By Sadaket Malik

Munshi Sahib, primarily a contractor, moved into politics through his dedication to social activism. He was once appointed President of the National Conference in the Doda district of J&K.

MUNSHI SAHIB went on to be appointed President of the National Conference, of Doda District but his beginnings were humble. Here's how it began - during colonial rule, Munshi Sahib's grandfather travelled extensively from Kashmir by foot, as there was no transportation in place and the people had no access to information. Things were totally different in Bhalessa at that time. He migrated to Changa village  of Bhalessa to earn his living, accompanied by some family members. After some time, the  family re-migrated to Soti (an adjoining hamlet) in search of a livelihood.  However, Munshi Sahib’s uncle remained in Changa. Abdul Satar (popularly known  as Satar Joo) was the only son and the father to Munshi Sahib. He (Satar Joo)  was married to "Saba Didi" and had six children - two sons, Munshi  Sahib and Munwer Din Rather and four daughters.
 
Munshi Sahib studied at the Government   Primary school in  Kilhotran (the only school at that time) and then was sent to Bhaderwah for  further studies. He stayed in the home of Ghulam Mustafa Sheikh of Ghata  Bhaderwah. He returned home after a short time when his father expired and was  looked after by his mother Saba Didi. Saba Didi remarried shortly afterwards,  to Asdullah Rather of Changa. Munshi Sahib dropped his studies and began to  work as a labourer in the forests of Hamachal Pradesh. Gradually, he earned a  good reputation with people including officers, employees and firms. During  this time he met a contractor Ghulam Rasool Malik, and was employed by him as  a munshi. He became his mentor and taught him a work ethic.
 
Gradually, Munshi Sahib emerged as a big gun with a contractorship.  Unfortunately, Malik's business collapsed shortly afterwards and Munshi Sahib  took up work with Jodhamal in Himachal Pradesh. Munshi Sahib used to help the  poor and the disadvantaged. He was felicitated with the title of Chokidar by  the Dogra rulers. When the Dogra rule ended and the State was handed over to  the Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, Munshi Sahib was appointed the President of the  National Conference, District Doda. He  played a proactive role in uniting the Hindus and Muslims at that time. When  Munshi became a leader, he appointed Munshi Ram Chand as his spokesman since  Munshi Sahib was not in a position to speak fluently. Munshi Anwer acted as  the brain and Munshi Ram Chand as his tongue to intensify their struggle for  the sake of the people.
 
In 1953, when Sheikh Sahib was arrested and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed was  appointed Prime Minister of the State, Ghulam Rasool Azad and Munshi were  activists. Azad Sahib went to England  for teacher's training and Munshi Sahib was inducted as a Member of the  Legislative Assembly (MLC). As a member of the J&K legislative Council, he  acted upon the roadmap and proposal of Ghulam Rasool Azad for the immediate  construction of Thathri Kilhotran road. Under his tenure as MLC, he put forth  the demand for construction of this road. Both Ghulam Rasool Azad and Munshi  Mohammed Anwer worked as catalysts for the opening of this road and the  government higher secondary school in Kilhotran. The demand for construction  of the road was highly endorsed by Ghulam Rasool Azad and Kotwal Chuni Lal.  Munshi Sahib raised the demand in the house and the road was finally approved.  In 1962, Munshi Sahib was mandated a ticket to contest election for assembly  and was elected.

Munshi Sahib passed away on June 28, 2002 at the ripe age of 105.