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In an interview to one of the newspapers he explained; (quoting from an interview), “On that particular day, May 20, 2008, when the state cabinet sanctioned the diversion of 39, 88 hectares of forest land to the SASB, there were four other cases of land transfer. But, a section of media and some political parties misled the people and launched a disinformation campaign that a particular piece of land was being given to the board to make permanent structures”.
While making this statement Azad clarified on some dubious statements floating around. But there are not too many leaders who are actually aware of the basic problem. They are only rowing up to see how can this (another) issue materialize as one more opportunity to reach their vote bank. What is most unfortunate in this entire episode is that leaders, who have got the privilege to govern this state, act amateur and unaware of the issue.
And, this is true even about as senior leader of the northernmost state as Farooq Abdullah, who surprisingly was caught unaware at the all party meet convened by the Prime Minister. Purportedly trying to show his leadership credentials, the senior Abdullah proposed that the land be given on lease to the Shrine Board for two months a year for making temporary facilities to the Amarnath pilgrims. Surely, he was not knowing that the original approval had the same provision, which was opposed by all including his own party!
And another irony of this whole episode was that the government moved the peace panel off to Jammu when it was actually too late. Even the all party meet to take some initiative to resolving the deadlock took place when government found it convenient. The urgency and speed at which all this was done, is best commented if left unaddressed. Home Minister was as usual busy in his own world and the rest was busy watching sting video tapes while one part of the country was burning non-stop. How can a country be so thick skinned to react to such issues in this manner!!!
Whatever be the scene in Jammu and now also in the valley, political parties owe a responsibility towards the people.... people of Jammu & Kashmir.... the people of India. However, this very logic is being taken hostage by BJP, when it is planning to launch a nationwide agitation on the issue just to make an Ayodhya out of Amarnath. The main opposition party at the Centre must think twice before going ahead with its Jail Bharo protest on August 11, 12 and 13 in all the state capitals.
But somewhere, we did see a positive emerging out of this mayhem, while speaking to some of the Kashmiri Pandits, who have migrated to Jammu, there was a feel that this agitation has helped bring Kashmiri Pandits closer to Dogra’s. Sometime back there was a strong feeling across Jammu that Pandits should leave the region. There was again an insecurity creeping into the souls of Pandits. But today they say whether the demand is logical or illogical they want to support Dogras of Jammu. At last, we can sense and see something apolitical shining as a silver lining amidst dark clouds. | 
