruhullah Badgam 19652 40.15 Mohammad Kamal Malik (PDP) 9960
Abdul Rahim Rather Char-e-Sharief 24579 48.30 Ghulam Nabi Lone (PDP) 6375
Abdul Gani Malik Gulab Garh 14268 31.28 Mumtaz Ahmed (Ind.) 3248
Skina Itoo Noorabad 16240 35.23 Abdul Aziz Zargar (PDP) 4518
Sajad Ahmed Kichloo Kishtwar 19248 37.47 Sunil Kumar (BJP) 2465
Nazir Ahmed Khan Gurez 5817 51.06 Faqir Mohammad (Cong.) 732
Mohammad Akbar Lone Sonawari 20108 39.74 Abid Hussain (Ind.) 12157
Firoz Ahmed Khan Zanaskar 6552 44.71 Ghulam Raza (Cong.) 918
Ajaz Ahmed Jan Poonch-Haveli 28297 39.62 Ch. Bashir Ahmed Naz (Cong.) 9933
Altaf Ahmed Kangan 19210 54.98 Bashir Ahmed Peer (PDP) 7715
Umar Abdullah Ganderbal 16519 41.48 Qazi Mohammad Afzal (PDP) 8215
Radhey Ram Sharma Nowshera 16511 26.47 Romesh Chander Sharma (Cong.) 3820
Rachpaul Singh Kalakote 25314 45.61 Ashok Sharma (Ind.) 11420
Kafil-ul-Rehman Karnah 4110 31.26 Abdul Rehman Badhana (JKANC) 1148
Farooq Abdullah Hazaratbal 11041 Asiea (PDP) 4272
Peer Afaq Ahmed Zadibal 4335 34.88 Shahjahan Dar (PDP) 1241
Mubarak Ahmed Gul Iddgah 4457 35.97 Asifa Tariq Qarra (PDP) 1679
Ali Mohammad Sagar Khanyar 6313 74.16 Showkat Ahmed Hafiz (PDP) 1679
Shamima Firdous Habakadal 2374 41.15 Hiralal Chatha (BJP) 1703
Nasir Aslam Wani Amirakadal 3922 34.78 Parvez Ahmed Bhat (PDP) 819
Farooq Abdullah Sonawar 7018 Sheikh Ghulam Qadir (PDP) 94
Mohammad Irfan Shah Batmaloo 9444 44.85 Tariq Hameed Qarra (PDP) 2706
S.S. Slathia Vijaypur 21090 27.20 Chander Parkash (BJP) 1212
Qamar Ali Akhoon Kargil 22935 53.64 Haji Nissar Ali (Ind.) 5300
Epilogue Ø
22 ×
January 2009
Election Special
NC: Same number, some new faces %age of vote polled

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
T he biggest change has been in the National Conference camp.
Though it continued its previous House tally of 28 but only 11 of
those who were members of the previous assembly have been able to
Districts
Srinagar
% votes 2002
51.08
% votes 2008
43.75
get elected second time. Of the 17 new members elected on National Kupwara 39.95 32.86
Conference ticket eight, including Omar Abdullah, are making it first Baramulla 39.70 28.00
time to the Legislative Assembly while nine others have been Poonch 48.39 42.18
members of the previous assemblies but they were not elected in Budgam 33.60 33.03
2002 elections. Doda 28.15 21.24
Rajouri 35.84 24.58
While National Conference has maintained its reputation of being the Pulwama 24.28 18.76
only party with significant presence in all regions of the state, its Anantnag 23.12 21.67
graph is on constant decline in Jammu region where other parties Kargil 44.55 51.36
have significantly eaten into its base. NC won 15 of 37 seats in Jammu
Udhampur 18.44 14.90
province in 2002 and the number fell down to nine in 2002. This time
Jammu 21.62 16.68
NC could get only six seats in Jammu region. Of its six winners in
Kathua 10.84 13.54
Jammu, three are new faces which means NC's six winners of 2002
Leh U/C Nil
elections in Jammu region lost this time.
South & Central Kashmir

Budgam, Pulwama, Sophian & Anantnag (21 Seats@59%)
Epilogue Ø
23 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Ladakh
Leh and Kargil (04 Seats@70%)
2008 2002
NC 02 01
PDP Nil Nil
Cong 01 Nil
BJP Nil Nil
Others 01 03
PDP: Gaining grounds, substantially

P eoples Democratic Party too has to National Conference candidates.
Though the margin was quite, except in
come with new faces as it suffered
defeat of its old guard. Four of the case of Qazi Mohammad Afzal who was
Mehbooba Mufti –a winner of 2002; she
had resigned in 2004 upon her election
to Lok Sabha. A significant development
defeated by Omar Abdullah, but their
senior-most leaders of PDP –all Cabinet for the PDP was its victory on two seats
loss has come as a major demoralizing
Ministers in the coalition –lost election in Jammu region. Mostly dubbed as
factor for the PDP which Kashmir centric party, its victory on one
otherwise made significant seat each on Rajouri and Poonch
%age of vote polled gains both in Kashmir and districts of Jammu region enhances
Peoples Democratic Party Jammu regions. PDP had 18 PDP's profile and acceptability in the
Districts % votes 2002 % votes 2008 members in the previous state.
Srinagar 25.99 27.33 assembly -16 they had won The gains for the Peoples Democratic
Kupwara 3.60 20.54 in 2002 and two more Party both in Kashmir and Jammu
Baramulla 19.78 23.82 joined the tally later on in regions have been quite substantial and
by-elections. One of those pointing to its wide acceptability as a
Poonch 0.87 24.28
who had won last time had regional party. It has polled a total of
Badgam 37.85 29.06
left the party, one died and 236345 votes and won 16 seats in 2002.
Doda 3.95 5.76 three were not given party This time the PDP vote bank has grown
Rajouri 4.70 14.92 ticket. 13 of the winners of to a whooping 632265 votes. Its growing
Pulwama 39.09 30.26 last time in the fray and vote share in Jammu region is quite
Anantnag 33.22 39.08 four of them lost astounding. Against 30747 votes of
Kargil Nil 0.49 –incidentally all losers were 2002, this time the PDP has secured
Udhampur 3.11 0.21 t h e s e n i o r Cabinet 140410 votes in Jammu region where
Ministers. Enhancing its party won two seats, stood runner by
Jammu 1.48 3.51
seat share to 21, the PDP around 400 votes at one seat and
Kathua 0.54 0.81
has therefore come up with secured more than 10,000 votes each at
Leh U/C 0.60 12 new faces including two more seats.
Epilogue Ø
24 ×
January 2009
Election Special
PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Winner Constituency Vote Polled %age Runner-up Margin
Nizam-ud-Din Bhat Bandipora 13051 26.10 Usman Abdul Majid(IND.) 820
S.Rafiq Hussain Khan Mendhar 29036 47.63 Javid Ahmed Rana(NC) 742
Ch. ZulfiqarAli Darhal 19395 28.66 Mohd. Iqbal (Ind.) 4558
Abdul Haq Khan Lolab 2337 40.66 Qasir Jamsed Lone (NC) 5347
Syed Basharat Ahmed Sangrama 7812 28.09 Shoaib Nabi Lone (Ind.) 1330
Muzaffar Hussain Baig Baramulla 13019 53.45 Nazir Hussain Khan (NC) 5398
Iftikhar Hussain Ansari Pattan 20703 51.13 Abdul Rashid Saheen (NC) 11271
Javed Mustaffa Mir Chadoora 16278 41.36 Ali Mohammad Dar (NC) 2490
Shafi Ahmed Wani Beerwah 11720 24.42 Abdul Majid Matoo (NC) 164
Mustaq Ahmed Shah Tral 10393 28.46 Mohammad Ashraf Bhat (NC) 3807
Zahoor Ahmed Pampore 11117 36.83 Mohammad Anwar Bhat (Cong.) 5148
Mohd. Khaleel Band Pulwama 10639 36.44 Haji Sona Ullah Dar (Ind.) 6636
Syed Bashir Ahmed Shah Rajpora 10177 25.12 Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir (Ind.) 9230
Mehbooba Mufti Wachi 12810 38.64 Showkat Hussain Ganie (NC) 8336
Abdul Razzaq Waghay Shopian 8006 21.23 Mohammad Shafi (Cong.) 2798
Abdul Gaffar Sofi Home Shalibag 12249 33.37 Anayat Ullah Rather (Cong.) 7026
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Anantnag 12439 39.49 Mirza Mehboob Baig (NC) 4891
Mohd. Sartaj Madini Devsar 14175 26.78 Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed (NC) 4001
Peerzada Mansoor Hussain Shangus 13853 Gulzar Ahmed Wani (Cong.) 12610
Abdul Rehman Veeri Bijbehra 23320 49.88 Bashir Ahmed Shah (NC) 10274
Rafi Ahmed Mir Pahalgam 24316 49.46 Altaf Ahmed Wani (NC) 10922
Congress: worst sufferer of 2008

A gainst its 20 seats in 2002, the
Congress has this time got only 17
but the loss is not really of three seats.
cause for its loss but this alone was not a
factor. At many places where Amarnath
land agitation was at its high the
the sit-in venue Shri Amarnath Yatra
Sangharsh Samiti –an alliance of around
70 groups spearheading the agitation.
Six independent winners of 2002 National Conference candidate have Verma allegedly said before falling
elections had later joined Congress as faired better than Congress. If down that he was deeply enraged by the
associate members, enhancing its Amarnath land row changed equations statement of Omar Abdullah and
number in assembly to 26 and most of in the region, the National Conference therefore is offering sacrifice for the
them were also given positions in the should have been completely wiped out cause of Hindus and the Jammu region.
organization. Four of them were given as its President and now the Chief NC candidate Taranjit Singh Tony polled
party tickets in recent elections and Minister-elect Omar Abdullah's speech over 10,000 votes in Suchetgarsh where
three of them have won. Therefore, the in Parliament on July 22 was the turning winner –BJP candidate –got over 17,000
Congress lost nine seats out of its 26. point in the agitation. A Jammu youth votes. The Congress candidate –sitting
Party blames Amarnath land row as a Kuldeep Verma committed suicide at MLA and former Minister –Chowdhary
Epilogue Ø
25 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Gharu Ram forfeited his election security deposit by polling a meager

%age of vote polled
6500 votes. In Jammu City, Congress veteran and former Deputy Chief
CONGRESS
Minister Mangat Ram Sharma too lost humiliatingly by finishing third by
Districts % votes 2002 % votes 2008
around 13,000 votes. And independent candidate Surinder Shingari got
21,000 votes and Chaman Lal Gupta of Congress won by polling over Srinagar 5.25 3.53
33,000 votes. Darhal constituency in Rajouri district was completely Kupwara 10.24 5.54
untouched by the land row agitation. The Congress nominee Puran Baramulla 21.98 14.11
Singh was declared at fourth position while PDP candidate Choudhary Poonch 31.92 24.51
Zulfikar Ali won by defeating an independent. The NC candidate was at Badgam 5.29 2.43
number three. Bani constituency in Kathua district is also one such Doda 31.73 36.74
place where Amarnath land row hardly had any impact. This seat has Rajouri 30.52 13.96
been won by BJP candidate and the runner up was the NC candidate. Pulwama 17.79 9.75
Congress nominee left way behind in the contest as a sitting legislator Anantnag 18.51 14.91
and a Minister in the coalition government. Congress has been claiming
Kargil 5.63 9.81
that it carried out massive development in two and half years regime of
Udhampur 24.94 15.61
Ghulam Nabi Azad which no government could do in past 60 years. While
Jammu 31.25 24.40
impact of Amarnath land row can not be completely ruled out, but it
was clearly a vote against individual performance of the Congress Kathua 31.56 41.71
winners of 2002 elections which did the party in. Leh U/C 51.00
CONGRESS
Mohammad Aslam Surankote 28102 44.21 Mustaq Bukhari (NC) 2051
Shabir Ahmed Khan Rajouri 10013 13.56 Tassadiq Hussain (PDP) 333
Taj Mohi-ud-Din Uri 24036 44.54 Mohammad Shafi (NC) 1879
Ch. Ajaz Ahmed Khan Gool-Arnas 15594 37.05 Ghulam Qadir Mugal (NC) 3452
Krishan Chander Chenani 16276 Dina Nath (BJP) 6438
Manohar Lal Sharma Billawar 22262 35.94 Satish Sharma (BJP) 8383
Ghulam Ahmed Mir Dooru 15870 36.18 S. Farooq Ahmed (PDP) 5918
Peerzada Mohd. Sayeed Kokhernag 13384 27.43 Ghulam Nabi Bhat (NC) 1270
Ghulam Mohammad Saroori Inderwal 22684 42.67 Shakti Raj (BJP) 10415
Abdul Majid Wani Doda 23254 44.55 Khalid Najib (NC) 7152
Ghulam Nabi Azad Bhaderwah 38238 62.85 Daya Krishen (BJP) 29436
Ashok Kumar Ramban 21779 43.47 Bali Bhagat (BJP) 10319
Vikar Rasool Wani Banihal 8287 17.37 Showkat Javid Daing (Ind.) 3033
Raman Bhalla Gandhi Nagar 33486 36.34 Nirmal Singh (BJP) 2236
Sham Lal Sharma Akhnoor 31600 47.97 Govind Sharma (BJP) 13884
Tara Chand Chhamb 25335 48.59 Chaman Lal (BJP) 2395
Nawang Rigzin Leh 19008 50.49 Thupsten Chewang (Ind.) 4523
Epilogue Ø
26 ×
January 2009
Election Special
BJP: Performance beyond land row

BHARTIYA JANTA PARTY
Bharat Bhushan Raipur-Domana 28685 52.18 Mula Ram (Cong.) 12269
Sukhnandan Kumar Marh 18368 35.04 Ajay Sadhotra (NC) 6581
Sham Lal Choudhary Suchetgarh 17995 39.39 Taranjit Singh (NC) 6936
Prof. Garu Ram Bhagat R.S.Pura 15902 28.94 Suman Lata Bhagat (Cong.) 1630
Chaman Lal Gupta Jammu West 34288 40.38 S.S. Shingari (Ind.) 13037
Ashok Khajuria Jammu East 15907 50.70 Narinder Singh (Cong.)
Jugal Kishor Nagrota 11141 22.75 M.K.Ajatshatru Singh (NC) 1620
Durga Dass Hiranagar 19730 30.50 Prem Lal (Ind.) 2737
Jagdish Raj Sapolia Basholi 16651 35.25 Davinder Singh (NC) 2881
Lal Chand Bani 11041 39.56 Ghulam Haider Malik (NC) 2249
Baldev Raj Sharma Reasi 26031 37.00 Jugal Kishore (Cong.) 6662
B JP's resurgence in Jammu region is

quite resounding but Amarnath land
row alone can not be described as a
Samiti, lost his security deposit. If land
row alone was the reason, the National
Conference and PDP would not have
30,000 people could have been seen on
streets almost every day during the
months of July and August protesting
reason. From its single seat in 2002 the polled over 10,000 and 6200 votes, against the alleged hurt to Hindu
BJP has been the single largest gainer of respectively. In remote Bani constituency sentiments. Here, the contest was
2002 elections by winning over 11 seats. of Kathua district the land row had no between an independent candidate
If the communal agitation of summer visibly major impact but BJP candidate and a BSP candidate. The
2007 was the only reason for BJP's lost here. Interestingly, NC candidate independent, who had absolutely
victory, the party would not have lost at –incidentally a Muslim –was the runner up nothing to do with the agitation won
seats which were epicenters of and the Congress candidate –sitting MLA with impressive votes. BJP man
protests. Samba, Vijaypur and Bishnah and a Minister in coalition government finished third and the Congress
were three constituencies where the –finished third. Kathua is another candidate –a sitting MP and more
agitation was its highest. While in constituency where the land row active in land agitation than most of
Vijaypur and Samba the BJP was agitation was its highest and 20,000 to BJP leaders –lost his security deposits.
declared as runner up, it was nowhere
closer in the contest in Bishnah
constituency. In Bishnah, the party had
Jammu
Udhampur, Reasi, Jammu, Kathua & Samba (24 Seats@74%)
fielded wife of one Kuldeep Verma who
allegedly committed suicide on the land
2008 2002
row agitation. There are many other
examples which show that people voted NC 02 02
for change and not necessarily on the PDP Nil Nil
resurgent Hindutva sentiment, even
though BJP made most of the Amarnath Cong 06 12
agitation. Take the case of Suchetgarh BJP 11 01
constituency: BJP's Shal Lal Choudhary
won with over 17000 votes but the NPP 03 04
Congress leader, who too had jumped Others 02 05
into the agitation along with Sangharsh
Epilogue Ø
27 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Highlights Who & Where

A Good Overall Turnout:
?
61 % (From 44 % in Valley K-L D-R-K Jammu R-P
2002);
46 04 06 24 07
No Violence
?
No Pressure – either to
? NC 20 19 02 01 01 03 02 02 03 05
vote or not to vote
Separatists call for
? PDP 19 16 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 02 Nil
boycott ineffective.
Signs of clear regional
?
and communal divide Cong 04 04 01 Nil 05 01 06 12 02 01
And the growing
?
Communal divide in BJP Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 11 01 Nil Nil
the interior districts,
ex Kishtwar, Reasi,
Rajouri and Poonch NPP Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 03 04 Nil Nil
NC retains its 2002
?
performance (28 seats)
CPM 01 02 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
PDP improves its
?
performance in the
Valley (From 16 to 19) Others 01 03 Nil 02 02 05 Nil Nil
plus two in Rajouri and
Poonch
BJP gains in Jammu
? 2008 2002
region (From 1 to 11)
Congress performance
?
was dismal North Kashmir
Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipore & Ganderbal (17 Seats@58 %)
Conclusions
Performance does
?
matter (Stories from
South Kashmir and
Doda-Bahderwah)
Jammu Region
?
(Minus the Twin
Districts): Echoes of
SASB Crisis or
expansion of
national politics
Twin Districts: PDP
?
finds a place and
may become the
main base for the
Muslim votes
Azadi and Voting:
?
Don’t mix the two
Epilogue Ø
28 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Coalition's Ministers face crushing defeat

Bad performance of 'good governance'
D uring election campaign out at hundreds of elections Jammu region. Though NC

and even after party ways meetings, the members of their candidate did not win many seats
when results were erstwhile council of ministers but they did better than Congress
declared, the partners of should have returned to the at many places and even PDP
erstwhile ruling coalition, assembly by getting rewards from secured impressive votes in atleast
Peoples Democratic Party and the the public. As the public holds key three constituencies that were the
Congress, described their ruling at end of the day, majority of the center of land row agitation.
arrangement as a regime of good men who held important positions
governance, efficient in the coalition government have 43 legislators belonging to
administration, transparency been sent back packing. Most of Congress, Peoples Democratic
and accountability. A look at who the former Ministers who lost Pa r t y, Pa n t h e r s Pa r t y o r
lost and who won among those elections were not actually in the independents were Ministers in
who had a key role in the fray as they finished at poor third the coalition government at
coalition government tells the or fourth place. varying points of time between
whole story of change. People 2002 and 2008. While three of
have neither reposed their full The Congress has been blaming the them were either not given party
faith in any single party nor have Amarnath land row for its tickets or they did not contest, 20
they rejected any entity trouncing in Jammu region but this of the 40 who sought re-election
completely but they have does not seem to be a cogent have been defeated, and most of
certainly sought change by reason. At many places the them have suffered quite
preferring new faces over the National Conference candidates humiliating defeat. In addition to
over those who were Ministers in have faired better than Congress. these 43 candidates, there were
the coalition. If Amarnath land row and two former Chief Ministers and
strengthening of the Hindutva Speaker of the Legislative
Going by the performance chart, sentiment was a major reason, the Assembly who have won the
which coalition leaders, National Conference should have present election with impressive
particularly from Congress read been completely wiped out in margins.
South Kashmir (Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban (06 Seats@70%))
2008 2002
NC 01 03
PDP Nil Nil
Cong 05 01
BJP Nil Nil
Others 01 02
Epilogue Ø
29 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Except three, all former The self proclaimed savour of candidate stood better. Quite
Ministers belonging to the the culture and heritage of the interestingly the PDP candidate
Congress in Jammu region have Duggar, Gulchain Singh Charak Tarlok Singh Bajwa trailed Gharu
been defeated. Interestingly, had a rather larger humiliation Ram by just 200 votes. Sham
two of the three who have been in Bishnah constituency –a Choudhary of BJP won by 17995
honoured by the public by constituency of his own choice. votes, Taranjit Singh Tony of
victory had won the 2002 Making an entry into Azad National Conference got an
elections as independents and government through backdoor impressive 10403 votes and Gharu
later joined Congress as –he was an MLC –Charak rose to Ram polled only 6545 votes.
associate members and the ranks in a matter of just two Surprising enough, Tarlok Singh
contested recent elections on and half years and made a Bajwa of PDP got little over 6300
Congress ticket. Ajaz Ahmed choice for his constituency votes.
Khan from Gool-Arnas, Abdul himself. He finished third in
Majid Wani from Doda and Bishnah by getting a poor 8155 In Vijaypur constituency, the
Ghulam Mohammad Saroori from votes while the winner Ashwani National Conference candidate
Inderwal are the only exceptions Sharma –an independent Surjit Singh Slathia polled 21090
to the Congress' 'hall of shame' in candidate –got 14006 votes. The votes and the BJP candidate
Jammu region. runner up, Kamal Arora, polled Chander Parkash Ganga trailed by
13560 votes. getting 19000 votes. Manjit Singh
The most stunning of the defeats of PDP got 1236 votes. Manjit was
of former Ministers were that of Prem Sagar Aziz was a Minister of a Minister in coalition
Congress leader and former State for Revenue, Planning and government.
Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Finance in Ghulam Nabi Azad
Ram Sharma in Jammu West, PDP Government. In Bani Worst humiliation for the
leader and former Finance constituency he too finished poor Congress was perhaps in Kathua
Minister Tariq Hameed Karra from third with just 4550 votes while constituency where its official
Batmalloo, two other PDP leaders the winner, Lal Chand of BJP, got nominee stood at fourth place
and formers Ministers Abdul Aziz 11041 votes. Amarnath land row and the rebel stood at third
Zargar and Qazi Mohammad Afzal can not be blamed here as place. The winner –an
from Noorabad and Gnaderbal Ghulam Hyder Malik of National independent candidate
constituencies, respectively. All Conference faired better than –Charanjit Singh polled 19123
three former Ministers of PDP lost Congress candidate. Malik polled votes, runner up Som Raj got
to the National Conference an impressive 8792 votes. 16761 votes.
candidates.
Jugal Kishore was another Congress rebel Babu Singh –who
Pandit Mangat Ram Sharma, the stalwart in the coalition cabinet. was Minister for Power and earlier
grand old man of the Congress, He finished second at Reasi for Rural Development –got 10887
was in fact completely pushed constituency by polling 19369 votes. The Congress candidate
out of the contest in Jammu votes against 26031 votes of the Choudhary Lal Singh was a
West. The winner here Chaman BJP candidate Baldev Raj. Minister in Mufti Cabinet till 2004
Lal Gupta polled 34288 votes and w h e n h e w a s e l e c te d to
the runner up was a little known Chowdhary Gharu Ram of Parliament. He is a sitting MP and
political face Surinder Singh Congress remained a Minister in could poll on 6053 votes. His wife
Shingari who got an impressive both Mufti and Azad a Congress nominee in Basohli
21251 votes. Mangat was pushed governments. In his Suchetgarh constituency–she had replaced
at third place getting meager constituency he finished third husband in 2004 by-elections –too
13853 votes. while National Conference lost to the BJP candidate.
Epilogue Ø
30 ×
January 2009
Election Special
34 parties, 1100 candidates bowled for duck
T
he high voter turnout in Jammu Kashmir but turf turned out to be under There were 12 constituencies where
and Kashmir is though being prepared for them and more so the two losing candidates polled enough
celebrated across the country party players could not handle the votes to save their deposits while in the
but there is no face saving for at least 36 situation and did not bother the scorer, remaining 31 seats of Kashmir division,
small and big political parties which being bundled out for duck. only one candidate managed to achieve
could not get any seat and more than this face-saving target.
1100 candidates who even lost their Interestingly, the State exchequer
security deposits. turned richer by more than Rs 54 lakhs, In seven constituencies, 20 or more
as nearly 1100 defeated candidates lost candidates lost their deposits. In
There were 44 political parties and 1354 security deposits in the just-concluded Amirakadal seat, the highest 27
candidates –including independents –in elections in the state, three times candidates saw their purses getting
the fray for 87 seats. All seats went to higher than the previous 2002 polls. lighter while in Sonawar (23), Sopore
the candidates of eight political parties (22), Sonawari, Anantnag (21 each),
and four independents while no According to the official data, out of Habba Kadal and Shopian (20 each)
candidate from 34 parties could even 1,354 contesting candidates, nearly could not save their deposits.
save the security deposits. 1,100 lost their security deposits of Rs
5,000 each paid towards the state The other parties that have failed to win
Among the eight parties that scored in exchequer at the time of filing any seat include the NCP (contested 19
the staggered seven-phased polls nominations. seats), the RJD (contested 14) the CPI
conducted by the election commission (contested seven), the All India Forward
of India, there were three parties who "Any candidate securing less than one- Bloc (contested 21), the Janata Dal (U)
could only manage a single victory. sixth of the valid votes polled in a (contested six), the Janata Dal (Secular)
particular constituency will lose his (contested four), the RLD (contested
The parties that have failed to score security deposit and this money goes to three ), the Revolutionary Socialist
include two national parties, BSP and the state exchequer," Chief Electoral Party (contested two), the Lok
SP. BSP could not manage a single seat officer of the state B R Sharma said. Janshakti Party (contested 45), the
despite being only next to National Samata Party (contested 14), the
Conference when it comes to While 653 of the 757 candidates from Jammu State Morcha (Progressive)
participation in the number of Kashmir division, including the Ladakh (contested 14), the Socialistic
constituencies in the 87-seat assembly region, lost their security deposits, over Democratic Party (contested 12), the
house. While, NC fielded 85 430 candidates from the Jammu region Bharatiya Bahujan Party (contested 10),
candidates, BSP contested from 83 also had to face his ignominy. the Backward Classes Democratic Party,
segments of the state. J&K (contested seven), the Rashtriya
Only 373 candidates lost their security Krantikari Samajwadi Party (contested
The second largest party when it comes deposits in the 2002 elections from the seven), the Bhartiya Chaitanya Party
to participation and could not manage a 87 constituencies of the state.
(contested six), the Jammu & Kashmir
single seat was Awami National
National United Front (contested six),
Conference led by 'stalwart' of Kashmir Interestingly, in seven of the 46
the Republican Party of India (A)
politics, Ghulam Muhammad Shah who constituencies in Kashmir, none of the
(contested five), the All J&K Kisan
dethroned Farooq Abdullah from power losing candidates were able to save
Majdoor Party (contested four), the
in 1984. their deposits. These constituencies are
Janata Party (contested three), the
K a r n a h , S o n a w a r i , K h a n y a r,
Republican Party of India (contested
ANC participated in 56 seats including Habbakadal, Pulwama, Wacchi and
three), the National Lokhind Party
all 46-assemly segments in Kashmir Shopian. First four of these
(contested three), the Bharatiya
Valley but were bowled for duck. It was constituencies were bagged by National
Sampuran Krantikari Party (contested
after a gap of 20-years that party made Conference while the remaining three
two), the United Citizen Party
the comeback on the political horizon of went to the PDP.
Epilogue Ø
31 ×
January 2009
Election Special
(contested two), the All India Forward Bloc (Subhasist) Loser Ministers
(contested one), the Rajya Nojawan Shakti Party (contested
one), the Kranti Dal (contested one), the National Abdul Aziz Zargar Jugal Kishore
Democratic Party (contested one), the Forward Bloc Tariq Hameed Karra Kanta Andotra
(Socialist) (contested one), the Jammu And Kashmir Awami Qazi Mohammad Afzal Babu Singh
League (contested one), the Ambedkar National Congress Mohammad Dillawar Mir Prem Sagar Aziz
(contested one) and the Adarsh Political Party (contested Mohammad Aslam Khan Girdhari Lal
one). Apart from zero scorers, there were three parties who Puran Singh Suman Bhagat
together contested from 60 assembly segments but managed Romesh Sharma Gharu Ram
only three seats. Communist Party of India (Marxist) state Mula Ram Moulvi Rashid
secretary whose party contested from eight segments, Mangat Ram
Muhammad Yousuf Targami won one seat while People's
Democratic Front, contested on 27, but only party president
Hakeem Yaseen managed to emerge victorious while Jammu
and Kashmir Democratic Party (Nationalist) won a single seat
from twenty five and that too went into the lap of party
president Ghulam Hassan Mir.
The Twin Districts
Rajouri & Poonch (07 Seats @ 74%)
Awami National Conference of Former Chief

Minister GM Shah had fielded 56 candidates. No
seat won; one candidates was runner up, forfeited
deposits at all other seats
Bahujan Samaj Party was seen as threat to

Congress and BJP in Jammu region. BSP fielded
... candidates across the state. There was a close
contest at three seats, all other candidates were
nowhere closer in the fray. Mayawati had
addressed two election rallies.
Panthers Party had fielded candidates across the

state. party won three seats against four it had
won in 2002. Panthers Chief Bhim Singh lost
deposits as he polled only......votes in Jammu East
constituency.
Epilogue Ø
32 ×
January 2009
Election Special
SRINAGAR FACTOR
NC pockets seat, PDP eats vote share
I
n the keenly watched elections of was not even in wildest of the
2008, the Summer Capital City of imaginations of poll watchers. SRINAGAR
Srinagar was focus of all attention in Separatist leader and head Party 2002 (in %age) 2008 (in %age)
Kashmir Valley. Srinagar district, priest of Kashmir's Jamia Masjid, PDP 10.55% 27.33
entirely an urban area, has eight of 46 Mirwaiz Omar Farooq had then NC 51.06% 43.75
assembly constituencies of Kashmir aptly described, “Omar's defeat
Valley but the significance of winning at Ganderbal is like me being 50.98%. The PDP was able to get only 10
assembly elections here equally thrown out of Jamia Masjid”. This was % votes as it polled only 3230 votes. The
important for three key players of the only statement any separatist overall polling percentage in 2002 in
Kashmir –National Conference, Peoples leader had made on 2002 elections. Srinagar district was 4.3% and total
Democratic Party and the separatists. registered voters were 711352.
When it was the case of war between Srinagar (8 Seats @ 22%)
separatists and the mainstream parties,
In recent elections, the National
the honours were shared on the day of
Conference vote share has gone 10 per
polling. 20 per cent polling here against
cent down and PDP has improved by 18
40 to 60 per cent in other districts, it
per cent. In an average polling of
was a victory for separatists who had
21.67%, the National Conference has
called for a complete election boycott.
got 48904 votes out of 120762 votes
Viewed from other side the 20 per cent
polled. It vote share stands at 40.49 %.
polling was a clear victory for the
The PDP was able to poll 34384 votes
mainstream parties also as it was the
and its vote share of total votes polled
highest in last 20 years.
A nearly guaranteed ruler of Srinagar stands at 28.47 per cent. PDP lost one of
City, National Conference lost three eight seats by mere 94 votes.
After first win equally shared by all, it
seats to rebels in 2002 elections. It was
was the case of competition of survival
taken easily as they were “own men NC's party symbol is plough to reflect
between National Conference and the
gone angry” as later the party leaders its rural and peasant background
Peoples Democratic Party. Besides once
described. However, two years later which is actually not. Contemporaries
lost turf of its Ganderbal backyard,
when PDP made inroads in the City with and the students of politics say that
Srinagar City is as important to National
significant number of seats in the deciding plough as symbol was a
Conference as Jamia Masjid may be to
Municipal Corporation and victory of tactical move to entice the rural
Mirwaiz Farooq. In 2002, when National
Tariq Hameed Karra from Batmallo mindset as the party is fundamentally
Conference President and its Chief
constituency in by-elections, it set the urban in origin. It is the urban origin of
Ministerial candidate Omar Abdullah
alarm bells ringing –a formidable and National Conference which always
lost to a little known fellow called as
first ever challenge to its urban base. In fetched it more seats in Srinagar City
Qazi Mohammad Afzal of PDP, the result
2008, the National and most of other townships across the
Conference has been able to Valley. Peoples Democratic Party is
KASHMIR VALLEY save its urban pride by still regarded as a party with rural
Year NC Congress PDP Others picketing all seats but the PDP influence where it has been able to
1977 38 0 NP 3 can not be easily wished away. carve out a niche. One can see in the
1983 38 02 NP 2 present elections also that PDP could
1987 32 05 NP 5 In 2002 the National get only three seats from the
1996 38 02 NP 4 Conference had pocketed constituencies which are also the
15624 votes of 30647 total district headquarters of different
2002 18 05 16 5
votes polled and its districts in Valley –Anantnag, Shopian
2008 20 03 19 2
percentage share stood at and Baramulla.
Epilogue Ø
33 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Unemployed Chief Ministers
R
unning for Chief Ministerial post, they
usually lose interest in assembly when Former CM and PDP Patron Mufti Mohammad
target is missed. But if at all they Sayeed win from Anantnag constituency defeating
attend the House, there will be three former
National Conference rival Dr Mehboob Baig by
Chief Ministers sitting in the upcoming
Legislative Assembly. Interestingly, all three
margin of 4891 votes. Mufti polled 12439 votes
were running for the post of Chief Minister. It which was 39.49% of total votes polled. Mehboob
is a return of the top class of politicians as had won 2002 election from this constituency while
added to three former Chief Ministers, there Mufti had won 2004 by-elections from Pahalgam
are former Members of Parliament, constituency.
presidents of regional parties and a state
president of national political party.
National Conference Patron Dr Farooq

Abdullah, Peoples Democratic Patron Mufti
Mohammad Sayeed and Congress leader
Ghulam Nabi Azad are all former Chief
Ministers elected to the new assembly.
Three were also running for the post of Chief
Minister. While Mufti and Azad could not Former CM and NC Patron Dr Farooq Abdullah had
make it, Farooq had campaigned for his own won from two places. At Hazartbal he defeated PDP
candidature but crowned son when results candidate Asiea by margin of 4272 votes. Farooq
were declared. polled 11040 votes which was ……..% of total votes
polled. At sonawar he defeated another PDP
Among other top leaders adding grace to the candidate Ghulam Qaider Pardesi by margin of 94
house are: PDP President Mehbooba Mufti.
votes. Farooq polled 7018 votes which was ….% of
She is also a Member of Lok Sabha. Mehbooba
has won election from Wachi constituency in
total votes polled. Both these constituencies were
Shopian district of South Kashmir. won by NC in previous assembly which Farooq had
not contested from anywhere last time.
Senior-most member in the House, Prof
Chaman Lal Gupta of BJP is a former Member
of Parliament and has remained a Minister of
State for Defence in Atal Behari Vajpayee
Government. Ashok Khajuria of BJP who has
been elected from Jammu East constituency
is state president of his party.
Former CM and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad

Choudhary Mohammad Aslam of Congress is
an old warhorse. Till recently he was a
won in Bhaderwah by defeating BJP's Daya Kishan
Member of the Rajya Sabha. He won Kotwal by margin of … votes. Azad polled …. Votes
assembly elections four times earlier, which were 64% of total votes polled. Azad's victory
remained Minister and Speaker of Legislative margin is highest scroed by any candidates in 2008
Assembly. He was also President of the State elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress unit in mid 1990s.
Epilogue Ø
34 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Generational Change
Irm Amin Baig
From election of 48 years old Barack Obama as next President of the United States of America, anointment of Nehru-Gandhi
scion Rahul Gandhi at top position in India's grand old party the Congress to rise of Omar Abdullah in Kashmir and of many
others in rugged terrains of Jammu, 2008 has clearly brought young blood to the politics as a global trend. Not only is the
entry of young men into legislature significant they also have important roles ahead in the political system.
I
n Jammu and Kashmir the only remaining out of power for six years, his
real change which 2002 elections personal loss in one assembly election
brought about is arguably is the brings an accommodative and
passion on of baton to the younger experienced Omar to the office of Chief
generation. Taking over as Chief Minister.
Minister at the age of 38, Omar Abdullah
may not be the youngest ever Chief The elections of 2008 have brought a
Minister in India but he has certainly younger generation to the Legislative
made a different to Jammu and Assembly. There are 14 MLAs in the age
Kashmir. Elsewhere in country, AK bracket of 30 to 40 years and 24 are in
Antony was the youngest ever Chief the group of 40 to 50 years. A majority
Minister of any state in India when he among the youngest lot are thoroughly
took over in Kerala in 1977 at the age of career politicians and the second
37. Late in the 1980s, Prafulla Kumar generation into politics. As the parties
Mahanta became Assam Chief Minister also appeared to have preferred young
at 31 and Madhu Koda was the generation over the old guard in
Jharkhand Chief Minister at the age of distribution of tickets, there is clearly a
33. 26 years back, Omar's father Dr wider role cut out for them in their
Farooq Abdullah was the youngest Chief respective organizations and overall
Minister of Jammu and Kashmir when he political landscape of Jammu and
was sworn in at the age of 45 upon Omar Abdullah, 38, NC
? Kashmir.
demise of his Chief Minister father Ajaz Ahmed Khan, 39, Congress*
?
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. Sakina Ittoo, 38, NC*
? With a young leader at the top, Omar
Choudhary Zulfikar Ali, 38, PDP
? Abdullah's party has come with a large
Omar Abdullah is taking over as Jammu Javed Mustafa Mir, 39, PDP*
? number of young MLAs. Coming from an
and Kashmir Chief Minister after Vikar Rasool, 33, Congress
? influential Shia family, Syed Agha
graduating in politics at various levels. Roohullah Mehdi is coming to the
Ajaz Ahmed Jan, 31, NC
?
After winning Lok Sabha election, he legislative assembly second time at the
Javed Ahmed Dar, 31, NC
?
was the youngest Union Minister at 29 age of 32. Ajaz Ahmed Jan is one of the
when he joined Atal Behari Vajpayee Agha Roohullah, 32, NC*
?
youngest members in House at the age
government as Minister of State for Zahoor Mir, 36, PDP*
? of 31. He has won from Poonch-Haveli
Commerce and was later brought to the Nazir Gurezi, 36, NC*
? constituency which his father Ghulam
External Affairs Ministry. Then in his 10 Yash Pal Kundal, 38, PP*
? Mohammad Jan represented earlier
years career, he lost one assembly Balwant Singh Mankotia, 39, PP*
? twice. Javed Ahmed Dar is another NC
election and won another Lok Sabha MLA at the age of 31. He has defeated
Shameema Firdous, 37, NC
?
election in the process of learning *Have won assembly election second time Mohammad Dillawar Mir of PDP who was
lessons in the politics. His party a Cabinet Minister in the coalition
Epilogue Ø
35 ×
January 2009
Election Special
government. Mir had earlier won five times from Sources say that the Congress
this Rafiabad constituency. Another candidate MP and son-in-Law of the
from NC, Nazir Ahmed Khan Gurezi was elected Abdullahs, Sachin Pilot came
in 2002 at the age of 29 and he is back to House with a lightening suggestion
with a victory in Gurez constituency at the age that Omar's name should
of 35. Victory of such a large number of proposed for the Chief
candidates at young age is an inspiration for Ministership to win Rahul's
youth to join and do well in politics. This may be support for an alliance with
a roadmap for the National Conference to its National Conference. The
revival. formula worked. Preference
was clear for the younger
It is widely believed that Congress General generation.
Secretary Rahul Gandhi played a key role in his
party's alliance with the National Conference If Rahul has any serious plans for
instead of Peoples Democratic Party –a partner seeing Congress rejuvenated in
in the previous alliance. Though who followed Jammu and Kashmir and the
the 2008 election campaign in Jammu and passage of baton to the young
Kashmir know well that National Conference generation remains his strategy
had projected Dr Farooq Abdullah as the Chief to resurgence, another young
Ministerial candidate. However, when the MLA of 2002, Ajaz Ahmed Khan
election results were out, the NC leadership did may be the youth icon of his
a flip flop on December 28 and 29 between the party in the state. Coming from
older and younger generation and finally Omar a rich political background, Ajaz
was projected as Chief Ministerial candidate. is a case of jump from lab to the
field. In early 1990s left the
University campus to join work
at the grassroots. His
constituency is certainly not an easy walk for the It is widely
youngsters. But he proved his mantle. Loosing believed that
1996 elections actually strengthened his roots in Rahul Gandhi
the area. He reached assembly in 2002 at the preferred young
age of 33 and became a Minister. The PDP- Omar over Farooq
Congress coalition continued to have
for Congress
uncomfortable relations but Ajaz won trust of
both Chief Ministers that at one point of time he
alliance
had charge of 13 departments. His working with National
schedule involves five days in secretariat and Conference
two days in the field. Interestingly, these two
days are not for his own Gool-Arnas constituency
alone sparsely distributed areas across the
districts of Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu
province and Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and
Bandipore districts in Kashmir province.
Congress has been putting him into key
assignments including an assembly by-election
in Poonch district in 2007. In these areas
whenever the top Congress leaders from Center
or the state have to address public meetings,
Ajaz Ahmad Khan can be a young ray of
Ajaz is sent a week or ten days in advance to pull
hope for sagging Congress in J&K.
Epilogue Ø
36 ×
January 2009
Election Special
the crowds. In 2008 elections when Zulfikar wanted to go for higher

polling was over in his constituency, education first. He joined PDP in 2002
Ajaz was put to job in the several and was made district president a
constituencies of Ramban and Doda couple of years later. Winning election
districts where Congress has been able at the age of 38, Zulfikar carried along a
to do well. His father Haji Buland Khan, mix of youth energy and rich
a legislator for three times, was also a experience. He can be an asset for the
man of masses. In a faction riddled PDP to expand further in the region.
Congress in Jammu and Kashmir facing
reverses, young people like Ajaz can be Basharat was a career journalist when
key players for the future. influenced by policies of PDP he joined
the party in 2003. Little later he was
Among other young faces of the made president of the youth wing of the
Congress are Vikar Rasool Banihali who party and also nominated to the
has won the recent election from Legislative Council. Now he has won
Banihal constituency at quite young age election from Sangrama constituency in
of 33. Dr Manohar Lal Sharma is also in north Kashmir at the age of 46 and has
the league as he returns to the House before him a massive task of
second time at the age of 42.
Zulfikar, 38, is one of the rejuvenating youth wing of the party
only two winners of PDP in which has not seen much activity since.
Jammu region. He can be Zahoor Ahmed Mir is another young
In Peoples Democratic Party people like
Syed Basharat Bukhari and Peerzada a key force multiplier for legislator in the PDP who has won
Mansoor Hussain in Kashmir and party in the region where election second time at the age of 36.
Choudhary Zulfikar Ali in Jammu can a lot needs to be done
play an instrumental role for further
growth of party which has made NC’s Sakina is back to
In Jammu City
significant inroads in north Kashmir and
Jammu province. Till recently PDP was
House at 39. She can
inspire women to get back
Get your copy of
regarded as a political formation with
its concentration in south Kashmir
alone. Trends in the latest elections
into party fold
Epilogue
have shown PDP's enormous growth in
north Kashmir and quite significant
delivered
popularity in Jammu region as well.
Among the youth icons of PDP are at your
Bukhari, Mansoor and Choudhary –all
three are coming to the legislative
assembly for first time but they have
doorstep
significant influence in their areas.
Zulfikar, a second generation career

politician, contested 2002 elections Call :
shortly after he was out of the Campus
bagging a Postgraduate Degree in Law
and Management. His father Choudhary
9419180762
Mohammad Hussain, who won election
from Darhal constituency in Rajouri
01912493136
district five times, could have initiated
him into politics at young age but 9205046146
Epilogue Ø
37 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T K U P W A R A
KARNAH
Kafil-ul-Rehman
(NATIONAL CONFERENCE)
defeats
High Ranking,
Abdul Rehman Bhadana
(JKANC) Low Profile
W
Total Votes : 26897 ith third time straight victory of Kafil-ul-Rehman, Karnah becomes a
Vote Polled : 13145 bastion of National Conference. NC had snatched this seat from the
Winner : 4110 Peoples Conference in 1983 when its candidate Sharif-ud-Din Shariq
Winning Margin : 1148
won. 53 years old Kafil, a Pahari leader, first entered the legislative assembly in 1996
and has been winning since. Interestingly, Karnah is the only constituency in Kashmir
% Share Of Winner : 31.26
(Out of Total Votes) Valley where Awami National Conference stood runner up. Kafil defeated Abdul
HISTORY Rehman Badhana of ANC by 1148 votes.
2002
Kafil-ul-Rehman NC
1996 2002 elections

Kafil-ul-Rehman NC
1987
T his Assembly constituency was won by Kafil-ul-Rehman of National
Conference in 2002 election, who polled 8,707 votes defeating his
nearest rival Sikandar Khan of the Congress by 1,988 votes. Sikandar
Shariq-ud-Din Shariq NC Khan had polled 6,719 votes. The poll percentage in 2002 was 65.36.
1983 ELECTORAL BACKGROUND

Abdul Gani Lone PC
1977
K arnah in north Kashmir has
traditionally been a bastion
of National Conference. It was
constituency was won in 1972
by Yaseen Shah as an
independent candidate. In
Ghulam Qadir NC
only in 1983 when National 1977, NC candidate Ghulam
Conference was not in the Qadir was elected from the
1972 electoral fray that Peoples constituency. In 1983,
Yaseen Shah Ind. Conference won this seat. The Karnah Assembly
Karnah Assembly constituency constituency was represented
1967 was represented by Mohammad by Abdul Gani Lone of People's
Mohd Yunis Khan Cong. Yunis Khan of National Conference (who later became
Conference in the years 1957 a prominent separatist leader)
1962 and 1962. Interestingly he had while as in 1987, Sharif-ud-Din
Mohd Yunis Khan NC won the constituency Shariq of NC won from this
uncontested in both these constituency. In the 1996
1957 elections. Khan again won the elections again NC candidate
Mohd Yunis Khan NC seat in 1967 on a Congress Kafil-ul-Rehman was elected
ticket. However, the from Karnah constituency.
Epilogue Ø
38 ×
January 2009
Election Special
KUPWARA
Saifullah proves
Mir Saifullah
defeats
third time,
Fayaz Ahmed Mir
(PDP) Kupwara is not
PC turf
P
Total Votes : 90805 eoples Conference claims that Kupwara is its turf but Mir Saifullah its proved it
Vote Polled : 55525 otherwise –three times in a row. Saifullah was one of the youngest legislators in
Winner : 16696 1996 when he won on the National Conference ticket. He has been able to retain
seat three times straight. This times the Peoples Conference leader late Abdul Gani
Lone's daughter had posed a challenge but she finished third. 48 years Law Graduate
(Out of Total Votes) Saifullah defeated Peoples Democratic Party candidate Fayaz Ahmed Mir by
HISTORY significant margin of 5182 votes.
2002
Mir Saifullah NC
1996 2002 elections

Mir Shafiullah NC
1987
M ir Saifullah of National Conference has won this seat in 2002
elections securing 19,233 votes out of 41,836 votes polled. Mir
Saifullah defeated his nearest rival Mr. Ghulam Qadir Mir, an
Mushtaq Ahmed Lone Cong. independent candidate, by a narrow margin of 132 votes. While Qadir
Mir polled 19,101 votes the overall poll percentage in 2002 was 51.94.
This was second time straight victory for Mir in Kupwara constituency
1983
which is also the district headquarter.
Abdul Gani Lone Cong.
ELECTORAL BACKGROUND
1977
Peer Abdul Gani NC T he Kupwara constituency
was first represented by
Mohammad Sultan Tantray of
constituency in 1977. This
constituency was represented
again by by NC candidates Peer
1972 National Conference in 1957 Abdul Gani in 1983 and
Gh. Mohd. Shah NC and 1962 elections. Tantray Mushtaq Ahmad Lone in 1987
again won the seat in 1967 as a respectively. In 1996, Mir
1967 Congress candidate. At all Saifullah won the Assembly
Mohd Sultan Tantray Cong. three occasions Tantray was constituency as NC candidate.
declared elected without any The electoral history of
1962 contest. In 1972, Ghulam Kupwara reveals that this
Mohd Sultan Tantray NC Mohammad Shah of National constituency has mainly
Conference won the seat while remained a bastion of National
1957 as the Congress candidate Conference with the Peoples
Mohd Sultan Tantray NC Assadullah Shah won the Conference as its main
elections from this competitor.
Epilogue Ø
39 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T B A N D I P O R A D I S T R I C T K U P W A R A
Gurez Langate
Nazir Ahmed (NC) n 5817 votes Abdul Rashid Sheikh (Independent) n 7964 votes
defeats defeats
Faqir Ahmed Khan (Congress) n 5085 votes Mohammad Sultan Pandithpori (PDP) n 7754 votes
Total Votes : 15411 | Vote Polled : 11392 Total Votes : 60238 | Vote Polled : 36429
WINNING MARGIN 732 WINNING MARGIN 210
% SHARE OF WINNER 51.06 % SHARE OF WINNER 21.86
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
Nazir Ahmad NC Second Sharief-ud-Din Shariq NC Giant Killer
A
young independent
1996
Faqir Mohammad NC inning at 35 1996
Abdul Ahmed Wani NC
candidate has made a
difference by
A
t young age of 35, defeating veterans, even as the
1987 1987
Nazir Ahmed Gurezi sitting MLA was pushed out of
Abdul Ahmed Wani NC
is returning to House contest. Abdul Rashid Sheikh,
1983 second time by defeating 1983
43, has defeated Mohammad
Faquir Mohammad Khan of Abdul Ahmed Wani NC Sultan Panditpuri of PDP
while Sharief-ud-Din Shariq,
Congress. Nazir had won 2002
1977 1977 the 2002 winner, stood third.
election, as he polled 5,782 Shariq of the NC won this
Mohd. Sultan Gani NC
votes defeating his nearest Assembly constituency in
1972 rival Faqir Mohammad, an 1972 2002 elections when he
independent candidate, by Abdul Gani Mir Cong. defeated his nearest rival
1,250 votes. Faqir Mohammad Panditpuri of PDP by a margin
1967 polled 4,532 votes. While as 1967 of 2,400 votes. Shariq polled
Abdul Gani Mir Cong. 8,058 votes out of the total
the total votes polled were 26,717 votes polled.
1962 10,817, the poll percentage 1962 Panditpuri polled 5,658 votes.
recorded in 2002 elections Gh. Mohd. Wani NC The total poll percentage was
stood at 76.48. recorded at 53.97.
1957 1957
Gh. Mohd. Wani NC
ELECTORAL BACKGROUND ELECTORAL BACKGROUND
G urez is a relatively new constituency and was carved out in

April, 1995 in pursuance of J&K Representation of People's
Act, 1957. Faqir Mohammad, an independent candidate, first
L angate constituency was created in 1997 and first time went
to elections that year. It has all along remained a stronghold
of National Conference. Abdul Gani Mir of National Conference
represented the constituency in 1996 elections. Gurez won the Assembly constituency while as in 1977 Mohammad
constituency mostly remains disconnected from rest of Kashmir Sultan Ganai also of National Conference represented the
Valley for four to five months a year due to heavy snowfall and constituency. NC candidate Abdul Ahad Wani represented in the
poor communication links. This segment has a tradition of constituency in 1983, 1987 and 1996 elections. Langate was one
massive voter turnout as could be seen during 1996 and 2002 among the two assembly constituencies in Kashmir Valley where
elections. Peoples Democratic Party won first time ever. It was after the
assassination of sitting MLA Abdul Ahad Wani, who had won in
1996 that this constituency went to by-polls and Mohammad
Sultan Panditpuri of Peoples Democratic Party won.
Epilogue Ø
40 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Lolab
Abdul Haq Khan

PDP’s lone
(PDP)
defeats
Qaiser Jamsheed Lone
solace in
Kupwara
A
Total Votes : 85855 bdul Haq Khan of the Peoples Democratic Party is a lone solace for the party
Vote Polled : 57382 in this district but his victory is quite significant in this constituency which has
Winner : 23337 remained a strong turf of the National Conference and the Peoples
Conference. Khan has defeated the sitting MLA Qaiser Jamshed Lone who made a
comfortable win in 2002 elections riding on sympathy wave over assassination of his
(Out of Total Votes) uncle Mushtaq Ahmed Lone. Mushtaq was a Minister for Home in Farooq government
HISTORY and was assassinated in September 2002 during election campaign. Haq was in fray in
2002 2002 also but lost to Lone. 55 years old Haq has won by a margin over 5000 votes.
Qaiser Jamshed Lone NC
1996 2002 elections

Mushtaq Ahmed Lone NC
1987
Q aiser Jamshed Lone of National Conference was elected from this
constituency in 2002 securing 14,408 votes out of 34,093 votes
polled. The poll percentage was 46.88. Qaiser defeated his nearest
rival Abdul Haq Khan, an independent candidate, by a margin of 1,996
votes. Khan polled 12,412 votes.
1983
1977
L ike most of the assembly
constituencies in Kashmir
Valley, Lolab too witnessed two
1995. Mushtaq Ahmed Lone of
NC was declared elected from
this constituency in 1996.
elections uncontested. Lolab Barring the uncontested
1972
constituency was represented elections, this constituency has
Saifullah Bhat Cong.
by National Conference been witnessing an impressive
candidate Ghulam Nabi Wani in voter turnout in every
1967 1957 and 1962. Wani again won election.
Ghulam Nabi Wani Cong. the constituency in 1967 as a
Congress candidate. In 1972,
1962 Saifullah Bhat of Congress was
Ghulam Nabi Wani NC declared winner from the
Assembly constituency. The
1957 Lolab constituency was then
Ghulam Nabi Wani NC merged and reconstituted in
Epilogue Ø
41 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Handwara
Ch. Mohd. Ramzan

defeats
The return of
Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Sofi
(INDEPENDENT) the Choudhary
ne north Kashmir strongman of National Conference, Choudhary
O
Total Votes : 78151
Vote Polled : 57678 Mohammad Ramzan has bounced back but not without a band. It certainly
Winner : 27907 was an awkward situation for Choudhary in 12002 when a cloth merchant
Sofi Ghulam Mohiuddin defeated this top ranking Cabinet Minister of Farooq
Abdullah government who had won the constituency thrice till then. Ramzan has
(Out of Total Votes) restored grace to himself and the party when he won over Sofi by a margin of over 11000
HISTORY votes. Sofi was seen in 2002 elections as a proxy of the Peoples Conference and later he
2002 remained a Minister in Mufti Mohammad Sayeed cabinet.
Sofi Gh. Mohi-ud-din Ind.
1996 2002 elections

Ch. Mohd. Ramzan NC
1987
I ndependent candidate Sofi Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din was elected from this
constituency in 2002 securing 15,389 votes out of a total of 32,976
votes polled. The poll percentage was recorded at 51.47. Sofi won by a
Ch. Mohd. Ramzan NC margin of 2,997 votes defeating National Conference heavyweight and
sitting legislator Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, who polled 12,392
1983 votes. Ramzan was then a Minister and had been representing the
constituency since 1983 in row. Sofi owes his allegiance to the Peoples
Ch. Mohd. Ramzan NC
Conference and was seen as separatist proxy in the mainstream
elections.
1977
Abdul Gani Lone BJP
1972
Abdul Gani Lone Cong. A competitive turf between
National Conference and
the Peoples Conference,
Lone won in 1967 and 1972
from Handwara constituency as
a Congress candidate, he again
1967 Handwara had two uncontested won the seat in 1977 as a Janta
Abdul Gani Lone Cong. elections in 1957 and 1967. Party candidate. Choudhary
The Handwara constituency Mohammad Ramzan had won
1962 was represented by National the constituency in 1983, 1987
Abdul Gani Mir Ind. Conference candidate Ghulam and 1996 elections as a NC
Qadir Masala in 1957. Abdul candidate.
Gani Mir won from Handwara in
1957
1962 as an independent
Ghulam Qadir NC
candidate. While Abdul Gani
Epilogue Ø
42 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T B A R A M U L L A
Uri
Taj Mohi-ud-Din
(CONGRESS)
defeats
Roots in south,
Mohammad Shafi
niche in north
H
Total Votes : 65996 e is a unique player. Taj Mohiuddin comes from southern most part of J&K
Vote Polled : 53964 –Kathua –and tries luck from this one of this northern most constituency. He
lost several elections but stood firm before winning for first time in 2002. It was
Winner : 24036
not an easy win then and not so easy now. Both times Taj defeated top National
Winning Margin : 1879 Conference leader Mohammad Shafi who had retained seat from 1972 to 1996
% Share Of Winner : 44.54 continuously. Shafi is among the old guard of NC and is regarded as party's policy brain.
(Out of Total Votes)
HISTORY
2002
Taj Mohi-ud-Din Cong.
1996 2002 elections

Mir Mohd. Shafi NC
1987
T aj Mohiuddin of Congress sprung a surprise in 2002 when he
defeated National Conference heavyweight Mohammad Shafi
though with a wafer thin margin. Taj polled 20,460 votes defeating
Mir Mohd. Shafi NC Mohammad Shafi by 184 votes. Mohammad Shafi polled 20,276
votes. The poll percentage in 2002 was 66.49.
1983
Mir Mohd. Shafi NC
1977
Mir Mohd. Shafi NC U ri constituency in
Baramulla has though
mostly returned the National
1957 and 1962. In 1967
election, Uri constituency
was won by Mohammad
1972 Conference candidates to Muzaffar Khan of the
Mir Mohd. Shafi Ind. assembly, except at two Congress party. In 1972, Mr.
occasions, but there has Mohammad Shafi won the
1967 always been a strong contest Assembly constituency as an
Mohd. Muzaffar Khan Cong. with the Congress. This independent candidate but
constituency has also seen later he joined the National
1962 two elections without any Conference. Since then he
Raja Mohd. Afzal Khan NC contest. Uri was, therefore, has winning in Uri in the
represented by National elections 1977, 1983, 1987
1957 Conference candidate Raja and 1996, as National
Raja Mohd. Afzal Khan NC Mohammad Afzal Khan in Conference candidate.
Epilogue Ø
43 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Rafiabad Sopore
Javid Ahmed Dar (NC) n 13918 votes Mohammad Ashraf Ganie (NC) n 8368 votes
defeats defeats
Mohammad Dilawar Mir (PDP) n 13702 votes Abdul Rashid Dar (Congress) n4368 votes
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
Mohd. Dilawar Mir NC Young take Abdul Rashi Cong. Winner of
1996
Dilawar MirJanta Dal at old guard 1996
Syed Ali Shah Geelani JI separatist
3
1 years old Javed
1987
Gh. Mohd. Khan NC
Ahmed Dar of NC has
defeated a veteran of
1987
Hakim Habibullah NC
hotbed
I
n this separatist hotbed,
all elections, Dillawar Mir of Mohammad Ashraf Ganie
1983 PDP by a very narrow margin. 1983
Dilawar MirNC Hakim Habibullah NC of NC has defeated sitting
The Rafiabad Assembly Congress MLA Abdul Rashid.
constituency was won by Rashid was elected from this
1977 1977
Dilawar MirNC
Mohammad Dilawar Mir as Syed Ali Shah Geelani JI constituency in 2002 securing
NC (later he joined PDP and 2,062 votes out of 6,213 votes
1972 sought re-election in 2006) 1972 polled. The poll percentage
Mohd. Yousaf Dar Cong. candidate in 2002 securing Syed Ali Shah Geelani JI was 8.09. Rashid defeated his
11,576 votes out of 33,072 nearest rival. Abdul Ahad
1967 votes polled. Dilawar Mir 1967
Vakil, of National Conference
Gh. Rasook Kar NC defeated his nearest rival Ghulam Nabi Malik Cong.
by a margin of 547 votes. Vakil
Abdul Gani Vakil of the polled 1,515 votes. Vakil loss
1962 Congress by a margin of 632 1962
Gh. Rasook Kar NC Abdul Gani Malik NC for a humiliation for National
votes. While Vakil polled Conference. He was the
10,944 votes, the overall poll Speaker of Legislative
1957 1957
percentage in 2002 was Assembly then.
Gh. Rasook Kar NC Abdul Gani Malik NC
52.54.
G hulam Rasool Kar represented Rafiabad as NC candidate in

1957 and 1962 elections while in 1967 he won elections here
as Congress nominee. In 1972, the Rafiabad Assembly seat was
T his militancy infested constituency is known for strong
presence of Jamat-e-Islami and is the home place of senior
separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Sopore constituency was
won by Congress candidate Mohammad Yousuf Dar. In 1977 and represented by NC candidate Abdul Gani Malik in 1957 and 1962.
1983, this constituency was won by Dilawar Mir as NC candidate. He had won both elections uncontested. Ghulam Nabi Malik won
In 1987, Ghulam Mohammad Khan won from Rafiabad on National the constituency in 1967 as a Congress candidate. In 1972 and
Conference ticket. Dilawar again won from Rafiabad in 1996 as 1977, Syed Ali Shah Geelani won Sopore as Jamat-e-Islami
Janta Dal candidate. Though Dillwar against won in 2002 as NC candidate. In the 1983 elections, Hakim Habibullah of NCwas
nominee but in the mid term he resigned his seat to joined PDP declared winner while as in 1987 Syed Ali Shah Geelani again
and sought re-election in April 2006. The by-election had a won from the Assembly constituency. Abdul Ahad Vakil of
stunning poll percentage of 75.52 per cent and Dillawar won as National Conference was declared elected from this constituency
PDP nominee defeating NC candidate Mohammad Maqbool Mir. in 1996.
Epilogue Ø
44 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Sangrama
Syed Basharat Ahmed

Radio voice
(PDP)
defeats
Shoaib Nabi Lone
(INDEPENDENT)
pockets
popularity
H
Total Votes : 58505 e may have won election from a particular constituency in Kashmir but his
Vote Polled : 27809 voice is popular across the Valley. Coming from family of acclaimed journalists
and academicians, Syed Basharat Bukhari was ran a popular program at Radio
Winner : 7812
Kashmir before he joined PDP in 2003. This 46 years old outspoken politician was first
Winning Margin : 1330 elected to the House of Elders before he sought election from Sangrama
HISTORY
2002
Ghulam Nabi Lone PDP
1996 2002 elections

Mohd. Maqbool Lone NC
1987
P eoples Democratic Party candidate Ghulam Nabi Lone was
elected from the constituency in 2002 securing 3,697 votes out
of a total of 10,294 votes polled. The poll percentage was
Mohi-ud-Din Bhat NC recorded at 22.10. Mr. Lone won by a margin of 1,059 votes
defeating National Conference candidate Mohammad Yousuf, who
1983 polled 2,638 votes.
Ghulam Rasool NC

Ghulam Rasool NC
S angrama constituency was
created in 1977 by way of
delimitation and went to
elected from the
constituency. PDP candidate
Ghulam Nabi Lone was
1972
polls first time that year. assassination in 2005 and
National Conference subsequently constituency
1967 candidate Ghulam Rasool in went to by-elections in April
1977 and 1983 won 2006. His son Shoaib Nabi
Assembly elections from Lone contested as by-
1962 Sangrama. In 1987, Mohi-ud- elections as an independent
Din Bhat won as National candidate and defeated
Conference candidate while Javed Hussain Baig of
as in 1996, Mohammad Peoples Democratic Party.
1957
Maqbool Lone also of The poll percentage in the
National Conference was bye-election was 63.30.
Epilogue Ø
45 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Baramulla
Muzaffar Hussain Baig

Second verdict
(PDP)
defeats
Nazir Hussain Khan
for brainy
stalwart
T
Total Votes : 73644 emperamentally sensitive, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, probably the highest asset of
Vote Polled : 24355 PDP, is an orator, intellectual and legal luminary par excellence. One of highest
paid lawyers of Supreme Court, before actively entering PDP with formation of
Winner : 13019
party in 1999, Baig is a practitioner of clean politics. There was hardly any campaign in
Winning Margin : 5398 his constituency due to his unwilling health but still his victory with an impressive
% Share Of Winner : 53.45 margin reveals his roots in the area.
HISTORY
2002
Abdul Rashi PDP
1996 2002 elections

Mujahid Mohd. Abdullah NC
1987
M uzaffar Hussain Baig of the Peoples Democratic Party won the
Assembly constituency in 2002 elections when he defeated his
nearest rival Ghulam Nabi Kachru of National Conference by a
Sheikh Mohd. Maqbool NC margin of 2,849 votes. Baig had polled 6,833 votes out of the total
17,693 votes polled. Mr. Kachru polled 3,984 votes. The total poll
1983 percentage was recorded at 24.14.
Sheikh Mohd. Maqbool NC

Ghulam-ud-Din Shah NC
1972
E xcept 1972 elections,
Baramulla constituency,
also the district headquarter
Conference was elected from
Baramulla Assembly segment
while as in 1972, Ghulam-ud-
Shams-ud-Din NC
of this historic north Kashmir Din Shah won the Assembly
district, remained a bastion of seat. In 1983 and 1987,
1967
National Conference till Sheikh Mohammad Maqbool of
Shams-ud-Din NC
Muzaffar Baig clinched 2002 National Conference
polls. In 1957 and 1962, represented the constituency.
1962
Baramulla constituency was Another National Conference
Harbans Singh Azad NC
represented by National candidate Mujahid Mohammad
Conference candidate Abdullah represented the
1957
Harbans Singh Azad. In 1967, constituency in 1996
Harbans Singh Azad NC
Shams-ud-Din of National elections.
Epilogue Ø
46 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Gulmarg
Ghulam Hassan Mir

Rebel by nature,
(JKDPN)
defeats
Sheikh Mustafa Kamal
has his people
loyal
G
Total Votes : 81699 hulam Hassan Mir leads a career in politics at his own terms. He was a top
Vote Polled : 49592 ranking leader in National Conference but fell out. He was almost second in
command in PDP but here too he fell out. Stability appears to have come to this
Winner : 18253
veteran only when he has founded his own party –Democratic Party (Nationalist). This is
Winning Margin : 6441 second time that he has defeated scion of Abdullah dynasty –Sheikh Mustafa Kamal.
% Share Of Winner : 36.80 Mir got 18253 votes against 11812 of Kamal. None else from Mir's party has won from
(Out of Total Votes) anywhere.
HISTORY
2002
Ghulam Hassan Mir PDP
1996 2002 elections

Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal NC
1987
G hulam Hassan Mir of Peoples Democratic Party was elected
from this constituency in 2002 securing 27,737 votes out of
35,486 votes polled. The poll percentage was 50.42. Mr. Mir
Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal NC defeated his nearest rival Mr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal of NC by a
margin of 19,988 votes. Kamal polled 7,749 votes. Mir had later
1983 fallen out with the PDP leadership.
Ghulam Hassan Mir NC
1977
Mohd. Akbar Lone NC
G ulmarg also remained a
bastion of National
Conference except for 1972
this time as Congress
candidate. In 1977,
Mohammad Akbar Lone of
1972
S. Surinder Singh NC elections. This picturesque National Conference was
constituency was declared elected while as in
1967 represented by National 1983, this constituency was
S. Surinder Singh NC Conference candidate won by National Conference
Mohammad Akbar both in candidate Ghulam Hassan Mir.
1957 and 1962 while as In 1987 and 1996, the
1962
Sardar Surinder Singh won constituency was
Mohammad Akbar NC
the 1967 Assembly elections represented by Dr. Sheikh
on National Conference Mustafa Kamal, the younger
1957
ticket. In 1972, Surinder brother of Dr Farooq
Mohammad Akbar NC
Singh again won, however Abdullah.
Epilogue Ø
47 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Pattan
Iftikhar Hussain Ansari

Powerful man,
(PDP)
defeats
Abdul Rashid Shaheen
has always been
with power
6
Total Votes : 78915 7 years old leading business tycoon of Jammu and Kashmir is also a well learned
Vote Polled : 40486 leader. His grip at the political philosophy and spiritual Islam is impressive. On
orator par excellence, Ansari has arguably been a man of party in power. He won
Winner : 20703
1996 elections on Congress ticket but joined first Farooq Abdullah cabinet and then his
Winning Margin : 11271 NC party. When Abdullahs lost power in 2002 but Ansari, who had won on NC ticket,
% Share Of Winner : 51.13 resigned as MLA to join PDP. This time has won on PDP ticket with a whooping margin.
(Out of Total Votes) He polled 20703 votes against 9432 of Abdul Rashid Shaheen of NC. Shaheen is a
HISTORY sitting MP.
2002
M.I.H. Ansari NC 2002 elections
1996
M.I.H. Ansari Cong.
N ational Conference candidate Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari was elected
from the constituency in 2002 securing 15,268 votes out of a total of
29,008 votes polled. The poll percentage was recorded at 41.55. Ansari won
by a margin of 2,184 votes defeating Congress candidate Dr. Abdul Ahad Yatoo,
1987 who polled 13,084 votes. However, Ansari had later resigned from the seat in
Aga Syed Mehmoodl NC 2005 to join Peoples Democratic Party.

M.I.H. Ansari Cong.
1977
F irst two elections in Pattan
constituency were
uncontested as was the trend
from the constituency. In 1983,
Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari was
declared elected as Congress
Ab,Rashid Shaheen NC across Valley. Interestingly, since candidate while as in 1987
1962, the seat has been mostly National Conference candidate
1972 alternating between National Aga Syed Mehmood wrested the
Gh. Qadir Bedar Cong. Conference and the Congress. The seat. Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain
Pattan constituency was won by Ansari again won the seat in
1967 National Conference candidate 1996 as Congress candidate.
Ghulam Mohamad Jalib in 1957 Ansari again won this
Gh. Rasool Dar NC
and 1962 while as in 1967 constituency in 2002 as National
Assembly elections National Conference nominee but
1962 Conference candidate Ghulam subsequently resigned seat in
Gh. Mohd. Jalib NC Rasool Dar was declared elected. 2005 to join PDP on whose ticket
In 1972, Ghulam Qadir Bedar won he contested by-election in April
1957 as Congress candidate while as in 2006 but lost to Dr Sheikh
Gh. Mohd. Jalib NC 1977, Abdul Rashid Shaheen of Mustafa Kamal of National
National Conference was elected Conference.
Epilogue Ø
48 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T B A N D I P O R A
Bandipora
Nizzam-ud-Din Bhat
Journalist’s
(PDP)
defeats
Usman Abdul Majid
(INDEPENDENT)
fence crossing
endorsed
N
Total Votes : 86306 izamuddin Bhat is a former journalist. He was active in journalism when he
Vote Polled : 4995 joined PDP in 2003. Next year he was made to contest Lok Sabha election from
North Kashmir and was poised to loose as coalition partners were engaged in a
Winner : 13051
'friendly contest' to advantage of NC. Nizam was later nominated to Legislative Council
Winning Margin : 820 and has now won seat for party which was earlier held by Awami League.
HISTORY
2002
Usham Abdul Majid JKAL
1996 2002 elections

Ghulam Rasool Mir NC
1987
T he Bandipora Assembly segment was won by Usman Abdul
Majid of Jammu and Kashmir Awami League –a political outfit
formed after dissolving militant link. Usman had secured 5,722
Ghulam Rasool Mir NC votes out of 22,179 votes polled and defeated his nearest rival
Habibullah Bhat of the Congress by a margin of 253 votes.
1983 While Bhat polled 5,469 votes, the overall poll percentage in
Mohd. Khalil NC 2002 was 31.25.
1977
Mohd. Khalil NC ELECTORAL BACKGROUND
1972
Mohd. Anwar Khan Cong.
B andipore was also known
as Gurez constituency for
sometime and has remained
and 1972 Assembly
elections. In 1977 and
1983, National Conference
a traditional bastion of the candidate Mohammad Khalil
1967
National Conference. The was declared elected from
Mohd. Anwar Khan Cong. constituency was this constituency. In 1987
represented by National and 1996 Assembly
1962 Conference candidate Abdul elections, Bandipora
Abdul Kabir Khan NC Kabir Khan both in 1957 constituency was
and 1962 while as represented by Ghulam
1957 Mohammad Anwar Khan of Rasool Mir of the National
Abdul Kabir Khan NC the Congress won the 1967 Conference.
Epilogue Ø
49 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T B A N D I P O R A
Sonawari
Mohd. Akbar Lone

defeats
Way ahead of
Abid Hussain Ansari
(INDEPENDENT)
others in race
M
Total Votes : 84772 ohammad Akbar Lone's second time victory reveals that he has roots firm in
Vote Polled : 50595 the ground. He had won 2002 elections at an atmosphere when his party
National Conference suffered massive reverses across the Valley. In 2008
Winner : 20108
none of his opponents could poll even half of what Lone has got -20108 votes. Lone was
Winning Margin : 12157 Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly till 2008.
HISTORY
2002
Mohd. Akbar Lone NC
1996 2002 elections

Mohd. Yousaf Parrey NC
1987
M ohammad Akbar Lone of National Conference had won the
Assembly constituency in 2002 elections when he defeated his
nearest rival Mohammad Yousuf Parray of Jammu and Kashmir Awami
Mohi-ud-Din Kuchay NC League by a margin of 12,758 votes. Mr. Lone polled 25,687 votes out of
the total 44,246 votes polled while as Mr. Parray polled 12,929 votes.
1983 The total poll percentage was recorded at 56.50.
Gh. Rasool Bhar NC
1977
Ab. Aziz Parrey NC S onawari has seen mixed
presence of various parties
and close contests most of the
ticket, in 1977 he was
elected from Sonawari as
National Conference
1972 times but National Conference candidate. In 1983 polls, this
Ab. Aziz Parrey Cong. maintained a sway. In 1957, Assembly segment was
Sonawari constituency was represented by Ghulam
1967 represented by National Rasool Bahar while as
Ab. Aziz Parrey Cong. Conference candidate Abdul Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Kuchay
Khaliq Bhat. In 1962, Abdul was elected from here in
1962 Kabir Bhat won the Assembly 1987. Mohammad Yousuf
elections as National Parrey, an independent
Abdul Kabir Bhat NC
Conference candidate. While candidate, won from here in
Abdul Aziz Parrey won the 1996. Parray also known as
1957
1967 and 1972 elections from Kukka Parray, had formed his
Abdul Khaliq Bhat NC
Sonawari on a Congress party Awami League.
Epilogue Ø
50 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T G A N D E R B A L
Kangan
Altaf Ahmed
In assembly,
defeats
Bashir Ahmed Mir
(PDP)
third generation
since 1952
C
Total Votes : 59333 oming to Legislative Assembly for fourth time straight, 48 years old Mian
Vote Polled : 34939 Altaf of National Conference has created a rare history. The third generation
Winner : 19210 Mian scion has maintained membership of the family in legislative assembly
since 1952. Belonging to spiritually and politically influential family of Mians of Lar,
Altaf's grandfather, the revered Mian Nizammudin Aulia was a Member of the
(Out of Total Votes) Constituent Assembly and maintained his membership in the subsequent elections of
HISTORY 1957 to 1972. Then Altaf's father represented constituency in 1977. In 1983 too Mian
2002 Bashir was MLA but he sought election for Darhal constituency in Rajouri district. He
Main Altaf Ahmad NC had won the 1987 election at age of 27 and has been winning straight ever since.
1996 2002 elections

Mian Altaf Ahmad NC
1987
T his constituency was represented by Mian Altaf Ahmad of National
Conference in 2002. He got elected from this constituency by
defeating Ghulam Mohammad Dar of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by
Mian Altaf Ahmad NC a margin of 11,039 votes. While Altaf secured 16,987 votes, Dar had got
5,948 votes out of 26,249 votes polled overall. The poll percentage was
1983 recorded at 52.03.
Sheikh Ab. Jabbar NC

Mian Bashir Anwar Khan NC
1972
T his constituency is unique in
Jammu and Kashmir for
electing members of a single
elections. Mian Bashir Ahmad
again won from here as a
National Conference candidate in
Mian Bashir Anwar Khan Cong. family ever since its inception. 1977. 1983 was only exception
Three generations of Mian family to Mian family when Sheikh
1967 have been elected from Abdul Jabbar of National
Mian Bashir Anwar Khan Cong. Ganderbal, no matter whichever Conference was elected from
party they came from. The this constituency. Mian Nizam-
1962 constituency was represented by ud-Din's grandson and Mian
Mian Nizam-ud-Din NC Mian Nizam-ud-Din as National Bashir's son, Mian Altaf Ahmad
Conference candidate in 1957 was elected from this
1957 and 1962 and then by his son constituency in 1987 and 1996
Mian Nizam-ud-Din NC Mian Bashir Ahmad as Congress Assembly elections on NC
candidate in 1967 and 1972 ticket.
Epilogue Ø
51 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T G A N D E R B A L
Ganderbal
Omar Abdullah
Grace returns
defeats
Qazi Mohammad Afzal
(PDP)
to first family,
first party
Total Votes : 77627
Vote Polled : 39818
Winner : 16519
F inally, Omar Abdullah has been able to restore grace to the party and the family.
For anyone who watched the 2002 elections it was a shock when a little known
Qazi Mohammad Afzal of Peoples Democratic Party defeated Chief Ministerial
candidate of National Conference at a constituency which remained Abdullah family
Winning Margin : 8215 turf since 1977. This victory was symbolic for PDP and Qazi was rewarded by a top
% Share Of Winner : 41.48 ministerial berth. For next five and half years he remained in the thick of controversies
(Out of Total Votes) and the lowest point in his recent career was the Amarnath land deal. He was signatory
HISTORY to the order which set Kashmir on fire. It is interesting to note that in 2002 NC had
2002
emerged single largest party with 28 seats but it did not stake claim for Government
Qazi Mohammad Afzal PDP
formation. Omar's loss was probably seen as verdict against the NC. This time again NC
won same number of seats but the moment Ganderbal result was out the party was sure
1996 of forming government and Omar as next Chief Minister.
Farooq Abdullah NC
2002 elections
1987
Farooq Abdullah NC G anderbal was the most talked about assembly constituency in 2002
as NC's Chief Ministerial candidate lost here. This constituency was
represented by Qazi Mohammad Afzal of PDP in 2002 elections. He won
the seat defeating his National Conference president Omar Abdullah by
1983
a significant margin of 2,870 votes. Qazi secured 11,622 votes as
Farooq Abdullah NC compared to 8,752 polled by Mr. Abdullah. The total number of votes
polled was 24,081. The poll percentage was 35.20.
1977
Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah NC ELECTORAL BACKGROUND
1972
Mohd. Maqbool Bhat NC
T his constituency is
considered as family
bastion of the Abdullahs. It
won from Ganderbal in 1972 on
NC ticket. In the middle of
term, Bhat was asked to resign
alternated between NC and the and Sheikh Mohammad
1967 Congress till 1972 and in 1975 Abdullah won the by-elections.
Afterwards, Sheikh was elected
Mohd. Maqbool Bhat Cong. the sitting Congress MLA was
from this constituency in 1977.
made to resign to pay way for In 1983, 1987 and 1996
1962 election of Sheikh Mohammad Assembly elections, this
Abdul Salam Aitu NC Abdullah when he assumed constituency was represented
power after the famous Baig- by Dr. Farooq Abdullah and
1957 Parthasarthy accord. Ganderbal such remained bastion of
constituency was represented Abdullah family till Omar lost in
GhulamAhmad Sofi NC
by Ghulam Ahmad Sofi of NC in 2002.
Epilogue Ø
52 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T S R I N A G A R
Hazratbal
Farooq Abdullah
defeats
Return, better
Asiea
(PDP)
late than never
nly if Dr Farooq Abdullah had taken a decision in 2002 which he took six
O
Total Votes : 82677
Vote Polled : 000000 years later, things for National Conference would have been different. He
Winner : 11041 skipped not only campaign midway but also did not seek election from
anywhere. Contesting election in 2008 underlined Abdullah senior's seriousness to
steer party to power. Hazratbal was therefore safe choice. Farooq secure 11041 votes in a
% Share Of Winner : 0000
(Out of Total Votes) contest which can not be described as a cake walk even though winning margin was
HISTORY significant. His runner up, the PDP candidate Asea, polled 6769 votes. There were 16
2002 other candidates and all of them lost their deposits. In fact, except Congress candidate
Mohammad Syed Akhoon NC Agha Syed Mohasin, none else could poll more than 1000 votes. Agha polled 2913
which is significant for Congress in Srinagar City.
1996
Mohd. Syed Akhoon NC
2002 elections
1987
Mohd. Yaseen Shah NC
T his Assembly constituency was won by Mohammad Syed Akhoon
of National Conference in 2002 defeating his nearest rival
Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din of the Peoples Democratic Party by a margin
1983 of 1,403 votes. While Akhoon polled 3,042 votes, Mohi-ud-Din
Hissam-ud-Din Banday NC received 1,639 votes. The total votes polled were 6,110 and
poll percentage was recorded at 7.11. Akhoon had won second
1977 time in row.
Hissam-ud-Din Banday NC
1972
Sofi Ghulam Ahmed NC T here could not have been
any other secure seat for
National Conference than
1957, 1962, and 1967
elections, Sofi Ghulam
Ahmed won in 1972. Mr.
1967 Hazratbal which remained Hissam-ud-Din Banday was
Peer Yehya Shah Sadiqi NC with the party always. elected in 1977 and 1983
The Hazratbal elections from this
1962 constituency has been constituency. This
Peer Yehya Shah Sadiqi NC represented all along by constituency was
NC since 1952 till 2002. represented by Mohammad
1957 First two elections were Yaseen Shah in 1987 and
Peer Yehya Shah Sadiqi NC uncontested. While Peer Mohammad Syed Akhoon in
Yehya Shah Sadiqi won in 1996 respectively.
Epilogue Ø
53 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Iddgah
Mubarak Ahmad Gul

Idgah’s defenders
defeats
Asifa Tariq Qarra
(PDP)
is lieutenant of
Abdullahs
I
Total Votes : 58245 dgah constituency is a hub of separatist politics in Srinagar City. But Mubarak Gul
Vote Polled : 12390 has his indomitable influence. A trusted lieutenant of the Abdullahs, Gul was the
Chief Whip of National Conference in both ninth and tenth assemblies. He is
Winner : 4457
winning third time straight at the constituency which he first won in 1983. Gul, 58,
Winning Margin : 1679 secured 4457 votes against 2778 of Asifa Tariq Karra of the Peoples Democratic Party.
HISTORY
2002
Mubarak Ahmed Gul NC
1996 2002 elections

1987
M ubark Ahmed Gul of National Conference won election from this
constituency in 2002 securing 2,026 votes. He defeated his nearest
rival Mohammad Ashraf Bakshi, an independent candidate, by a margin
Mohammad Shafi Khan NC of 1,279 votes. Mr. Bakshi polled 747 votes. The total votes polled were
3,342 and percentage of polling was 4.74. Gul won in 2002 for second
1983 time straight.
1977
Abdul Rashid Kabli BJP E idgah constituency was
known as Safakadal till
1972 when it was renamed.
here as an independent
candidate in 1972 elections
and again in 1977 elections as
1972 This is a historic segment in Janta Party candidate. Mubark
Abdul Rashid Kabli Ind. Srinagar City which has been Ahmed Gul of National
represented by the Prime Conference wrested this
1967 Minister (head of Government constituency in 1983 and won
Bakshi Gh. Mohammad NC in Jammu and Kashmir was again in 1996 while as
called as Prime Minister till Mohammad Shafi Khan also of
1962 1965) of the state. Therefore, NC was elected from Iddgah in
Bakshi Gh. Mohammad NC Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad of 1987. Gul recaptured
National Conference won from constituency again in 1996 and
here in 1957, 1962 and 1967 held in 2002 also. National
1957
Assembly elections. Abdul Conference has maintained a
Bakshi Gh. Mohammad NC
Rashid Kabli first won from clear dominance since 1983.
Epilogue Ø
54 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Khanyar
Ali Mohammad Sagar

His popularity
defeats
Showqat Hafiz
(PDP)
yet to get
challenger
4 years old Ali Mohammad Sagar is perhaps the most uncompromising leader of
5
Total Votes : 53842
Vote Polled : 8512 National Conference. As a Minister of State for Home in Farooq Abdullah
Winner : 6313 government he would make the Director General of Police to under writ of
political establishment and later as Works Minister he tightened the engineering
departments with absolute grip. When NC was in opposition after 2002, Sagar's
(Out of Total Votes) healthy criticism would always sent the treasury benches in tizzy. In his Khanyar home
HISTORY turf, Sagar has proved third time that his popularity has no challenge. In a not-so-poor
2002 voter turnout, Sagar polled 6313 votes while none of nine other contestants could get
Ali Mohd. Sagar NC more than 900 votes –highest were 806 of PDP candidate Showkat Ahmad Hafiz.
Sagar had won 1987 elections from Batmalloo.
1996
Ali Mohd. Sagar NC
2002 elections
1987
Peer Mohd. Shafi NC
A li Mohammad Sagar of NC won the seat in 2002 elections defeating
his nearest Congress rival Mushtaq Ahmed by a margin of 2,741
votes. Sagar polled 2,868 votes and Mushtaq Ahmed 127, out of the
1983 3,056 votes polled. The poll percentage was recorded at 4.21.
Abdul Samad Teli NC
1977
Abdul Samad Teli NC
K hanyar constituency was
dissolved in 1977 and was
recreated by way of
when Ghulam Ahmad of
Congress and Saif-ud-Din Qari
of Jamat-e-Islami won the
1972
delimitation in 1995 and Assembly seat NC has won
again went to polls in 1996. the seat in all other Assembly
1967 However, right from the elections. National
beginning this constituency Conference candidates Abdul
maintained a hold of National Rehman Bhat (1957), Gazi
Conference even though Abdul Rehman (1962), Abul
1962
Congress and the Jamat-e- Samad Teli (1977, 1983 &
Gazi Abdul Rehman NC
Islami showed its significant 1987) and Ali Mohammad
presence in the electoral Sagar (1996) have
1957
process. Except 1967 and represented the
Ab. Rehman Bhat NC
1972 Assembly elections constituency.
Epilogue Ø
55 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Habakadal
Shameema Firdous
Kashmiri
defeats
Hira Lal Chatha
(BJP)
Pandits ensured
this woman wins
S
Total Votes : 51394 hameema Firdous is a young legislator at 37. While National Conference
Vote Polled : 5769 restored absolute grip over Srinagar district, the credit largely goes to Kashmiri
Winner : 2374 Pandits for smooth victory of Shameema. This constituency has a large number of
Kashmiri Pandit voters and in view of local boycott the migrant community would
return their member easily. Ten of the 21 total candidates here were Kashmiri Pandits
(Out of Total Votes) and none of them could poll over 500 votes. In fact no other candidate except the winner
HISTORY got more than 1000 votes. Shameema got 2374 votes and her runner up, Hira Lal Chatta
2002 of BJP, polled a meager 691 votes. Raman Mattoo, who had won election in 2002, was
Raman Mattoo Ind. this time finished at 280 votes.
1996
P.L. Handoo NC
2002 elections
1987
P.L. Handoo NC R aman Mattoo, independent candidate, was elected from this
constituency in 2002 defeating his nearest BJP rival Mr. Hira
Lal Gupta by a margin of 171 votes. Mr. Mattoo polled 587 and Mr.
1983 Gupta 416 votes of the total 2,062 votes polled. The percentage of
Gh. Mohd. Bhat NC polling was recorded at 3.08.

Gh. Mohd. Bhat NC
1972
H abbakadal in Srinagar
City is a constituency
with largest number of
elected from here in 1967
elections. Mr. Ghulam
Mohammad Bhat,
Gh. Mohd. Bhat Ind. Kashmiri Pandit votes. Even independent candidate, won
after their migration, it is the from this constituency in
1967 Kashmir Pandit vote which 1972 elections. He was
Kant Koul Cong. has remained a decisive returned as National
factor. The legendary D.P. Conference candidate in
1962 Dhar of National 1977 and 1983. Political
D.P. Dhar NC Conference represented veteran and legal luminary
this constituency in Piare Lal Handoo of National
1957 1957and 1962 Assembly Conference represented this
polls while as Shri Kant constituency in 1987 and
D.P. Dhar NC
Koul of Congress got 1996 Assembly elections.
Epilogue Ø
56 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Amirakadal
Naser Aslam Wani

Face of YNC
defeats
Parvez Ahmed Bhat
(PDP)
gets seat in
house
0 years old Nasir Aslam Wani was second in command when Omar Abdullah
5
Total Votes : 75490
Vote Polled : 11274 rose to the top ranks of Youth National Conference before taking over as
Winner : 3922 president of the grand old party in 2001. YNC was than just Omar and Nasir and
it was never revived. This descendant of an influential political family earlier
concentrated on Lolab Valley but things did not work. At Amirakadal, Nasir polled
(Out of Total Votes) 3922 votes against 3103 of his rival Pervez Ahmed Bhat of PDP. None of 27 other
HISTORY candidates could get more than 1000 votes in the constituency where a high profile
2002 Amreen Badar of Congress polled only 407 votes.
Mohd. Shafi Bhat Cong.
1996 2002 elections

Mohd. Shafi Bhat NC
1987
M ohammad Shafi Bhat of INC was elected from this
constituency in 2002 polls defeating his NC rival Mr. Ghulam
Nabi Mir by a margin of 491 votes. Mr. Bhat polled 1,163 votes and
Gh. Mohi-ud-Din NC Mr. Mir 672 of the 2,280 votes polled in all. The poll percentage
was recorded at 3.06. The total electorate in the constituency in
1983 2002 elections was 74, 442.
Gh. Mohi-ud-Din NC

Gh. Mohi-ud-Din
1972
NC
T his constituency in
Srinagar City also has the
credit of returning a Prime
Assembly elections. G.M.
Sadiq of the Congress and
Zainab Begum represented
G.M. Sadiq Congress Ministerial (as Chief Minister Amirakadal constituency in
was known then) candidate 1967 and 1972 Assembly
1967 to the assembly. After elections respectively. Mr.
G.M. Sadiq Congress Congress control in first few Ghulam Mohi-ud-Shah of NC
elections, National was consecutively elected
1962 Conference has been from this constituency in
Sham Lal Saraf NC dominating this constituency 1977, 1983, 1987 Assembly
since 1983. Amirakadal elections. Mr. Mohammad
1957 constituency was Shafi Bhat of NC won from
Sham Lal Saraf NC represented by Sham Lal Amirakadal constituency in
Saraf of NC in 1957 and 1962 1996.
Epilogue Ø
57 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Zadibal Batamaloo
Peer Aafaq Ahmed (NC) n 4335 votes Mohammad Irfan Shah (NC) n 9444 votes
defeats defeats
Shahjahan Dar (PDP) n votes Tafiq Hammed Qarra (Independent) n votes
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
Shahjahan Dar Ind. Third change Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Shah NC Control over
1996
Sadiq Ali NC
since 1996 1996
Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Shah NC
father's legacy
P A
eer Aafaq Ahmed of NC t times rising as
1987 has brought third new 1987 number two in PDP,
Peer Mohd. Shafi NC face in Zadibal since Mohammad Sagar NC the ex-Finance
1996. He defeated Shahjan Minister Tariq Hameed Karra
1983 Dar of PDP who had won in 1983 has lost to young Irfan Shah,
Sheikh Ab. Rashi NC 2002 as independent. This Ali Mohammad NC political heir to influential NC
Shia dominated constituency leader late Ghulam Mohi-ud-
1977 City was represented by 1977 Din Shah who had won in
Gh. Ahmed Shuntu NC Shahjahan Dar, a NC rebel, in M.M.Y. Hamdani NC 2002 defeating Karra by a
2002 Assembly elections. He margin of 842 votes. Shah had
1972 won the seat by defeating his 1972 then polled 2,065 votes and
Saleem Anwar Ind. nearest rival Sadiq Ali of NC Gh. Nabi Nowsheri JMI Qarra 1,223. The total votes
by a margin of 294 votes. polled were 4,171 and poll
1967 While Dar polled 1,514 votes, 1967
percentage was recorded at 4
Syed Abdullah NC Sadiq Ali polled 1,220. The Noor Mohammed NC
per cent. Due to the demise of
total votes polled were 3,244
1962 1962 Shah, Batmaloo constituency
and the poll percentage
Shabir Mohd. Abdullah NC G.M. SadiqNC went for a bye-election and
recorded was 4.78. Ali was
holding this constituency Tariq Hamid Qarra of PDP was
1957 since 1977 when he lost to Dar. 1957 elected from this constituency
Mirwaiz Gh. Nabi NC G.M. Sadiq NC defeating Irfan Ahmad Shah
of NC.
A B
s is the case with almost all urban segments across the atamalloo, is one of most prestigious constituencies in
Valley, this constituency too has remained a strong bastion of Srinagar City. This constituency was earlier known as
the National Conference. Zadibal constituency was represented Tankipora and was represented by G.M. Sadiq of National
by National Conference candidates Mirwaiz Ghulam Nabi, Shabir Conference in 1957 and 1962 Assembly polls. Noor Mohammad of
Mohammad Abdullah and Syed Abdullah in 1957, 1962 and 1967 Congress was elected from here in 1967 while as Ghulam Nabi
Assembly polls respectively. In 1972, an independent candidate Nowsheri of JMI won in 1972. Molvi Mohammad Yaseen Hamdani
Saleem Anwar wrested the seat. This seat was continuously won of National Conference represented Batmaloo in 1977. In 1983,
by NC candidates Ghulam Ahmed Shunthu, Sheikh Abdual Rashid, Ali Mohammad (Zainakadal) of NC represented the constituency
Peer Mohammad Shafi and Sadiq Ali in 1977, 1983,1987 and 1996 while as in 1987 elections this seat was won by Ali Mohammad
Assembly elections. Sadiq Ali's hold on the constituency had been Sagar of National Conference. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah of NC
total and complete till he lost to a party rebel in 2002. won from here 1996 and again in 2002.
Epilogue Ø
58 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Sonawar
Farooq Abdullah
A ‘risk cover’
defeats
Abdul Haq Khan
(INDEPENDENT)
but on razor’s
edge
A
Total Votes : 66065 bdullah senior was probably not sure of his victory at Hazratbal that he sought
Vote Polled : 26620 to contest from Sonawar as well. The choice was strategic. There was fear of a
Winner : 7018 complete voter boycott in Hazratbal and therefore he chose Sonawar as well
Winning Margin : 94
as this constituency has a large chunk of rural voters. A large of rural voters is from
Gujjar tribe who form the traditional voter bank of National Conference. Still contest
(Out of Total Votes) was not quite easy for Farooq as his victory was by a wafer thin margin over Ghulam
HISTORY Qadir Pardesi of Peoples Democratic Party. The winning margin was as low as 94. There
2002 were 24 other candidates in the fray.
Mohd. Yaseen Shah NC
1996
Gh. Mohd. Bhawan NC 2002 elections
1987 S onawar constituency, in Srinagar City, was represented by

Mohammad Yaseen Shah of National Conference in 2002. He
defeated his nearest PDP rival Ghulam Hussain Wani by a margin
of 1,705 votes. Shah polled 3,445 and Wani 1,740 votes. The
1983 total votes polled were 6,303 and the poll percentage was
recorded at 9.96.
1972 S onawar was is new

constituency in the
Srinagar City which has gone
which has a huge chunk of
rural votes and most of them
live towards left of the
to only three elections Jammu-Srinagar National
including the present one. Highway. In view of poor
1967
The constituency was carved turnout in urban areas it is
out on 27th April 1995 and the rural vote which has
Ghulam Mohammad Bhawan been deciding fortunes of
1962
of National Conference was candidates in past two
elected from this elections. Gujjars have
constituency in 1996. traditionally remained
1957
Sonawar is one such National Conference
constituency in Srinagar City supporters.
Epilogue Ø
59 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T B U D G A M
Chadoora
Javaid Mustafa Mir

He may be
(PDP)
defeats
Ali Mohammad Dar
aggressive but
people trust him
H
Total Votes : 73028 e is a maverick, the one of kind and discreet. He prefers isolation and is seen
Vote Polled : 39354 talking rarely. He is often in news for accidental fire from his licensed weapon
Winner : 16278 or bumping his jeep into an Army convoy. Javed Mustafa Mir is aggressive but
his people have faith in him. Securing 16278 votes, Javed has won seat second time for
the Peoples Democratic Party. He was a Minister of State, almost for full term, in the
(Out of Total Votes) coalition government.
HISTORY
2002
Javid Mustafa Mir PDP
1996 2002 elections

Ali Mohammad Dar NC
1987
J avid Mustafa Mir of Peoples Democratic Party had won
from this constituency in 2002 election, defeating his
nearest National Conference rival Ali Mohammad Dar by
Mir Mustafa Ind. a margin of 8,047 votes. While Mir polled 15,923 votes,
Dar had received 7,876. The total number of votes
1983 polled was 27,439 and the poll percentage was
Ab. Samad Mir NC recorded at 52.44.

Ab. Samad Mir NC
1972 C hadoora Assembly seat

was represented by
Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Mir
1972. Abdul Samad Mir of
National Conference won
from this Assembly
Gh. Mustafa Mir Cong.
of National Conference in Segment in 1977 and
1957 while as in 1962, Mr. 1983 respectively while
1967
Ghulam Nabi Wani, an as Mir Mustafa, an
Ghulam Mohd.Mir Cong.
independent candidate, independent candidate,
was declared elected. wrested the seat in 1987.
1962
Ghulam Mohammad Mir of In 1996, Ali Mohammad
Gh. Mohammad Mir NC
Congress won from here Dar of National
in 1967 while as Ghulam Conference was elected
1957
Mustafa Mir of Congress from Chadoora in 1996
Gh. Mohammad Mir NC
was elected in the year Assembly polls.
Epilogue Ø
60 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Budgam
Aga Syed Ruhullah

Returning to
defeats
Mohd. Kamal Malik
(PDP)
house at 32 tells
the whole story
A
Total Votes : 87049 t 32, this young Shia leader of National Conference is not an ordinary political
Vote Polled : 48942 activist. He is back in the House second time. In 2002 when he won election at
Winner : 19652 the age of 26 against a potential rebel from his own party, many believed
Agha Syed Roohullah Mehdi's influential family ensured his success. But family
lineage does not help always. His second time victory shows he has worked for people.
(Out of Total Votes) Agha polled 19652 votes and his PDP rival Mohammad Kamal Malik securing 9692
HISTORY votes was nowhere closer in the race.
2002
A.S.R. Medhi NC
1996 2002 elections

Syed Ali Geelani NC
1987
A young Shia leader Aga Syed Roohullah Medhi of National
Conference won this constituency in 2002 elections securing
11,398 votes. He defeated his nearest rival Aga Syed Mehmod
Gh. Hassan Geelani NC Al Mosvi, an independent candidate, by a margin of 6,645
votes. Aga Mehmood polled 4,753 votes. Agha Mehmood, it
1983 may be mentioned here, was a National Conference rebel
Gh. Hassan Geelani NC and had remained a Minister of State in Farooq Abdullah
Government.
1977
Gh. Hassan Geelani NC
1972
Ali Mohd. Mir Cong. B udgam has always
sprung surprises. This
Shia dominated
of National Conference won
this seat in 1967 while as Ali
Mohammad Mir of Congress
1967 constituency and also represented this Assembly
Hakim Syed Mehdi NC headquarters of this central segment in 1972 elections.
Kashmir district, was Ghulam Hassan Geelani of
1962 represented by Syed Ali National Conference
Syed Ali Safvi NC Shah of National Conference wrested the seat in 1977
in 1957 and Syed Ali Safvi, and won again in 1983 and
again of National 1996 elections while as Syed
1957
Conference, in 1962 Ali Geelani got elected from
Syed Ali Shah NC
elections. Hakim Syed Mehdi this constituency in 1987.
Epilogue Ø
61 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Beerwah
Shafi Ahmed Wani

Way to house,
(PDP)
defeats
Abdul Majid Matoo
by wafer thin
margin
A
Total Votes : 83890 t 55, Shafi Ahmed Wani of Peoples Democratic Party is coming to the
Vote Polled : 47992 Legislative Assembly for first time. Winning by a wafer thin margin of around
Winner : 11720 200 votes over National Conference candidate Abdul Majid Mattoo, Shafi
has not only won an election but also a challenge for the party. PDP's sitting legislator
had rebelled and his son Nazir Khan, one of founder members of the party, was in fray as
(Out of Total Votes) independent candidate. Nazir, however, finished third.
HISTORY
2002
Mohd. Sarfaraz Khan PDP
1996 2002 elections

Aga Syed Mehmood NC
1987
M ohammad Sarfaraz Khan of Peoples Democratic Party was
declared elected from this seat in 2002 elections when he
defeated his nearest National Conference rival Mohammad Amin
Syed Ahmad Saeed NC Banday by a margin of 11,920 votes. Mr. Khan polled 16,886
while as Banday received 4,966 votes. Sarfaraz, however,
1983 continued to revolt intermittently against the party leadership
Syed Ahmad Saeed NC till latest elections.

Syed Ahmad Saeed NC
1972 B eerwah constituency was

represented by Abdul
Qadoos Azad on National
constituency in 1977, 1983
and 1987 elections. This seat
was won by Aga Syed
Abdul Khaliq Mir Cong.
Conference ticket in 1957 Mehmood of National
and as a Congress candidate Conference in 1996. As it can
1967
in 1967. In 1962, Syed Abdul be seen from the trends, the
Abdul Qadoos Azad Cong.
Qadoos of National National Conference has
Conference won this seat. been a clear winner here
1962
Abdul Khaliq Mir of Congress from 1977 to 1996 and
Syed Abdul Qadoos NC
got elected from here in therefore its loss to the
1972 while as Syed Ahmad Peoples Democratic Party in
1957
Saeed of National Conference 2002 elections was quite
Abdul Qadoos Azad NC
represented this serious.
Epilogue Ø
62 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Khan Sahib
Hakeem Mohd. Yaseen

(PDP)
defeats
Toughnut of
Saif-ud-Din Bhat
(PDP)
Kashmir politics
R
Total Votes : 71925 eturning to House four time, 60 years old Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen is a
Vote Polled : 54030 tough nut to be cracked in Kashmir politics. He had first entered legislative
Winner : 22616 assembly at the age of 29 in 1977 as National Conference nominee and against
won in 1983. In 2002 he defeated a sitting MLA by a huge margin of nearly 16,000
votes. As an independent candidate he remained Minister with Mufti Mohammad
(Out of Total Votes) Sayeed and later Ghulam Nabi Azad but worked on his own terms. Neither Azad nor
HISTORY Mufti could woo him to their own camps and he went ahead to found his own party
2002 –Peoples Democratic Front. At one time he commanded influence over 12 independent
Hakim Mohd Yaseen Ind. MLAs but later most of them aligned with parties. As Minister his grip on departments
he held remained absolute.
1996
Ab. Gani Naseem Cong.
2002 elections
1987
Gh. Mohd. Mir Cong. H akim Mohammad Yaseen, an independent candidate, won from this
constituency in 2002 defeating his nearest National Conference
rival Mr. Abdul Gani Naseem by a margin of 15,793 votes. Hakim polled
1983 20,186 votes as against 4,393 polled by Naseem who had won this seat
Hamim Mohd Yaseen NC in 1996 for National Conference.
1977
Hamim Mohd Yaseen NC
N ational Conference has
though dominated its
presence in Khan Sahib but the
Congress won from here in
1972 while as Hakim
Mohammad Yaseen wrested
1972
Congress too had a significant this constituency in 1977 and
Gh. Qadir Wani Cong. influence in this constituency 1983 as National Conference
of Badgam district. The candidate. Ghulam Mohammad
1967 constituency was represented Mir of Congress was elected
Ab. Gani Namthali Cong. by Abdul Rehman Rahat of from Khan Sahib Constituency
National Conference in 1957 in 1987 and Abdul Gani
1962 and Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Khan Naseem in 1996. Trends also
Gh. Mohi-ud-Din NC of the same party in 1962. show that Hakeem Mohammad
Congress candidate Abdul Gani Yaseen had a strong following
1957 Namthali was declared elected in the segment as he won
Ab. Rehman Rahat NC from this constituency in twice on NC ticket and once as
1967. Ghulam Qadir Wani of an independent.
Epilogue Ø
63 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Chrar-E-Sharief
Abdul Rahim Rather

Seat reserved
defeats
Ghulam Nabi Lone
(PDP)
in assembly, sixth
time straight
R
Total Votes : 68095 egarded as National Conference think tank, strategic planner and financial
Vote Polled : 50883 buff, Abdul Rahim Rather was straight out of College when he first became
Winner : 24579 MLA from Charar-e-Sherief in 1977. And 31 years later he is against back to the
assembly –sixth time in row. He has remained a Minister several times, particularly a
best performing Finance Minister, but nothing like anti-incumbency could creep into
(Out of Total Votes) his constituency. An orator par excellence, Rather's political acumen, administrative
HISTORY grip, honesty and integrity has rare parallels in state's political landscape. At 53 he is a
2002 'young legislator' sixth time. Rather started his career with Sheikh Mohammad
Ab. Rahim Rather NC Abdullah, earned confidence of Farooq Abdullah and is trusted advisor of the third
generation Abdullah, Omar.
1996
Ab. Rahim Rather NC
2002 elections
1987
Ab. Rahim Rather NC O ne of the towering political stalwarts of Jammu and Kashmir, Abdul
Rahim Rather of National Conference was elected from this
constituency in 2002 defeating his Peoples Democratic Party rival
1983 Ghulam Nabi Lone by a margin of 3,755 votes. Rather polled 20,275
Ab. Rahim Rather NC votes as against 16,520 votes polled by Lone. This was fifth time
straight win for Rather in this constituency.
1977
Ab. Rahim Rather NC ELECTORAL BACKGROUND
1972
Abdul Qayoom Cong.
C harar-e-Sharief
constituency in Badgam
district has one rare feature
electoral history. The
constituency was represented
by Bakshi Abdul Rashid of
which has hardly been seen in National Conference in 1957
1967 another constituency in the and 1962 elections. Abdul
Abdul Qayoom Cong. state. This constituency has Qayoom of Congress was
been returning a single elected from here in 1967 and
1962 candidate from same party 1972 elections. Abdul Rahim
continuously in five Rather of National Conference
Bakshi Ab. Rashid PDP
elections. Congress though has continuously retained the
won this seat twice but the seat in 1977, 1983, 1987 and
1957
National Conference has 1996 Assembly elections. This
Bakshi Ab. Rashid PDP dominated throughout the is a history in itself.
Epilogue Ø
64 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T P U L W A M A
Tral Pampore
Mushtaq Ahmed Shah (PDP) n 10393 votes Zahoor Ahmed (PDP) n 11117 votes
defeats defeats
Mohammad Ashraf Bhat (NC) n 6586 votes Mohammad Anwar Bhat (Congress) n 5969 votes
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
Gh. Nabi Bhat NC Value Zahoor Ahmad Mir PDP Tribute to
1996
Ali Mohd. Naik NC addition to 1996
Mushtaq Ahmad NC
his father
A
t 36, Mir Zahoor's
1987
Gh. Nabi Naik NC
PDP 1987
Gh. Mohi-ud-Din NC
victory is a tribute to
his father and pride
A
t 53, Mushtaq for PDP. Zahoor's father Abdul
1983 Ahmed Shah of PDP 1983
Aziz Mir of PDP had won in the
Ali Mohd. Naik Ind. in new entrant in Mohammad Sultan NC
2002 when he defeated his
assembly snatching seat from nearest Congress rival
1977 1977
NC. NC had fielded a new face Mohammad Anwar Bhat by a
Mohd. Subhan Bhat NC Malik Mohi-ud-Din NC
but Shah dominated. Ghulam margin of 705 votes. However,
1972 Nabi Bhat of NC was elected 1972 due to the assassination of Mir
Ali Mohd. Naik Ind. from this constituency in 2002 Gh. Hassan Masoodi Cong. immediately after elections in
elections defeating his nearest 2002, bye-election was held
1967 Congress rival Surinder Singh 1967
in Pampore constituency in
Ali Mohd. Naik Ind. by a margin of 309 votes. Pir Mubarak Shah Cong.
February 2003 in which
While Bhat polled 3,253 Zahoor Ahmad Mir, again of
1962 1962
votes, Surinder Singh received PDP, was elected defeating his
Ab. Gani Trali NC Ghulam Jeelani NC
2,944 votes. nearest NC rival Mushtaq
1957 1957 Ahmad by a margin of 12,782
Ab. Gani Trali NC Ghulam Jeelani NC votes.
T his South Kashmir constituency in saffron rich district of

Pulwama has a significant proportion of Sikh population but
never a member from the community has been elected from
F ollowing the general trend across Kashmir Valley, Pampore
constituency was initially won twice by NC and then at equal
occasions later by Congress before NC recaptured it for around
here even though they contested well. The constituency was two decades in 1977. Pampore constituency was represented by
represented by Abdul Gani Trali of NC in 1957 and also in 1962 Ghulam Jeelani of National Conference in 1957 and 1962. Pir
Assembly elections. Ali Mohammad Naik won the 1967, 1972 and Mubarak Shah of the Congress won from here in 1967 while as
1983 Assembly elections as an independent candidate. Naik's Ghulam Hassan Masoodi of Congress was declared elected in the
victory clearly reflected an individual following running higher than 1972 elections. Malik Mohi-ud-Din, Mohammad Sultan, Ghulam
any party though NC maintained a clear dominance ever after. Mohi-ud-Din and Mushtaq Ahmad, all of NC, were elected from
Mohammad Subhan Bhat of NC won from here in 1977 while as this constituency in 1977, 1983, 1987 and 1996 Assembly
Ghulam Nabi Naik, again of National Conference, represented the elections respectively. This NC bastion was broken by PDP in
constituency in 1987 elections. Ali Mohammad Naik later joined 2002 elections.
NC and won this seat in 1996 as a NC candidate.
Epilogue Ø
65 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T P U L W A M A D I S T R I C T S H O P I A N
Pulwama Shopian
Mohammad Khaleel Badh (PDP) n 10639 votes Abdul Razzak Waghay (PDP) n 8006 votes
defeats defeats
Haji Sona Ullah Dar (Independent) n 4003 votes Mohammad Shafi (Congress) n 5208 votes
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
Mohd. Khalil Band PDP Clear Gh. Hassan Khan PDP Safe turf for
1996
B.A. Nengroo NC
winner, 1996
S.M.Rafi NC
elder
A
bdul Razk Wagay is
1987
B.A. Nengroo NC
twice 1987
S.M. Mansoor NC
among the eldest few
members of new
K
halil Ahmed Bandh
has been able to retain legislative assembly. It was
1983 1983 safe turf for him as PDP
Sonaullah Dar NC
seat he won for PDP in S.M. Mansoor NC
the 2002 elections when he Ghulam Hassan Khan had
defeated his nearest NC rival won in 2002 but this time
1977 1977
Bashir Ahmad Nengroo by a denied ticket. Last time Khan
Mohammad Ibrahim Dar NC S.M. Mansoor NC
margin of 2,427 votes. had Sheikh Mohammad Rafi
1972 Nengroo was a Minister in 1972 of National Conference by a
Sonaullah Cong. Farooq Abdullah government Ab. Majid Banday Ind. margin of 720 votes. Khan
till 2002. While Band polled polled 4,083 votes and Rafi
1967 5,209 votes, Nengroo received 1967 3,363 votes. The total number
Master Sonaullah Cong. 2,782 votes. The total Shamim Ah. Shamim Ind. of electors in the constituency
electorate in 2002 elections in 2002 were 55,812. Of these,
1962 1962 15,012 cast their votes and the
was 54,107 and the votes
Sonaullah Sheikh NC Ab. Majid Banday NC poll percentage was recorded
polled were 9,811. The poll
percentage was recorded at at 26.90.
1957 1957
Sonaullah Sheikh NC 18.13. Ab. Majid Banday NC
P ulwama's electoral history is exactly the same as that of the

neighbouring Pampore in same district –twice with Congress
and six times with National Conference before slipping over to
S hopian constituency was represented by Mr. Abdul Majid
Banday of NC in 1957 and 1962 elections while as Mr. Shamim
Ahmad Shamim, an independent candidate, won from here in
the PDP in 2002 elections. Pulwama Assembly segment was 1967 elections. Mr. Abdul Majid Banday again won this Assembly
represented by Sonaullah Sheikh of National Conference in 1957 segment as an independent candidate in 1972. Sheikh
and 1962. Master Sonaullah of the Congress won from here in Mohammad Mansoor of NC continuously represented this
1967 and 1972 elections. After a two term spell of Congress, the constituency in 1977, 1983 and 1987 elections while as Sheikh
constituency again returned to the NC for next four terms. NC Mohammad Rafi of NC was elected in 1996.
candidates Mohammad Ibrahim Dar and Sonullah Dar were
declared elected from here in 1977 and 1983 Assembly elections
while as B. A. Nengroo won this seat in 1987 and 1996 elections.
Epilogue Ø
66 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T P U L W A M A
Rajpora
Winner in
S. Bashir Ahmed Shah
(PDP)
defeat
Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir
triangular
(INDEPENDENT)
contest
S
Total Votes : 79149 yed Bashir Ahmad of PDP has retained the seat after a tough triangular contest
Vote Polled : 40508 between him, NC candidate and an NC rebel. He was elected from this
constituency in 2002 defeating his nearest National Conference rival Ghulam
Winner : 10177
Mohi-ud-Din Mir by a margin of 8, 086 votes. While Syed Bashir secured 13,946 votes
Winning Margin : 947 Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir polled 5,860 votes.
HISTORY
2002
Syed Bashir Ahmad PDP
1996 2002 elections

Gh. Mohi-ud-Din NC
1987
S yed Bashir Ahmad of Peoples Democratic Party was elected from
this constituency in 2002 defeating his nearest National
Conference rival Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir by a margin of 8, 086 votes.
While Syed Bashir secured 13,946 votes Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir
polled 5,860 votes.
1983
1977
R ajpora was dissolved as a
constituency in 1977 and
was recreated in the
The constituency was
continuously represented
by Ghulam Mohammad
1972 delimitation of 1996. Before Rajpori first as National
Bashir Ahmed Magray Cong. its dissolution in 1977, the Conference candidate in
constituency was twice 1957 and 1962 while as
1967 each represented by the he won from here in 1967
Gh. Mohammad Rajpori Cong. National Conference and as a Congress candidate.
the Congress. However, on Bashir Ahmad Magray of
1962 its recreation it went Congress was elected from
Gh. Mohammad Rajpori NC again to National here in 1972 and Ghulam
Conference before the Mohi-ud-Din Dar of
1957 party lost to Peoples National Conference in
Gh. Mohammad Rajpori NC Democratic Party in 2002. 1996 Assembly elections.
Epilogue Ø
67 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T S H O P I A N
Wachi
Mehbooba Mufti
(PDP)
defeats
She pushed rivals
Showqat Hussain Ganie
out of race
T
Total Votes : 68403 he winner of 2002, Mohammad Khalil Naik of CPI(M) was really taken as sitting
Vote Polled : 33749 duck when PDP president Mehbooba Mufti decided to contest from Wachi
constituency. This is first time that any member of Mufti family was contesting
Winner : 12810
from here. Since PDP had last time lost with a margin of 80 votes, the decision appeared
Winning Margin : 8336 quite calculated. In an intensely contested election Mehbooba, in a way returns
% Share Of Winner : 38.64 uncontested. 48 years old Mehbooba made all 18 other contestants to loose their
(Out of Total Votes) security deposits. While Naik could poll only 2366 votes, NC nominee got 4474
HISTORY against 12810 of Mehbooba.
2002
Mohd. Khalil Naik CPI(M)
1996 2002 elections

Mohd. Jabar Mir NC
1987
M ohammad Khalil Naik of Communist Party of India (Marxist) was
elected from this constituency in 2002 defeating his Peoples
Democratic Party rival Ghulam Hassan Bhat by a wafer thin
Nazir Ahmad Wani NC margin of 80 votes. Naik received 4,133 votes while as Mr. Bhat
received 4,053 votes. The electorate in Wachi constituency in
1983 2002 was 50,054 and votes polled stood at 14,160. The poll
Gh.Qadir Wani NC percentage was recorded at 28.29.
1977
Gh.Qadir Wani NC
1972 W achi was not an

assembly constituency
till 1977 when it was created
Jabar Mir, again of National
Conference, was elected
from here in 1996 Assembly
so by way of delimitation. In elections. Trends suggest that
1967 its first ever election after Wachi has clearly remained a
delimitation, the constituency bastion of National
was represented by Ghulam Conference till 2002. It can
1962 Qadir Wani of National be seen that the contest in
Conference in 1977 and 1983 2002 was actually between
elections while as Nazir CPI(M) and the Peoples
Ahmad Wani of again National Democratic Party which
1957
Conference won the 1987 suggested erosion of National
Assembly seat. Mohammad Conference.
Epilogue Ø
68 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T K U L G A M
Noorabad
Skina Itoo
Daughter of
defeats
Abdul Aziz Zargar
(PDP)
illustrious father
bounces back
I
Total Votes : 61149 n a triangular contest, the youngest MLA of her times has defeated the oldest MLA of
Vote Polled : 46092 his times. Abdul Aziz Zargar was a senior Cabinet Minister in coalition government is
a also a living signatory to the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. He was the eldest
Winner : 16240
MLA in previous assembly. When Sakina Ittoo won, first time, in 1996 elections she was
Winning Margin : 4518 the youngest of that assembly. Daughter of an illustrious NC leader Wali Mohammad
% Share Of Winner : 35.23 Ittoo, Sakina's performance as Minister in Farooq Abdullah government was amazing.
HISTORY
2002
Ab. Aziz Zargar PDP
1996 2002 elections

Sakina Ittoo NC
1987
A bdul Aziz Zargar of Peoples Democratic Party was elected
from this constituency in 2002 defeating National
Conference candidate Sakina Akhtar Ittoo by a margin of 315
votes. While Zargar polled 3,616 votes, Ms Sakina received
3,301 votes. The total electorate in 2002 was 51,946. Of
1983 these, 12,157 cast their votes and the polling percentage was
Wali Mohd. Ittoo NC recorded at 23.40.
1977
Wali Mohd. Ittoo NC ELECTORAL BACKGROUND
1972
Ab. Aziz Zargar Cong.
E xcept for first two
elections, the Noorabad
constituency has oscillated
Abdul Aziz Zargar won from
here in 1967 and 1972
elections. Wali Mohammad
between two families -Ittoos Ittoo of National Conference
1967 and Zargar. When Sakina was elected from Noorabad
Ab. Aziz Zargar Cong. Ittoo wins the seat again she in 1997 and 1983 elections.
makes full circle for her Sakina Ittoo, again of
1962 family. This constituency Nationaol Conference
Gh. Hassan Khan NC was represented by National –daughter of two time
Conference candidate legislator from this
Ghulam Hassan Khan in constituency Wali
1957
1957 and 1962 elections Mohammad Ittoo –won in
Gh. Hassan Khan NC
while as Congress candidate 1996 elections.
Epilogue Ø
69 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Kulgam
Mohd. Yousaf Tarigami

Lonely comrade
(CPI(M))
defeats
Nazir Ahmed Laway
(PDP)
saves grace by
hair-thin margin
T
Total Votes : 80833 he Comrade was locked in a risky game this time. He was the lone CPI(M)
Vote Polled : 50163 legislator in 1996 and had a colleague in 2002. This time he is again alone; the
other one has been defeated badly. Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, the face of the
Winner : 17175
Left in J&K, has always been lucky for other parties being sympathetic to him. The NC
Winning Margin : 236 did not field a candidate against him in 1996 and this time he was spared by the
% Share Of Winner : 34.23 Congress. PDP was, however, up to uproot him. The Comrade, however, saved grace by
(Out of Total Votes) 236 votes.
HISTORY
2002
Mohd. Yousaf Tarigami PDP
1996 2002 elections

Mohd. Yousaf Tarigami PDP
1987
M ohammad Yousuf Tarigami of Communist Party of India (Marxist)
was elected from this constituency in 2002, defeating his nearest
NC rival Mr. Ghulam Nabi Dar by a margin of 4,885 votes. Mr. Dar polled
Ab. Razak Mir Ind. 3,461 votes while as Mr. Tarigami polled 8,346 votes. The total number
of voters in this constituency in 2002 elections was 66,159. Of these,
1983 16,138 cast their votes and percentage of polling stood at 24.39.
Gh. Nabi Dar NC
1977
Gh. Nabi Dar NC
T he constituency was
represented by Abdul Kabir
of National Conference in 1957
and 1983 elections. Abdul
Razak Mir was again elected
from here in 1987 as an
1972
elections while as another independent candidate whileas
Ab. Razak Mir JMI
National Conference candidate Mr. Mohammad Yousuf
Mohammad Yaqoob Bhat won in Tarigami of Communist Party
1967
1962. Mohammad Yaqoob Bhat of India (Marxist) wrested the
Mohd. Yaqoob Bhat Cong.
won again in 1967 as a seat in 1996 polls. Electoral
Congress candidate while as trends show that National
1962
Jamat-e-Islami candidate Abdul Conference could never make
Mohd. Yaqoob Bhat NC
Razak Mir was elected from a lasting hold on Kulgam
here in 1972 elections. Ghulam constituency as it had on a
1957
Nabi Dar of National majority of seats across
Abdul Kabir NC
Conference won both the 1977 Kashmir Valley.
Epilogue Ø
70 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Home Shalibug
Abdul Gafar Sofi

(PDP)
defeats
The return of
Abdul Majeed
the quiet player
Total Votes : 65661
A
t 55, Sofi Abdul Gaffar has returned to the Legislative Assembly retaining this
Vote Polled : 36309 South Kashmir constituency for Peoples Democratic Party which he won first
Winner : 12249
time in 2002. Sofi remained a Minister of State in Mufti Government and was
eased out in 2005 to give chance to others. Polling 12249 votes, he has defeated Abdul
Winning Margin : 4810 Majid of NC who got a little over 7400 votes. Sofi is a quiet player and keeps low profile.
HISTORY
2002
Ab. Gaffar Sofi PDP
1996 2002 elections

Gul Mohd. Rafiqi NC
1987
A bdul Gaffar Sofi of PDP won from here in 2002 elections
defeating his CPI(M) rival Mr. Mohammad Amin Dar by a
margin of 4,476 votes. Mr. Sofi polled 6,803 votes while as Mr.
Ghulam Nabi Ind.
Dar polled 2,327 votes. The total electors in 2002 Assembly
polls in the constituency were 50,635. Of these, 11,612
1983 exercised their right to vote and percentage of polling was
Ab. Salam Deva NC recorded at 22.93.
1977
Ab. Salam Deva NC
1972 T he constituency was

represented by National
Conference candidates
in 1983 while as Ghulam
Nabi, an independent
candidate, was elected in
Ali Mohd. Dar JMI
Ghulam Ahmad in 1957 and 1987. Mr. Gul Mohammad
Abdul Kabir Wani in 1962 Rafiqi, of National
1967
elections. Abdul Rehman of Conference had won from
Abdul Rehman Cong.
Congress won from here in here in 1996. This
1967 while as Ali Mohammad constituency has a mixed
1962
Dar of Jamat-e-Islamo was influence of Jamat-e-Islami
Ab. Kabir Wani NC
elected in 1972. Abdul and National Conference
Salam Deva of National before Peoples Democratic
1957
Conference wrested the Party made a mark in 2002
Ghulam Ahmad NC
seat in 1977 and retained it elections.
Epilogue Ø
71 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T J A M M U D I S T R I C T K U L G A M
Marh Devsar
Sukhnandan Kumar (BJP) n 18368 votes Mohd. Sartaj Madani (PDP) n 14175 votes
defeats defeats
Ajay Kumar Sadhotra (NC) n votes P. Ghulam Ahmed Shah (NC) n 10174 votes
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
Ajay Kumar NC BJP's rural Mohd. Sartaj Madni NC Kin to party
1996
Ajay Sadhotra NC punch to 1996
P.G. Ahmad Shah NC
power
A
close kin of former
1987
Mula Ram Cong.
NC 1987
P.G. Ahmad Shah NC
Chief Minister Mufti
Mohammad Sayeed,
N
C's organisational PDP's Mohammad Sartaj
1983 guardian of Jammu, 1983 Madni has retained the seat
Mula Ram Cong. Ajay Sadhotra lost to P.G.A.Shah NC which he had won for first time
his 2002 rival Sukhnandan in 2002. He crashed the hopes
1977 Kumar of BJP. In 2002 1977 of National Conferencw
Tulsi Ram JP Sadhotra had defeated Gh. Nabi Kochak NC which had fielded a former
Sukhnandan by securing Minister Ghulam Ahmed
1972 1972 Shah. In 2002, Madni has
14,959 votes and Sukhnandan
Sushil Kumar Cong. Gh. Hassan Parray Ind. defeated his nearest CPI(M)
Kumar polled 13,792 votes.
The votes polled were 46,935 rival Mr. Mohammad Yaqub
1967 1967 by a margin of 3,026 votes. Mr.
Guran Ditta Mal Cong. and poll percentage stood at M.N. Koul Cong.
68.82. it was again an Madni received 8,721 votes
while as Mr. Yaqub polled
1962 intensely contested election 1962 5,695 votes.
Guran Ditta Mal NC and Amarnath land row was a Ab. Aziz Zargar NC
major influencer.
1957 1957
Ab. Aziz Zargar NC
M arh constituency just on the outskirts of Jammu City has

mainly remained a bastion of the Congress even though the
National Conference won thrice in the electoral history. The
D evsar was represented by NC candidate Mr. Abdul Aziz Zargar
in 1957 and 1962 elections while as Congress candidate M. N.
Koul won in 1967. Mr. Ghulam Hassan Parray, an independent
constituency was represented by Guran Ditta Mal of National candidate, was elected from here in 1972. NC candidate Mr.
Conference in 1962 elections. He again won from here in 1967 on Ghulam Nabi Kochak won the seat in 1977 elections. Mr.
a Congress ticket. Sushil Kumar, another Congress candidate, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah of NC continuously won Devsar
won this seat in 1972 while as Tulsi Ram of Janta Party was constituency in 1983, 1987 and 1996 elections.
elected in the 1977 elections. Mula Ram of Congress won both
the 1983 and 1987 elections while as Ajay Kumar Sadhotra of
National Conference won in 1996.
Epilogue Ø
72 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T A N A N T N A G
Anantnag
Mufti Mohd. Sayeed

Confident ride
(PDP)
defeats
Mirza Mehboob Beig
in star
constituency
P
Total Votes : 75014 eoples Democratic Party has proved that it controls South Kashmir and the
Vote Polled : 31499
control is absolute. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's decision to challenge a National
Conference strongman in Anantnag was not without risk but a risk worth taking. It
Winner : 12439 really spoke of confidence. Mufti apparently decided to contest at Anantnag so that the
Winning Margin : 4891 safe constituency of Pahalgam, which he represented earlier, falls in PDP kitty. Victory
% Share Of Winner : 39.49 margin of around 5000 votes over Dr Mehbooba Baig is quite significant.
HISTORY
2002
Dr. Mehboob Beigh NC
1996 2002 elections

Safdar Ali Beigh NC
1987
D r. Mehboob Beigh of National Conference (NC) was elected from this
constituency in 2002 defeating his JKAL rival Mr. Liyakat Ali Khan by
a margin of 2,861 votes. Dr. Beigh polled 3,513 votes and Mr. Khan
Mohd. Syed Shah Ind. received 652 votes. The total electors in 2002 were 69,815 and total
votes polled were 5,002. The poll percentage stood at 7.16.
1983
M.M. Beigh NC
1977
M.M.Afzal Beigh NC
A prestigious constituency of
South Kashmir, Anantnag
has remained with National
in 1967 and 1972 elections on
a Congress ticket. . Mirza
Mohammad Afzal Beigh of
Conference for most part of National Conference wrested
1972 electoral history. This the seat in 1977. Mirza Baig
Shams-ud-Din Cong. constituency also has the credit was the number two in NC
of electing of one former Chief hierarchy and also remained a
1967 Minister and one Deputy Chief Deputy Chief Minister with
Minister. Ananrnag the Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. In
Shams-ud-Din Cong.
constituency was represented 1983, his son, Mirza Mehboob
by Shams-ud-Din as National Beg was elected from this
1962 Conference candidate in 1957 Assembly segment. Mohammad
Shams-ud-Din NC and 1962. Shams-ud-Din, it Syed Shah, an independent
may be mentioned here, has candidate, wrested this seat in
1957 remained Chief Minister of the 1987 while as Safdar Ali Beigh
state for a brief period of few of National Conference won
Shams-ud-Din NC months. He was again elected from here in 1996.
Epilogue Ø
73 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Dooru
Ghulam Ahmed Mir

(CONGRESS)
defeats
Justice from
Syed Farooq Andrabi
(PDP)
court of peoples
I
Total Votes : 61874 n the decade of 1990s he held Congress flag high in Kashmir when his party's name
Vote Polled : 43855
was a hate symbol in Valley for the follies of 1987 elections. After winning 2002
elections, Ghulam Ahmed Mir had at one point of time became a most powerful
Winner : 15870 Congress leader in Kashmir. In the middle of his popularity he fell to a raging
Winning Margin : 5518 controversy. People had written his political career off. But Mir returned to put up a
% Share Of Winner : 36.18 brave face –in assembly and among his people. His second victory shows that he was
(Out of Total Votes) never guilty in the eye of his people on Dooru.
HISTORY
2002
Gh. Mohd. Mir Cong.
1996 2002 elections

Gh. Hassan Wani NC
1987
A young leader, Ghulam Ahmad Mir of the Congress was declared
elected from this constituency in 2002. He defeated his National
Conference rival Syed Manzoor Ahmad by a margin of 11,342 votes. Mir
Mohd. Akbar Ganai NC received 14,461 and Syed Manzoor polled 3,119 votes. The total
number of voters in 2002 was 57,974. Of these, 21,848 cast their votes
1983 and poll percentage was recorded at 40.48.
Mohd. Akbar Ganai NC
1977
Haji Ab. Gani Khan NC
D ooru constituency has
clearly been a Congress
bastion in South Kashmir. It is
but this time on a Congress
ticket. Haji Abdul Gani Khan of
National Conference wrested
1972
also a prestigious constituency the seat in 1977 and
Syed Mir Qasim Cong.
as it has been represented by Mohammad Akbar Ganai of also
two former Chief Minister at of the Congress party won from
1967
different occasion. The Dooru here in 1983 and 1987
Syed Mir Qasim Cong.
constituency was represented Assembly elections. Ghulam
by Shams-ud-Din and Syed Mir Hassan Wani, again of National
1962
Qasim on National Conference Conference, was elected from
Syed Mir Qasim NC ticket in 1957 while as Qasim Dooru constituency in 1996
retained the seat in 1962 on elections but in 2002 Ghulam
1957 NC mandate. He again won Ahmed recaptured the seat for
Shams-ud-Din & S.M.Qasim NC from here in 1967 and 1972 Congress.
Epilogue Ø
74 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Kokernag
P. Mohammad Sayeed
(CONGRESS)
defeats
Surprise return
Ghulam Nabi Bhat
(NATIONAL CONFERENCE) amidst all odds
A
Total Votes : 69616 s a Minister of many important departments in coalition government and also as
Vote Polled : 48785
President of Pradesh Congress, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed remained in this
thick of controversies. Scams hit his departments –Rural Development and
Winner : 13384 Education –twice and was sacked from the Cabinet towards the end of last assembly.
Winning Margin : 1270 Despite all odds, Peerzada has been able to resurrect. The victory margin has been wafer
% Share Of Winner : 27.43 thin but luck has been on his side.
HISTORY
2002
Peerzada Mohd. Sayeed Cong.
1996 2002 elections

Syed Abdul Rashid NC
1987
P eerzada Mohammad Sayeed of Congress was elected from this
constituency in 2002 defeating his nearest Peoples Democratic Party
rival Ghulam Rasool Malik by a margin of 436 votes.. Sayeed received
Peerzada Mohd. Sayeed Cong. 3,356 votes as compared to 2,920 votes polled by Malik. The total
electorate in 2002 elections in Kokernag constituency was 57,743. Of
1983 these, 8,817 voters exercised their franchise and poll percentage was
Malik Hisam-ud-Din NC recorded at 15.26.
1977
Malik Hisam-ud-Din NC
T his constituency of South
Kashmir has constantly
remained with National
Conference candidate Syed
Hussain in 1957 and Nizam-ud-
Din in 1962, In 1967 and 1972,
1972 Conference for 30 long years Hisam-ud-Din was elected from
Hisam-ud-Din NC before Congress registered a this constituency. Malik
first victory in 1987. Electoral Ghulam-ud-Din of National
1967 history suggests that Congress' Conference was elected from
Hisam-ud-Din NC first win here was possible only this constituency in 1977 and
for the reason that it had a 1983 Assembly elections.
1962 seat sharing arrangement with Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed
Nizam-ud-Din NC the National Conference in represented this constituency
1987 elections. Kokernag in 1987 as Congress candidate
1957 constituency was known as while as Syed Abdul Rashid of
Syed Hussain NC Nowbug Breng till 1972. It was NC wrested the seat in 1996
represented by National elections.
Epilogue Ø
75 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T A N A N T N A G D I S T R I C T A N A N T N A G
Shangus Pahalgam
P. Mansoor Hussain (PDP) n13853 votes Rafi Ahmed Mir (PDP) n 24316 votes
defeats defeats
Gulzar Ahmad Wani (NC) n 12423 votes Altaf Ahmed Wani (NC) n 13394 votes
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
Peer Mohd. Hussain PDP Quite Mehbooba Mufti PDP Safe sailor
F
or Rafi Ahmed Mir it was
1996
Abdul Majid Mir NC family affair 1996
Abdul Kabir Bhat NC
a safe seat nourished by
the Muftis. Mehbooba
P
eerzada Mansoor
1987 Hussain, in a short 1987 Mufti of Peoples Democratic
Ab. Radhid Dar NC period of time, has Rafi AhmadNC Party was elected from here in
emerged as a key strategic 2002 defeating his nearest
1983 planner of PDP. He has 1983 NC rival Rafi Ahmad Mir by a
Mohd. Maqbool NC
defeated Gulzar Ahmed Wani P.L. Handoo NC margin of 2,139 votes. Mufti
of Congress at a constituency polled 8,544 votes while as Mr.
1977 1977 Mir received 6,405. The total
Mohd. Asraf NC
earlier represented by his P.L. Handoo NC
father-in-law Peerzada electorate in 2002 elections in
Mohammad Hussain. Pahalgam was 57,363. Of this,
1972 1972 18,940 voters cast their votes.
Mohd. Asraf Cong. Peerzada senior had won from M.L.Fotedar Cong.
here in 2002 defeating Gulzar The poll percentage was
by a margin of 341 votes. recorded at 33.01.
1967 1967
Mohd. Asraf Cong. Hussain secured 5,115 votes M.L.Fotedar Cong.
while as Gulzar polled 4,774
1962 votes votes. The total number 1962
M.Nath Koul NC of electorate in 2002 was Mohammad Syed NC
54,319 and votes polled were
1957 1957
13,799. The poll percentage
M.Nath Koul NC Gh. Ahmad Mir NC
was recorded at 25.40.
T he constituency was known as Kothar till 1972 when it was

named as Shangus. It was represented by National
Conference candidate Mohinder Nath Koul both in 1957 and 1962
P ahalgam constituency has thrown mixed results. Then known
as Dachinpora, this constituency was represented by NC
members Ghulam Ahmad Mir and Mohammad Syed in 1957 and
polls. Mohammad Ashraf of the Congress won from here in 1967 1962 Assembly polls. Makhan Lal Fotedar of the Congress won this
and 1972 elections. He again won this seat on National seat in 1967 and 1972 while as P.L. Handoo of NC was returned
Conference ticket in 1977. Mohammad Maqbool of National from this constituency in 1977 and 1983. Rafi Ahmad and Abdul
Kabir Bhat of NC won this constituency in 1987 and 1996 Assembly
Conference was elected from here in 1983 and Abdul Rashid Dar,
elections. It may be mentioned here that after election to Lok
again of National Conference, won this Assembly segment in Sabha in 2004, the 2002 winner Mehbooba Mufti had resigned the
1987. National Conference candidate Abdul Majid Mir was seat causing bye-election in the constituency which was held in
elected from this constituency in 1996. October, 2004. PDP patron and then CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed
was elected from this constituency defeating his NC rival Rafi
Ahmad Mir. Interestingly, Mir later joined the PDP and was later
nominated as Member of the Legislative Council.
Epilogue Ø
76 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Bijbehara Man of
Abdul Rehman Veeri
(PDP)
organization,
defeats
Bashir Ahmed Shah
swears by
ideology
A
Total Votes : 75519 bdul Rehman Veeri swears by the ideology of his mentor Mufti Mohammad
Vote Polled : 46752
Sayeed. Veeri, along with Mohammad Sultan Panditpuri, was first ever
Member of Legislative Assembly on PDP ticket when he sought by-election on
Winner : 23320 Bijbehara constituency vacated by Mehbooba. He returned to assembly in 2002 and
Winning Margin : 10274 became a Minister of State. A man of organization, his department as MoS was changed
% Share Of Winner : 49.88 many times to tame the Cabinet Ministers. NC rival Bashir Ahmed Shah too polled an
(Out of Total Votes) impressive 13000 votes but he was nowhere closer in contest with Veeri who secured a
HISTORY whooping 23320 votes. All ten others lost deposits.
2002
Ab. Rehman Veeri PDP 2002 elections
1996
Mehbooba Mufti Cong.
A bdul Rehman Veeri of Peoples Democratic Party was elected from
here in 2002 defeating his nearest National Conference rival Haji
Abdul Gani Shah by a margin of 3,877 votes. Bhat polled 5,961 votes
while as Mr. Shah received 2,084 votes. The total electorate in 2002
1987 Assembly elections was 61,322 and votes polled were 10,221. The poll
percentage was recorded at 16.67.
Ab. Gani Shah NC
1983
Ab. Gani Shah NC
W hatever name the
constituency has been
known by or whichever party
constituency in the 1972
elections. Abdul Gani Shah of
National Conference
1977 he has come from, Bijbehara continuously represented the
Ab. Gani Shah NC has clearly remained an constituency in 1977, 1983 and
individual stronghold of the 1987 Assembly polls while as
Peoples Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti won from
1972
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed ever Bijbehara as a Congress
Saif-ud-Din Cong. since he contested and won first candidate in 1996. However,
election here. This constituency, Mufti resigned as MLA on
1967 known as Khawerpora till 1962, formation of Peoples Democratic
Mufti Mohd. Sayeed Cong. was represented by Noor-ud-Din which resulted in a bye-election
Dar of National Conference in in the constituency in 1999,
1957 and 1962 Assembly which was won by Abdul
1962 elections. Mufti Mohammad Rehman Bhat Veeri on PDP
Noor-ud-Din NC Sayeed as a candidate of the ticket. This was one of the two
Congress was elected from this constituencies opening account
1957 constituency in 1967 while as of Peoples Democratic Party in
Saif-ud-Din, again of the electoral landscape of Kashmir
Noor-ud-Din NC
Congress, represented the Valley.
Epilogue Ø
77 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T L E H D I S T R I C T K A R G I L
Nobra Kargil
Tsetan Namgyal (Independent) n 4608 votes Qamar Ali Akhoon (NC) n 22935 votes
defeats defeats
Tsewang Rigzin (Congress) n3678 votes Haji Nissar Ali (Independent) n 17635 votes
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
Sonam Wangchuk Ind. Back after a Haji Nissar Ali Ind. Return
1996
Testan Namgyal NC
break 1996
Qamar Ali Akhnoon NC after a
T
setan Namgyal's election
1987
Ab. Gani Shah NC
was tactical. He went as
independent but carried
1987
Qamar Ali Akhnoon NC
break
1983
along NC support. Congress'
journalist-turned politician
Tsewang Rigzin lost by 100
1983
Munshi Habibullah NC
Q amar Ali Akhoon has
resurrected his way to
the assembly after a
stunning loss last time. Haji
votes which is considered huge
1977 in Nobra. There was no contest 1977 Nissar Ali, an independent
in Nobra constituency in 2002 Munshi Habibullah NC candidate, was elected from
elections. Sonam Wangchuk, this constituency in 2002
1972 1972 defeating Akhoon by a margin
an independent candidate,
K.M. Ali Khan Cong. of 6,396 votes. Haji Nissar Ali
was elected unopposed from
the Nobra Assembly segment polled 27,384 votes while as
1967 1967
in the 2002 elections. Sonam, Mr. Akhoon received 20,988
K.M. Ali Khan Cong.
also known as Pinto Narboo, votes out of 48,372 votes
1962 had contested on the plank of 1962
polled overall.
Ladakh Union Territory Front Aga Syed Ibrahim NC
and there was completely
1957 unanimity on the issue and no 1957
other candidate filed Aga Syed Ibrahim NC
nomination papers.
T he trans-Himalayan constituency of Nobra is a relatively new

and has seen only three elections (including the present
one). The constituency was carved out by way of delimitation in
T his Assembly segment was represented by Aga Syed Ibrahim
of National Conference in 1957 and 1962. Kachu Mohammad
Ali Khan won from here on a Congress ticket in 1967 and 1972
April, 1995 and was first represented by. Testan Namgyal of elections. Munshi Habibullah of National Conference wrested the
National Conference in 1996. seat in 1977 and retained it in 1983. Qamar Ali Akhoon won 1987
and 1996 Assembly elections on National Conference ticket.
Kargil is a Shia-Muslim majority assembly constituency and has
predominantly remained a National Conference bastion for most
part of the electoral history.
Epilogue Ø
78 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T L E H
Leh
Nawang Rigzin
(CONGRESS)
defeats
New hero of
Thupstan Chhewang
(INDEPENDENT)
Ladakhi politics
Total Votes : 67299
A
clean and upright, Nawang Rigzin Jora's return to Legislative Assembly marks
Vote Polled : 37640 a watershed in Ladakh politics. In 2002 he returned uncontested as all leaders
Winner : 19008
of all parties in Leh dissolved their local units to pitch for Union Territory
demand. Units of all parties were later quietly revived. This time the sitting MP
Winning Margin : 1523 Thupstan Chhewang, supported by National Conference took on Rigzin who was on
% Share Of Winner : 50.49 Congress ticket. It was a close contest, but the peoples reposed their confidence in Rigzin
who has emerged as hero of Ladakhi politics.
HISTORY
2002
Nawang Rigzin Ind.
1996 2002 elections

Chering Dorjey Cong.
1987
I n Leh constituency also there was no contest in 2002 elections.
In fact the local units of all political parties had been dissolved
to give shape to the Ladakh Union Territory Front for the cause of
Tsering Samghel Cong.
Union Territory to the region. Nawang Rigzin Jora, an independent
candidate, was declared elected unopposed from this constituency
1983 in 2002 elections. However, Jora later joined the Congress.
Sonam Gyalsan NC
1977
Sonam Narboo Cong.
H ome to stalwarts of
Ladakhi politics, this
constituency has produced
Narboo was elected from
here in the 1977 polls.
However, in 1983 Sonam
1972
some of the best Budhist Gyalsan of National
Wonam Wangyal Cong.
leaders known ever. Leh Conference won from here.
constituency was first Congress candidates Tsering
1967
represented by Kushak Samphel and Chering Dorjey
Sonam Wangyal Cong. Bakola of National won the Leh seat in 1987
Conference in 1957 and and 1996 Assembly
1962 1962 elections. Sonam elections. The trends show
Kushak Bakola NC Wangyal of the Congress the National Conference had
wrested the seat in 1967 a grip for first ten years but
1957 elections and retained it in after that the constituency
Kushak Bakola NC 1972 polls. Another has continuously remained
Congress candidate Sonam with the Congress.
Epilogue Ø
79 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T K A R G I L D I S T R I C T R A M B A N
Zanskar Ramban
Firoz Ahmed Khan (NC) n 6552 votes Ashok Kumar (Congress) n 21779 votes
defeats defeats
Ghulam Raza (Congress) n 5634 votes Bali Bhagat (BJP) n 11460 votes
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
Ghulam Abbas NC Change Chaman Lal NC Ninth face
1996
Ghulam Abbas Cong. continues 1996
Bali Bhagat BJP since 1962
Z
anskar has also gone for
C
hange is the way in
1987 change –fourth time 1987
Ramban where Ashok
since 1996. NC's Feroz Bharat Gandhi Cong.
Kumar of Congress is
Ahmed Khan has defeated the
1983 1983
ninth new face since 1962.
sitting MLA seeking election
on Congress ticket. Ghulam Jagdev Singh Cong. Chaman Lal of National
Abbas of NC was elected from Conference won this
1977 this constituency for second 1977 constituency in 2002
time in row in 2002 elections Prem Nath NC elections defeating his nearest
defeating his nearest Congress rival Ashok Kumar
1972 independent rival Tsering 1972 by a margin of 2,536 votes.
Chosphel by a margin of 3,187 Mohd. Akhter Nizami Cong. Chaman Lal polled 15,220
votes. Tsering Chosphel polled votes and Mr. Ashok Kumar
1967 5,393 votes and Abbas 8,580 1967 12,681 votes. The total votes
votes. The poll percentage was Hans Raj Cong. polled were 42,133 out of
recorded at 78.96. Due to the
demise of Abbas, the 73,011 registered voters and
1962 1962
constituency went to a bye- the poll percentage was
Asadullah Mir NC
election in August, 2005 and recorded at 57.71.
1957 Ghulam Raza, an independent 1957
candidate, was declared Asadullah Mir NC
elected from this constituency.
Z anskar was not an electoral constituency till April, 1995

when it was carved out so by way of delimitation. The next
year it went to polls for first time Ghulam Abbas of National
A shared ground for National Conference and the Congress,
Ramban constituency was reserved for Scheduled Castes in
1977. The constituency was represented by Asadullah Mir of
Conference won from this constituency in 1996. Abbas was a National Conference in 1957 and 1962 while as Hans Raj and
retired Superintendent of Police. Though in Ladakh region, the Mohammad Akhter Nizami of the Congress party won from here
Leh district is predominantly Budhist and Kargil predominantly in 1967 and 1972 elections respectively. Prem Nath of National
Shia-Muslim but Zanskar constituency in Kargil district has mixed Conference wrested the seat in 1977 while as Jagdev Singh and
population of Muslims and Budhists. Therefore, the contest is Bharat Gandhi of the Congress won in 1983 and 1987 elections.
often between two communities rather than two parties. In 1996 polls, Bali Bhagat of BJP was declared elected from this
constituency.
Epilogue Ø
80 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T K I S H T W A R
Kishtwar
Living up to
Sajad Ahmed Kichloo
father’s legacy,
defeats
Sunil Kumar
(BJP) peoples’
expectations
I
Total Votes : 70592 t could have been given to sympathy wave in 2002 when Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo
Vote Polled : 51356 sought election after demise of his illustrious father Bashir Ahmed Kichloo. Six years
Winner : 19248
later the smart and suave Kichloo has proved that he has the capacity to live up to
legacy of his father and expectations of his people. It was an intensely contested election
Winning Margin : 2465 in Kishtwar which was badly hit by Amarnath land row which put BJP first time ever in
% Share Of Winner : 37.47 reckoning in this constituency. 43 years old Sajjad polled 19248 votes against 16783 of
BJP candidate. PDP's Syed Asghar could muster only 10403 votes. As a legislator,
HISTORY Sajjad has an excellent performance in the previous assembly.
2002
S.Hussain Kitchloo NC
1996 2002 elections

B.Ahmad Kitchloo NC
1987
S ajad Hussain Kitchloo of National Conference was elected from this
constituency in 2002 elections defeating his nearest Congress rival
Ghulam Hyder Sheikh by a margin of 1,663 votes. Kitchloo polled
B. Ahmad Kitchloo NC
16,725 votes while as Sheikh received 15,062 votes. 40,473 people
exercised their franchise out of 73,793 registered voters. The poll
1983 percentage was recorded at 54.84.
Gh. Hassan Arman NC
1977
B.Ahmad Kitchloo
1972
NC
K ishtwar constituency in
Jammu province is most
arduous and vast segment.
Budshah of National
Conference in 1957 and 1962
elections. Ghulam Mustafa and
Nizam-ud-Din Cong. Though the National Nizam-ud-Din, both Congress
Conference and the Congress candidates, represented the
1967 have been sharing honours in Assembly segment in the 1967
Ghulam Mustafa Cong. the electoral history but NC's and 1972 elections. Bashir
leading stalwart Bashir Ahmed Ahmad Kichloo of National
1962 Kichloo had a clear sway in this Conference wrested the seat in
Syed Mir Budshah NC segment. He won three 1977 while as Ghulam Hassan
elections here and after his Arman won from here in 1983
1957 death his son took over the polls. Bashir Ahmad Kitchloo of
Syed Mir Budshah NC bastion. This constituency was NC again won in 1987 and 1996
represented by Syed Mir elections.
Epilogue Ø
81 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T K I S H T W A R
Indarwal
G.M. Saroori
(CONGRESS)
defeats
Firm grip over
Shakti Raj
(BJP)
rugged terrains
Total Votes : 73863
G
hulam Mohammad Saroori's margin was one of highest in 2002 elections when
Vote Polled : 53157 entered the legislative assembly for first time. A man of organizational and
Winner : 22864 public commitment, he has been able to nourish constituency to win it over
Winning Margin : 10415 twice. It was an intensely contested election in this mountainous constituency but none
% Share Of Winner : 42.67 of the opponents could reach anywhere closer to Saroori's 22684 votes.
HISTORY
2002
Gh. Mohammad Cong.
1996 2002 elections

Jalal-ud-Din NC
1987
G hulam Mohammad Saroori of Congress was elected from
this constituency in 2002 defeating his nearest National
Conference rival Qazi Jalal-ud-Din by a margin of 18,884
Mohd. Sarief Niaz NC
votes. Ghulam Mohammad polled 24,551 votes while as Mr.
Jalal-ud-Din received 5,667 votes out of the 37,917 votes
1983 polled. This was one of the highest margins in 2002 elections.
Sheikh Gh. Mohd. NC The total electorate registered for the 2002 polls was 66,987
and the poll percentage was recorded at 56.60.
1977
Sheikh Gh. Mohd. NC
1972
Abdul Gani Goni Cong. I nderwal came to be
known only after 1967 as
this constituency was
However, National
Conference candidate
Sheikh Ghulam
1967 known as Bhalesa-Banjwah Mohammad wrested the
Abdul Gani Goni Cong. constituency in 1957 and seat in 1977 and retained
1962 polls when Abdul it in 1983. Mohammad
1962 Gani Goni of National Sharief Niaz and Jalal-ud-
Abdul Gani Goni NC Conference was elected Din, both of National
from here to the State Conference, were elected
1957 Assembly. He again won from this constituency in
Abdul Gani Goni NC the seat in 1967 and 1972 1987 and 1996
polls on a Congress ticket. respectively.
Epilogue Ø
82 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T D O D A
Doda
Roads
Abdul Majid Wani
(CONGRESS)
connectivity,
defeats
Khalid Najib
(NATIONAL CONFERENCE) presence among
people paid him
Total Votes : 73268
A
bdul Majid Wani is a rich man but that does not take him away from his people.
Vote Polled : 52196 Doda constituency has rough and rugged terrain and most of its villages are
Winner : 23254
with poor accessibility. A surprise winner of 2002 elections, Wani did two
things –one that he took roads to most of the villages and second that he remained
Winning Margin : 7152 among the people during militant attacks as well as search operations by security
% Share Of Winner : 44.54 forces. When forces picked up suspects, Wani stood guarantee for their release. This is what
people mainly want in such areas. His victory was therefore a reiteration of public faith in his
HISTORY leadership. Wani polled 23254 votes and his nearest rival Khalid Najib Suharawardy of
2002 National Conference got 16102 votes. There were 18 other candidates in the fray.
Abdul Majid Ind.
2002 elections
1996
M.A.U.Suharwardy NC
A timber contractor Abdul Majid Wani, as an independent candidate, was
elected from this constituency in 2002 winning the seat by a margin of 607
votes by defeating his nearest National Conference rival Khalid Najeeb
1987 Suharwardy. While Majid received 13,799 votes, Mr. Khalid polled 13,192 votes.
M.A.U.suharwardy NC The total registered electorate in the 2002 polls was 70,278 out of which
39,104 voters exercised their right to vote. The total poll percentage was
1977
Gh. Qadir Wani NC
D oda constituency has been
home to National Conference
stalwart Maulana Atta Ullah
Wani again won this seat in 1967 on
a Congress ticket. Mr. Hans Raj
Dogra of Congress was elected from
Suhrawardy –a close friend and here in 1972 and Ghulam Qadir
1972 colleague of Sheikh Mohammad Wani of Janta Party won the seat
Hans Raj Dogra Cong. Abdullah –but it has always thrown 1977 elections. Elections were
mixed results. Urban rural divide suspended in 1983 while as
1967 has often been a decisive factor in Moulana Atta Ullah Suharwardy of
determining fortunes of the National Conference won in the
Lassa Wani Cong.
aspirants. Though there is no large 1987 elections. He retained the
urban base on the constituency but seat in 1996 again. However, due to
1962 the candidate who lives in rural are the demise of Atta Ullah
Lassa Wani NC is preferred over the city resident. Suharwardy, bye-elections were
This constituency was represented held in the constituency and his
1957 by National Conference candidates Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy, who
Gh. Ahmad Wani NC Ghulam Ahmad Wani and Lassa Wani contested on National Conference
in 1957 and 1962 polls . Mr. Lassa ticket, was declared elected.
Epilogue Ø
83 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T D O D A
Bhaderwah
Ghulam Nabi Azad

He made all to
(CONGRESS)
defeats
Daya Krishen
(BJP)
forfeit security
deposits
W
Total Votes : 94972 hen he sought a by-election from Bhaderwah constituency in 2006, two
Vote Polled : 60835 main parties –NC and PDP –opted out of contest and BJP remained there
Winner : 38328
for tokenism. Azad won with an unbeatable margin. Two years later there
was an aggressive campaign against him by all parties. He has again won by an
Winning Margin : 29436 unbeatable margin. He polled 38238 votes and all other 11 candidates forfeited their
% Share Of Winner : 62.85 security deposits. Chief Ministers normally don't get time for their own electoral segments
but Azad made his constituency a model. University Campus, tourism promotion,
HISTORY Colleges and infrastructure development in rural areas paid him well. This was Azad's
2002 second election ever from the home state even as spent 30 years at national politics.
Mohd. Sharief Niaz Cong.
2002 elections
1996
Sheikh Ab. Rehman BSP
M ohammad Sharief Niaz of Congress was elected from this constituency
in 2002 elections. He polled 16,962 votes and defeated his nearest
National Conference rival Mohammad Aslam Goni by a margin of 6,827
1987
votes. Aslam Goni received 10,135 votes. A total of 49,628 voters voted out
Hari Lal NC
of 91,478 registered electorate and the poll percentage was recorded at
54.25. Niaz, however, later resigned the seat to pay way for the election
1983 of then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. By-elections were, therefore,
H.L. Hiteshi NC held here in April 2006 and Azad won with a record margin.
1977
Narayan Dass JP
1972
T here is a unique feature with
Bhaderwah constituency.
Since 1962, people of this
in 1957 and 1962 while as Jagat
Ram and Mr. Bodh Raj of the
Congress party won the 1967
Bodh Raj Cong.
constituency have never given and 1972 elections. Narayan
second chance to anyone who Dass of Janta Party won from
1967 won once. Ghulam Nabi Azad had here in 1977 while as Hira Lal
Jagat Ram Cong. been able to break jinx in present Hiteshi of National Conference
elections. Not only the change of wrested the seat in 1983. Hari
1962 face, the trends suggest, that Lal of Congress represented the
Chuni Lal NC different parties have been given constituency in 1987 while as
chance by the people to perform Sheikh Abdul Rehman of Bahujan
1957 in the constituency. Bhaderwah Samaj Party won from
Chuni Lal NC constituency was represented by Bhaderwah in 1996. It went to
Chuni Lal of National Conference Congress in 2002.
Epilogue Ø
84 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T R A M B A N D I S T R I C T R E A S I
Banihal Reasi
Vikar Rasool Wani (Congress) n8287 votes Baldev Raj (BJP) n 26031 votes
defeats defeats
Showkat Javed Daing (Independent) n 5254 votes Jugal Kishor (Congress) n votes
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
M.Abdul Rashid Ind. Young Jugal Kishore Cong. 2002 scene
1996
Farooq Mir NC
blood from 1996
Jagjivan Lal JD
reversed
B
aldev Raj of BJP has
1987
M.Abdul Rashid NC
mountains 1987
Mohd. Ayub Khan Cong.
defeated Jugal
Kishore of Congress
V
ikar Rasool, at 33,
proves that it is time of with double the margin he had
1983 1983 lost by in 2002. The
M.Abdul Rashid NC
youth in politics. Jagjivan Lal NC
Moulvi Abdul Rashid, constituency was won by
independent, was elected from Jugal Kishore of Congress in
1977 1977
this constituency in 2002 2002 Assembly polls. He
M.Abdul Rashid NC R.K. Koushal JP
defeating his nearest National defeated BJP rival Baldev Raj
1972 Conference rival Mohammad 1972 by a margin of 2,056 votes.
Hajira Begum Cong. Farooq Mir by a margin of R.K. Koushal BJS Jugal Kishore secured 23,045
6,674 votes. Moulvi Abdul votes while as Baldev Raj
1967 Rashid polled 11,393 votes and 1967 polled 20,989. The total votes
Mohammad Akhter NC Mr. Mohammad Farooq Mir B.L. Kohistani Cong. polled were 62,333 and poll
4,719 votes out of the 23,980 percentage was recorded at
1962 1962 62.19.
votes polled overall. The poll
R.K.Kahushal PP
percentage was recorded at
1957
40.55 1957
Reshi Kesh NC
B anihal is one of the most hilly and difficult to manage

constituencies in Jammu province along the Jammu-Srinagar
National Highway. A clear bastion of National Conference, the
N o party has ever been able to maintain a continuous sway on
Reasi constituency. While in first two elections one can see
it was National Conference all over the state but Reasi
electoral battle in Banihal is clearly on the urban rural divide. constituency had a candidate from the Praja Parishad in 1962.
Like Doda, Banihal too does not have any large urban localities The constituency was represented by Reshi Kesh of NC in 1957
but a candidate belonging to village has always got preference while as Rishi Kumar Koushal of Praja Parishad won from here in
over the one from the township. This constituency was 1962. Bansi Lal Kohistani of the Congress was elected in the 1967
represented by Mohammad Akhter of National Conference in elections while as Reshi Kumar Koushal again won from here as a
1967 elections while as Hajira Begum of Congress won from here Bhartiya Jana Sangh candidate in 1972. Koushal represented the
in 1972. Moulvi Abdul Rashid of National Conference won three constituency again 1977 as a Janta Party candidate. Jagjivan Lal
successive terms from this Assembly segment in 1977, 1983 and of NC won this seat in 1983 while as Mohammad Ayub Khan of the
1987. Farooq Mir was elected from here in 1996 polls. Congress was elected from here in 1987. In 1996, Jagjivan Lal
won from here on a Janta Dal ticket.
Epilogue Ø
85 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T R E A S I
Gulab Garh
Former school
Abdul Gani Malik
teacher returns
defeats
Mumtaz Ahmed
(INDEPENDENT) to house, third
time
Total Votes : 59672
A
school teacher in a remote village, Abdul Ghani Malik took up a challenge in
Vote Polled : 45609 1996. Resigned from Government job and contested election on Janta Dal
Winner : 14268 ticket. He had his way. Few years later he joined National Conference and
Winning Margin : 3248 won second election in 2002. At the age of 50, he is returning to assembly third time
% Share Of Winner : 31.28 straight. Polling 14268 votes he defeated independent candidate Choudhary Mumtaz
(Out of Total Votes) Ahmed Khan who polled 11020 votes. Malik is humble and down to earth.
HISTORY
2002
Abdul Gani Malik NC
1996 2002 elections

Abdul Gani Malik JD
1987
A bdul Gani Malik of National Conference was elected from here
in 2002 defeating his nearest independent rival Aijaz Ahmad
Khan by a margin of 2,930 votes. Then Malik had won second time
Haji Buland Khan NC
straight. He polled 12,476 votes as compared to 9,546 votes
received by Mr. Khan. A total of 35,492 people exercised their right
1983 to vote out of the total electorate of 63,386. The poll percentage
Haji Buland Khan NC was recorded at 55.99.

Haji Buland Khan NC
1972
S ince first election in
1957, this constituency
was represented four times
represented by Mohammad
Ayub Khan in as National
Conference candidate in
Mohd. Ayub Khan Cong. by Mohammad Ayub Khan and 1957 and 1962. He was again
thrice by Haji Buland Khan. It elected from this
1967 was only in 1996 that Khan constituency on a Congress
Mohd. Ayub Khan Cong. voluntarily retired out of the ticket in 1967 and 1972. Haji
electoral politics and his son Buland Khan of National
1962 Ajaz Ahmed Khan lost to Conference won this seat in
Mohd. Ayub Khan NC Janta Dal candidate who 1977, 1983 and 1987
later joined the National Assembly elections. In 1996,
Conference. This this constituency was
1957
constituency was earlier represented by Mr. Abdul
Mohd. Ayub Khan NC
known as Arnas and was Gani Malik of Janta Dal.
Epilogue Ø
86 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T R E A S I
Gool Arnas
Ch. Ajaz Ahmed Khan

Career politician
(CONGRESS)
defeats
Ghulam Qadir Mugal
gets second
endorsement
Total Votes : 55615
A
t age of 39, Choudhary Ajaz Ahmed Khan is returning to Legislative
Vote Polled : 42086 Assembly second time. This Law Graduate took politics as career at the age of
Winner : 15594 25 and tried his luck first time in 1996. In 2002 he reached assembly as an
Winning Margin : 3452 independent candidate and performed exceptionally well as Minister of State with
% Share Of Winner : 37.05 both Chief Ministers –Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad. Though later
(Out of Total Votes) he joined Congress but earned trust of both leaders well. He was trusted by Azad so
HISTORY much that whenever there was a crisis in Council of Ministers, Ajaz would get charge of
2002 departments till issue was resolved. At one point of time he had as many as 13
Aijaz Ahmad Khan Ind. departments sharing with various Cabinet Ministers from different parties. Polling
15994 votes, he has defeated GQ Mughal of NC who got 12142 votes.
1996
Abdul Wahid Shan NC
2002 elections
1987
A ijaz Ahmad Khan, an independent candidate, was elected
from Gool Arnas in the 2002 Assembly polls. He defeated his
nearest BJP rival Kabala Singh by a margin of 4,986 votes. While
1983 Khan received 10,881 votes, Mr. Kabala Singh got 5,895 votes
out of the total of 32,614 votes polled. The poll percentage
was recorded at 60.08. Khan later joined the Congress as
1977 associate member.
1972
G ool Arnas was not a

constituency till 1995
when it was created by way
split of constituency, the
1996 election also saw the
party retaining seat. Abdul
1967
of delimitation. in fact the Wahid Shan of National
erstwhile Arnas Conference had won seat in
constituency was bifurcated 1996 elections. Observers
1962
into two parts –Gulab Garh believe the 1996 election
and Gool Arnas. Being a was actually won for Shan
bastion of National by Haji Buland Khan, why
1957
Conference for three by then had retired from
successive terms before the electoral politics.
Epilogue Ø
87 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T U D H A M P U R
Udhampur
Balwant S. Mankotia
At 39, second
(JKNPP)
defeats
Pawan Gupta
(BJP)
journey on
bicycle
H
Total Votes : 103714 e is young, energetic and aggressive. Winning election from a complex
Vote Polled : 71074 constituency like Udhampur is not an easy task for a new comer but Balwant
Winner : 25259 Singh Mankotia of Panthers Party did it six years back at the age of 33. This
Winning Margin : 2770 time he has only returned with a renewed public support. Polling over 25000 votes in a
% Share Of Winner : 35.53 keenly contested election, Mankotia has defeated Pawan Gupta of BJP by margin of
(Out of Total Votes) over 3000 votes. There were 16 other candidates in fray. Balwant's performance in
HISTORY Assembly too remained quite impressive.
2002
Balwant Singh JKNPP
1996 2002 elections

Shiv Charan Gupta
1987
BJP
B alwant Singh Mankotia of Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers
Party was elected from this constituency in 2002. He defeated his
nearest BJP rival Pawan Kumar Gupta by a margin of 9,952 votes.
Balak Ram Cong. Kumar polled 14,727 votes while as Balwant Singh received 24,679
votes. The total electorate was 1,04,642 and the total votes polled
1983 were 61,103. The poll percentage was recorded at 58.39.
Balak Ram Cong.
1977
Shiv Charan JP
U dhampur constituency has
also refused to be bastion
of any particular political party.
He again won in 1962 but on as
a Praja Parishad candidate.
Hem Raj Jandial of the
Elections here have remained Congress won this seat in 1967
1972
highly competitive and the while as another Congress
Dev Dutt Cong.
constituency has often candidate Dev Dutt was
alternated between Congress elected in 1972 Assembly
1967 and the BJP or its various polls. Lala Shiv Charan Gupta
Hem Raj Jandial Cong. previous avatars. National of Janta Party won this seat in
Conference represented 1977. Congress candidate
1962 Udhampur only once when it Balak Ram won both in 1983
Amar Nath Sharma PP was, more or less, the only and 1987 elections. In the
party in assembly. The 1996 polls, this constituency
1957 constituency was represented was won again by Lala Shiv
Amar Nath Sharma NC by Amar Nath Sharma of Charan Gupta, this time on
National Conference in 1957. BJP ticket.
Epilogue Ø
88 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T U D H A M P U R D I S T R I C T K A T H U A
Chenani Bani
Krishan Chander (Congress) n 16276 votes Lal Chand (BJP) n 11041 votes
defeats defeats
Dhina Nath (BJP) n votes Ghulam Haider Malik (NC) n votes
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
3 years old Krishan Master
5
Faquir Nath JKNPP Prem Sagar Cong.
Chander has restored
1996
Prithvi Chand BJP
this Constituency to
Congress after 20 years as he
1996
Gh. Haider Malik NC
makes way
M
defeats BJP's Dina Nath with aster Lal Chand was
1987 huge margin. Faquir Nath of 1987 out of fray in 2002
Yash Paul Khajuria Cong. but this time he
Jammu and Kashmir National
Panthers Party was elected pushed the last winner out of
1983 1983 fray. Prem Sagar Aziz was a
Bhim Singh ND/PP from this constituency in 2002
when he defeated Krishan Minister in coalition and has
Chander by a margin of 1,765 finished third. Aziz had won
1977 1977
votes. Nath polled 17,118 votes from Bani in 2002 elections
Bhim Singh NC
as compared to 15,353 polled when he defeated his nearest
1972 by Mr. Chander. 1972 National Conference rival
Nirmala Devi Cong. Ghulam Haider Malik by a
margin of 3,687 votes. Haider
1967 1967 polled 6,708 votes while as
Shiv Charan PJS Sagar polled 10,395 votes of
the total 24,356 votes polled.
1962 1962 The total electorate was
Shiv Charan PP 36,015 and the poll
percentage was recorded at
1957 1957 67.62.
Moti Ram NC
T his historic Chenani constituency was earlier known as

Lander-Tikri. The constituency was represented by Moti Ram
Baigra of National Conference in 1957. Baigra had earlier also
B ani was not a constituency till 1995 when it was created so
by way of delimitation. It is the only constituency in Kathua
district to have a significant population of Muslims who emerge
remained a members of the Jammu and Kashmir Constituent as decisive factor. Ghulam Hyder Malik of National Conference
Assembly representing this constituency. Shiv Charan of Praja was the first to win from this constituency.
Parishad in 1962 had won when it was known as Lander Tikri
constituency. Shiv Charan of PJS won from there again in 1967.
Nirmala Devi of Congress won this seat in 1972 while as Bhim
Singh was elected from here in 1977 as Congress candidate while
as in 1983 he was elected as Panthers Party candidate. Yesh Paul
Khajuria of the Congress won from here in 1987 while as Prithvi
Chand of BJP represented this constituency in 1996. This
constituency was reserved for Scheduled Castes in 1995
Epilogue Ø
89 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T U D H A M P U R
Ramnagar
Harsh Dev Singh

(JKNPP)
defeats
Bhim’s pride
Vinod Khajuria
(BSP)
is man of masses
T
Total Votes : 100190 his astute law graduate taught tuitions to Jammu City and was a teacher in a
Vote Polled : 64871 private school before carving his way to the Legislative Assembly in 1996. His
Winner : 30609 uncle Bhim Singh had though founded the Panthers Party in early 1980s but
Winning Margin : 12146 Harsh Dev Singh opened first account at the age of 36. For his keen participation in
% Share Of Winner : 47.18 legislative business and educative speeches, he was adjudged as best legislator in ninth
(Out of Total Votes) assembly. After securing his Ramnagar seat second time in 2002, he became a Cabinet
HISTORY Minister in the coalition government and took remarkable initiatives to reform the
2002 education department, which he held. His concentration in constituency always
Harsh Dev Singh JKNPP remained keen that this time he secured 30609 votes over 18463 of the rival.
1996
Harsh Dev Singh JKNPP
1987 2002 elections

Chandu Lal
1983
Cong.
H arsh Dev Singh of Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers
Party was elected from this constituency by defeating Khalil
Ahmad Qazi of Bahujan Samaj Party by a margin of 16,484 votes.
Ram Dass Cong. Qazi polled 13,430 votes as against 29,914 polled by Haresh Dev
Singh. The total voters were 97,787 and votes polled 59,354. The
1977 poll percentage was recorded at 60.71.
Prithvi Chand BJP

Chandu Lal Cong.
1967
represented by Hem Raj
Jandial of National
elections, Chandu Lal, again
of Congress, was elected
while as Haresh Dev Singh of
Chandu Lal Cong. Conference both in 1957 Jammu and Kashmir
and 1962. Chandu Lal of the National Panthers Party won
1962 Congress won this seat in from here in 1996 polls.
Hem Raj Jandial NC 1967, 1972 elections.
Prithvi Chand of BJS won
1957 from here in 1977 while as
Hem Raj Jandial NC Ram Dass of the Congress
won in 1983. In the 1987
Epilogue Ø
90 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T K A T H U A D I S T R I C T K A T H U A
Basholi Hiranagar
Jagdish Raj Sapolia (BJP) n 16651 votes Durga Dass (BJP) n 19730 votes
defeats defeats
Davinder Singh (NC) n 13770 votes Prem Lal (Independent) n 16993 votes
HISTORY HISTORY
2002 2002
Lal Singh Cong. Victory, Girdhari lal Cong. Clear
1996
Ch. Lal Singh AICCT
at last 1996
Prem Lal BSP resurgence
J
adgish Raj Sapolia is an
1987
Jagdish Raj Sapolia Cong.
old warhorse but he
suffered many defeats
1987
Baldev Singh BJP
of BJP
T
before routing a family. otal votes polled by the
1983 Choudhary Lal Singh of the 1983 winner, Durga Dass of
Mangat Ram Cong. Congress won in 2002 Sapolia Ram Dass Cong. BJP, are just 1000 less
by a margin of 3,668 votes. than the victory margin of
1977 However, after Lal Singh's 1977 Congress rival in 2002 who
Mangat Ram Cong. election to Lok Sabha he Girdhari Lal Dogra Cong. this time finished third.
resigned as MLA and wife Congress was clearly out of
1972 Kanta Andotra contested 1972
contest. Girdhari Lal of
Mangat Ram Cong. bye-election in, 2004. Kanta Girdhari Lal Dogra Cong.
Congress won this seat in 2002
was elected again defeating Assembly elections when he
1967 Jagdish Raj Sapolia. 1967
Mahant Ram NC Girdhari Lal Dogra Cong. defeated his nearest BJP rival
Gopal Dass by a margin of
1962 1962 18,212 votes.
Mahant Ram NC Girdhari Lal Dogra NC
1957 1957
Mahesh Chander PP Girdhari Lal Dogra NC
M ahesh Chander of the Praja Parishad won this seat in

1957. In 1962 and 1967, Mahant Ram won on National T he Hirnagar was known as Jasmer Ghar till 1972 and has
returned stalwarts to the legislative assembly. A towering
political leader of his times Girdhari Lal Dogra won five
Conference and Congress mandate respectively. However,
successive terms from 1957 to 1977 elections. While as he won
Pandit Mangat Ram Sharma of Congress represented the as National Conference candidate in 1957 and 1962 elections, he
constituency for three consecutive terms in 1972,1977 and was successfully represented the constituency in 1967, 1972 and
1983 elections.. Jagdish Raj Sapolia has won in 1987 as 1977 elections on a Congress ticket. In 1983, this seat was won
Congress nominee. In 1996 Lal Singh won on Tiwari by Ram Dass of the Congress party while as another stalwart
Congress ticket but later the party was merged in Thakur Baldev Singh of BJP won in 1987 elections. Another BJP
candidate Prem Lal was elected from this constituency in 1996
Congress.
elections. Constituency returned to Congress in 2002 elections
but BJP has again recaptured in present elections.
Epilogue Ø
91 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T K A T H U A
Kathua
Honesty,
Charanjeet Singh
(INDEPENDENT)
of course,
defeats
Som Raj
(BSP) remains the
best policy
F
Total Votes : 111546 ew years back, a middle rung a middle rung officer in the state administration got
Vote Polled : 74070 the 'State Award' honesty and he wasted no time in getting his credentials
Winner : 19123 endorsed by the public. Many think when Charanjit Singh was Additional
Winning Margin : 2362 Deputy Commissioner of Kathua he had an idea for contesting elections from there.
% Share Of Winner : 25.81 Even if he had such a planning, his impressive victory in 2008 elections brings home the
(Out of Total Votes) fact that he is a peoples' man. 57 year old Charanjit resigned from the government
HISTORY service just ahead of filing his nomination papers. His victory has other underlying
2002 factors also. It was not a hands-down election. Among others in the fray were a sitting
Babu Singh DM Member of Parliament, Chowdhary Lal Singh, as Congress nominee, and a Minister-
till-recently, Babu Singh. None of them was even runner up. Polling 19123 votes,
1996
Sagar Chand BSP Charanjit's nearest rival was BSP candidate Som Raj who got a little over 16,000 votes.
A victory worth celebrating.
1987
Om Prakash Cong. 2002 elections
1983
Sanji Ram Cong.
A trade unionist Jatinder Singh, popularly known as Babu Singh, of
Democratic Movement was elected from this constituency in 2002
elections. He defeated his nearest Bahujan Samaj Party rival Sagar
Chand by a margin of 3,059 votes. Babu Singh polled 16,366 votes while
1977 as Sagar Chand polled 13,307 votes. The total electorate in 2002 polls
Dhian Chand JP was 1,12,359 and the votes polled were 64,021. The poll percentage
was recorded at 56.98.
Punjaboo Ram Cong.
1967
C ongress secured Kathua
constituency four times in
the electoral history but this
Ram of the Congress won
from here in 1967 and 1972
while as Dhian Chand of
Punjaboo Ram Cong. segment has thrown mixed Janta Party won the 1977
results giving chance to polls. Sanji Ram and Om
different parties. The Prakash, both of Congress,
1962
constituency was represented won this seat in 1983 and
Randhir Singh NC by Major Piyara Singh of 1987 elections respectively.
National Conference in 1957. Sagar Chand of the Bahujan
1957 Randhir Singh, again of Samaj Party represented
Maj. Piyara Singh NC National Conference won in the constituency in 1996
1962 elections. Punjaboo polls.
Epilogue Ø
92 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T K A T H U A
Billawar
Manohar Lal Sharma

Doctor’s
(CONGRESS)
defeats
Satish Sharma
(BJP)
prescription
does well, twice
W
Total Votes : 88601 hen he stunned all in 2002 by defeating a Congress heavyweight, Dr
Vote Polled : 61931 Manohar Lal's first question in legislative assembly was about promotion of
Winner : 22262
silviculture in his constituency. He said he is looking at smaller avenue
which could fetch locals some income. Such were the issue he had been working at that
Winning Margin : 8383 people sent Manohar to assembly in 2002. Next six years everybody fought for
% Share Of Winner : 35.94 Ministerial berth in rag tag coalition of PDP and Congress but Manohar, an
independent, concentrated on his constituency. No wonder that he has won second time
HISTORY when so called titans were pitted against him. He holds a doctorate degree and is 42
2002 years old. As a Congress nominee this time, he has secured 22262 votes against 13879
M.L Sharma Ind. of BJP rival.
1996 2002 elections

Balbir Singh AICCT
1987
M anohar Lal Sharma, an independent candidate, won Billawar seat
in 2002 Assembly elections when he defeated his nearest Congress
rival Balbir Singh by a margin of 14,561 votes. Sharma polled 24,736
Suram Singh Cong.
votes and Balbir Singh 10,175 votes out of 51,783 votes polled overall.
The number of electors in Billawar for 2002 polls were 81,170 and the
1983 poll percentage was recorded at 63.80.
Puran Singh Cong.
1977
Dhian Singh
1972
JP
C ongress has won this seat
five times in history but
the electoral trends suggest
was represented by Ram Chand
Khajuria of National
Conference in 1957 and 1962
Randhir Singh Cong. that people have clearly elections. Randhir Singh won
preferred a new face every this seat in 1967 and 1972 on a
1967 time. Thakur Randhir Singh, Congress ticket. Dhian Singh of
Randhir Singh Cong. now with Nationalist Congress Janta Party represented this
Party, and Ram Chand Khajuria constituency in 1977 while as
1962 of National Conference were in 1983, 1987 and 1996
R.C. Khajuria NC the only candidates to have Congress candidates namely
won this constituency twice. Puran Singh, Suram Singh and
Now this record has been Balbir Singh have been elected
1957
matched by the present winner from Billawar Assembly
R.C. Khajuria NC
Manohar Lal. This constituency segment.
Epilogue Ø
93 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T S A M B A
Samba
Yashpaul Kundal
Young lad
(JKNPP)
defeats
Satwant Kour
(BJP)
proves he is
fit for job
W
Total Votes : 76298 hen a private school teacher –hoping for government job –Yash Pal
Vote Polled : 53739 Kundal won 2002 elections from Samba constituency at the age of 32 it
Winner : 14631 was seen merely an accident of democracy. Six years later and at the age of
Winning Margin : 1989 38, Kundal has proved that elections are not always won by accidents. Kundal
% Share Of Winner : 27.22 remained a Minister in Mufti Mohammad Sayeed government till 2005 and is among
(Out of Total Votes) few Ministers of the coalition government who retained their seats. His good work and
HISTORY constant connection with the public appears to have worked. Samba was focal point of
2002 the Amarnath land agitation. Going by that count the BJP candidate should have won
Yashpaul Kundal JKNPP here but Kundal's 14631 votes over 12600 votes of BJP candidate tell the whole story of
this young MLA's acceptability in the public.
1996
Som Nath BSP
1987 2002 elections

Prakash Sharma
1983
Cong.
Y ashpaul Kundal of Jammu and Kashmir National Panther Party
was elected from here in 2002 elections defeating his nearest
Congress rival Swaran Lata by a narrow margin of 746 votes.
Prakash Sharma Cong. Kundal polled 11,079 votes while as Swaran Lata received 10,333
votes out of the 43,780 votes polled overall. The poll percentage
1977 was recorded at 58.42.
Gauri Shankar Cong.
1972
Paramanand Cong.
M ehar Singh (RSV) and
Sagar Singh of National
Conference represented the
1972 elections. Dhian
Singh, an independent
candidate, won this seat in
1967
Assembly segment from 1957 1977. In 1983 and 1987
K. Sagar Singh NC
to 1962. K. Sagar Singh, elections Congress
again of National candidate Prakash Sharma
1962
Conference, represented represented the
Sagar Singh NC
this constituency in 1962. constituency. The seat was
Babu Paramanand and Gauri won by Bahujan Samaj
1957 Shankar of the Congress Party candidate Som Nath
Mehar Singh NC won from here in 1967 and in 1996 Assembly elections.
Epilogue Ø
94 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T S A M B A
Vijaypur
Surjeet S. Salathia
defeats
Two victories
Chander Parkash
(BJP)
in one election
Total Votes : 100730
S
urjeet Singh Slathia's victory in Vijaypur is not just a simple election. He has won
Vote Polled : 77515 over two factor heavily weighed against him. Vijaypur was the nerve center of
Winner : 21090
Amarnath land agitation and the BJP candidate Chander Prakash Ganga was
the key mobilizing force. When thousands of meters of cloth was burnt in effigies of NC
Winning Margin : 1212 leader Omar Abdullah for his speech in Parliament, leaders like Slathia had been
% Share Of Winner : 27.20 pushed to wall. Another key factor was the sitting legislator, also a Minister in coalition
government, who had defeated him in 2002. A Minister in Farooq Government till
HISTORY 2002, 53 years old Slathia has bounced back securing 21090 votes against 19878 of
2002 BJP rival. Sitting MLA and PDP candidate Manjit Singh polled 12536 votes.
1996
S. Singh Salathia NC 2002 elections
1987
Swaran Lata Cong.
M anjit Singh of Bahujan Samaj Party had defeated National
Conference candidate Surjeet Singh Slathia in 2002 elections.
While Manjit Singh polled 25406 votes, Slathia had got 20329 votes.
Manjit was a lone winner on BSP ticket and he later joined the Peoples
1983 Democratic Party.
Gouri Shanker Cong.
1977
Gurbachan Kumari JP
E xcept for first election in
1957 this constituency has
remained a bastion of the
1962 while as in 1967 Congress
candidate Dina Nath
represented this constituency.
1972
Congress except on one In 1972 another Congress
Baldev Sharma Cong.
occasion when a Janta Party candidate Baldev Sharma was
candidate won. It was only in elected while as Gurbachan
1967 1996 that the constituency Kumari of Janta Party won
Dina Nath Cong. returned to the National this seat in 1977 elections.
Conference nearly 40 years Gouri Shanker of Congress
1962 after it had held it last. The and Swaran Lata of the same
Paramanand NC constituency was known as party represented this
Ramgarh till 1972 and Bari constituency in 1983 and
1957 Brahmana till 1983. 1987 respectively. Mr. Surjit
Parmanand of National Singh Salathia of NC won from
Conference won from here in here in 1996.
Epilogue Ø
95 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T J A M M U
Nagrota
Jugal Kishore
First time since
(BJP)
defeats
Ajatshatru Singh
1962, a record
is broken
Total Votes : 64705
4
5 years old Jugal Kishore of BJP broke an over 40 year old record by winning
Vote Polled : 48958 assembly election from Nagrota constituency for second time in row. Since 1962
Winner : 11141 Nagrota constituency never sent a candidate twice to the assembly. He defeated
Winning Margin : 1620 the National Conference candidate Ajat Shatru Singh–the scion of the erstwhile ruling
% Share Of Winner : 22.75 Dogra dynasty –by a margin of over 2000 votes. This is second time that this BJP
(Out of Total Votes) candidate defeated the 'Maharaja'. Ajat Shatru was a Minister in Farooq Abdullah
HISTORY cabinet between 1996 and 2002 when he contested last election and lost to Jugal by a
2002 wafer thin two digit margin. This victory of BJP is not necessarily an Amarnath land row
Jugal Kishore BJP gift. Nagrota is a rural constituency with a huge Muslim population and the land row
agitation had relatively lesser impact here. Congress candidate lost the security
1996
Ajat Shatru Singh NC deposits.
1987 2002 elections

Shiv Dev Singh Cong.
1983
J ugal Kishore of BJP was elected from this constituency in 2002
defeating his nearest National Conference rival Ajat Shatru Singh by
a margin of 67 votes only. Jugal polled 10,653 votes while as Singh got
Bhalwan Singh Cong. 10,586 votes. The total electorate was 62,238 and overall votes polled
were 39,723. The poll percentage was recorded at 63.72.
1977
Dhan Raj JP ELECTORAL BACKGROUND
1972
Shanta Bharati Cong.
N agrota constituency has a
unique history of not
repeating any candidate since
election while as another
Congress candidate Shanta
Bharati won the 1972 polls.
1962. The results of past 50 Dhan Raj of Janta Party
1967 years reveal that people have represented the constituency
Ranjit Singh Cong. always gone for new faces and in 1977 while as Bhalwan Singh
preferred change in parties and Shiv Dev Singh, both of
1962 also. This constituency was Congress, won from here in
Ronak Singh NC known as Jindra Gharotra till 1983 and 1987 elections
1983 and was represented by respectively. Ajat Shatru Singh
1957 Ronak Singh of NC in 1962 of the National Conference was
elections. Ranjit Singh of the elected from here in 1996
Congress won the 1967 polls.
Epilogue Ø
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January 2009
Election Special
Gandhi Nagar
Raman Bhalla
Lone urban
(CONGRESS)
defeats
Nirmal Singh
(BJP)
face of Congress
survives land row
R
aman Bhalla has emerged as the lone urban face saver of the Congress. In a
Vote Polled : 92138 highly polarized election campaign post-Amarnath land row agitation it was
Winner : 33486 really not an easy task for Bhalla to retain Gandhi Nagar constituency which he
Winning Margin : 2263 won with a huge margin in 2002. While BJP had been able to consolidate its base, a
% Share Of Winner : 36.34 potential candidate coming from National Conference further threatened Bhalla's
(Out of Total Votes) prospects. His down to earth approach, accessibility and attitude of being 'peoples' man'
HISTORY finally saw Bhalla returning to the Legislative Assembly second time. For Dr Nirmal
2002 Singh of BJP, the runner up, it was an historic opportunity lost.
Raman Bhalla Cong.
1996 2002 elections

Ch. Piara Singh BJP
1987
R aman Bhalla of Congress was elected from here in 2002 elections
defeating his nearest National Conference rival Harbans Singh by a
margin of 10,493 votes. Bhalla polled 37,010 votes while as Harbans
H.S. Bali Ind.
Singh received 26,517 votes, out of 74,299 votes polled overall. The
total electorate was recorded at 1,53,334 and poll percentage was
Pradhuman Singh NC
1977
Pradhuman Singh NC
G andhi Nagar is the most
prestigious constituency of
Jammu City and has
Conference won this seat in
1962 while as Tirlochan Dutt
of the Congress wrested the
1972
predominantly been seat in 1967. He won again in
Trilochan Dutt Cong.
represented by the Congress. 1972 elections. In 1977,
This is also one of the few Pradhuman Singh of Congress
1967 exceptions which did not won this seat while as
Kulbeer Singh NC return the National Tirlochan Dutt again won this
Conference nominee in 1957 seat in 1983 on a Congress
1962 elections. This constituency ticket. Mr. H.S. Bali, an
Milki Ram HM was represented by Rajinder independent candidate,
Singh of Praja Parishad and represented the constituency
1957 Milkhi Ram of Hindu in 1987 elections. Choudhary
Rajinder Singh PP Mahasabha from 1957 to 1962. Piara Singh of BJP was elected
Kulbeer Singh of National from here in 1996.
Epilogue Ø
97 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Jammu East
Ashok Khajuria
Dummies return
(BJP)
defeats
Narinder Singh
(CONGRESS)
BJP state chief
to House
T
Total Votes : 55099 he process of his victory had begun in the month of June 2007 and the only wait
Vote Polled : 31370 was for going to elections. Jammu East was an epicenter of the Amarnath land
Winner : 15907 agitation and there was no other formidable candidate from Congress to counter
Winning Margin : 10427 BJP. This constituency has often been seeing a direct contest between BJP and the
Congress. The 2002 winner of Congress had lackluster performance. The party fielded
(Out of Total Votes) a new face –former City Mayor Narinder Singh –but he was seen as a dummy. The
HISTORY runner up –Congress candidate –could poll only 5480 votes against nearly 16000
2002 votes of Ashok Khajuria. The 58 year old Khajuria, also state president of BJP, had
Y.Kumar Sawhney Cong. earlier also won election here after this constituency was vacated by Vaid Vishnu Dutt
of BJP upon his election to Lok Sabha in 1999.
1996
Vaid Vishnu Dutt BJP
2002 elections
1987
Prof. Chaman Lal BJP Y ogesh Kumar Sawhney of Congress won this seat in 2002 elections
defeating Ashok Kumar of Bhartiya Janta Party by a margin of 3,336
votes. While Sawhney polled 11,784 votes, Kumar received 8,448 votes
out of the 33,753 votes polled overall. The total electorate was 87,332
1983
and poll percentage was recorded at 38.64.
Om Prakash Cong.
1977
Ram Nath Balgotra JP
J ammu East constituency has
remained a Right Wing
bastion for most part of the
Rehman of Bhartiya Jana Sangh
won the 1972 elections while
as Ram Nath Balgotra of Janta
1972
history and kept Congress at Party won the 1977 elections.
Abdul Rehman BJS bay till 1983. National Om Prakash of Congress was
Conference could never get elected from this
1967 mandate in this constituency constituency in 1983. Prof.
Prem Nath Dogra JS even in 1957 and 1962 when Chaman Lal and Vaid Vishnu
party swept across the state. Dutt, both of BJP, won in
1962 The constituency was 1987 and 1996 elections
Prem Nath Dogra NC represented by Pandit Prem respectively. Vaid Vishno Dutt
Nath Dogra of Praja Parishad in was later elected to the Lok
1957 1957 and 1962 elections while Sabha the Ashok Khajuria of
Prem Nath Dogra PP as he won again in 1967 as a BJP subsequently won the by-
Jana Sangh candidate. Abdul election here.
Epilogue Ø
98 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Jammu West
Eldest man in
Chaman Lal Gupta
(BJP)
House pushed
defeats
S.S. Shingari
(INDEPENDENT) Ex-DyCM out
of fray
A
t the age of 74, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta becomes the oldest man in the
Vote Polled : 84906 eleventh legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. The first battle for this
Winner : 34288 aging BJP leader was to secure a party ticket and then it was certainly a cake
Winning Margin : 13037 walk for him. The only man, Chaman Lal Gupta could have feared was his Congress
% Share Of Winner : 40.38 rival Pandit Mangat Ram Sharma but he had long been pushed out of the fray –thanks
(Out of Total Votes) to Amarnath land agitation in addition to Mangat's style of working as Deputy Chief
HISTORY Minister and later a senior Cabinet Minister. Surprisingly, a little known political face,
2002 independent candidate Surinder Singh Shingari was able to poll more than 20,000
Mangat Ram Sharma Cong. votes while Mangat could get only around 13,000 votes. Gupta had already
represented this constituency twice before being elected to Lok Sabha and becoming a
1996
Hans Raj Dogra BJP Union Minister.
1987 2002 elections

Mangat Ram Sharma Cong.
1983
P andit Mangat Ram Sharma of Congress was elected from here
by securing 25,627 votes by defeating Virender Kumar Gupta,
an independent candidate, by a margin of 7,923 votes. Gupta
Rangil Singh Cong.
polled 17,704 votes. The total electorate was 1,63,689 and votes
polled were 63,327. The poll percentage stood at 38.69.
1977
Harbans L. Bagotra JP
1972
Chaman Lal BJS
A mong three
constituencies of Jammu
City, Jammu West is the only
Jana Sangh won this seat in
1967 while as Harbans Lal
Bagotra of Janta Party was
segment which gave mandate elected in 1977. Rangil
1967 to the National Conference Singh of Congress wrested
Ram Nath Mahajan JS twice the electoral history. the seat in 1983 and
Ram Chand of National another Congress candidate
1962 Conference represented Pandit Mangat Ram Sharma
Ram Chand NC this constituency in 1957 won the 1987 elections
and 1962 while as Ram from this constituency.
1957 Nath Mahajan of Jana Sangh Hans Raj Dogra of BJP won
Ram Chand NC won the 1967 elections. from here in the 1996
Chaman Lal of Bhartiya elections.
Epilogue Ø
99 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Bishnah
Lonely
Ashwani Sharma
(INDEPENDENT)
independent
defeats
Kamal Verma
(BSP) has thousands
supporters
I
Total Votes : 86281 t was in 2001 when thousands of people along border belts of Jammu district had to
Vote Polled : 62372 leave their homes when all of sudden they realized that their fields have been mined
Winner : 14006
and Army have taken the war position –operation Parakrama. Government did not
have any rehabilitation plan and people were shivering in the cold. On a visit to
Winning Margin : 446 Bishnah those days we saw several hundreds gathered for lunch in a school building
% Share Of Winner : 22.45 surrounded by temporary tents. It was one of several rehabilitation camps arranged by
Ashwani Sharma, then a youth leader of the Congress. We could not meet him but
HISTORY people said, he was a 'Godsend'. Ashwani had been working in the area for quite some
2002 time. Congress did not give ticket in 2002 but Ashwani still won with a huge margin. In
Ashwani K. Sharma Ind. 2008, the poll watchers had written Ashwani off –Congress had fielded its top ranking
leader a Cabinet Minister in coalition government, Gulchain Singh Charak. BJP's
1996 candidate was Shilp Verma –wife of Kuldeep Verma who allegedly committed suicide
Jagdish Raj Dubey JD during Amarnath land agitation and the party's campaigner here was none less than
Narinder Modi. As independent candidate Ashwani was against alone but his people
1987
Paramanand NC
were certainly with him. While Congress and BJP both lost deposits, the runner up
–another independent –was way behind by 6000 votes.
1983
Bhagat Chaju Ram Cong. 2002 elections
1977
Paramanand Cong.
A shwani Kumar Sharma, an independent candidate, was elected from
here in 2002 by securing 17,961 votes and defeating Kamal Verma
of National Conference by a margin of 4,663 votes. Verma received
13,298 votes. Out of the total electorate of 81,424, votes polled were
54,895. The poll percentage was recorded at 67.41.
1972
Paramanand Cong. ELECTORAL BACKGROUND
1967
Bhagat Chaju Ram Cong.
T his constituency has given
almost equal chance to
both National Conference and
Bhagat Chaju Ram of the
Congress won this seat in 1967
and again in 1983 elections
the Congress in its electoral while as in the 1972 and
history till Janta Dal registered 1977, Parmanand of Congress
1962
a first win in 1996 elections. was elected from this
Trilochan Dutt NC This constituency was constituency. Parmanand again
represented by Ram Piyara of won in 1987 on National
1957 National Conference in 1957 Conference ticket. Jagdish Raj
Ram Piyara NC and Trilochan Dutt of the same Dubey of Janta Dal was
party in the 1962 elections. elected from here in 1996.
Epilogue Ø
100 ×
January 2009
Election Special
R.S.Pura
Prof Gharu Ram Bhagat

Easy jump,
(BJP)
defeats
Suman Lata Bhagat
(CONGRESS)
from Campus
to Constituency
M
Total Votes : 77185 ost of the potential contestants in RS Pura had already been tested and tried
Vote Polled : 54932 by people. Therefore, it was a clean mandate for change even though the
Winner : 15902
Amarnath land row had a huge impact on elections. 53 years old Prof Gharu
Ram Bhagat is a Professor and Dean at Sher-e-Kashmir Agriculture University. The
Winning Margin : 1630 campus is situated in RS Pura township and Gharu has long been active in the local
% Share Of Winner : 28.94 politics.
HISTORY
2002
Suman Lata Bhagat Cong.
1996 2002 elections

Ram Chand BSP
1987
S uman Lata Bhagat of Congress was elected from this
constituency in 2002 defeating Romesh Lal Motton of
Nationalist Congress Party by a margin of 3,184 votes.
Rangil Singh Cong.
Bhagat polled 19,669 votes as against 16,485 received by
Motton. The total electorate was 77,388 and the votes
1983
polled were 47,507. The poll percentage was recorded at
Janak Raj Cong.
61.38.
1977
Jana Raj Cong. ELECTORAL BACKGROUND
1972
Rangil Singh Cong.
R .S. Pura constituency
was represented by
Kulbir Singh of National
Congress candidate Janak
Raj Gupta represented this
constituency in 1977 and
Conference in 1957 while as 1983 elections. Rangil Singh
1967
another National Conference of Congress again won from
S. Kulbir Singh Cong.
candidate Baghat Chajju here in 1987 elections while
Ram was elected in 1962 as Ram Chand of Bahujan
1962
polls. Kulbir Singh again won Samaj Party represented
Bhagat Chajju Ram NC in 1967 on a Congress R.S. Pura in 1996 Assembly
ticket. Rangil Singh of the elections. RS Pura was
1957 Congress won the 1972 reserved for Scheduled
S. Kulbir Singh NC elections while as another Castes in 1995 delimitation.
Epilogue Ø
101 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Suchetgarh
Sham Lal Choudhary

Quite down,
(BJP)
defeats
Taranjit Singh
down to the
masses
T
Total Votes : 60357 hat the sitting legislator, who was also an important Minister in coalition
Vote Polled : 45682 government, lost his security deposits, speaks volumes about public connections of
Winner : 17995
Shal Lal Choudhary. A Commerce Graduate, 48 years old Sham had contested
2002 elections as an independent candidate. Winning election by polling an
Winning Margin : 6936 impressive 17995 votes, this time he represents BJP and was quite active during land
% Share Of Winner : 39.39 row agitation. But if agitation alone influenced elections, the NC candidate Taranjit
Singh would not have polled over 10,000 votes and PDP candidate Tarlok Singh 6200
HISTORY votes. Gharu Ram of Congress had humiliating defeat at 6545 votes.
2002
Gharu Ram Cong.
1996 2002 elections

Chuni Lal BJP
1987
C houdhary Gharu Ram of Congress polled 11,344 votes in 2002
elections and defeated his nearest BJP rival R.S. Chib by a margin
of 137 votes. Mr. Chib polled 11,207 votes. The total votes polled were
41,332 and poll percentage was recorded at 69.77.
1983
1977 S uchetgarh constituency is

on the edge running along
India-Pakistan International
Border. The much talked about
Suchetgarh-Sialokote road
1972
connecting Jammu with
Sialkote in Pakistan ran through
this area. Suchetgarh was not a
1967 constituency till 1995 when it
was created so way of
delimitation. the next year it
1962 went to polls for first time and
BJP nominee Chowdhary
Chunni Lal was declared
1957 elected in 1996.
Epilogue Ø
102 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Raipur Domana
Bharat Bhushan
(BJP)
defeats
A silent
Mula Ram
(CONGRESS) giant killer
Total Votes : 91691
O
n the outskirts of Jammu City, Raipur Domana constituency saw the heat of
Vote Polled : 54966 Amarnath land agitation in summer of 2008. Mula Ram of Congress has been a
Winner : 28685
strongman with relatively clean image in party and appreciable performance
as Minister. Credit may go to land agitation but Bharat Bhushan Bodhi of BJP has
Winning Margin : 12269 certainly crashed a titan. With huge victory margin of around 12000 votes, Bodhi's
% Share Of Winner : 52.18 popularity in this constituency, reserved for Scheduled Castes, can not be undermined.
HISTORY
2002
Mula Ram Cong.
1996 2002 elections

Sat Paul JD
1987
M ula Ram of Congress won from here in 2002 defeating his nearest
independent rival Bharat Bushan by a margin of 11,686 votes. Mula
Ram polled 20,538 votes and Mr. Bharat Bushan received 8,852 votes
out of the 47,230 votes polled overall. The total electorate was 77,364
1983
1977
R aipur-Domana was not a
when it was created so way of
1972 delimitation. the constituency
is situated just on the outskirts
of Jammu City and is reserved
1967 for Scheduled Castes. Sat Pal
Lakhotra of Janta Dal was
elected first MLA from Raipur-
1962 Domana when constituency
first went to polls in 1996.
Lakhotra along with other
1957 winners on Janta Dal ticket
later joined the National
Conference.
Epilogue Ø
103 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Akhnoor
Sham Lal Sharma

His brother’s
(CONGRESS)
defeats
Govind Ram Sharma
(BJP)
brother takes
roots
Total Votes : 84986
S
ham Lal Sharma was just his brother's brother till recently. He shot into
Vote Polled : 65872 prominence by winning a by-election to the state assembly on seat vacated by his
Winner : 31600
brother Madan Lal Sharma upon his election to Lok Sabha in 2004. That he has
been able to retain seat in most intensely contested election underlines that this 59
Winning Margin : 13884 years old outspoken Sham has taken roots in constituency. Polling 31600 votes he
% Share Of Winner : 47.97 defeated BJP's Govind Ram Sharma who polled 17716 votes.
HISTORY
2002
Madal Lal Sharma Cong.
1996 2002 elections

Govind Ram NC
1987
M adan Lal Sharma of Congress was elected from here in 2002. He
polled 17,102 votes and defeated his National Conference rival
Govind Ram Sharma by a margin of 1,065 votes. Govind Ram polled
Govind Ram Ind.
16,037 votes. The total votes polled were 58,242. The poll percentage
was recorded at 71.24. Bye-election in the constituency was caused by
1983 th
the resignation of Madan Lal Sharma. It was held on 13 October, 2004.
Dharampal Cong. Sham Lal Sharma of INC was elected from here defeating Govind Ram
Sharma, an independent candidate.
1977
Dharampal Cong.
1972
Dharampal Cong. A khnoor constituency also
made a difference in not
returning a National
Govind Ram was elected in
1987 as an independent
candidate while in 1996 he was
Conference nominee in 1957 elected from Akhnoor on
1967
elections. This constituency National Conference ticket.
Dharampal Cong.
was represented by Sehdev
Singh of Praja Parishad in 1957
1962 and Shiv Ram of National
Shiv Ram NC Conference in 1962 elections.
Dharampal won from here in
1957 1967, 1972, 1977 and 1983
Sehdev Singh PP elections on a Congress ticket.
Epilogue Ø
104 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Chhamb
Tara Chand
Third time
(CONGRESS)
defeats
Chaman Lal
(BJP)
victory against
all odds
I
Total Votes : 70828 t was an election of all odds against Congress leader Tara Chand. His growing clout
Vote Polled : 52140 within party and public was not going well with many of colleagues making him a
Winner : 25335 victim of conspiracies. His position as Speaker of Legislative Assembly left him
Winning Margin : 2395 politically ineffective. Amarnath land row agitation engulfed his constituency that
there was no rule of law for several weeks in the summer of 2008. 43 year old Tara
(Out of Total Votes) Chand's third straight victory tells the story of his deep roots in Chhamb constituency.
HISTORY Main issue here, the rehabilitation of border migrants, which has been close to his heart.
2002 He has been running from J&K Secretariat to the Home Ministry and the Defence
Tara Chand Cong. Ministry in Delhi for getting rehabilitation package for border migrants. Chaman of
BJP lost to Tara Chand by a margin of over 3,000 votes.
1996
Tara Chand Cong.
2002 elections
1987
Madan Lal Cong. T ara Chand of Congress was elected for second time in row from
here in 2002 defeating his nearest National Conference rival Chhaju
Ram by a margin of 10,334 votes. Chand polled 20,630 votes and Mr.
Ram 10,296 out of 44,562 votes polled overall. The total electorate was
1983
63,294 and poll percentage was recorded at 70.40.
Madan Lal Cong.
1977
Ram Nath Ind.
C hhamb constituency, along
the Indo-Pak International
Border, is also an exception to
Congress ticket in 1967.
Kanwar Devakar Singh of
National Conference won this
1972 the order that it did not return seat in 1977 while as an
Kanwar D. Singh NC a National Conference nominee independent candidate Ram
in 1957 elections. Later Nath was elected in 1977.
1967 National Conference won twice Madan Lal of Congress won this
Chaju Ram Cong. and since 1983 the Congress seat in 1983 and 1987
has been maintaining a elections while as Tara Chand
1962 complete dominance here. Sat of the Congress was elected
Chaju Ram NC Dev of Praja Parishad from here in 1996 and has
represented this constituency been holding the seat till now.
1957 in 1957. Chaju Ram won from Chhamb was reserved for
Sat Dev PP here as National Conference Scheduled Castes in 1995
candidate in 1962 and on delimitation.
Epilogue Ø
105 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T R A J O U R I
Nowshera
Radhey Sham
Clearly, vote
defeats
Ramesh Chander Sharma
(CONGRESS)
against poor
performance
N
Total Votes : 85723 ational Conference candidate Radhey Shyam Sharma's victory marks return of
Vote Polled : 62365 the maverick. This 58 years old businessman was first elected from this
Winner : 16511 constituency in 1996 on Congress ticket and towards end of that term he joined
National Conference. The runner up, Dr Romesh Chander Sharma of Congress, is son of
veteran leader late Master Beli Ram who won election from this constituency six times
% Share Of Winner : 29.47 consecutively -1962 to 1987. Romesh is one of only few Ministers of coalition
government who remained Ministers for over five years –both with Mufti and Azad.
HISTORY
That people still preferred Radhey, who mostly remains away from the state, underlines
2002 that Romesh failed to deliver. BSP's Surendra Chowdhary too polled an impressive vote
Romesh Chander Cong.
count of 12186 votes.
1996 2002 elections
Radhay Ram Sharma Cong.
1987
D r Romesh Chander Sharma, son of Master Beli Ram –a leading
political stalwart of his time, of Congress was elected from
Nowshera in 2002 elections when he defeated his National Conference
Beli Ram Cong. rival Radhay Sham Sharma by a margin of 4,474 votes. Chander polled
20,511 votes while as Mr. Radhay Sham Sharma received 16,037 votes.
1983 The total number of voters in 2002 was 88,099. Of these, 50,972 cast
Beli Ram Cong. their vote and poll percentage was recorded at 57.84.
1977
Beli Ram Cong. B arring two elections in its
entire electoral history,
Nowshera constituency has
that Master Beli Ram won his
first election from here and
then never lost again till he
1972 continuously remained a retired from active politics
Beli Ram Cong. bastion of the Congress and three decades later. Beli Ram
saw a one-man rule for nearly won six Assembly elections in a
1967 four decades. Krishan Dev Sethi row from 1962 to 1987. Barring
of National Conference 1962 when he won on National
Beli Ram Cong.
represented this constituency Conference ticket, Beli Ram
in 1957 elections. A living won all other elections as
1962 signatory to the constitution of Congress candidate. Radhay
Beli Ram NC Jammu and Kashmir, Sethi was Sham Sharma of Congress was
a member of the 1952 elected from this constituency
1957 Constituent Assembly in 1996 and then Beli Ram's son
Krishan Dev Sethi Cong. representing this Nowshera returned in 2002 on Congress
constituency. It was in 1962 ticket.
Epilogue Ø
106 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Darhal
Zulfikar Ali
Credibility
(PDP)
defeats
Mohammad Iqbal
(INDEPENDENT)
defeats dangerous
caste politics
I
Total Votes : 88532 t was intensely competitive election here credibility and merit candidates and
Vote Polled : 67667 programmes of their parties were decisive factors and not the hate loaded caste
Winner : 19395 campaign between Gujjars and Paharis as was the case last time. 38 years
Postgraduate in Law and Management, Choudhary Zulfikar Ali of the Peoples
Democratic Party won by polling over 19,000 votes defeating an independent
% Share Of Winner : 28.66 candidate Mohammad Iqbal. Also in close contest, the National Conference candidate
finished third. Sitting MLA Thakur Puran Singh was a Congress nominee and he
HISTORY remained a Minister in the coalition government. Zulfikar's father Choudhary
2002 Mohammad Hussain represented this constituency five times before he dies in 2002.
Puran Singh Ind. Road connectivity is one of the major issues in this area.
1996 2002 elections
Mohammad Hussain NC
1987
I n a highly caste polarised poll, Puran Singh, an independent
candidate, was elected from here defeating his National Conference
rival Choudhary Liaqat Ali by a margin of 217 votes. While Singh polled
Ch. Mohammad Hussain NC 11,832 votes, Mr. Ali received 11,615 votes. The total number of voters
in 2002 was 90,353 of which 42,115 cast their votes and poll
1983 percentage was recorded at 46.61. Puran Singh had later joined
Bashir Ahmad Cong. Congress as its associate member.
1977
Ch. Mohammad Hussain NC L ike Rajouri, this
constituency too has
alternated between National
Darhal in 1967 Assembly polls.
Mirza Abdul Rashid, again of
the Congress, won in 1972
Conference and the Congress while as Choudhary Mohammad
1972
throughout its electoral history Hussain of NC won from here in
Abdul Rashid NC till an independent won from 1977. Mian Bashir Ahmad,
here in 2002 elections while a who had earlier won two
1967 single candidate –Choudhary elections from Kangan
Ch. Mohammad Hussain Cong. Mohammad Hussain –won as constituency in today's
many as four times from here. Ganderbal district of Kashmir,
The constituency was won from Darhal constituency
1962
represented by Mirza in 1983 on Congress ticket.
Mohammad Iqbal NC Mohammad Iqbal of National In 1987 and 1996 elections
Conference both in 1957 and National Conference leader
1957 1962 elections while as Choudhary Mohammad
Mohammad Iqbal NC Choudhary Mohammad Hussain Hussain again retained the
of the Congress represented constituency.
Epilogue Ø
107 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Rajouri
Shabir Ahmed Khan

The proud
(CONGRESS)
defeats
Tasadiq Hussain
(PDP)
winner of lottery
election
I
Total Votes : 106125 t was a lottery election in Rajouri constituency and Shabir Khan was really lucky
Vote Polled : 73807 that he won. Eight candidates in this constituency were rated as the potential
Winner : 10013 winners. They included former Ministers Choudhary Talib Hussain and Mohammad
Sharief Tariq, rebels of NC and PDP respectively; there were official candidates from
these parties and another rebel from the Congress. First time in electoral history of this
% Share Of Winner : 13.56 constituency, BJP candidate too was in a strong position. 45 years old Khan got little
over 10,000 votes and defeated Tassaduq Hussain of PDP by a wafer thin margin of 400
HISTORY
votes. PDP getting into position of runner up was a significant development. The most
2002 important feature of election in Rajouri constituency this time was a clean campaign not
Mohammad Aslam NC
riding on the caste factor. Shabir was a Vice Chairman of the Pahari Advisory Board
1996 during regime of the coalition government. The sitting MLA here was Mohammad
Mohd. Sharief Tafiq NC Aslam Khan of the National Conference.
1987 2002 elections

Mirza Ab. Rashid Cong.
1983
M ohammad Aslam Khan of National Conference won this seat
defeating his nearest Congress rival Qamar Hussain by a margin of
2,678 votes. Aslam polled 11,933 votes while as Hussain received 9,255
Talib Hussain Cong.
votes. The total votes polled were 29,836 and poll percentage was
recorded at 27.01.
1977
Talib Hussain Cong. ELECTORAL BACKGROUND
1972
Talib Hussain Cong.
represented by Abdul Aziz
Shawl of National Conference
the seat again in 1987 when its
candidate Mirza Abdul Rashid
won from here. However,
in 1957 and 1962 elections. National Conference wrested
1967 Mirza Abdul Rashid of the the seat in 1996 when its
Ab. Rashid Cong. Congress won this seat in 1967 candidate Mohammad Sharief
while as Choudhary Talib Tariq was elected. Trends show
1962 Hussain continuously that Rajouri constituency has
Ab. Aziz Shawl NC represented the constituency often oscillated between
in the 1972, 1977 as Congress National Conference and the
1957 candidate and 1983 elections Congress and no other party
as National Conference has ever been able to clinch
Ab. Aziz Shawl NC
candidate. Congress retained the seat.
Epilogue Ø
108 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Kalakote
Rachpal Singh
Grassroots
defeats
Ashok Sharma
(INDEPENDENT)
connections
proved twice
Total Votes : 75938
R
ashpal Singh of National Conference has won second time straight. When this
Vote Polled : 55494 constituency went to polls first time in 1996, after delimitation, National
Winner : 25314 Conference was keen to field him but it could not happen due to a legal wrangle.
Winning Margin : 11420 In 2002 he defeated Ashok Sharma, the sitting MLA of Congress. This time Congress
% Share Of Winner : 45.61 did not give ticket to Sharma making Rashpal's victory much easier. Congress
(Out of Total Votes) handpicked a retired engineer from Poonch district and Sharma joined the fray as
HISTORY independent candidate. Rashpal polled 25314 votes and Sharma, the runner up, got
2002 13894 votes. Interestingly, the Congress nominee who got preference over the old
Rachpal Singh NC guard, AG Kohli, got 1071 votes. It is important to note here that PDP candidate polled
an impressive 7742 votes and finished third. With huge margin, Rashpal proves
1996
Ashok Kumar Cong. connections with grassroots.
1987
2002 elections
1983
K unwar Rachpal Singh of National Conference won this seat in 2002
elections defeating his Congress rival Ashok Kumar Sharma by a
margin of 1,200 votes. Rachpal Singh polled 19,324 votes while as Ashok
Sharma received 18,124 votes. The total votes polled were 41,462 and
1977
poll percentage was recorded at 48.66.
1967
K alakote was not a
when it was carved out by way
of delimitation. Next year it
went to elections for first
1962 time and Ashok Kumar
Sharma of the Congress
registered a comfortable win
1957 as other parties did not have
any promising candidate in
the fray.
Epilogue Ø
109 ×
January 2009
Election Special
D I S T R I C T P O O N C H
Surankote
Mohammad Aslam
Gandhi family
(CONGRESS)
defeats
Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari
loyalist bounces
back
Total Votes : 85129
C
houdhary Mohammad Aslam is among those Congress leaders who joined the
Vote Polled : 63553 class with Indira Gandhi and never even imagined showing back to Nehru-
Winner : 28102 Gandhi family. After representing this constituency three times in row Aslam
Winning Margin : 2051 lost to Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari of National Conference in 1996. It was a major surprise.
% Share Of Winner : 44.21 In 2002 too he lost to Bukhari when Congress was resurgent and National Conference
(Out of Total Votes) was badly routed. Trends have only been reversed. 64 years old Choudhary is currently
HISTORY a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), he has remained Speaker of J&K Legislative
2002 Assembly and Cabinet Minister. When he lost twice, Aslam was wooed by other parties
M.Ahmad Shah NC with rehabilitation package but he refused to betray loyalty with Gandhi family.
1996
M.Ahmad Shah NC 2002 elections
1987
Ch. Mohd. Aslam Cong.
S yed Mushtaq Ahmad Shah Bukhari of National Conference won
this seat in 2002 defeating Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam of
the Congress by a margin of 1,972 votes. Mushtaq Bukhari
secured 15,243 votes while as Aslam won 13,271 votes. The
1983 total votes polled were 33,254 out of the total electorate of
Ch. Mohd. Aslam Cong. 83,113. The poll percentage was recorded at 40.01.

Ch. Mohd. Aslam Cong.
1972
S urankote was not a
when it was created so by
the Congress. He was
Speaker of the dissolved
assembly at that point in
way of delimitation. time. He struggled hard to
Congress stalwart and recapture constituency in
1967
veteran Gujjar leader 2002 elections but by that
Chowdhary Mohammad time Mushtaq Bukhari had
Aslam won the seat in 1977 firmed up the grip. Caste
1962
elections and retained polarisation is also a
consecutively for next three decisive factor in this
terms when he lost in 1996. constituency which has
1957
Aslam's loss here in 1996 seen hot militant activity
was a stunning defeat for over the years.
Epilogue Ø
110 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Mendhar
S. Rafiq Hussain Khan

Thin margin,
(PDP)
defeats
Javid Ahmed Rana
significant for
PDP
Total Votes : 78846
R
afiq Hussain Khan returns to the legislative assembly after 25 years political
Vote Polled : 60958 experimentation. Mendhar witnessed a highly polarized caste campaign
Winner : 29036 between Gujjars and Paharis which is a general trend across these twin border
Winning Margin : 742 districts of Rajouri and Poonch. This is Peoples Democratic Party's one among the only
% Share Of Winner : 47.63 seats won in Jammu province. 66 years old Khan got 29036 votes and defeated Javed
(Out of Total Votes) Ahmed Rana of National Conference by a thin margin of 742 votes.
HISTORY
2002
Javid Ahmad Rana NC
1996 2002 elections

Nissan Ahmad Khan NC
1987
J avid Ahmad Rana of National Conference won the 2002
elections here when he defeated his nearest independent
rival Rafiq Hussain Khan by a margin of 7,865 votes. Rana had
Nissan Ahmad Khan NC
polled 24,530 votes while as Rafiq won 16,665 votes. Total votes
polled were 47,729 and poll percentage was recorded at 60.00.
1983
Rafiq Hussain Khan NC
1977
Rafiq Hussain Khan Ind. F ollowing the
predominant trend
prevailing in twin border
Congress won this seat in
1967 and 1972 elections.
Rafiq Hussain Khan was
1972 districts of Rajouri and first elected in 1977 as an
Mohammad Aslam Cong. Poonch, this Mendhar independent candidate
constituency is an epicentre while as in 1983 he was
1967 of caste polarisation returned from Mendhar on
Mohammad Aslam Cong. between Gujjars and the National Conference
Paharis. The constituency mandate. National
1962 was represented by Peer Conference retained the
Jamait Ali Shah NC Jamait Ali Shah of seat in 1987 and 1996
National Conference in elections when its
1957 1957 and 1962 elections candidate Nissar Ahmad
Jamait Ali Shah NC while as Chowdhary Khan won this Assembly
Mohammad Aslam of the constituency twice.
Epilogue Ø
111 ×
January 2009
Election Special
Poonch - Haveli
Azaj Ahmed Jan

‘His father’s
defeats
Ch. Bashir Ahmed Naz
(CONGRESS)
son’ is youngest
in House
Total Votes : 97321
A
jaz Ahmed Jan of National Conference will be the youngest MLA in eleventh
Vote Polled : 71415 assembly making a debut at the age of 31. He defeated his Congress rival
Winner : 28297 Choudhary Bashir Ahmed Naz by a margin of around 10,000 votes. Naz had
Winning Margin : 9933 won this seat in 1996 and later remained an MLC. Jan's father GM Jan was first elected
% Share Of Winner : 39.62 to assembly from Poonch constituency in 1996 on NC ticket and he retained the seat in
(Out of Total Votes) 2002 elections also. After Jan senior's death in 2006, Ajaz was given party ticket to
HISTORY contest by-election in December same year but he lost to Jahangir Mir of Congress.
2002
Gh. Mohammad Jan NC
2002 elections
1996
Gh. Mohammad Jan NC G hulam Mohammad Jan of National Conference was elected second
time straight in 2002 polls when he defeated his nearest Congress
rival Yashpal Sharma by a margin of 646 votes. Jan polled 27,364 votes
1987 and Sharma received 26,718 votes. The total votes polled were 57,712
Ch. Bashir Ahmad Ind.
1983
Ghulam Ahmad NC
T he historic Poonch-Haveli
segment comprises the
district headquarters of Poonch
Choudhary Bashir Ahmad in
1987. Naz had, however, later
joined National Conference.
1977
and most of its areas are close Ghulam Mohammad Jan of
Ghulam Ahmad NC to the Line of Control. The National Conference won this
constituency was represented seat in 1996 and retained it in
1972 by Master Ghulam Ahmad of 2002. Due to the demise of GM
Mir Gh. Mohammad Cong. National Conference both in Jan, the Poonch-Haveli segment
1957 and 1962 elections while went for bye-poll in December,
1967 as Mir Ghulam Mohammad 2007 in which Mir Jehangir
Mir Gh. Mohammad Cong. Poonchhi of the Congress won Hussain of Congress was elected
from here in 1967 and 1972 from this constituency when he
elections. National Conference defeated his nearest
1962
again wrested the seat in 1977 independent rival Yashpal
M.Gh. Mohammad NC elections and retained it in 1983 Sharma. Interestingly, Yashpal
when its candidate Ghulam Sharma is one such candidate
1957 Ahmad was elected from here. who has been fighting elections
M.Gh. Mohammad NC The seat was won by an for last 20 years but always lost
Independent candidate with narrow margins.
Epilogue Ø
112 ×
January 2009
Annual Reviews
Mughal Road
The Dream Turns into Reality
K.D. Maini
T
here was no limit of joy and
pleasure for the people of
Pir Panchal region (Poonch-
Rajouri district) and
Kashmir valley on 5th of
December 2008 when the first phase of
Mughal road project of Rs. 639.00 crore
was completed and fair whether single
lane 84 kilometer road from Bufliaz
Poonch to Shopian Kashmir was linked at
Lal Gulam near Pir Marg. The DDC
Shopian Mohd Ramzan Thakur told that
the road is ready for motorable traffic.
Hindustan Construction Company

Limited has completed the construction
works under the supervision of Ashok
Kachroo XEN Mughal road division
Surankote and Umar Farooq Mughal
road division Shopian.
After independence, the construction

of 422 years old Mughal road remain the Noorichum, Ratachum, Pir Marg, districts Poonch-Rajouri, exploit
main dream and demand of the people Aliabad, Sukh Sarai valley and Dubjan. tourism potential of Pir Panchal region
of Poonch-Rajouri because due to the The impact of this road on the and improve the economic conditions
establishment of LOC, the historic development of Poonch and Rajouri is and life style of the people. There are
Poonch-Haji Peer Srinagar was closed significant. It will prove the lifeline for number of lush green margs, high
and this region remain cut off from nine lac people of this region. pasturelands and scenic spots along side
Kashmir valley for the last 62 years. Mughal road from Pir Pass (12000 feet)
There was no direct link of Poonch and Mughal road which was originally to Rattan Pir (8600 feet). On the other
Rajouri with the summer capital constructed and Iranian Engineer Ali hand Dubjan, Sukh Sarai Valley, Aliabad
Srinagar. It was very expensive and Mardan Khan about 400 years back on and Pir Marg also falls on this road in
time consuming to reach Srinagar via the orders of Mughal Emperor Jhangir Kashmir side. These virgin hill station
Jammu. With the construction of for the movement of Mughal caravans. and nature blessed spots shall be
Mughal road the distance from Poonch This road will again revive its old glory exposed for Foreigners, Indians and
and Rajouri to Srinagar shall be reduced and glamour with the visits of tourists, local tourists. Number of peaks around
from 530 kilometer to 204 kilometer travelers and nature loving people. This the road like Tatakuti, Ganga Choti, and
and 196 kilometer respectively. It will road shall provide an alternate route to Kagalana shall be the point of attraction
be eight hour journey with charming Kashmir valley with rest of country, for the climbers. The valley of seven
a n d a ttra ctive site sce n e s of boost commercial avenues in border lakes like Nandansar, Chandansar,
Epilogue Ø
113 ×
January 2009
Annual Reviews
Neelsar and so on located in the upper for the movements of elephants, Mughal road in between Bheramgala
reaches of Pir Panchal in between 12000 camels, loaded animals, Mughal forces and Thanamandi. Some portions of his
feet to 15000 feet above the sea level is and caravans. body were buried at Chingus Sarai.
only seven kilometer from Aliabad sarai.
There are number passes leading For the first time the widening work on In 1753 AD Kashmir was snatched by
towards valley which are suitable for this road was started in 1587 AD on the Afghans from Mughals. Afghans had
tracking purpose. The unique cultural eve of the first visit of Emperor Akbar to closed Mughal road and seized all the
heritage of nomadic tribes of Pir Kashmir. As per Iqbalnama Akbari, passes which were passing through Pir
Panchal region, their traditions, 10000 labourers and masons remain Panchal area because Afghans were
dresses, distinct lifestyle, melodious working day and night on this road for apprehending that Mughals will attack
folklore, shrines, sarais and ruins of months together before the visit of on Kashmir via Mughal road. Therefore
Mughal period shall boost up the Emperor Akbar. But the main work was the new Afghan government of Kashmir
heritage tourism in this area. Mughal taken place during the period of established their links with Kabul via
road has also got much importance with Emperor Jhangir. He had ordered an Jhelum valley road. By this way, Mughal
the opening of Poonch-Rawalakote road Iranian Engineer Ali Mardan Khan for the road was completely seized. Under
and trade across the LOC. The fruit construction of Mughal road, Sarais, these circumstances the glory and
growers of Shopian and Pulwama shall Mosques, Baradaries, Hamams along glamour of this road was vanished. The
be able to export their fruits to POK via side the road for the conveyance of the people who had settled along side this
Mughal road-Poonch-Rawalakote road royal caravans of the Mughal. Ali road had left this area in search of
which is directly linking six districts of Mardan Khan divided Mughal road into livelihood and thus the buildings and
POK namely district Bagh, Sudhnutti, 14 Paraves (halting stations) from monuments constructed by the Mughals
Rawalakote, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur. Lahore to Srinagar which was 246 mile turned into ruins. Later on this route
Therefore, it is expected that new long route. But the actual Mughal road remain used by the Gujjar, Bakerwals
townships, colonies, hotels and was starting from Gujrat town which and Pahari peoples to cross Pir Panchal
restaurants shall rapidly come up on was 70 mile away from Lahore and 176 and visit Kashmir.
Mughal road from Bufliaz to Shopian for mile from Srinagar. The main halting
the conveyance of tourists and stations constructed on this road were The decision for the construction of 84
travelers. Gujarat, Bhimber, Saidpur, Nowshera, kilometer Mughal road from Bufliaz
Chingus, Rajouri, Thanamandi, Poonch to Shopian Kashmir was taken in
The Mughal road was originally known as Bheramgala, Poshiana, Aliabad Sarai, 1978 AD by the then Chief Minister Sheik
Nimak road (salt route) before the Hirpur, Shopian, Ramu, and Kanakpura. Mohammad Abdullah to provide an
conquer of Kashmir by Mughals because The interval between each station was alternate route to Kashmir valley, to
salt was exported to Kashmir from varying from 10 to 15 miles keeping in establish direct link with Rajouri-
Western Punjab via this route. It was a view the geographic conditions of the Poonch and to exploit scenic resorts of
pedestal road trafficable only for ponies area. The journey from one station to Pir Panchal region for the development
and horses. With the conquer of another was completed in one day. Ali of tourism industry. However, the work
Kashmir by Emperor Akbar in 1586 AD Mardan Khan also constructed on ground was started in 1981 AD. The
this road got great importance because Baradaries, Hamam, Mosques, Sarai original cost of the road was Rs. 18
it was the shortest route between Forts on these halting stations while the crore. The work was started on war
Lahore and Srinagar. Since Mughal natives constructed their houses around footing level from Shopian and Bufliaz
Emperors were nature loving, therefore these stations with the help of local for which two Mughal road divisions
the scenic beauty of Kashmir started Rajas and Mughal Governors. By this were created. After the death of Sheikh
attracting them. The Emperor Akbar way, small townships on almost all the Mohammad Abdullah in 1982 AD, the
visited twicely, Jhangir 13 times, Shah halting stations had emerged during pace of work was slowed down keeping
Jahan and Oranzeb once via Mughal Mughal period and this road became the in view the paucity of funds and
road. With the movement of Shai centre of hustle-bustle. While coming changing of the priorities of
caravans the small pedestal path was from Srinagar in 1629 AD Emperor construction of the government.
converted into a wide road which was fit Jhangir had taken his last breaths on Finally, this road was suspended in 1985
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AD due to some observations of Defence due to the blasting for the construction Panchal were halting for few days for
Ministry. However, the people of of Mughal road. The bear had left their hunting, relaxing and enjoying the rich
Poonch-Rajouri remain demanding for sanctuary and entered in the villages nature of the area. The old glory of this
the construction of the Mughal road. due to which numbers of people were Sarai can be revived with original style
killed and others were injured apart of renovation. There is also a need of
from loss of crop and property. construction of some bunglows and
Keeping in view the chronic public
However the project was got cleared tourist sarais in the lush green meadow
demand and necessity of road as an
from Environment department and road located near the Aliabad Sarai. This
alternate route for Kashmir valley the
has been constructed. There is a need of station shall attract climbers and
construction of Mughal road was
proper walling and fencing of forest areas trackers for expeditions towards the
i n c l u d e d i n Pr i m e M i n i s t e r s
from Dugran, Poshiana to Pir Marg, Alibad valley of seven lakes which is about 7
Reconstruction Programme during 2005
Sarai and Dubgen along both the sides of kilometer in the south of Aliabad Sarai.
AD. Two Mughal road divisions were
the road and proper guarding of the In the same manner, Noorichum
revived at Surankote and Hirpur under
wildlife sanctuaries from the hunters so waterfall, Bheramgala, Dhera-ki-Gali,
the monitoring of a Superintending Thanamandi and Chingus can also be
Engineer with station at Srinagar. The that the rear species of wildlife available
developed as tourist resorts which are
then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad in Pir Panchal region may not be
equally important for heritage tourism.
Sayed laid the foundation of the disturbed and destroyed.
restarting of the work of Mughal road at
Now when the Mughal road has been
Bufliaz and Hirpur on 1st October 2005 As per the geographical survey, the
completed and open for traffic it is
AD, but the actual work was started Mughal road passes through
expected that tourism department will
during February 2006 AD. Keeping in geographical stable terrain as
divert its attention towards these
view the peaceful atmosphere, strong compared to Jammu-Srinagar national
scenic spots and resorts along side the
will of state government and provision highway. Therefore, this road will be
Mughal road for the attraction of Indian,
of funds liberally by the central another option to link Kashmir with rest
Foreigners and domestic tourists.
government, the work was geared up. of the country. However at present the
Number of businesspersons are also set
The HCC used heavy machinery on both status of road is not 'all whether'
to construct the hotels, restaurants,
the sides and ensure the completion of because 31 kilometer road passes from
dhabas, and shop lines on these
road within the target time. ten thousand to twelve thousands feet
stations. Therefore, with the
above the sea level from Dubgen to
establishment of new hotels and
Chita Pani which remain under snow
The work was again held up during 2007 bunglows on these halting stations from
cover from December to February.
AD due to the apprehensions of wild life Hirpur to Bheramgala and Thanamandi
Moreover, four-kilometer road falls
organization that the sanctuary along shall replace the old ruins of Mughal
under landslide and avalanches prone
side Mughal road shall be endanger with period which were once constructed by
zones from Pir Marg towards Chita Pani,
the construction of this road because Iranian Engineer Ali Mardan Khan for the
which will create trouble even during
the road will pass through the main conveyance of Mughal caravans. With
monsoon season. Therefore unless
sanctuary of Markhore goats, Musk the construction of Mughal road apart
eleven kilometer tunnel (for which the
Deer's and Beers. These wild animals are from an alternate route to Kashmir
survey has already been done) from Lal
abundantly available in Pir Marg, valley, the doors of development and
Gulam to Rata Chum is not constructed,
Rainear near Aliabad, Sukhsarai valley, prosperity for the people of Poonch and
the road shall remain permanently
Hussantham and Sari Mastan on the Rajouri have also been opened.
closed from December to February due
right side of the road and Bagla, Panar, to heavy layer of snowfall.
Tatakuti Marg and Hill Kaka track on the
left side of the road while going from
With the opening of Mughal road, the
Bufliaz towards Shopian. The heritage tourism will also get boost due
conservationists and ecologists were to the existence of Mughal Sarais, Tombs
also of the opinion that the attacks of and Baradaries along side the road. The
beers in the villages on the slopes of Pir Aliabad Sarai is still intact where Royal
Panchal region during 2006-07 AD were Mughal caravan after crossing Pir
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Annual Reviews
History
Rajput Rulers and Sufis of Jammu
Prof. Jigar Mohammad
S
ufism entered India in the 12th that the Dev Rajput rulers of Jammu
century as a new socio- treated the Sufis and their shrines as the From the 13th century onwards sufism
religious trend. The arrival of important sources of cultural became one of the popular philosophies
Sufism in India was welcomed development in their state. They not in the Jammu hills and the activities of
by the indigenous population. only provided favourable atmosphere the Sufis received tremendous social
With in short period it spread in for the flourishment of the Sufi's support. The sufis performed different
different parts of India. From Punjab to philosophy of the Unity of Being, but, types of the activities. Most of the Sufis
Rajputana, from Jammu and Kashmir to more importantly, they also established of the Jammu hills performed miracles
Kerala sufism influenced the opinion social contact with them and worked for (Kashf wa Karamat). Some of the
and life of the people. Though on the their settlement and maitenance of miracles of Pir Roshan Ali Shah are
eve of the entrance of Sufism their their shrines. The modern Jammu mentioned by the Rajdarshani. It is said
population of the Muslims in most parts region is divided into the districts such that the king of Jammu was so much
of India was vertually negligible, sufis as Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, impressed from the miracles of Pir
hardly faced any local resistance or Punch and Rajouri, Samba, Riasi, Roshan Shah Wali that he came to meet
obstru ction in te rms of th e ir Kishtwar and Ramban consist of several the sufi. The king is known as Raja
settlement. It is true that the sufism sufi shrines. As far as the sources of the Sarab-li- Dhar. The later was so much
emerged in Islamic land. But it received history of the sufis and their shrines in influenced with the miracles of the Pir
better social response in India and the Jammu hills are concerned, most of that he requested the Pir to settle in
adjusted with its indigenous cultural the shrines have no contemporary Jammu. The Pir accepted the offer of
trends in a very diligent manner. Sufism record. It is either the present the king and settled down at Jammu.
became a source of regional identity in Sajjadanashin or oral traditions which The king of provided all types of
India from 13th century onwards. speak the history of these shrines. A facilities to the Pir. Another miracle,
large number of legends are associated narrated by Rajdarshani is associated
with the arrival, settelements and the with the death of Pir Roshan Shah Wali.
It is It is an established fact that the
activities of the sufis of Jammu and Ganeshdas Badehra, the author of
Rajput rulers of the various parts of
these are narrated by both controllers Rajdharshani, found the shrine and
India welcomed the arrival of all those
and the followers of the shrines. It is Khanqah of Pir Roshan Wali to be very
who were willing to work and
very interesting to mention that the popular and thriving during the 19th
contributed to the flourishment of their century. Narrating the arrival,meeting
states. Similarly, the political life of sufis and their shrines have been made
parts of the local culture by the oral of the Pir with the Raja and his death
Jammu state has also been dominated Ganeshdas Badehra writes, “…a long
by the Rajputs from early medieval traditions and these legends, folklores
and tales are preserved in in the local man of towering body named Roshan
period onwards. The Dev Rajput dynasty Shah Wali, one of the close associates of
of always welcomed the diverse shades languages and dialects such as Dogri,
the Prophet, of an Arab-like gait, came
of thought, social trends and persons of Kishtwari, Bhadrawahi, Gojri and Pahari
to the chakla of Jammu like a Faqir and
the different art and crafts. They etc. Some nineteenth century sources
met Raja Sarab-li-Dhar and gave him the
believed in the concept of justice in such as the Gulabnama of Diwan Kirpa
tidings of safety, that the army of Islam
diversity and discouraged the concept Ram, Rajdarshani of Ganeshdas
would not endanger his life and faith,
of uniformity. The arrival of sufism was Badehra and some travel accounts also
nor would it harm Jammu. But the
one of the most important social contain some information regarding the
countries of the Punjab and Hindustan
developments of medieval Jammu. The role of the sufis and their shrines in the
would be trampled under hoofs of the
socio-political history of Jammu shows socio-economic life of the Jammu hills.
seeds of the Musalman. “So I a feeble
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January 2009
Annual Reviews
ant, has been deputed by the Holy and water pot. Ultimately, the water carrier received the title of Bakhtiyar Khan.
popular Rasul to guard Jammu.” He carried the water, touched by the Pir, to Baba Jiwan Shah was very much
uttered such words, took off his skull the palace. When the queen drank this respected by the Maharaja Pratap Singh
from his head like turban, walked water she recovered from the disease. (1885-1925) and his brother Amar Singh.
headless for some steps and going near It was a matter of surprise for all It is known that Maharaja Pratap Singh
the Gumat gate, sat in side and gave up including the King. When the King came extended financial support to Baba
the ghost. They buried him there as per to know that it was the miracle of the Pir Jiwan Shah both in cash (wazifa) and
his will. His Khanqah exists to this day which cured the queen he became his kind to meet the expenses of his mystic
and enjoys the same reverence.” follower. It is known that after the activities. The Maharaja loved to meet
death of the Pir his shrine received the Baba. Therefore, he frequently
About the Pir Mitha it is famous that continous royal patronage. Several such invited the Baba to his palace. Maharaja
once he tied his horse nearby his hut and types of miracles are associated with is said to have presented a hukka and a
went out of his home. After some time the almost all the sufis of the Jammu dhoosa to the Baba during his visit to the
the horse felt thirstyness, there was hills. But these miracles had great palace.
nobody to provide water to the horse. significance in terms of the popularity
But suddenly a fountain was raised and of the sufis. A large number of the It is known that Maharaja Pratap Singh
two trees sprang up. The horse drank persons became the followers of the respected the sufis and their shrines
the water and ate the leaves of the sufis. Several persons became the very much. He constructed a road upto
trees and met his both thirstiness and disciples (Murids) of the Sufis. Through the shrine of Mian Muhammad Ibrahim.
hunger. Another miracle associated with the narration of these miracles the sufis' Therefore people started to call him
Pir Mitha shows that he possessed merit life and works are kept alive from the Rah Baba. This shows that people
to cure a patient with his action. days of the sufis concerned to modern accepted that the sufi was the source of
According to a hagiographical story, a times. the construction of the road and also his
queen of Jammu fell ill and she could activities were respected by the
not recover for long time despite all the It may be mentioned that not only the Maharaja. The tradition of the annual
royal efforts. Pir Mitha came to know common people of Jammu hills work commemoration of the death
about the illness of the queen through together in terms of protecting the anniversary (Urs) and people's visits to
some of the royal water carriers shrines and propagation of the the sufi shrines on every Thursday were
(Bhishtis). It is known that during teachings of the sufis, but the instrumental in organisation of the
fifteenth century water supply to the Maharajas of Jammu from Maharaja commercial activities around the sufi
royal palace, situated at modern Gulab Singh onwards worked for the shrines. Thus these sufis and their shrines
Dalpatian Mohallah, was maintained by preservation of these shrines. It is worked for inter-connecting the people
the water carriers through the river and known that Gulab Singh, as a jagirdar of of one area to other and the route
wells. Generally the water carriers Maharaja Ranjit Singh, requested the followed by the visitors became the
carried water from Peer Koh to the Maharaja for the grant of land to the means of socio-economic development.
palace. The house of Pir Mitha was shrine of Shah Ghulam Badshah, The sense of isolation, prevailing in hills,
situated at a place from which the situated in Rajouri district. Maharaja was converted into binding force.
water carriers went to Peer Koh. Once accepted the request and granted land
when a water carrier, carrying water for the expenses of the shrine. It is important to mention that the
from Peer Koh, reached at the near the Similarly, Maharaja Gulab Singh granted extension of the royal patronage to the
house of Pir Mitha, the latter asked fifty Kanal lands to the shrine of Pir Wali Sufis and their shrines in Jammu shows
about the illness of the queen. When he Shah at Katra in Udhampur district. that the Rajput ruling class of Jammu
came to known that queen's continued Both Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1857-85) worked for the promotion and
to suffer from the disease he touched and Maharaja Pratap Singh extended propagation of the diverse cultures and
the water pot of the water carrier. The financial support and renovated a philosophies. It was the acceptance of
latter did not approve the action of Pir number of the sufi shrines of Jammu the concept of unity in differences by the
Mitha and threw all the water hills. More importantly, Jai Singh, the ruling class of Jammu which inspired
decalaring it to have become impure. king of Kishtwar, accepted Islam under them to found Jammu and Kashmir state
But whenever that water carrier passed the influence of Sayyid Farid-ud-din in 1846 under the leadership of the
by the house of the Pir he touched the Qadiri during the 17th century and Maharaja Gulab Singh.
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January 2009
Annual Reviews
The Great Leap Forward :

Indo-US relations on the Upswing
Sonali Huria
2
008 was a year marked by a flurry The Indo-US Nuclear Deal being granted to India. These countries
of activity surrounding the Indo- wanted the waiver to explicitly state
US Civilian Nuclear Deal, which in that India's right to engage in nuclear
Nothing hogged the limelight this year
many ways formed the cornerstone of commerce would be revoked should it
like the Indo-US Civilian Nuclear
bilateral relations between the two test a nuclear device at any given point
Agreement. With stiff opposition from
countries. While at one stage most had in the future – a position supported by
the Left parties, to what they believed
written off the deal as a failed, 'dead- China. Significant pressure from the
was an American ploy to “lock India into
end' diplomatic endeavour; the Bush administration and the declaration
US global strategic designs”, and
dramatic events leading to the political made by India's External Affairs
threats to withdraw their support from
realignment within India, the Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, pointing to
the Congress-led UPA government; it
subsequent phoenix-like revival of the India's voluntary moratorium on nuclear
had begun to appear by June this year
deal and its final conclusion, left testing and reiterating India's
that the deal was on its last legs. On 8
supporters delighted and skeptics commitment to realize the goals of non-
July the Left finally pulled out of the
disappointed. Many strategic analysts proliferation and disarmament, are
government; despite which, on the 22nd
hailed the deal as historic, in that it had what appear to have finally brought
of the same month, the UPA government
brought to an end the 'nuclear isolation these countries to reconsider their
survived the Parliamentary trust vote
and apartheid' that India had long been stance and grant approval for the
with a 275-256 margin, thereby paving
subjected to. Says C. Raja Mohan, waiver.
the way for the unhindered pursuit of
Professor of International Studies at the
the deal.
Nanyang Technological University, The IAEA Safeguards Agreement and
Singapore, “The 123 Agreement is…one NSG waiver having been successfully
of the finest achievements of Indian Thereafter, the Indian government
secured; what needed to be done next
diplomacy…(which has accomplished) concluded an India-specific Safeguards
was get the US Senate to approve the
the impossible task of bridging India's Agreement with the International
deal, which finally came through on 1
nuclear interests with the global non- Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the
October 2008, after the US House of
proliferation regime”. application of safeguards to India's
Representatives had passed the bill on
civilian nuclear facilities; after which
28 September 2008, thereby allowing
the next major hurdle in the
Apart from the deal, the two countries India to engage in nuclear commerce
consummation of the deal was getting a
also made important strides in other with the United States. The legislation
waiver from the 45-member NSG
arenas of bilateral cooperation, of was finally signed into law by President
(Nuclear Suppliers' Group), to enable
which the area of 'defense' engagement Bush on 8 October 2008, and is now
India buy nuclear fuel and technology
witnessed the greatest activity. officially known as the United States-
from the international market, despite
Additionally, the recent terrorist India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and
it not being a signatory to the NPT.
attacks in Mumbai, saw uninhibited Non-proliferation Enhancement Act.
declarations from either side on the
urgent need for greater collaboration in The waiver finally came through on 6
areas of counter-insurgency and September 2008, despite the strong Defense Relations
intelligence-sharing. A brief overview of reservations expressed by Austria,
the key events in India-US bilateral ties Norway, Ireland, the Netherlands, New The military-to-military or defense
in 2008 is given below. Zealand and Switzerland, on the waiver relations between the US and India have
Epilogue Ø
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January 2009
Annual Reviews
been the most conspicuous area for logistics support services'. The sale of to address the problem of terrorism. US
cooperation and are considered by these munitions, if approved by Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice
strategic analysts as by far, the most Washington, is likely to cost the Indian visited India soon after the Mumbai
successful. The defense forces of both government US $375 million. It may be attacks in what was an apparent display
countries have conducted joint air, pertinent to note here that the US and of American solidarity. At a press
ground and naval exercises with India, among the world's largest briefing in New Delhi, Rice stated in no
considerable regularity since the 2002 producers, users and stockpilers of unambiguous terms that Pakistan must
Malabar exercises. Recently, in August cluster munitions, abstained from take 'very direct and tough action
2008, the Indian Air Force participated signing one of the most significant against non-state actors responsible for
in the multinational 'Exercise Red Flag' disarmament and humanitarian treaties launching such attacks from Pakistani
at the Nellis US Air Force Base in in over a decade – the Convention on soil'. Says Professor Stephen Cohen of
Nevada. Other recent defense Cluster Munitions, signed between 2-4 the Brookings Institution, “while
exchanges, according to strategic December 2008 by nearly a 100 everyone knows that the senior levels of
expert, Gurpreet S. Khurana, have countries in Oslo, Norway. the Pakistan government are not
included “US defence sales to India, responsible, there is a new awareness
h i gh - le ve l vi si ts, a n d tra i n i n g that states must be held accountable
exchanges…(and US) efforts to bring
Counter-insurgency for actions launched from its territory.
India into arrangements like the Cooperation and America applies this policy to Pakistan's
Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Intelligence-sharing FATA and North West Frontier Province,
and Logistics Support Agreement (and) is beginning to apply it to (the)
(LSA)”. attacks on India”.
2008 witnessed greater convergence
between the two countries on concerns
While India has been reluctant to join relating to terrorism. Following the July The Kabul Embassy and Mumbai
the PSI which is an international 2008 bombing of the Indian Embassy in terrorist attacks have led many within
initiative to combat the transfer and Kabul; Afghanistan and Indian officials the Indian and US establishments to call
proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and claimed they had evidence which for greater intelligence-sharing
biological weapons and materials; the proved the involvement of Pakistan's between the intelligence agencies of
LSA, which calls for mutual provision of intelligence agency, the ISI in the both countries to help them forewarn
support services and supplies to the two suicide attack – an allegation supported each other about probable terrorist
countries' armed forces on transit, has by the US government. More recently, strikes. The ten-year New Framework
been under consideration by the Indian with the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in for the US-India Defense Relationship
Government, despite Defence Minister November this year, the role of the signed in 2005, lists as one of the four
AK Antony's recent assertion that the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the support it key areas of shared security interests,
LSA was “not on the agenda at the enjoys within Pakistan, despite the “defeating terrorism and violent
moment”. official ban imposed by Islamabad on religious extremism” and calls for a
the group in 2002, has been brought into strengthening of the capabilities of “our
The US and India in the meanwhile have sharp international glare, forcing an militaries to promote security and
also continued to engage in an earlier hesitant American defeat terrorism”
expanding defense trade. While in administration to acknowledge that
2007, the US transferred an amphibious cross-border terrorism is a real and Trade, Space Cooperation,
transport ship to India; in 2008, India present danger to India's security.
Education, Agriculture and
reportedly purchased $1 billion worth of
transport aircraft from the US. While US President George Bush
Disaster Management
Following the recent Mumbai terrorist condemned the Mumbai attack;
strikes, India is reported to have America's President-elect, Barack Earlier this year, in February, the US
requested the US to provide it '510 units Obama, voiced his support for India's Trade Representative Susan Schwab and
of the American CBU-105 cluster bomb' right to self-defence and reiterated his India's Minister of Commerce and
in addition to the provision of 'full resolve to work more closely with India
Epilogue Ø
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January 2009
Annual Reviews
Industry, Kamal Nath met at the fifth In 2006, during President Bush's visit to cooperation, underscoring the
ministerial-level meeting of the United India, both sides had agreed to importance the US places on its
States-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF) to cooperate in the field of space relationship with India. The mutual
discuss matters related to trade and exploration and the development of concerns with regard to the threat of
investment. The TPF was set up in 2005 mechanisms that would facilitate the international terrorism have further
as an important inter-governmental “launch of US satellites and satellites served to strengthen bilateral relations
platform to further the US-India containing US components by Indian between the two. However, there is
economic dialogue. According to the space launch vehicles”. India's first growing concern that this new 'strategic
foreign trade statistics of America's unmanned lunar mission, Chandrayaan- partnership' could dilute India's
Census Bureau, until October this year, I, launched this year, which carried two independence in deciding the course
while India's exports to the US stood at critical NASA instruments to map the and contours of its foreign policy, as was
US$21,996.3 million, its imports from moon, has been described as the witnessed in the case of India's vote
the US amounted to US$16,399.1 beginning of a whole new era of trust against Iran at the IAEA, a decision
million. The US however, continues to and partnership between the two which many believe was influenced by
remain critical of what it sees as countries in the field of space the US. India will therefore, do well to
extensive trade and investment barriers exploration. The Next Steps in Strategic tread carefully along this path, lest it
erected by India, as an impediment to Partnership (NSSP) announced in 2004 end up as a subservient partner in an
stronger economic ties between the two by US President George Bush and then- asymmetrical and ultimately
countries, and which have led to the Prime Minister Vajpayee, calls for detrimental relationship.
failure of the 'Doha round' of cooperation between the two countries
multilateral trade negotiations. in the areas of high technology, civilian
nuclear activities, and civilian space
A press release of the White House titled programmes.
Fact Sheet: The U.S.-India Conclusion
Relationship: A Strategic Partnership
outlines the proposed cooperation that The relations between India and the US
the two countries have committed to have never been as pronounced as
undertake in the areas of higher during the presidency of George Bush Jr.
education in the form of a “bi-national India holds an important place in the
US-India Education Foundation which United States' geo-strategic schema,
will award Fulbright-Nehru scholarships especially since it is seen as the only
in shared priority areas such as potential power within the Asian region
management, public policy and that can counterbalance the unchecked
democratic governance, agriculture, rise of China. Additionally, India is
energy, and the environment”. The considered a lucrative market and
document also underscores the need for investment destination by American
further collaboration in the field of firms, notwithstanding the inflationary
rural development through farm-to- pressures experienced this year on
market linkages, sharing seed account of mounting food and oil prices;
t e c h n o l o g y, p o s t - h a r v e s t and the global financial crisis, the
management, infrastructure and reverberations of which are just
supply-chain development, and beginning to be felt within the Indian
marketing systems. Additionally, both economy.
countries propose to continue sharing
'forecasting information and disaster
President-elect, Barack Obama, has on
preparedness strategies' under the
several occasions reiterated his resolve
mutually-agreed 2005 Disaster Relief
to strengthen ties with India 'across the
Initiative.
board', especially in the area of energy
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January 2009
Annual Reviews
Bangladesh:
The Great Experiment Fails
Sandeep Bhardwaj
A
s India watched with contested by political parties at the last Bangladesh. The country was yet to
growing interest the moment and most probably will not be recover from bitter suicide bombing
American political drama followed, as a whole. It is expected that campaign that had raged through the
unfold and is now occupied in a classic winner-takes-all style country in 2004 and 2005. Corruption
with its own upcoming election, the winning party will have all was rampant (Bangladesh ranked as
elections, a little of that limited national charges against itself dropped and harass most corrupt country in the world by
attention span for international news has the opposition. In short, a regular Transparency International) and radical
been diverted to our own backyard- political circus. Islamic movement was rearing its ugly
Bangladesh. Now here is politics little head instilling fear in Bangladeshis.
more of Indian taste. Between However, what is to be noted is the fact
politicians surrounded by corruption that democracy is being restored in In this backdrop, at the end of 2006,
charges, constant bickering and failing Bangladesh. South Asia, where militaries came about the end to five-year term of
democratic reforms, one may find have always had a taste for coups and Khaleda Zia (leader of Bangladesh
oneself at home in Bangladeshi politics. authoritarian rule, it must be credited to Nationalist Party) as Prime Minister. And
Bangladesh, that the military is voluntarily the nation came to a tipping point. The
After two years of military-backed restoring democracy. It is a fact that bitter political feud between the
apolitical caretaker government, Bangladeshi army, largest contributor to “Begums” turned into an actual war and
UN Peace Keeping Missions, earns huge capital streets flooded with protests
Bangladesh is again plunging into chaotic
revenue through UN. It might have lost and mass agitation. The stability of the
democracy, with parliamentary elections
that revenue if international community country was threatened, bringing it on
to be held in December, 2008. Once again
felt the democracy was being sabotaged
the forerunners are the “Battling the brink of anarchy. The political
by military in Bangladesh. Nevertheless,
Begums” of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia and violence on the streets of Dhaka and
the credit is due. This two year long
Sheikh Hasina. Both ex-PMs of the nation, rest of the country reached critical
experiment with governance may have
both embroiled in corruption and levels. Elections were scheduled to take
given us some insights into the age-old
extortion charges and cases of murder. place at the end of 2006 but did not
question. Which is preferable- a
Along with them, will come a gamut of since the interim government was
corrupt, chaotic democracy or
minor coalition partners with leanings benevolent authoritarian rule? accused by Sheikh Hasina, premier of
going from fundamental Islam to far Left. Aw a m i L e a g u e p a r t y, o f B N P
Corruption remains rampant in the (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) bias.
country and inflation keeps soaring. Historical overview
Electoral reforms brought in by the In this dark a caretaker government
temporary government are being End of 2006 was a terrible time for (CTG,) set up with the backing of
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Annual Reviews
military, took over after the head of flow to the country actually dropped in Conclusion
interim government, Iajuddin Ahmed, 2007 by 16% as against the regional
stepped down. CTG brought with it a trend of 18% increase. Power and
sense of relief and hope for the people petroleum costs significantly more than Thus the age-old question reappears. It
who were sick and tired of political they did two years ago. The nation is can not be disproved that CTG had every
bickering. The CTG was led by Chief heading for an energy crisis and CTG intention of bringing a major positive
Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, a failed create a substantial change in country when it took power in
renowned economist who had worked in infrastructure to exploit country's vast 2007. Government clearly attempted to
World Bank and headed the Bangladesh reservoirs of natural gas. bring major transformation in country,
Bank, earlier. Apolitical CTG with no addressing the pressing needs. Neither
past political affiliation and minimal Meanwhile the corruption, despite can it be argued that the leaders of CTG
democratic answerability headed by an arrests of more than 500,000 citizens, were incompetent. CTG's top three
intellectual was so opposite to the remains as it was. In September, 2008 men, Chief Advisor, Advisor for Foreign
alternative that it was welcomed by Transparency International declared Affairs and Advisor for Finance are
everyone. that the corruption levels in Bangladesh extremely qualified. All of them hold
remain where they were two years ago. doctorates in their respective fields and
The CTG immediately moved to CTG had also attempted to alter the all of them have extensive national and
installing National Emergency, bringing political landscape of Bangladesh by international experience. All of them
army to the streets to curb the violence. creating an alternative to Khaleda Zia have held high positions in institutions
It also embarked upon an enormous and Sheikh Hasina. It is now clear that like World Bank, WTO and UN.
reform campaign aiming at getting rid the attempt was unsuccessful and the
of corruption, terrorism and political “Begums are the only serious However, their report card shows
instability. It also undertook a massive contenders to PM post in coming nothing better than what the corrupt,
electoral reform campaign that election. Representation of People chaotic democracy had achieved.
intended at clearing out all the Order (RPO) the law which aimed at Moreover it seems, in the end the
anomalies in voters list. It brought in bringing about major electoral reforms political parties will have the last laugh.
force a massive crackdown on was torpedoed by all political parties. It has been speculated by many that
corruption and terrorism. Even the ex- CTG had to roll back on many reform whichever party comes to power is
prime ministers, Sheikh Hasina and initiatives it had undertaken for the bound to pursue charges against CTG
Khaleda Zia were arrested. Several coming elections. members on grounds ranging from
terrorists were executed and violence Human Rights violation to
was not tolerated on the streets by army In the meantime communalisation or unconstitutional actions.
that was maintaining law and order. radical Islam is gaining momentum in
the country. On 15 October 2008, What went wrong with government's
At the time no one had a doubt that if government under the pressure from actions is a question that requires much
the CTG remains corruption-free and fundamentalists removed five Baul more through and deep analysis. What is
doesn't fall for the lust of power, it will (folksingers) statues from Dhaka apparent though is that once again it is
truly bring about a positive shift in Airport. This has sparked a controversy proved that democracy, for better or for
Bangladesh. in the nation as the secular groups are worse, is the best solution to
viewing it as government bowing down governance possible. As we approach
in front of the Islamic fundamentalists. the coming elections hoping for the
Current Scenario Another controversy was recently set best, it is abundantly clear that the
off when on 14 October, Jamaat-e- unstable, chaotic democracy of
Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Bangladesh is here to stay. Implications
Today, as the election date of 29
Mohammad Mojahid was spotted in a of this for Bangladeshi people and rest
December, inches close, it is becoming
meeting with Chief Adviser, Ahmed. of the world need not be all pessimistic.
painfully clear that the government has
Mojahid is a fugitive involved in a graft One can always hope for light at the end
failed to do so. Bangladesh is right
case and Dhaka Police had issued a of tunnel. However, the tunnel clearly
where it started. Inflation is through the
warrant against him on 6 October. does not finish for some time to come.
roof and economy is deteriorating. FDI
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January 2009
Annual Reviews
Indo-Pak Relations
Back to Square One
Samarjeet Ghosh
S
ince the independence and with the imposition of a sovereign return. It was, then, after the 2003
partition of India and Pakistan structure in 1947, there remain to be cease-fire, that relations between the
in 1947, the relationship methodological difficulties in two countries bettered, and they
between these two countries harnessing a coherent strategy for decided on beginning a composite
has proven, time and time cordial relations between the two dialogue in 2004, both at the secretarial
again, to be the most obdurate, not to countries. and ministerial level. The dialogue
mention the most dangerous, political would cover all issues of concern, such
and military confrontation, in South After having engaged each other in as terrorism, drug trafficking,
Asia. And following the collapse of the conflict in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999, confidence-building measures, the river
Soviet Union and the consequent end of all in varying degrees, there was a water distribution, so on and so forth.
the Cold War, it is conceivably the most recognition on the part of the And despite some ups and downs over
precarious and unpredictable region in governments of both states, that they the years, four phases of the composite
international politics. Given the had reached a nadir, and lest remedial dialogue were concluded by the end of
awkward concurrence between the measures were taken, they would 2007.
shared idea of a once unified terrain, sooner than later reach a point of no-
After a six-month break,
representatives of the two countries re-
initiated relations, with a ministerial
review of the fourth round of the
composite dialogue. And through the
course of the year, a number of positive
steps were taken by both countries,
which led to reconciliation both at the
political as also the social level for the
citizens of both countries. Earlier in the
year, a number of prisoners were
released by both countries to the other,
which went a long way in strengthening
bonds between the two countries. At a
more grass-roots level, a decision was
taken by the Pakistani government to
legally allow, to begin with, a select
number of Bollywood films to be
released in Pakistan, with the quid pro
quo that an equivalent step would be
taken by India as well. Trivial as it might
seem, this step was a radical one, as
films originating from either country
were banned in the other since the 1965
war. Of course, by no means had this
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Annual Reviews
stopped bootleg copies of Indian films the past four years, and the Indian hours, the worst violation since the
from proliferating in Pakistan, but this foreign secretary admitted as much, 2003 cease-fire agreement.
official step would allow citizens from for despite full-throated denials by the
both countries to interact at an Pakistanis, and the initial reticence on It must be mentioned that Pakistan
intimate and human level. A number of the part of the Indian government to was not altogether a silent party all
confidence-building measures were lay the blame on them, American this while. They laid blame on the
also taken, with steps into place to intelligence agencies were able to Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and
increase the number of cross-border prove conclusively that the Inter- by extension, on India, for attempting
flights via national carriers, as also Services Intelligence (ISI) agency of to undermine its national security.
formally restarting trade over the LoC, Pakistan had a hand in the attack. It Islamabad has also felt surrounded and
via road and rail links, as a follow-up to was a difficult step for India to resume cloistered by India and its allies. It
the opening up of the same back in
the composite dialogue, as the Kabul views India's strong economic and
2003.
suicide attack was followed by terror political presence, both internally and
attacks in Ahmedabad and New Delhi, externally, a threat just as real as the
The fifth phase of the composite and investigations on both fronts Indian Army guarding the north-
dialogue, however, began in July 2008, revealed Pakistani involvement. western frontier. It also accuses the
under the shadow of the suicide attack Alongside, India had also taken issue RAW of instigating the separatist
on the Indian embassy in Kabul, which with Pakistan for violating a cease-fire movement in the province of
left a number of Afghans and Indians, accord along the boundary that Baluchistan, as also giving support to
including a civil servant and a military divided Kashmir between them. Indian the Taliban in Pakistan, which is
attaché, dead, and several others and Pakistani forces had traded responsible for suicide bombings and
injured. This was unequivocally the gunfire earlier in July along the heavily hotel blasts, not to mention the Indian
lowest point in Indo-Pak relations in fortified frontier, for more than 12 government's alleged interference in
The highs…
5 February 2008 – India and Pakistan to have regular contact between the Indian military-funded Institute for Defence Studies
and Analysis (IDSA) and Pakistan's state-run Institute for Strategic Studies (ISS), to foster track two channels of communication
3 March 2008 – Kashmir Singh, an Indian national in prison in Pakistan for 35 years on charges of spying and sentenced to death,
is released.
19 March 2008 – A Pakistan national arrested in India in 2006 on charges of spying and possession of fake currency, is acquitted
and handed over to Pakistani authorities.
4 April 2008 – Pakistan Senate Committee decides to allow 12 Bollywood films to be released in Pakistan every year, with the
rider that Pakistani films should be released in India as well. Subsequently, 'Khuda Kay Liye' becomes the first Pakistani film in
decades to be released in India.
21 May 2008 – Foreign ministers of both nations agree to a series of Kashmir-specific CBMs, including a triple-entry permit to
facilitate crossing the LoC
25 May 2008 – In the face of threats from separatists, Junoon, a Pakistani rock band, is allowed by the Indian government to
perform at Srinagar in the biggest musical event in the valley in decades
24 June 2008 – Under the umbrella of the Joint Anti-Terror Mechanism, India and Pakistan agree to exchange intelligence to
prevent terrorism and the like
25 September 2008 – President Zardari and Prime Minister Singh announce the opening of trade routes, such as the Wagah-
Atari road link and the Khokrapar-Munnabao rail, as also the Srinagar-Muzaffarad and Poonch-Rawalakot roads. Trade
commenced on 21 October 2008, when the first trucks rolled across the LoC. Initially, trade is to be limited to 21 items, on two
days of the week.
25 November 2008 – At the fifth round of the secretary-level talks, as part of the composite dialogue, India and Pakistan
agreed to enhanced cooperation between civilian investigations and security agencies to deal with cross border issues.
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Annual Reviews
river water distribution. Yet, the and the iconic Chattrapati Shivaji The composite dialogue process was
dialogue was continued with the Terminus were ravaged by terror accordingly frozen, the first casualty of
optimism that while conflictual issues attacks lasting nearly 72 hours, which which was the trade talks, an area in
would be tackled as and when they left at least 166 persons, including 20 which the new civilian government in
occurred, the two sides should security personnel and 20 foreigners, Islamabad had shown great optimism
continue to build on matters of mutual dead and over 300 persons injured. and enthusiasm. India called off a
concern and convergence and prospective trip by a team from the
previously agreed areas of Planning Commission, which was
In the past, the Indian government,
cooperation. intended to facilitate an eventual visit
while always perceived to be quick on
by Deputy Chairman Montek Singh
the trigger to accuse Pakistan, has tried
Ahluwalia, who would have been
On the fateful night of 26 November, to steer away from directly doing so,
returning an earlier visit by his Pakistani
ministers Pranab Mukherjee and Shah but given the clarity of the evidence this
counterpart, Salman Faruqui. There
Mehmood Qureshi confidently spoke of time around, it was constrained to make
were initial signs of hope for a peaceful
boosting trade relations, people-to- clear that elements from Pakistan
resolution, with Prime Minister Gilani
people contacts and combating were involved. A lot of political capital
volunteering to send Lt Gen Ahmad
terrorist as a united front. On a more had been invested in steering relations
Shuja Pasha, the chief of ISI, for
populist note, the Indian government between the two countries in a
consultation with his Indian
was also considering sending the Indian peaceful direction, and yet, the counterparts. However, this decision
cricket team on a tour of Pakistan, a political leadership had to confront was swiftly vetoed by the Pakistani
move which had always served the reality that this had not worked military, who saw it as an admission of
brilliantly as a track-two measure. out, and while it is not in the interest guilt and submission to Indian pressure.
However, the terror attacks that were of either nation that tensions should This action highlighted the problem,
inflicted on Mumbai, the financial build upto a point which would lead that while there may be a feeling of
capital of India, would change all the Pakistani military to take over goodwill between the political
dimensions of relations between the again, the Indian government needed leadership of both countries, that
two countries for the foreseeable to prove, both domestically and optimism does not trickle down the
future. Two prominent hotels, a café internationally, that it would not take intelligence and security machinery,
popular with locals and foreigners alike, this incident lying down. especially so in Pakistan. Earlier, the
The lows…
26 March 2008 - National Security Advisor (NSA) M. K. Narayanan, delivering the 25th Air Chief Marshal P. C. Lal Memorial
Lecture, said that the Pakistani external intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), continues to help terrorist
outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) to launch attacks against India.
23 April 2008 - The involvement of Pakistan-based outfits has been observed in most of the terrorist attacks in India as groups
from across the border continue to sponsor terrorist and subversive activities in the country, the Union Home Ministry said in its
Annual Report for 2007-08.
7 July 2008 - 41 persons, including four Indians, were killed and over 140 were injured when a suicide bomber rammed his
bomb-laden car into the gates of the Indian Embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul.
12 July 2008 - India confirmed that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan's external intelligence agency, had a definite
role in the suicide attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul on July 7
26 July 2008 - 40 people were killed and more than 100 others injured when serial blasts struck different parts of Ahmedabad,
the Capital city of Gujarat. On 20 November, the Ahmedabad Police in Gujarat confirmed that the master plan for the bomb
blast of July 26 in Ahmedabad was carried out on the direction of Amir Raza Khan. Amir Raza Khan, who is presently based in
Pakistan, had directed Riyaz Bhatkal and his brother Iqbal to carry out the bomb blasts. Amir Raza Khan, a member of the HuJI,
is a resident of Kolkata, while Riyaz Bhatkal is said to be the founder member of Indian Mujahideen
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Annual Reviews
Pakistani military had also taken other. These elements have links with the share the information it has gleaned so
exception to President Zardari Islamic militants, Islamic political parties far, finding itself in the position of
voluntarily giving up the 'no first use' and the ISI, and if sabotaging having to investigate terrorist attacks
option in the nuclear arena. rapprochement between India and hand-in-hand with its longtime nemesis.
Pakistan was the purpose, then the The Defence Committee of the Cabinet
With his own wife having been miscreants seemed to have been in Pakistan renewed the offer of full
assassinated by terrorists, Zardari's successful in their objective. The attack cooperation with India, including
s t a t e m e n t t h a t t h e Pa k i s t a n i has caused more than a hiccup in thawing intelligence-sharing, assistance in
governmental machinery was not relations between the two nuclear rivals. investigations and the formation of a
involved in the Mumbai attacks, can be Both countries were expected to make joint commission against terrorism.
believed. Unfortunately, the same positive progress in the coming months
cannot be said of the Pakistani armed on major contentious issues. Given the deep and long history of
forces or the intelligence apparatus mistrust, it's hard to see how New Delhi
therein, both of which have rogue In December, Pakistan and India talked and Islamabad can somehow restore a
elements, which the government has not of improving relations as the rivals modicum of mutual confidence and
brought under its control as yet. And a appeared to be searching for a path begin sharing intelligence and
stable and peaceful cooperative away from confrontation following the cooperating together against jihadi
relationship between Pakistan and India Mumbai terror attacks, hoping for groups whose targets include the
would be a nightmare for the militants. relations to be normalized, but not until destruction of both states, for although
The militants stand to gain the most from Pakistan stops allowing its territory to Pakistani support for extremist groups
bad blood between the two. There is a be used for acts of terrorism against has much reduced over the past few
pattern of such attacks in the recent India. While Pakistan has denied any years, it still remains selective in its
history of the relations between the two official link to the Mumbai assault, it has choices of which groups it cracks down
countries. Whenever some progress is arrested some alleged plotters while on and which it still supports. It will,
made on peace-building between the two demanding India hand over evidence to thus, take considerable time, effort and
countries, certain elements in Pakistan aid in their prosecution. While Pakistan political courage on the part of the two
have attempted to sabotage it, leaving has offered to help in India's countries to seriously work out the
both countries pointing fingers at each investigation, India has been reticent to contours of reconciliation.
13 September 2008 - 24 persons were killed and 100 more injured in a series of five bomb blasts in the busy market places of
national capital New Delhi. On 17 September, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh pointing at the role played by the Pakistan-based
terrorist groups in the recent serial bomb blasts in the country said that the involvement of local elements added a new
dimension to the terrorist threat
26 November 2008 - At least 166 persons, including 20 security personnel and 20 foreigners, were killed and over 300 persons
injured in multiple terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The terrorist siege was finally concluded on 29 November 2008.
1 December 2008: The High Commissioner of Pakistan in India, Shahid Malik, was called to the Ministry of External
Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi and served a demarche which asked Islamabad to take strong action against those
responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attacks. Malik was informed that the Mumbai attacks were carried out by
elements in Pakistan and told that Islamabad's actions needed to match the sentiments expressed by its leadership
that it wishes to have a qualitatively new relationship with India. Soon after the MEA served the demarche to Pakistan's
envoy, Islamabad responded in a similar manner. Pakistan Foreign Secretary, Salman Bashir, summoned Indian High
Commissioner, Satyabrata Pal, in Islamabad to give a response to the Indian demarche, rejecting New Delhi's
contention.
9 December 2008 - The Government urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to declare the Jama'at-ud-Da'awa, a
front organisation of the Pakistan-based LeT accused in the Mumbai terror incidents, as a terrorist outfit.
16 December 2008 – Upon being questioned on the point, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee admits to a 'pause' in the
composite dialogue between India and Pakistan.
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Annual Reviews
Inside Pakistan
Changing Realities
Rekha Chakravarthi
S
uperlatives are encouraging The official results announced by the of the formation of the federal
when developments progress election commission in March 2008 government through a parliamentary
from good to better or best and reflected a tally of 120 seats for the PPP resolution.” Differences persisted
not the other way round, i.e. and 90 for PML-N. The failure on part of between the two parties on the
from bad to worse. Consider the PPP and the PML-N to score an procedure of restoring the judges, as
this. The international medical absolute majority required the two well as on the future of (the then)
humanitarian organization Médecins parties to forge a coalition government President Musharraf. The PPP insisted
Sans Frontières (MSF) released its at the Center. In the provincial on restoring the judges by an act of
eleventh annual list of the "Top Ten" assemblies, the PPP and the PNL-N Parliament and judicial reform
humanitarian crises of 2008. According formed the government in Punjab; PPP measures while Nawaz Sharif called for
to the report, some of the most and Awami National Party (ANP) formed an immediate restoration through an
politicized and violent conflicts during the government in NWFP; PPP and executive order. A 12th May deadline
the year made it extremely difficult for Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in was agreed between the two parties for
aid organizations to provide assistance Sindh; and PPP and Jamiat Ulema-e- a complete restoration, failing which,
to affected populations. The counter- Islam (F) (JUI-F) in Balochistan. the PML-N withdrew its ministers from
insurgency campaign in Pakistan's North the cabinet. The PML-N, however,
West Frontier Province (NWFP) is The grand union of the PPP and the PML- continued to support the government
seventh on the list of top ten N at the Centre was hailed as a dream from outside.
humanitarian crises. alliance that would haul Pakistan from
the abyss that Musharraf was accused of Musharraf resigns
Since the elections in February 2008, the pushing it to and guide its people
political landscape in Pakistan has towards politically stable, if not
changed dramatically. In what could have glorious days. The PPP and PML-N joined In what was seen as an effort to pacify
been a better transition post-Musharraf hands against a common enemy by the vociferous PML-N and thereby save
regime, a look back at the year that was. name Pervez Musharraf; however, the the coalition, the PPP and the PML-N
dream paused in between and the agreed to impeach President Musharraf
coalition split. “for plunging the country into political
The Dream Alliance and economic crises.” The coalition also
announced it would reinstate the judges
After the tragic assassination of
The Great divide soon after the President's removal,
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader following which the PML-N decided to
Benazir Bhutto in December 2007, the Soon after forming the government, the re-join the cabinet in part. On 18
Pa k i s t a n e l e c t i o n c o m m i s s i o n PPP and PML-N agreed on the August, President Musharraf announced
announced that the 8 January elections framework of a governing coalition his resignation to avoid an impending
would be delayed until 18 February. In known as the Murree Declaration. The impeachment process.
the run-up to the February elections, six-point summit declaration
the “sympathy vote” was deemed as represented the agreement between Nawaz walks out of the
crucial for the PPP to secure a majority the two parties to strengthen
in the National Assembly. While PPP democracy and restore the deposed coalition
emerged as the most successful party, it judges. Accordingly, the two agreed on
failed to secure an absolute majority. restoring the judiciary “within 30 days According to reports, the PPP and PML-N
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Annual Reviews
had agreed to restore the sacked judges prices, inflation rate touched 25 per Pakistan's tribal belt FATA, comprising of
within three days of the President's cent and the Rupee stood at 80PKR seven agencies, came under the control
removal. However, the deadlock over against 1USD in October. Pakistan was of different militant groups operating as
the issue persisted. Asif Ali Zardari forced to seek a US$7.6 billion loan from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
reportedly insisted on reinstating all the the IMF to help stabilize its economy. Formed in December 2007 under the
judges except for Iftikhar Muhammad leadership of Baitullah Mehsud from
Chaudhry, who Zardari believed was In addition, Pakistan continued to face South Waziristan, the Pakistan Taliban
“political and controversial.” The PML- severe power crisis with load-shedding has emerged as a different brand of the
N remained adamant on reinstating all of 6-8 hours across the country in Taliban movement. The TTP owes
of the judges, including Chaudhry, October, as per a report in The News. ideological allegiance to Mullah Omar,
through an executive order. Differences According to the same report, power the Taliban leader of Afghanistan. The
widened when the PPP nominated deficit swelled to 4,000 MW because of Pakistan Taliban seeks to enforce
Zardari as the next President. Zardari reduction in water outflows from the shariah law, unite against NATO forces in
indicated that agreements with the Tarbela Dam and closure of seven Afghanistan and perform defensive
Nawaz league are “not holy like the holy thermal power units. Worse, Pakistan jihad against the Pakistan army.
Quran or the Hadith” and the issue of could also not escape the impact of the
restoring judiciary had to be put on back global food crisis. In April 2008, the The Musharraf government sought a
burner. Consequently, Nawaz Sharif World Food Program (WFP) reported policy of resorting to both military
accused Zardari of violating accords and that the number of people deemed food operations and peace agreements with
pulled out of the four-party PPP-led insecure had risen 28 per cent to 77 the militants in the region. More than
alliance at the Centre citing differences million from 60 million in the previous 80,000 troops have been deployed in
over the restoration of deposed judges, year. FATA since 2001 and the army has
the military operations in FATA and the mounted several aerial and ground
election of the next president. operations. The military operations first
In the Provinces
Meanwhile, economy
crumbles
Asif Ali Zardari was elected as the 14th

President of Pakistan, a transition that
soon made him popular as Mr. 100 per
cent. In the meantime, the Karachi
stock exchange had been witnessing a
downturn since the beginning of 2008.
In October 2007, Pakistan had US$16
billion in foreign reserves and had
registered a GDP growth of 7 per cent in
the last five years. In November 2008,
the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)
reported that the country's foreign
reserves stood at US$6.59 billion. In
December 2008, the State Bank of
Pakistan, in its annual report for 2007-
08, said that the GDP is expected to
grow between 3.5 to 4.5 per cent in
fiscal year 2008/2009 as against the
previously forecasted growth rate of 5.5
per cent. Following the rise in global oil
Map of FATA and NWFP
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January 2009
Annual Reviews
people have been displaced from

Bajaur, Swat and Waziristan regions
since August 2008.
Although Pakistan has repeatedly

protested against the US strikes in its
territory, The Washington Post carried a
report in November stating that
Pakistan is allowing US predator strikes
on suspected terrorist targets inside
Pakistani territory under a tacit
agreement reached between the two
countries in September. The report
described the deal as "one in which the
US government refuses to publicly
acknowledge the attacks while
Pakistan's government continues to
complain noisily about the politically
sensitive strikes.”
Who's war is this?

In spite of the increasing number of
began in South Waziristan in 2003 and injured in these 32 operations. Out of terrorist attacks inside Pakistan
have been highly unpopular since then. the 355 killed, 301 were civilians, 36 and the losing writ of the federal
Similarly, several peace agreements were alleged militants belonging to al-
have been signed since the first deal in
government in the tribal areas,
Qaeda and the Taliban and 18 were
Shakai, South Waziristan, in April 2004. Pakistani security personnel. The report many in Pakistan believe that their
The PPP-led government also sought the also states that 16 of the 32 US attacks country is paying a huge price for
dual approach of peace deals and took place during 1 January and 31 fighting “America's war.” There
m i l i t a r y o p e r a t i o n s . H o w e v e r, August while the remaining 16 strikes
exasperated by the failure of this policy occurred in a short span of hardly two
has been massive opposition to air
as well as the military's operations to months between 3 September and 26 strikes by the US in the tribal areas
wipe out militant sanctuaries, the US October. Most of these attacks have both by the public and the army.
significantly increased cross-border been in South and North Waziristan and
missile strikes, predator and ground Many believe that the government
Bajaur.
attacks inside Pakistan. should have a domestic policy to
Pakistan officials also claim that their deal with militancy and religious
Strikes by the United States military operations have killed 1,000 extremism, which is de-linked from
militants in Bajaur. Military operations the US war on terrorism. There is
in Bajaur and Swat are considered
According to a report by Amir Mir in The also a belief that President-elect
successful; however, reports indicate
News (28 October 2008), the US forces that the government has lost control of Obama will pursue policies that
carried out 32 military strikes in Swat and Shangla districts to the would help Pakistan reconstruct its
Pakistani territory since the beginning Taliban. Moreover, the military
of 2008 as against a combined total of 10
economy and bring security to the
operations and air strikes by the US in
during 2006 and 2007. At least 355 the tribal belt have resulted in a
tribal areas as against the offensive
people have been killed and 248 others humanitarian crisis. More than 200,000 policies of the Bush administration.
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On 29 October, Balochistan also

witnessed an earthquake that killed 300
people and left more than 15,000
people displaced.
Suicide Terrorism
According to a report by The News, 61

Balochistan committee formed to investigate their suicide attacks were reported in 2008
cases had forwarded its killing at least 889 people and injuring
recommendations. On 26 October, the 2,072 others. There were 56 acts of
The insurgency is Balochistan continued
Balochistan Reconciliatory Committee suicide terrorism in Pakistan in 2007. 29
to simmer in 2008. Despite a dialogue
announced a three-pronged strategy to of the 61 attacks occurred in the NWFP
process in place and assurance by the
resolve the long-standing issues facing and 16 in FATA. In NWFP, Swat district
PPP government to end military
the province. The 3R strategy involved witnessed 11 suicide attacks killing 101
operations in the province, attacks
reconciliation with all political forces, people and injuring 294 others. There
persisted on gas pipelines, railway
rebuilding national institutions and were four suicide attacks in Peshawar
tracks, power transmission lines, and on
reallocating resources. killing 99 and injuring 226.
military establishments and
government facilities. The Institute of
Conflict Management (ICM) database In spite of these efforts, nationalist Punjab witnessed 10 suicide blasts and
reports 373 insurgency-related feeling continue to run high in the there were three suicide attacks in
incidents (data until 18 December) in province. The issue of control of the Islamabad including the attack on
2008. The present insurgency began in natural resources and their royalties Danish embassy and Marriot hotel. One
2004 (previous periods of uprisings and ownership are yet to be addressed incident of suicide attack was reported
include 1948, 1954, 1961, and from by the government. Commenting on the in Balochistan on 23 September that
1973 to 1977). issue, Zardari said that, “the people of killed a young girl and injured 22
Balochistan have the first right over people. No suicide attack was reported
their natural resources and the in Sindh province.
In 2008, the PPP government called for
government will develop those
an end to the military operation in the
resources with the help of the locals
province in February and Asif Ali Zardari
willing to be stakeholders and partners Annual Fatalities in Terrorist
also apologized for the killing of Nawab Violence in Pakistan, 2003-2008
in development projects.”
Akbar Khan Bugti. Nawab Aslam Raisani,
an independently elected Baloch
member of parliament, was appointed
as the provincial Chief Minister. In a
significant move, Rehman Malik - the
Prime Minister's adviser on Interior
Affairs – announced on 28 August that
the names of all political leaders of
Balochistan had been removed from the
Exit Control List (ECL) and 35 of the 54
checkpoints of the Frontier Corps (FC)
in the province were being abolished.
He also announced that all the detained
political workers of Balochistan would
be released and cases registered against
them would be dropped after a
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Reconciling with the Taliban
Raghav Sharma
R
econciliation is being touted gravitate to the negotiating
as “one of the key long-term table. The article also looks
solutions in Afghanistan.” at the geo-political fallout if
Th e sta te me n t of US the negotiations were to
defense secretary Robert r e s u l t i n t h e Ta l i b a n
th
Gates on 6 October, 2008 in Budapest returning to walk down the
on the eve of a NATO summit signals a corridors of power in Kabul.
fundamental reconceptualization of US
policy in Afghanistan. Both the US and Interestingly, inspite of the
Afghan President Hamid Karzai have Taliban's political rhetoric of
been compelled to attempt a political demanding the exit of all
reconciliation with a resurgent Taliban foreign troops from
in light of rising military and civilian Afghanistan as a pre-
casualties, endemic corruption, war requisite to any negotiations
fatigue and soaring opium production. they have already begun
Further, off late there has been an engaging in a political
increasingly strong public expression of dialogue with the US backed
frustration with the allied war effort Karzai government. Broadly
with top military commanders such as speaking one can identify
the US General Petraeus and General four factors that have made
John Craddock mincing no words to the Taliban inch closer to the
state that the “war cannot be won negotiating table. First,
militarily” and termed the NATO effort three decades of relentless
as “disjointed.” war have inevitably taken a
toll on the Afghan populace
However what stands out but has that has been pining for
received scant attention are the peace and development.
Taliban's positive overtures to the The Taliban are aware that in
recent peace initiatives being held the long run a protracted
under tutelage of King Abdullah of Saudi military stand off would
Arabia and with the blessings from the gradually whittle down
Whitehouse. This assumes significance civilian sympathy they have process would create a politically
for it comes at a time when the Taliban carefully cultivated- much of it arising conducive environment thus allowing
are on the upswing militarily and not so much as an acceptance their the much needed re-construction
psychologically. In light of the dramatic ideology as from the government's efforts to get off the ground. The
shifts in the ground situation- that for failures. Taliban could effectively utilize these
the moment appears to be favoring the developments to extract political
Talibs-this article attempts to etch out On the other hand if the Taliban manage mileage, enlarge their support base and
what then are the factors that have too hammer out a peace deal with the in turn increase their power for future
acted as a magnet in making the Taliban US backed government in Kabul, this political bargaining.
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Second, seven years of guerilla warfare Islamist opposition groups such as the past hostility as also India's investment
and living in harsh conditions is bound to extremist Hizb-i-Islami under of political capital in the Karzai
take its toll on the Taliban rank and file. Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. government as also its close ties with
Commenting on this retired Major- the Northern alliance. However the
General Jamshed Ayaz Khan aptly states If political dialogue with the Taliban was evolving ground situation in Afghanistan
"War fatigue is a big thing. No matter to fructify and it brought to the fore a in which calls for finding a political
how strong and committed a guerrilla political dispensation in Kabul where solution inclusive of the Taliban seem to
commander is, at some stage he will be members of the Taliban were to share be getting louder, India will be left with
fatigued. That could be a turning point the political dais it would undoubtedly little choice but to carefully weave in its
for a settlement.” Thus, the Taliban's have important geo-political interests in the emerging political
acceptance of negotiations with their ramifications for a multitude of players matrix.
political nemesis could in part be egged involved.
on by war fatigue taking its toll on their Pakistan too has important stakes in
men. Moreover the Taliban are well the political alignments and re-
While for the US and its allies it would
aware of their inability to throw a alignments that are underway in
help to significantly bring down the
successful political challenge to the Kabul. Thus far Islamabad had
level of insurgency, make the war
Karzai government so long as it is enthusiastically supported the pariah
effort politically saleable to
backed by international forces whom Taliban regime as part of its strategic
domestic audiences and eventually
they can tie down in protracted war but calculus to gain “strategic depth”
pave way for an acceptable “exit
cannot easily evict. against India and pacify its restive
strategy” from Afghanistan. For the
Taliban it would mark their first North Western Frontier province
Third, by severing its links with the major political victory since their (NWFP) against Pushtun nationalism.
extremist Pan-Islamist al Qaeda- an ouster in 2001. However, for the Tajik However, given the sheer impunity
essential pre-condition laid down for dominated Northern Alliance which with which state authority is being
negotiation- the Taliban's financial and dominates much of the government, challenged and undermined the neo-
geographical would be blunted in the accommodating their political Taliban Pakistan is likely to support a
short run. However, if the negotiations nemesis would be a bitter pill to political process whereby the militant
succeed the Taliban would have a lot to swallow and is likely to cause intense edge of the Taliban could be blunted.
gain from it politically as it would political friction in the government. By supporting Taliban's inclusion into
bestow on them direly needed It would also be extremely difficult to the political mainstream Islamabad
international political recognition and bring Iran-a neighbor an important hopes it would not only find a
legitimacy that has thus far eluded regional player- on board, given the favorable political lobby in Kabul but it
them. Further, it would help them place past hostility with the Taliban would also break down linkages
the movement in an indigenous milieu accentuated as it were by prevailing between the militant neo-Taliban in
as links with the al Qaeda that has its Shia-Sunni divide. Pakistan and their Afghan counterpart.
roots in the extremist Wahhabi ideology.
This “foreign” ideological linkage drew The current efforts aimed at peaceful
There is also a degree of skepticism in
the Talibs flak from domestic quarters political reconciliation, if fruitful,
New Delhi which somewhat nervously
as well that accused them of and being could potentially provide a relatively
pieces together the political jigsaw in
insensitive to customs rooted in the more peaceful and acceptable political
Afghanistan where its profile has grown
local cultural milieu. settlement to the Afghan cauldron.
tremendously since the fall of the
Taliban. Given the active hostility of the While the sustenance of any agreement
Fourth, by joining the political Taliban regime to Indian interests, often reached depends much on how internal
mainstream the Taliban would expect to in concert with Islamabad, New Delhi's politics plays out, but how the
gingerly undercut President Hamid conservatism is not completely international community braces itself
Karzai's support base amongst the unfounded. A prospect of Taliban's to dealing with what was regarded as a
ethnic Pushtuns and also enable the return could render New Delhi's position pariah (Islamist) regime will also have
Taliban politically marginalize other in Kabul somewhatvulnerable, given the its bearings.
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Mumbai Attacks :
Those who do not learn from the past..
Samarjit Ghosh
T
here is hardly a subject that has leaders to be put on its terror list. Masood Azhar into custody in December
generated more debate and Pakistan, in earlier statements, had 2001, and Hafiz Saeed, shortly after.
newsprint in recent times than the agreed to acquiesce to such a request, Both India and the United States had
terror attacks that the city of Mumbai provided it carried the sanction of the already declared these organizations as
witnessed in the last week of November, UN. 'terrorist' and banned them accordingly.
and while the due process of law has yet
to be concluded, a chain of events has While President Zardari has yet to make The arrests and ban on the
already commenced, giving heart to a formal statement accepting or rejecting organizations helmed by them were the
those who seek justice for the slain, yet the Pakistani government's result of a much-quoted speech by
lead others to question the efficacy of the inadequacies relevant to the attack, he erstwhile President Pervez Musharraf, in
actions undertaken. has expressed his sympathies via an op- which he underscored his country's
ed piece in the New York Times. In the commitment to fighting terrorism. While
In the wake of these attacks, Indian same media, he has laid the blame of he vowed to act in concert with India and
authorities are believed to have these attacks at non-state actors, and the international community in doing so,
unearthed evidence to the effect that while appreciating Indian sentiments, considering it his solemn duty as
Pakistani nationals were involved in the has counseled the Indian government to President, he also saw fit to state that as
orchestration and enactment of the be prudent in its accusations. Commander of the Armed Forces, he
same, and have leveled accusations on would authorize his troops to maintain
two allegedly terrorist organizations in The situation is further confounded with battle positions on their eastern front,
particular, the Lashkar-e-Tayiba [a.k.a. Pakistan adamantly refusing to and warned India against attempting to
Jamaat-ud-Dawa] headed by Hafiz releasing any of the accused to India, engage with it in battle.
Mohammed Saeed, and the Jaish-e- despite India's citing a 1989 Central
Mohammed [a.k.a Khudam-ul-Islam] Bureau of Investigation – Federal However, Saeed was released in
helmed by Maulana Masood Azhar, now Investigative Agency agreement November 2002 by the Lahore High
believed to have relinquished control to providing for the same. In the same coin, Court, without formal charges having
his younger brother, Mufti Abdul Rauf. India has refused to release any been pressed on him, and a month later,
evidence pertaining to the guilt of the Azhar was released as well, by the same
Per Pakistani news reports, Hafiz Saeed accused. court, having passed a year in
has been held under house arrest in his preventive detention [the maximum
house in the Johar Town area of Lahore, The Indian government's apprehensions allowed under Pakistani law]. Though
for prospectively the next three months. towards jointly working with the Pakistani the ban on their organizations continued,
Masood Azhar, in turn, has been held government can be appreciated, given no effort was taken by the Pakistani
captive at his house in the Model Town the history of actions taken by Pakistan. government to shut down the camps run
area of Bahawalpur. The organizations Indeed, this is hardly the first time that by the same. Soon, Azhar had resumed
Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Jaish-e- India has asked for these his work, re-naming his organization
Mohammaed have been banned by the organizations/individuals to be banned, Khudam-ul-Islam, as did Saeed, under
government of Pakistan, and their offices nor the first time that Pakistan has the new banner of 'Jamaat-ud-Dawa'.
across the country seized and sealed. agreed to do so. Following the attacks on
The bans came into enforcement after the Indian Parliament in 2001, and Both individuals were again placed
India submitted a formal request to the accusations leveled by the Indian under house arrest in 2006, following
UN for these organizations and their government, Pakistan had taken Indian allegations of their involvement in
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Annual Reviews
bombings in the cities of Delhi and Mumbai.

However, both were soon released, due to lack of India's Most Wanted
evidence. This second round of arrests revealed a
pattern: India alleges, and Pakistan arrests.
However, despite Pakistani assurances to the Tanya Saira George
contrary, any arrests and investigations carried out
by them were purely cursory in nature, not helped by
the fact that India did not release any evidence Hafiz Mohammad Sayeed
pertaining to the same. Location: Muridke, Pakistan.
Marital status: Married
It was presumed that the pattern would be broken
Engineer-turned-fanatic
this time around. After all, it wasn't just Indian
preacher is the co-founder of
citizens who perished in these attacks, but
American as well, and the US is definitely a country Lashkar-e-Toiba and the head of
that Pakistan would like to maintain good relations the Markaz Dawa wa'al-
with, or at a minimum, cordial ones, given the Irshad/Jama'at-ud-Da'wah.
situations on its border with Afghanistan. Also, Sayeed's rise was in large
sanctions by the UN Security Council, which had measure the outcome of
been vetoed in previous year by China, have been patronage by the Pakistani
unanimously secured this time around, further military dictator Zia-ul-Haq,
strengthening the case against the accused. who granted the Markaz its
sprawling campus. He is blamed
Yet, if initial reports are to be believed, the pattern in the attack on parliament in New Delhi and 26/11, and was
holds. While not much is known of Azhar's placed under house arrest since the UN sanctions.
whereabouts, The New York Times reported on
Friday, that not only were Saeed's relatives and
friends being allowed freely into his house, Saeed Maulana Mohd. Masood Azhar
himself was spotted attending services at a mosque Location: Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
close to his home.
Born as the third of 11 children,
Given that the Inter-Services Intelligence agency Azhar comes from a rich land-
has been previously accused of sharing intel and owning family in Pakistan. In
providing protection to LeT, not to mention the JuD's 1989 he was forced to drop out
popularity as a charitable organization, the behavior of his first, and only, arms
of the Pakistani administration is not unsurprising. training course with the
However, given its current international credibility, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen because
or lack thereof, it is certainly worrisome that it is he was overweight. But by
willing to be seen taking such a lackadaisical 1993, he was second only to the
approach. Harkat chief Fazlur Rehman
Khalil, having established
While it is too early to predict if the Pakistani himself as a fund-raiser and
government will treat these arrests and bans in the ideologue. Upon his release in the IC-814 for hostages-for-
same fashion as they did in 2002, early signs are not prisoners swap in December 1999, the maulana-cum-mercenary
encouraging. Accordingly, the Indian government founded Jaish-e-Mohammad that led an attack on India's
as also the international community would be well Parliament on December 13, 2001. He is also wanted for an
advised to maintain a close watch on events as they attack on the J&K Assembly on October 1, 2001 in which 38
proceed and be prepared to take suitable action to people were killed. Azhar has close links with the Taliban and
prevent a miscarriage, or worse, a mockery of Osama bin Laden.
justice.
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Mohammad Yusuf Shah as 'doctor'.

Location: Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Dawood Ibrahim
B etter known by his nom de guerre Marital status: Married

Location: Karachi
Syed Salahuddin, Shah has led the

Hizbul Mujahideen since 1991 and is a
H e is one of the most fascinating
figures in the world of
international terrorism, a criminal
long standing member of the Jamaat-
i-Islami Kashmir. He unsuccessfully mastermind linked to everyone from
contested the 1987 Jammu and al Qaeda to Bollywood starlets to East
Kashmir assembly election on a Muslim African drug cartels. The underworld
United Front ticket. Before taking over don, head of the 'D-Company' and the
the Hizb's Muzaffarabad-based mastermind of the Mumbai blasts of
command, he acted as its Amir-i-Zila 1993, is wanted in connection with
(district commander) from late 1989. cases of arms supply, counterfeiting,
drugs trade, funding alleged criminals, murder and
smuggling. Shortly before the blasts, Dawood fled to Karachi
from Dubai and settled there, with a little help from
Abdul Karim (Tunda) Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. Designated as a 'global
Location: Lahore terrorist' by the US in 2003, he is No. 4 on the Forbes' World's
Top 10 most dreaded criminals list of 2008. He is accused of
T he top 'bomber' of the Lashkar-e-
Toiba and nick-named Tunda for a
handicap in his left arm, Abdul
providing the logistical support for the 26/11 attacks.
Karim's association with the Islamic Mohammad Ibrahim Athar Alvi

Right predates his association with Location: Bahawalpur
Lashkar. It is known that in the early
'80s Tunda was initiated into
terrorism by the ISI and he crossed
A Pakistani national and an associate of Maulana Azhar
Masood, he was the head of the group that hijacked
Indian Airlines flight IC-814. He was called 'Chief' by the other
over to Pakistan where he underwent hijackers. He is a member of Jaish-i-Mohammad and is
training in making improvised wanted for hijacking, kidnapping and murder.
explosive devices. Tunda is in his late sixties, is wanted in
India for 33 criminal cases, 40 blasts in Delhi and
neighbouring states that left 21 dead and over 400 injured. Zahoor Ibrahim Mistri
Location: Karachi
The hunt for Tunda died down in 2000 when Intelligence
agencies believed a news item that Tunda had been killed in a
blast in Bangladesh. Tunda returned to the surveillance radar
A Pakistani national and a key member of Harkat-ul-Ansar,
which later changed its name to Harkat-ul-Mujahideen..
Mistri was one the five hijackers of IC-814and was addressed
in August 2005 when Abdul Razzak Masood, an alleged LeT
chief coordinator in Dubai arrested by the Special Cell of the as 'Bhola' by his co-hijackers. Apart from the hijacking, he is
Delhi police, disclosed that Tunda was alive and he had met wanted in cases of kidnapping and murder
him in Lahore in December 2003. Abdul also disclosed that
Tunda had two wives and two sons. Karim's key success was in Azhar Yusuf
discovering young recruits to do his work. Location: Karachi
Shahid Akhtar Sayed

B rother of the Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana masood
Azhar, Azhar Yusuf hijacked and took the Indian Airline
flight IC 814 to Kandahar. He freed his brother and two other
Location: Karachi
dreaded terrorists from Indian jails. Since then he's on the
A Pakistani national wanted for the IC-814 hijacking and for
kidnapping and murder. Not much is known about him
except the fact that his co-hijackers in the plane addressed him
run with cases of cases of kidnapping and murder registered
against him in India.
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Ibrahim Abdul Razak Memon Abdul Razzak

Location: Karachi Location: Karachi
Better known as Tiger Memon, the

48 year-old gangster-turned
A key henchmen of the D-company, he is accused of
involvement in the Mumbai blasts. He is wanted in cases
of terrorism and arms smuggling.
businessman is the prime accused in
the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case.
The recovered explosives, which Abdul Karim
proved crucial to cracking the Mumbai Location: Lahore
blast case, were made from Tiger's
home. Tiger's younger brother Yakub
A Kashmiri terrorist blamed for more than 30 bomb blasts
in New Delhi and parts of northern India in 1996-97.
Memon is in custody of the Mumbai
police. Tiger's wife and mother, who Ishaaq Atta Hussain
are among the accused in the Mumbai Location: Karachi
blasts case, are out on bail. His father Abdul Razzak, also one
of the accused, died a few years ago. A close associate of Dawood Ibrahim, is wanted in
connection with a conspiracy to kill Indian Deputy Prime
Minister and Home Minister L.K. Advani. Atta is the key
accused in various cases of extortion and money laundering.
Chhota Shakeel
Location: Karachi
Sagir Sabir Ali Shaikh
A key associate of Dawood Ibrahim, Location: Karachi
Shakeel 'Bhai' too has dabbled in
a l l t h i n g s n e f a r i o u s — m u r d e r,
extortion, gunrunning—but
A known associate of gangster Dawood Ibrahim, Sabir
Shaikh is wanted in Mumbai for his involvement in the
1993 Mumbai serial blasts and also the conspiracy to kill L.K.
'specialises' in extortion, Bollywood Advani in a number of blasts rocked an election rally in
being his favourite hunting ground. Coimbatore in 1998.
Indian intelligence agencies say
Shakeel is an ISI agent. Shakeel has
been charged with trying to kill Shiv Wadhawa Singh Babbar
Sena leader Milind Vaidya and Location: Lahore
planning assaults on film producer
Ramesh Sharma and art director Sushankar Manjekar. In an W adhawa Singh, resident of
Sadhu Chattha village near
Kapurthala, started his political life as
interview with a news magazine in January 2001, Shakeel had
said, "Today we are involved in everything—from extorting a member of Punjab's naxalite
money to financing films and helping whoever comes to us movement. Like some members of the
with genuine requests." ultra-left movement, its defeat led
him to lurch to the far-right. He is the
chief of the Babbar Khalsa
Ayub Memon International, which was a major
Location: Karachi terrorist group during the decade-
A n accused of executing the 1993

Mumbai blasts. He is alleged to
have helped his brother Ibrahim
long militancy in Punjab. Hailing from
Kapurthala district, Wadhawa is wanted in a string of
terrorist crimes including the assassination of former Punjab
Memon carry out the blasts. He is chief minister Beant Singh in August 1995. The BKI has shown
wanted in cases of terrorism and greater resilience than any other terrorist groups in Punjab,
smuggling. owing mainly to its support among non-resident Indians and
its contact with the ISI.
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Ranjit Singh Neeta Lakhbir Singh Rode

Location: Lahore Location: Lahore
N eeta, hailing from Jammu,

is the only Khalistan terrorist to
A close relative of the
militant leader Jarnail Singh
Bhindrawale, Rode heads the
be still active among the five pro-Khalistan International Sikh
whom India has demanded from Youth Federation, is wanted in
Pakistan. A leader of the Sikh cases of arms smuggling,
separatist group, the Khalistan conspiracy to attack
Zindabad Force, he started his government leaders in Delhi
career as a small-time criminal and inciting religious hatred
and developed contacts with in Punjab.. Punjab Police's
smugglers in the R.S. Pora and dossier describes Rode as a
Samba areas. Neeta's Khalistan 'hardcore terrorist'. Rode is a
Zindabad Force (KZF) has close links with the ISI, and is nephew of the feared
committed to joint action with Jammu and Kashmir terrorist preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who plunged
groups, notably the Hizbul Mujahideen. He is wanted in cases Punjab into the Khalistan movement. Rode continues to
of murder, bomb blasts and smuggling of arms in India—the be something of a cult figure—and successful fund-
most recent one being the FIR filed by the Kathua police in raiser—among Khalistan supporters in the US, the UK
October 2001, for the assassination of Deputy and Canada.
Superintendent of Police Devinder Sharma.
Paramjit Singh Panjwar Gajinder Singh

Location: Lahore Location: Lahore
B elonging to Tarn Taran

area, Panjwar is one of the
H ead of the pro-Khalistan
outfit, Dal Khalsa.
Gajinder's most significant
longest surviving Punjab activity and the reason he first
terrorists. He is chief of the came into public notice was
dreaded Khalistan Commando after he hijacked an Indian
Force and is wanted in more Airlines flight to Lahore in
than a dozen cases of murder, 1981. The hijacking was
treason, conspiracy and arms carried out to protest against
smuggling. He is also wanted the arrest of Bhindranwale
for the murder of former army earlier that year for his
chief General A S Vaidya and for alleged role in the
the country's biggest bank assassination of 'Hind
robbery in Ludhiana. Panjwar Samachar' editor Lala Jagat
is believed to be about 40 years old and belongs to the village Narain. The hijacker was given a life sentence but served
of Panjwar, near Tarn Taran. His wife and children relocated only a few years in jail before being granted asylum in
themselves in Germany. With his close links to top Punjab Pakistan. The Dal Khalsa, was banned in 1982, but was
smugglers like Bhola Thanthian and Pargat Singh Narli, allowed to restart overground activity a decade later and
Panjwar has worked to keep the KCF alive using revenues on August 11, 2001 Gajinder Singh was elected as the
raised from cross-border heroin traffic. chairman of the organization while being in asylum in
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Annual Reviews
Perform JKPDC
‘Fortify JKPDC Instead of NHPC’
Bilal Hussain
I
t is high time for the J&K The listing would make it sure that
government to think of fortifying JKPDC would be run on professional While transforming the corporation into
the Jammu and Kashmir Power lines and in accordance the companies a listed company major stakeholder
Development Corporation by act. Like National Power National Hydro should be of the state government, rest
getting it listed in the India's stock Power Corporation Ltd, JKPDC too can of the shares should be issued to the
market exchanges viz. National Stock raise funds from the open market after general public through Initial Public
Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange, it is listed on the stock exchanges, Offering. "If you have better
which not only would ensure better financial experts here said. management and resources it is good for
management but would give it a much the corporation and for state as well,"
needed huge financial resources to tap This could enable the state to cut down said an expert.
the huge hydro potential of the state. on production costs as well as set a
stage for it to sell extra power to other "Our state is energy starved, listing
In this regard the corporation has taken states. JKPDC would allow PDC to raise finances
a maiden step by seeking the and harness water resources and
consultancy services from the Ernst and transform the state into energy
Business organisations, industrialists,
Young, one of the world's leading surplus," Dr Mubeen added.
and economists here too asserted the
professional services organizations to
need for reorganizing JKPDC, for its
help companies across the globe to JKPDC was earlier built-in as an
financial sustenance and harnessing
identify and capitalize on business independent authority to harness
hydro potential of the state at fullest.
opportunities, to reform the JKPDC and enormous potential of water resources,
get it listed on the stock exchanges. which according an estimate is over
President, Kashmir Chamber of
20000 MWs.
Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Dr
Managing Director, JKPDC, Shant Manu
Mubeen Shah said that the state
on record has recently told that the Dr Mubeen while sighting an example
government had plans of reforming the
corporation has sought the services of said that JK Bank is the successful model
the Ernst and Young for its financial and JKPDC. "I don't understand, why
in front of us. "We need to develop PDC
organizational reforms. government delayed it," he said.
on the same lines," he added.
"Ernst and Young would be submitting its There were fear among the business
The state has identified power
report in coming fiscal," said Shant Manu. circles that this time too the plan of
generation capacity of over 20000 MWs.
At present the state government directly getting the corporation listed could get
Registering PDC as a company,
controls the corporation. However, after shelved off and the recommendation by
subsequently issuance of IPO (Initial
the corporation would get listed there the consultancies would not be taken
Public Offer) would transform the
would least interference by the into action.
economic situation of the state,
government but at the same time state believes Dr Shah.
government should have major stake in Many experts here believe that the
the corporation. This would ensure that state has enormous water resources, Noted economist of the state, Prof
the state has a control on it but to a lesser which are yet to be exploited to fullest. Nissar Ali told that it would be in favour
extent and at the same time the The government should entrust the of the state to strengthen the JKPDC.
corporation would not be in total power development of all hydro electrical There are few small power
of the private players. projects to JKPDC, they said. development projects with them and
Epilogue Ø
138 ×
January 2009
Annual Reviews
only bigger one among it is Baglihar. establishing that in J&K "We don't
He stressed on fortifying PDC instead
of NHPC, which at present is
developing the projects in the state.
By registering PDC as a company it
have competent human resource
available in the state," he said. There
are some mischievous elements in
the administration who are trying to
Epilogue
would put it in generating more shift powers to NHPC, he said.
profits for the state, he adds.
To mention, state's has water
"Don't encourage NHPC, we must resources which can generate around
Monthly Magazine
fortify PDC and it could generate 20,000 MWs of energy, out of existing
huge revenue for the sate," he said. 13 power stations, NHPC possess Extensively Researched
three major power generation
stations in the state by the Corporation.
The company could raise huge
capital from the public here as well These include Salal Power Project
Written with Clarity
outside, but the major stakeholder with 690 MWs generation capacity,
should be the state government on Uri-I with 480 MWs capacity and and Insight
patter of JK Bank. "The company Dulhasti with 390 MWs.
could acquire loans from
international financial institutes," The Baglihar Power Project was
Covers Four Key Issues
said he said. According to Prof Nissar taken up for execution in May 1999
the company could have surplus and as per the agreement between Politics
energy and could sell electricity to the state government and the
other states and can generate huge
revenue for the state. "We should set
Jaiprakash Industries, signed on
March 11, 1999, the project was to
Economy
objective for PDC for the period of 20 be completed by December 2004 at a
years should be 10000 MWs of power," cost of Rs 3,800 crore. However, Culture
he added. neither the deadline for its
Earlier there were reports that The

execution and nor the costs were
adhered to by the executing agency.
Strategic Affairs
National Hydro Electric Power The project was finally completed in
Corporation (NHPC) would soon be in October 2008 at a cost of Rs 5,600
the management team of the state crore.
government flagship project,
Unlike the General run of the News
Baglihar Hydroelectric Power While J&K is selling Baglihar power to
Project. PTC at Rs 3.25 per unit, the state is
purchasing power for its own use from Magazines
According to well placed sources the the Northern Grid at the rates ranging
state government was planning to between Rs 6 to Rs 8 per unit. "If the
handover management of the 450 government would transfer the
MW run of the river project on river management we oppose it," he said.
Chenab in Doda district of J&K Epilogue
Baglihar, to NHPC. Nothing more During the commissioning of the
wrong could go against the project project recently, the prime minister, Has a self life That Extends
by transferring the management in Dr Manmohan Singh, had said that
the hands of the NHPC. "Local are J&K would earn Rs 900 crore annually For Beyond the
better capable of handling such by selling the power generated from
projects," he claims. Baglihar. By giving the projects in
hands of NHPC the state would not be
News Period Covered
By transferring the administration to able to pay off their debts,"
NHPC the state government is economists here believe.
For subscription enquiries
Epilogue Ø
139 ×
January 2009
Annual Reviews
Movies that Made Difference
Deep Contractor
A
nother year has flown by the mediocre123, mindless Raffoo animated movies, Roadside Romeo and
and what a year it has Chakkar, dull and predictable Ugly aur Jumbo being the biggest followed by
been! This has been a year Pagli or the disgraceful Man Gaye Dashavtar, Ghatothkach and Cheenti
of surprises, both pleasant Mughal – E – Azam, all of them failed Cheenti Bang Bang. Thoda Pyaar
and unpleasant. History to touch the audience's funny bone Thoda Magic and Thoda life Thoda
was made, moments were made and bombed at the box office. Film Magic had nothing but loose storylines,
unforgettable and the unexpected makers need to realize that although bad special effects and predictable,
stole the show. Bollywood has been no comedies are still hugely popular but indifferent performances which even
different. Where mega budgets and the earlier David Dhavanish comedies the younger lot refused to accept.
star casts failed, simplicity and of the 90's have been replaced by the Amitabh Bacchan as the friendly ghost
substance appealed the audience, MunnaBhais and Circuits of today. Bhootnath was not too entertaining
whose taste in movies seems to be either. Drona disappointed and that
maturing further with each passing A new trend seems to be targeting the too, heavily. I guess the kids will have
year. smaller but the youngest percentage to wait a little longer till another
of the audience – kids. This year kids Indian superhero takes over from
Movies like A Wednesday , Jane Tu Ya had their pick from a series of Krrishh.
Jane Na and Rock on, all diverse and
uniquely styled, did well emphasizing
the fact that film makers do not need
to depend on a particular 'formula' to
make a movie successful and well
received by the audience.
Moreover the so called sure shots
seemed to have fallen flat this year,
what with bigwigs like Subhash Ghai's
Yuvraaj and the much anticipated
Sarkar Raj failing to meet the
expectations of the movie goers.
Filmmakers definitely believed in the

variety being the spice of (if not life)
success. Ventures were made into
horror films with 1920 and Phoonk,
where one lacked originality but was
high on the “scare “factor and the
other was simply boring. This year
again we were bombarded with a
plethora of no brain comedies. Be it
Epilogue Ø
140 ×
January 2009
Annual Reviews
As terrorism replaced politics and well either. Regular comedies too called successful. He may have
cricket in the headlines all over the came and left with nothing to smile received criticism for technical
nation, Bollywood echoed the about. One Two Three, Mr. Black Mr. glitches in the movie but he has
sentiment through movies like Black White, Mere Baap Pehle Aap and even established himself as a good story
and White, Mumbai Meri Jaan, A Govinda starrer Money Hai to Honey teller and now as an emerging actor.
Wednesday, Hijack, Contract and the Hai left the audiences with a bad taste Rock On too had some great music and
Naseeruddin Shah starrer crossover in their mouths. Oye Lucky Lucky Oye Javed Akhtar's lyrics were both
film Shoot on Sight. Only a few limped on due to Abhay Deol's youthfully apt for rock and still
managed to appeal to the public and performance and foot thumping retained his signature meaningfulness.
fewer made big bucks. Worth your tracks. End of the year saw two more fresh
time and money were only Mumbai EMI although had a nice theme but faces Anushka Sharma of Rab Ne Bana
Meri Jaan and A Wednesday. Shoot on was poorly executed and Sanjay Dutt's Di Jodi and Asin of Ghajini. The girls
sight was realistic but somewhere the character reminded the audiences too are on seventh heaven and why
thread of the script gets entangled much of beloved Munnabhai. Mission shouldn't they be! Not every girl gets
making the audience confused. Istanbul and Super Star were not even to debut with the big daddies of
Ramchand Pakistani and Khuda Ke Liye worth wasting your opinion. Dil Bollywood!
made it abundantly clear what the Kabaddi, Saas Bahu aur Sensex,
common man feels about the long Dasvidanaya as well as Shyam The year was good for the leading
standing disagreement between the Benegal's Welcome to Sajjanpur tried ladies on the silver screen. Kareena
two neighbours -India and Pakistan. to appeal to the so called intellectual Kapoor reinvented “thin is in” through
The clear reflection of the common moviegoer and were better received in Tashan and her controversial size zero
man of both nations was presumably metros among select audiences than figure she flaunted in the movie. Her
the reason for the acclaim both with the masses. Realistic films like Golmaal Returns, the sequel to the hit
movies received. Sorry Bhai and Fashion received mixed comedy Golmaal, failed miserably to
responses. Fashion, although had earn returns at the box office. Preity
Speaking of adaptations (which is a moving performances, was bit of Zinta shone brightly alongside Big B in
euphemism for Hollywood rip offs) it overkill. Good watch for the curious The Last Lear and seems to be
still seems to be a very very bad idea. and avoidable for people involved in delusional about Heroes which
Bruce almighty remade as God Tussi the fashion industry. Ashutosh according to her was well received but
Great Ho with Salman Khan playing Gowariker's period film Jodhaa Akbar, we know better! Kajol's comeback
Jim Carrey's role was utter torture. despite the controversies and the with You Me Aur Hum alongside hubby
Next came Hari Puttar. Don't let the beautiful light-eyed lead actors, Ajay Devgan failed to reach the
title mislead you as the movie has not managed a lukewarm response. Many blockbuster target but stood out with
a drop of J.K.Rowling's legendary other films got away with warm its strong story line of love surviving
Harry Potter but is sadly a rip off of responses but made it big through dementia. At the losing end are Ayesha
Home Alone, again grossly their soundtracks, Bachna e Haseeno, Takia's with Sunday where she being
disappointing. The only saving grace Jannat and Tashan to name a few. forgettable, same goes for her De
was Shaurya which was inspired from Taali. Similarly Vidya Balan had Hulla
(read loosely based on) Tom Cruise and 2008 saw successful debuts of Imran Bol and Kismat Konnection with bad
Demi Moore starrer A Few Good Men. Khan and Genelia in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane reviews and worse performance at the
Na which had same old confused best box office.
Failures were way too many to count. friend being in love but not knowing it
Formulas failed and so did the “hat story line but was full of refreshing Priyanka Chopra emerged from just
ke” movies. Hulla which was made in youthful energy and amazing music to being another pretty face to being a
the style of Bheja Fry left without go with it. Director Farhaan Akhtar's superstar and the new queen of
anyone noticing. Oh my God! Didn't do debut as an actor in Rock On can be Bollywood. Chamku, Drona and
Epilogue Ø
141 ×
January 2009
Annual Reviews
Lovestory 2050 alongside beau Herman Heath Ledger's performance as 'the

Baweja may have bombed at the box
office but the end of the year release
joker' has lead to series of online
forums and opinion polls asking to
Now
of Fashion and Dostana shot her to award him a posthumous Oscar. M.
superstardom overnight. But the real
show stealer is Katrina Kaif who is
Knight Shyamalan's The Happening had
the tone of impending doom of
Telling
being touted has the surprise hit of mankind through ecological
2008 by Vogue magazine, and rightly
so. Singh is Kingg with handsome hunk
Akshay Kumar and the multistarrer
catastrophe due to man's own greed as
did The Day the Earth Stood Still. The
Happening does not disappoint
The J&K
Race both did well at the box office Shyamalan fans, but the The Day the
and her next New York with John
Abraham and Neil Nitin Mukesh is also
Earth Stood Still fails to impress
completely. Fantasies like The
Stories
something to look out for.
Just like last year, where veteran

Spiderwick Chronicles and The
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
were good only if you want to use
Epilogue
heavy weights Aamir Khan with Taare them to tide over till something like because there is more to know
Zamein Par and Shah Rukh Khan with The Lord of the Rings returns.
Om Shaanti Om collided at the box Quantum of Solace disappointed not
office with simultaneous release
dates, we are in for another clash of
only the general audience but also the
die hard James Bond fans. Craig Contact
the titans. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Daniels is sad and depressed, the
Ghajini and even Akshay Kumar's gadgets are nothing to die for and the ABDULLAH NEWS AGENCY
Jumbo have released next to each usual charm and wit are missing Lal Chowk, Srinagar
other and the audience is letting them altogether. Hitman and Max Payne are 9419074859
know where their loyalties lie - not better left as computer games. The
with the star but with the story. superheroes Hancock, Iron Man and
The Incredible Hulk were merely
RAINA NEWS AGENCY
Hollywood brought some fantastic passable. The year's best apart from
Residency Road, Jammu
visual treats. Among the best were the animated delights is August Rush,
Kung Fu Panda and Wall E with their the story of a boy who hopes against
beautiful animation and feel good hope to be reunited with his parents
and that too, through music. All music ABC STATIONERS AND
storylines, they captures the minds of
lovers no matter what genre you DISTRIBUTORS
both young and old. However, 2008
prefer, August Rush you shouldn't miss. Leh
was also a year of sequels like Hellboy
2: The Golden Army, Indiana Jones 4:
Kindom of the Crystal Skull, High Movies in 2008 took us a rollercoaster
School Musical 3, National Treasure 2, ride. Diverse, fantastic films with CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY
Madagascar 2, Transporter 3 and The simple but strong story lines ruled the New Delhi
Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor hearts of the audience. Even if only a
were all disappointments compared to few glimmered, they did brilliantly.
the previous movies. The only sequel The rest gave us an excuse to forget OXFORD BOOK STORE
which outshone majority of the movies the burdens of everyday and gave us New Delhi, Mumbai,
was The Dark Knight, sequel to reasons to laugh, to cry, and even to Calcutta, Bangalore,
Batman Begins which left the audience be silly. Let's see what is in store in
Chennai & Goa
gasping and still hoping for more. 2009. Till then keep watching.
Epilogue Ø
142 ×
January 2009
Anniversary Special
Epilogue's Writers 2007-08

MS SWAMINATHAN KN PANDITA
Agriculture Scientist, Father of Green Revolution, Columnist, Analyst, former Professor Kashmir University
Member of Parliament (April, 2008) (October, 2007)
WAJAHAT HABIBULLAH SYEDA AFSHANA

Chief Information Commissioner, Government of India; Media educationist, Assistant Professor, Kashmir
renowned expert on Kashmir (October, 2007) University (Regular Columnist)
BALRAJ PURI JIGAR MOHAMMAD

Veteran author, human rights activist; Padma Bushan Professor of History, Jammu University, (Regular
(Regular Columnist) Columnist)
TARIQ HAMEED KARRA NOOR AHMED BABA

Finance Minister, Jammu and Kashmir (January, February, Professor of Political Science, Kashmir University (Regular
2008) Columnist)
ABDUL RAHIM RATHER

IFTIKHAR GEELANI
Former Finance Minister, Jammu and Kashmir (January,
Senior Journalist, Kashmir Times, Jammu; The Nation,
February, 2008)
Pakistan (October, 2007)
ABDUL AZIZ ZARGAR

AJAZ A BABA
Agriculture Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, (April, 2008)
Practicing doctor (Regular Columnist)
PROF NISAR ALI

DIPANKER SENGUPTA
Economist, Professor of Economics at Kashmir University
(February, April 2007; January, February, 2008) Professor of Economic, University of Jammu (January,
February, 2008)
REKHA CHOUDHARY
Professor of Political Science at University of Jammu SYED ABID RASHID SHAH
(January, 2007, November 2008) Columnist (September, 2008)
GAUTAM NAVLAKHA TSEWANG RIGZIN

Consulting Editor, Economic and Political Weekly Journalist, Politician, Ladakh expert (Regular contributor,
(September, 2008 ) incharge of Ladakh affairs)
SYED ALI SHAH GEELANI SUNIDER KAUR

Chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) (October, 2007) Lawyer, writer (September, 2008)
MASUD CHAUDHARY ANMOL SHARMA

Vice Chancellor, BGSB University (October, 2007) Lawyer, columnist (Regular contributor)
MY TARIGAMI ZAFAR MEHDI SAFVI

MLA, State Secretary CPI(M) J&K (October, 2007) Journalist (September, 2008)
Epilogue Ø
143 ×
January 2009
Anniversary Special
BILAL HUSSAIN ROOP AVTAR KAUR

Business journalist (regular writer) IFS Officer, J&K (November, 2007)
MOHITA BHATIA SAMIR SURYAKANT PATIL

Scholar, Political Science (February, 2007) Scholar, Jawahar Lal Nehru University (Occasional
Contributor)
APRAJITA MAZUMDAR
Researcher, IPCS (Regular Contributor) RAM SAHAI
President, Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries
DEVYANI SRIVASTAV (January, 2008)
Researcher, IPCS (Regular Contributor)
ANNIL SURI
REKHA CHAKRAVARTHI Industrialist, Jammu (January, 2008)
Researcher, IPCS (Regular Contributor)
Dr SHAHID CHOUDHARY
Priyashree Andely IFS Officer, J&K (December, 2008)
Researcher (May, June, July, August, 2007)
KD MAINI
MUBIN SHAH
Historian, Poonch (Occasional Contributor)
President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries
(June, 2008)
AHMED ALI FAYYAZ
Journalist, Daily Excelsior (January, 2007)
ZABHIA YUSUF
Researcher, Kings College, London (June, 2008)
PUSHP SARAF
Journalist, Border Affairs (January, 2007)
MADIHA TALLAT
Lahore University of Managements Sciences, Lahore PAWAN VIVEK
(March, 2008) Scholar, Jammu University (January, 2007)
KAVITA SAURI VIVEYATA Sharma

Journalist, the Statesman (November, 2007) Scholar, Jammu University (January, 2007)
MAZHAR IQBAL MAZHAR ARUN Manhas

Sub Editor, The News, Pakistan (Occasional Columnist) KAS Officer, JK (Occasional Contributor)
PAWAN BALI Sonam CHOSJAR

Journalist, CNN-IBN (December, 2007, March 2008) KAS Officer, J&K (Occasional Contributor)
RANJIT KALRA SHAFIQ MIR

Assistant Professor, Jammu University (May, 2008) Journalist, Greater Kashmir (Occasional Contributor)
SDS JAMWAL PROF ANWAR ALAM

IPS Officer, J&K (November, 2007)
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir (April, 2008)
Epilogue Ø
144 ×
January 2009

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ESSAYS POETRY n

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES

INDIA PAKISTAN, BANGLADESH, REST OF THE WORLD

THE LITTLE MAGAZINE,

Your massive vote will give more strength to newly

Annual Review Anniversary Special Election Special

Designs & Layout Letters 5

[email protected] 22 NC : Same number, some new faces Our Authors 143

Edited, Printed, Published and 25 Congress : Worst sufferer of 2008

Disputes, if any, subject to 34 Unemployed Chief Ministers

RNI : JKENJ/2007/26070 For more News, Views & Analysis

Annual Review Anniversary Special Election Special

India Most Wanted 134

For more News, Views & Analysis

BRIG VK SHARMA SHABIR AHMAD GILKAR

I have gone through many issues of Epilogue and found

SHEIKH FARAZ IQBAL

T his pertains to your article's “cautious approach to demilitarization” (Priyadarshnee Andley,

SANJAYA BARU JANDYAL

MIR HILAL AHMED SAIMA LATIF, Kishtwar

E pilogue (April 2008) has given a unique

Under this Chinar

Letters should preferably be

The real journey

The Annual Review Book

The Promises Ahead

Baglihar and other Chestnuts

The Vote Bank Standoff

Billion Dollar Question for Peace

Looking Beyond 'K' Issue

Power: Policy Failures

J&K: The Land of Contact

Ladakh: The Land of Moon

Forests & Foresters

Economy & Other Ideas

Identity and Politics

Amaranth Land Row

J&k's Summer Agitation

Intra-Kashmir Contacts and Trade

Elections: Challenge 2008

Two years of Epilogue, is no mean achievement; all of

We have had numerous meetings on how to make

At the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New

At Epilogue, we do not have adequate staff J a m m u , K a s h m i r, L a k a d h , M i r p u r & Our dream is to

Backed by the 'credibility' commitment of

London, ANDREW Certainly the hardline separatists' call for a

Change, not by Mandate

L ooking at the election came up with another 'startling

Vote for change of faces

NC: Same number, some new faces %age of vote polled

South & Central Kashmir

PDP Nil Nil

BJP Nil Nil

PDP: Gaining grounds, substantially

PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Congress: worst sufferer of 2008

Gharu Ram forfeited his election security deposit by polling a meager

BJP: Performance beyond land row

B JP's resurgence in Jammu region is

Highlights Who & Where