The ornaments for the marriage of his daughter were in my locker at Punjab National Bank Mahraj Gunj Srinagar. It had escaped a blaze at PNB Amira Kadal, and so it was its second life at the Gunj.
16th January 1990. I left for Jammu at 10 AM on vacations till end of February; little knowing that it was my exodus. En route I went to the Bank to carry the jewelry box along with. At the Bank, it was a scene of chaos, commotion and confusion. The Manager Raj Kumar Sharma, being my student, I had not to wait in the queue. Now the box was in my hand and the Manager asked me: “Sir, do you have any locker at Jammu”?
I said: “No”.
“Then why are you carrying it along with? It is safer in the locker,” said he.
Instantaneously, a meeting was held there and then to resolve the issue. The advice of the manager was conceded by consensus and the box was confined back to the locker at PNB Mahraj Gunj.
Until January 1994, I had to pocket humiliation whenever our common unconcerned relations would visit me and tell me: “He would marry his daughter but for her ornaments in your locker”. One day I handed the keys of the UCO Bank locker at HMT, Zainakot and an attorney to Dr. Ali Mohammad Shah the then Director CORD, Kashmir University to operate upon the locker. Dr. Shah was restrained by Allaqabund, the then Manager (His relation) of the Bank, lest the other staff members discover him doing the job of a KP. His failure added to my agony.
January 1994, I took a chance to go personally to accomplish the job. My wife did not let me go alone.She accompanied me to keep me under check. It was decided, not to disclose identity. I was directed to seal my mouth. I personally decided to agree with them to call the day the night and the day the night. No disagreement. We boarded the Banihal Bus at 3 PM. We were the only non-Muslim passengers. All talked in whispers and I was restrained of that too. Night stay at Batote in the bus itself and 10 AM the next day we reached Banihal. We boarded the Banihal-Anantnagh SRTC bus to reach Anantnagh at 3 PM. It was snowing and the surrounding was all dressed in white. Beauty and fashion at the Anantnagh Bus stand seemed to be at its apex, probably because we had seen snow, snowing and the beauty after a lapse of four years. The discernible change was that the sign board of the buses read Srinagar to Khannabal. Writing Anantnagh invited trouble from the militants and writing Islamabad from the security forces.So Vajpayee’s minimum common programme: Srinagar to Khannabal; otherwise between the deep sea and the devil. Reached Broadway Srinagar at 5 PM. It was already dark. Not knowing where to go. Alighted from the bus at Broadway and took a chance to take night shelter at Hari Krishan Koul’s (Shiela Seed Farm) home at Indra Nagar. Though well acquainted with the geography of the place, I stepped into the premises of the identical deserted house of Dr. Sikand. The only discernible occupant of the house was a monkey chained to the veranda post. The monkey was equally restless. He was going up and down the post. In the meantime, I realised my mistake and knocked at the correct one.
The residue family consisting of Koul, Mrs. Koul, and their two were huddled up in one room. My arrival was welcomed. The disused drawing-room with its furniture was got dusted and made worth living after a gap of four years. Next day was Sunday. Dr. Ali Mohammad Shah and Professor M Sheikh HOD Physics Women College Srinagar were summoned on phone and they obliged despite the day being first day of Ramadan. Professor M Sheikh took the responsibility and reported on Monday at 10 AM. Operation “Jewelry Box” started and I was directed not to go beyond Zero Bridge. In their absence, I took the liberty to go to Regal Chowk. I made three to and fro trips on the strip on foot to satiate my love for the road that once used to be mine. I was pained to see that they had made a slum of the posh area that we had left to into their custody.
Behind me, in front of the Shakti Sweets, I overheard Bashir Parey from Soliune telling some one else: “He is B.K.Dass. He was once my colleague. I would like to exchange pleasantries with him. But I am scared. Know not what shall be his response”. I turned my head and relieved him of his guilt. The same day Professor Ali Bhat (Physics), one of my friends until 28th February 1990 rushed through the road on scooter with his head turned to his left. I personally was scared of him for I had visualized him and his family among the herd of pigs for his false swearing by Prophet Mohammad. To my surprise, he was equally scared of me.
I wished the Manager LIC Regal Chowk, Abdul Ahad (My classmate and friend) in his office. Repose seemed to be cold. I marked the change and went to his office and handed the assignment to one of his officials, Mr. Kaul (Muslim Kaul). He asked me to visit him after three days. Instead of waiting for three days I went to him the next day only.
To my surprise, I was led to Ahad who adjourned his meeting and hugged me. Ahad had made a frantic search for me and had asked all his officials the reason of my visit. He had already signed the cheque for my matured policy and had expressed desire to see me in person. Being not on fast, Ahad ordered for tea and had a puff of Gold Flake too. The misunderstanding was over and Professor Jan Mohammad’s son was directed to drop me at Indra Nagar.
By courtesy Professor M Sheikh the operation “Jewellery Box” was a success. During my stay in the valley Professor M Sheikh was almost attached to me along with his car. Every day he used to report me by 10 A.M. One Friday, ours was the only vehicle on the road. It was in response to the call for the Civil Curfew. I did not know the destination. Ahead of Nehru Park an old Muslim lady was provided with lift. She had gone to some doctor for treatment. En route she spat all venom on all the jahadis for the mess they created and disturbed the peaceful atmosphere of the valley. She was all praise for the KP doctors. We reached Harwan and M Sheikh told me that he had to go to Harwan. I told him that we were already at Harwan. So he took a U-turn without entering into the garden.
To my query, he said that he had to pay some money to the son of a victim of the bullet from the BSF and since he could not locate the person, he would go back. By that time we had reached the outer wall of ShalimarGarden. On my direction Masood stopped the car and I beckoned one of the few gossipers nearby on closed shops. I asked them that last week one from the vicinity had fallen to the bullet from the BSF and we wanted to meet his son. Soon the boy was called. Money was paid to him with some instructions. The boy was also engaged at the coaching center and was also provided with free coaching for MBBS entrance test. Enjoying the lake view, on my enquiry I was told that the boy had less than 60 % marks in 12th. I suggested instead of preparing him for MBBS, he should have been directed towards MSc, to become a professor later on. A mediocre has no chance to become a doctor. By now I was given to understand that M Sheikh was heading all the Area Commanders in Rawalpora, Chanpora,Old Airport area belt. M Sheikh belongs to Islamic Study Circle. Its Chairman was the late Er. Ghulam Qadir Soofi a friend of mine, the younger brother of Gen Bakery. I asked M Sheikh, despite Sofi’s being chairman of the Islamic Study Circle, why two bomb blasts had been hurled on his house.
M Sheikh said: “You gave a good and saner suggestion regarding that boy. But if he comes to know about it, will he spare you? Likewise a saner advice has earned bomb blasts to Gh.Qadir Sofi”.
I said: “M Sheikh you have two sons. One is studying at Aligarh and the other one is at Delhi Public School, Delhi, where Rahul Gandhi was denied admission. Your wife being a beautiful lady has been stationed at Delhi. Don’t the boys whom you have equipped with AK-47 question you about the whereabouts of your sons”?
Prompt came the reply: “Koranus peth ha chi manzi prechaan. Aasi ha chi pete keth dallan”.
Next night was spent at M Sheikh’s residence at Rawalpora. Early morning a blue eyed bearded youth dropped in. He was Shabir Sabh. M Sheikh said: “Brijdassa ye ha chu militant”.
I said: “Amisundh deke ha chu venan ye chu militant”. I had to leave the front seat for Shabir Sabh and I had to go to the rare one. Instead of taking to the right towards Barzula, M Sheikh took to the left to Qayoom Colony, Old Airport Road, to show me the deserted house of Dr. R.C.Dhar Professor of Chemistry. Shabir was sent for Manzoor Medicate, the Area Commander of the Area. Manzoor came out rushing and escorted me to Dr.Dhar’s house.
By now I had become free with the environment and had forgotten that I had to be in agreement, no matter to call the black as white and the white as black. Now M Sheikh apprehended trouble. He told my wife to paste adhesive tape on my mouth to escape trouble for both M Sheikh and me. Besides he repeatedly requested me to leave for Jammu before any untoward would happen. Next day I expressed desire to meet his contemporary of our area at Zainakot. It involved jurisdiction of three Chiefs of the Area Commanders. One was M Sheikh’s, the other was Er. Gilkar Sahib's, covering the Saffakadal, Parimpora… Belt and the third one was that of Er.Nazir Sahib’s covering the HMT Belt. M Sheikh handed me to Gilkar and asked him for a receipt. Gilkar said: “ Koranus peth aghar mey chu panus raseidh. Subhus chus dramut. Kiah patah Ghar chuma zindei watun kinea mianie maieth watie toer”. So despite caution from Professor Shafi (S.P.College, Botany Deptt.) both Gilkar and M Sheikh accompanied me to Nazir’s.
Ignorance, bliss as it is. Otherwise it was an adventure. M Sheikh and Gilkar asked for the Qabila to offer prayers and in the meantime I was entertained with a sumptuous tea. Our exit was fishy. I was asked to wear the monkey cap again and not to wish anybody around. M Sheikh and Gilkar had turned pale and M Sheikh repeated his request to leave for Jammu.
The emphatic advice was, sooner the better. I said: “I will leave any day, but will not disclose time and date to you”.
A few days later, the National Highway was declared open and we left for Jammu along with the Jewelry Box that had by now attained third life.
His jewelry was returned to him. His daughter was married only a few months later. The Jewelry attained fourth life. Thus my risk was compensated.
1999 and 2005 my elder and younger daughter respectively got married to give fifth and sixth lives to the jewelry box, thanks to Professor M Sheikh.
June 2012, at Harwan, the Urdu Daily Aftab of the year 2000 came handy as wrapper of Kashmiri bakery. It revealed the sensational news regarding disappearance of Manzoor Medicate, the then Area Commander of Rawalpora-Qayoom Colony Belt.
16th January 1990. I left for Jammu at 10 AM on vacations till end of February; little knowing that it was my exodus. En route I went to the Bank to carry the jewelry box along with. At the Bank, it was a scene of chaos, commotion and confusion. The Manager Raj Kumar Sharma, being my student, I had not to wait in the queue. Now the box was in my hand and the Manager asked me: “Sir, do you have any locker at Jammu”?
I said: “No”.
“Then why are you carrying it along with? It is safer in the locker,” said he.
Instantaneously, a meeting was held there and then to resolve the issue. The advice of the manager was conceded by consensus and the box was confined back to the locker at PNB Mahraj Gunj.
Until January 1994, I had to pocket humiliation whenever our common unconcerned relations would visit me and tell me: “He would marry his daughter but for her ornaments in your locker”. One day I handed the keys of the UCO Bank locker at HMT, Zainakot and an attorney to Dr. Ali Mohammad Shah the then Director CORD, Kashmir University to operate upon the locker. Dr. Shah was restrained by Allaqabund, the then Manager (His relation) of the Bank, lest the other staff members discover him doing the job of a KP. His failure added to my agony.
January 1994, I took a chance to go personally to accomplish the job. My wife did not let me go alone.She accompanied me to keep me under check. It was decided, not to disclose identity. I was directed to seal my mouth. I personally decided to agree with them to call the day the night and the day the night. No disagreement. We boarded the Banihal Bus at 3 PM. We were the only non-Muslim passengers. All talked in whispers and I was restrained of that too. Night stay at Batote in the bus itself and 10 AM the next day we reached Banihal. We boarded the Banihal-Anantnagh SRTC bus to reach Anantnagh at 3 PM. It was snowing and the surrounding was all dressed in white. Beauty and fashion at the Anantnagh Bus stand seemed to be at its apex, probably because we had seen snow, snowing and the beauty after a lapse of four years. The discernible change was that the sign board of the buses read Srinagar to Khannabal. Writing Anantnagh invited trouble from the militants and writing Islamabad from the security forces.So Vajpayee’s minimum common programme: Srinagar to Khannabal; otherwise between the deep sea and the devil. Reached Broadway Srinagar at 5 PM. It was already dark. Not knowing where to go. Alighted from the bus at Broadway and took a chance to take night shelter at Hari Krishan Koul’s (Shiela Seed Farm) home at Indra Nagar. Though well acquainted with the geography of the place, I stepped into the premises of the identical deserted house of Dr. Sikand. The only discernible occupant of the house was a monkey chained to the veranda post. The monkey was equally restless. He was going up and down the post. In the meantime, I realised my mistake and knocked at the correct one.
The residue family consisting of Koul, Mrs. Koul, and their two were huddled up in one room. My arrival was welcomed. The disused drawing-room with its furniture was got dusted and made worth living after a gap of four years. Next day was Sunday. Dr. Ali Mohammad Shah and Professor M Sheikh HOD Physics Women College Srinagar were summoned on phone and they obliged despite the day being first day of Ramadan. Professor M Sheikh took the responsibility and reported on Monday at 10 AM. Operation “Jewelry Box” started and I was directed not to go beyond Zero Bridge. In their absence, I took the liberty to go to Regal Chowk. I made three to and fro trips on the strip on foot to satiate my love for the road that once used to be mine. I was pained to see that they had made a slum of the posh area that we had left to into their custody.
Behind me, in front of the Shakti Sweets, I overheard Bashir Parey from Soliune telling some one else: “He is B.K.Dass. He was once my colleague. I would like to exchange pleasantries with him. But I am scared. Know not what shall be his response”. I turned my head and relieved him of his guilt. The same day Professor Ali Bhat (Physics), one of my friends until 28th February 1990 rushed through the road on scooter with his head turned to his left. I personally was scared of him for I had visualized him and his family among the herd of pigs for his false swearing by Prophet Mohammad. To my surprise, he was equally scared of me.
I wished the Manager LIC Regal Chowk, Abdul Ahad (My classmate and friend) in his office. Repose seemed to be cold. I marked the change and went to his office and handed the assignment to one of his officials, Mr. Kaul (Muslim Kaul). He asked me to visit him after three days. Instead of waiting for three days I went to him the next day only.
To my surprise, I was led to Ahad who adjourned his meeting and hugged me. Ahad had made a frantic search for me and had asked all his officials the reason of my visit. He had already signed the cheque for my matured policy and had expressed desire to see me in person. Being not on fast, Ahad ordered for tea and had a puff of Gold Flake too. The misunderstanding was over and Professor Jan Mohammad’s son was directed to drop me at Indra Nagar.
By courtesy Professor M Sheikh the operation “Jewellery Box” was a success. During my stay in the valley Professor M Sheikh was almost attached to me along with his car. Every day he used to report me by 10 A.M. One Friday, ours was the only vehicle on the road. It was in response to the call for the Civil Curfew. I did not know the destination. Ahead of Nehru Park an old Muslim lady was provided with lift. She had gone to some doctor for treatment. En route she spat all venom on all the jahadis for the mess they created and disturbed the peaceful atmosphere of the valley. She was all praise for the KP doctors. We reached Harwan and M Sheikh told me that he had to go to Harwan. I told him that we were already at Harwan. So he took a U-turn without entering into the garden.
To my query, he said that he had to pay some money to the son of a victim of the bullet from the BSF and since he could not locate the person, he would go back. By that time we had reached the outer wall of ShalimarGarden. On my direction Masood stopped the car and I beckoned one of the few gossipers nearby on closed shops. I asked them that last week one from the vicinity had fallen to the bullet from the BSF and we wanted to meet his son. Soon the boy was called. Money was paid to him with some instructions. The boy was also engaged at the coaching center and was also provided with free coaching for MBBS entrance test. Enjoying the lake view, on my enquiry I was told that the boy had less than 60 % marks in 12th. I suggested instead of preparing him for MBBS, he should have been directed towards MSc, to become a professor later on. A mediocre has no chance to become a doctor. By now I was given to understand that M Sheikh was heading all the Area Commanders in Rawalpora, Chanpora,Old Airport area belt. M Sheikh belongs to Islamic Study Circle. Its Chairman was the late Er. Ghulam Qadir Soofi a friend of mine, the younger brother of Gen Bakery. I asked M Sheikh, despite Sofi’s being chairman of the Islamic Study Circle, why two bomb blasts had been hurled on his house.
M Sheikh said: “You gave a good and saner suggestion regarding that boy. But if he comes to know about it, will he spare you? Likewise a saner advice has earned bomb blasts to Gh.Qadir Sofi”.
I said: “M Sheikh you have two sons. One is studying at Aligarh and the other one is at Delhi Public School, Delhi, where Rahul Gandhi was denied admission. Your wife being a beautiful lady has been stationed at Delhi. Don’t the boys whom you have equipped with AK-47 question you about the whereabouts of your sons”?
Prompt came the reply: “Koranus peth ha chi manzi prechaan. Aasi ha chi pete keth dallan”.
Next night was spent at M Sheikh’s residence at Rawalpora. Early morning a blue eyed bearded youth dropped in. He was Shabir Sabh. M Sheikh said: “Brijdassa ye ha chu militant”.
I said: “Amisundh deke ha chu venan ye chu militant”. I had to leave the front seat for Shabir Sabh and I had to go to the rare one. Instead of taking to the right towards Barzula, M Sheikh took to the left to Qayoom Colony, Old Airport Road, to show me the deserted house of Dr. R.C.Dhar Professor of Chemistry. Shabir was sent for Manzoor Medicate, the Area Commander of the Area. Manzoor came out rushing and escorted me to Dr.Dhar’s house.
By now I had become free with the environment and had forgotten that I had to be in agreement, no matter to call the black as white and the white as black. Now M Sheikh apprehended trouble. He told my wife to paste adhesive tape on my mouth to escape trouble for both M Sheikh and me. Besides he repeatedly requested me to leave for Jammu before any untoward would happen. Next day I expressed desire to meet his contemporary of our area at Zainakot. It involved jurisdiction of three Chiefs of the Area Commanders. One was M Sheikh’s, the other was Er. Gilkar Sahib's, covering the Saffakadal, Parimpora… Belt and the third one was that of Er.Nazir Sahib’s covering the HMT Belt. M Sheikh handed me to Gilkar and asked him for a receipt. Gilkar said: “ Koranus peth aghar mey chu panus raseidh. Subhus chus dramut. Kiah patah Ghar chuma zindei watun kinea mianie maieth watie toer”. So despite caution from Professor Shafi (S.P.College, Botany Deptt.) both Gilkar and M Sheikh accompanied me to Nazir’s.
Ignorance, bliss as it is. Otherwise it was an adventure. M Sheikh and Gilkar asked for the Qabila to offer prayers and in the meantime I was entertained with a sumptuous tea. Our exit was fishy. I was asked to wear the monkey cap again and not to wish anybody around. M Sheikh and Gilkar had turned pale and M Sheikh repeated his request to leave for Jammu.
The emphatic advice was, sooner the better. I said: “I will leave any day, but will not disclose time and date to you”.
A few days later, the National Highway was declared open and we left for Jammu along with the Jewelry Box that had by now attained third life.
His jewelry was returned to him. His daughter was married only a few months later. The Jewelry attained fourth life. Thus my risk was compensated.
1999 and 2005 my elder and younger daughter respectively got married to give fifth and sixth lives to the jewelry box, thanks to Professor M Sheikh.
June 2012, at Harwan, the Urdu Daily Aftab of the year 2000 came handy as wrapper of Kashmiri bakery. It revealed the sensational news regarding disappearance of Manzoor Medicate, the then Area Commander of Rawalpora-Qayoom Colony Belt.
