Karan Singh, the heir to Kashmir’s autocratic ruler, was born in France on March 9, 1931. The state celebrated the birth of the Yuvaraj for several days. Molvi Abdullah Vakil wrote a 32-page pamphlet congratulating Maharaja Hari Singh. In the pamphlet, Vakil sought free education for all, end to unemployment, ban on begging and misuse of religion, a crime-free state, improvement in healthcare and severe punishment for anti-social elements. (Hamara Adab, Shakhsiyaat No, Vol. 3, page 184-185)
It had an impact. The Maharaja wrote personally to Vakil, thanking him for the ‘beautiful pamphlet.’ Vakil used this letter effectively to mould public opinion. Slowly but surely, it dawned on people that they must fight for change.

1939: Sheikh Abdullah Attends Congress Session
The Indian National Congress held its annual session in Tripuri in March 1939. Sheikh Abdullah and his colleagues reached Tripuri on March 9 on a special invitation by Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru called on the Sheikh and his team the same day for a long discussion. The next day, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and other Congress leaders also called on the delegation.

1990: Rajiv Gandhi Takes Note of Excesses in Kashmir
Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi took serious note of excesses on the people of Kashmir by the security forces. As a result of this campaign, an All Party Delegation, led by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Devi Lal, visited the Valley on March 9, 1990.

1996: Jalil Andrabi’s Arrest Condemned
Noted lawyer Jalil Andrabi’s arrest by the army sparked off widespread condemnation. The Bar Association registered protest and lawyers abstained from work.

KR Desk