Jammu & Kashmir Info

Jammu and Kashmir is the northern-most state of India, lying mostly in the Himalayan mountains. Jammu and Kashmir shares a border with Himachal Pradesh to the south, Pakistan to the west and People's Republic of China to the north and the east. Jammu and Kashmir consists of three divisions: Jammu, the Vale of Kashmir and Ladakh.

Jammu, the Duggar land where the past still has a living presence. A land of grand ancient temples, and beautiful palaces. All nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas. Jammu is justly famous for its temples. Infact it is known as the city of temples and the every fame of its tends to overshadow its palaces, forts, forests and powerful ziarats. Jammu attracts tens of thousands of Hindu and Muslim pilgrims every year.


The Vale of Kashmir, also known as Kashmir Valley, is famous for its beautiful mountainous landscape. Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a many faceted diamond, changing character with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. Three Himalayan ranges, Karakoram, Zanaskar and Pir Panjal - snow capped, majestic, frame the landscape from northwest to northeast.

Ladakh, also known as "Little Tibet", is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and Buddhist culture which was established as early as the 2nd century.Known for centuries as the 'land of passes' (La-pass;Dakh-land), Ladakh was described by Fa-hian, who travelled across its inhospitable terrain in 399 A.D., as 'The land where snow never melts and only corn ripens'.

Weather

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In Jammu & Kashmir, the climatic conditions are marked with sudden change and a year can be roughly divided into six seasons of roughly 2 months each:

1. Spring-From March 15 to May 15.
2. Summer-From May 15 to July 15.
3. Rainy Season-From July 15 to Sept. 15.
4. Autumn-From Sept. 15 to Nov. 15.
5. Winter-From Nov. 15 to Jan 15.
6. Ice Cold-From Jan. 15 to March 15.

Tourism

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The Mughal king Jehangir, moved to such an ecstasy by the beauty of Kashmir exclaimed, "if there is a Paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here". Unlike the other Himalayan regions, Kashmir has been the tourists paradise and holiday resort for a long time, probably one of the oldest on the earth.

Places of Tourist Interest

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Amarnath Yatra (Natural Ice Shiva Lingam) : Situated at a height of 3,880 metres in the Himalayas, the cave enshrines a naturally formed ice-lingam, symbol of Lord Shiva, which waxes and wanes with the moon, reaching its maximum dimensions on the day of pilgrimage. This is where, Hindus believe, Lord Shiva explained the secret of salvation to his consort Parvati on a full moon night. Every year in the month of Shravana (July-August), when the moon is full, thousands of devout pilgrims gather before Amarnath Cave in the picturesque Lidder Valley in Kashmir to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.

Gulmarg : Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.

Pahalgam : Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25Deg C. Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations. One can indulge in Horse Riding, Golf, Fishing and Trekking.

Patnitop : 112 kms from Jammu, this famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games including skiing. It is the best-developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. The occupancy of the huts and Dak Bungalow is full in summer months.

Srinagar : Known as The Lake City, Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.

Sonamarg : The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg ('The meadow of gold') has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with Trout and Mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months.
Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes -Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes.

When to Go

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The best period to visit Jammu & Kashmir varies depending on the region as follows: Jammu - October To February, Kashmir - May To October & November To February, Ladakh - Mid June To September.

Interesting Fact

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During colonial times, the laws of Jammu & Kashmir State did not allow for acqusition of immovable property by non-state subjects. To overcome this hurdle, house boats [which move] were devised to allow Europeans to acquire residential premiseses without breaking the law. The Kashmiri's have refurbished the British-inspired houseboats as private hotels, which are now tourist attractions.

Some More Information About Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir, India is the fixed to northern most part of India like a glittering crown of India with all its glory and luster. Amidst the snow covered peaks and the labyrinthine valleys of its three chief regions-Ladakh, Kashmir, Jammu - eternity is as much a geographical fact as that of time. Travel to this glorious snow wrapped land of India - Jammu & Kashmir, all dressed up to offer you the most exciting of opportunities to make your stay in India a an unforgettable one. Travel to Kashmir and dwell in the land of varied cultures and customs. Make your off hours more fruitful with a tour to this Switzerland of East. Cover yourself with cosy fabrics of Kashmir sipping the special Kashmiri tea and relish the laziz Kashmiri cuisine and make you tour to Kashmir a perfect success. Kashmir - the garden of India, surrounded by pines amidst the white carpet of snow with beautiful lakes, dotted with luxurious house boats and ancient pilgrimages is perfect place to make you holidays truly profitable.

Clearly visible in the distinct parts - Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, all yielding diverse religion, language and culture, but constantly interfusing, making it sparkling specimens of Indian unity in diversity. The various cultural forms like art & architecture, fairs & festivals, rites & rituals, seers & sagas, languages and landscapes, mounted on the ageless era of history, speaks aloud of uniformity and diversity with matchless cultural symmetry & service.

Kashmir has been the highest learning point of Sanskrit and Persian where early Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated and flourished. Ladakh on the other side, has been the highest living centre of Tantrayan Buddhism. Similarly Jammu, has been the axis of Rajas and Maharajas, who have enriched the cultural, historical and social bonds of all these diverse ethnic and linguistic sections of the state. The ancient archeological monuments and remnants of the past are the true picture of the rich cultural traditions of the state.

Kashmir is justly said to be the Nature's grand finale of beauty. In this masterpiece of earth's creation seasons in strong individuality vie with one another in putting up exquisite patterns of charm and loveliness. Nature has left an indelible mark on the folk performances of Kashmir as they are intimately interlined with the moods and movements of the seasons.
Book a tour to Kashmir

Jammu, the land of the Dogras, offer an entirely different fare of dances and music. Over the centuries long spell of seperation from their soldier, husbands and brothers have led the hardy but graceful women of the Duggar to evolve many diverting dances and songs to keep themselves in cheer in their free moments. The songs of seperation the ever increasing yearning for reunion with the beloved, the hard life on the mountain slopes and various other themes connected with their day-to-day life find their echo in folk songs and dances.

Ladakh, is the repository of ancient cultural heritage. It is the only place in the world where Tantrayans Buddhism is practised as a way of life. People of this region are deeply drenched in music, dance and drama which embody religious fervour. Ladakhi songs and dances are simple in thought, content and performance to. Ladakhi dances reveal the simple and noble nature of the Ladakhi people. Song and drama both are the means towards salvation.

Kashmir, is a land of fabled beauty and eternal romance, blessed by nature with breath-taking scenery and a glorious climate. The Kashmir valley, a fertile well watered spot, surrounded by high mountains has been described with justification as a "heaven on earth", a produce rich oasis an area not noted for its abundance.


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A Brief Catalogue of Indian Atrocities in Kashmir

This is a documentary testimony of horror in Indian Occupied Kashmir; of atrocities perpetrated on a people wanting to end foreign military occupation of their homeland. Since the beginning of the recent uprising in January 1990, the Kashmiris have been demanding and end to 48 years of Indian forced rule. What is depicted here is only part of the reality of Indian atrocities since no journalists, human rights and humanitarian organisations, or tourists were allowed to enter Occupied Kashmir until very recently. The real story will be told only when Indian occupation forces have left Kashmir.

The extent of torture, killings and rapes perpetrated on Kashmiri people by Indian forces are already creating a new record of atrocities. Gouging of eyes, cutting off of men's genitals, use of ever new methods of torture and endless curfews would shame Hitler's SS death squads. The Indian occupation army's deviltry such as gang-rapes, burning of entire villages and crops, destruction of economic life of whole communities and genocide of the Kashmiri people in defiance of international human rights laws, are everyday affairs.

WARNING: Please note that this section contains horrifying pictures; you may want to turn off the 'in-line graphics' option if you think that you will be disturbed.








Killings

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Problems in Kashmir

The Kashmiri people claim that the occupation of Kashmir by India is illegal. They do not want to be part of India nor do they want any Indian presence on their soil.
The provisions of the Instrument of Accession, if genuine, stipulated that the accession to India was to be ratified by a plebiscite. Since 1947, India has occupied Kashmir and has stalled, by whatever means at her disposal, the progress towards the holding of a plebiscite - the original and the most universally accepted solution.

"There is no doubt that had a referendum had been held in Kashmir, the vast majority of Kashmiris would have voted to join Pakistan. Such a a referendum, in the form of a plebiscite, was promised to the people of Kashmir by the Security Council in 1948. India then accepted the principle of plebiscite but has since obstructed all attempts at arranging one" - Kalim Siddiqui.

The provisions of the Instrument of Accession, if genuine, stipulated that the accession to India was to be ratified by a plebiscite. Since 1947, India has occupied Kashmir and has stalled, by whatever means at her disposal, the progress towards the holding of a plebiscite - the original and the most universally accepted solution.

"There is no doubt that had a referendum had been held in Kashmir, the vast majority of Kashmiris would have voted to join Pakistan. Such a a referendum, in the form of a plebiscite, was promised to the people of Kashmir by the Security Council in 1948. India then accepted the principle of plebiscite but has since obstructed all attempts at arranging one" - Kalim Siddiqui.

In 1957, India further violated the sovereignty of Kashmir by implementing a new State Constitution which, in effect, incorporated the state into the Indian Union, in face of fierce protests from the Kashmiri people, Pakistan and the UN. The new Constitution was formally adopted on 26th January 1957 and it declared that "the state of Jammu and Kashmir is and shall be an integral part of the Union of India".

Since the adoption of the Constitution, India has got itself into a state of affairs, which can only be described as hypocritical and aggressive. On the one hand, India claims that Kashmir is an integral part of the Indian Union. On the other hand India has signed two agreements (Tashkent 1966, Shimla 1972) with Pakistan, in which India agreed to resolve the Kashmiri dispute through bilateral and peaceful means. Further, India is still party to numerous UN resolutions which proclaim Kashmir to be a disputed territory.

"It is hardly an exaggeration to say that the whole history of Kashmir has been of misgovernment and oppression; nor was this tradition dead in this century. And the political question mark still hangs over the area despite India's past political control and economic effort. Leaving the legal and moral issues aside, the economic disruption caused by the de facto partition along the Cease-Fire line has been deplorable" - J Dupuis.

More recently, India has increased her role as an oppressor in Kashmir. The deployment of 500,000 troops to silence the voices of the Kashmiri people is seen as the only solution by the Indian government, resulting in gross violations of human rights. These crimes have been carried out as a matter of routine and some are well documented by the various Human Rights agencies.

The US State department, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have recorded varying categories of human rights violations in Kashmir. These include:

• Political and extrajudicial killings
• Disappearances
• Rape
• Torture and custodial abuse
• Arbitrary arrest and detention
• Wilful destruction of property
• Denial of fair trial
• Arbitrary interference into privacy, family, home and correspondence
• Use of excessive force and violations of humanitarian law
• Suppression of freedom of speech and press
• Suppression of freedom of peaceful assembly and association
• Suppression of religious freedom

Due to these excesses, more than 50,000 Kashmiris have been killed since 1990, with a lot more unaccounted for. Thousands of helpless Muslim Kashmiris have fled across the Line-of-Control to Azad Kashmir and are now living in refugee camps.

The Hindu Pandit population has not been immune to the recent unrest either. They have also fled the valley in their thousands and are now living in refugee camps in Jammu and India.

A Brief Catalogue of Indian Atrocities in Kashmir

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Background of Kashmir

Historical Background

Tradition has it that Kashmir was originally a lake that was drained by Kashyap and then inhabited by the Brahmins. Buddhism was introduced by the missionaries of Ashoka and flourished under the rule of Kushan in 2nd Century AD. However, Hinduism continued to be the dominant religion. In the 7th Century AD, the Karkota dynasty was founded by Durlabhavarrdhana. In 855 AD the Utpalas replaced the Karkotas. Later, the Tantrins, Yaskaras and Parva Gupta ruled in succession. Didda, a Gupta widowed queen, ruled Kashmir until 1003 AD when the Lohara dynasty took over. In 1346 AD the last Hindu king, Udiana Deva, was replaced by Shams-ud-Din. His family ruled until 1586 when the Moghul emperor Akbar conquered and annexed Kashmir to his vast empire.

In 1757 it was conquered by Ahmed Shah Durrani and became part of Afghanistan. In 1819 Ranjit Singh conquered Kashmir and made it part of his Sikh empire. In 1846, when the British defeated the Sikhs and annexed Punjab, they sold Kashmir to Ghulab Singh of Jammu for Rs. 7.5 million under the Treaty of Amritsar. Ghulab Singh, who entitled himself the Mahrajah, signed a separate treaty with the British which, in effect, gave him the status of an independent princely ruler of Kashmir. He added to his dominion by conquering Ladakh. Ghulab Singh died in 1857 and was replaced by Rambir Singh (1857-1885). Two other Marajahs, Partab Singh (1885-1925) and Hari Singh (1925-1949) ruled in succession


Ghulab Singh and his successors ruled Kashmir in a tyrannical and repressive way. The people of Kashmir, nearly 80% of whom were Muslims, rose against Mahraja Hari Singh's rule. He ruthlessly crushed a mass uprising in 1931. In 1932 Sheik Abdullah formed Kashmir's first political party - All Jammu & Kashmir Muslim Conference (renamed to National Conference in 1939). In 1934 the Maharajah gave way and allowed limited democracy in the form of a Legislative Assembly. However, unease with the Maharaja's rule continued.

According to the instruments of partition of India in 1947, the rulers of princely states were given the choice to freely accede to either India or Pakistan, or to remain independent. They were, however, advised to accede to the contiguous dominion, taking into consideration the geographical and ethnic issues.

In Kashmir, however, the Maharajah hesitated. The principally Muslim population having seen the early and covert arrival of Indian troops, rebelled and things got out of the Maharajah's hands. The people of Kashmir were undoubtedly demanding to join Pakistan. The Maharajah, fearing tribal warfare, eventually gave way to the Indian pressure and agreed to join India by 'signing' the Instrument of Accession on 26th October 1947. Kashmir was provisionally accepted into the Indian Union pending a free and impartial plebiscite. This was spelled out in a letter from the Governor General of India, Lord Mountbatten, to the Maharajah on 27th October 1947. In the letter, accepting the Accession, Mountbatten made it clear that the state would only be incorporated into the Indian Union after a reference had been made to the people of Kashmir. Having accepted the principle of a plebiscite, India has since obstructed all attempts at arranging one.

Heavy fighting took place in 1947-48 between the Indian and Pakistani forces over Kashmir. On 1st January 1949 a cease-fire was declared which created the first Line-of-Control.

In 1957 the state was, in effect, incorporated into the Indian Union under a new Constitution. This was done in direct contravention of the standing UN resolutions and the conditions of the Instrument of Accession. The article was rushed through by the then puppet state government of Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed; people of Kashmir were not consulted.

Heavy fighting broke out again in 1965 between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. A cease-fire was established in September 1965. Indian Prime Minister, Lal Bhadur Shastri, and Pakistani President, M Ayub Khan, signed the Tashkent agreement on 1st January 1966. They resolved to try to end the dispute by peaceful means.

In 1971 civil war broke out in East Pakistan and Indian forces again fought the Pakistani forces in Kashmir. This resulted in a new cease-fire and the signing of the Shimla Agreement by Indira Ghandi and Z A Bhutto. The Shimla Agreement basically reiterated the promises made in Tashkent.

Since the 1971 war, the situation may have been described as stalemate with India in control of much the larger part of Kashmir, and doing everything to emphasis her claim de jur. However, the dream of freedom from India never died; it was only suppressed from time to time by the Indians by using puppet state governments.

Guardian on 14th July 1970 reports that it is "ironic that India's position in Kashmir should be increasingly challenged from within at a time when Kashmir's status as a major unsettled international dispute is declining".

Hindustan Times of August 1970 reports, "In the Kashmir People's Convention held in Srinagar in the summer of 1970, but for a few feeble voices in our [India's] favour, most of the delegates favoured either accession to Pakistan or creation of an independent Kashmir".

The close of 1989 saw the beginning of the renewed struggle for freedom of Kashmir. The Kashmiris started to arm themselves to resist the Indian occupation. The then state government, headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah, was dissolved and the state placed in direct control of the governor. Since then the struggle for freedom and democracy has intensified.

The Problems in Kashmir


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My Birth Place Kashmir

Brief Description about Jammu & Kashmir

"A city blessed by Almighty Allah - Kashmir Valley is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world and is a land of immense natural beauty. It is also called "Tourist Paradise on earth as well as Heaven on the Earth."

Jammu and Kashmir is the sixth largest state in India including the area occupied by Pakistan and China. The crown of India lies in the extreme north of the country and is bounded on three sides by China, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The entire state is almost mountainous, broken by stretches of valley and dotted with mountain lakes. The state is studded with a number of hill stations, which are refreshing cool in summer. They offer to the tourists a leisurely or adventurous holiday amidst breath-taking scenery.

Strategically located Jammu and Kashmir State constitutes the northern most extremity of India. Large parts of it have, however, been annexed by China and Pakistan. Yet, some of the most majestic parts of this state remain in India. The State is bounded by Pakistan, Afghanistan and China from the West to the East.

It has four geographical zones viz;

1. Sub-mountain and semi-mountain plain known as kandi or dry belt,
2. The Shivalak ranges,
3. The high mountain zone constituting the Kashmir Valley, Pir Panchal range and its off-shoots including Doda, Poonch and Rajouri districts and part of Kathua and Udhampur districts
4. The middle run of the Indus river comprising Leh and Kargil.

A major portion of Jammu & Kashmir State consists of the western Himalayas , which besides many lofty mountain ranges with varying heights of 3000 to 6000 meters and above, also abound in rivers, lakes, passes, glaciers, plateaus and plains. The number of streams, brooks, hill torrents and rivers is also fairly large. The most important rivers are the Indus, Chenab, Jehlum and Ravi.

Jammu & Kashmir, India is the fixed to northern most part of India like a glittering crown of India with all its glory and luster. Amidst the snow covered peaks and the labyrinthine valleys of its three chief regions- Ladakh, Kashmir, Jammu - eternity is as much a geographical fact as that of time. Travel to this glorious snow wrapped land of India - Jammu & Kashmir, all dressed up to offer you the most exciting of opportunities to make your stay in India a an unforgettable one. Travel to Kashmir and dwell in the land of varied cultures and customs. Make your off hours more fruitful with a tour to this Switzerland of East. Cover yourself with cosy fabrics of Kashmir sipping the special Kashmiri tea called as "NunChai" which means Slated Tea and relish the laziz Kashmiri cuisine and make you tour to Kashmir a perfect success. Kashmir - the garden of India, surrounded by pines amidst the white carpet of snow with beautiful lakes, dotted with luxurious house boats and ancient pilgrimages is perfect place to make you holidays truly profitable. Kashmir is an area on the northern borders of India and Pakistan; officially known as Jammu & Kashmir.

Kashmir is famous for its natural beauty and has often been referred to as the 'Switzerland of the East'. The heart of the area is the fertile Vale of Kashmir (known as The Valley), which lies between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range. Here the climate is mild and the soil well watered

Kashmir covers an area of 222,237 SqKm (85,800 SqMi). Mount Godwin Austen/K2 (8,611m/28,250 ft) and mount Nanga Parbat (8,123m/26,650 ft) lie in Northern Kashmir.

The Indus river flows through Kashmir. The river Jhelum flows through the Vale of Kashmir. The mountains have much precious forests.

About 12 million people live in Kashmir, of which around 70% are Muslims. The rest include Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. Hindus live mostly in the south and around the city of Jammu. To the east is the Ladakh region, where the majority of the people are Buddhists and of Tibetan origin. Most of the Kashmiri people work on farms. Others are engaged in small industries making shawls, rugs and carpets. Kashmir is well known for its wool and, in particular, its shawls and carpets.

Much of the farmland is under intense cultivation, producing corn, wheat, rice and saffron amongst other crops. Fruit and nuts are also produced in quantities including pears, apples and walnuts.

Kashmir has been the key to the dispute between India and Pakistan since their independence from the British in 1947. Each country claims Kashmir as a part of its territory. As a result of a rebellion in 1947 and the subsequent wars between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, the area is separated by a Line-of-Control (LOC or cease-fire line). To the east of the LOC lies the vale of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh which are administered by India. To the west lies the area now known as 'Azad [Free] Kashmir' which is governed by its own government with strong ties with Pakistan.

The capitals of Indian-held Kashmir are Srinagar in the summer and Jammu in the winter; whilst the capital of Azad Kashmir is Muzaffarabad.

Since 1989 the controversy over Kashmir has taken a violent turn in the valley; the Kashmiri people themselves have taken up arms against the Indian occupation. India is now deploying more than 700,000 troops in the valley to crush the Freedom Movement.


Historical Background of Kashmir

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