APNA RAWALKOT

Why 22 October matters in Kashmiri history?

2011-10-23T00:19:00.000-07:00

We believe that our sovereignty was violated on 22 October when hordes of tribesmen from North West Frontier of Pakistan attacked and invaded some parts of the State territory. They mercilessly killed and looted people. Religion of victims was not an issue to them; and their victims included Muslims and non Muslims. In fact, first person who was killed by these so called Jihadis was a Muslim from Muzaffarbad.

When these tribesmen attacked house of a non Muslim citizen of Muzaffarabad, Master Abdul Aziz in line with Islamic duty and Kashmiri ethos, tried to protect his neighbour; and asked the tribesmen not to harm him or his family. The tribesmen did not like intervention from Master Abdul Aziz, and killed him on spot. To these jihadis crime of Master Abdul Aziz was so severe that he did not deserve a funeral (janaza) or burial. They threw his dead body in River Neelam.

This Tribal Invasion was actively supported and directed by senior Pakistani officials both civil and military. This unprovoked attack caused enormous problems to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It caused death, destruction and chaos. When the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir realised that he and his forces were unable to hold them back, he asked government of India for help to save his people and his State. He was told that in order to get military help, he should accede to India.

The Maharaja was left with no choice but to accede. This accession was provisional and had to be ratified by the people of Jammu and Kashmir; and to date people did not have an opportunity to express their opinion on this.

The purpose of this conference and this booklet is not to support or oppose any ideology, but to tell people what is the root cause of our miseries and problems; and what was the status of the State of Jammu and Kashmir after end of the British Raj in the Indian Sub Continent. I have provided many historic documents for the information of people that they can correctly ascertain legal and constitutional position of the State.

Legal documents

There are three important documents which deal with partition of India and position of Princely States. One is 3rd June Statement, second is Cabinet Mission Memorandum on Princely States and third is Indian Independence Act. Relevant parts of these documents are produced below.

Statement made by His Majesty's Government on Transfer of Power, 3 June, 1947, refers to Princely States as follows:

The States

‘His Majesty's Government wish to make it clear that the decisions announced above relate only to British India and that their policy towards Indian States contained in the Cabinet Mission Memorandum of 12 May 1946 remains unchanged.’

We can see that the 3rd June Statement does not provide clear answer to the position of Princely States, so we need to look at what Cabinet Mission Memorandum says.

B/ Text of Memorandum on States' Treaties and Paramountcy Presented by the Cabinet Mission to His Highness the Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes on 12 May 1946

‘When a new fully self-governing or independent Government or Governments come into being in British India, His Majesty's Government's influence with these Governments will not be such as to enable them to carry out the obligations of paramountcy. Moreover, they cannot contemplate that British troops would be retained in India for this purpose. Thus, as a logical sequence and in view of the desires expressed to them on behalf of the Indian States, His Majesty's Government will cease to exercise the powers of paramountcy. This means that the rights of the States which flow from their relationship to the Crown will no longer exist and that all the rights surrendered by the States to the paramount power will return to the States. Political arrangements between the States on the one side and the British Crown and British India on the other will thus be brought to an end. The void will have to be filled either by the States entering into a federal relationship with the successor Government or Governments in British India, or failing this, entering into particular political arrangements with it or them.’

This surely has clarified the position. In nutshell it means the Princely States will regain their rights and privileges after the lapse of paramountcy, meaning they will legally become independent. Indian Independence Act is a long document and I am producing relevant section which deals with position of the Princely States.

C/ Indian Independence Act, 1947

Section 7.1

‘(b) the suzerainty of His Majesty over the Indian States lapses, and with it, all treaties and agreements in force at the date of the passing of this Act between His Majesty and the rulers of Indian States, all functions exercisable by His Majesty at that date with respect to Indian States, all obligations of His Majesty existing at that date with towards Indian States or the rulers thereof, and all powers, rights, authority or jurisdiction exercisable by His Majesty at that date in or in relation to Indian States by treaty, grant, usage, sufferance or otherwise’ lapsed.

By the above provision all the Princely States after lapse of the British paramountcy technically and legally became independent.

3/

What Lord Mountbatten said about Princely States?

Louis Mountbatten Dating

Governor General of India Lord Louis Mountbatten's Address to a Special Full Meeting of the Chamber of Princes on July 25 1947, in which he said:

There were two distinct problems that faced me. The first was how to transfer power to British India and the second, how to fit Indian States into the picture in a manner which would be fair and just to all concerned.

I dealt first with the problem of British India, because you will realise that until that problem was solved it was quite useless to try to start on a solution of the problem of the States. So I addressed my mind to the former.

There had been universal acceptance among the States of the Cabinet Mission's Memorandum of 12 May and when the political parties accepted the Statement of 3 June they fully realised and accepted that withdrawal of Paramountcy would enable the States to regain complete sovereignty….

Now, the Indian Independence Act releases the States from all their obligations to the Crown. The States will have complete freedom- technically and legally they become independent. 1

4/

What Mohammed Ali Jinnah said about Kashmir?

8

Many Pakistanis especially who oppose Jammu and Kashmir’s separate status claim that the State should have been given to Pakistan on the basis of Two Nations Theory. They don’t know or don’t want to know that the Two Nations Theory only applied to the British India and the Princely States were not part of the British India, as it has been proved by the above quotations from legal documents.

Mohammed Ali Jinnah was a brilliant constitutional lawyer and he understood the legal and constitutional position of the Princely States. He strongly believed that the State of Jammu Kashmir and other Princely States had a right either to accede to India or Pakistan, or become independent States. In a reply to a question on 17th June 1947 about legal status of the Princely States, Qaaide Azam said:

‘That after the lapse of paramountcy the Indian States would be constitutionally and legally sovereign states and free to adopt for themselves any course they wished. It is open to States to join Hindustan Constituent Assembly {or Pakistan Constituent Assembly} or to decide to remain independent’.

On July 11 1947, while replying to some Kashmiris, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah once again clarified the position, he said:

“The second question that is engaging the attention of the Muslims of Kashmir is whether Kashmir is going to join the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. I have already made it clear more than once that the Indian States are free to join either the Pakistan Constituent Assembly or the Hindustan Constituent Assembly or remain independent”.

Many Pakistanis ignore this statement of their Qaaid, but keep on referring to the statement which has no legal or historic significance that Kashmir is a ‘jugular vein of Pakistan’. Apart from the above statements on Kashmir Mohammed Ali Jinnah proved with his action that the Two Nations Theory did not apply to the Princely States, when he accepted accession of state of Junagarh which had non Muslim majority with a Muslim Ruler. If rules of the Two Nations Theory applied to the Princely States then this state should have automatically joined India; and Mohammed Ali Jinnah would not have accepted its accession to Pakistan.

5/

What Pandit Nehru said about Kashmir?

Excerpts of telegram dated 26 October, 1947 from Jawaharlal Nehru to the British Prime Minister, Clement Attlee

"For Prime Minister United Kingdom from Prime Minister India.

We have received urgent appeal for assistance from Kashmir Government. We would be disposed to give favourable consideration to such request from any friendly State. Kashmir's Northern frontiers, as you are aware, run in common with those of three countries, Afghanistan, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and China. Security of Kashmir, which must depend upon control of internal tranquillity and existence of stable Government, is vital to security of India especially since part of Southern boundary of Kashmir and India are common. Helping Kashmir, therefore, is an obligation of national interest to India. We are giving urgent consideration to question as to what assistance we can give to State to defend itself.

I should like to make it clear that question of aiding Kashmir in this emergency is not designed in anyway to influence the State to accede to India. Our view which we have repeatedly made public is that the question of accession in any disputed territory or State must be decided in accordance with wishes of people and we adhere to this view. It is quite clear, however, that no free expression of will of people of Kashmir is possible if external aggression succeeds in imperilling integrity of its territory.

I have thought it desirable to inform you of situation because of its threat of international complications."

Apart from that telegram Prime Minister of India, Pandit Nehru on many occasions made statements on Kashmir, and I am only producing a few here. He said:

1/

“We are anxious not to finalize anything in a moment of crisis and without the fullest opportunity to be given to the people of Kashmir to have their say. It is for them ultimately to decide.

“And let me make it clear that it has been our policy all along that where there is a dispute about the accession of a state to either Dominion, the accession must be made by the people of that state.” JAWAHARLAL NEHRU, (Broadcast to the Nation: “All India Radio”: 2 November 1947).

“The issue in Kashmir is whether violence and naked force should decide the future or the will of the people.” JAWAHARLAL NEHRU, (Statement in Indian Constituent Assembly; 25 November 1947).

3/ “People seem to forget that Kashmir is not a commodity for sale or to be bartered. It has an individual existence and its people must be the final arbiters of their future.” JAWAHARLAL NEHRU, (Report to the All-India Congress Committee, 6 July 1951; The Statesman, New Delhi, 9 July 1951).

“Kashmir is not a thing to be bandied about between India and Pakistan but it has a soul of its own and an individuality of its own. Nothing can be done without the goodwill and consent of the people of Kashmir.” JAWAHARLAL NEHRU, (Statement in the Indian Parliament, 31 March 1955).

“We have taken the issue to the United Nations and given our word of honour for a peaceful solution. As a great nation, we cannot go back on it. We have left the question for final solution to the people of Kashmir and we are determined to abide by their decision.” JAWAHARLAL NEHRU (Amrita Bazar Patrika, Calcutta, 2 January 1952).

6/ Standstill Agreement

As noted above after the lapse of ‘Paramountcy’ – end of British Raj - the Princely States were legally and constitutionally independent, and had absolute discretionary powers to decide about future of their states.

Lord Listowel, Secretary of State for India said in House of Lords said on 16 July 1947:

‘From the moment the appointments and functions of the Crown Representative and his officers will terminate and the States will be the masters of their own fate. They will be then entirely free to choose whether to associate with one or the other of the Dominion Governments or to stand alone, and Her Majesty’s Government will not use the slightest pressure to influence their momentous and voluntary decision’. 2

The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir more than once expressed his desire not to accede to any country, as he wanted to become an independent Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir. In order to pursue his plans; and to avoid administrative collapse which could have resulted after the lapse of Paramountcy he offered Standstill Agreements to both India and Pakistan on 12 August 1947.

Telegram of Prime Minister of Kashmir to the States Relations Department, Government of Pakistan states:

‘Jammu and Kashmir Government would welcome Standstill Agreements with Pakistan on all matters on which these exist at present moment with outgoing British Government. It is suggested that existing arrangements should continue pending settlement of details formal execution of formal agreements.’

A similar telegram was sent to Government of India. The Government of India did not refuse to enter in to the Standstill Agreement, but replied that ‘Government of India would be glad if some duly authorised minister could fly to Delhi for negotiating Standstill Agreement between the Kashmir Government and Indian Dominion. Early action is desirable to maintain existing agreements and administrative arrangements.’ 3

On the other hand the Foreign Secretary, Government of Pakistan addressed Prime Minister of Kashmir in a telegram on 15 August 1947:

‘The Government of Pakistan agree to have a Standstill Agreements with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir for the continuance of the existing arrangements pending settlement of details and formal execution of fresh agreements.’ 4

7/

Was Jammu and Kashmir a sovereign state?

All the above proves without any doubt that the State of Jammu and Kashmir was a sovereign and an independent State. A state must have four attributes before it could be called a sovereign state.

1/ First attribute is that the state should have people. This attribute Jammu and Kashmir satisfied before the lapse of Paramountcy. The people living within the State boundaries were regarded as citizens of Jammu and Kashmir; and State Subject Definition Notification dated the 20th April, 1927 further strengthens our case in this regard.

2/ Second attribute of a statehood is that the state should have a defined territory. Size of the state does not matter; it could be a city state. The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir had clearly defined territory of which he was the Ruler.

3/ Third attribute of a statehood is that there should be a government. A government could mean one or more people who are responsible for making laws and keeping law and order. All these attributes were satisfied before the lapse of paramountcy.

4/ Fourth attribute of a statehood is that a state should have capacity and right to enter in to relations with other states. This attribute distinguishes states from lesser units like members of a federation.

The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir attained this capacity after the lapse of Paramountcy. He demonstrated this ability or right by concluding a Standstill Agreement with government of Pakistan; and by offering to have a Standstill Agreement with government of India.

Some argue that because the State of Jammu and Kashmir was not recognised, therefore it was not a sovereign state. This is not true. A State becomes sovereign when it is granted independence by a paramount power; legally it attains independence from that moment and does not depend on recognition of other states. Israel exists as a sovereign country, yet it is not recognised by so many countries.

In case of Jammu and Kashmir, India and Pakistan could not have recognised it as a sovereign state as both wanted Kashmir to join one or the other Dominion. Other countries could not recognise the State of Jammu and Kashmir so soon because situation was not clear; and the State of Jammu and Kashmir could not maintain its independence due to the tribal invasion which forced the Maharaja to accede to India, which was provisional and had to be ratified by people of the State.

8/ Tribal Invasion

Despite pressures from both India and Pakistan the Maharaja refused to accede to any country. As late as on 12 October 1947, RB Batra, Deputy Prime Minister of Kashmir while on a visit to Delhi said:

‘We intend to keep on friendly relations with both India and Pakistan. Despite constant rumours we have no intention of joining either India or Pakistan, and the Maharaja and his government have decided that no decision of any kind will be made until there is peace in the plains. He also revealed that the Maharaja had told him that it was his ambition to make Kashmir Switzerland of the East – a completely neutral state.’ 5

The government of Pakistan and Governor General of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Jinnah hoped that the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir will join Pakistan or, at least, will not join India. When they realised that all was not well, and the Maharaja government, especially after expulsion of Prime Minister Rai Bahadur Pandit Ramchandra Kak was increasing its distance with Pakistan and getting closer to India, the hawks in Pakistan decided to teach Maharaja a lesson.

They violated terms of the Standstill Agreements and blockaded all supplies to the State to cripple the government; and increase pressure on the Maharaja to accede to Pakistan. They even stopped supply of essential items like food, salt, petrol and sugar etc. Also they encouraged rebellion in the State and sent in Tribesmen and other Pakistanis to capture Summer Capital, Srinagar and other parts of the State.

Mehar Chand Mahajan, Prime Minister of Kashmir wrote a letter of complaint to the British government but got no help, as the British role and responsibilities to the States ended on 15th August. He then wrote a letter of complaint to Government of Pakistan and requested to honour terms of the Standstill Agreement. The Pakistan government asked the Maharaja to come to Karachi to discuss these matters. The Maharaja refused to do that in view of the prevailing situation in the State, but agreed to set up a joint commission to look in to these matters.

While both governments exchanged telegrams as to what should be done to resolve these matters, on 22 October thousands of Tribesmen fully supported by the Pakistani administration crossed over the State territory; and violated and desecrated sovereignty of the State. This action of Pakistani government is called ‘indirect aggression’ in international law, and there is ample evidence to prove Pakistani hand in this aggression.

Mohammed Ali Jinnah, as a Governor General of Pakistan met Lord Mountbatten on 1 November 1947, who was at that time Governor General of India, and said, he can ‘call the whole thing off’ if Lord Mountbatten agreed to his terms. 6

Major General Akbar Khan who was assigned the task of ‘liberating’ Kashmir and who assumed the title of General Tariq – famous Muslim General who invaded Spain – reveals in his book ‘Raiders in Kashmir’ that he was called from Kashmir to take part in very important meeting. This high level meeting was held at Governor House Lahore on 27 October 1947, which was chaired by Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaquat Ali Khan. Other participants included Maj General Iskander Mirza – Defence Secretary, Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, Secretary General, Brigadier Sher Khan, Khan Abdul Qayyum Khan Chief Minister of NWFP, Nawab of Mamdot – Chief Minister of Punjab. In this meeting a plan to capture Jammu put forward by Maj General Akbar Khan was discussed, but not approved, as that could have provoked India to attack Pakistan.

He further writes: ‘My suggestion about the formation of a Liberation Committee to coordinate and direct our efforts in Kashmir was accepted….In the morning I was informed that I was to be the military member of the Liberation Committee. To enable me to attend to this work, I was to be relieved of my duties in GHQ, and was to be appointed Military Advisor to the Prime Minister. I was to stay in Pindi, and my work in connection with Kashmir was to be kept secret from the British Officers and GHQ.’ 7

Apart from that a cabinet member of the Government of Pakistan Sardar Shaukat Hyat Khan admitted in his book: ‘Seeing the Maharaja’s and India’s bad faith, we decided to walk into Kashmir. I was put in charge of the operation. I asked for the services of Brigadier Sher Khan and Brigadier Akbar, both of 6/13th Frontier Force and requested that we should be allowed some arms which we could retrieve from…Lahore Fort….We lost Kashmir through our own blunders. The people there were jubilant over Pakistan’s actions and wanted to join it, but the tribes fell back pell-mell.’ 8

There is abundant evidence that government of Pakistan was behind this tribal invasion which caused so many deaths and is the prime source of our troubles and miseries.

However some people argue that before the tribesmen arrived there was already armed rebellion against the Maharaja in certain parts of the State; and that some non Muslims also entered the State, especially in Jammu for the purpose of fighting and killing Muslims. In this regard some forces were sent by Maharaja of Patiala and some extremist Hindu elements from various parts of India went to Jammu.

True thousands of Muslims were killed in Jammu, but it is also true that Hindus were also killed, but this could not be equated to the Tribal Invasion, as the first one was a result of communal fighting which spilled over from the former British India; and the other one was an aggression to capture capital and punish the Maharaja who refused to accede to Pakistan despite all the pressure.

It is also true that some non Muslims entered to State to support the Maharaja in fight against the rebellion which was going on in certain parts of the State; but these people did not enter the State to topple the government, to invade the state or punish its Ruler.

No matter how much we dislike it, but fact remains that those non Muslims who entered the State did not violate any written agreement; they did not pose any threat to the sovereignty of the State, if anything they could have been there on the request of Kashmiri authorities to establish writ of the government.

Every State and every government has inherent right to defend its borders and establish writ of government? Prime task of every government is to protect life, dignity and property of every citizen. When his State faced unprovoked attack, was it not his responsibility to seek help to protect his government and state?

Tribesman demonstrated barbarism

Maharaja’s army was not in a position to fight back these tribesmen, and many small towns were ‘liberated’. They conquered Baramula without a problem, and problems started after capturing this important town which had population of nearly sixteen thousands and was the biggest town in the Valley after Srinagar.

Even at that time road to Srinagar was very good and it was only one hour bus journey. There was no army to defend the City from the Tribesmen. They could have taken to City without much effort within few hours, but their greed for looting and lust for women kept them busy there for few days. A famous Kashmiri historian Justice Yousaf Saraf notes:

‘A sizable number of tribesmen lost no time to turn against them (people of the town) and within few hours buildings were ablaze; entry was forced in almost all pucca houses (houses built with bricks) and its inmates were robbed on pain of death’. Nuns at the St Joseph’s Hospital were killed. 9

The tribesman demonstrated equality in looting and plundering, no one was spared. Justice Saraf painfully notes: ‘There was generally no distinction between Hindus and Muslims in so far as loot and arson was concerned. For instance, a tribesman snatched a blanket of Ghani, a poor weaver with four daughters. When asked whether this was the purpose for which they had come to Kashmir, the victim was shot dead on spot. The local cinema hall was converted into a sort of restricted brothel.’ 10

Most Muslim women had left the town in fear, but one unfortunate girl was caught by a tribesman and asked her to accompany her to the camp. She knew what will happen to her, so she asked if she could bring some jewellery and cash from the house. He happily agreed and the girl went inside the house. Justice Saraf wrote: ‘While the tribesman waited outside she dashed into a large room which stocked grass for a dozen of their horses. Setting it on fire, she entrusted herself to the flames’. 11

Rasul Joo Darzi, an oil mill owner invited about two hundred tribesmen for a dinner. After the dinner, ‘honourable guests’, who some people claim went for Jihad, demanded women. The host was stunned, but luckily all young women of the household had already left for safety. Justice Saraf notes, ‘there remained only a great grand mother who was shown to them as the only female inmate and it was with great difficulty that they had left the house.’ 12

When Khan Abdul Qayyum Khan heard stories of loot and pillage, he got alarmed that people of Jammu and Kashmir could turn against them, and he immediately sent Pir of Manki Sharif to Baramula that he could control unruly tribesmen in name of Islam. Pir Sahib told them that ‘plunder was not the primary purpose for which they had entered Kashmir’. Also he told them what were commands of Allah and Prophet (peace be upon him) ‘about rules of war and how important it was to protect everyone’s honour, life and property, regardless of religious belief.’ 13

For three days the tribesmen looted, raped and danced on the ‘great victory’ they had achieved, and did not proceed to Srinagar; and when they did by that time Indian army had already secured the airport. Sardar Ibrahim Khan, first President of Azad Kashmir wrote in his book, ‘The Kashmir Saga’: ‘Failure to capture Srinagar was a turning point in the history of this campaign. If we had captured Srinagar, which was deserted by the Maharaja and his troops we could have captured Srinagar very easily. But this could only be done before the landing of the Indian auxiliary troops in Srinagr.’ 14

The story of tribal invasion is a tragic one. This aggression which was done in holy name of Jihad brought misery and destruction to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and they continue to suffer to date on both sides of the divide. Some people try to justify this invasion by claiming that they went there to help, because there were stories of mass killings of the Muslims in Jammu. But that is not true. If the aim was to help Muslims, then they should have been directed to advance towards Jammu where communal fighting was going on and where Muslims were in minority; instead they were directed to the areas where Muslims were in majority and where there were no communal riots.

Apart from that riots in Jammu started in the last week of August, and leaders of Pakistan and tribesmen remained quiet because there was still hope that the Maharaja might join Pakistan. When in second week of October, rulers of Pakistan realised that the Maharaja was not going to join Pakistan they used tribesmen to capture Kashmir. The strategy did not work as planned, and Pakistan ended up only capturing areas now known as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

As noted above the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir had two options: surrender to these tribesman and Pakistan or seek help from India, he chose the later. His letter to Governor General of India Lord Mountbatten is produced below.

Maharaja’s letter to Lord Mountbatten

My dear Lord Mountbatten,

I have to inform Your Excellency that a grave emergency has arisen in my State and request the immediate assistance of your Government. As Your Excellency is aware, the State of Jammu and Kashmir has not acceded to either the Dominion of India or Pakistan. Geographically my State is contiguous with both of them. Besides, my State has a common boundary with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and with China. In their external relations the Dominion of India and Pakistan cannot ignore this fact.

I wanted to take time to decide to which Dominion I should accede or whether it is not in the best interests of both the Dominions and of my State to stand independent, of course with friendly and cordial relations with both. I accordingly approached the Dominions of India and Pakistan to enter into standstill agreement with my State. The Pakistan Government accepted this arrangement. The Dominion of India desired further discussion with representatives of my Government. I could not arrange this in view of the developments indicated below. In fact the Pakistan Government under the standstill agreement is operating the post and telegraph system inside the State. Though we have got a standstill agreement with the Pakistan Government, the Government permitted a steady and increasing strangulation of supplies like food, salt and petrol to my State.

Afridis, soldiers in plain clothes, and desperadoes with modern weapons have been allowed to infiltrate into the State, at first in the Poonch area, then from Sia1kot and finally in a mass in the area adjoining-Hazara district on the Ramkote side. The result has been that the limited number of troops at the disposal of the State had to be dispersed and thus had to face the enemy at several points simultaneously, so that it has become difficult to stop the wanton destruction of life ad property and the looting of the Mahura power house, which supplies electric current to the whole of Srinagar and which has been burnt. The number of women who have been kidnapped and raped makes my heart bleed. The wild forces thus let loose on the State are marching on with the aim of capturing Srinagar, the summer capital of my government, as a first step to overrunning the whole State. The mass infiltration of tribesman drawn from distant areas of the North-West Frontier Province, coming regularly in motortrucks, using the Manwehra-Mazaffarabad road and fully armed with up-to-date weapons, cannot possibly be done without the knowledge of the Provincial Govemment of the North-West Frontier Province and the Government of Pakistan. In spite of repeated appeals made by my Government no attempt has been made to check these raiders or to stop them from coming into my State. In fact, both radio and the Press of Pakistan have reported these occurrences. The Pakistan radio even put out the story that a provisional government has been set up in Kashmir. The people of my State, both Muslims and non-Muslims, generally have taken no part at all.

With the conditions obtaining at present in my State and the great emergency of the situation as it exists, I have no option but to ask for help from the Indian Dominion. Naturally they cannot send the help asked for by me without my State acceding to the Dominion of India. I have accordingly decided to do so, and I attach the instrument of accession for acceptance by your Government. The other alternative is to leave my state and people to free booters. On this basis no civilised government can exist or be maintained.

This alternative I will never allow to happen so long as I am the ruler of the State and I have life to defend my country. I may also inform your Excellency's Government that it is my intention at once to set up an interim government and to ask Sheikh Abdullah to carry the responsibilities in this emergency with my Prime Minister.

If my State is to be saved, immediate assistance must be available at Srinagar. Mr. V.P. Menon is fully aware of the gravity of the situation and will explain it to you, if further explanation is needed.

In haste and with kindest regards,

Yours sincerely,

Hari Singh

October 26, 1947

10/ Lord Mountbatten’s reply to Maharaja Hari Singh

Even with close inspection one cannot see if the Maharaja offered a provisional accession. He wrote: ‘I have no option but to ask for help from the Indian Dominion. Naturally they cannot send the help asked for by me without my State acceding to the Dominion of India. I have accordingly decided to do so, and I attach the instrument of accession for acceptance by your Government’.

The Governor General of India, Lord Mountbatten in his reply to the Maharaja made the accession conditional, and gave a right to the people of the State to approve it or reject it. The letter of Lord Mountbatten is produced below.

My dear Maharaja Sahib,

Your Highness' letter dated 26 October 1947 has been delivered to me by Mr. V.P. Menon. In the circumstances mentioned by Your Highness, my Government have decided to accept the accession of Kashmir State to the Dominion of India. In consistence with their policy that in the case of any State where the issue of accession has been the subject of dispute, the question of accession should be decided in accordance with the wishes of the people of the State, it is my Government's wish that, as soon as law and order have been restored in Kashmir and its soil cleared of the invader, the question of the State's accession should be settled by a reference to the people.

Meanwhile, in response to Your Highness' appeal for military aid, action has been taken today to send troops of the Indian Army to Kashmir, to help your own forces to defend your territory and to protect the lives, property, and honour of your people. My Government and I note with satisfaction that Your Highness has decided to invite Sheikh Abdullah to form an interim Government to work with your Prime Minister.

Mountbatten of Burma

October 27, 1947

11/ Instrument of Accession

Instrument of Accession executed by Maharajah Hari Singh on October 26, 1947

Whereas the Indian Independence Act, 1947, provides that as from the fifteenth day of August, 1947, there shall be set up an independent Dominion known as INDIA, and that the Government of India Act 1935 shall with such omissions, additions, adaptations and modifications as the Governor General may by order specify, be applicable to the Dominion of India.

And whereas the Government of India Act, 1935, as so adapted by the Governor General, provides that an Indian State may accede to the Dominion of India by an Instrument of Accession executed by the Ruler thereof.

Now, therefore, I Shriman Inder Mahinder Rajrajeswar Maharajadhiraj Shri Hari Singhji, Jammu & Kashmir Naresh Tatha Tibbet adi Deshadhipati, Ruler of Jammu & Kashmir State, in the exercise of my Sovereignty in and over my said State do hereby execute this my Instrument of Accession and

I hereby declare that I accede to the Dominion of India with the intent that the Governor General of India, the Dominion Legislature, the Federal Court and any other Dominion authority established for the purposes of the Dominion shall by virtue of this my Instrument of Accession but subject always to the terms thereof, and for the purposes only of the Dominion, exercise in relation to the State of Jammu & Kashmir (hereinafter referred to as "this State") such functions as may be vested in them by or under the Government of India Act, 1935, as in force in the Dominion of India, on the 15th day of August 1947, (which Act as so in force is hereafter referred to as "the Act').

2. I hereby assume the obligation of ensuring that due effect is given to provisions of the Act within this State so far as they are applicable therein by virtue of this my Instrument of Accession.

3. I accept the matters specified in the schedule hereto as the matters with respect to which the Dominion Legislature may make law for this State.

4. I hereby declare that I accede to the Dominion of India on the assurance that if an agreement is made between the Governor General and the Ruler of this State whereby any functions in relation to the administration in this State of any law of the Dominion Legislature shall be exercised by the Ruler of the State, then any such agreement shall be construed and have effect accordingly.

5. The terms of this my Instrument of Accession shall not be varied by any amendment of the Act or the Indian Independence Act, 1947, unless such amendment is accepted by me by Instrument supplementary to this Instrument.

6. Nothing in this Instrument shall empower the Dominion Legislature to make any law for this State authorizing the compulsory acquisition of land for any purpose, but I hereby undertake that should the Dominion for the purpose of a Dominion law which applies in this State deem it necessary to acquire any land, I will at their request acquire the land at their expense, or, if the land belongs to me transfer it to them on such terms as may be agreed or, in default of agreement, determined by an arbitrator to be appointed by the Chief Justice of India.

7. Nothing in this Instrument shall be deemed to commit in any way to acceptance of any future constitution of India or to fetter my discretion to enter into agreement with the Government of India under any such future constitution.

8. Nothing in this Instrument affects the continuance of my Sovereignty in and over this State, or, save as provided by or under this Instrument, the exercise of any powers, authority and rights now enjoyed by me as Ruler of this State or the validity of any law at present in force in this State.

9. I hereby declare that I execute this Instrument on behalf of this State and that any reference in this Instrument to me or to the Ruler of the State is to be construed as including a reference to my heirs and successors.

Given under my hand this 26th day of October, nineteen hundred and forty seven.

Hari Singh

Maharajadhiraj of Jammu and Kashmir State.

12/

Indian complaint to the Security Council, dated I January 1948 (S/628)

The Government of India have instructed me to transmit to you the following telegraphic communication:

"1. Under Article 35 of the Charter of the United Nations, any Member may bring any situation whose continuance is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security to the attention of the Security Council. Such a situation now exists between India and Pakistan owing to the aid which invaders, consisting of nationals of Pakistan and of tribesmen from the territory immediately adjoining Pakistan on the north-west, are drawing from Pakistan for operations against Jammu and Kashmir, a State which has acceded to the Dominion of India and is part of India. The circumstances of accession, the activities of the invaders which led the Government of India to take military action against them, and the assistance which the attackers have received and are still receiving from Pakistan are explained later in this memorandum. The Government of India request the Security Council to call upon Pakistan to put an end immediately to the giving of such assistance, which is an act of aggression against India. If Pakistan does not do so, the Government of India may be compelled, in self-defence, to enter Pakistan territory, in order to take military action against the invaders. The matter is, therefore, one of extreme urgency and calls for immediate action by the Security Council for avoiding a breach of international peace.

"2. From the middle of September 1947, the Government of India had received reports of the infiltration of armed raiders into the western parts of Jammu province of Jammu and Kashmir State; Jammu adjoins West Punjab, which is a part of the Dominion of Pakistan. These raiders had done a great deal of damage in that area and taken possession of part of the territory of the State. On 24 October, the Government of India heard of a major raid from the Frontier Province of the Dominion of Pakistan into the Valley of Kashmir. Some two thousand or more fully armed and equipped men came in motor transport, crossed over to the territory of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, sacked the town of Muzaffarabad, killing many people and proceeded along the Jhelum Valley road towards Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir State. Intermediate towns and villages were sacked and burnt, and many people killed. These raiders were stopped by Kashmir State troops near Uri, a town some fifty miles from Srinagar, for some time, but the invaders got around them and burnt the power house at Mahora, which supplied electricity to the whole of Kashmir.

"3. The position, on the morning of 26 October, was that these raiders had been held by Kashmir State troops and part of the civil population, who had been armed, at a town called Baramulla. Beyond Baramulla there was no major obstruction up to Srinagar. There was immediate danger of these raiders reaching Srinagar, destroying and massacring large numbers of people, both Hindus and Muslims. The State troops were spread out all over the State and most of them were deployed along the western border of Jammu province. They had been split up into small isolated groups and were incapable of offering effective resistance to the raiders. Most of the State officials had left the threatened areas and the civil administration had ceased to function. All that stood between Srinagar and the fate which had overtaken the places en route followed by the raiders was the determination of the inhabitants of Srinagar, of all communities, and practically without arms, to defend themselves. At this time Srinagar had also a large population of Hindu and Sikh refugees who had fled there from West Punjab owing to communal disturbances in that area. There was little doubt that these refugees would be massacred if the raiders reached Srinagar.

"4. Immediately after the raids into Jammu and Kashmir State commenced, approaches were informally made to the Government of India for the aeceptance of the accession of the State to the Indian Dominion. (It might be explained in parenthesis that Jammu and Kashmir from a State whose ruler, prior to the transfer of power by the United Kingdom to the Dominions of India and Pakistan, had been in treaty relations with the British Crown, which controlled its foreign relations ceased with the transfer of power on 15 August last, and Jammu and Kashmir lilce other States acquired the right to accede to either Dominion.)

"5. Events moved with great rapidity, and the threat to the Valley of Kashmir became grave. On 26 October, the ruler of the State, His Highness Maharaja Sir Hari Singh, appealed urgently to the Government of India for military help. He also requested that the Jammu and Kashmir State should be allowed to accede to the Indian Dominion. An appeal for help was also simultaneously received by the Government of India from the largest popular organization in Kashmir, the National Conference, headed by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah. The Conference further strongly supported the request for the State's accession to the Indian Dominion. The Government of India were thus approached not only officially by the State authorities, but also on behalf of the people of Kashmir, both for military aid and for the accession of the State to India.

"6. The grave threat to the life and property of innocent people in the Kashmir Valley and to the security of the State of Jammu and Kashmir that had developed as a result of the invasion of the Valley demanded immediate decision by the Government of India on both the requests. It was imperative on account of the emergency that the responsibility for the defence of Jammu and Kashmir State should be taken over by a Government capable of discharging it. But, in order to avoid any possible suggestion that India had utilised the State's immediate peril for her own political advantage, the Government of India made it clear that once the soil of the State had been cleared of the invader and normal conditions restored, its people would be free to decide their future by the recognized democratic methods of a plebiscite or referendum which, in order to ensure complete impartiality, might be held under international auspices.

"7. The Government of Indian felt it their duty to respond to the appeal for armed assistance because:

"(1) They could not allow a neighbouring and friendly State

to be compelled by force to determine either its internal affairs

or its external relations;

"(2) The accession of Jammu and Kashmir State to the

Dominion of India made India really responsible for the

defence of the State.

"8. The intervention of the Government of India resulted in saving Srinagar. The raiders were driven back from Baramulla to Uri and are held there by Indian troops. Nearly 19,000 raiders face the Dominion forces in this area. Since operations in the Valley of Kashmir started, pressure by the raiders against the western, and south-western border of Jammu and Kashmir State had been intensified. Exact figures are not available. It is understood, however, that nearly 15,000 raiders are operating a gainst this part of the State. State troops are besieged in certain areas. Incursions by the raiders into the State territory, involving murder, arson, loot, and the abduction of women continue. The booty is collected and carried over to the tribal areas to serve as an inducement to the further recruitment of tribesmen to the ranks of the raiders. In addition to those actively participating in the raid, tribesmen and others, estimated at 100,000 have been collected in different places in the districts of West Punjab bordering Jammu and Kashmir State, and many of them are receiving military training under Pakistani nationals, including officers of the Pakistan Army. They are looked after in Pakistan territory, fed, clothed, armed and otherwise equipped, and transported to the territory of Jammu and Kashmir State with the help, direct and indirect, of Pakistani officials, both military and civil.

"9. As already stated, the raiders who entered the Kashmir Valley in October came mainly from the tribal areas to the north-west of Pakistan and, in order to reach Kashmir, passed through Pakistan territory. The raids along the south-west border of the State, which had preceded the invasion of the valley proper, had actually been conducted from Pakistan territory, and Pakistan nationals had taken part in them. This process of transmission across Pakistan territory and untilisation of that territory as a base of operations against Jammu and Kashmir State continues. Recently, military operations against the western and south-western borders of the State have been intensified, and the attackers consist of nationals of Pakistan as well as tribesmen. These invaders are armed with modern weapons, including mortars and medium machine-guns, wear the battle dress of regular soldiers and, in recent engagements, have fought in regular battle formation and are using the tactics of modern warfare. Man-pack wireless sets are in regular use and even mark V mines have been employed. For their transport the invaders have all along used motor vehicles. They are undoubtedly being trained and to some extent led by regular officers of the Pakistan Army. Their rations and other supplies are obtained from Pakistan territory.

"10. These facts point indisputably to the conclusion

"(a) that the invaders are allowed transit across Pakistan

territory;

"(b) that they are allowed to use Pakistan territory as a base

of operations;

"(c) that they include Pakistan nationals;

"(d) that they draw much of their military equipment,

transportation, and supplies (including petrol) from Pakistan;

and

"(e) that Pakistan officers are training, guiding, and

otherwise actively helping them.

"There is no source other than Pakistan from which they could obtain such quantities of modern military equipment, training or guidance. More than once, the Government of India had asked the Pakistan Government to deny to the invaders facilities which constitute an act of aggressian and hostility against India, but without any response. The last occasion on which this request was made was on 22 December, when the Prime Minister of India handed over personally to the Prime Minister of Pakistan a letter in which the various forms of aid given by Pakistan to the invaders were briefly recounted and the Government of Pakistan were asked to put an end to such aid promptly; no reply to this letter has yet been received in spite of a telegraphic reminder sent on 26 December.

"11. It should be clear from the foregoing recital that the Government of Pakistan are unwilling to stop the assistance in material and men which the invaders are receiving from Pakistan territory and from Pakistan nationals, including Pakistan Government personnel, both military and civil. This attitude is not only un-neutral, but constitutes active aggression against India, of which the State of Jammu and Kashmir forms a part.

"12. The Government of India have exerted persuasion and exercised patience to bring about a change in the attitude of Pakistan. But they have failed, and are in consequence confronted with a situation in which their defence of Jammu and Kashmir State is hampered and their measures to drive the invaders from the territory of the State are greatly impeded by the support which the raiders derive from Pakistan. The invaders are still on the soil of Jammu and Kashmir and the inhabitants of the States are exposed to all the atrocities of which a barbarous foe is capable. The presence, in large numbers, of invaders in those portions of Pakistan territory which adjoin parts of Indian territory other than Jammu and Kashmir State is a menace to the rest of India. Indefinite continuance of the present operations prolongs the agony of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, is a drain on India's resources and a constant threat to the maintenance of peace between India and Pakistan. The Government of India have no option, therefore, but to take more effective military action in order to rid Jammu and Kashmir State of the invader.

"13. In order that the objective of expelling the invader from Indian territory and preventing him from launching attacks should be quickly achieved, Indian troops would have to enter Pakistan territory; only thus could the invader be denied the use of bases and cut off from his sources of supplies and reinforcements in Pakistan. Since the aid which the invaders are receiving from Pakistan is an act of aggression against India, the Government of India are entitled, under international law, to send their armed forces across Pakistan territory for dealing effectively with the invaders. However, as such action might involve armed conflict with Pakistan, the Government of India, ever anxious to proceed according to the principles and aims of the Charter of the United Nations, desire to report the situation to the Security CDuncil under Article 35 of the Charter. They feel justified in requesting the Security Council to ask the Government of Pakistan.

"(1) to prevent Pakistan Government personnel, military

and civil from participating or assisting in the invasion of

Jammu and Kashmir State;

"(2) to call upon other Pakistani nationals to desist from

taking any part in the fighting in Jammu and Kashmir State;

"(3) to deny to the invaders: (a) access to any use of its

territory for operations against Kashmir, (b) military and other

supplies, (c) all other kinds of aid that might tend to prolong

the present struggle.

"14. The Government of India would stress the special urgency of the Security Council taking immediate action on their request. They desire to add that military operations in the invaded areas have, in the past few days, been developing so rapidly that they must, in self- defence, reserve to themselves the freedom to take, at any time when it may become necessary, such military action as they may consider the situation requires.

"15. The Government of India deeply regret that a serious crisis should have been reached in their relation with Pakistan. Not only is Pakistan a neighbour but, in spite of the recent separation, India and Pakistan have many ties and many common interests. India desires nothing more earnestly than to live with her neighbour-State on terms of close and lasting friendship. Peace is to the interest of both States; indeed to the interests of the world. The Government of India's approach to the Security Council is inspired by the sincere hope that, through the prompt action of the Council, peace may be preserved.

"16. The text of this reference to the Security Council is being telegraphed to the "Government of Pakistan."

13/

Article 257 of Constitution of Pakistan

Most Pakistanis and many Kashmiris wrongly assume that Kashmir is part of Pakistan or, at least, those areas which are under Pakistan are part of Pakistan. This is not true. The recent new package for Gilgit Baltistan has confirmed one thing that these areas are not ‘Northern Areas’ of Pakistan, as they claimed over the years. Constitution of every country defines its territory; and Pakistani constitution clearly says:

‘When the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir decide to accede to Pakistan, the relationship between Pakistan and the State shall be determined in accordance with the wishes of the people of that State.’

14/ Article 370 of the Indian constitution

Temporary provisions with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir

(1) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution,

(a) the provisions of article 238 shall not apply in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir;

(b) the power of Parliament to make laws for the said State shall be limited to,

(i) those matters in the Union List and the Concurrent List which, in consultation with the Government of the State are declared by the President to correspond to matters specified in the Instrument of Accession governing the accession of the State to the Dominion of India as the matters with respect to which the Dominion Legislature may make laws far that State; and

(ii) such other matters in the said Lists as, with the concurrence of the Government of the State, the President may by order specify.

Explanation For the purposes of this article, the Govermnent of the State means the person for the time being recognised by the President as the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers for the time being in office under the Maharaja's Proclamation dated the fifth day of March. 1948;

(d) such of the other provisions of this Constitution shall apply in relation to that State subject to such exceptions and modifications as the President may by order specify:

Provided that no such order which relates to the matters specified in the Instrument of Accession of the State referred to in paragraph (i) of sub-clause (b) shall be issued except in consultation with the Government of the State:

Provided further that no such order which relates to matters other than those referred in the last preceding proviso shall be issued except with the concurrence of that Government.

(2) If the concurrence of the Government of the State referred to in paragraph (ii) of sub-clause (b) of clause (1) or in the second proviso to sub-clause (d) of that clause be given before the Constituent Assembly for the purpose of framing the Constitution of the State is convened, it shall be placed before such Assembly for such decision as it may take thereon.

(3) Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this article, the President may. by public notification, declare that this article shall cease to be operative or shall be operative only with such exceptions and modifications and from such date as he may specify:

Provided that the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of the State referred to in clause (2) shall be necessary before the President issues such a notification.

15/

Excerpts of Sheikh Abdullah speech in the UN Security Council

A file picture of late 1970s of Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir (J and K) and the leader of the largest political party of the state, National Conference (NC), addresses a press conference, in Srinagar.

‘…………The situation was worsening day by day and the minority in our State was feeling very nervous. As a result tremendous pressure was brought to bear upon the State administration to release me and my colleagues. The situation outside demanded the release of workers of National Conference, along with its leader, and we were accordingly set free……

Immediately we were liberated from the prison we were faced with the important question of whether Kashmir should accede to Pakistan, accede to India, or remain independent... We could not decide this all important issue before achieving our own liberation, and our slogan became "Freedom before accession." Some friends from Pakistan met me in Srinagar. I have a heart-to-heart discussion with them and explained my point of view....

While I was engaged in these conversations and negotiations with friends from Pakistan, I sent one of my colleagues to Lahore, where he met the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr.Liaquat Ali Khan, and other high dignitaries of the West Punjab Government. He placed the same point of view before them and requested that they should allow us time to consider this vital question, first helping us to achieve our liberation instead of forcing us to declare our decision one way or the other. Then, one fine morning while these negotiations were proceeding, I received news that a full-fledged attack had been carried out by the raiders on Muzaffarabad, frontier town in the Kashmir Province....

While the raiders came to our land, massacred thousands of people -- mostly Hindus and Sikhs, but Muslims too -- abducted thousands of girls, Hindu, Sikhs and Muslims alike, looted our property and almost reached the gates of our summer capital, Srinagar, the result was that the civil, military and police administration failed. The Maharaja, in the dead of the night, left the capital along with his courtiers, and the result was absolute panic. There was no one to take over control. In that hour of crisis, the National Conference came forward with 10,000 volunteers and took over the administration of the country. They started guarding the banks, the offices and houses of every person in the capital. This is the manner in which the administration changed hands. We were de facto in charge of the administration. The Maharaja, later on, gave it a legal form....

I was explaining how the dispute arose -- how Pakistan wanted to force this position of slavery upon us. Pakistan had no interest in our liberation or it would not have opposed our freedom movement. Pakistan would have supported us when thousands of my countrymen were behind bars and hundreds were shot to death. The Pakistani leaders and Pakistani papers were heaping abuse upon the people of Kashmir who were suffering these tortures……’ 15

16. Conclusion

It is not possible to turn back the clock of history. It is not possible to tell what exactly would have happened if 22 October 1947 was not in our history – if there was no tribal invasion.

People of Kashmir have a long history of suffering. Rulers of Kashmir, Muslims and non Muslims have equally oppressed the people, but it is believed that during the Dogra rule, by and large, Muslims suffered more. Politics based on religion and hatred, and subsequent partition of the British India polarised the entire Sub Continent; and that also had negative impact on polity of the State.

It is true there were anti Maharaja sentiments among many Muslims, but it is also true that he was the Ruler of the State and even pro Pakistan Muslim Conference more than once expressed its loyalty to the Maharaja and expressed its desire to accept him as a Constituent Ruler of the State.

Compared to other Princely States, the State of Jammu and Kashmir evolved a democratic and constitutional set up, and people had more democratic rights compared to subjects of other Princely States. The State had Parliament and had democratic elections.

If there was no outside interference, no infiltration, no insurgency and no tribal invasion, then it was possible that the Maharaja could have given more rights to the people and in return they could have accepted him as a Constituent Ruler of the State with more power to the Parliament. If the above had happened then it was possible that the State would have been one political entity and possibly independent country.

Unfortunately we cannot change the course of history with ifs and buts, we have to face hard facts and situation as it is today. The fact is that today our State is forcibly divided and people suffer on both sides of the divide; and despite death of tens of thousands, rapes, destruction and misery of millions there is no light at the end of tunnel.

Today people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir are deeply divided, oppressed and not sure what exactly they want. While ordinary people suffer on both sides of the divide Kashmiri struggle for right of self determination and unification of the State has become a lucrative business for some.

Despite the above, sincere and freedom loving people of the State will have to continue their struggle; and if not get independence for our next generation, at least, pass on the torch that they can continue the struggle for unification and independence of the State. END

by: Dr Shabir Choudhry

Amanullah Khan, Yasin Malik join hands Sign Merger Agreement

2011-09-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Islamabad, Aug 13: In a significant development the factions of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) led by Amanullah Khan and Yasin Malik have agreed in principle to work together to steer the ongoing movement to its logical end, a senior JKLF leader said.

“Following an in-depth consultations the top leadership of the segregated JKLF factions has finally agreed in principle to work together to take the ongoing peaceful democratic movement of Kashmiris to its logical end,” he said.

The decision to this effect, he said, was taken during a high level meeting between the supreme head of JKLF Amanullah Khan and JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik here on Friday.

“Both the leaders signed the merger agreement after having threadbare discussions on the prevailing political situation in Kashmir vis-à-vis the changing regional and global scenario,” he added.

Malik, he said, along with his other party workers visited the Khan’s residence yesterday where he was accorded a warm welcome. “The veteran JKLF leader who is suffering from various ailments expressed his desire to see both the JKLF factions united and suggested to setup a joint committee that would work out the final modalities,” the leader said.

Reciprocating to Khan’s suggestion the JKLF chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik nominated four members of his party, advocate Bashir Ahmed Bhat advocate, Sabir Ansari, Pervaiz Iqbal and Muhammad Rafiq Dar as the representatives of his faction, while Khan nominated S M Afzal, advocate Sardar Sageer, Hafiz Anwar Samawi and Manzoor Ahmed Khan as representatives from his side.

World least bothered about Kashmir struggle: Malik

2011-09-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Srinagar, Sep 9: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik on Friday said world was “least bothered” about the peaceful struggle of Kashmiris

Addressing a gathering at Karihama Tangmarg, Malik said, Kashmiris have given new lease of life to the peaceful movement by sacrificing their lives and if international community would continue to disrespect it and then people will lose faith in this mode of struggle.

“World talks about peaceful struggle, but in practice they don’t respect it. It is necessary to resolve Afghanistan, Palestine and other outstanding issues in the world, but at the same time, world should also strive for the resolution of Kashmir dispute,” he said.

The JKLF chairman said apathetic attitude of the world community towards Kashmir can give birth to another Afghanistan. “And if it happens, then it will damage the stability and peace of the world beyond repair,” he said.

Malik added that execution of Afzal Guru would prove detrimental for peace in the subcontinent. “New Delhi should understand that they cannot end the movements by hanging people. After Maqbool Bhat was sent to gallows, lakhs of Maqbool Bhats were born and they are still fighting for a cause,” he added.

Expressing concern over detainees, Malik said there was no let up in unilateral violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Our senior leaders and youth, who have been booked under draconian acts, are rotting in jails,” he said, adding this “attitude is undemocratic and imperialistic.”

Malik, according to party handout’ was accorded warm reception on the occasion.

Kashmir Dispute and Role of China

2011-03-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

In name of Allah I begin.

Mr Chairman, friends and colleagues Aslamo alaykam and good evening.

Acknowledgment

Big thanks to Dr Charles Graves and Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri for their help and support in arranging this seminar on such an important topic.

Also I want to thank my colleagues:

* Abbas Butt, Mohammed Asim,
* Mohammed Shoaib and Imitiaz Ul Maqsood who, as a part of the delegation visited Gilgit and Pakistani Administered Kashmir.

Strategic importance of Jammu and Kashmir

Total area of Jammu and Kashmir is more than 84,000 square miles, and it has great strategic importance. The State of Jammu and Kashmir is also endowed with ample natural resources. This is where South, Central and East Asia converge. It is at the crossroads of three great civilizations and was traditionally a gateway for both India and China to Central Asia and beyond, in to the heart of Europe. This is old trading route known as the Silk Route which contributed enormously to the wealth of so many countries and brought different civilizations closer to each other.

With time strategic importance of these areas has increased. Apart from India and Pakistan, other countries like China, Afghanistan, Central Asian states, Iran, Russia and America also have keen interest in these areas.

Kashmir’s importance is enhanced because of the areas of Gilgit Baltistan, which are legal and constitutional part of the State; but attempts are made to annex these areas from the State.

Parties to the Kashmir Dispute

We may have certain desires with regard to the status of Jammu and Kashmir, however, we have to look at the legal position when analysing the Kashmir dispute. The Ruler of the State Maharaja Hari Singh, in accordance with his rights offered India and a Standstill Agreement, while India wanted to discuss this matter further, Pakistan accepted the Standstill Agreement.

But in complete violation of this Standstill Agreement Pakistani officials managed a Tribal Invasion to occupy Kashmir in which thousands of people of Kashmir were killed, their property and personal belongings looted and their women raped and kidnapped.

The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir fearing threat to his throne and to his people requested India for help. India urged the Maharaja to accede with India before any help could be sent. The Maharaja had no choice but to accede to India which was provisionally accepted and had to be ratified by the people of the State.

Because of that unprovoked aggression against Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan occupied a large area of the State. The UN Commission for India and Pakistan in its resolution of 13 August 1948 categorically asked Pakistan to vacate these areas. The UN resolution reads:

1. As, the presence of troops of Pakistan in the territory of the State of Jammu and Kashmir constitutes a material change in the situation since it was represented by the Government of Pakistan before the Security Council, the Government of Pakistan agrees to withdraw its troops from that State.

2. The Government of Pakistan will use its best endeavour to secure the withdrawal from the State of Jammu and Kashmir of tribesmen and Pakistani nationals not normally resident therein who have entered the State for the purpose of fighting.

3. Pending a final solution, the Territory evacuated by the Pakistani troops will be administered by the local authorities under the surveillance of the commission.

So one can see initially the dispute was between India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It was they who had to decide if that provisional accession was acceptable to them or not. Pakistan became a party because of that unprovoked aggression and occupation of the Kashmiri territory.

However, it is accepted that there are three parties to the Kashmir dispute, namely India, Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Other countries may have a position or a view on the Kashmir dispute, or what is happening there, but they are not a party to the dispute.

Role of China

China is our neighbour, but is not a party to the Kashmir dispute. However, China in a war with India in 1962 occupied Aksai Chin, a Kashmiri territory; and to have a better link with that territory they negotiated a deal with Pakistan in 1963. For the Chinese friendship and economic and other help Pakistan gave away around 2200 square miles of our territory to China from Gilgit Baltistan, known as Shaksam Valley.

China and Pakistan entered in to an agreement over this on 2 March 1963. In article 6 of this agreement Pakistan acknowledged that the sovereignty of the region did not rest with Pakistan; and that China was not a party to the Kashmir Dispute. The agreement reads and I quote:

‘The two parties have agreed that after the settlement of the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India, the sovereign authority concerned will reopen negotiations with the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the boundary as described in Article Two of the present agreement, so as to sign a formal boundary treaty to replace the present agreement, provided that in the event of the sovereign authority being Pakistan, the provisions of the present agreement and of the aforesaid protocol shall be maintained in the formal boundary treaty to be signed between the People’s Republic of China and Pakistan.’ Unquote

That Agreement and subsequent Chinese role with regard to the Kashmir dispute clearly prove that China was not a party to the Kashmir dispute. It is disappointing to note that over the past years government of Pakistan and some Kashmiri are working hard to make China a part of the Kashmir Dispute.

Now that Pakistani official find future of their country uncertain, and because of conflicting and competing interests, they are faced with a possible war or a military confrontation with the USA in which India could also be drawn in, they feel necessary to seek the Chinese help to face these challenges. Because of that Pakistani government has allowed a large presence of the Chinese army under the pretext of development work.

This is not to suggest that the development work is not taking place. Of course China is involved in dozens of mega projects in the region. According to reliable reports and evidence of those who have visited the region, China is constructing many roads and bridges and dozens of tunnels.

Many of the Chinese soldiers are building a railroad. Others are extending the Karakoram Highway, which connects China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range, and engaged in activities for constructing dams, highways and other projects. They have also leased dozens of strategically important regions which are also full of natural resources; and this is loot and plunder of our resources.

The presence of the Chinese army helps Pakistan to keep local people under control, as presence of armed men deter any possible disturbances from the local population, who detest Pakistani rule there. Anyhow, before I analyse implications of the presence of the Chinese army, I want to tell what a Pakistani writer, Aziz Narejo, who, while analysing the situation of Pakistan said, and I quote:

‘They lost half of the country in just 24 years. They still didn’t learn. Created some more monsters in the name of religion and ethnicity. Today everything seems out of control. The rightist groups, which were supported in the name of religion to fight the nationalist and progressive elements in the country and to wage proxy wars on the borders and in India and Afghanistan, have started working on their own agenda. They now think they are in a position to claim the whole pie – ‘why settle for less’?’

He further said:

‘Country is clearly on a path to self-destruction. Many of the people would still not realize the seriousness of the situation. They are in the constant state of denial and blame every misfortune either on America or India. Well, the two may have some blame to share but considering them responsible for everything, distracts us from the malaise that may be afflicting us from within. It also keeps us from focusing on other countries, which are pouring money into the seminaries producing the suicide bombers and murderers. More we close our eyes to them, closer we get to our destruction.’ Unquote

Pakistani governments have history of providing their services to foreign powers for the sake of economic and military help. It looks that now they are ready to provide certain services to the Chinese for the sake of economic and military assistance. Pakistani and the American secret agencies are already at a war with each other.

The Americans feel, despite billions of dollars in economic help and military hardware to Pakistan, they have been let down by the Pakistani government and their agencies in the war on terrorism. They feel Pakistani army and their agencies have been playing a double game with them for too long; and time for a show down has come. So there is a strong possibility of worsening of relationship between them, possibly leading to some kind of military confrontation. Fearing that scenario the Pakistani authorities wanted to ensure that their ‘trusted friend’ China is available to help and support them, especially in Gilgit Baltistan.

However, the presence of the Chinese army in the disputed territory of Gilgit Baltistan is very serious matter; and poses the following dangers:

1. It is a serious threat to the peace and stability of the region;

2. It gives a free hand the Chinese to plunder natural resources of the region;

3. It is a serious threat to social, cultural and economic interests of the local people;

4. It is also possible that due to Pakistan’s serious problems and bleak future, China might take over this region to safeguard interest of both countries and to keep India out;

5. The USA might see this threat to their regional and strategic interests;

6. The USA might also find threat to their armed personnel in Pakistan and in Afghanistan and some impact on ‘War on Terrorism’;

7. India may also view this threat to their position in Jammu and Kashmir and threat to their regional and strategic interests.

Pakistan and China might have certain common interests, for example, economic and military cooperation and enmity with India, but what Pakistani government needs to understand is that China has its own interest to have a foot hold in this region that they can have access to warm waters and new markets via Gawadar Sea Port?

At present, it takes Chinese tankers up to 25 days to reach the Gulf, but control of Gilgit Baltistan and route to Gawadar Port will ensure that China has unfettered road and rail access to the mouth of the Persian Gulf, which is a major shipping route and will provide connections to African, Asian and European markets in matter of a few days. This will not only boost the Chinese trade but it will also significantly increase their influence in those regions.

It must be understood that the Pakistani interest is not China’s top priority. They have long term agenda and want to emerge as a global economic and military power and could use unstable country like Pakistan as a stepping stone to advance Chinese national agenda.

Apart from us - people of Jammu and Kashmir, some Indian politicians and analysts are also concerned about the Chinese assertiveness. Kiren Rijiju, a Member of Parliament representing Arunachal Pradesh (West), is very critical of Chinese advances. In an article published on 2 March 2011 with a title of: ‘It is time to wake up’, he expresses very serious concern over Chinese intrusions in Arunachal. China has a claim over this territory and when the Indian Prime Minister visited the region he did not go to Tawang giving ‘some leverage to the Chinese who can say ‘he has not gone to Tawang, because it is a disputed territory’.

Kiren Rijiju claims India gives too much importance to Pakistan and America and very little attention to China. He thinks India does not know enough about China. India does not have sufficient knowledge about their defence capabilities, their intelligence and their designs for the region. In his view ‘If ever, India and China go to war one day, it will be on this issue.’

However, some other experts feel this military clash will be over the region of Gilgit Baltistan which is part of former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir; and this clash could drag in other countries with disastrous consequences.

Few months ago Kashmir National Party sent a delegation to the region of Gilgit Baltistan. They met many people there and compiled a report on the visit which has been released today by Dr Charles Graves. During the visit we noted that people of the Gilgit Baltistan were extremely worried about presence of the Chinese army. They know Pakistan and China are plundering their natural resources and want to intimidate and harass the local people that they cannot speak against the Pakistani rule and plundering of their resources.

Apart from that the local people fear that their homeland could become a battleground for a new war, what some analysts say could be a new round of the great game which started in the 19th Century.

During our visit we conducted a small sample survey and you can see details of that in the report. However, I will briefly discuss salient points of that survey; and show you by PowerPoint slides how thinking of local people has changed and how sense of fear and intimidation prevails in that region.

Mr Chairman I thank you for your patience.

--
Dr Shabir Choudhry
"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." -- George Orwell.

New curfew brutally enforced: Death toll now 71

2010-10-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

Security forces and the police imposed an indefinite curfew in the Kashmir Valley with orders of shoot-on-sight.

The security forces and police are not entertaining even the passes issued by the district magistrates to the people and the media. People were told that the curfew passes have been rejected. Police officials said the curfew may continue for four or five days without any relaxation.

Police and security forces opened fire, burst smoke shells and charged on those who defied the curfew. One person was killed and over 40 people were injured in these clashes.

From the start of the unrest on 12 June 71 people have been killed.

A further heavy deployment of security forces and police told the people not to venture out and remain indoors. Security forces and the police smashed window panes if they found any window open.

Patients were not allowed to be admitted to hospitals in Srinagar. The situation was similar at Nowhatta, Bohri Kadal, Sekidafar, Safa Kadal, Gojwara, Khanyar, Rainawari, Abi Guzar, Lal Chowk, Residency Road, Maisuma, Maharajgund, Hari Singh High, Jawahar Nagar, Solina and other places.

Following the massive protests and fierce clashes between the government forces and youth in the most of the townships of south Kashmir, authorities today clamped strict curfews in Anantnag, Pulwama and Bijbehara towns.

The media has been repressed. No local newspaper hit the news-stands today. Newspapers from other areas were prevented from being circulated.

The staff of the local cable television studios were prevented by the security forces from reaching their offices and the staff of the national television channel staff were trapped in their offices and were unable to cover the situation on the ground.

http://www.darulihsan.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3519:kashmir-update-new-curfew-brutally-enforced-death-toll-now-71&catid=55:news&Itemid=155

OIC Reaffirmed its Principled Support to the People of Kashmir

2010-09-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Kashmiri American Council

New York. September 24, 2010. “The phenomenon of unstopped and unpunished barbarities is being witnessed in Kashmir. The irony is that the impunity that is thus being granted to the violator of human rights is not in the context of a new dispute. It is being allowed to arise and to persist in a territory which, under international law, is not part of any member state of the United Nations and whose status is yet to be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite under supervision and control of the United Nations” said Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center while speaking during the “Annual Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM)” of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) which was held today at the United Nations headquarters. The OIC has 57 member countries. Dr. Hamrokhon Zariff, Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, chaired the Meeting. The OIC Secretary General and the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations attended the Meeting. The Kashmiri delegation included: Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, the Prime Minister Azad Kashmir; Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Mr. Masood-ur-Rehman, and Mr. Abdul Hameed Shaheen.

The CFM reiterated the need for a peaceful and negotiated settlement of all conflicts in the Islamic world and reaffirmed its principled support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the realization of their legitimate right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The CFM expressed concern at the recent and ongoing indiscriminate use of force and gross violations of human rights committed in Indian Occupied Kashmir by Indian security forces which have resulted in killing of scores of innocent and unarmed civilians as well as injuries to hundreds of others including women, children and elderly. The OIC emphasized the need for full respect of human rights as well as importance of taking all requisite steps to provide relief and comfort to the Kashmiris. It further called upon India to allow international human rights groups and humanitarian organizations to visit Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier the OIC Contact Group on Kashmir condemned the continual arrests and detentions of the Kashmiri leadership and called upon Government of India to release all political prisoners, including Kashmiri leaders without delay. It urged India to put an end to the suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir by repealing all laws that violate the basic freedoms and human rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr. Fai warned that far from seeking to rectify its atrocious human rights record, India has legalized its state-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir. It has given its occupation forces powers to shoot to kill and the license to abuse the people of Kashmir in whatever ways they like in order to suppress the popular movement for self-determination. These tactics, Fai said have no military purpose whatsoever. Their only imaginable purpose is to terrorize a people into submission.

Fai emphasized that as long as the international community allows India to hide its atrocities in Kashmir, there would be no end to the ever-increasing gross and consistent violations of human rights in that unfortunate land. As long as India is successful in isolating Kashmir from the rest of the world, they will not only continue to trample the Kashmiris’ basic rights and freedoms but will also block all peaceful processes for the restitution and restoration of these rights and freedoms.

Fai told the Council of Foreign Ministers that the solution of Kashmir is both urgent and vital. It has a far more populous and strategic area than other trouble spots in the world. The pain felt by the people of Kashmir is no less devastating than that felt by the people of Haiti. The nuclear tinderbox in South Asia is no less threatening than in Korea. The mass rapes by the Indian occupation forces are no less humiliating in Kashmir than in Bosnia. The torture and imprisonment in Indian Occupied Kashmir is no less intense as it is in Myanmar. In fact the pain, suffering and humiliation in Kashmir s intensified because the people of Kashmir have been under alien occupation for over 63 years.

Fai urged the OIC to persuade Government of India to initiate the Kashmir centric CBM’s, including: (i). Demilitarizing of Kashmir; (ii). Allowing the people of Kashmir to freely express their political views; (iii). Releasing all political prisoners, including Shabir Ahmed Shah & Mian Abdul Qayyum; (iv). Repealing draconian laws; and (iv.) Allowing Kashmiri political leaders to travel abroad.

Tragic Situation in Kashmir Demands the Urgent Attention of President Obama

2010-08-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

The tragtic situation in Kashmir demands that all peace-loving people sign the petition along with their family and friends. And every body is encouraged to forward the petition to their acquaintances.

Here is the petition

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/kashmir1/petition.html

Thanks.

Kashmir Peace Rally in Washington

2010-08-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

Kashmiri American Council

Invites you

To participate in a

Peace Rally

In Front of the Indian Embassy

2586 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

12.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m.

(Nearest metro: Dupont Circle, 5 minutes walk)

The real face of India is evident truly in Kashmir where the Indian Army during the past 20 years has:

Killed over 100,000 men, women and children.

Tortured and maimed tens of thousands;

WHY ALL THIS?

Because the people of Kashmir demand an end to the military occupation of their land by India;

Because they demand what they have been pledged by both India and Pakistan and guaranteed by the Security Council, with the unequivocal endorsement of the United States – demilitarization of Kashmir and a free vote organized impartially.

Should India Get Away With The Flouting of International Agreements?

Should India Be Grated a License For The Genocide of the People of Kashmir?

These are the questions for President Obama who said on September 25, 2008, “I will continue support of ongoing Indian Pakistani efforts to resolve Kashmir problem in order to address the political roots of the arms race between India and Pakistan.” He also said on October 30, 2008, “We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis.”

Amnesty International reported on August 2, 2010 that ”At least 14 protesters have been killed in shootings by security forces during protests in Kashmir over the last four days.”

Christian Science Monitor wrote on August 2, 2010, “In what the Indian media are calling Bloody Sunday, 10 people died yesterday in protests across Indian-controlled Kashmir. ..The protests are part of a popular uprising against Indian rule and heavy-handed police tactics in Kashmir. ..The recent uprising appears to have no links to Pakistan. Instead, it is led by Kashmiri youth ranging from six to 30 who are using a mix of nonviolent defiance of curfews and rock throwing at security forces in a bid to win independence for Kashmir.

London Review of Books wrote on July 22, 2010, “More than a hundred thousand people marched peacefully to the UN office in Srinagar. They burned effigies, chanted ‘Azadi, azadi’ (‘freedom’) and appealed to India to leave Kashmir. The movement was not crushed. It was merely ignored. Nothing changed. Now a new generation of Kashmiri youth is on the march.”

European Parliamentary Delegation said that “Kashmir is the most beautiful prison of the world.”

Please join us along with your family and friends to show your solidarity with the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Co-sponsored by:

Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference

Jammu Kashmir Peoples Muslim League

Jammu Kashmir Peoples Party

Peoples Party Pakistan, AJK

Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front;

Jammu Kashmir Jamaat-e-Islami

Jammu Kashmir National Liberation Front

Kashmir Mission, New York

World Kashmir Freedom Movement

For more information, please contact:

Fai, 202-607-6585

Attorney Mumtaz Wani, 703-615-8220

W. Qureishi, 909-9984

Zubair 703-244-7433

Liaqat 301-674-9291

Zulfiqar 571-277-0428Tahir Iqbal 571-278-3483

Send email to gnfai2003@yahoo. com

N.B.:

Please note that Kashmiri American Council will organize another peace rally on

Saturday, August 15, 2010
between 1.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.

in front of the Indian Mission, New York

235 East 43rd Street, New York. (5minutes walk from the United Nations).

For further information, please call Hafiz Sabir on 1-917-204-0121

Eleventh International Kashmir Peace Conference

2010-07-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

“India-Pakistan Relations: Breaking the Deadlock over Kashmir”

Presented by
The Kashmiri-American Council and The Association of Humanitarian Lawyers

Thursday, July 29th 2010 at the Cannon Caucus Room # 345

Friday, July 30th 2010 at the Rayburn, Gold Room # 2168

(Nearest metro is: Capitol South, Orange and Blue lines)

The conference will be held on Thursday, July 29th & Friday, 30th, 2010 on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. The primary objective of this conference is to explore various possibilities to set a stage for the settlement of the Kashmir dispute. Speakers will represent both sides of the Cease-fire Line; from India, Pakistan and Kashmir.

The international community upholds the position of principle that the future status of Kashmir must be ascertained in accordance with the wishes and the aspirations of the people. It was also upheld equally by both India and Pakistan when the Kashmir dispute was brought before the Security Council in 1948. Although this may be regarded as history there is no reason why, when the human, political and legal realities of the dispute have only not changed but have become more accentuated with the passage of time, it should now be regarded as irrelevant.

The urgent goal of resolving the Kashmir dispute cannot be left to the two governments to achieve. Bilateral talks have proven barren for more than 61 years; they have lacked a sense of urgency. It requires the engagement of a multilateral effort with the participation of the Kashmiris themselves.

The durable peace and development of harmonious relations and friendly cooperation will serve the vital interests of the peoples of the two countries of India and Pakistan, enabling them to devote their energies for a better future. With good faith by all parties concerned common, the governments of India & Pakistan and the people of Kashmir, ground leading to a final settlement of the Kashmir tragedy can be discovered. If it can happen in East Timor, South Africa, and Serbia, then it can happen in Kashmir, which is even more urgent because of nuclear and missile proliferation in the region.

From India the organizers have invited:
Ambassador Kuldip Nayar, Justice Rajendar Sachar, Ms. Rita Manchanda, Ms. Harinder Baweja

From Pakistan the following have been are invited:
Mr. Mohammad Afzal Sindhu, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Dr. Attia Inaytullah, Mr. Ahmer Bilal Soofi, Esq. Ambassador Munir Akram

From Kashmir, the list includes:
Prime Minister AJK, Mr. Raja Farooq Haider, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mr. Mohammad Yasin Malik, Mr. Ved Bhasin, Pandit Jatinder Bakhshi, Professor Hameeda Bano, Mr. Basharat peer, Ambassador Yusuf Buch, Dr. Farhan Chak, Mr. Zahid G. Mohammad, and Mr. M. Attiqyrer Rehman.

From expatriate activists:
Professor Nazir A. Shawl, Barrister Majid Tramboo, Mr. Sareer Fazili, Esq, Mr. Ali S. Khan, Dr. Mohammad A. Dar; Prof. Maqsood Jafri, Mr. Altaf Qadri, Mr. Ejaz Sabir, Mr. Muzzammil Thakur, Dr. Imtiaz Khan and Mr. Mumtaz Wani, Esq, Prof. Faizaul Haq, Mr. Shaheen Khalid Bhat, Mr. Javaid Rathore, Sardar Amjad Yousuf, Prof. (Mrs.) Shamim Shawl, Mr. Raja Muzzafar, Prof. Wasiuulah Khan, Dr. Nisar Chowdhary, M. Khawaja Ashraf.

Others on the invitation list are:
Professor Stanley Wolpert, Professor Joseph Schwartzberg, Ms. Victoria Schofield, Professor Stephen Cohen, Professor Richard Shapiro, Dr. Haley Duschinski, Dr. Rodney Jones, Dr. Karen Parker, Professor Angana Chatterji, Mr. Bruce Hoffman.

Pakistani Ambassador Hussain Haqqani and Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar are invited.

*********************************************************************
Admission to the Conference is free but registration is required*

Eleventh International Kashmir Peace Conference

Thursday, July 29th at Cannon Caucus Room # 345, Registration starts at 8.00 &
Friday, July 30th 2010 at Rayburn, Gold Room # 2168, Registration starts at 9.00

Name ……………………………………

Address …………………………………………………………………………

Organization ………………………………………………………….

Tel: ( ) …………………………………… Fax: ( ) ……………………

E-mail: ………………………………

Yes, I would like to attend the Conference on Thursday, July 29th 2010 __

Yes, I would like to attend the Conference on Friday, July 30th 2010 ____

E-mail: kashmirconference@yahoo.com or Call KAC:
202-607-6585/202-628-6789/202-628-6788/Fax: 202-393-0062 or 703-295-8683

Exploitation of Kashmiri resources must stop; Pak wrong policies forcing people to be pro India, said Kashmiri leaders in a seminar held in Luton, UK

2010-07-07T05:58:00.000-07:00

05 July 2010
Written by Dr Shabir Choudhry

The seminar tilted Neelam Jhelum Hydroelectric Project was organised by Kashmir National Party in Luton on 4 July, in which Kashmiris and Pakistanis representing different view points took part. All the speakers expressed their serious concerns about the exploitation of natural resources of Jammu and Kashmir, and demanded that this process must stop.

The Kashmiri leaders said India and Pakistan while using our resources must keep in mind that these resources belong to people of Jammu and Kashmir. If people of Jammu and Kashmir do not benefit from the development projects then that would be considered as plundering and looting of our natural resources.

The seminar was chaired by Abbas Butt, who gave background details to the seminar and how Kashmiri resources were exploited. He said KNP is not anti Pakistan or anti India. We have always taken pro people and pro Kashmir actions, and feel proud that we are true nationalists who want to promote liberal and secular politics. We want to defend rights of people of Jammu and Kashmir and promote peace and better understanding among all the ethnic groups living in South Asia.

KNP Chairman said: we can choose friends but we cannot choose or change our geography. We all have to live in South Asia, and it is in the interest of all that we learn to live in peace and share our resources for the betterment of people of this region. If policy of loot and plunder continues that will prove disastrous not for only people of Jammu and Kashmir but also for the entire region, as it will provide oxygen to those forces who want to spread communalism, extremism and hatred.

Abbas Butt said, ‘We appreciate Pakistan’s water and energy requirements and want to help them in this regard as well; but they should learn to share resources and not to exploit us by behaving like an imperial power. They need to acknowledge that these resources belong to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and people of the area must benefit from this’.

Dr Shabir Choudhry in his keynote speech said, ‘Water is fundamental to human survival, and many countries have serious shortage of water and energy, yet demand is on increase. Lack of sufficient clean and useable freshwater has adverse impact on economy and prosperity of many countries. Because of this scarcity, water has taken a strategic role for many states; and could be cause of conflicts in future.’ He said many experts believe future wars will be fought over water.’

He said, ‘Water is natural resources of Jammu and Kashmir, but it was India and Pakistan who decided how to use our water in Indus Water Treaty of 1960. We cannot even use water according to our wishes or requirements’. In order to appease his political masters, puppet Prime Minister of Pakistani Administered Kashmir, Sikandar Hayat told a seminar on March 6, 2003 “The freedom fighters of Kashmir are in reality fighting for Pakistan's water security and have prevented India from constructing a dam on the Wular Barrage.”

Dr Shabir Choudhry said: ‘In line with its past policies, Islamabad has started a mega project in its colony, known as Azad Kashmir. They did not even care to consult, get permission, or have a formal agreement with the rulers of this territory. Neelam Jhelum Hydroelectric Project is located near Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistani Administered Kashmir, and it aims to dig a tunnel and divert water of Neelam River which will generate 969 MW of electricity annually’.

He said, ‘The project will benefit Pakistan, but local people will not benefit from it in any form or shape. However, there will be serious economic and environmental consequences for the local people; and their future generations will face very serious economic and environmental problems. Our first priority is to safeguard interest of our people and unfortunately we have to be apologetic over this because of fear of being declared anti Pakistan’. He said, ‘Love of country is part of our faith and we will continue to oppose those who colonise us and loot and plunder our resources’.

Professor Rafiq Bhatti who is a senior leader of UKPNP and have travelled from Mirpur said, ‘KNP leadership should be congratulated for arranging this seminar on a topic which will have disastrous impact on people and environment of the area.’ He said, ‘Many people only deal with current issues, but thinking people also have eyes set on events of future, because we have to plan our future today. We have to ensure what we do today will not be detrimental to the interests of our future generations. Our loyalty should be with our nation. It is our duty to inform our people what is being done to their economy and how our resources are being exploited’.

He said, ‘Both India and Pakistan are plundering resources of our State, and who ever speak out for rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is declared as anti Pakistan’. He said, ‘It is ironic that Sind Assembly can pass a resolution against construction of Kala Bagh Dam even though that is to benefit Pakistan; and no one call them anti Pakistan’. He said, ‘If economic matters are not resolved appropriately then people could be forced to think of alternatives which could lead to extremism and violence.’

Javed Shah, representing JKLF, said: ‘This is a trivial matter and I advise the KNP leaders not to waste time on the dam and water issues. They should use their time and resources on positive things’.

Hussain Suharwardi Shaheed, a leader of Muslim Conference said people of Azad Kashmir have given sacrifices for Pakistan and we will not hesitate to do the same again. But on the issue of construction of mega dams like Neelam Jhelum Project Government of Pakistan should consult us and give us appropriate royalty for this. He said all people uprooted because of these development projects should be compensated. Our party has always supported Pakistan and cared for interests of Pakistan, but we should not be treated unfairly.

Nawaz Majid, Secretary General of KNP British Zone said: Because of wrong policies of Pakistan, people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir are having ideological changes. At one time 100% people on this side of the LOC opposed accession to India, but on my recent visit to POK I have met people who openly said, ‘If given only two choices they will opt for India, as they have better system and more facilities than what could be available on this side.’

He said, ‘Apart from Pakistani dam on River Neelam, India is also constructing a dam known as Kishanganga Hydro Electrical project. These both projects will surely have very serious impact on environment of the area, not to mention its negative impact on wildlife and beauty of the region which is major source of tourism’.

Asif Masood Choudhry who represented NSF, said: KNP leadership should be congratulated for holding a seminar on this important topic which will affect future of our generations. He said the way the Pakistani authorities have started this project clearly shows they do not care about Kashmiri laws or interests of the local people and danger to the wildlife. They have just started construction without any contract with the Azad Kashmir Government; and this clearly shows what kind of independence this government has.

He said: NSF has history of opposing Pakistani occupation and Pakistani policies In Azad Kashmir, and we will continue to do that. He said we will support the KNP leadership in whatever steps they might take to oppose this project which is unjust and exploits our resources.

Master Nisar, a political activist of Muslim Conference said: His party has always supported accession to Pakistan and we have always given sacrifices for the cause of Pakistan. He said Pakistan has serious water and energy needs, and during this difficult time we need to help Pakistan. I am first Pakistani then a Kashmiri. To me Pakistan and Kashmir are same.

Raja Yasin, a political activist of Muslim Conference said: We support Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan, but it does not mean that we should not ask for our legitimate rights. We do care for Pakistan’s water requirements, but we should get royalty for this. Pakistan must have a contract with Azad Kashmir government, and must give compensation to the affected people.

Usman Kiani, President of UKPNP said: We are not Pakistanis; even constitution of Pakistan does not regard us as Pakistanis. We must not live in fantasy world. I am a nationalist Kashmiri. I am a Kashmiri first and Kashmir last. UKPNP have worked together with the leadership of KNP and we have shared platforms in Geneva and in many other places. I want to assure the KNP leaders that we will support them in this campaign, because it is in the national interest of our country.

Maqsood Hussain Shah, author and political activist said: we appreciate Pakistan’s water requirements but we also have some genuine requirements. If they build this dam it will affect our lives and lives of our future generations. It will also affect lives of many other species. Pakistan must consult government of Azad Kashmir. We should oppose Neelam Jhelum hydro Project and if need be we should contact the UN and other international bodies. He said we people of Kashmir must be part of any talks on Kashmir. It is not for India and Pakistan to decide our future. He emphasised the need of unity that we could have some say in the future talks on Kashmir.

Ejaz Pracha, a Pakistani activist said: You people have some genuine issues. We have no leadership in Pakistan to protect interests of Pakistan; and you people have no leadership to protect your interests. My advice to you is to get maximum unity and only then you can protect rights and interests of your people.

Nazam Bhatti, President of KNP in his concluding remarks said: ‘We are true nationalist and it is our duty to protect interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir; and we must not be apologetic over this. We must be steadfast in our resolve and totally ignore what critics say about us. Some people have a role to criticise us and deter us from doing our national duty’.

He said, ‘those who have interest of people of Jammu and Kashmir close to their hearts, to them construction of this dam is very serious matter because it is economic and environment disaster. We have right to use our resources according to our requirements. Any project which is against our wishes and against our requirements must be opposed; and if necessary destroyed’. END

Gilgit Baltistan past, present and future

2010-04-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

Presentation by Dr Shabir Choudhry in a Debate on Gilgit Baltistan arranged by Baroness Emma Nicholson in House of Lords on 7 April 2010.

In name of Allah I begin.
Madam Chair, friends and colleagues Aslamo alaykam and good morning.

Acknowledgment

Indeed it is an honour to be here and make a presentation on a topic of Gilgit Baltistan. But before I start my presentation I want to thank Baroness Emma Nicholson and her staff for vigorously working to promote rights of people of Jammu and Kashmir, and especially for the rights of people of Gilgit Baltistan.

Whatever little rights have been given to people of Gilgit Baltistan in Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, 2009, we feel that is because of the pressure generated by the EU Kashmir Report which was passed by overwhelming majority by the EU Parliament in 2007. Baroness Emma Nicholson authored that report and played a key role in getting it through all stages in the EU Parliament.

Location of Gilgit Baltistan

Areas of Gilgit Baltistan are approximately 72,496 square kilometres; and are strategically very important and full of natural resources. This is where South, Central and East Asia converge. It is at the crossroads of three great civilizations and was traditionally a gateway for both India and China to Central Asia and beyond, in to the heart of Europe. This is old trading route known as the Silk Route which contributed enormously to the wealth of so many countries and brought different civilizations closer to each other.

With time strategic importance of these areas has increased. Apart from India and Pakistan, other countries like China, Afghanistan, Central Asian States, Iran, Russia and America also have keen interest in these areas.

Constitutional status of Gilgit Baltistan

Constitutionally and historically areas of Gilgit Baltistan are part of former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir. The State, as we know, is disputed and its future is yet to be determined by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pre Partition map of South Asia shows the State of Jammu and Kashmir at the top, and areas of Gilgit Baltistan are shown as part of Jammu and Kashmir. Also post partition maps of the region clearly shows the area of Gilgit Baltistan are not part of Pakistan. Similarly UN map of the region shows that these areas are part of Jammu and Kashmir.

Apart from these maps the UN Resolutions on Kashmir clearly show that areas of Gilgit Baltistan are part of the State.

Karachi Agreement

Furthermore the Karachi Agreement of 28 April 1949 (which was signed by Nawab Mushtaq Gurmani a Minister of Pakistan and the ‘President’ of ‘Azad Kashmir’, Sardar Mohammed Ibrahim Khan, and President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, Chaudhary Ghulam Abbas), a copy which is distributed to you, clearly shows that these areas are part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan China Agreement

Also Pakistan signed an agreement with Republic of China on 2 March 1963, in which Pakistan gifted away around 2200 square miles of our territory to China which helped them to start a new era of friendship. In article 6 of this agreement Pakistan acknowledged that the sovereignty of the region did not rest with Pakistan. The agreement reads and I quote:

UNCIP Resolution of 13 August 1948

A.

3. Pending a final solution, the Territory evacuated by the Pakistani troops will be administered by the local authorities under the surveillance of the commission.

Districts

The areas of Gilgit Baltistan are split in to five districts:

Gilgit,

Ghizar,

Diamar,

Sakardu

and Ghanche.

Ethnic Groups

About 2 million inhabits live in these vast areas and the ethnic groups are:

Baltees,

Vashkuns,

Mughals,

Kashmiris,

Pathans,

Ladakhis and

Turks,

These people speak the following languages:

Balti,

Shina,

Brushaski,

Khawer,

Wakhi,

Turki,

Tibeti,

Pushto and Urdu.

The sect-wise breakdown of population in the Northern Areas is:

Gilgit – 60% Shia, 40% Sunni;

Hunza –100% Ismaili;

Nagar – 100% Shia;

Punial – 100% Ismaili;

Yasin – 100% Ismaili;

Ishkoman –100% Ismaili;

Gupis – 100% Ismaili;

Chilas – 100% Sunni;

Darel/Tangir – 100% Sunni;

Astor – 90% Sunni, 10% Shia;

Baltistan – 98% Shia, 2% Sunni.

Struggle is not religious

The above religious divide is important for people to understand, as some people want to present the struggle as a religious one; and they want to impose a decision in name of the religion.

In my view it is a recipe for a division of the State on communal lines, which will be disastrous for the entire region.

Supreme Court of Pakistan and Gilgit Baltistan

Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued various judgements regarding areas of Gilgit Baltistan. I will mention only two here.

· During the hearing of the Indian plane (Ganga) hijacking case started in 1971 and ended on 17 May, 1973, the Attorney General of Pakistan admitted before the Supreme Court of Pakistan that: “No given part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir can decide on its own, to join either Pakistan or India”.

· The Supreme Court of Pakistan in Habib Wahab al-Khairi case on May 28, 1999, ordered the government of Pakistan: that Northern Areas were constitutional part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The government of Pakistan should ensure that basic human rights and other political and administrative institutions are provided in the areas within six months. However, the action should not adversely affect Pakistan’s stand concerning the Kashmir dispute.

Preamble to Constitution of Pakistan 1973 says:

‘Therein shall be guaranteed fundamental rights, including equality of status, of opportunity and before law, social, economic and political justice, and freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship and association, subject to law and public morality;

Wherein adequate provision shall be made to safeguard the legitimate interests of minorities and backward and depressed classes;

Wherein the independence of the judiciary shall be fully secured;

Wherein the integrity of the territories of the Federation, its independence and all its rights, including its sovereign rights on land, sea and air, shall be safeguarded;’

All that is good on paper, as we know what rights and protections are available to people of Pakistan, people of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir. Also we know government of Pakistan has great experience in avoid implementation of Court orders.

Gilgit Baltistan (Empowerment and Self-Governance) Order, 2009.

On 9th September, 2009 the government of Pakistan issued a new Package for Gilgit Baltistran. In line with its past practise regarding Gilgit Baltistan, the government of Pakistan did not feel important to consult anyone from this area. They did not even consult their appointed Chief Executive or any other member of the Northern Areas Legislative Assembly.

Many people of the area feel in name of ‘empowering people’ the government of Pakistan wants to annex these areas, just like they annexed state of Chitral. Chitral is now part of Malakand Division which is part of Pakistan, just like Swat and Dir.

However in 1878 the Ruler of Chitral known as Mahtar had acknowledged the suzerainty of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, and through him to the British Crown. Thus Chitral was legally part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir; and government of Pakistan did not show Chitral as part of Pakistan in the Constitutions of 1956 or in 1962. But in the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan declared Chitral as one of its territory.

We oppose this ordinance because:

* This act of Pakistan is in clear violation of its obligations under the UNCIP Resolutions;

* It is against Pakistan’s previous stand on Jammu and Kashmir;

* It is against previous decisions of Pakistani Supreme Court;

* It is against Pakistan’s bilateral agreements with India according to which no country can unilaterally change status of any part of Jammu and Kashmir;

* It is against article 257 of Constitution of Pakistan, which reads:

Article 257 of Constitution of Pakistan

When the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir decide to accede to Pakistan, the relationship between Pakistan and the State shall be determined in accordance with the wishes of the people of that State.

We fear Pakistani government:

Could do same to Gilgit Baltistan what they did to Chitral;

And in this regard some suggestions have been made to government of Pakistan by Basil Nabi Malik in his article:

‘The Constitutional Dilemma of the Northern Areas of Pakistan, and I quote:

1. ‘Pakistan could resolve this constitutional dilemma….by giving the Northern Areas representation in the National Assembly and in the Constitution, subject to alterations upon the final settlement of the Kashmir dispute

2. Unilaterally accepting the Northern Areas as the fifth province of Pakistan by including a sentence stating that “the Northern Areas shall be the fifth province of Pakistan for administrative purposes, until the complete resolution of the Kashmir dispute”,

3. On the basis of this (right of self determination) Pakistan may initiate a referendum in the Northern Areas in order to ascertain whether they would prefer to exist as a region of Kashmir or as a separate autonomous region’. Unquote

4. We fear that Pakistan can ask its puppet assembly in Gilgit Baltistan to declare accession of these areas with Pakistan or hold a referendum and manipulate the outcome.

Challenge to Gilgit Baltistan Ordinance

In view of the above and many other reasons we thought to challenge Ordinance on Gilgit Baltistan in Supreme Court of Pakistan. For this Kashmir National Party in ----consultation with our ally in the area, Shafqat Inquilabi, a leader of the Balawaristan National Front filed a case, a copy of which has been circulated to you.

The case has been filed and we are waiting for the Supreme Court to constitute a bench to hear the case. We understand judiciary in Pakistan is independent; and we hope that they will provide fair hearing to this case and provide justice to more than two million inhabitants of the area.

Policy of intimidation

l We also hope that the Supreme Court will be able to provide protection to Shafqat Inquilabi who is subject to intimidation and harassment ever since he filed this case.

l We fear for his life and for safety and well being of his family.

I hope human rights organizations and the international community will help us to get our fundamental rights and right of self determination.

Madam Chair and respected audience I thank you for your patience.

--
Dr Shabir Choudhry
"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." -- George Orwell.

India, The United Nations & Kashmir

2010-04-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai

Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India’s assertion that “there can be no redrawing of borders in Jammu Kashmir” and former Indian Supreme Court judge Saghir Ahmad’s recommendation “to restore the autonomy to the extent possible” need to be supplemented by some observations from the view point of the people of Kashmir. These deserve to be borne in mind by all those who wish the conflict to be justly resolved once and for all.

When the Kashmir dispute erupted in 1947-1948, the United States took the stand that the future status of Kashmir must be ascertained in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of the territory. The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution on 21 April 1948 which was based on that unchallenged principle. So the issue in Kashmir is about the right of self-determination which was agreed upon by both India and Pakistan, endorsed by the Security Council and accepted by the international community.

The concept to convert the existing cease-fire line into a permanent International boundary is an ideal non-existent solution. Any such suggestion is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Kashmir. One cannot imagine a better formula for sowing a minefield in South Asia that will lead them to a nuclear disaster. The people revolted against the status quo and status quo cannot be an answer? Also, Kashmiris wish to emphasize that their land is not a real estate which can be parceled out between two disputants but the home of a nation with a history far more compact and coherent than India’s and far longer than Pakistan’s. No settlement of their status will hold unless it is explicitly based on the principles of self-determination and erases the so-called line of control, which is in reality the line of conflict.

The idea of autonomy for Kashmir is an absolute fallacy. Here one has to rely on a provision of the Indian Constitution. All Constitutions of the world are subject to amendments and Indian Constitution is no exception. If not now, in the foreseeable future, the Indian legislature can delete this provision in the Constitution and the move will not even need a debate in the Parliament.

Secondly, Kashmiris have had the experience of a limited autonomy, which was first practiced under a personal understanding between Prime Minister Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah and later provided for by Section 370 of the Indian Constitution. Kashmir was granted autonomous powers over all sectors excluding communications, defence and foreign affairs. It was eroded and eventually whittled away by the forces of circumstances.

My opinion was confirmed by a poll conducted jointly by major news outlets on Aug 12, 2007: CNN-IBN and Hindustan Times in India and Dawn and News in Pakistan. A majority of those polled in Kashmir Valley (87% to be precise) preferred freedom (Azadi). The Azadi means both the rejection of line of control into an international border and rejection of concept of autonomy.

However, there is but one fair, just, legal, and moral solution to Kashmir which was provided by the United Nations. The procedures contemplated at early stage of the dispute at the United Nations for its solution may be varied in the light of changed circumstances but its underlying principle must be scrupulously observed if justice and rationality are not be thrown overboard. The setting aside of the UN resolution is one thing; the discarding of the principle they embodies is altogether another. So the settlement has to be in accordance with the wishes of the people; impartially ascertained; in conditions of freedom from intimidation.

Kashmiris are open to a constitutional dispensation that answers all of India's legitimate national security and human rights concerns. With regard to the former, they are willing to explore permanent neutrality for Kashmir along the model of the 1955 Austrian State Treaty and a renunciation of war or the threat of force in international affairs along the model of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution. They are willing to consider abandoning a military force like Costa Rica, Haiti, and Panama. Moreover, they hold no objection to providing community quotas in government offices along the lines of the 1960 Constitution for the Republic of Cyprus to safeguard against invidious discrimination of any religious or ethnic group, i.e., Pandit, Buddhist, Sikh, and Muslim alike.

With good faith by all parties common ground leading to a final settlement of the Kashmir tragedy can be discovered. An appointment of a special envoy by President Obama, like Bishop Desmond Tutu will hasten the way of peace and prosperity in the region of South Asia.

Dr. Fai can be reached at gnfai2003@yahoo.com

Correspondence:
**********************
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai
Executive Director, Kashmiri American Council
1111 Sixteenth Street, N.W. Suite 420, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Tel: 202-628-6789 / 202-628-6788 / 202-607-6585
Fax: 202-393-0062 / 703-295-8683
E-mail: gnfai2003@yahoo.com

Kashmir is not an issue of bad governance but of self-determination: Mirwaiz

2010-03-20T04:04:00.000-07:00

Geneva, Switzerland. March 20, 2010. During the 13th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, a seminar entitled, “Overcoming Barriers to Realizing the Self-determination” was organized by “The International Educational Development”, an NGO accredited with the United Nations. The seminar was chaired by Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri American Council, Kashmir Center. In his opening remarks, Dr. Fai was keen to remind listeners that self-determination was a basic principle of the United Nations and that self determination and peace and international security are interrelated. The denial of self determination, he said, has brought India and Pakistan - both important countries - to the brink of nuclear catastrophe. ‘For last 63 years they have been talking about Kashmir but there was no face of the people of Kashmir. We want to make it clear that when the UN gave the right of self determination, they gave it to the people of Kashmir, whatever their religion, wherever they live.’ Therefore, Dr Fai said, the genuine leadership of Kashmir must be included in the talks. For the talks to be meaningful Dr. Fai suggested that there would have to be an envoy of ‘an international standing’ that was acceptable to both India, Pakistan and the Kashmiris and he proposed that Bishop Desmond Tutu should be appointed special envoy.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman, All Parties Hurriyet Conference, in his presentation emphasized that ‘when we refer to Kashmir, we refer to the state of Jammu and Kashmir as it existed on 14 August 1947.’ This includes the five distinct regions of the valley, Ladakh, Jammu, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. ‘The APHC has time again tried to talk about Jammu and Kashmir with a view to present the real situation on the ground. It is a political issue; it is not a territorial issue between India and Pakistan it is an issue concerning the fate of more than 15 million people. They believe unless and until the international community and especially the UN come forward, the issue cannot be resolved.’ The government of India, he said, has tried to camouflage the issue by putting irrelevant issues. It is not an issue of bad governance or giving people economic benefits. Nor is it an issue which has been sponsored by Pakistan since 1947. ‘It is high time the government of India realizes that such a huge movement that has been there since 1947 and especially after 1990, is a peoples struggle. The government of India has to stop people viewing Kashmir from the prism of Pakistan.’ Pointing out that hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, tortured, jailed, and are missing; he said that no struggle of such magnitude could be sponsored by an external party.

Who are these people who are dying? They are Kashmiris; they are not Pakistanis, who have stood up for their basic rights, their right of self determination. We urge the international community that we Kashmiris, we seek a bright and better future for all peoples of South Asia, which is not possible without peace in Jammu and Kashmir.’ Affirming that the struggle was not a terrorist or extremist one, the Mirwaiz pointed out that the All Parties Hurriyet Conference had taken the initiative to initiate a dialogue even when to do so presented grave risks. ‘We came forward and said it is time to talk, even when the dialogue process was not working.’ Unfortunately, however, he said that although India talks about peace in Kashmir, ‘their approach is totally military. They speak the language of peace but they talk through the barrel of the gun.’ He also indicated that it was ‘far from reality’ to think that people of Kashmir would forget their struggle and he believed that the recent uprisings of 2008 and 2009 were indicative of the strength of a peaceful movement of protest. ‘We had more than a million people marching; they were not people with guns, or hand grenades, they were people who were asking for their rights to be restored to them; but the response was brute force.’

Although India might claim to be the biggest and largest democracy, the Mirwaiz said that their views in relation to Kashmir were very negative, particularly in relation to the ‘black laws’ which have enabled the military forces to act with impunity – especially the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Disturbed Areas Act. ‘The APHC,’ he said, ‘has made suggestions regarding the repeal of the black laws, the release of political prisoners and gradual demilitarization ‘to give the people, strangled under oppression for the last twenty years, some respite.’

The Mirwaiz also made clear that Kashmiris wished well to the people of India but it was important to realize ‘that the issues won’t disappear, unless and until you confront those problems. It is high time that we all sit together. The time has come when we need to come forward, if we continue to evade the problem we will have a situation like in 1965 and 1971 when India and Pakistan fought wars, but now these two countries have nuclear weapons. We Kashmiris want to talk, to engage, to let the dialogue process be meaningful, let there be a mechanism. We need a system of engagement.’ In conclusion, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq affirmed the continuing commitment of the people: ‘they are determined, they are resolved, they have shown the commitment, and India needs to move forward beyond rhetoric. ‘.

Lord Nazir Ahmed, Member, British House of Lords expressed the opinion that the UN resolutions were the only legal documents which exist in relation to Kashmir. He pointed out, however, that since 9/11 the world had changed. Whereas support was given for a UN administered plebiscite in East Timor, as well as to self-determination in the former Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, since 9/11 the UN position has weakened. ‘We now have a situation where those who have been oppressed, are called terrorists or Islamic terrorists, it is very unfortunate, the language has changed. We need to get back to the values which the UN stood up for. The UN authority needs to be re instated.’ One way for its authority to be re instated, Lord Ahmed suggested, was for a special criminal tribunal to be set up under international law to investigate those who are responsible for the unmarked graves.

Lord Ahmed also suggested that the UN ought not to allow any country that disregards UN Security Council resolutions to join the Security Council and have permanent membership. ‘I think that it is time for the Secretary General to say enough is enough, if we can have a special envoy on Afghanistan Iraq, then we need a special envoy on Kashmir.’ He also indicated that Kashmiris should be included in any discussions and a start could be made in releasing political prisoners, and investigating disappearances, Finally, Lord Ahmed stated that he believed the international community had a duty to ask both governments in both Pakistani-administered and Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir for good governance. ‘There should be no excuse for the people still to be suffering. ‘

Ambassador Zamir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to Geneva, pointed out that the two longest and most deserving cases on the UN agenda in terms of self-determination were Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir. ‘We see a lot of attention being given to Palestine, as it should be, but Kashmir gets very little international coverage, which is regrettable. But it does not detract from the fact that the denial of the right of self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir is a violation of the Human Rights charter. Self-determination is a fundamental human right and this right has been granted to the people of Jammu and Kashmir more than 60 years ago.’ Ambassador Akram also emphasized that, for successive Pakistani governments, the commitment to allowing Jammu and Kashmir its self determination lies ‘at the heart of our policy, because self-determination was also the basis on which Pakistan was created.’ Unfortunately, he said, the UN guided plebiscite was not held.

‘Today the situation in Jammu and Kashmir presents a grave danger to international peace and security, not just regional.’ Following the 1998 nuclear tests, Akram reminded his listeners that President Bill Clinton had described Kashmir as the most dangerous place in the world. ‘That danger has not subsided. With every day this danger is accentuated. Pakistan and India have engaged off and on in negotiations in a dialogue, which has so far proved to be sterile. I can say that we, in Pakistan, being the smaller and comparatively weaker country obviously seek a peaceful solution. Unfortunately our Indian interlocutors have lacked the political will to negotiate in good faith. In our view the United Nations resolutions calling for a plebiscite provide the only viable solution to this dispute, because this dispute can only be resolved on the basis of the wishes of the people.’ In relation to the role of the international community, he said that it had not delivered either on its political commitments or on human rights. However he believed that by ‘by a queer twist of international politics and the strategic environment in South Asia,’ which has involved the United States in the region especially in relation to Afghanistan, ‘it seems that some hope is emerging for a possible solution.. .The United States realizes that in order for it to have a safe and honorable withdrawal from Afghanistan, it needs to deal with the security concerns of India and Pakistan, which means dealing with the heart of the problem and the heart of the problem is Jammu and Kashmir.’

Dr Karen Parker, UN delegate of the International Education Development, suggested that it was necessary ‘to give more meat on the bones’ to understand the principle of self determination. ‘so we have an idea of what we are talking about.’ Self determination, she said, ‘is not just a term, it is a legal term and it has elements.’ ‘There are five basic points to self determination: firstly, a people have the right to self-determination when they have an identifiable territory; when you hear the word Kosovo you can see it, you know where it is, or Western Sahara, or the Moluccas, you know where they are on the map.’ The second element, she suggested, was that the people had to have had a period of governing themselves in their land. Thirdly, there is normally some distinction, be it cultural, linguistic or religious. Despite the paternalism inherent in the fourth and fifth elements – the people have to demonstrate a will for self-determination and they have to show they have the capacity – these two were also valid elements in defining self-determination. Moreover, as Dr Parker pointed out, ‘You can’t give the right and then take it away - as has happened with the Kashmiris - and then let it vanish. Describing Kashmir as ‘particularly hot,’ she said that the situation was going to need greater impetus for there to be a resolution.

Internationally renowned peace activist. Dr Angana Chatterji, Co-Chair of the International Peoples Tribunal, spoke in relation to issues which she had encountered in her work. The Kashmir conflict, she said, ‘relates to issues of identity and history, territory and resources. India Pakistan and China have fought wars over this territory.’ Whereas India considers the dispute to be an internal matter and that militarization is necessary to secure its borders, in reality the period between 1947 and 1987 witnessed a people’s struggle for non-violent self determination. In 1988 they began an armed struggle before reverting again to non-violence. In order to achieve its objectives, Chatterji said that the Government of India has been responsible for using ‘discipline and death’ as a means of social control, which has resulted in 70,000 deaths, more than 8,000 enforced disappearances between 1989 and 2009; 60,000 people have been tortured, 100,000 have been orphaned, there is also a high rate of people with suicidal behaviour and the tragic plight of the half widows who do not know whether their husbands are dead or alive. ‘Periods of long detention and interrogation have had a brutalizing effect,’ she said. ‘I speak having made thirteen trips to the valley since July 2006, after hundreds of thousands of testimonials.’

Chatterji also highlighted that there were 600.000 military personnel in the state which continue to act ‘with impunity,’ occupying 10.5 million kanals of land on which there are 671 security camps. Detailing her work with Advocate Pervez Imroz on mass graves discovered in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, she said that they documented 2700 unknown graves, 2943 bodies in 55 villages in 3 districts, which ‘ hold the bodies of people executed arbitrarily.’ In relation to the current wave of protests, she said that these were taking place in response to human rights violations in an attempt ‘to address the lacuna in civil society leadership.’ She further advocated that the Kashmiri leadership should create local mechanisms for consultation. ‘The people who have turned out in vast numbers require local forums with leaders they can trust.’ In closing, Dr Chatterji offered ‘a fragment of a testimonial from a grave digger who said that he had been forced to dig the graves of about 260 people, who described ‘thick soil pressed with bodies, dead in encounters and barbed wire which strangles our land.’

Ms. Victoria Schofield, Independent South Asian Analyst and author of Kashmir in the Crossfire and Kashmir in Conflict endorsed the definition of self determination given by Dr Karen Parker, but also emphasized that there were three obvious barriers to realizing self-determination for the inhabitants of the state of Jammu and Kashmir; firstly because there is no obvious consensus among all the inhabitants of the state. ‘Not all of the state is inhabited by Kashmiris, and not all of the inhabitants call themselves Kashmiri,’ she said. Pointing to the numerically inferior Ladakhis, the Muslims of Kargil, the Kashmiri Pandits, the inhabitants of Jammu , those of Pakistani administered Kashmir – the Suddhans and Poonchis, as well as the inhabitants of Gilgit-Baltistan, she said that what had weakened the movement was a lack of consensus not only amongst these various groupings but also amongst Kashmiris of the valley. ‘And so the first barrier to overcome is obtaining consensus, at the same time as safeguarding the different aspirations of the minority.’ The second barrier was the attitude of the Indian government which opposed a change in the status quo; the third barrier was gaining friends with influence such as might be forthcoming from the United States or the European Union. In conclusion, Schofield indicated that there were some preliminary objectives which could be achieved such as demilitarization, maintaining the rule of law, promoting freedom of speech and movement as well as improving health and education facilities and eliminating corruption.

Professor Nazir Shawl, Executive Director of the Justice Foundation/Kashmir Centre in London suggested that ‘a look at the global arena reveals many conflicts with undemocratic structures and draconian laws.’ Citing Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, he agreed that ‘the real test of democracy is not what is said in the constitution but how it functions on the ground.’ Referring to his own background as an inhabitant of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, who had been forced to leave the valley, he suggested that if ‘the siege of the army’ were to be lifted, and people were to be provided with political space, ‘they will throng on the streets. An ostrich like approach does not solve problems.’ He also believed that it was time the international community acknowledged the gravity of the international dispute as it continues to promote ‘a South Asian cold war’. The Kashmiris struggle for self-determination, he said, should not be considered as ‘merely a historical burden. Geopolitical factors should not become an impediment but a source of facilitation in the interests of regional and global peace. The world’s largest military presence has failed to extinguish the flames of freedom.’ Shawl affirmed that there could be no military solution to Kashmir, and it was time for India and Pakistan to accept Kashmiris ‘as partners for resolution.’ Finally, Dr Shawl pointed out that millions of people in India and Pakistan would welcome a result- orientated settlement. ‘But it should not be dilution of our aspirations. It should not be a hollow truce or patchwork, but a comprehensive agreement.’

Barrister Majid Tramboo, Executive Director of the ICHR/ Kashmir Centre in Brussels emphasized that the Kashmir issue is one of self determination. ‘And I believe self-determination is the only solution for the Kashmir issue within the legal framework of the United Nations.’ He therefore regretted that ‘self determination’ was no longer on the agenda of the Human Rights Council. He also pointed out that the issue of mass and nameless graves had been raised in the European Parliament but that it was also necessary to have a hearing at the UN in Geneva in order to ensure an impartial investigation.

Sardar Amjad Yousuf, Executive Director, Kashmir Institute for International Relations (KIIR) began his presentation by informing the audience that he lived on the other side of the line of control which ‘ we Kashmiris call ceasefire line. We Kashmiris are always confused people because when we are asked who we are, we say we are Kashmiris, and it is very disturbing for us to say whether we are from Pakistan or Indian Kashmir.’ Amjad Yousuf also pointed out what a difficult situation Kashmiris had been facing with constant firing across the LOC until the ceasefire in 2003. ‘We have displacement of more than 500 000 people from LOC. There are many disabled people, plus refugees who have come over during the firing . He also pointed out that there were at least eight different maps of the state of Jammu and Kashmir depending on your particular viewpoint: ‘there is an Indian map, a Pakistani map, a Chinese map, even an American CIA map!’

Ms. Shugufta of University of Azad Kashmir, Kotli elaborated in her paper that the idea and implamentation of right to slefdetermination is embedded deep in roots of history of civilized world. It is a building block of international law. The UN Charter provides an environment to different nations of the world to develop a friendly relation among them based upon the principle of right to self determination. She said that in 1947, two new nations, India and Pakistan emerged in South Asia. With these two countries, decolonization was launched on the basis of the right of self determination. What was good for itself was not considered suitable for the people of Indian occupied kashmir.

The session ended with Nazir Quereshi, Vice President, World Kashmir Freedom Movement, thanking those who had attended and pointing out that the continued occupation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir had turned the land into a garrison. ‘In this connection I would say that a step towards the right of self determination would be demilitarization of the area.’ Echoing thoughts expressed by earlier delegates, he concluded that the problem of Jammu and Kashmir would best be resolved ‘through a temperate process under the auspices of the United Nations.’

KNP delegation meets Indian Minister

2010-03-18T04:19:00.000-07:00

London 16 March 2010

Kashmir National Party leaders held a meeting with Syed Asif Ibrahim, Minister Coordination at the High Commission of India in London. The meeting took place on Wednesday at the India House in London.

KNP is the first political party which is based in England and in Pakistani Administered Kashmir to have openly met the Indian officials. Aim of the meeting was to start a process of dialogue, as we are the main party to the dispute and we want to take this initiative to contact all the countries who are directly connected with the Kashmir dispute.

The meeting discussed various issues related to the Kashmir dispute and peace and security of South Asia. The meeting discussed issues related to terrorism, extremism, communalism and human rights; and looked at ways of promoting the peace process and building bridges of understanding.

The meeting also looked at the problems of people of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the LOC; and problems of Kashmiri Diaspora and how to facilitate the visa process that the people of the State could interact with each other. It was emphasised that Kashmiri culture of peace, tolerance and coexistence should be promoted.

The KNP delegation fully supported the peace process between India and Pakistan as that is the only way forward to resolve disputes. However, they emphasised that the Kashmir dispute is not bilateral in nature; hence the people of Jammu and Kashmir must be made part of the peace process.

The KNP delegation said the Kashmir dispute is not religious, but political in nature. The KNP believes in liberal, democratic and secular politics and wants to support all those forces which believe in the above ideals.

The KNP delegation consisted of the following: Abbas Butt, Ch Sarwar Hussain, Nawaz Majid, Asim Mirza, Syed Zil - E – Naqvi and Dr Shabir Choudhry. END

U.S. Engagement Must to Resolve the Kashmir Conflict: Dr. Fai

2010-03-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles, California. March 12, 2010. “It is an undeniable act that the past 63 years have proven that bilateral India-Pakistan negotiations to resolve Kashmir conflict are simply charades that achieve nothing but more strife and horror stories in Kashmir. A new negotiating formula is thus urgently required both in the name of international peace, security and human rights. The element that has been missing in efforts towards a settlement is the political representation of Kashmiris on the negotiating table along with India and Pakistan”, said Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center during a lecture at the Moore Hall of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The PSA and MSA of UCLA organized the event in conjunction with COPAA. Saad Ahmed, President of PSA - UCLA welcomed the guests. Junayd Banday and Majid But, had put together a very moving video about the abuses of human rights and the plight of Kashmiris.

Fai elaborated that India commits massive human rights violations in order to suppress a popular movement for self-determination. But it has been met with studied unconcern by the United States. This has given a sense of total impunity to India. It has also created the impression that the United States is selective about the application of the principles of human rights and democracy. There is a glaring contrast between the outcry over the massacre in Tiananmen Square, on the one side, and the official silence over the killing and maiming of a vastly greater number of civilians in Kashmir and the systematic violation of the 1949 Geneva Convention.

Dr. Fai quoted Prof. Sumantra Bose of London School of Economics who said, “Any notion that the Kashmir conflict has been successfully put in cold-storage has been exposed as a delusion during the summer of 2008. The lesson: Frozen conflicts don't stay frozen, and windows of opportunity to make real progress towards solutions don't come often. Stalling on such opportunities can be perilous.” Fai emphasized that the deeper understanding of the United States with both India and Pakistan will make the peace process purposeful that will be instrumental in bring peace and stability to the region of South Asia.

Ms. Victoria Schofield, an eminent write, author and independent analyst from England said what distinguishes the Kashmir conflict from other regional disputes is that, in 1948 Indian Government made a formal complaint to the Security Council of the United Nations in order to have a ceasefire. The complaint against Pakistan in an international forum turned a dispute between two countries into an issue which demands international attention.

Ms. Schofield said that the recommendations of the United Nations also formalized the presence of the third party into the debate: the wishes of the people of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. She further added that all the resolutions of the United Nations recommended that both India and Pakistan proceed with holding a plebiscite so that the people themselves could decide their future.

Dr. Khalid Ejaz, Consul General said that the issue of Kashmir is one of the oldest issues on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council. The United Nations has passed resolutions that have given the people of Jammu & Kashmir the right to decide their future. He said that no solution would be acceptable to Pakistan unless the negotiations include the Kashmiri leadership.

Dr. Ejaz highlighted that the presence of 700,000 Indian military and paramilitary forces has made Kashmir virtually the hell for its inhabitants. He said that the United States has a moral responsibility to come to the rescue of the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr. Adnan Khan, the President of COOPA said that the peace loving people of the world need to be persuaded to plead the case of Kashmir. He told the audience that Kashmir is not a border dispute but an international conflict that demands just and fair settlement to the satisfaction of all patties concerned. Mr. Khan appreciated the participation of the students and their eagerness to undertake programs such as this one.

Following the lecture, dinner was served which was sponsored by COPAA.

Solution of Kashmir Lies in a Peaceful & Negotiated Settlement: Dr. Fai

2010-03-11T07:46:00.000-08:00

Washington, D.C. March 10, 2010. There are multiple ways by which the conflicts could be resolved. The most pragmatic being through dialogue and negotiations. The most prevalent perception about Conflict Resolution was that it was dependent upon the political process of negotiation, mediation, and other forms of non-violent dispute resolution. However, while this was a correct assumption, it is important for all of us to take note that firstly, the greatest hurdle is to get all parties involved in a conflict to come to the negotiating table. Secondly, the terms of reference should be formulated in such a manner so that they are seen to be fair and amicable to all stakeholders, said Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center while speaking at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University, Arlington Campus.

Dr. Fai said that the solution to the suffering of everyone in Kashmir — Muslim and Hindu — lies in finding a peaceful, negotiated settlement to the crisis. This can only happen if the United States and the United Nations take an active role in facilitating a dialogue between all the parties to the dispute — India, Pakistan and Kashmiri leadership. Any attempt to strike a deal between two without the association of the third, will fail to yield a credible settlement. This has been made unmistakably clear by the flimsy arguments that were contrived in the past six decades.

India claims to be the 'World's Largest Democracy. But its actions in Kashmir speak otherwise. Fai quoted Bertrand Russell who said in 1964, “The high idealism of the Indian government in international matters breaks down completely when confronted with the question of Kashmir.”

Fai warned that rather than seeking to rectify its human rights record, India has legalized state-sponsored terror in Kashmir. Indian laws provide the enabling environment that encourages and even rewards human rights abuses by India's army and paramilitary forces in Kashmir. It has given them shoot-to-kill powers and a carte blanche to abuse the people of Kashmir in whatever ways they deem necessary to suppress the popular movement for self-determination.

Dr. Fai said that the international community and particularly developed countries see economic potential in India. They don't want to loose this economic opportunity by raising the question of human rights in Kashmir. Otherwise, the situation in Kashmir is no more difficult than in Bosnia. The only difference is that there is no international electronic media that can show the activities in Kashmir to the outside world.

The Executive Director appealed the international community to urge the Government of India to release unconditionally all political prisoners, including ailing leader Shabir Ahmed Shah, Ashraf Sehrayee, Naeem Ahmed Khan, Mussarat Alam, Ghulam Nabi Sumjhi and others. He informed the audience that the health of Shabir Ahmed Shah is deteriorating day by day. His family has asked Dr. Laurent Sibilia of World Red Cross Committee to intervene in this matter on the humanitarian grounds.

Dr. Fai reminded President Obama that an appointment of a special envoy on Kashmir will hasten the process of peace and stability in the region that includes India, Pakistan & Afghanistan.

Promulgation of G B order a severe violation of UN resolutions: Shafqat

2010-03-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD, March 06 (NNI): Pronouncement of Gilgit-Baltistan as an autonomous Province of Pakistan is a violation of UN resolutions which is tantamount to usurping the rights of the people.

Addressing a news conference here on Saturday, Shafqat Ali Khan, a resident of Tehsil Panyal, District Ghizar, who is a petitioner challenging the empowerment and self-governance status of Gilgit-Baltistan in the Supreme Court, said that declaration is also against the UNICP resolution which was passed in the United Nations.

Challenging the order, Shafqat Ali Khan, who is also known as known as Shafqat Inquilabi, has urged the apex court to declare the promulgation ultra-vires of the Constitution.

Flanked by KNP leaders Yasin Anjum, Afzaal Suleria Hakeem and Mahfooz Tahir in the press conference, he said that the Order 2009 was in total negation of the rights of citizens belonging to Gilgit and Baltistan and in disregard of the Constitution of Pakistan.

“The order of 2009 gives a formula inconsistent with the Constitution and is liable to be cancelled, declared ultra-vires of the Constitution,” he said.

He said in the light of the resolutions passed on Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan was also declared a disputed territory whose status has yet to be decided by the people of that area through plebiscite.

He said since 70s, successive governments in Pakistan had announced different packages for almost five times which were prepared by the Bureaucracy rather than the local leadership. He said such packages are the insult of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and blatant violations of UN resolutions.

Mr. Shafqat Ali said that the recent package announced by Zardari regime has not only put the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in dilemma but also exposed its designs on Kashmir issue.

He said Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed territory like Srinagar and Muzaffarabad and the fate of the area will have to be decided by the people through plebiscite which was guaranteed by the World Body.

He said after the announcement of the package, the local leadership of PPP is trying to appease the people, but it has failed miserably. He said if we accepted the assertion of the political jugulars then why the Gilgit-Baltistan Council was formed for this autonomous province.

He said the Federation of Pakistan contains four provinces till to-date and there is no concept of fifth province. He termed the appointment of a Governor and a Chief Minister without a province a floppiest drama of 21st Century.

Mr. Shafqat Ali said that Pakistan on 28th April 1949 has signed “Karachi Agreement” with the then President of Azad Kashmir Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan and President Muslim Conference Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas.

Under the agreement Gilgit-Baltistan was declared part of Jammu and Kashmir State and given to Pakistan for administrative control till the stability of the state government. He said Pakistan has only administrative control over this area and has no right to decide the future of the people living there.

He said in General Ayub era, during the construction of Karakuram Highway, the Valley of Gojal was handed over to China and an agreement to this effect was signed between Pakistan and China. In the agreement it was clearly mentioned about the disputed status of Gilgit-Baltistan.

“Both Pakistan and India had declared at the United Nations that the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have the right to decide their future”, he said.

He said the package of 2009 for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan is the violation of UN resolutions. He said Pakistan on the one hand has been demanding for holding of plebiscite but on the other it is negating the promises made with the people through its so-called package.

He said after the passage of report by the European Union, Pakistani ineligible rulers in order to neutralize the pressure of the international community and construction of Diamir-Basha Dam, have hurriedly made the drat through bureaucrats for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan without consulting legal experts.

He said he pleaded in the court that Gilgit-Baltistan should be declared as disputed area like Kashmir till the final decision by the people of that area.

Shafqat also thanked the KNP leaders for their support. NNI

U.S. Administration Must Get Involved in Kashmir Dispute: Dan Burton.

2010-03-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

Washington, D.C. March 4, 2010. A warm reception was given today to Congressman Dan Burton, Member of House Foreign Relations Committee by the members of the Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center, and the friends of Kashmir in Washington. Dr. Fai, while introducing the chief guest to the audience said that the Kashmir dispute will not, and cannot, be solved bilaterally by the two countries of India and Pakistan. The so-called "dialogue" now going on between them is a mere charade. This has been the case throughout the whole history of the dispute, he said. All that the spectacle of talks does at present is to strengthen India’s sense of impunity for remorseless killings in Kashmir. The need for an alternative to a self-perpetuating impasse would seem to be self-evident.

Dr. Fai said the element that has been missing in efforts towards a settlement is the political representation of the people of Kashmir. It also needs the persuasion of the United States with both India and Pakistan. If the U.S. does not deem it prudent to get directly involved, there is no reason why the Security Council of the United Nations or, with the Council’s support, the Secretary General should not be urged to play a real facilitating role.

Congressman Dan Burton said, Kashmir’s political status has been disputed almost since the subcontinent was partitioned in 1947. Although the 1949 U.N. cease-fire agreement declared that the state’s future would be determined by its citizens through a free and impartial plebiscite, no plebiscite has ever been held.” Congressman urged the U.S. Administration to become involved in the Kashmir dispute so as the resolve the issue to the satisfaction of the people of the state.

Congressman Burton said that 700,000 Indian military and paramilitary forces are still up there and keeping everything under wraps. They are patrolling the streets and there are still some horrible tragedies that are taking place -- I heard of the discovery of more than 4,000 mass graves in Kashmir, and until just the last few months, we haven't heard of these new things that have been going on.

He pledged that he would once again go to the floor of the Congress and make sure the entire world and the Congressional Record has all these tragedies accounted for, so that the American people and the people across the world will have more information about the horrible things that the people of Kashmir are having to go through.

Burton promised that you may rest assured, I'll make these details public so that the world know what's going on over there. And, we will continue to fight. I will continue to fight.

Attorney Mumtaz Wani insisted that the leadership of the people of Kashmir must be included in talks along with India and Pakistan. He reminded the Obama Administration to appoint a special envoy on Kashmir.

KNP welcome challenge to Gilgit Baltistan Ordinance 2009

2010-03-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

KNP welcome challenge to Gilgit Baltistan Ordinance 2009
London 04 March 2010

KNP leaders Abbas Butt and Dr Shabir Choudhry have welcomed the petition filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan by Shafqat Ali Khan who is a resident of District Ghizar of Gilgit Baltistan.

KNP leaders said Shafqat Ali Khan known as Shafqat Inquilabi has taken a daring step and made history by challenging this Ordinance which aims to change the legal and constitutional position of the territory.

KNP leaders said Gilgit Baltistan are part of former State of Jammu and Kashmir and are just as disputed as other parts of the State are; and no country has any right to unilaterally change legal status of any part of the State.

KNP leaders said all the historic documents including UNCIP Resolutions, Karachi Agreement and even past decisions of the Supreme Court clearly declare that these areas are not part of Pakistan. And in view of that Pakistan has no right to annex these areas through back door or by any other unconstitutional measure.

Any such action which aims to change legal status of these areas will be opposed by the people of the State, declared the KNP leaders.

KNP leaders said we will provide all technical and political help and support to Shafqat Ali Khan in his endeavours to seek justice for people of Gilgit Baltistan. KNP leaders said we hope that judiciary of Pakistan which people claim has attained independence and has pro active role in providing justice to people will make history by settling the legal and constitutional status of these areas which have to date suffered immensely at the hands of Pakistani bureaucrats.

KNP leaders said the respected judges of the Supreme Court should note that the people of Gilgit Baltistan are still deprived of their fundamental human rights; and even in the 21st century they are treated as sub human beings. What government of Pakistan has done and what they have been doing in the past is clearly contrary to United Nations Human Rights Charter and even against constitution of Pakistan. END

Peace is must for stability of South Asia, Dr Shabir Choudhry

2010-02-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

London 24 February 2010

Kashmir National Party leader Dr Shabir Choudhry, while speaking to The News correspondent Murtaza Shah said, “India and Pakistan must show maturity and learn to live like good neighbours. They must understand that disputes could not be resolved by use of gun”.

KNP leader said, “Use of violence to resolve disputes are not desirable as it breeds more violence and aggravates the matters”. Dr Shabir Choudhry said, “People of India and Pakistan wish to live in peace. They don’t want violence and terrorism. They don’t want extremism and hatred. They want stability and economic prosperity and that could only be achieved if there is peace in the region”.

Dr Shabir Choudhry said, “Desire for peace in both countries is appropriately expressed by prominent newspapers of both countries namely Times of India and The News; and peace loving people must come out support this campaign”.

KNP leader said, “There are groups in both countries who don’t want peace between India and Pakistan. These groups promote violence, extremism and hatred. All those who love democracy and liberal society must oppose these groups. For the sake of peace and stability it is imperative that influence of these groups is contained, if not totally eliminated”.

Dr Shabir Choudhry said, “One of the fundamental disputes between India and Pakistan is Kashmir; and we people of Jammu and Kashmir strongly believe that there is no military solution to this dispute. It must be resolved through a process of dialogue in which people of Jammu and Kashmir must take active part”.

“Kashmir dispute is not a bilateral dispute and history of bilateralism between both countries prove that the Kashmir dispute could not be resolved by keeping people of Jammu and Kashmir out of this process”, he added.

Dr Shabir Choudhry said, “Kashmir National Party strongly support Aman ki Asha campaign initiated by Times of India and The News”. He said, “This initiative must be supported by all peace loving people in both countries”. END

Three persons drowned in Rawalakot

2010-02-13T14:35:00.000-08:00

RAWALAKOT: Atleast three persons on Tuesday drowned when a car fell in in a Nullah at the adjacent area of Thorar in Tehsil of Rawalakot on Tuesday.

Tehsildar Thorar confirmed the incident and said that corolla car bearing registration number LX 9906 fell in Nullah which was on its way from Azad Paten to Taeen at the link road near Kashmir highway.

The driver, Sajid escaped safe by a miracle while three others Shabbir s/o Ijaz, Naeer s/o Ayub and Ateeq s/o Aziz drowned in the Nullah.

Owing to continued rain series and snowfall in Rawalakot and adjacent areas caused land sliding in many parts of the area.

The Rawalakot-Muzaffarabad highway was closed at the Sector headquarter while Ghazi Millat highway was reopened after eight hours closure.

Maqbool Bhatt (Shaheed) An overview of his life and struggle.

2010-02-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Maqbool Bhatt
An overview of his life and struggle
© Shams Rehman
Mirpur, POK

Life Sketch

Lived: 18 February 1938 – 11 February 1984

Childhood and Schooling:

Tregam in District Kupwara Indian Occupied Kashmir, or J&K as that part of Kashmir is officially and by large number of people is called.

College: St. Joseph College Bara Mola Indian IOK. BA in History and Political Science

University: MA Urdu Literature, Peshawar University, Pakistan

Occupation: Journalism

Family: Mother died when Maqbool was just 11

Father: Ghulam Qadar Bhatt remarried with Shah Begum

Four Brothers:

Habibullah Bhatt, disappeared when he had gone to meet Maqbool Bhatt at Tihaar Jail. Ghulam Nabi Bhat (Convener of JKLF) and Manzoor Ahmad Bhat - were killed in separate encounters with security forces at Srinagar and Trehgam. Zahoor Bhat (JKLF) recently released by the local police after investigating him for nearly an year for crossing the LoC illegally few days before the 25th Anniversary of Maqbool Bhatt.

Two Sisters: Sayeda and Mehbooba

Children: Married Twice. Had Shaukat Maqbool and Javed Maqbool from Raj Begum and Lubna Maqbool from Zakara.

Struggle

Prior to the publication of ‘Shaoor e Farda’ (the vision of tomorrow) by Saeed Asad and Safeer e Hurriyat ( the ambassador of liberation) by Khawaja Rafiq, there was little known about the events that shaped Maqbool Bhatt’s life, struggle and Political thoughts. It appears from his letters written from various Pakistani and Indian prisons and interviews with various journalists at different times that life became a struggle from the age when children needs to be carefree and playing with their peers and toys.

Childhood Incidents

He writes in one of his letters that in 1946, just a year before the end of Maharaja Rule and beginning of the Indian and Pakistani occupation, when he was about eight, he along with several other village children had to lie down before the motorcade of the local Feudal Lord to win concession for the village peasants who due to bad season could not afford to pay the crops share per the land lords demands who was leaving in his motorcade after the failure of negotiations between him, his agent or Kardar and peasants. While the children were laying in front of the motorcade their parents told the land lord that if you are not going to accept the reduction in revenue share then drive over the kids who otherwise won’t have much left to be fed with anyway. The land lord accepted the demands and children saved their parents.

Another incident which is narrated by his younger son Shaukat Maqbool also gives some insight into the struggling aspect of Maqbool Bhatt’s childhood. This was in the village primary school where it was an established tradition on award ceremonies to have parents of the affluent children seated on side and of the poorer on the other. One year when Maqbool Bhatt was also one of the awardees, he refused to receive the award until that ‘class segregation’ was not scrapped. The tradition was since changed. In 1956 he moved on to St. Joseph, a private missionary college in Baramula.

At college

At college as per expectations he became involved in extracurricular activities that in societies where injustice, suppression and oppression remains a norm usually composed of or at least inlcudes the politics of agitation involving Jalsa-Jaloos (rallies) and fiery speeches. Observing Maqbool Bhatt’s behaviour and listening to his speeches the college principle according to Rafiq, K(1997) commented that this sort of young people although contain extraordinary potential to become great, the change they strive for is usually impossible to be achieved therefore they get crucified.

His politics came into conflict with the state machinery of IOK when he led several agitations for the political rights of the IOK people. Subsequently, as appears from his interviews and Rafiq’s narration confirmed by some his colleagues he went underground and then in 1958 crossed over to POK along with his uncle.

Finding the space in Pakistan

Here it is believed they were arrested and interrogated by the Pakistani military forces in POK or ‘Azad’ Jammu Kashmir (AJK) as this part is officially commonly known. They were released only after securing references from some Valley Kashmiris who were settled in Muzaffarabad, the AJK capital. From here it appears they went to Lahore where Maqbool’s uncle made efforts through his contacts for his nephew’s admission to Punjab University but to no avail. So they left for Peshawar, the city where progressive influences of Bacha Khan and Wali Khan lived.

At Peshawar

Here Maqbool Bhatt got admission in Peshawar University to do Urdu Literature and joined a local newspaper ‘Anjaam’ to earn living. At Peshawar University he met such people as Ahmed Fraaz, one of the big legends of romantic and radical or commonly called progressive Urdu poetry.

Entering into Politics:

Plebiscite to National Liberation

It was also here that he was approached by Amanullah Khan, originally from Gilgit was a leading activist amongst Kashmiri diaspora in Pakistan. As he tells in his autobiography, another rare source of pro independence history in Pakistani and POK (AJK and GB), few years back he along with some other diaspora Kashmiris formed ‘Kashmir Independence Committee’ (KIM) in reaction the the rumour that India and Pakistan were going to agree on making the de fecto division of Kashmir de jure in their foreign ministers negotiations in 1962. Instead of any agreement what followed was the war of 1965 when guerrilla tactics were used by Pakistan to conquer Kashmir from India. The fact that Maqbool Bhatt went to the Pakistani Generals and offered his services shows that by this time he was prepared for armed struggle under Pakistani army. However, it seems that their refusal to take him on board dented his confidence in Pakistani army for liberation of Kashmir.

The Tashqand Agreement between India and Pakistan that followed the war further disillusioned Maqbool Bhatt and he joined Jammu Kashmir Plebiscite Front (PF) in 1965 which brought together almost all the pro independence Kashmiris from AJK and Pakistan to one platform. More likely due to his journalistic background, Maqbool Bhatt was elected PF’s Publicity Secretary. However, again what Amanullah Khan tells us, the pair proposed that PF should have an armed struggle wing as well like several other struggles. The buzz word at that juncture of the history was ‘National Liberation’. Failing to convince the PF leadership Amanullah and Maqbool Bhatt formed Jammu Kashmir National Liberation Front (JKNLF) in a bus while travelling from Mirpur to Rawalpindi. They then approached Major Aman ullah Khan, a retired Pakistani army officer and formalised NLF at his residence on 13th August 1965. Later some more people were taken into confidence.

Maqbool Bhatt, Aurangzeb, Major Amaan Ulla and Kala Khan crossed the division line to the IOK on ? June 1966. The purpose was to explore the feelings of Kashmiris there with the possibilities of forming some ‘cells’ there. It appears from the writings of such activists as Rehman, F. (??) who was amongst those contacted during the three months tour of NLF guerrillas in different towns and cities that they managed to convince some people for national liberation type of armed struggle as the only way to liberate Kashmir.

Most of the Kashmiri record on the history of NLF and Maqbool Bhatt shows that on their way back they were intercepted by the Indian intelligence agencies and in a clash with one of the security teams Aurangzeb, who was from Gilgit, and the CID inspector Amar Chand were left dead. Maqbool Bhatt and Kala Khan were arrested on 14th September 1966.

Two First Information Reports were registered against Maqbool Bhatt. The first one lodged at Police Station Sopore, Kashmir (F.I.R. 84/66) alleged that he crossed the ceasefire line without a valid legal permit with an illegal purpose to overthrow the lawfully established government of Jammu and Kashmir.

The second F.I.R. filed at Police Station Panzala, Kashmir (F.I.R. 38/66) charged Maqbool Bhatt with the murder of Amar Chand. It alleged that Bhatt and accomplices first took cash, orna¬ments and other documents from C.I.D. Inspector Amar Chand's house then abducted and killed Amar. He was also charged with the enemy agent.

In his defence Maqbool Bhatt denied all charges except that he had without a valid legal permit crossed the ceasefire line in June 1966. He added that he did not think it necessary to obtain a per¬mit for moving around in his own country. There is a statement frequently cited in writings on Maqbool Bhatt from Kashmiri perspective that Maqbool Bhatt also stated in the court that he accepts the charge of being enemy agent provided that the word agents is taken out. ‘I am the enemy’ he reportedly said.

The Court found him guilty and passed death sentenced on him while others were given life sentence. It is also reported that upon announcement of death sentence by Judge Neil Kant Ganjo Maqbool Bhat said: "Judge Saab Abhi wo Raso nahee bane jo Maqbool Bhatt ko Phansi de sakey"; The Rope has not yet been made that can hang Maqbool Bhatt. He is also referred to as saying ‘If Indian authorities of occupation think that by hanging me they can crushed the Kashmir struggle they are mistaken. The struggle actually will start after my hanging.

Only four months into their sentence Maqbool Bhatt escaped from the prison through a tunnel they dug and sneaked back to AJK after over two weeks of walking through the forests and peaks of Kashmir. Here they were captured and interrogated for some months and were released only after series of demonstrations by NSF, NLF and PF.

In the years to come Maqbool Bhatt became an aspiration for the younger generation in AJk and he started advocating for armed struggle branding AJK rulers as puppets of Pakistani rulers and mortgaging the freedom of Kashmir for money and government posts without any power or authority. The PF also swung towards national liberation and Maqbool Bhatt was elected its president. This was followed by a Gilgit Baltistan Week in 1970 and Maqbool Bhatt along with Khaliq Ansari and Amanulla Khan went to these areas of Kashmir bared for ‘Azad’ Kashmiri politicians but were thrown out by the Pakistani authorities in forests outside of the state boundaries. This reminds one of Robert Thorpe, a British born to a Kashmiri mother who was similarly thrown out of the boundaries of Kashmir in 1867 by the then Maharaja of Kashmir Ranbir Singh. However, it appears that the campaign for independent Kashmir continued to grow in popularity amongst Kashmiris in the Pakistani controlled part.

Ganga Hijacking and Pakistani Courts

Then something happened that was viewed by many as more dramatic and heroic than the escape from prison of Maqbool Bhatt and his comrades. At 1305 on January 30th 1971 two young Kashmiris Hashim Qureshi and Ashraf Qureshi hijacked an Indian airliner ‘Ganga’ flight from Srinagar to Jammu with 30 people including four crew members on board. The plane was brought to Lahore where hijackers issued statement saying that that they have hijacked the plane on the instructions of their leader Maqbool Bhatt and demanded the release of NLF activists from Indian prisons. On February the 1st all passengers and crew members were freed and sent back to Kashmir via Amritsar while the plane was set on fire (Lamb, A. 1991, p:289).

Initially the hijackers were praised heroes by the Pakistani government and were received by massive crowds of people in different cities of Pakistan and ‘Azad’ Kashmir but when India suspended Pakistani flights over Indian territory and pressed Pakistan for actions against the hijackers Pakistan arrested Maqbool Bhatt and hundreds of NLF activists and interrogated them in the infamous Shahee Qila (Royal Fort) Lahore, Dulahee Camp Muzaffarabad where, several NLF activists including Maqbool Bhatt claim, they were brutally tortured to confess something which according to Maqbool Bhatt, the authorities themselves did not have clue what.

Six of the detainees including Maqbool Bhatt, Ghulam Mohammed Lone, Mir Abdul Qayum, Mir Abdul Manan (brothers) and two hijackers Hashim and Ashraf were later tried in a special court of Pakistan under the Enemy Act 1943 of the Indian Penal Code. The same Act under which Maqbool Bhatt was tried in the Indian Occupied Kashmir in 1966. The case started in December 1971 in which a total of 1984 defence and 1942 defence witnesses were called before it was concluded in May 1973. The court cleared all but Hashim Qureshi of all charges except dealing with weapons and explosives. The later was sentenced to prison for fourteen years.

While the ‘Ganga’ case had for reaching implications for the National Liberation struggle as the NLF virtually became dysfunctional due to various organisations, political, financial and psychological effects on its members who could not carried on their activism, it, however, enhanced the wider independence politics and the ideology of independent Kashmir. This was proven by the strong opposition to the move by Peoples Party of Pakistan’s once of most popular and powerful politician Z.A. Butto to incorporate ‘Azad’ Kashmir into Pakistan as a province. It is claimed by several pro independence activists that in his meeting with Maqbool Bhatt, Butto made an open offer to the later regarding whatever post he wants in AJK government for joining PPP which the formed refused and carried on his mission for independent Kashmir.

It seems that during this period several rounds of discussion took place between the Plebiscite Fronts across the divided Kashmir and UK. While Dr Farooq Abdullah visited Mirpur and spent few days touring with PF activists in AJK including Maqbool Bhatt, Amanullah Khan and Abdul Khaliq Ansari, a delegation of PF members from UK went to discuss issues with the legendary Sheikh Abdullah. However, these transnational efforts to organisationally linkup the pre-division Kashmiri nationalism with that of the post-division collapsed with Sheikh Abdulla’s pact with Indra Gandhi in 1975.

In Tihaar

Maqbool Bhatt and some other members of PF participated in AJK elections but all lost alleging rigging against pro independence candidates. Subsequently, the UK Plebiscite Front invited Abdul Khaliq Ansari, Aman ullah Khan and GM Mir to Britain to broaden and strengthen the pro independence politics amongst diaspora in UK and Europe.

From what follows shows that Maqbool Bhatt remained committed with the armed struggle. While the above Kashmiris flown to UK without GM Mir who did not get Visa clearance, Maqbool Bhatt for the second time that proved to be his last time crossed back to the IOK in May 1976 along with Hammed Bhatt and Riaz Dar, with the full knowledge of death sentence of 1966 still hanging on him. They were arrested on 7th June 1976. Maqbool Bhatt was sent to the Central Jail Srinagar where he was served with the earlier warrant of death sentence and the date for execution was set to be 24th July 1976. But he was not to go without a fight. Several legal battles started and different lawyers who took up the case of Maqbool Bhatt included both of Hindus and Muslim background.

He was transferred to Tihaar prison on 23rd July 1976 where according M. Yasin Bhatt who was imprisoned in Tihaar after the current uprising in the Valle, Maqboo Bhatt spent his time with dignity and faced and fought the suppression and injustice through legal and political means. At the same time he radicalised and empowered many prisoners and the lower staff of the prison for their rights.

He died fighting for justice

As noted in this rather lengthy quote from very critical article by an anonymous writer available on Gaash-Online :

“Maqbool Bhatt is one of those rare prisoners who have been twice sentenced to death. He is also the one to have moved the Court seeking transfer from the "death cell" to an ordinary one, while still under the sentence of death. And in several other ways, he is an interesting subject of study.

He smokes Wills King size cigarettes; his lawyer gets them for him: He relishes Kashmiri food; his lawyer has it cooked for him. He does not like the "death cell"; his lawyer gets a judgement in his favour”. And as spears from another quote from the same article his spirit of fighting for justice could not be broken under the worse of conditions.

On April 27, 1981,'Bhatt was transferred to Ward 16, known as the 'death cell' or 'condemned cell'. In a petition filed in the High Court of Delhi, Bhatt described the cell as "frog well" from where he was "unable to see anything except a small patch of sky through the skylight of the outer cell. . . The inner cell . . . has an open lavatory and a concrete bathing tub within this space thus. . . rendering the whole area into a bathroom; a stinking smell emanating from the... open lavatory and the whole place being virtually turned into a breeding spot for flies and mosquitoes... the summer heat turns the cell into a hot oven. . ."

In its judgement, delivered on August 6,1982, the Court observed that in view of the mercy petition pending before the President, Bhatt cannot be classed as one 'under sentence of death' and therefore cannot be confined apart from other prisoners. The Court held that his transfer to the death cell on April 27, 1981, is -"arbitrary and illegal". Consequently, Bhatt was shifted to Ward l--originally earmarked for "high security risk prisoners".

Several attempts were made by different Kashmiri groups for the release of Maqbool Bhatt including the Hi jacking of an Indian plane by Abdul Hameed Diwani in 1976, an attempt to blow the Delhi conference hall of Non Alignment Movement in 1981 but with no avail. In the first week of February 1984, an unknown group ‘Kashmir Liberation Army’ kidnapped an Indian diplomat Rovindra Mahatrey from India consulate Birmingham. They demanded the release of Maqbool Bhatt and a sum of money from Indian government but killed him just two days after abduction.

Within a week the Indian government hanged Maqbool Bhatt who was optimistically waiting for his review petition against his sentence on the grounds that the case had several legal flaws from its very beginning in 1966. Several Kashmiri lawyers claim that the action of Indira Gandhi government left the law of Indian land aside and argue that Maqbool Butt’s hanging was an act of illegal execution by the Indian state. Whatever the legalities of such claims, some aspects of Maqbool Bhatt’s execution were clearly illegal beyond any doubt whatsoever. No member of his family was allowed to meet him. His dead body was not handed over to his family which makes this as the only second such case after Baghat Singh shaheed and his comrades whose bodies are said to be incriminated after execution in a similar manner by the colonial British India government in 1930s.

A campaign is running for the remains of Maqbool Bhatt’s body and belonging with a website Petitionline.com . The petition is run by Maqbool Bhatt foundation Maqboolbutt.com as a project of Kashmir Research and Record Council, the KRRC. Please log in despite the vulgarity appears on its Google cite by some hackers. The site contains scores of videos about the Kashmiri hero. The petition has so far attracted only 101 signatures which is shame. However, the figures should not be attributed to the lack of desire amongst Kashmiris for the release of a ‘prisoner of death’ from the largest democracy on earth, but lack of ICT access, skills and may be publicity of the campaign?

Someone would perhaps claim that a rope after all was made that hanged Maqbool Bhatt. However, those who have the ability and will to look at the Kashmir situation without the avenging narrow nationalistic and communal lenses could see that every word Maqbool Bhatt uttered has proved true. The struggle actually started after his execution and the rope may have squeezed his respiratory system from breathing, it could not kill Maqbool Bhatt – the revolutionary. He lives on in the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of Kashmiris across the division line and diaspora world over. This was perhaps best captured by a poet from Kotali ‘Azad’ Kashmir M. Yameen who wrote in one of his famous poems:

Kahaan tuu soya Khabar Nahee
Khabar Nahee Qabar Nahee

Maggar yeh Bandey Nisar tere
Karor dil hein mazaar tere

Where are you sleeping
We do not know
Where is your grave
We don’t know
But the hundreds and thousands of people
Willing to fight for your cause
You live in their hearts and minds.

END

Press For Peace Campaigns to declare MANGLA DAM/LAKE as a RAMSAR site

2010-02-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

Press For Peace Campaigns to declare MANGLA DAM/LAKE as a RAMSAR site

Site Location: District Mirpur,Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Dear Friends

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Negotiated through the 1960s by countries and non-governmental organizations that were concerned at the increasing loss and degradation of wetland habitat for migratory waterbirds, the treaty was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975. It is the only global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem, and the Convention's member countries cover all geographic regions of the planet. The Convention's mission is "the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world".

Unlike the other global environmental conventions, Ramsar is not affiliated with the United Nations system of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, but it works very closely with the other MEAs and is a full partner among the "biodiversity-related cluster" of treaties and agreements.

Upon joining the Ramsar Convention, each Contracting Party is obliged by Article 2.4 to designate at least one wetland site for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance. Sites are selected by the Contracting Parties, or member states, for designation under the Convention by reference to the Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of International Importance.

Pakistan is also a active member of RAMSAR CONVENTION. MANGLA WETLAND,Mirpur Azad Jammu and Kashmir is site of national importance and it is significance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology and hydrology. Mangle Lake provides water for drinking and sanitation as well as food, fish, fuel and many raw materials .By considering its covered area it can be say that it regularly supports 20,000 or more water birds. It also supports s significant proportion of indigenous fish sub species, species or family, life-history stages, species interactions and /or proportions that are representatives of wetland benefits and/or values and thereby contributes to global biodiversity.

Waters of this lake need to be managed appropriately and the classification of the site will help with a coherent planning process and mobilize all stakeholders to abide by the rules. This can be a significant step forward for the conservation of biodiversity and welfare of communities who depend on this wetland for their livelihoods and for the wildlife that lives there.

NATO asked to play role for resolution of Kashmir dispute

2010-02-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP): Pakistani parliamentarians have urged the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to play its role in resolution of decades longs Kashmir dispute according to the aspiration of Kashmiri people and United Nations resolutions. A delegation of Senators and members of the National Assembly representing the main political parties across the entire political spectrum in Pakistan has recently visited NATO headquarters in Brussels.

The delegation met with NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen and discussed Kashmir dispute, Dr. Aafia Saddiqui case and other political issues, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior Talha Mehmood told a press conference here on Wednesday.

According to him it was the first Pakistani parliamentarians delegation who visited NATO headquarters.

He said the delegation emphasized upon the NATO supreme command to play their important role in resolution of Kashmir dispute for durable peace and development in the region.

The delegation informed the NATO about the losses suffered by Pakistan and its people in the international war against terror.

“We told them that Pakistan’s economy has badly suffered due to terrorism, we don’t need loans rather we want business and access to European Union markets for revival of our economy.”

He further said the delegation lodged protest against the drone attacks which resulted in loss of precious innocent lives.

The NATO supreme command was told that peace and development in Pakistan is important for peace development in Afghanistan and the region as well.

Talha said the delegation conveyed great concern of Pakistani people regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, and told them the US should unconditionally release her.

The Senator said that he also met a delegation of UK parliamentarians regarding the release of Dr. Aafia, who assured him their support in this regard.

According to NATO release, during the discussion, the NATO Secretary General and the visiting parliamentarians agreed that NATO Allies and Pakistan share common threats and common interests.

The Secretary General commended the efforts of the democratically elected Pakistani government in fighting extremism within its own borders, as well as the Pakistan-Afghanistan-ISAF military cooperation through the Tripartite Commission.

Both the NATO Secretary General and the parliamentarians agreed that terrorism and extremism represent the main threat to the stability of the region.

They agreed that we need a regional approach to tackle this threat effectively and that Pakistan must be part of the solution.

All set to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day on Feb. 5

2010-02-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

MIRPUR (AJK): Feb 4 (APP): All is set by Pakistani nation and the people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir across the world will join hands on Feb 5 (Friday) to voice for the right of self determination for the Jammu & Kashmir people and to support their just and principled struggle.

Azad Jammu Kashmir Government as well as several Social, Political and Human Rights organizations have chalked out elaborate programmes to re-pledge their solidarity with the people of occupied Jammu & Kashmir in a dignified manner on this occasion.

It would be official holiday throughout Azad Jammu Kashmir besides an explicit call to the United Nations and peace-loving nations to arrange an early impartial plebiscite in Kashmir for an amicable settlement of the dispute.

The day will dawn with special prayers in the mosques at namaz-a-Fajr coupled with the offering of Fateha for the martyrs of Kashmir and for the early success of Kashmir liberation movement. A five-minute silence will be observed all across Pakistan and in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to pay homage to Kashmir martyrs at 10.00 a.m.

Human chain on Kohala bridge that connect Pakistan with Azad Kashmir is to be the prime feature on the occasion.

The human chains by the Pakistani brethren with the people of AJK will also be made at all other six bridges of AJK linking Pakistan including Mangla, Dhangali, Holar, Bararkot, Dhalkot, Azad Pattan and Mangla bridge over various Kashmir’s born rivers falling in Pakistan will be made at 10.00 a.m on the Kashmir Solidarity Day falling on Feb 5.

The AJK President and Prime Minister will visit the occupied Jammu Kashmir refugee camps in Muzaffarabad to share their miseries and grief. Food packets and gifts will also be distributed among the refugees.

Pakistan TV and Radio as well as all three stations of Azad Kashmir including Mirpur, Tararkheil and Muzaffarabad will air special programmes to highlight the historical events on Kashmir.

People will took out rallies in all big and small cities.Seminars will also be held.

The Day will be observed with renewed pledges and commitments to continue diplomatic, moral and political support to Jammu Kashmir people in their just and principled struggle for the achievement of the right to self determination and the cause of Kashmir.

In Mirpur, special ceremony will be held at Mangla Bridge under the auspices of National Events organizing Committee where human hands chain will be made by the participants gathering from adjoining area of Pakistan and this side of AJK. People from all walks of life will take out procession from District court premises for Mangla bridge.

British MPs endorse Kashmir Conference call

2010-02-04T04:25:00.000-08:00

London––A number of British Parliamentarians have endorsed the suggestions of former Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry to hold a moot on Kashmir similar to Afghanistan Conference for bringing peace and stability in South Asia.

The parliamentarians were taking part in a discussion organised by the Chair of All Parties Parliamentary Group on Kashmir Lord Nazir Ahmed at the House of Lords on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, Barrister Chaudhry apprised the British members of Parliament of the current situation prevailing in the Indian held Kashmir and said there could be no region in the region without first resolving the Kashmir issue.

He remarked that the road to stability and peace in Afghanistan lay via Kashmir and it was important for the world community to realise the gravity of the situation in the valley where the human rights of the people of Kashmir continues to be violated with impunity. He also spoke of the threat by the Indian Army chief of waging war simultaneously with Pakistan and China and said the world must take notice of his bellicosity.

“Any small incident on the Indo-Pakistan border or the Line of Control could trigger a nuclear war as both the countries are nuclear powers,” he said. The former premier of Azad Kashmir called for intra Kashmir dialogue to be followed by an international conference on the disputed Himalayan State for resolving the issue that has been hanging fire for the past 62 years between Pakistan and India.

Barrister Chaudhry pointed out that US President Barack Obama on the occasion of his election had spoken of the importance of resolving the Kashmir dispute and had suggested appointing former President Bill Clinton as his special envoy on Kashmir. “It was unfortunate that due to strong pressure exerted by the Indian lobby, Obama could not appoint anyone as his representative on Kashmir,” he said.

Furthermore, Barrister Chaudhry who is the head of the People’s Muslim League, said even though Richard Holbrooke has been made special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan but his writ does not extend to Kashmir.—AFP

7 men injured amid defusing bomb in Rawalakot AJK

2010-01-26T22:05:00.000-08:00

RAWLAKOT: At least 7 personnel belonging to police and civil defense sustained injuries as they bid to defuse a roadside bomb found in (by pass road) RawlaKot Khrick locality of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) at 11:00 pm on Wednesday.

SSP Rawla Kot Sajjad Hussain told Geo news officials from civil defense and police department were called in for defusing bomb found from a roadside area and as they were defusing bomb, it all of a sudden, went off leaving seven among those officials injured.

All injured persons have been shifted to CMH Hospital in Rawla Kot where one among them was said to be critical in condition, hospital sources confirmed.

TALIBAN THREAT FOR KASHMIR

2010-01-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

By Zafar Iqbal:

Recent surge of violence in both parts of contentious state of Jammu and Kashmir has fuelled the concerns about the expansion of Taliban network in the Himalayan region. Despite significant increase of terrorist operations in India and Pakistan during the last few years, Jammu and Kashmir remained relatively a peaceful zone. The momentum of two decade long insurgency in Indian Administrated Kashmir is greatly reduced with a considerable transition from turmoil to normalcy.

However, in neighboring Pakistan terrorism and bloodshed is rife where Islamic Taliban and Pakistan forces are engaged in a violent war in NWFP and lawless Waziristan regions since 2004 when Pakistan army started operations border Waziristan region against local groups involved in attacking NATO forces in Afghanistan. Now this war has extended to almost all major Pakistani cities through suicide attacks committed by young Taliban. In this six years war between Pakistani troops and Taliban, Pakistani administrated Kashmir region remained far from any major terrorist activity till June 26, 2009 when Taliban took the responsibly of first suicide attack on a military vehicle. Till now over 20 people, majority of them security personnel, have been killed and more than 125 have wounded in five terrorist attacks in Pakistani Kashmir within six months. Officials have also foiled more terrorist attempts of Taliban.

The militancy in Kashmir has a long history of linkages with Afghanistan and Pakistani northern areas now under the influence of Taliban. The defeat of Soviet Union by Afghan warriors contributed to encourage young Kashmiris to take gun against India. Since the inception of uprising in the Valley, almost all Kashmiri militant groups were trained in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s tribal regions. This Afghan- Kashmir relationship also changed the configurations of Kashmiri resistance movement which turned a national liberation movement into a part of global Jihad when young Kashmiri recruits were trained ideologically and militarily by devout Pashtun and Arab instructors in Afghanistan and NWFP areas.

However, the emergence of Taliban in Afghanistan in 1994 changed the character of Kabul -Kashmir nexus when Taliban banned the largest Kashmiri rebellious group Hizb –ul- Mujahedeen (HM) to use Afghan territory, which has to shift its training camps to Pakistani tribal ares, nonetheless, Taliban continued to support their like minded Kashmiri groups, e.g. Harkut- ul- Mujahedeen (HuM) and Harut ul Ansar (HuA). A handful number of Kashmiris remained on Afghan soil till 20 August 1998 when US missile killed Islamic militants, including some Kashmiris. General Mushraff government’s crackdown on six Pakistani radical groups in 2002-03 also ceased all Kashmiri connections with Afghan soil.

In spite of historical cooperation between Kashmiri insurgents and militants in Pakistani tribal belt and NWFP region, now both have conflicting agendas in terms of their objectives and operations. Kashmiri militants claim their struggle as a holy war to liberate their homeland from Indian occupation but Taliban consider their resistance as a Jihad against the US who attacked Afghanistan, toppled Taliban regime and then started a war through Drones attacks in Pakistani border areas to defeat Taliban. Likewise, Taliban equate Pakistan military forces as ‘Traitors’ who collaborated with the NATO forces in a war against Taliban. Conversely, for Pakistani Taliban ongoing struggle in Kashmir is not a Jihad as they describe it as a national movement being fought only for land, not for Islamic Sharia.

Similarly, Kashmiri militants’ circles have some reservations about Taliban’s resistance. Popular Kashmiri leader Ali Geelani, who is an ardent supporter and advocate of armed struggle in Kashmir, has categorically condemned the Taliban activities in Pakistan and asked them ‘to stop bloodshed against civilians’.

All Pakistani Taliban groups are followers of radical Deobandi sect, who firmly reject visiting the shrines and other related rituals. The Taliban attacks on shrines, beheading of none-Deobandi Ulemas and occupations on holly places and Mosques of other sects, reflect Taliban’s religious ideology. Contrary to Taliban, most of Kashmiri militants practice less radical brands of Sunni Islam like Sufism and following saints. Interestingly, the Head of Kashmir’s militants, Syed Salahuddin is known as “Peer Sahab” among all Jihadi outfits because of his religious inclination for Sufism, which according to Taliban is un- Islamic.

Notwithstanding large participation of militants from Pakistan’s Pashtun region in insurgency in Kashmir, their mutual bonds have also been eroded in last few years. Harkatul Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI), known also as ‘313 Brigade’ is only Kashmiri group which stills sustains its connections with Taliban and could work as a base for future Taliban operations in Kashmir. Headed by Iliyas Kashmiri, who was arrested for alleged attack on General Mushraff and now has been accused for recent killing of the SIA staff in Kabul and a plot against Danish newspaper, the HuJI has also shifted its base from southern Kotli district of Pakistani Kashmir to Razmuk, Waziristan in Pakistan. Similar group has been reported for his involvement in all major attacks in Pakistani part of Kashmir under the cover of Lasher- e- Zil, which is a sub unit of Tehreek e Taliban, Pakistan (TTP).

Moreover, the bombers of all major suicide attacks in Pakistan part of Kashmir have been identified as members of Taliban movement or residents of Pakistani NWFP and tribal region, nevertheless, the association of local sympathizers in these attacks could not be dismissed because the perpetrators of some major suicide attacks on Pakistani forces, including the attack on former Pakistan General Mushraff, have been described as the citizens of Pakistani Kashmir.

With the availability of already trained local force and large number of sympathizers of Jihad, Pakistani Kashmir is a soft and easy zone for terrorist operations for Taliban; however, it seems hard that Taliban can trigger the surge of suicide bombings in Indian part of Kashmir.

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(The Write is a freelance columnist. He can be reaced at: zafarjournalist@gmail.com )

Senior JKLF leader Raja Kafeel joins Kashmir National Party

2010-01-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

Disappointed with leadership and out date of policies of the JKLF a senior JKLF Aman Group leader has resigned from his post and joined Kashmir National Party.

Raja Kafeel, who was President of the JKLF Aman Group in politically important town of Dheer Koat has resigned from his position by saying that the JKLF has lost its importance; and its policies are out of step with the present requirements of the Kashmiri people.

While talking to the media men Raja Kafeel said the present policies of the JKLF could only keep its name alive but cannot make progress and meet needs of the Kashmiri struggle.

Raja Kafeel said, “How could you win confidence of the people if you have no programme or a policy which is pro people; and which could help you to win support of the people. I have decided to join Kashmir National Party as its policies are more forward looking and in tune with the requirements of the people.”

Dr Shabir Choudhry has welcomed Raja Kafeel in to the KNP fold and assured him that the party will do everything possible to advance the cause of Kashmiri peoples unfettered right of self determination.

Dr Shabir Choudhry said, “We imposed restrictions on accepting members from the other nationalist parties; and we have lifted that restriction now, and in future will accept like minded people who want to promote cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir”.

KNP leader said, “It is unfortunate that some parties in name of nationalism are still promoting communalism and violence which is harming the cause of Kashmir”. END

One die as forces’ vehicle ambushed in Rawla Kot

2010-01-15T23:32:00.000-08:00

Rawalakot: At least one security man embraced martyrdom as the vehicle of security forces came under attack in Rawla Kot locality of Azad Kashmir on Saturday morning, Geo news reported.

According to SSP Rawla Kot, Sajjad Hussain a blast near security forces’ vehicle took place at Dothan area15 kilometers away from Rawla Kot, which resulted in martyrdom of a security soldier while some others reportedly sustained injuries.

Injured have been moved to Central Military Hospital (CMH), he said The head and other body parts of suicide bomber have been identified.

Meanwhile, more security men have arrived on the blast side and the area has completely been sealed from all around, source said.

Municipal workers recovered 18 bodies on Thursday, four years after the Oct 8, 2005 earthquake

2010-01-15T01:23:00.000-08:00

MUZAFFARABAD: Municipal workers recovered 18 bodies on Thursday, four years after the Oct 8, 2005 earthquake that killed nearly 46,000 people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The wagon they were travelling in was found in the Kamsar Nullah area, some five kilometres north of here, during the widening of the Neelum Valley road by a Chinese company.

The wagon and 14 of the people trapped inside it were identified from the registration plate and national identity cards. A woman passenger was identified from her clothes.

Three other victims could not be identified. The owner of the vehicle, Raja Naeem, told reporters that it must have been hit by a landslide after it left a bus stop at about 8.30am on that fateful day, some 22 minutes before the calamity.

“I assumed that it was buried somewhere in the Kamsar area,” he said. However, some people said the vehicle must have veered off the treacherous road.

Residents of the nearby areas helped in the rescue work and also provided the cloth for the shrouds. The relatives of the hitherto missing victims also reached the place to take away their bodies.

Those who could not be identified were buried in a nearby graveyard under the supervision of police.

People gather at Kamsar Nullah where bodies of 18 people killed in 2005 earthquake were found on Thursday.—Dawn Photo

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The DAWN

Climate Change hit Heaven of Kashmir,People paid special prayers for rain

2010-01-14T01:10:00.000-08:00

By Zafar Iqbal

The tangible impacts of climate change are now witnessed even in those areas of South Asian region which are considered as habitat of ecosystem due to the abundance of natural resources. Like other areas of world, the weather pattern in Kashmir has changed so much so that people are experiencing in chilly and dry winter without rains and snowfall.

People paid special prayers for rain after a spell of dry and harsh weather conditions prevailing in the region since many months. People in Pakistan part of Kashmir on Wednesday offered Namaz e Istaska in small and big towns and remote areas. Prime Minster of Pakistani Azad Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Haider has appealed people to offer particular prayers for the end of harshly dry weather. Hundreds of residents, including the Prime Minister and his cabinet members of government of Pakistani controlled Kashmir, offered Namaz e Istakska in an open ground in the capital city, Muzaffarabad.

In Islam Namaz e Istaska (Pray for rain) is a special kind of prayer which is performed in the time of drought, in order to seek relief from God, so that God may send rain. Similar rituals were paid in other cities where parched citizens pray for rain and snowfall.

In various towns and cities in Pakistan and its administrated Kashmir arid weather has affected badly local population because of water scarcity in the region as most of the water sources have dried up and people are struggling to access for drinking water. Women have to walk for miles to bring water as all springs, streams, wells and other natural water sources have dried up where as water level in rivers, mini rivers and lakes are also shrinking.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir most of the population rely for natural water sources, including rivers, springs and wells. According to World Bank More than 60 percent of the population still has no direct access to water supply. A 1998 census shows that only 34.58 percent of the rural population has access to piped water supply (house connection) while more than 65 percent fetch water from communal sources.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Azad Kashmir Government under a project worth Rs. 493 million are jointly working to restore rural water supply system and improve the sanitation in the region.

The majority of water supply and sanitation systems in AJK (both rural and urban) were badly damaged by October 8, 2005 earthquakes. According to the Governments of AJK, a total of 1641 water supply schemes and sanitation system, were damaged and need to be rehabilitated or reconstructed.

The dry weather has also affected areas which are famous for torrentional rains and snowfall in winter, howevever, this year wave of dry weather is not finished even after beginning of one month of winter. The intensity of the dryness has even been witnessed on high mountainous areas which used to be covered with many feet high snow in the beginning of autumn in the past.

Most of the cities and towns and remote hilly areas are experiencing dry spell of weather. Rawalakot is tourist resort and have a beautiful lake in Banjosa, which during the recent years have attracted a large number of visitors form Pakistani cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi etc. Especially a large influx of visitors has been observed in the Rwalakot in summer and winter seasons after the military operation in Swat and other areas in Northern Pakistan which used to be tourist resorts in the past. The peaks of Lass Danna, Toli Peer, and Ganga Choti in Bagh District which are located at more than 7000-8000 feet over the altitude are still waiting for snowfall.

The writer is freelance journalist and can be accessed at: zafarjournalist@gmail.com

Codename Operation Enduring Turmoil Exposed!

2010-01-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

Codename Operation Enduring Turmoil Exposed! – Zionist Neocon Plans for Pakistan and rest of the World.

Operation Enduring Turmoil is the Neocons plan to disassemble Pakistan, give northern Pakistan to Afghanistan, Southwest Pakistan to the Balochs… all this in an effort to restrict Chinese access to energy and herd energy resources towards Israel, the Mediterranean and Europe. Whatever happening in NWFP and Baluchistan is part of this BIG game!

Until the US disavows the Neocon plan to achieve “benevolent global hegemony” —the benevolence of which has already caused the deaths of maybe a million people— I don’t see how anyone in their right mind can expect Pakistan or any of the other proposed PNAC(Wiki) victims to cooperate in their own destruction. But unfortunately in Pakistan, some ignorant, selfish traitors have decided to facilitate this plan!

Codename: Operation Enduring Turmoil

Project for the New American Century (PNAC) and Pakistan

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Overall PNAC plan:
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For More CLICK HERE

JKLF Leaders RELEASED unconditionally in Muzaffarabad

2010-01-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 9 January 2010
Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Advocate Sardar Saghir has been released unconditionally along with his 10 associates by authorities in Muzaffarabad.

Earlier, hundreds of JKLF activists had gathered in Muzaffarabad and other parts of Kashmir on Tuesday 5th January 2010 to demonstrate against Zardari’s visit to the disputed region.

11 activists and leaders of JKLF headed by veteran Kashmiri leader Amanullah Khan including Chairman Advcate Sardar Saghir, Ex Chief Organiser Raja Haq Nawaz, JKLF political committee head Raja Mazhar Iqbal, Chairman Students wing Raja Ghulam Mujtaba, member executive committee Chaudhary Yousuf, Sardar Zaheer Khan, Sardar Ayaz Khan, Majeed Mehtab, Masood Ahmed , Rashid Bukhari were arrested on 5th January 2010.

Suicide Attacker kills three security men in Trar Khel Rawla Kot Area

2010-01-05T22:45:00.000-08:00

A suicide bomber struck an army facility in the Pakistan-controlled portion of Kashmir on Wednesday, killing at least three soldiers and wounding 11 others in the latest violence to strike the country.

Javed Iqbal, police chief in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, said the attacker targeted an army barracks in Trar Khel near the town of Rawalakot.

Another police official, Zubair Ahmed, said the attacker detonated his explosives after guards stopped him at the barracks gate. He said the dead and wounded had been transported to a Combined military hospital rawalakot.

View Trar Khal in a larger map

More than 600 people have been killed in Pakistan in attacks by militants, many of them targeting the government, since mid-October, when the army launched a major offensive against the Pakistani Taliban's stronghold of South Waziristan in the northwest.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Wednesday's attack in Kashmir.

Although such attacks are rare in that area, a suicide bomber on Dec. 28 struck a Shiite procession in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing eight people and wounding another 80.

Kashmir is divided between Pakistan and India, and both claim it in its entirety. The two neighbours have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir after gaining independence from Britain in 1947.

The prime minister of Pakistan's part of Kashmir, Raja Farooq Haider, condemned the attack and vowed to defeat terrorism.

"We will never tolerate any attack on the Pakistan army," he said in televised remarks.

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Dubai to Open World's Tallest Building

2010-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, seen at center, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. Burj Dubai is over 800 meters (2,625 ft) tall and has more than 160 stores, the most of any building in the world

Dubai is set to open the world's tallest building on Monday, less than a month after receiving billions of dollars from neighboring Abu Dhabi to avoid a huge loan default.

Dubai's ruler will preside over the opening ceremony for the Burj Dubai, Arabic for Dubai Tower, which has been under construction since 2004.

The developers will not reveal the exact height of Burj before its official debut, but it reportedly towers more than 800 meters, significantly taller than the previous record-holder, the Tapei 101 which rises 508 meters above Taiwan.

Dubai leaders hope the tapered metal and glass skyscraper will help restore investors' confidence in the Gulf Arab emirate, which has been saddled with a mountain of debt since the collapse of its real estate sector at the end of 2008.

State-owned conglomerate Dubai World, known for its pricey and extravagant real estate projects, sent markets tumbling in November after it announced it could not repay $60 billion in loans.

Neighboring emirate Abu Dhabi came to Dublin's rescue in December with a $10 billion aid package to help Dubai World repay some of its debt.

Voice of america news

Kashmir State: Autonomy, Self Rule or Independence?

2010-01-02T03:44:00.000-08:00

In light of the ‘new autonomy report’ Shams Rehman glances at what was there before and what seems to be in the offing.

Following the division of Kashmir (entire state) under the Indian and Pakistani military, bureaucratic and political machinery, both 'Kashmiri' governments had full autonomy. Although National Conference and Muslim Conference given up on the idea of 'independence' they never compromised the autonomy and identity of Kashmir state embedded in the State Subject Law. On the Pakistani side while Pakistan separated Gilgit and Baltistan from ‘Azad’ Kashmir and ruled these areas directly from Islamabad, the rest of the areas were organised under 'Azad' Kashmir and still have Prime Minister and President along with Supreme Court and other features of an independent government minus independence. The Gilgit and Baltistan are recently given their name back with some more political rights i.e. right to elect their own representatives of course with many shortcomings and irregularities.

The Indian side of Kashmir also had President (Sadar E Riyasat) Karan Singh and Prime Minster Sheikh Abdullah. Indian Jurisdiction was confined to defence, foreign affairs, communication and currency.

However, the government of India gradually eroded the autonomy of Kashmir through various carrot and stick tactics. Currently, the Indian side has relatively strong political parties ? NC and PDO ? that, if work together, are capable of getting that autonomy back. However, at present NC which is coalition government with Congress is not in position to go for ‘self rule’ and has to work within the framework to be defined and determined by the Congress. At the same time the role upsurge in agitation and armed resistance in IOK has played in bringing autonomy issue back on agenda must not be overlooked. For India needs ‘autonomists’ and ‘self-rulist’ against ‘indepdendists’ and ‘accession-ists’ (to Pakistan).

On the Pakistani side Pakistan has appointed Governor and Chief Minister in Gilgit Baltistan which portray these areas as province. However, Pakistani government has assured protesting Kashmiris that this does not change the status of these regions in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir and Tibet Ha'. How much this assurance can be trusted on this side brings similar responses from Kashmiris as to the question how much Indian government can be trusted on ‘autonomy’ and ‘self-rule’ in IOK. The good thing is that the regions of Gilgit and Baltistan and Hunza, Yasin etc. ( Balwaristan) have more political and legislative rights than before.

Against this context one possibility that is becoming increasingly obvious is makiing the division of the state (status quo) permanent with the mutual agreement bwteen India and Pakistan under international pressure.

The other possibility is that Gilgit Baltistan, Jammu and Ladkah will be separated from Kashmir and integrated into Pakistan and India respectively. The argument for this is that the tendency amongst people in these areas to identify themselves with Kashmir is almost nonexistent. Therefore, why force them to stay with Kashmir against their will? Although Kashmiri nationalists and pro independence can argue against that but when the pro independence parties are virtually nonexistent in these regions AND seemingly Huriyat leadership is also in agreement that these areas can go their way then the independent state argument does not stand much chance to prevail.

Taking the voluntary identification argument further leaves the Kashmir Valle and its surrounding areas including Azad Kashmir. Now looking from ‘outside’ and ‘above’ it evident that majority of the State Subjects in these regions do share a political Kashmiri identity. However, have been living under different administrative, legislative and political setups for over 60 years. Therefore, unless there is a strong movement on both sides for unification I don’t think the decision makers at the top of International system will be particularly keen in uniting the two Kashmirs. The most can be offered is further improvement in the flow of people and goods across the division line. However, if there is a strong and sustained political, democratic and peaceful mass campaign across the division line for unification India has to agree on the unification of these two regions. However, Pakistan although apparently agree that it is up to Kashmiris, would like to have 'Azad' Kashmir made into a Pakistani Province and leave only Valley to become a semi Independent State. Reading into Mir Waiz Umar Farooq’s reaction to Gilgit Baltistan issue, the Huriyat leadership appears ready for that solution. However, the reaction to such Pakistani attempt in 1970s by the most popular Pakistani leader ZA Butto tells that even if Hurriyat leadership accept such a move the ‘Azad’ Kashmiris in AJK and across the world won’t let their autonomy and (azad) Kashmiri identity taken away. Furthermore, many of us friends here in UK always wonder why there is no movement at all for opening travel and trade routes between Jammu and Mirpur?. Does the rhetoric of Kashmiriyat, secularism, progressivism in reality remain an emotional momentary phenomenon that evaporates in the air soon after the dispersion of demonstrations and meetings?

In this context what should be the common demands of those Kashmiris across the division line and world who have been and are still striving for a united independent democratic State of Kashmir? An outline based on various proposals from different perspectives over the past two decades is suggested below for the consideration of all those who would like to see a peaceful, just and democratic route to solve Kashmir tangle.

1. India and Pakistan to accept that the future of entire state of Kashmir (Kashmir Valley, Jammu, Ladakh, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir) is to be decided by over 16 million Kashmiri State Subjects in all parts of Kashmir and living in diaspora across the globe;

As it stands Pakistan agrees to this and publically argues for the right of Kashmiris to self determination. However, as mentioned above Pakistan will agree to other options if asserted by the international community arguing that Indian can only go to this extent for example ‘status quo’ and not that one unification or any change in ‘borders’. Therefore, if Kashmiris want more than that then they have to find ways and means to campaign for that.

2. Free all detainees and political prisoners and disclose details of all those Kashmiris who have been disappeared. This also include the ‘release’ of Afzal Guru ( who is clearly wrongly convicted) and remains of Maqbool Bhatt from Tihar prison Delhi for his proper burial in Kashmir wherever his family would like him to be buried;

3. Remove armies from Urban and Rural dwellings;

4. Open all traditional routes for the flow of all the State Subjects and goods across the state;

5. Hold free and fair elections in all three legislative units (a) Gilgit Baltistan or Pakistani Occupied Northern Kashmir (b) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Pakistani Occupied Southern Kashmir (c) Jammu and Kashmir (Indian Occupied Kashmir). Every State Subject should have equal right of participation regardless of political persuasions with transparent registration of voters, equal media coverage and monitoring by agreed international civil, legal and democratic bodies;

6. All these elected bodies should have autonomy over their local resources and affairs regardless of the final decision about the future of the entire state. For example even if eventually state becomes divided and these units go to India or Pakistan they should have their autonomy recognised and respected. If the state stays united still these governments should maintain their autonomy. In any case the royalty for the use of their resources must be paid to these governments. The regions of Ladakh and Jammu might also like to opt for local legislative assemblies?

7. After an agreed period free and fair elections to elect representatives of the entire state should be held again with equal participation of all political persuasions and under international supervision with a clearly expressed and agreed mandate to represent Kashmiris at any deliberations between India and Pakistan or China or other relevant international forums on the future status of Kashmir State.

8. Diaspora Kashmiris needs to be consulted and represented throughout the process AND their Kashmiri identity must be recognised and included in the ethnic monitoring systems in the countries of their settlement including national census 2011 in UK.

9. As per international legal framework the UNCIP Resolution of 13th August 1948 and Proposals by the UN President provide space for the above roadmap to be developed.

Author can be reached at: shamakashmiri@yahoo.co.uk

Kashmiris urge Obama to fulfill Kashmir resolution pledge

2010-01-02T03:41:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON (APP) -- The people of Indian-ruled Kashmir want President Barack Obama to make a determined diplomatic drive toward resolution of the lingering conflict, which has seen an estimated 100,000 lives lost to violence, according to a major U.S. newspaper on Wednesday. “The Obama administration and India can’t hide behind Mumbai (attacks of 2008).

The U.S. has to engage with both India and Pakistan,” Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the All Parties Hurriyet Conference, said. “If this opportunity is missed, all the ingredients are there for the cycle of violence to start again,” Farooq said, according to a report in The Washington Post. The Srinagar-datelined report noted that “many Kashmiris celebrated when President Obama took office nearly a year ago, because he seemed to favor a more robust approach to bring stability to Kashmir, where human rights groups estimate that as many as 100,000 people have died in violence.” At one point, the Obama administration contemplated appointing former president Bill Clinton as a special envoy to the region, the report recalled. But now residents say they are disappointed, complaining that the Obama Administration has not engaged on Kashmir other than to say recently that the region’s fate is in the hands of India and Pakistan alone. Pervez Imroz, a Kashmiri lawyer and head of a coalition of civil society groups said the people feel let down on the issue of human rights.

For its part, the Obama Administration, which relies heavily on Pakistan’s cooperation in the anti-terror fight and wants to develop close relations with India, has recently said it encourages both South Asian nuclear neighbors to resume bilateral dialogue to address outstanding disputes inclduing Kashmir. According to analysts Obama is working behind the scenes, treading a careful diplomatic path. The Obama administration is supporting the Indian government’s talks, or what it calls “quiet diplomacy,” with Kashmiri groups to discuss options such as greater autonomy and demilitarization of the region. The talks are seen in India’s capital and in Kashmir as a key development, the report by Emily Wax said. “Washington fears that any overt American interference in Kashmir could backfire and set back warming relations between India and the U.S.,” said Howard B. Schaffer, a retired Foreign Service official. But the report observed that Washington’s apparent low-key approach to Kashmir belies the region’s importance to the U.S. campaign against terrorism. Even more important for U.S. interests, though, is calming the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan over the region so that the Pakistani military can turn more of its attention to helping root out al-Qaeda-linked militants along the Afghan border.

Easing Pakistan-India tensions will help Islamabad focus more effectively on the fight against militants. New Delhi halted the peace process following November 2008 attacks on Mumbai, which it blamed on Pakistan-based militants. Human rights groups accuse India’s government of killing civilians in its crackdown on militants operating in Kashmir. “We want Washington to speak out against these tragedies,” Imroz, the lawyer, said. “There has only been silence.” In recent years, violence between militants and the Indian army has largely decreased. A new generation of Kashmiris has said it is committed to a nonviolent freedom movement. But Kashmiris still grow angry at perceived wrongs. Protesters filled the streets this month after India’s top investigating agency ruled that two young village women thought to have been raped and killed in the summer had drowned in a mountain stream. The people wanting peace worry that without a political solution to Kashmir soon, the region’s youths will grow restless and turn once again to militancy.

10 killed, 81 hurt in Muzaffarabad blast

2009-12-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

MUZAFFARABAD:Sunday, December 27, 2009 At least 10 people were killed and 81 injured on Sunday after a suicide bomber blew himself up at the gate of the CMH in Muzaffarabad.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir has announced financial support of Rs200,000 for the victims.

Sources said a suicide bomber blew himself up near Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Muzaffarabad.

Pak Army reached the scene after the incident and initiated rescue work.
Injured were shifted to the CMH.

Hospital sources confirmed that six dead bodies were brought in who were identified as Police Constable Asmatullah, Special Branch’s Khursheed and Ibrar while three others include Mohsin Shabbir, Imam Ali and Mehmud-ul-Hasan Naqvi.

Sources further said 23 injured are under treatment in the hospital while the rest were discharged after giving first aid.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Yousuf Raza Gilani, President Azad Kashmir Raja Zulqarnain, Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider and others have strongly condemned the blast.

Geo news

Protest in Muzaffarabad against vote rigging in Gilgit Baltistan

2009-12-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

Kashmir National Party, Lawyers Forum, NSF and BNF protested in Muzaffrabad against vote rigging and death of 18-year old Zubair who was killed by police firing in Sher Qilla in Gilgit Baltistan

There were widespread protests in some parts of Ghizer district against the vote rigging and heavy handed approach of authorities. The protestors demanded re election in LA 19 constituency of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.

The people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir are holding meetings and demonstrations in support of their brothers in Gilgit Baltistan.

BNF leader Nawaz Khan Naji accused police for the death of the young student and demanded impartial and immediate investigation to arrest the culprits.

The protestors in Muzaffarabad said it is their duty to expose Pakistani oppression and imperialist designs in Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir. KNP leader Afzaal Suleria said, ‘Our struggle is for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir; and we will keep on our struggle to expose oppression and human rights abuse on both sides of the LOC.

Riots after rigged elections in Gilgit Baltistan

2009-12-25T03:09:00.000-08:00

London, 22 December 2009
Elections were held today, 21 December 2009, in LA19, District Ghizer, to elect member for Gilgit Baltistan Assembly.

Front runner in this election was Nawaz Naji, a leader of National Balwaristan Front. It was widely believed that Nawaz Naji would win this seat with a big margin. Through out the day all the poles and reports from all 12 poling stations indicated that Nawaz Naji was leading the poles. Up till 8pm at night it was declared that Nawaz Naji was leading the poles.

Supporters of Nawaz Naji were preparing for celebrations when, to surprise of everyone, at 9pm it was declared that Peoples Party candidate Pir Saeed Karam Ali Shah has won the elections.

This news resulted in a strong protest by supporters of Nawaz Naji in various localities. The police and Rangers responded by firing at the protesters which killed on person and injured.

This further infuriated the angry people and they have started attacking official government building and public property. The situation is very tensed and supporters of Nawaz Naji fear for life of their leader and other senior political activists.

The protesters reject Pakistani style of democracy in Gilgit Baltistan and demanded new elections.

Shafqat Inquilabi, a leader of BNF while talking to Dr Shabir Choudhry on phone said, ‘All those who love democracy and believe in human rights of people must protest against this attack on fundamental rights of people, and oppose Pakistani imperialist design in Gilgit Baltisan’.

He further said, ‘He would hold a press conference in Muzaffarabad (tomorrow 23 December) to expose the rigging and Pakistani oppression in Gilgit Baltistan.

Those who want to get more information or express support, they can reach Shafqat Inquilabi on this number: 0092- 436 5100 270

Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhry
Mobile: 0044 77909 42471

World's largest flower

2009-12-19T12:35:00.000-08:00

The largest flower in the world, the rafflesia arnoldi, weight 7 kg (15 pounds) and grows only on the Sumatra island of Indonesia. Its petals grow to metre (1,6 feet) long and 2,5 cm (1 inch) thick.

There are 16 species of rafflesia, found in Sumatra, Malaysia and Borneo. The species is named after the naturalist Sir Stamford Raffles, who founded the British colony of Singapore in 1819. Raffles discovered the parasitic plant with his friend Dr. Joseph Arnold during their travels in May 1818. The rafflesia arnoldi is named after the two.

However fascinating and beautiful the rafflesia arnoldi may be, it is also called "corpse flower" and really reeks, the latter to attract flies for pollination.

Did you know.org

Can Pakistan win this war?

2009-12-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

London 18 December 2009
Pakistan is at war, and this time the war is not with India. The wars with India proved disastrous. This war is with its own people and within its defined borders. Some call it America’s war whereas the government and the army call it ‘Pakistan’s own war’. Is it really? Pakistan is determined to win this war; and I sincerely hope they win it, as this is very important for peace and stability of Pakistan, Kashmir and the region.

As a result of this war Pakistan is under attack. One by one all highly guarded institutions have been attacked, clearly showing that those who target these attacks are few steps ahead of Pakistani secret agencies. Pakistan claims Talibans are behind these attacks.

Before we answer that question we have to establish who are the Talibans? We are told they are people who have studied in Madrassas (Muslim religious schools) and generally belong to poor families. They are not considered educated or even rational. They are labelled as illiterate, backward and narrow minded extremists.

If the above is true then where did these ‘backward’, ‘illiterate’ and ‘irrational people’ learn art of modern warfare? Where did they learn art of espionage and counter espionage? In which Madrassa did they learn to plan terrorism so meticulously and execute their plans so effectively that the top Pakistani intelligence agencies find themselves helpless?

How could backward and uneducated people living in caves and mud houses in neglected areas of North West Frontier and FATA have access to secret information about various places, especially offices of secret agencies, their movements and who is living where and doing what?

I am not condoning what they are doing, but question is why are they targeting offices and officers of secret agencies and officers of the Pakistan army? How do they know who belongs to ISI and who is a senior officer in the army; and where they live?

Are these terrorists – Talibans - ‘illiterate’ and ‘backward’ people who are calling the shots; or they are among those who were trained to export violence and jihad in other countries? Are these the people who were considered an ‘asset’ to conquer and control ‘strategic depth’; and now there was a conflict of interest between the trainers and the trainees? And these trained ‘boys’ feel that their mentor is fighting America’s war and protecting a ‘big Satan’, which is trapped in Afghanistan.

Apart from that, unlike Kashmiris, these ‘boys’ have grown up and have become fully matured men, and feel that they can decide what is good for them. Furthermore, unlike Kashmiris, they give preference to their interest and not to the interest of those who trained them and funded them. They think their ‘jihad’ has not ended yet, although interest and priorities of their mentors to some extent have changed.

People could argue, Taliban are wrong, they have started targeting mosques and public places where civilians get killed. But the counter argument put forward by supporters of the Taliban is that those 83 boys and girls who were killed in Bajour Madrassa were also innocent, and were there to learn Qur’an. They were killed when Tribal leaders agreed to respect the writ of government and lay down their arms. It was only when innocent children were killed in the Madrassa in Bajour that the wave of suicide attacks started. Similarly those girls and boys who lost their lives in Red Mosque and Jamia Hafisa were also innocent and they were killed and burnt by use of white phosphorous, an illegal chemical weapon.

In response to this one could say that the target was ‘terrorists’ inside those establishments and girls and boys died in a ‘collateral damage’ – a term used to cover up or justify killing of innocent civilians. But there are not many takers of this argument. If terrorists takeover London University and refuse to come out, should the innocent students, teachers and other staff be gunned down with use of heavy weapons and burnt to ashes with use of white phosphorous?

I won’t talk here of big targets like attacks on GHQ and various offices of secret agencies including offices of ISI, elite secret agency of Pakistan. I want to briefly analyse three attacks which happened in Rawalpindi.

A serving General of Pakistan army’s car was targeted by a 15/16 years old suicide bomber on the Maal Road Rawalpindi in which the General lost his life. How did this young uneducated teenager know that this was the General’s car? How did he know what time the General would be leaving hospital and reaching those traffic lights where the car was attacked?

In another incident dozens of innocent civilians lost their lives near a bank in Sader, in a suicide attack. Apparently this attack was on civilians, but reliable sources reveal that the target was a Major of ISI and his four colleagues who reached there in a car which was parked in a car park; and that was where the attack happened. The ISI Major was injured in the attack but his four colleagues together with dozens of other people perished. The question is how the bomber knew he was an ISI officer and he had four other ISI personnel with him?

The last attack in Rawlapindi was in a mosque on 4 December 2009. It was a deadly blow to Pakistan army and its image. This attack, like others in the past, was condemned by the government and the army. There was also a strong reaction from the people of Pakistan as well because the attack was in a mosque during a Friday congregation at a Parade Lanes mosque. Many declared that those who attack mosques are not Muslims. May be they are not.

But the counter argument is what about the attack on Red Mosque and Jamia Hafisa, and destruction of other seven mosques in Islamabad on Murree Road which happened during Musharaf’s rule? Those people who destroyed these mosques, were they Muslims or non Muslims?

And moreover, what about the attack on Holy Kabbah by Hijaj Bin Yousaf? No mosque on earth can match the sanctity of holy Kabbah. Hijaj Bin Yousaf was a Muslim. His army was Muslim too; and those he was fighting were also very good Muslims. Also what about attack on holy Kabbah by some Iranians about three decades ago? Were they Muslims or non Muslims?

I am not justifying an attack on any mosque or holy Kabbah. I, in fact, in line with Islamic teaching respect all religious shrines and places of worship. I only want to make a point that sometimes fighting forces do attack places of worship, wrong as it is, to promote a cause they believe in or to eliminate high value target; or simply to take revenge.

In Rawalpindi mosque the target was not ordinary people who went their to pray, but the prime target was Hashim Masood the only son of the corps commander of Peshawar, Lieutenant General Masood Aslam, who is commanding operations in South Waziristan. Apart from him, 17 officers of the Pakistan Army were killed; among them was a General of the Armoured Corps, Major General Bilal Omar, a Brigadier some Colonels and Majors.

I, like other people, also condemn this attack; and express full sympathy with the families of those who lost their love ones in this tragic act of terrorism. I pray Allah to grant heaven to those who lost their lives.

Mufti Waliur Rahman Mehsud, the chief of the Pakistani Taliban in South Waziristan, while accepting the responsibility for the Rawalpindi said their ‘primary targets’ were the army officers in the mosque. He did not even express any remorse on the death of civilians, because in his view they were relatives of army officers and their demise ‘did not matter’.

When F16 strikes or Drones attack, innocent people get killed. They are labelled as terrorists; even when among the death include innocent children and women. There is no one to show who the victims are; and those who kill have no interest to show the damage they have inflicted. If somehow it is known that there were no terrorists and only innocent people were killed, a few lines statement is issued to say it was sad, but it was a ‘collateral’ damage.

Can anyone cover the death of innocent people in the Rawalpindi mosque under the term of ‘collateral damage’? People should not be allowed to kill innocent civilians under the cover of ‘collateral damage’, whether the killer is using F16 or a suicide jacket.

That aside my question is how did these ‘uneducated and backward’ tribesmen knew that Lieutenant General Masood Aslam’s only son was in the mosque? How did these attackers managed to enter this highly guarded and secured zone with so many weapons?

Talibans or Pathans are good fighters, and we all know that. But it is beyond their ability to collect so much intelligence, analyse it, make sense of it, and monitor activities of their targets and plan attacks with so much precision.

What this means is that someone else is providing them the required information. It is this someone else who plan attacks with military sophistication and precision; and Taliban only provide manpower or volunteers to carry out the job.

Important question is who is this someone? Many Pakistanis claim that Blackwater (new name Xe) is behind these attacks. Others say RAW and Mossad, Indian and Israeli secret agencies are behind them. Some others claim that the American’s are providing the intelligence and the Taliban are implementing the plans.

It is possible that there is more than one agency at work to destabilise Pakistan. It suits their national interest to destabilise Pakistan. But destabilisation of Pakistan also suits many Pakistanis as well; and they have different reasons for that. Because of this aspect of the war which Pakistan is fighting, some still think it is ‘inside job’.

They claim the disgruntled elements of the establishment and security apparatus are helping the Taliban by providing important information. It must be understood that the war Pakistan is fighting is not against any tribe or geographical area of Pakistan. They are fighting fanatics belonging to a cult, which is willing to die and blow them up to promote their cause. They are also determined to kill anyone who is perceived as an ‘enemy’ or threat to their cause.

These fanatics were recruited during General Zia time and groomed during 1980s and 1990s to promote a particular brand of Islam and export that ideology to serve the cause of Islam and Pakistan. To them end justify means; however wrong that might look to others. These fanatics were appointed in various ministries and in different sections of the Pakistani establishment; and with time they earned promotions and increased their area of influence.

These fanatics did not belong to one tribe or one region of Pakistan. Thousands of them were from various towns of Punjab and Frontier Province. Because of their common ideology and common goal they had good networking and coordination among them. It is this relationship which is causing so much trouble to Pakistan and Pakistani secret agencies, as their loyalty to the cult is much stronger than their loyalty to their departments.

When Pakistan made a U Turn on its policy and joined the America’s war against terrorism these people, as a matter of policy, became part of the war on both sides. However this policy could not continue for too long. Some people were made to retire and others were posted to less significant posts; but some others decided to become inactive for some time.

Some Pakistanis are claiming that they have won this war because of some success in Swat and in South Wazirstan. In my opinion it is too early to make this claim, as the war has just begun. True, Pakistan wants a quick end to this war; but the Taliban leaders have a strategy to drag it on for many years. Moreover external factors will influence the final outcome of the war.

If Pakistan wants to win this war then they have to change their strategy. They must not only rely on use of F16 and helicopters gunship. They have to win minds and hearts of the people and that could not be won by use of brute force and making more people homeless, making more orphans and martyrs. Above all they seriously need to look for moles among their ranks. It is these people who are cause of so much death and destruction in Pakistan.

Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs.
Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com

A no confidence motion against Deputy Speaker AJK Legislative Assembly Salim Butt was submitted

2009-12-16T05:51:00.000-08:00

Slim Butt Dupty speaker ajk Assembly

MUZAFFARABAD A no confidence motion against Deputy Speaker Azad Jammu and Kashmir AJK Legislative Assembly Salim Butt was submitted in the assembly secretariat on Wednesday According to official sources the no trust motion was submitted by the Muslim Conference s legislator Shamim Ali Malik

Requisition for a session of the AJK Legislative Assembly was also submitted in the assembly secretariat with signatures of 19 assembly members.

The Muslim Conference has already nominated its legislator Mehrunnisa as the candidate to replace the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s deputy speaker — DawnNews.

Another Kashmiri abducted by Pakistani secret agency

2009-12-16T05:36:00.000-08:00

London 16 December 2009

It looks that Pakistani secret agencies have decided to crush activities of Kashmiri dissidents in Azad Kashmir or more appropriately Pakistani Occupied Kashmir, area under their control since 1947.

Another young Kashmiri Kabeer Shah has been abducted from Athmaqaam three days ago, and no one knows his where about.

Four Kashmiri youths were abducted by ISI Lt Col Hamza from Muzaffarabad about four weeks ago and were only released after a massive campaign for their release in Muzaffarabad and close coordination and support of Asian Human Rights Commission and other human rights groups.

The detainees were taken to a Pakistani city of Peshawer where they were severely tortured and their families harassed and intimidated.

Neelam Valley and Athmaqaam are the worst areas for human rights abuse by Pakistani agencies and forces of occupation. These areas are not easily accessible and are divided by LOC. Also these areas are the focal point for infiltration of militants across the LOC therefore very sensitive as far as the Pakistani agencies are concerned.

In view of growing activities of the secret agencies and abduction cases Kashmiris in Muzaffarabad have set up Missing Persons Society to monitor activities of the secret agencies and to provide support and legal help to victims of abduction.

Famous political activist and a leader of NSF Mahmood Baig has been elected Chairman of this group and Afzaal Sulehria, Zonal President of Kashmir National Party has been elected Secretary General. Both of them played a lead role in the release of the four abductees last week.

While speaking to Dr Shabir Choudhry, Afzaal Sulehria said, we are really concerned about the growing abduction cases of Kashmiri political activists, and request all freedom loving people to help us to fight illegal activities of the Pakistani secret agencies.

Pakistani secret agencies, especially ISI has little regard for the Pakistani law, but as far as Pakistani Administered Kashmir is concerned they are law themselves, as they do not come under jurisdiction of the local law. Local administration even President and Prime Minister of Pakistani Administered Kashmir have no control over them. IG police of Pakistani Administered Kashmir is always a Pakistani and has no control over the activities of the secret agencies.

Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhr

Government urged to accelerate rehabilitation process Of Rawalakot City Development Plan

2009-12-15T00:35:00.000-08:00

Rawalakot(PR): 15-12-2009

The negligence and malpractices of concerned departments responsible for the delay of rehabilitation process should be brought to justice. Rawalakot City Development Plan should be started without any changes as per initial planning in order to redress the public greinveces and reservations. The alleged embezzlement and corruption in the SEERA, DRU, EERA and PMU and other related departments must be seriously noticed and enquired by the government through audit of development and none development expenditures of funds provided by world community for the rebuilding of quake hit areas of Azad Kashmir.

These views were expressed by different speakers in an information sharing seminar jointly organized by Press for Peace (PFP) and Action Aid. Both organizations are working for the well being of people in the remote areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and NWFP region.

Abdul Sattar Khan, Project Director City Development Plan, Mubasshar Ahsan(DRU), Iftikhar Ferorz , President Traders Union, Azhar Nazar former Chairman Pearl Development Authority, Syyed Habib Hussain Shah, President Disctrict Bar Council, Raja Ejaz Advocate(PPP), Muhammad Haleem(JI), Sardar Qadeer(JKLF), Sardar Naeem Aslam , President District Press Club and PFP representative Raja Wasim, Aurangzeb, Safeer Raza spoke on the occasion.

The seminar concluded with a joint declaration which urged government to take action against those responsible of delay of reconstruction work of earthquake affected areas of Azad Kashmir, specifically in Rawalakot district.

“The construction of schools and colleges must be started without any postponement while the government should take notice of alleged poor construction of roads and wrongdoings in other projects in the area”, it further demanded.

The speakers demanded that the irregularities and misuse of funds in the NGOs and public sector institutions must be investigated through independent tribunal in order to bring transparency and good governance in the society. The government should develop policy with the consultation of people to acquire land and land holders should be paid their compensation amounts before the commencement of the all development projects.

Criticizing the performance of government over the rehabilitation, the participants of the seminar unanimously demanded that concerned departments for rebuilding process must share information with public to inform them about the latest progress of ongoing schemes and people should be invoked in the problems solving mechanisms.

Abdul Sattar Khan, Project Director City Development Plan informed the participants about the hardships faced by the government in rehabilitation process and said that the attainment of lands is the main impediment in the implementation of the projects as the government is facing immense resistance by the owners during the possession of earmarked lands. He urged upon people to cooperate with the government in the provision of lands so that the development projects could be completed in due period.

______________________

Press For Peace(PFP)
Bank Road,Muzaffarabad
Jammu and Kashmir
Ph:0092-58810 45457

Fax:0092-58810-45437

Alternate email:pressforpeace@hotmail.com
http://pressforpeace.org.uk
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Press for Peace (PFP)
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Is Pakistan a failed state?

2009-12-14T01:13:00.000-08:00

By Dr Shabir Choudhry 12 December 2009

Many people say Pakistan is a failed state; others say no it is not. Some Jihadi groups and right wing people call Pakistan a ‘fort of Islam’; and a ‘successful’ state, as it made a valuable contribution in the collapse of one Superpower; and has virtually bankrupted the other Superpower in a ‘war on terrorism’.

They make these lofty and irrational claims despite the fact that the country has not won any war against its arch rival, and lost East Pakistan in the war of 1971; and suffered humiliating defeat with imprisonment of more than 90 thousands prisoners. The country is on a verge of economic collapse and rulers are going out with a begging bowl from one country to another; and there is a civil war going on and bombs are blowing in every city and all highly secure institutions have become targets of these bombs.

That aside the issue of a failed state is mentioned from time to time by political commentators and journalists. A failed state is the one which fails to fulfil basic conditions and responsibilities of a sovereign government. All sovereign states have legitimate right to control its territory and have monopoly of use of force within that territory. A state is perceived as a failed state if:

* It loses a physical control of some parts of its territory;
* It loses monopoly over use of legitimate physical force;
* Its writ of government is challenged by militant groups;

* It’s power to make collective decisions is gradually eroding;

* It is unable to provide basic necessities and essential public services;
* It is unable to interact and make legally binding agreements with other states.

Whether we call Pakistan a failed state or ‘dysfunctional state’, phrase coined by a famous writer Tariq Ali; some, if not all, of the above characteristics do apply to Pakistan. A failed state has a weak government which is unable to assert its authority in parts of its territory. In a failed state public services are either non existent or very ineffective and there is widespread corruption, nepotism and criminal activities. In a failed state there are internally displaced people forced out of their homes because of law and order or civil war and sharp economic decline.

According to various indicators including America’s ‘Foreign Policy’ and ‘The Fund For Peace’ Failed States list 2009, Pakistan is a failed state and is among the ten top failed states, with Somalia being at number one. The following list shows the worst 20 states in the world:

1/Somalia, 2/Zimbabwe, 3/ Sudan, 4/ Chad, 5, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 6/ Iraq, 7/ Afghanistan, 8/ Central African Republic, 9/ Guinea, 10/ Pakistan, 11, Cote d’Ivoire, 12/ Haiti, 13/ Myanmar, 14/ Kenya, 15/ Nigeria, 16/ Ethiopia, 17/ North Korea, 18/ Yemen, 19/ Bangladesh, 20/ East Timor

Indicators of state vulnerability

There are twelve indicators which demonstrate state’s vulnerability. Out of twelve indicators four are social, two economic and six political. Social indicators which put a state in a category of a failed state are:

1. Demographic pressures – high population density relative to supply of food and other life sustaining resources, ownership of land and transport; and control of religious and historical sites etc;

2. Massive movement of refugees and internally displaced peoples –forced uprooting of large communities causing food shortages, disease, lack of clean water, land competition, and turmoil that can spiral into larger humanitarian and security problems;

3. Vengeance seeking groups - recent or past injustices, atrocities committed with impunity against communal groups or specific groups, institutionalized political exclusion;

4. Chronic and sustained human flight - both the ‘brain drain’ of professionals, intellectuals and political dissidents and voluntary emigration of the middle class.

Economic indicators

1. Uneven economic development along group and tribal lines – inequality and injustice perpetrated against a group or a tribe in education, jobs, and economic status.

2. Severe economic decline – shortage of food items, high inflation, drop in foreign investment, debt payments, collapse or devaluation of the national currency and a growth of hidden economies, including the drug trade, smuggling, and capital flight.

Political indicators:

1. Criminalization or de-legitimisation of the state – in a failed state there is endemic corruption and ruling elites oppose transparency, accountability and political representation and use their positions to misappropriate funds in a systematic way;

2. Progressive deterioration of public services – gradually functions of the state become ineffective and fail to protect citizens from terrorism and violence; and fail to provide essential services, such as health, education, sanitation and public transportation etc.

3. Widespread violation of human rights: in a failed state political system is authoritarian and dictatorial, where constitutional and democratic institutions and processes are suspended or manipulated. It is common to have politically inspired violence, rising number of political prisoners, widespread abuse of legal, political and social rights, including those of individuals, groups or cultural institutions, harassment of the press, politicization of the judiciary, internal use of military for political ends, public repression of political opponents, religious or cultural persecution;

4. Security apparatus as ‘state within a state’- in a failed state some individuals and organised groups operate with impunity. State-sponsored or state-supported private or religious militias terrorize and eliminate political opponents, perceived enemies, or civilians considered to be sympathetic to the opposition. This ‘army within an army’ or ‘state within state’ protects and promotes the interests of the dominant military, religious or political elite.

5. Rise of factionalised elites - the ruling elites and state institutions have conflict of interest. They could have divisions based on religious, tribal or nationalistic or sub nationalistic lines.

6. Intervention of other states - in a failed state there is a direct or indirect military or Para-military engagement of other countries – they support one or the other group in accordance with their interest, which seriously affect internal balance of power. This intervention is more extensive by those who provide military and economic help.

If one examines situation of Pakistan impartially then one reaches the conclusion that most of the above are clearly visible in Pakistani society today. I leave it to the judgement and wisdom of the readers to decide if Pakistan is a ‘failed state’, ‘successful state’, a ‘fort of Islam’ or a state struggling for its survival. However one thing is clear that Mohammed Ali Jinnah did not dream this kind of Pakistan. Dream of his Pakistan was shattered in early 1950s, and then the country physically disintegrated in to two countries with the ruling elite having any remorse over it.

I wrote this piece because I was asked why ‘You Kashmiris want to join a country which has a begging bowl in hand and which is a failed state?’ I am not in a position to pass on a judgement if Pakistan is a ‘failed state’ or a ‘successful state’, but one thing is sure that Pakistan is not the country of our dreams. We Kashmiris don’t want to become part of this society or this country which appears to have no future; and those who express their desire to become part of Pakistan are either doing it for ‘rewards’ or have a myopic view of politics and future of Kashmiris.

But that does not mean we want to be part of India or any other country. Our dream is liberal, democratic and independent Jammu and Kashmir. I hope we get this dream in our life time; and if that does not happen then I hope that our future generations will continue the struggle until they get unification and independence. I hope our future generations will benefit from fruits of liberal and democratic society and establish a society based on Kashmiri culture of tolerance and coexistene.

Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com

An army colonel has had four men abducted and tortured due to a personal dispute, in Pakistan-held Kashmir

2009-12-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION – URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has learned that four young men have been illegally arrested, detained and tortured by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials because of a minor personal dispute. The first victim was allegedly taken hostage by an ISI colonel so that his uncle would pay a debt, and the other three were friends of the victim who inquired about him at the local police station. Three of the young men are still being held incommunicado and according to the fourth, who was released after six days, they have all been badly tortured by officials in a secluded place. The released victim is in ill health and has been warned against publicising the details of his friends' capture by the perpetrators. Although civilians in Muzaffarabad have held protest rallies, no action has yet been taken by the authorities.

CASE DETAILS:

According to the information we have received, Mr. Pervez Butt, a resident of Center Plate in Muzaffarabad, borrowed money with a Pathun (an ethnic group) money-lending group and was unable to pay the sum back. One of the money lenders is related to an ISI Lieutenant Colonel in Peshawar, Lt Cl Hamza, who allegedly threatened Pervez a number of times about the money.

On 21 November Lt Col Hamza went to Pervez's residence with ten people, most of them from the Frontier Constabulary of Peshawar.Pervez was not in his residence at that time, and the Lt Col took his nephew, Mr. Faizan Butt as a hostage, reportedly handing him over to the Saddar Police Station in Muzaffarabad. That evening three of Faizan's friends – Ali Rathore, Raja Qayyum and Shafiq Butt – went to the police station to ask for his release and were allegedly taken away with Faizan by the colonel.

Two days after the men's abduction, Butt’s family received a call from Lt. Colonel Hamza, telling them that the four young men would only be released from his custody in exchange for Pervez, who is in hiding. One of the captives, Ali Rathore, was left near Butt's house on November 27 with serious torture injuries, and was declared by hospital doctors to be in a state of shock. The next day Rathore’s family received a call from the Lt Col, who told them that the emaining prisoners would be tortured more harshly if details of the arrest were given to the public. The whereabouts and condition of the three men remain unknown.

Civilian representatives in Muzaffarabad and members of the Kashmir National Party have written several letters to the prime minister of Pakistan-held Kashmir, as well as to other high officials of the Pakistani and Kashmir governments, yet no action has been taken.

It should be noted that Lt Col Hamza has no professional connection to Kashmir, which the government of Pakistan has declared to be an independent state, with its own prime minister and government. The case demonstrates not only the impunity available to those who work within military intelligence and the complicity of other law enforcers in it, but also exposes the limit to Kashmir officials' authority over the ISI, which frequently conducts operations in the area under the banner of national security.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Though Azad Jammu and Kashmir (generally known as Pakistani-held Kashmir), is officially an independent state, it remains ostensibly under the Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs. Because of insurgent activity between it and Indian-held Kashmir, Pakistani spy agencies operate heavily in the area and Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir, hosts at least five ISI centres alongside the other intelligence agencies of the state, most notably the Military Intelligence (MI), which are known to consistently operate above the rule of law.

SUGGESTED ACTION:

Please write letters to the authorities urging them to recover the three victims from the illegal captivity of ISI, and take legal action immediately against the responsible officials.

The AHRC is writing a separate letter to UN Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and to the Working Group on arbitrary detention,calling for their intervention into this case.

To support this appeal please click here:
http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/support.php?ua=UAC-172-2009

Human Rights Day: Successes and Failures

2009-12-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

By
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai
December 10, 2009

The statement of Ms. Navanethem Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights deserves an appreciation who wants to encourage people everywhere to honour Human Rights Day 2009 by embracing diversity and resolving to take concrete and lasting actions to help put an end to discrimination.

The 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNUDHR) on its 61st anniversary needs to be applauded. Everyone knows that fundamental human rights are universal. That is the tacit assumption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration knows no religious, national, or political boundaries. And it is not hierarchical, like caste systems or monarchies. Everyone stands on the same plane when human rights are at issue. Even if all of its lofty provisions safeguarding fundamental human freedoms and liberties remain dishonored in many parts of the globe, it stands as a moral reproach to wrongdoing nations that may facilitate reforms.

It is also a fact that the success is measured not only by objectives, but also by whether an alternate strategy would have been an improvement. Thus, as Churchill said of democracy, it is the worst form of government except for all others that have been conceived or attempted. Similarly, it might be said of the United Nations that it is the worst international organization for achieving peace, self-determination, and human rights, but for all the alternatives that have been attempted or contemplated.

Urgency of adding teeth to human rights is felt everywhere. On that count, the news is less auspicious. The United Nations should officially declare that under international law and human rights covenants, every government official is vulnerable to criminal prosecution in every nation in the world for either direct or indirect complicity in human rights violations that shock the international conscience as determined by the World Court. Every alleged victim of a human rights violation or his or her relatives should be entitled to sue the alleged official culprits in the World Court to determine whether the shock the conscience test has been satisfied. Its verdict would be binding on all countries. Any nation that refused either to prosecute or to assist in the prosecution of the human rights violators would be expelled from the United Nations General Assembly, and its leaders could be held in contempt of court by the World Court.

What is also desperately needed is for the United Nations to promulgate specific guidelines for identifying a people entitled to claim self-determination under international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A special group of human rights experts and historians should be recruited to provide advice and to compose an initial draft. The World Court should be entrusted with mandatory jurisdiction to decide whether a nation is violating the right to self-determination at the behest of the alleged repressed group. An affirmative judgment should result in the expulsion of the culpable country from the United Nations General Assembly unless remedial action is taken with a specified period, including the holding of a self-determination plebiscite conducted by the United Nations and fully transparent to the international community. Unless something like this ruggedness and bite is adopted, self-determination will remain a crass tool of international power politics, a

cruel hoax to many. I also believe that self-determination must be celebrated whether or not a state of colonial or alien domination or foreign occupation obtains. Self-determination is a right that must be honored irrespective of the

identity of the oppressor.

The candor and fair-mindedness supports the conclusion that the United Nations has been painfully ineffective measured by the yardsticks of international peace, human rights, and self-determination. An initial example was and remains Kashmir. India's international lawlessness has escaped United Nations sanctions or even moral reproach for more than 62 years.

The seeming conspiracy of silence over gross affronts to the UDHR in Indian occupied Kashmir - an occupation which itself violates still binding United Nations Security Council resolutions dictating a self-determination there under international and impartial supervision – is worrisome. That unheroic muteness has emboldened India to a chilling campaign of human rights atrocities against innocent Kashmiris, despite the on and off-going peace talks between India and Pakistan that started in January 2004. The 700,000 Indian military and paramilitary forces operate outside the rule of law under the protective umbrella of an Indian immunity statute. Egregious human rights violations are commonplaces: involuntary disappearances, extrajudicial killings, rape, torture, plunder, abductions, mutilations, arbitrary detentions and recently discovered over 3,000 mass graves in Kupwara. It is even a crime to salute implementation of the Security Council resolutions, a shocking affront to the

Council itself.

If international law were applied evenhandedly in Kashmir, an international war crimes tribunal would have been established years ago to try the scores of Indian civilian and military leaders guilty of crimes against humanity and aggression. What Slobodan Milosevic did in Kosovo and Bosnia pales in comparison to what Indian civilian and military grandees have done in Kashmir for 62 successive years, something resembling genocide on the installment plan.

The Kashmir conflict is not about autonomy, nor about the transfer of power in Jammu and Kashmir. It is about honoring the political and human rights of the Kashmiri people in accord with international law, justice and morality. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s assertion that borders cannot be redrawn in Kashmir is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Kashmir. They know that the line of control is in fact the line of conflict. They have always revolted against the status quo and the status quo cannot be an option to resolve the Kashmir dispute. Dr. Fai emphasized that the gruesome status quo in Kashmir is both legally and morally unacceptable and militarily and economically frightening.

What is needed is for India and Pakistan to include the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri people in all negotiations to set a stage for the resolution of this long-standing dispute. No Kashmir solution that fails to command the consensus of the people of Kashmir has a chance of success. Furthermore, simple justice and morality require permitting Kashmiris to participate in charting their own political destiny.

According to Candidate Obama the United States holds urgent national security and foreign policy interests in a negotiated solution to the 62-year-old Kashmir conflict. This obviously is consistent with international law and practices and human rights covenants. Therefore, an appointment of a special envoy on Kashmir will hasten the process of peace and prosperity in the whole region of South Asia, including Afghanistan.

The author can be reached on gnfai2003@yahoo.com

Kashmiri Americans Held Peaceful Demonstration In Front of the White House

2009-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Washington. November 24, 2009. While President Obama met with Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India, hundreds of Kashmiri Americans held peaceful demonstration in front of the White House to convey to the US Administration to persuade India to initiate meaningful dialogue with Pakistan and the legitimate Kashmiri leadership to resolve the 62 years old unresolved issue of Kashmir. The demonstration was highly impressive and reverberating with the slogans of “Azadi,” (Freedom). The participants were carrying the placards demanding “Self-determination”, “President Obama Appoint Special Envoy of Kashmir”, “India Honor UN Pledges”, and “Stop Killings in Kashmir”. The participants also raised slogans having one singular theme that India allows the people of Kashmir to choose their own political destiny.

Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center said that there are certain characteristics of the situation in Kashmir, which distinguish it from all other deplorable human rights situations around the world. It prevails in what is recognized - under international law and by the United States - as a disputed territory. According to the international agreements between India and Pakistan, negotiated by the United Nations and endorsed by the Security Council, the territory's status is to be determined by the free vote of its people under U.N. supervision.

Dr. Fai reminded that Kashmir situation represents a Government's repression not of a secessionist or separatist movement but of an uprising against foreign occupation, an occupation that was expected to end under determinations made by the United Nations. The Kashmiris are not and cannot be called separatists, as Dr. Manmohan Singh alleges because they cannot secede from a country like India to which they have never acceded to in the first place.

Dr. Fai warned that the mantra has been repeated too often that the U.S. has no alternative to relying on bilateral talks between India and Pakistan to achieve a settlement. The experience of more than sixty-two years is ignored. No bilateral talks between India and Pakistan have yielded agreements without the active role of an external element. If the U.S. does not deem it prudent to get directly involved, there is no reason why the Secretary General of the United Nations should not be urged to play a real facilitating role.

The Executive Director hoped that the U.S. assumes the position as a leader and take an active role in finding a lasting settlement on Kashmir. It is obvious that no settlement can last if it is not based on justice for the people of Kashmir and recognition of their inherent rights. Dr. Fai said that we place the trust in the statesmanship of President Obama that he will not countenance any attempt to ignore the wishes of the people of Kashmir and bypass the expression of those wishes. He also said that an appointment of a special envoy on Kashmir - a person of an international standing, like Bishop Desmond Tutu would hasten the process of peace and reconciliation in the region of South Asia.

Dr. Fai emphasized that India has been trying to gain some mileage in propaganda by drawing attention to the presence and operation of some extremist militant groups in Kashmir. But such groups will unfortunately continue to obtain popular support and feel justified in participating in the freedom struggle in Kashmir, thereby distorting the character of that struggle, as long as the Kashmiri leadership is seen as having failed to secure a just settlement. The way to starve extremist elements and deny them sustenance from public sentiment is to show that means other than those they espouse can secure the peace with justice which they proclaim as their aim. In fact, it is only when they are discredited that they can be curbed.

Hafiz Mohammad Sabir cautioned that Kashmir issue assumed a very special geostrategic importance, as it is a nuclear flash point. He urged the United States to help settle the issue of Kashmir in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sardar Swar Khan implored that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people will not be allowed to go waste. The world will have to honor their determination for salvation and freedom.

Major Tahir Iqbal pledged to support the cause of Kashmir till the people achieve their right to self-determination. He said that self-determination is non-negotiable.

Mr. Tahir Iqbal asked the international community to take notice of the massive dissent expressed by the people of Kashmir on the streets of the Valley by coming out in millions.

Mr. Liaqat Kiyani congratulated the Kashmiri Americans for making the demonstration a grand success. This demonstration he said is a moral booster for those who have said no to Indian occupation.

Dr. Imtiyaz Khan gave an eyewitness account of the recent uprising in Kashmir.

Shehzad Chaudhary said that the role that diaspora are playing in highlighting the issue is our moral and legal responsibility.

Mr. Taj Khan appealed the audience to continue the struggle at the international level to impress upon the world community that Kashmiris will not accept anything short of self-determination.

Mr. Taj Akbar elaborated the nature of the draconian laws operational in Occupied Kashmir for the last two decades which have given sense of impunity to the Indian solider in Kashmir.

Mr. Zahid Hameedi said that the sacrifices of the people of Kashmir would not go in vain. He asked the international community to come to rescue the people of Kashmir in their hour of need.

The demonstration was organized by the Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center but all the diaspora political parties. i.e., J&K Muslim conference; JK Peoples Conference; Pakistan Peoples Party AJK; JK Jamaat-e-Islami, JK Liberation Front; JK Peoples Muslim League showed unflinching faith in their goal for freedom.

Kashmir Communique in the Washington Times

2009-12-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

Washington, D.C. November 25, 2009. Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri American Council referred to a communiqué that was published in the Washington Times on page 3 yesterday that says “that the United States paved the way for freedom around the world and the United States can help the people of Kashmir achieve peace, freedom and self-determination.

“That the Kashmir is recognized by the United Nations as a disputed territory whose status is yet to be determined by its people.” “That Kashmir is the most dangerous place in the world. (President Bill Clinton)” “That Kashmir is the world’s most beautiful prison. (European Parliamentary delegation)” “That Kashmir is the largest military concentration anywhere in the world. (International Educational Development)”

The communiqué also reads, “Now is the time for President Obama to listen to Candidate Obama who said on: September 25, 2008, “I will continue support of ongoing Indian Pakistani efforts to resolve Kashmir problem in order to address the political roots of the arms race between India and Pakistan.” October 23, 2008, “Working with Pakistan and India to try to resolve, and Kashmir, crisis in a serious way. Those are all critical tasks for the next administration. Kashmir in particular is an interesting situation where that is obviously a potential tar pit diplomatically. But, for us to devote serious diplomatic resources to get a special envoy in there, to figure out a plausible approach, and essentially make the argument to the Indians, you guys are on the brink of being an economic superpower, why do you want to keep on messing with this?” October 30, 2008, “We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis.”

The communiqué emphasized, “That the unresolved Kashmir dispute is a rebuke to the international community for its inaction.”

The communiqué concluded “that the people of Kashmir demand what was pledged to them by both India and Pakistan and guaranteed by the Security Council, with the unequivocal endorsement of the United States, namely demilitarization of Kashmir and a free vote organized impartially to ascertain popular will.”

Dr. Fai said that no international dispute is ever free from complexities and Kashmir dispute is no exception. But conscience does not let itself be distracted by them and statesmanship devoted to peace reaches and grasps the human core of s dispute.

Four of family killed in Motorway accident

2009-12-07T02:58:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 02, 2009
CHAKWAL: Four members of a family were killed and three others injured in an accident on Motorway near Balkassar Interchange on Tuesday. A family was going to Lahore from Rawalakot when their car overturned after hitting a divider due to over speeding. As a result, Muhammad Nazim and his son Sabiul Hassan, car driver Naeem Yasin and his brother Faheem Yasin were killed on the spot while Nazim’s wife Najma Yasin, his daughter Fatima and Muhammad Naseem were injured seriously. The injured were rushed to a hospital in Rawalpindi.

TheNila police have registered a case. The family was coming to the Lahore Airport to see off their relative. According to the police, the accident took place after the car driver felt doziness.

The News Pakistan

Seven killed in traffic mishap in Danda Gambir Hajira

RAWALAKOT (Online) - As many as seven people including the driver have been killed while another three got injured in a traffic accident at Danda Gambir on Friday, police said.As per details, a passenger wagon coming from Danda Gambir was on its way to Hajira when due to over-speeding the driver lost control and the wagon fell into a deep ditch. As a result, seven passengers including the driver died on the spot while three were injured.Soon after the accident, police and locals rushed to the site and started rescue operation. The injured have been shifted to Rawalakot Hospital.

The local police has registered a case and has started investigation

The Nation Pakistan

Sheikh khalifa Hosiptal in Rawalakot Azad Kashmir

2009-12-06T03:10:00.000-08:00

Sheikh khalifa Hosiptal Rawalakot A.K

Location: 140 kms northeast of Islamabad. Elevation: 1500 m. above mean sea level.

Climatic Conditions:
Temperature: maximum of 28 to 30 degrees centigrade; minimum of 5 degrees centigrade.
Wind: 80 to 100 knots.
Heavy rainfall, moderate snowfall.
Area of site: approximately 14 acres (56,000 sq.m.).

Site Location
Rawalakot is a mountainous area of Azad Kashmir. The site is in a mountainous area and the latitude is approximately 34 degrees north.

Site Topography
The allocated site area is about 56,800 sq.m. It is an irregular shape about 270 m. from east to west and about 200 m. from north to south. The site contours are relatively level along the north-south axis and slopes up from west to east. The main area that will be occupied by the hospital slopes by 7 m. which is equivalent to one and a half stories.

Site Master Planning
The site is zoned into three general areas. The main hospital zone, a staff residential zone and a zone for community facilities. The site is steep on the east-west axis and around the perimeter but is relatively flat on the north-south axis. The hospital zone is located in the central area of the site to take advantage of the relatively flat area on the north-south axis and the westerly aspect. The residential accommodation is adjacent to the hospital within the site security area but with its own access. Site security is often a key issue for female staff and their safety is an important planning issue. The main hospital plan is devised to separate the patients and visitors areas from the service areas, so as to avoid site congestion.

Sheikh Khalifa Hospital Rawalakot A.K

Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals

Solving issue of Kashmir key to peace in the region

2009-12-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

December 4, 2009

NICHOLAS BURNS’S timely and sensitive Nov. 24 op-ed “Ways Obama can tend bonds with India’’ needs to be supplemented by some observations about the issue of Kashmir. The Kashmir dispute is simply this: The people of a large territory that is not part of any existing sovereign state were assured by the international community represented by the United Nations that they would be enabled to decide their future by a free vote. This was prominently championed by the United States.

This assurance has not been honored. In order to save the region from descending into the chaos, experts on South Asia have all rightly concluded that the resolution of the Kashmir issue is necessary for peace in the region. The extremist elements in the region have hijacked what is essentially a political issue.

As a presidential candidate, Barack Obama said, “We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis so that they can stay focused not on India, but on the situation with those militants.’’ Now is the time for President Obama to listen to candidate Obama on Kashmir.

Ghulam Nabi Fai
Executive director
Kashmiri American Council
Washington

The Boston Globe

KAC Condemns the assassination Attempt on Mr. Fazal Haq Qureishi

2009-12-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

Washington, D.C. December 4, 2009. Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director of the Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center, today harshly condemned the assassination

attempt on Mr. Fazal Haq Qureishi, a personal friend and the leader of the All Parties Hurrieyt Conference. The circumstances of the vile crimes expose the amorality of the person who could not be the friend of the people of Kashmir.

On December 4, 2009, Mr. Qureishi was critically injured by unidentified assailant while offering evening (Maghrib) prayers inside a mosque in Soura, Srinagar, [Capitol of Kashmir]. The assailant took refuge in hammer and iron rod. This was undoubtedly the most reprehensible act.

Dr. Fai said that terrorism is never acceptable no matter how seemingly urgent the political objective or how evil the opposition. Terrorism invariably corrupts the culprits and the common human rights of mankind. No political motivation justifies such terrorism against innocent civilians. The sole beneficiaries are those who prefer violence to peace, anarchy to civilization.

Dr. Fai emphasized that experience and human nature teach that violence begets violence and leads to nowhere, while dialogue and peaceful dissent based on universal democratic and moral principles marks the path of progress and success.

No nation gained by terrorism is worth having, Dr. Fai stressed. And no life that indulges in terrorism is worth living, he added.

Cutting out a role for China

2009-11-22T02:41:00.000-08:00

Cutting out a role for China

Dr Shabir Choudhry 21 November 2009

Statement of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq regarding a role of China in Kashmir dispute has surprised many. We people of Jammu and Kashmir are in limbo mainly because we are occupied by three countries, although it was only two who were considered party to the Kashmir dispute.

With exception of Palestine those countries which were colonised by one country, after some struggle gained independence; but those countries which were occupied by more than one country are still occupied, divided and struggling, as is the case with Kurdistan and Jammu and Kashmir.

Many experts believe had Jammu and Kashmir been occupied by one country then dispute of Jammu and Kashmir would have been resolved by now. People of Jammu and Kashmir are divided, as some want to join India, others want to join Pakistan or become independent from both of them. Some are even happy with the status quo. So the struggle has more than one dimension and people are not sure whether their struggle is for accession or independence.

This matter is made more complicated by making it a religious struggle, struggle of Muslims, rather than a political struggle of people of Jammu and Kashmir. Of course this religious dimension suits Pakistan and religious elements as it strengthens their position; and they deliberately promote religious confrontation to create more divisions in the ranks of those who are involved in the struggle or have suffered because of it.

Even though we, people of Jammu and Kashmir, are the main party to the dispute, we were never made part of any negotiations by the two occupying and recognised parties to the dispute, namely India and Pakistan. It was they who have dialogue with each other to settle the Kashmir dispute on our behalf; and there is a lot of resentment among the people of Jammu and Kashmir because of this.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is known to have made many controversial statements in the past and making mess of the Kashmir dispute. He is also among those who opposed a dialogue with India without the inclusion of Pakistan. At that time India was desperate to talk; and was openly saying to the Kashmiris that ‘sky was the limit’. India wanted a dialogue with Kashmiris, people who mattered and people who were suffering; and not with Pakistan because of issues related to infiltration and supporting terrorism. Talks at time could have prolonged the cease fire and helped to save many innocent lives.

When, at last, India offered a dialogue with Pakistan, government of Pakistan did not hesitate for a second and accepted the offer of talks. They did not even for formality sake asked for the inclusion of the Kashmiris. Even that did not open eyes of the Kashmiri leadership.

India is a party to the Kashmir dispute because of the ‘provisional accession’. Pakistan is a party because of the de facto control of Jammu and Kashmiri territory; and their position was recognised as a party. China also has Kashmiri territory under its control. China occupied Aksi Chin in 1962 war with India; but they also received a gift of about 5000 square kilometres territory from Pakistan in 1963.

China received this gift from Pakistan for the services which China was to provide to Pakistan in future. However both countries singed a Sino Pakistan Border Agreement in 1963 and Article 6 of the agreement says:

‘The two parties have agreed that after the settlement of the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India, the sovereign authority concerned will reopen negotiations with the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the boundary as described in Article. Two of the present agreement, so as to sign a formal boundary treaty to replace the present agreement, provided that in the event of the sovereign authority being Pakistan, the provisions of the present agreement and of the aforesaid protocol shall be maintained in the formal boundary treaty to be signed between the People’s Republic of China and Pakistan.’

One can see it is clear that China has no role in resolving the Kashmir dispute. Its role only comes once the solution of the Kashmir is found. It looks that government of Pakistan wants China to have a role in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute; after all they are also de facto occupier, and if one de facto controller of a territory could have a role than why not the other.

Perhaps it is because of this Pakistan pulled a string, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed his intention to visit China. Furthermore he said: “China definitely has a role in the Kashmir dispute. It is a great global and regional power and has a direct link to the dispute. It is definitely a stakeholder.” In this regard Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s meeting with the Pakistani High Commissioner in Delhi last week should also be kept in mind.

Many wonder why Mirwaiz Umar Farooq wants to cut out some role for the third occupier – China. Doesn’t he realise that matters are already too complex, and by having another big player in this, it will only aggravate the matters. Does he want a solution or throw a spanner to prevent any possibility of finding a solution.

What if in future a part of the State territory is occupied by Afghanistan – our fourth neighbour, then are we going to chalk out a role for them as well?

Why all of sudden he has decided to go to China. Something is being cooked up. We have to view this in light of recent Pakistani manoeuvres in Gilgit Baltistan, and a joint statement of USA and China which has crucial sentence about South Asia, it says:

‘The two sides welcomed all efforts conducive to peace, stability and development in South Asia. They support the efforts of Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight terrorism, maintain domestic stability and achieve sustainable economic and social development, and support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan. The two sides are ready to strengthen communication, dialogue and cooperation on issues related to South Asia and work together to promote peace, stability and development in that region.’

Kashmir dispute was not a bilateral matter, as it concerned with our inherent right of self determination and independence, but both India and Pakistan worked hard to make it a bilateral dispute in which the UN Resolutions have no role. It also looks that in this ‘bilateral dispute’ people of Jammu and Kashmir do not matter much either.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Sahib what are we likely to achieve by dragging China in to this dispute? China is a powerful neighbour of Jammu and Kashmir. We want to have a friendly and cordial relationship with them; but we cannot have that when China is also in possession of our territory.

We anticipate no role of China in resolving the Kashmir dispute; and if China wants to have peace and stability in South Asia, which suits Chinese future aspiration as well, then best thing is to declare that China will vacate all areas of the State under their control once the Kashmir dispute is resolved to the satisfaction of the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

EU delegation to visit IHK from November 22

2009-11-19T07:17:00.000-08:00

SRINAGAR (IHK): A high-level delegation of European Union comprising ambassadors of seven countries including Sweden, Spain, France and Belgium would conduct a three-day visit of Indian occupied Kashmir from November 22, 2009 reports KMS.

The delegation, led by Ambassador of Sweden, Lars-Olof Lindgren, would meet Hurriyet leaders including the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and would discuss the latest political situation of Indian occupied Kashmir.

The members of the delegation would also get information about the peace efforts and the peaceful solution of the long-pending Kashmir dispute.

The EU delegation is expected to visit the occupied territory with a special mission and during its stay it would thoroughly monitor the situation of Jammu and Kashmir and later would submit a detailed report to the European Union.

The delegation would also meet the puppet Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and would exchange views about the present situation of occupied Kashmir.

The APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a media interview in Srinagar said, the world community has realised the urgency of resolving the Kashmir dispute and the visit of the European Union delegation is part of the efforts being taken at the international level for peaceful and amicable settlement of the Kashmir dispute.

Source (Pakistan time)

New dimensions of the Kashmiri struggle.

2009-11-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

New dimensions of the Kashmiri struggle.

Dr Shabir Choudhry 8 November 2009

Yes, it is time for a change. We have always opposed the status quo in hope that change will bring better results - it will bring freedom, peace and prosperity; and now that change is in the offing I am apprehensive as to what it might bring. I don’t know what this change will bring to us. Will we, as a nation forcibly divided be any better off or worse?

At one time it was only the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir that was viewed as disputed; and more or less everyone from the Pakistani side of the divide wanted to liberate that side which had better living standard, better infrastructure and more political, economic and social rights.

Although Pakistan, their agencies, political parties pro Pakistan Kashmiris on both sides of the divide and some ‘nationalist parties’ who are considered ‘B’ team of Pakistan wanted to ensure that attention is focussed only on the Indian side of the divide and only those areas should be seen as disputed; but hard work of true nationalists have paid off, and now areas of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir are also deemed as disputed.

Those who were living on the Indian side also thought the grass was greener on the Pakistani side of the divide; and they might get better rights and better future once they join Pakistan. Now all that has changed, as people come to know that there is no grass on the other side at all; and whatever little grass is there is rotten.

Furthermore they think if Pakistan had any love for the people of Jammu and Kashmir then they could have given fundamental human rights to the people who were living in the areas under their control. Denial of basic human rights to these people shows what care the Pakistani officials have for the people of the State. With time people have come to know Pakistani designs on Kashmir – they are only interested in the territory and the resources the State can offer to them.

People had to pay big sacrifices and suffer for many decades in order to reach this stage. They are not happy with India, but they no longer wish to join Pakistan either. They no longer trust those leaders who led them on this path where they suffered while the leadership enjoyed their lives and built their economic empires.

A big change has taken place and people have realised that if violence is ‘haram’ (religiously not permitted) in Pakistan or inside Pakistani Administered Jammu and Kashmir then how could it be ‘halal’ (religiously permitted) on the Indian side of the divide

Support for democratic process

Yes, more changes are taking place. People have greater awareness and they no longer wish to follow their leaders blindly. They want to hold their leaders accountable for what they do. Did anyone visualise that the people of Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir will defy repeated requests of APHC leaders to boycott the elections; and despite threats of militants, they refused to boycott the elections and voted for their candidates.

People of Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir voted with their feet; they came out in very large numbers to cast their votes and stunned everyone. Some Kashmiris voters said, we hate India, but our hate is stronger for those who tell us to boycott elections, as this helps them financially and politically, and we have decided to defy their call and come out to vote in large numbers.

At one time to support an election on the Indian side of the divide was a serious crime. People were beaten up and killed for supporting the elections or for expressing their desire to be part of the democratic process. When my colleagues and I supported the electoral process, anti elections or anti democratic forces fully supported by Pakistani agencies came for us. We were declared anti Kashmir, anti Movement, anti Islam and pro Indian.

Despite this nefarious campaign against us we continued with our jihad of speaking truth and educating people about their rights and obligations; and opposing terrorism, violence, extremism, communalism and hatred. Many thought we will not be able to withstand this onslaught and propaganda, and will perish under this tremendous pressure; but we stood our ground and, if anything, the forces that opposed us are on the run and are busy realigning themselves.

Changing attitude

Another big change has taken place on the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir. According to a report of English daily Kashmir Observer of 18 February 2009, nearly 14,000 youths took part on the Indian army’s recruitment drive which began in the district of Baramulla.

This has made people think why such a large number of people have turned out to join the Indian Army, especially if they thought it was an army of occupation that committed serious crimes against innocent people of Kashmir. Some people say it is the poverty and unemployment which is forcing people to join the army; however others have different explanations for this.

People of Palestine dislike and hate the Israeli army; and there is more poverty and unemployment there than what there is in Jammu and Kashmir. Then why is that the struggling people of Palestine do not join that army which they regard as killer army and army of occupation?

Small people big roles

People of the Valley, by and large, have developed superiority complex that everything should revolve around them; and that people of the other regions of the State should follow them. They wrongly think that every one should speak about them and support them, and they don’t have to even mention about miseries of the people belonging to other regions of the State.

This complex or ego of the ‘Valley leaders’ is regularly massaged by both India and Pakistan by giving them more attention than they deserve. Both governments have worked hard to promote those people as leaders of the Kashmiri Movement who were uneducated, uncommitted and lacked vision and directions. Aim of both governments and their agencies was to promote those who did not know what requirements of a genuine independence movement were.

Plan was to keep genuine freedom fighters under shadow and away from the lime light. Small people were assigned big roles – roles which they did not deserve; and had no clue how to perform them. The result was chaos and destruction. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives, thousands were tortured, imprisoned and raped; and we still have not moved a step forward, if anything the independence struggle was associated with Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism.

Despite all the above sacrifices our struggle is still not considered as an indigenous Kashmiri struggle, where people of the State could decide their future. Still it is Indian and Pakistani bureaucrats and politicians who will decide what is good for us. India and Pakistan were considered to be the main players in the Kashmir dispute, even though we are the principal party.

Emerging role of China

However the above scenario is changing now. Role of China in Kashmir dispute is becoming more visible and stronger; and this gives totally new dimension to the Kashmir dispute and how it might be resolved. China’s interest is not only confined to the territory of the State, but it goes well beyond the boundary of the State. In order to fulfil their future aspirations, China needs to ensure that they maintain what the State territory they already have, but also ensure that they have greater influence and hold in the territory of Gilgit Baltistan. For this they have chalked out a programme and they are increasing their influence and hold over the areas of Gilgit Baltistan.

It is believed that they have leased various areas of Gilgit Baltistan from government of Pakistan, who are willing to sell anything and everything as long as they get cash for that. More than ten thousand Chinese, majority of them army men, are actively working in the area under different pretexts or under different development and exploration projects.

In the past they used to come to Gilgit Baltistan, stay in temporary shelters and go back after completing the project. This time the Chinese have come to stay, as they have started building permanent residential houses and have started taking keen interest in local matters, including local politics.

Unlike leaders of Pakistan, Chinese leaders are patriotic people. To them national interest is more important than the personal interest and self aggrandisement. They are not sure if Pakistan will survive as a nation state or will be able to hold on to the territory they have currently under their control. If Pakistan fails to protect its own borders and areas of the State under their illegal control, then China will not remain spectator and let others take over these strategically important territories which are extremely important to the Chinese future plans.

In this scenario they will take over these areas and protect their investment and interests directly linked to Gawader sea port and beyond. One can see how new developments and new dimensions in the Kashmiri struggle are taking place; and what impact they can have on unification and independence of former State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Asserting youths and Safr e Azadi

It is pleasing to note that Kashmiri youths on both sides of the divide have decided to be more assertive. They have decided to play an active role, and advance the cause of Jammu and Kashmir. The emerging role of the Kashmiri youths has forced the leadership of various Parties to be more careful in what they do and what they say.

Another important change is that for the first time initiative led by youths of the Valley, have forced the leaders to follow the theme; and even speak for the rights of the people of Gilgit Baltistan. Although not too strongly but it is pleasing to note that for the first time some leaders of the Valley have criticised action of the government of Pakistan regarding their new package on Gilgit Baltistan. This means for the first time they have realised that vast areas of Gilgit Baltistan are part of the State.

Because of more awareness and realisation of their strength and role, people have started questioning role of their leaders. Many ask why leaders have remained tight lipped regarding the plight of people of Gilgit Baltistan for the past sixty two years. Were they afraid that by speaking for rights of these people the leaders (who claim to represent whole of Jammu and Kashmir but in reality represent themselves and few localities of the Valley) could have lost their perks and other rewards.

Kashmiri youths also ask what was the purpose of collecting signatures in so called Safr – e Azadi - meaning journey for independence, if they were to be handed over to Prime Minister of a country which occupies two areas of the State, namely Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan and deprive them of basic human rights.

How interesting Yasin Malik got a gun and training from Pakistan and made use of that in the Valley and later on surrendered the gun to Delhi. He got new training and a new weapon – peace offensive during detention in a farm house in New Delhi, used it in the Valley, collected signatures and surrendered them in Islamabad.

Was this campaign taken - on to help government of India to get this message across to the Western capitals that right of movement of people is not restricted provided they abandon violence and move around without a gun? Message was clear: look a former militant who has surrendered his gun is allowed to walk with his friends freely from village to village, from town to town, at day and night to spread his message to hundreds of people in public meetings.

Message was that restriction of movement was only for those who use violence to promote their politics and intimidate local people. This message was projected through appropriate channels and helped India to ease pressure of the Western countries. Indian planners of this strategy were pleased with the outcome. Apart from other rewards, they allowed Yasin Malik to go to Pakistan with all the signatures that he can present them to Shaukat Aziz, Prime Minister of Pakistan.

But question is why Shaukat Aziz – he was a person on loan to Pakistan and his job was to ‘screw up’ economy and the country to the best of his ability and leave, which he did very effectively. Why Yasin Malik didn’t give these signatures to some international body like the UN, which now says the UN has no role in the Kashmir dispute. Wouldn’t this have helped to strengthen the Kashmiri cause that people are not happy with the status quo; and that something must be done to improve the conditions of Kashmiris.

Furthermore, wouldn’t it have been better to present these signatures to the European Parliament which has started taking more active role in the Kashmir dispute; and have passed a resolution on Kashmir, which is the first of its kind and which is the first international initiative on Kashmir after the UN resolutions?

The European Parliament Resolution on Kashmir has also brought new a dimension to the Kashmir dispute. EU parliament, in its Resolution authored by highly respected and talented Baroness Emma Nicholson, differentiated between a right of self determination and a right of accession. It was a right of accession which the people of Jammu and Kashmir were offered by the UN, and which Pakistan has been supporting, and not a right of self determination.

Furthermore the EU Parliament in its Resolution has rightly focussed attention on the neglected people of Gilgit Baltistan, and demanded that people of this region should get their political and democratic rights. May be it was this pressure that has resulted in Pakistan granting some rights to the people of Gilgit Baltistan

New Package on Gilgit Baltistan and border crossing

At last government of Pakistan has acknowledged that this territory has a name – Gilgit Baltistan; and that they are not Northern Areas. Furthermore, people of this area could not be neglected anymore. They deserve to have their political and democratic rights, just like people of any other nation.

What Pakistan has given in this new package is not enough; and it shows Pakistan’s real designs related to the territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This new package and Pakistan’s endeavour to change the status of Gilgit Baltistan has removed the thin veil which hid the real designs of Pakistan.

This was welcomed by collaborators and opposed by people of the area and Pakistani Administered Kashmir. Nearly all nationalist parties openly spoke out against the new package and held rallies and public meetings against it. Pakistani establishment was not expecting so strong response from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Under pressure from the youths of his party even Amanullah Khan had to speak out against the new package. In the past, like Molana Fazal Rehman provided a friendly opposition to government of General Musharaf, Amanullah Khan successfully provided a ‘friendly opposition’ to policies of Pakistani governments. His real opposition was against India and not Pakistan; and many nationalist parties DONOT regard his group of JKLF as a nationalist party.

It was because of his friendly and very often ‘negotiated opposition’, as stated by Nawaz Malik, Senior Minister of Azad Kashmir in a public meeting in Luton, England, that people called him ‘B’ team of Pakistan. Of course ‘A’ team consist of those who openly speak of accession to Pakistan and say they are soldiers of Pakistan and fighting Pakistan’s war.

Amanullah Khan is a shrewd politician, he realised he could not satisfy his rebellious youths and other parties by cosmetic changes or activities. He normally feels comfortable in the company of pro Pakistan parties, but this time he had to woo some nationalist parties to reassert his claim to nationalism. He, therefore, desperately needed a face saving activity.

There was a lot of international pressure on Pakistan that Kashmiri militants were getting training and arms from Pakistan; and Pakistan was on a verge of being declared a terrorist state in 1992. Amanullah Khan’s services were hired to take off this international pressure by staging highly propagated activity of ‘border crossing’ drama of February 1992, where he was fully helped and supported to muster people but told not to go beyond a certain point that it could be demonstrated to the international community that people of Azad Kashmir were supporting militancy; and Pakistan was having difficulty in controlling these people.

Influenced by a large number of people, and especially youngsters, he ignored the agreement with the establishment and tried to go beyond the agreed point, which resulted in shooting by the Pakistan army and killing of eight innocent Kashmiri youths.

Amanullah Khan decided to have another border crossing show. This time he was to ‘run over’ the border between Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. While he himself was comforted in safety of his office in Rawalpindi, he wanted his protestors to reach Pakistani Parliament in Islamabad at a time when there was high alert everywhere. Because of the war on terrorism or more appropriately a civil war, no part of Pakistan, especially in Rawalpindi and in Islamabad was considered safe, genius Amanullah Khan wanted to raid the Pakistani Parliament under this situation.

Like in 1992, he was told that he would not be allowed to proceed beyond a certain point; and that point was Azad Patan Bridge. But question is if the protestors had to come back from that Bridge then why take them there. Perhaps it would have been better to protest outside the AJK Assembly, like NAP, NSF and JKNLF have done.

Like the border crossing of February 1992, this time again, Amanullah Khan’s real agenda, like the last time is not what he claims. It is too early to say what terms of the deal were agreed this time, but surely one day in future it will be known.

Increased role of Kashmiri nationalists

Another new dimension is the confidence of nationalist parties in Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir. They have all of sudden become very active and persuasive. JKNLF had an impressive show in Muzaffarabad, and demonstrated its power and influence. Also NAP and NSF had some activities in various towns which were good shows and resulted in arrests and injury of their leaders. Similarly JKPNP after a long time had a good show in Mirpur.

Newly established Kashmir National Party gave a new twist to Kashmiri politics and history by deciding to hold a Black Day on 22 October. In the past Black Day was held on 27 October to coincide with landing of the Indian Army in Srinagar. But KNP claimed that it was the Tribal Invasion which violated the Standstill Agreement and undermined the sovereignty of Jammu and Kashmir State. They said it was the Tribal Invasion supported by Pakistani officials that resulted in our suffering and division of the State, therefore, the Black Day should be held on this day.

Furthermore UKPNP also flexed its muscle and had an impressive show in Rawalakot. It showed its strength and openly spoke against oppressive policies of Pakistani rulers. Apart from that All Parties National Alliance is also getting its act together and playing its part in promoting the cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir.

All these activities were in one way against the Kashmir policy of Islamabad. This sudden upsurge of Kashmiri nationalists unnerved the ruling elite, especially the rulers of Islamabad who have interest in keeping these areas under their control and exploiting natural resources.

JKLF Yasin group in Pakistani Administered Kashmir is virtually on death bed, and are not in a position to put up any show apart from issuing a paper statement from time to time. So only party the Pakistani establishment could rely on is the JKLF Amanullah Khan Group. It is possible that they requested the old, tried and trusted ally to come out and show that he is still alive and kicking. They knew if logistic support is provided and a task of apparently against Pakistani policy is given it will suit both: Amanullah Khan and his party will get a new lease of life and it will help Pakistani establishment to marginalise the other parties who are genuinely working in the field.

Role of MQM and other Pakistani parties in Gilgit Baltistan

Entry of MQM in the Kashsmiri politics is certainly a new dimension. Some years ago when the MQM was not involved in the Kashmir politics and was not even that influential in the politics of Pakistan, a Pakistani friend from Islamabad came to visit me. This friend has good interaction with foreign diplomats in Islamabad and also has ear of the Pakistani establishment. He also has good knowledge of Pakistani politics and India Pakistan relations. During our conversation he suggested that I should join MQM. With amazement I asked reason for this. He said:

‘MQM is going to play a leading role in politics of Pakistan; and they will also have a big say in politics of Kashmir as well’. He smiled at me and said, ‘You have given enough time and suffered enough, and in my opinion you should get some rewards now and MQM can help you with that.’

I said to him, ‘Like any other political activist I also want rewards, but I would not accept any rewards at the cost of my ideology. I don’t want Pakistani parties to operate inside Kashmiri territory’. Also I told him what I thought of MQM and refused to take that path. I thought may be on suggestion of Pakistani agencies he was trying to woo me and distract me from my mission. Anyhow what he said became true.

Now when I see MQM marching right from Karachi to Azad Kashmir and to Gilgit Baltistan and holding big public meetings, his words echo my memory. Gilgit Baltistan is part of State of Jammu and Kashmir; and Pakistani presence there is illegal and unwarranted. They have injected millions in the polity of the area and are busy corrupting people with their ill gotten money.

These Pakistani parties with help of their money and huge propaganda machinery and media will defeat most of local parties and especially nationalist candidates. They have already violated State Subject Laws, control local economy and now with help of election drama they will hijack and ‘legally’ dominate polity of the area as well. To fool people and the world at large, they will call this ‘granting independence and empowering people’.

Yet another dimension

India claims the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, and furthermore Kashmir is part of their constitution; but we challenge this contention because the accession was ‘provisional’ and had to be ratified by the people of the State in free and an impartial plebiscite.

In any case for all practical purposes India settled for what they had. India was more than happy to have a treaty on basis of the cease fire line or the present LOC. However, it was Pakistan which wanted more territory of the State to satisfy their imperial and economic designs; and for that they started direct and indirect wars.

What this indicates is that India did not believe that the accession was final; and that it was for the entire State of Jammu and Kashmir, otherwise they would not have settled for the status quo or remained silent on the plight of people in Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir if they had thought these people were ‘Indian’ like people of other Indian states.

But after sixty two years of silence all of sudden India has changed its stand or strategy. They have not only raised objections to the Chinese intentions to build dams in Gilgit Baltistan, they have also asserted their claim that these areas belong to India.

This dimension of the Kashmir dispute will change the scenario and will have great impact on politics of the region and that of South Asia. So in presence of all these dimensions discussed above, what is there for us? Are we going to be any better off, or we will be a battleground for a new conflict and new tension, which may attract other players in the conflict?

Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs.Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com