Shafqat Inqalabi of BNF & Iqbal adv of KNM, meet with Emma Nicholson
On Friday 15th February 2008 former spokesman of Blawaristan National Front Shafqat Ali Inqalabi and Mohd Iqbal Advocate chairman Karakorum National movement were meet with the prominent member of European Parliament Emma Nicholson at Islamabad.First of All the delegates thanks to Emma Nicholson for her efforts to pass the resolution on Kashmir dispute specially for highlighted the basic rights of the peoples of GB .Shafqat Ali Inqalabi and Mohd Iqbal advocate brief the European member about the current political , economical and constitutional problems of Pakistan occupied Gilgit Baltistan.They also discuss about the so-called and bogus package for Gilgit Baltistan by Musharraf Government.Mrs Emma Nicholson MEP promise to the delegation of GB that she visit GB soon and she will try to make more effective report on GB again.Emma Nicholson get information's about the geography of GB,Authority of NA Assembly , Authority of Kashmir affairs Islamabad, Judiciary of GB, Annual Budget, No of Schools, colleges and other educational institute, Non local Bureaucracy.monitoring system,role of Pakistan army , role of Pakistani agencies,dialogs in between India and Pakistan,Kashmir issue , life stander of the local peoples , and so many other issues with shafqat inqalabi and Iqbal advocate.Shafqat Inqalabi and Iqbal Advocate brief her about the demands of the nationalist parties of Pakistan occupied Gilgit Baltistan.This meeting was arranged by the popular leader of IKA Dr shabir choudhry .this is the first time the political activists of GB directly discuss about the problems of POGB with Mrs Emma Nicholson.The nationalist political parties , civil society and local media of Gilgit Baltistan warm well come to this meeting. Now the nationalist forces of GB are hopeful from European union .According to the Editorial of the most popular newspaper Bang-e- Sehar this meeting will be fruitful for the future political developments of GB in light of Kashmir Dispute.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
local population should be addressed before starting any work on the KKH. Northern Areas
PRESS RELEASE
An action committee has been formed to safeguard the rights of people who would be affected in Hunza-Nagar by the planned expansion work on Karakuram Highway. Ehsan Ali Advocate has been elected Chairman of the action committee.
The action committee has demanded that all queries of the local population should be addressed before starting any work on the KKH. Northern Areas, the press release states, are disputed and the government can not use land without taking cosent of the local people. It has also been demanded that proper compensation plans should be devised to ensure safety of the farmers. This action committee was formed after the Deputy Commissioner of Gilgit issued a notice in this regard.
Gojal valley would be the most affected area within Gilgit-Baltistan, if the KKH is exapnded. Considerable damage would be caused to agricultural land, houses will have to be demolished and the Khunjerab National Park, home to some of the rarest wild life species, would also be affected to a large extent. No news has yet been recieved about whether Gojal is represented in the action committee or not.
An action committee has been formed to safeguard the rights of people who would be affected in Hunza-Nagar by the planned expansion work on Karakuram Highway. Ehsan Ali Advocate has been elected Chairman of the action committee.
The action committee has demanded that all queries of the local population should be addressed before starting any work on the KKH. Northern Areas, the press release states, are disputed and the government can not use land without taking cosent of the local people. It has also been demanded that proper compensation plans should be devised to ensure safety of the farmers. This action committee was formed after the Deputy Commissioner of Gilgit issued a notice in this regard.
Gojal valley would be the most affected area within Gilgit-Baltistan, if the KKH is exapnded. Considerable damage would be caused to agricultural land, houses will have to be demolished and the Khunjerab National Park, home to some of the rarest wild life species, would also be affected to a large extent. No news has yet been recieved about whether Gojal is represented in the action committee or not.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Third martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Agha Syed Zia-Ud-Din Rizvi
MEMORABLE, FULLY MOTIVATED AND EMOTIONALLY CHARGED GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE OF GILGIT BALTISTAN IN ISLAMABAD
Report Babar Ali
On Sunday, 27th Jan 2008, from 1500 to 1745 hrs,A historic, fully charged, extremely attentive, disciplined and meaningful gathering was held in Islamabad, G-9/2 Sector, Jamia e Sadiq (AS). This congregation attended by safely close to a thousand people at a short notice was organized to commemorate the third martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Agha Syed Zia-Ud-Din Rizvi; the valiant peshnamaz of Markazi Masjid, Gilgit. He was a man who withstood all pressures of times, tyrannies, oppressions and six decades old Yazidi tactics of the colonial non local rulers of the Govt of Pakistan and the disloyalties, intrigues and selfishness of some local people on the most tyrannized and oppressed people of Gilgit Baltistan in the World, now being widely recognized as the last colony in the World. He was killed through a combined intelligence agencies and army formed and executed plan in Gilgit. Many religious, political, student, social services leaders and poets spoke on the occasion and participated. Worth mentioning are Allama Amin Shaheedi, Mirza Wajahat Hassan Khan, Allama Mirza Hussain, Syed Tassawar Kazmi, Allama Fakhrul Hassan, Sheikh Alvi, Mirza Nadir Hassan Khan, Mirza Taimur Hassan Khan, Mirza Khurram Hassan Khan, Engineer Manzoor Hussain. The following resolutions were passed :-1. It is ironic that despite passage of three years to the killing of Shaheed Agha Zia and twenty years to 1988, Sate engineered sectarian onslaught on Gilgit Baltistan, no real culprit, murderer, conspirator has ever been apprehended in Gilgit Baltistan.2. All innocent prisoners jailed in Gilgit on fake charges through illegal anti terrorist act be released and this abhorrent act should be finished from district Gilgit.3. The agreement between Ulema and Ministry of Education, Govt of Pakistan to impose a uniformed syllabus acceptable to all sects on 26th April 2005, be implemented forthwith.4. The State sponsored sectarian onslaught and war in Kurram Agency, NWFP was condemned.5. It is a very serious point to ponder that despite passage of sixty years, Gilgit Baltistan disputed land is still without any basic human, economic, educational and political rights. The Federal Govt must grant genuine rights on emergent basis without wasting anymore time. The State Subject Rule be considered enforced and the non local people should be driven away from Gilgit Baltistan according to UN resolution.6. All the non local forces, especially Punjab Rangers, Frontier Constabulary; who are a burden on the limited local budget be expelled immediately and the law and order responsibility be entrusted to local police and Northern Scouts.7. This gathering vows to be loyal to Agha Zia’s successor Agha Syed Rahat Hussain al Hussaini so as to continue with the mission and though of Shaheed Agha Zia to achieve this, a firm determination was aired.
Report Babar Ali
On Sunday, 27th Jan 2008, from 1500 to 1745 hrs,A historic, fully charged, extremely attentive, disciplined and meaningful gathering was held in Islamabad, G-9/2 Sector, Jamia e Sadiq (AS). This congregation attended by safely close to a thousand people at a short notice was organized to commemorate the third martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Agha Syed Zia-Ud-Din Rizvi; the valiant peshnamaz of Markazi Masjid, Gilgit. He was a man who withstood all pressures of times, tyrannies, oppressions and six decades old Yazidi tactics of the colonial non local rulers of the Govt of Pakistan and the disloyalties, intrigues and selfishness of some local people on the most tyrannized and oppressed people of Gilgit Baltistan in the World, now being widely recognized as the last colony in the World. He was killed through a combined intelligence agencies and army formed and executed plan in Gilgit. Many religious, political, student, social services leaders and poets spoke on the occasion and participated. Worth mentioning are Allama Amin Shaheedi, Mirza Wajahat Hassan Khan, Allama Mirza Hussain, Syed Tassawar Kazmi, Allama Fakhrul Hassan, Sheikh Alvi, Mirza Nadir Hassan Khan, Mirza Taimur Hassan Khan, Mirza Khurram Hassan Khan, Engineer Manzoor Hussain. The following resolutions were passed :-1. It is ironic that despite passage of three years to the killing of Shaheed Agha Zia and twenty years to 1988, Sate engineered sectarian onslaught on Gilgit Baltistan, no real culprit, murderer, conspirator has ever been apprehended in Gilgit Baltistan.2. All innocent prisoners jailed in Gilgit on fake charges through illegal anti terrorist act be released and this abhorrent act should be finished from district Gilgit.3. The agreement between Ulema and Ministry of Education, Govt of Pakistan to impose a uniformed syllabus acceptable to all sects on 26th April 2005, be implemented forthwith.4. The State sponsored sectarian onslaught and war in Kurram Agency, NWFP was condemned.5. It is a very serious point to ponder that despite passage of sixty years, Gilgit Baltistan disputed land is still without any basic human, economic, educational and political rights. The Federal Govt must grant genuine rights on emergent basis without wasting anymore time. The State Subject Rule be considered enforced and the non local people should be driven away from Gilgit Baltistan according to UN resolution.6. All the non local forces, especially Punjab Rangers, Frontier Constabulary; who are a burden on the limited local budget be expelled immediately and the law and order responsibility be entrusted to local police and Northern Scouts.7. This gathering vows to be loyal to Agha Zia’s successor Agha Syed Rahat Hussain al Hussaini so as to continue with the mission and though of Shaheed Agha Zia to achieve this, a firm determination was aired.
People of Gilgit Baltistan thank Emma Nicholson
European Union should take a strict action against Government of Pakistan
Islamabad, January 26,2008:Khushleem Jan Central leader of Balawaristan National Front(BNF)and Ex Chairman Municipal Committee Gilgit said that European Union should take a strict action against Pakistan for violating rights of the people of Balawaristan (Pakistan Occupied Gilgit Baltistan).While speaking in a special discussion to a Gilgit Baltistan based Weekly News paper, Khusleem Jan said that for the last six decades the indigenous people of Balawaristan (Pakistan Occupied Gilgit Baltistan) and Kashmir had been deprived of all basic and constitutional rights,humen rights and the identity of the people of the region was being destroyed. Jan said,our struggle for our rights has always been considered as threats and tried to make it fail by the tyrant Pakistani regime by allillegal means. It was the aim and design ogf government of Pakistan to made unaware the International community about our grave human problems and issues. He appreciated and extended his gratitude's to Emma Nicholson MEP for putting forward the realities of Balawaristan at International level. He further extended thanks to Emma Nicholson and her members of European Parliament from the 2 million deprived people of Balawaristan for her efforts to get pass resolution in the European Parliament. It was the movement of the great pleasure that resolution got pass by gaining maximum votes. He appealed the European Parliament to take strict action against Pakistan for violating the rights of the people of Balawaristan
Islamabad, January 26,2008:Khushleem Jan Central leader of Balawaristan National Front(BNF)and Ex Chairman Municipal Committee Gilgit said that European Union should take a strict action against Pakistan for violating rights of the people of Balawaristan (Pakistan Occupied Gilgit Baltistan).While speaking in a special discussion to a Gilgit Baltistan based Weekly News paper, Khusleem Jan said that for the last six decades the indigenous people of Balawaristan (Pakistan Occupied Gilgit Baltistan) and Kashmir had been deprived of all basic and constitutional rights,humen rights and the identity of the people of the region was being destroyed. Jan said,our struggle for our rights has always been considered as threats and tried to make it fail by the tyrant Pakistani regime by allillegal means. It was the aim and design ogf government of Pakistan to made unaware the International community about our grave human problems and issues. He appreciated and extended his gratitude's to Emma Nicholson MEP for putting forward the realities of Balawaristan at International level. He further extended thanks to Emma Nicholson and her members of European Parliament from the 2 million deprived people of Balawaristan for her efforts to get pass resolution in the European Parliament. It was the movement of the great pleasure that resolution got pass by gaining maximum votes. He appealed the European Parliament to take strict action against Pakistan for violating the rights of the people of Balawaristan
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Where future of Kashmiri’s lies?
Where future of Kashmiri’s lies?
60 years have passed but conflict remained unresolved and tension continues to be simmering in the name of Kashmir or Kashmiri’s. Apparently thrust is placed on the Kashmiri but interests are entwined in territorial aggrandizement than future of people. Kahsmiris have never been the parameter in conflict resolution in last six decades. For political purposes, aspiration of Kahsmiri’s has always been subject or demand from the Pakistan. After the 17 years of proxy war, question is that where future of Kashmir lies, has taken the importance under the growing opposition to any division in the name of religion or region, what normally purported by Islamabad but to their own suitability. But last 17 years of militancy has created new dimensions and dynamics of Kashmir conflict where non-Kashmir militants were infiltrated to cause damage to the communal harmony, and to communalize the conflict by forcing out the Kahsmiri Hindus from valley and targeting non-Muslims that has seriously undermined the question of right to self-determination, that was intentionally allowed to happen by Pakistan to marginalize the third option that could have become one of the possible solution.
While Pakistan’s failure to emerge as viable democratic state and continued military dictatorship, and in post 9/11 period extremism and terrorism emanating from Pakistan has equally diminished the prospects future of state with Pakistan.
As Indian administered Kashmir is the only part that represents the diversity and reflects the multi-cultural and multi-religious face of Kashmir. Whereas, parts under Pakistan administration had already whipped out the Hindus, Sikhs and non-Muslims during the fight in Kashmir where they either left or were killed. While Pakistan controlled Areas were to follow the Islamabad’s political culture where electoral or plural politics was not introduced into these Areas, and pro-Pakistan minded forces were only allowed to rule these Areas till today. Islamabad’s hand-picked but Politically naïve leadership was entrusted political role in these parts, not to speak about their rights, identity that has seriously undermined the progress and political identity in Pakistan controlled parts. This political leadership’s indifference to their people, their rights and development largely contributed to keep these Areas economically underdeveloped and politically underrepresented.whereas record of Pakistan as a state has been grim on all fronts with regard to the progress and rights, not only about the minorities but in general about the steady decline in multiculturalism that presents very dismal picture, and poor statistics; where after 60 years, not only minorities proportion has dramatically decreased but representation in state and other social institutions have largely declined and was discouraged. The only progress they made was to rename country from “Republic of Pakistan” to “Islamic republic of Pakistan” to create Islamic identity to legitimize the connotation of two nations-theory, and rule of military. This trend to redefine political boundaries of Pakistan in political Islamic perspective has undermined the likelihood of Pakistan becoming a democratic state. Islamic characterization of state continues to surge from period of M.A.Jinah to the Pervez Mushraf era, despite both leaders apparent secular posture, claims and personal lives. Jinnah, the most secular in his personal life but strong advocate of Muslim state by calling Indian Muslim as separate Nation; because of different religion, food and heroes, that has played vital role in shaping up the future politics of this country where both secular and Islamic stalwarts are still fighting over, and quoting speeches of Jinnah in their defense.
The difference between M.Ali Jinnah and his successors was that he had to use religion to create the state while his successors, especially military rulers, had to overplay the Islamic character of state to marginalize the democratic and nationalist forces; demanding autonomy, that had been promised in 1940 Resolution, and also democratic process in the country, to justify the military dictatorship.
While religious forces were politically strengthened as a result of shift in changing the political character of the state. Whereas preamble of constitution says that no Law will be introduced against the Quran.Similarly, Mushraf apparent claims about secularism but he drew all political strength from the religious quarters while his eight years in power, largely were devoted to marginalize the liberal political forces in Pakistan. In nations, 60 years period is enough to build the foundations of country and its policies as many nations in post colonial period from China to India are becoming major economic giants while future of Pakistan remains bleak, uncertain and undefined that which direction this country will follow. There is consensus among all elitists, from military top brasses to feudal to Industrialists, those all are entwined in political to family ties, not to allow any genuine social change in this country. The thirst for social change is so deep and widespread that incident of Chief Justice had sparked so widespread public protest and unrest that had really worried all circles over this new political activism which civil society members had demonstrated. As a result of that threat military moved so heavy handedly that they reversed whole process and brought this country at the brink of total destruction and destabilization. As a result of military’s muddling into the political affairs and hold on to the power, Mushraf government’s all claims of moderation, freedom of press, economic progress and democracy came apart so quickly and suddenly that Pakistan now faces the worst crisis in its history. The crisis erupted in Pakistan are largely linked to the forces of extremism unleashed by military within Pakistan and its neighboring countries from Kashmir to Afghanistan by calling them their strategic assets, in the name of Jihad in Afghanistan and freedom in Kashmir, now challenging very integrity of Pakistan but poses serious threats to the regional peace and stability. The political discord within provinces that grew over the period as a result of discriminatory policies of undemocratic rulers have promoted the religious forces to sideline these genuine voices that helped to strengthened extremism and terrorism, sectarian violence increased, ethnic, linguistic conflicts, and inter-institutional conflicts have reached to the point of no return in Pakistan.The challenges to the regional peace posed by Pakistan’s political instability and its nuclear weapons security, are not only genuine but serious about which international community is rightly concerned. The death of Bhutto fuels further concerns and speculations about this looming threat which, Pakistan poses since she is believed to be the victim of her intentions to steer Pakistan toward a responsible state by genuinely seeking an end of this extremist network, nuclear proliferation and curbing military powers to which her Rival Nawaz Sharif and Bhutto were in agreement. But such concerns are not baseless or based on any political prejudices and biases to distort image of Pakistan but are genuine and serious that are based on host of issues; discord among provinces, sects, gender, within institutions, ethnic and linguistic that continue to growing and deepening. Adding to the new dimension, threat of extremism and terrorism, nuclear proliferation, political insurgencies have further strengthened these pre-existing threats and fears among all. But Pakistan military rulers seem to be unmoved from these extraordinary developments including the death of Bhutto. Within the country, where military is not only under attack from the extremists but it is surrendering and cooperating with them. claiming under these circumstance, Kashmir, or future of Kashmiri by the state whose own future is not only uncertain but past track record about its minorities, democracy, rule of law, human rights, good governance in Pakistan, and its controlled parts of Kashmir is completely devastating and grim, will be unrealistic to which no one is going to buy. The political struggle in Kashmir and aspirations were always misrepresented and misinterpreted largely owing to the lack of flow of information, and absence of genuine political representation by not allowing to other schools of thought to be represented in the controlled political process by Pakistan agencies.
The political temperature and aspirations can never be measured in underrepresented and underdeveloped these Areas that politically remain sole domain of intelligence agencies and military top brass based in Muree and its Areas from Muszafarabad to Gilgit.
Interesting enough that a state which has denied the democratic and basic rights to its own people since its creation; the rulers who never respected the mandate of the people how they can talk about the will of Kashmiri people, and how far they can be sincere to their claims and rhetoric? The state which has failed to represent different shades of opinion; a state which discriminated its own citizen based on religion and regions, and rulers those remain so indifferent to the voices of 160 million people and so cruel that they didn’t bother to eliminate the dynamic leadership like Z.A.Bhutto, her Daughter Benazir Bhutto, Akbar Bugti and many more fell prey of their hidden interests, how can they ensure the safe future of Kahsmiri’s?. They had created Pakistan for the safe future of Indian Muslims but history is witness how brutally they ruled, killed people, destroyed every institution, and suppressed every voice of their own people.
Apparently, Islamabad is not willing to concede to any of political and economic injustices, if exist in its controlled parts of Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, neither willing to address those injustices now largely supported by the reports published by the international organizations and EU report on Pakistan administered parts of Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
The idea of two Kashmir, if not advanced but existed practically since the partition of India took place on the basis of religion. Kashmir as multi-religious state that had succeeded to survive during partition owing to the strong basis of communal harmony but largely due to the political leadership that had contained flames of communal violence off from spiraling out but unfortunately the Areas came under Pakistan no non-Muslim could find the space to survive. But after more than 4 decades when political uprising in the name of political empowerment of Kashmiri’s was launched, and they repeated old tactic to whip out the non-Muslims to create another place like Pakistan controlled Azad Kashmir by forcing out non-Muslims out of the valley, by killing secular Muslims but failed to change the social fabric of that part. unfortunately, movement in the name of political empowerment, right to self-determination lost appeal, credibility and credentials when they killed secular Muslims, targeted non-Muslims and failed to embrace the very essence of nationalism and right to self termination which is “diversity” and ending up in complete fiasco and terror that landed in the hands of Pakistan dread terrorist out fits like LeT, JeM, HuJI and many such groups those have had no connections except the religious affinity was the factor.Let’s not be oblivion of the fact that present violent political culture in Pakistan that threatens regional peace and stability is the product of policies of undemocratic forces that have been unleashed in the name of Jihad and freedom. Time is to use the discourse to address the discord exist intra-state or inter-state whether in the name of fault lines or ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural. The message is clear from the present Pakistan crisis and violence that surrounds the country and challenges its very existence where Pushtoon ethnic nationalism largely playing the role along the Durand Line, which is the forgotten fault-line now reclaiming its identity and unity to those Pakistan military rulers were abusing in other areas in the name of religion but defending those acts of violence by calling root cause, or fault lines. Kashmiri was never aspired to be part of Pakistan except the beneficiaries of violence and proxy leadership and politics that two states had inducted and introduced in their respective controlled Areas to counter each other’s propaganda, create culture of disunity and hatred. Now Sardar Qayum, a pro-Pakistan champion seems to be disinclined to push forward the agenda of Pakistan. The ongoing political crisis in Pakistan can seriously affect the process of dialogues on Kashmir and CBMs that needed to push forward to close the decades old perceptional gaps and hatred. The other perception that was popular among the outside world that military in Pakistan is the only force that can strike a deal on Kashmir, that argument appears to be losing the validiy as declining military power and reputation that has plunged Pakistan into serious political chaos, and crisis and only coming time will determine. The cleavage between people and military in Pakistan is going to be deepened in the future and military attempt to cling to the will further widen this cleavage. Placing hope or optimism that military will be able to risk any further unpopularity by clinching any agreement with India is unlikely. Rather military under present circumstances may overplay Kashmir conflict and reactivate some militant activities to regain its lost reputation.
How Indian leadership responds to these political crisis in Pakistan and how far succeeds to take the advantage of situation is that question which will determine the future of politics between Pakistan and India.
Indian government statements showing its inclination to see the stability in Pakistan but Pakistan policies might change its present position and posture soon. The attempt to put together scattered Pakistan supported groups in under Mirwaz group in valley by bringing Shabir Shah into it that reflects the mindset and course to follow that might Pakistan supported groups to save their skin. As these leaders presently in a critical juncture where their pro-Pakistan politics is under erosion they have never shown no qualm by aligning with military dictators, who deprived their own people from their rights, life and property. Meantime, forces inspired to be part of Pakistan like Sardar Qayum seem to be disinclined and frustrated after the death of Bhutto to talk openly and distance himself from such rhetoric indicates how unending dictatorship in Pakistan has affected the political course in Kashmir.
Mumtaz Khan
Vice Chairman
International Kashmir Alliance
55 Nugget Ave Suite 230 Toronto
M1p 3L1 Canada credence unison
60 years have passed but conflict remained unresolved and tension continues to be simmering in the name of Kashmir or Kashmiri’s. Apparently thrust is placed on the Kashmiri but interests are entwined in territorial aggrandizement than future of people. Kahsmiris have never been the parameter in conflict resolution in last six decades. For political purposes, aspiration of Kahsmiri’s has always been subject or demand from the Pakistan. After the 17 years of proxy war, question is that where future of Kashmir lies, has taken the importance under the growing opposition to any division in the name of religion or region, what normally purported by Islamabad but to their own suitability. But last 17 years of militancy has created new dimensions and dynamics of Kashmir conflict where non-Kashmir militants were infiltrated to cause damage to the communal harmony, and to communalize the conflict by forcing out the Kahsmiri Hindus from valley and targeting non-Muslims that has seriously undermined the question of right to self-determination, that was intentionally allowed to happen by Pakistan to marginalize the third option that could have become one of the possible solution.
While Pakistan’s failure to emerge as viable democratic state and continued military dictatorship, and in post 9/11 period extremism and terrorism emanating from Pakistan has equally diminished the prospects future of state with Pakistan.
As Indian administered Kashmir is the only part that represents the diversity and reflects the multi-cultural and multi-religious face of Kashmir. Whereas, parts under Pakistan administration had already whipped out the Hindus, Sikhs and non-Muslims during the fight in Kashmir where they either left or were killed. While Pakistan controlled Areas were to follow the Islamabad’s political culture where electoral or plural politics was not introduced into these Areas, and pro-Pakistan minded forces were only allowed to rule these Areas till today. Islamabad’s hand-picked but Politically naïve leadership was entrusted political role in these parts, not to speak about their rights, identity that has seriously undermined the progress and political identity in Pakistan controlled parts. This political leadership’s indifference to their people, their rights and development largely contributed to keep these Areas economically underdeveloped and politically underrepresented.whereas record of Pakistan as a state has been grim on all fronts with regard to the progress and rights, not only about the minorities but in general about the steady decline in multiculturalism that presents very dismal picture, and poor statistics; where after 60 years, not only minorities proportion has dramatically decreased but representation in state and other social institutions have largely declined and was discouraged. The only progress they made was to rename country from “Republic of Pakistan” to “Islamic republic of Pakistan” to create Islamic identity to legitimize the connotation of two nations-theory, and rule of military. This trend to redefine political boundaries of Pakistan in political Islamic perspective has undermined the likelihood of Pakistan becoming a democratic state. Islamic characterization of state continues to surge from period of M.A.Jinah to the Pervez Mushraf era, despite both leaders apparent secular posture, claims and personal lives. Jinnah, the most secular in his personal life but strong advocate of Muslim state by calling Indian Muslim as separate Nation; because of different religion, food and heroes, that has played vital role in shaping up the future politics of this country where both secular and Islamic stalwarts are still fighting over, and quoting speeches of Jinnah in their defense.
The difference between M.Ali Jinnah and his successors was that he had to use religion to create the state while his successors, especially military rulers, had to overplay the Islamic character of state to marginalize the democratic and nationalist forces; demanding autonomy, that had been promised in 1940 Resolution, and also democratic process in the country, to justify the military dictatorship.
While religious forces were politically strengthened as a result of shift in changing the political character of the state. Whereas preamble of constitution says that no Law will be introduced against the Quran.Similarly, Mushraf apparent claims about secularism but he drew all political strength from the religious quarters while his eight years in power, largely were devoted to marginalize the liberal political forces in Pakistan. In nations, 60 years period is enough to build the foundations of country and its policies as many nations in post colonial period from China to India are becoming major economic giants while future of Pakistan remains bleak, uncertain and undefined that which direction this country will follow. There is consensus among all elitists, from military top brasses to feudal to Industrialists, those all are entwined in political to family ties, not to allow any genuine social change in this country. The thirst for social change is so deep and widespread that incident of Chief Justice had sparked so widespread public protest and unrest that had really worried all circles over this new political activism which civil society members had demonstrated. As a result of that threat military moved so heavy handedly that they reversed whole process and brought this country at the brink of total destruction and destabilization. As a result of military’s muddling into the political affairs and hold on to the power, Mushraf government’s all claims of moderation, freedom of press, economic progress and democracy came apart so quickly and suddenly that Pakistan now faces the worst crisis in its history. The crisis erupted in Pakistan are largely linked to the forces of extremism unleashed by military within Pakistan and its neighboring countries from Kashmir to Afghanistan by calling them their strategic assets, in the name of Jihad in Afghanistan and freedom in Kashmir, now challenging very integrity of Pakistan but poses serious threats to the regional peace and stability. The political discord within provinces that grew over the period as a result of discriminatory policies of undemocratic rulers have promoted the religious forces to sideline these genuine voices that helped to strengthened extremism and terrorism, sectarian violence increased, ethnic, linguistic conflicts, and inter-institutional conflicts have reached to the point of no return in Pakistan.The challenges to the regional peace posed by Pakistan’s political instability and its nuclear weapons security, are not only genuine but serious about which international community is rightly concerned. The death of Bhutto fuels further concerns and speculations about this looming threat which, Pakistan poses since she is believed to be the victim of her intentions to steer Pakistan toward a responsible state by genuinely seeking an end of this extremist network, nuclear proliferation and curbing military powers to which her Rival Nawaz Sharif and Bhutto were in agreement. But such concerns are not baseless or based on any political prejudices and biases to distort image of Pakistan but are genuine and serious that are based on host of issues; discord among provinces, sects, gender, within institutions, ethnic and linguistic that continue to growing and deepening. Adding to the new dimension, threat of extremism and terrorism, nuclear proliferation, political insurgencies have further strengthened these pre-existing threats and fears among all. But Pakistan military rulers seem to be unmoved from these extraordinary developments including the death of Bhutto. Within the country, where military is not only under attack from the extremists but it is surrendering and cooperating with them. claiming under these circumstance, Kashmir, or future of Kashmiri by the state whose own future is not only uncertain but past track record about its minorities, democracy, rule of law, human rights, good governance in Pakistan, and its controlled parts of Kashmir is completely devastating and grim, will be unrealistic to which no one is going to buy. The political struggle in Kashmir and aspirations were always misrepresented and misinterpreted largely owing to the lack of flow of information, and absence of genuine political representation by not allowing to other schools of thought to be represented in the controlled political process by Pakistan agencies.
The political temperature and aspirations can never be measured in underrepresented and underdeveloped these Areas that politically remain sole domain of intelligence agencies and military top brass based in Muree and its Areas from Muszafarabad to Gilgit.
Interesting enough that a state which has denied the democratic and basic rights to its own people since its creation; the rulers who never respected the mandate of the people how they can talk about the will of Kashmiri people, and how far they can be sincere to their claims and rhetoric? The state which has failed to represent different shades of opinion; a state which discriminated its own citizen based on religion and regions, and rulers those remain so indifferent to the voices of 160 million people and so cruel that they didn’t bother to eliminate the dynamic leadership like Z.A.Bhutto, her Daughter Benazir Bhutto, Akbar Bugti and many more fell prey of their hidden interests, how can they ensure the safe future of Kahsmiri’s?. They had created Pakistan for the safe future of Indian Muslims but history is witness how brutally they ruled, killed people, destroyed every institution, and suppressed every voice of their own people.
Apparently, Islamabad is not willing to concede to any of political and economic injustices, if exist in its controlled parts of Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, neither willing to address those injustices now largely supported by the reports published by the international organizations and EU report on Pakistan administered parts of Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
The idea of two Kashmir, if not advanced but existed practically since the partition of India took place on the basis of religion. Kashmir as multi-religious state that had succeeded to survive during partition owing to the strong basis of communal harmony but largely due to the political leadership that had contained flames of communal violence off from spiraling out but unfortunately the Areas came under Pakistan no non-Muslim could find the space to survive. But after more than 4 decades when political uprising in the name of political empowerment of Kashmiri’s was launched, and they repeated old tactic to whip out the non-Muslims to create another place like Pakistan controlled Azad Kashmir by forcing out non-Muslims out of the valley, by killing secular Muslims but failed to change the social fabric of that part. unfortunately, movement in the name of political empowerment, right to self-determination lost appeal, credibility and credentials when they killed secular Muslims, targeted non-Muslims and failed to embrace the very essence of nationalism and right to self termination which is “diversity” and ending up in complete fiasco and terror that landed in the hands of Pakistan dread terrorist out fits like LeT, JeM, HuJI and many such groups those have had no connections except the religious affinity was the factor.Let’s not be oblivion of the fact that present violent political culture in Pakistan that threatens regional peace and stability is the product of policies of undemocratic forces that have been unleashed in the name of Jihad and freedom. Time is to use the discourse to address the discord exist intra-state or inter-state whether in the name of fault lines or ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural. The message is clear from the present Pakistan crisis and violence that surrounds the country and challenges its very existence where Pushtoon ethnic nationalism largely playing the role along the Durand Line, which is the forgotten fault-line now reclaiming its identity and unity to those Pakistan military rulers were abusing in other areas in the name of religion but defending those acts of violence by calling root cause, or fault lines. Kashmiri was never aspired to be part of Pakistan except the beneficiaries of violence and proxy leadership and politics that two states had inducted and introduced in their respective controlled Areas to counter each other’s propaganda, create culture of disunity and hatred. Now Sardar Qayum, a pro-Pakistan champion seems to be disinclined to push forward the agenda of Pakistan. The ongoing political crisis in Pakistan can seriously affect the process of dialogues on Kashmir and CBMs that needed to push forward to close the decades old perceptional gaps and hatred. The other perception that was popular among the outside world that military in Pakistan is the only force that can strike a deal on Kashmir, that argument appears to be losing the validiy as declining military power and reputation that has plunged Pakistan into serious political chaos, and crisis and only coming time will determine. The cleavage between people and military in Pakistan is going to be deepened in the future and military attempt to cling to the will further widen this cleavage. Placing hope or optimism that military will be able to risk any further unpopularity by clinching any agreement with India is unlikely. Rather military under present circumstances may overplay Kashmir conflict and reactivate some militant activities to regain its lost reputation.
How Indian leadership responds to these political crisis in Pakistan and how far succeeds to take the advantage of situation is that question which will determine the future of politics between Pakistan and India.
Indian government statements showing its inclination to see the stability in Pakistan but Pakistan policies might change its present position and posture soon. The attempt to put together scattered Pakistan supported groups in under Mirwaz group in valley by bringing Shabir Shah into it that reflects the mindset and course to follow that might Pakistan supported groups to save their skin. As these leaders presently in a critical juncture where their pro-Pakistan politics is under erosion they have never shown no qualm by aligning with military dictators, who deprived their own people from their rights, life and property. Meantime, forces inspired to be part of Pakistan like Sardar Qayum seem to be disinclined and frustrated after the death of Bhutto to talk openly and distance himself from such rhetoric indicates how unending dictatorship in Pakistan has affected the political course in Kashmir.
Mumtaz Khan
Vice Chairman
International Kashmir Alliance
55 Nugget Ave Suite 230 Toronto
M1p 3L1 Canada credence unison
Friday, January 25, 2008
Poor groan under winter hardships in N.Areas
Poor groan under winter hardships in N.Areas
SKARDU, Jan 23: Heavy snowfall described as highest in the last 15 years has multiplied the problems people of Northern Areas have to live with each year.Reports gathered from Astore say that the recent snowfall in the area has broken the previous 15 years’ record with 5 to 6 feet snow received in Chillim, Minimarg, Rattoo, Deosai and Gultary in the foothills of the Himalayas.Hilly areas in Ghizer district, Hunza, Gojal, Nagar and Baltistan have also received record snow in the period with temperatures falling below minus 17 degree Celsius at different places in the region. As a result water supply system has been destroyed due to frozen pipes and even freezing of diesel been reported in Skardu and Astore. Running vehicles have stopped due to freezing of water bodies and bursting of hose pipe and radiators.According to hospital sources, complaints of diseases like pneumonia, cough, flue and asthma are also on the rise at different places and hospitals and dispensaries are stated to be running short of essential medicines. Deaths have been reported in government hospitals where there are no heating arrangements. Regions hit hard by the cold season are Gultary, Shila, Duroo, Askoli, Braldo in Skardu district; Hushey, Khorkondo and Thaley in Ghanche district; some villages of Minimarg, Chilim, and Rattoo in Astore district where roads remain blocked for three to four months. The sick in need of medical help face severe hardships as they must be carried on people’s back to places where jeeps are available to rush them to hospitals but most often deaths occur on the way due to severe cold in the open.While this is the lot of people living away from the towns, city dwellers of Skardu, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer and Ghanche are facing the worst inflation in items of daily use, food, fire wood and other fuels.The prices of fire wood, gas cylinders and kerosene oil have soared beyond common man’s reach. One kg of liquefied petroleum gas was being sold at the rate of Rs100, 40kg of fire wood at Rs350. The district administration is being blamed for failing to keep the price of fuel items under control which has made life very hard for the poor when electricity supply is faced with long outages.Meanwhile government employees were nor being paid the ‘hardship allowance’ which is paid to all employees posted at places above 2,600 to 3,600 meters like Murree, Quetta, Abbottabad, Parachinar, Razmat and Badin. Surprisingly government is yet to recognise these highest towns of the country as hard places.People want this discriminatory policy to end. During his tenure as prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had given a Rs20 per month winter allowance to public servants in Northern Areas which has not been enhanced since despite a ten times rise in cost of living over the years. The 40 per cent of basic pay allowance known as Gilgit Allowance was withdrawn in 2005. Government servants are agitating for recognition of Northern Areas as a hardship area and payment of a suitable compensatory allowance to them to meet the additional cost of living incurred during winter months.
(Courtesy Daily Dawn)
SKARDU, Jan 23: Heavy snowfall described as highest in the last 15 years has multiplied the problems people of Northern Areas have to live with each year.Reports gathered from Astore say that the recent snowfall in the area has broken the previous 15 years’ record with 5 to 6 feet snow received in Chillim, Minimarg, Rattoo, Deosai and Gultary in the foothills of the Himalayas.Hilly areas in Ghizer district, Hunza, Gojal, Nagar and Baltistan have also received record snow in the period with temperatures falling below minus 17 degree Celsius at different places in the region. As a result water supply system has been destroyed due to frozen pipes and even freezing of diesel been reported in Skardu and Astore. Running vehicles have stopped due to freezing of water bodies and bursting of hose pipe and radiators.According to hospital sources, complaints of diseases like pneumonia, cough, flue and asthma are also on the rise at different places and hospitals and dispensaries are stated to be running short of essential medicines. Deaths have been reported in government hospitals where there are no heating arrangements. Regions hit hard by the cold season are Gultary, Shila, Duroo, Askoli, Braldo in Skardu district; Hushey, Khorkondo and Thaley in Ghanche district; some villages of Minimarg, Chilim, and Rattoo in Astore district where roads remain blocked for three to four months. The sick in need of medical help face severe hardships as they must be carried on people’s back to places where jeeps are available to rush them to hospitals but most often deaths occur on the way due to severe cold in the open.While this is the lot of people living away from the towns, city dwellers of Skardu, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer and Ghanche are facing the worst inflation in items of daily use, food, fire wood and other fuels.The prices of fire wood, gas cylinders and kerosene oil have soared beyond common man’s reach. One kg of liquefied petroleum gas was being sold at the rate of Rs100, 40kg of fire wood at Rs350. The district administration is being blamed for failing to keep the price of fuel items under control which has made life very hard for the poor when electricity supply is faced with long outages.Meanwhile government employees were nor being paid the ‘hardship allowance’ which is paid to all employees posted at places above 2,600 to 3,600 meters like Murree, Quetta, Abbottabad, Parachinar, Razmat and Badin. Surprisingly government is yet to recognise these highest towns of the country as hard places.People want this discriminatory policy to end. During his tenure as prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had given a Rs20 per month winter allowance to public servants in Northern Areas which has not been enhanced since despite a ten times rise in cost of living over the years. The 40 per cent of basic pay allowance known as Gilgit Allowance was withdrawn in 2005. Government servants are agitating for recognition of Northern Areas as a hardship area and payment of a suitable compensatory allowance to them to meet the additional cost of living incurred during winter months.
(Courtesy Daily Dawn)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Musharaf and pro Pakistan Kashmiris
Dr Shabir Choudhry 24 December 2007
Strategically important and resource rich State of Jammu and Kashmir was important to both India and Pakistan in 1947, and in year 2007 when the State is still forcibly divided and source of tension in the region, its importance to them has not declined.Both countries worked out their strategies to acquire Kashmir even before they became independent themselves, and this struggle to wrest Kashmir created mayhem in which people of Jammu and Kashmir suffered immensely. The suffering and miseries of the people has not ended although tension and rivalry between the two countries has reduced due to internal and external pressures leading to various confidence-building measures.Both have different reasons to capture Kashmir. India claims Kashmir on the strength of provisional accession, which was never ratified. Pakistan claims it because Jammu and Kashmir is a Muslim majority state, even though Kashmir was not part of demand for Pakistan and the Two Nations Theory did not apply to the Princely States including Jammu and Kashmir.Whether the accession was legal and final or not, India is not prepared to let Kashmir go, as in their opinion it strengthens their secular credentials. Of course apart from that point, India has other strategic and economic reasons for getting Kashmir, and they have made it part of their constitution. And no government, even if they wish, can muster enough political support to make changes to the constitution.Pakistan, unlike their declared policy on Kashmir has economic and strategic aims in Kashmir. Also it is believed that their Kashmir policy provides justification for establishment of Pakistan, and this requires constant anti India stance, which must promote policies of communalism and hatred between the both countries. Pakistani governments have advanced this policy successfully under the cover of Kashmiri peoples right of self – determination.Pakistani agencies articulated their Kashmir policy with care and dedication, and despite their exposed designs on Kashmir, many Kashmiris till recently believed that Pakistan was serious and sincere in getting them 'liberated'. Their persuasive skills hoodwinked many Kashmiris in believing that Pakistani governments seriously wanted to promote the Kashmiri cause and fundamental rights for the people, even though these rights were denied to the Kashmiri people in areas under their control.One might rightly say that Pakistan had edge over India as majority of the Muslim population had a soft corner for Pakistan. Also Pakistan had a Standstill Agreement with the Maharaja of Kashmir, which provided legal access to Pakistan in all parts of Jammu and Kashmir, but thanks to Pakistan's military activism this advantage was lost after failed tribal invasion.This military activism brought trouble, destruction and misery for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and left bad taste in their mouths. The State was forcibly divided between India and Pakistan, and efforts of both countries to make Kashmir part of their nation added to problems of the people of the State. Not only they were sandwiched between the two rival neighbours, their sense of belonging and loyalty was also divided.Leaders of both countries claimed to speak for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and represented what they thought were wishes of the Kashmiri people at the UN and other international meetings. While right of self – determination of the Kashmiris, and future of the State was being debated Pakistani government ensured that the people of Kashmir were deprived of this fundamental human right.In its place Pakistani government proposed and which was accepted in the UN Security Council that the people of the State should get a right to accession to either India or Pakistan. Perhaps the people of the State were not deemed fit to enjoy fruits of independence. However when the Pakistani leaders realised that they might lose vote in future referendum they refused to honour pledges made in the UNCIP Resolution on 13 August 1948.The main reason for this was the fear that with Sheikh Abdullah, the most popular Kashmiri leader as head of the administration in Kashmir, they might not get the required votes to legally get Jammu and Kashmir. Sheikh Abdullah had no allusions about the Pakistani designs in Kashmir and did not want to become part of Pakistan because of ideological, political and personal reasons.Part 2, section A, of this resolution demanded government of Pakistan to withdraw ''its troops from the State." And paragraph 2: " The Government of Pakistan will use its best endeavour to secure the withdrawal from the State of Jammu and Kashmir of tribesmen and Pakistan nationals not normally resident therein who have entered the State for the purpose of fighting."The resolution also demanded government of India to 'withdraw the bulk of their forces from that State in stages to be agreed upon with the Commission', once the government of Pakistan had completely withdrawn its troops, the tribesmen and other Pakistani nationals who went there for the purpose of fighting.Events of mid 1950s changed the whole scenario in Kashmir and South Asia. Sheikh Abdullah was deposed and imprisoned leading to anti India demonstrations. Pakistan joined Western military alliances of SEATO and CENTO, and subsequently the Kashmir dispute became a part of the 'Cold War' politics. It must be noted that the Soviet Russia changed its policy on Kashmir after 1955 leading to use of its first veto on a resolution on Kashmir in 1957. Prior to that, by and large, Soviet Union was neutral on the issue of Kashmir.Some people might agree with this view that anti India feelings and alienation of Kashmiris was manipulated to wage a 'proxy war' against India. Some even believe that the main purpose of this exercise was to keep 'India engaged' and 'bleeding', and 'liberation' of Kashmiris was never on the agenda. However one might accept that up till mid 1992/3 the majority of people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted to join Pakistan.This trend started to change when people of Jammu and Kashmir began to understand the game plan. This trend was hastened especially with the return of 'mujahids' back to the Valley. They explained their experiences and stories to unravel this myth that Pakistan was their well- wisher and sincerely wanted to help them to 'liberate from clutches of India'. People of Jammu and Kashmir started to analyse what Pakistan had to offer to them should they join them. Also they started to understand what Pakistan has given to the people of the State living under Pakistani control.People of Jammu and Kashmir were extremely annoyed with human rights situation in Kashmir. They, like any other nation, wanted to live in peace and enjoy fruits of democracy and independence. They felt they were let down and used by both governments to advance their national interest in which people of Jammu and Kashmir suffered. The oppressed and divided people could not see light at the end of tunnel, and this added to their frustration and resentment.Majority of the people agreed that the Kashmir dispute was political in nature and religion had no role in it, although attempts have been made to 'Islamise' and 'Talibanise' the Kashmiri society and polity in order to get the desired results. People of Jammu and Kashmir have always been split in three political camps namely, pro Pakistan, pro India and Pro Independence.With time vote bank of pro independence camp dramatically increased and pro Pakistan camp has decreased, especially after the rise of Musharaf factor. Entry of Musharaf in the Kashmiri and Pakistani politics came with the Kargil fiasco. His army failed to invade Kashmir, but once again, relying on the rich past experience invaded his own capital and trampled democracy and human rights.Musharaf, no doubt has added another dark chapter to history of Pakistan. He and his forces have trampled human rights, silenced opposition, attacked and muzzled media personnel, dishonoured judiciary, humiliated honourable judges, and what adds to the tragedy is that he still feels proud of his deeds.Apart from that he was unequivocal in his message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that he was not interested in their fundamental rights including right of self- determination (how can he be if he is not interested in rights of his own people why should he be concerned about rights of those who are not yet Pakistanis), he was more interested in prolonging his rule and division of the state that he could boast he had added to the territory of Pakistan.His policies and proposals on Kashmir exposed whatever cover was there to hide true agenda of Pakistan, and that was not liberation of Jammu and Kashmir and get people their fundamental rights. All his proposals lead to division of the State, possibly on communal lines, and no Kashmiri could accept that. Whatever the future of the State people of Jammu and Kashmir think the state must remain as one political entity and must not be divided.Musharaf factor is important in the context of Kashmir. He has transformed pro Pakistan Kashmiris in to 'Pro Independence' and 'Pro Kashmir' Kashmiris. This is something we have been working for so many years and have always faced uphill struggle, but Musharaf has done it within few years. Thank you very much.
Writer is Chairman Diplomatic Committee of JKLF, Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs and author of many books on Kashmir. He could be reached at: drshabirchoudhry@ googlemail. com-- Dr Shabir Choudhry
Courtesy(kashnet)
Strategically important and resource rich State of Jammu and Kashmir was important to both India and Pakistan in 1947, and in year 2007 when the State is still forcibly divided and source of tension in the region, its importance to them has not declined.Both countries worked out their strategies to acquire Kashmir even before they became independent themselves, and this struggle to wrest Kashmir created mayhem in which people of Jammu and Kashmir suffered immensely. The suffering and miseries of the people has not ended although tension and rivalry between the two countries has reduced due to internal and external pressures leading to various confidence-building measures.Both have different reasons to capture Kashmir. India claims Kashmir on the strength of provisional accession, which was never ratified. Pakistan claims it because Jammu and Kashmir is a Muslim majority state, even though Kashmir was not part of demand for Pakistan and the Two Nations Theory did not apply to the Princely States including Jammu and Kashmir.Whether the accession was legal and final or not, India is not prepared to let Kashmir go, as in their opinion it strengthens their secular credentials. Of course apart from that point, India has other strategic and economic reasons for getting Kashmir, and they have made it part of their constitution. And no government, even if they wish, can muster enough political support to make changes to the constitution.Pakistan, unlike their declared policy on Kashmir has economic and strategic aims in Kashmir. Also it is believed that their Kashmir policy provides justification for establishment of Pakistan, and this requires constant anti India stance, which must promote policies of communalism and hatred between the both countries. Pakistani governments have advanced this policy successfully under the cover of Kashmiri peoples right of self – determination.Pakistani agencies articulated their Kashmir policy with care and dedication, and despite their exposed designs on Kashmir, many Kashmiris till recently believed that Pakistan was serious and sincere in getting them 'liberated'. Their persuasive skills hoodwinked many Kashmiris in believing that Pakistani governments seriously wanted to promote the Kashmiri cause and fundamental rights for the people, even though these rights were denied to the Kashmiri people in areas under their control.One might rightly say that Pakistan had edge over India as majority of the Muslim population had a soft corner for Pakistan. Also Pakistan had a Standstill Agreement with the Maharaja of Kashmir, which provided legal access to Pakistan in all parts of Jammu and Kashmir, but thanks to Pakistan's military activism this advantage was lost after failed tribal invasion.This military activism brought trouble, destruction and misery for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and left bad taste in their mouths. The State was forcibly divided between India and Pakistan, and efforts of both countries to make Kashmir part of their nation added to problems of the people of the State. Not only they were sandwiched between the two rival neighbours, their sense of belonging and loyalty was also divided.Leaders of both countries claimed to speak for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and represented what they thought were wishes of the Kashmiri people at the UN and other international meetings. While right of self – determination of the Kashmiris, and future of the State was being debated Pakistani government ensured that the people of Kashmir were deprived of this fundamental human right.In its place Pakistani government proposed and which was accepted in the UN Security Council that the people of the State should get a right to accession to either India or Pakistan. Perhaps the people of the State were not deemed fit to enjoy fruits of independence. However when the Pakistani leaders realised that they might lose vote in future referendum they refused to honour pledges made in the UNCIP Resolution on 13 August 1948.The main reason for this was the fear that with Sheikh Abdullah, the most popular Kashmiri leader as head of the administration in Kashmir, they might not get the required votes to legally get Jammu and Kashmir. Sheikh Abdullah had no allusions about the Pakistani designs in Kashmir and did not want to become part of Pakistan because of ideological, political and personal reasons.Part 2, section A, of this resolution demanded government of Pakistan to withdraw ''its troops from the State." And paragraph 2: " The Government of Pakistan will use its best endeavour to secure the withdrawal from the State of Jammu and Kashmir of tribesmen and Pakistan nationals not normally resident therein who have entered the State for the purpose of fighting."The resolution also demanded government of India to 'withdraw the bulk of their forces from that State in stages to be agreed upon with the Commission', once the government of Pakistan had completely withdrawn its troops, the tribesmen and other Pakistani nationals who went there for the purpose of fighting.Events of mid 1950s changed the whole scenario in Kashmir and South Asia. Sheikh Abdullah was deposed and imprisoned leading to anti India demonstrations. Pakistan joined Western military alliances of SEATO and CENTO, and subsequently the Kashmir dispute became a part of the 'Cold War' politics. It must be noted that the Soviet Russia changed its policy on Kashmir after 1955 leading to use of its first veto on a resolution on Kashmir in 1957. Prior to that, by and large, Soviet Union was neutral on the issue of Kashmir.Some people might agree with this view that anti India feelings and alienation of Kashmiris was manipulated to wage a 'proxy war' against India. Some even believe that the main purpose of this exercise was to keep 'India engaged' and 'bleeding', and 'liberation' of Kashmiris was never on the agenda. However one might accept that up till mid 1992/3 the majority of people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted to join Pakistan.This trend started to change when people of Jammu and Kashmir began to understand the game plan. This trend was hastened especially with the return of 'mujahids' back to the Valley. They explained their experiences and stories to unravel this myth that Pakistan was their well- wisher and sincerely wanted to help them to 'liberate from clutches of India'. People of Jammu and Kashmir started to analyse what Pakistan had to offer to them should they join them. Also they started to understand what Pakistan has given to the people of the State living under Pakistani control.People of Jammu and Kashmir were extremely annoyed with human rights situation in Kashmir. They, like any other nation, wanted to live in peace and enjoy fruits of democracy and independence. They felt they were let down and used by both governments to advance their national interest in which people of Jammu and Kashmir suffered. The oppressed and divided people could not see light at the end of tunnel, and this added to their frustration and resentment.Majority of the people agreed that the Kashmir dispute was political in nature and religion had no role in it, although attempts have been made to 'Islamise' and 'Talibanise' the Kashmiri society and polity in order to get the desired results. People of Jammu and Kashmir have always been split in three political camps namely, pro Pakistan, pro India and Pro Independence.With time vote bank of pro independence camp dramatically increased and pro Pakistan camp has decreased, especially after the rise of Musharaf factor. Entry of Musharaf in the Kashmiri and Pakistani politics came with the Kargil fiasco. His army failed to invade Kashmir, but once again, relying on the rich past experience invaded his own capital and trampled democracy and human rights.Musharaf, no doubt has added another dark chapter to history of Pakistan. He and his forces have trampled human rights, silenced opposition, attacked and muzzled media personnel, dishonoured judiciary, humiliated honourable judges, and what adds to the tragedy is that he still feels proud of his deeds.Apart from that he was unequivocal in his message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that he was not interested in their fundamental rights including right of self- determination (how can he be if he is not interested in rights of his own people why should he be concerned about rights of those who are not yet Pakistanis), he was more interested in prolonging his rule and division of the state that he could boast he had added to the territory of Pakistan.His policies and proposals on Kashmir exposed whatever cover was there to hide true agenda of Pakistan, and that was not liberation of Jammu and Kashmir and get people their fundamental rights. All his proposals lead to division of the State, possibly on communal lines, and no Kashmiri could accept that. Whatever the future of the State people of Jammu and Kashmir think the state must remain as one political entity and must not be divided.Musharaf factor is important in the context of Kashmir. He has transformed pro Pakistan Kashmiris in to 'Pro Independence' and 'Pro Kashmir' Kashmiris. This is something we have been working for so many years and have always faced uphill struggle, but Musharaf has done it within few years. Thank you very much.
Writer is Chairman Diplomatic Committee of JKLF, Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs and author of many books on Kashmir. He could be reached at: drshabirchoudhry@ googlemail. com-- Dr Shabir Choudhry
Courtesy(kashnet)
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