[Reader-list] What the BSF wants and other news...

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KASHMIR MEDIA WATCH

Weekly Kashmir News


BORDER SECURITY FORCE:  RESOLVE KASHMIR POLITICALLY

The Kashmir problem, which has been hanging fire since past 53 years and draining resources of two major South Asian countries, cannot be solved militarily. The issue can only be resolved through political means. These views
were expressed by Inspector General of BSF Baramulla, Naresh Mehra in an interview to The Kashmir Monitor. He, however, cautioned that this winter will be very harsh on the militant front and termed the situation 'volatile'.The IG BSF just like the Corps Commander of 15 Corps, Lt Gen Mukherjee said that military has not resolved the issues. The delicate issues have only been resolved through peaceful and political means. Referring to the Kashmir dispute, he said politicians of all shades should work for the political solution of the issue. Gun is not the answer. He said "we can only curb the militancy but cannot eliminate it". 

DAL LAKE HEADING TOWARDS EXTINCTION 
 
One of the main tourist attractions in Kashmir - the coveted Dal lake 
might disappear completely in another 100 years, a scientist has warned. Blaming various forms of human interventions for the phenomenon, G M Rather from the Department of Geography and Regional Development at the University of Kashmir, told a four-day workshop on Ecohydrology, which concluded here yesterday that rate of sedimentation in Dal lake had increased and the lake was heading towards its total disappearance. 


KASHMIR TIMES

November 30
10 girls arrested by SOG, Army
 
Thousands of people today took to streets at Bandipore to
protest against the arrest of 10 local girls by army and SOG during midnight swoops. Police today resorted to firing in air and lobbed dozens of teargas shells to disperse a rampaging crowd which attacked the offices of the National Conference and a legislative member and set its furniture on fire.

 
BAND PATHER ARTISTS MAKE LAST-DITCH EFFORTS TO SURVIVE
By Ajay Bachloo

The ongoing turmoil in the Valley ma
arked the beginning of its doom. The state government with its indifference is only sounding its last call. That is how one could see one of the most classic and popular art forms of the Valley, bhand pather as it is today - dying and waiting in vain to be rejuvenated and regain its lost glory.

Once, one of the most popular dance dramas of Kashmir with its secular credentials appealing to the Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims alike, bhand pather is now reduced to occasional shows. With some Kashmiris having migrated to Jammu and outside the state and those within the Valley unable to come out and make a big audience due to constant fear, the number of bhand groups has
drastically come down to 5

 
This ancient folk dance was performed by a select group of performers in Kashmir on various occasions and gatherings. The bhands, through this dance-drama form would highlight the shortcomings of the kings, princes and landlords in ancient times...