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Kashmir : Baglihar verdict clears decks for hydro-electric projects |
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The World Bank appointed Swiss expert’s finding clearing the Baglihar project in Jammu and Kashmir has paved the way for the opening of the Chenab basin for hydro-power development. The Government had been avoiding taking up big hydro-electric projects in the basin as it could have international ramifications. So far only five micro hydel schemes have been set up to meet local requirements. Otherwise, the Chenab basin is said to have a potential for generating 3,000 mw of power.
Sources say that with the Swiss expert clearing the Baglihar project, the Government may take up more projects in the Chenab basin as there is no bar on non-consumptive use of Chenab waters and run of the river plants involving dams of medium height.
Time ripe for Kashmir solution : Musharraf
Referring to the Baglihar dam verdict, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that the Kashmir issue is ripe for resolution. Speaking in Islamabad on Feb. 14, he said while confidence-building measures between India and Pakistan had contributed to the peace process, it was time to move towards resolution of conflicts. Addressing the inaugural session of a two-day conference, “Voices from Asia : Towards the process of cooperation and security”, Gen. Musharraf was upbeat about relations with India and of progress in the resolution of the Sir Creek and Siachen issues as well as the question of Kashmir.
Peace process part of a broader framework : Mufti
Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a constituent of the ruling coalition in the state, has said that the ongoing peace process should form part of a comprehensive, integrated and amicable settlement structure, addressing the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Speaking at a meeting of the party’s political affairs committee in Jammu, former Chief Minister Mufti Mohd. Sayeed said the Kashmir issue should not be viewed as a territorial dispute to be resolved by India and Pakistan bilaterally. He said, “it is a problem with both external and internal dimensions involving India, Pakistan and the people of the state.”
The PDP at its general council meeting in Jammu on Feb. 12, passed a resolution for including the Kashmiri Pandit community in the peace and reconciliation process. The party also sought a comprehensive rehabilitation package for the victims of terrorist violence.
Revoke law giving special powers to the armed forces : PDP
The PDP executive adopted a resolution demanding the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and gradual reduction of troops in the state. The resolution said that the problem of insurgency can be solved only through democratic and political means, and not through use of force. Sending a tough message to its coalition partner, the Congress, the Mufti said that the time has come for gradual withdrawal of security forces from the Kashmir valley. He said, “We are very serious about it, and we will ask our Cabinet Ministers to take up the matter in the Cabinet. We are in the government and we will see to it that the state government recommends gradual withdrawal of forces to the Central Government.”
Maoist-Lashkar nexus
The arrest of Pasang Lama, a Maoist from Nepal in Baramulla, has brought to light suspected nexus between the Maoists and the Lashkar-e-Taiba. Interrogation by the Army revealed that the Maoists of Nepal may be paying huge sums of money to Lashkar-e-Taiba men in the valley for arms and ammunition to sustain the insurgency in the neighbouring country. Pasang Lama was arrested along with a Kashmiri identified as a courier and pointsperson for the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The Maoists are also reported to be planning a joint operation to train their cadres in making improvised explosive devices.
Shariat Bill passed
The State Legislative Council has adopted the Shariat Bill to apply the Muslim Personal Law in the state. The Assembly had passed the Bill earlier. The Bill aims at uniform application of Shariat law as in the rest of the country to eliminate duplicity created by the prevalence of customary laws in some areas.
Strike call paralyses life in Valley
There was almost a complete shut down in the Kashmir Valley on Feb. 11, the 23rd death anniversary of JKLF founder Mohd. Maqbool Bhat. All shops and business establishments remained closed and public transport was off the road in Srinagar city. Other major towns and villages in the valley also observed a complete shut down to press the demand for the return of the mortal remains of Maqbool Bhat who was hanged in Delhi’s Tihar jail in 1984 for killing an intelligence officer.
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