Response to "We have lost Kashmir". Part 2

"We have lost Kashmir". Part 2
Shabir Choudhry


I have a long association with the freedom struggle, and before I wrote that piece I gave it a careful consideration. I had sound reasons for writing this article.

I was a teenager when I started work for a united and independent Kashmir, and inshallah I will continue that through out my life. No one should doubt for a moment my commitment to an independent Kashmir, integrity and courage. Come what may I will, even if that means on my own, continue to work for a united and independent Kashmir as that is the only solution of the Kashmir dispute. But what has hurt me is the attitude and response of some people.

I thought we were working as a team for the same cause and that is united and independent Kashmir. Through thick and thin we worked together and worked hard, and at times completely neglecting our family responsibilities. I thought India, China and Pakistan have occupied our Kashmir, and they all have to vacate it that we can have united and independent Kashmir. And only this will bring a lasting peace in South Asia.

But now I am advised that I should not talk about Azad Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan as this annoys some people. And further more that it creates rift in the ranks of "freedom fighters"; and this helps our enemy - India. Therefore I should change my attitude and approach to make it "acceptable" to others. I was further advised that in meetings I should refrain from talking about united and independent Kashmir as this irritates some people present.

This was coming from a person whom I thought was a staunch pro independent. And if I don't adjust my approach to the changing scenario there could be some problems, as decisions are already being taken and you should know which side you should be on.

In other words if I want to be good in eyes of some people then I have to follow a set policy, which practically means forget about Azad Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan. In eyes of these people a good political activist is the one who around the clock condemns India and speak about the freedom of the areas under India. I have no problem condemning India for gross human rights violations, and I have done that time and again; but at that same time I have right to criticise Pakistani authorities for their role in Kashmir.

This is where the problem lies. If I criticise Pakistani authorities for their mistakes in Kashmir, and if I criticise senseless killings of innocent civilian Kashmiris then I am not a good Muslim let alone being a freedom fighter or a leader of a political party. What has further disturbed me is that whereas we are fighting for a united and independent Kashmir, some leaders on the Indian side of the LOC have already shown their willingness to accept division. Their fight is for the liberation of the areas which are currently not under Pakistan; whereas we wanted the whole State of Jammu and Kashmir united and independent.

Whether I am liked by certain quarters or not I am a nationalist Kashmiri, and I am proud of this. And for being a nationalist if there is some price, which there is, then I am prepared to pay that, but I will not abandon my path. All the above was too much for my nationalism, and one aim of the article was that we start a discussion and analyse the current situation and see where are we going. And in doing so we must not forget Azad Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan.

"We have lost Kashmir". 3
Shabir Choudhry
Schoudhry@freeuk.com

Dear Aslamo Alaykam

Thank you for your comments on the above article. You have been very sensible with your choice of words. I am sure there would be others with more "fertile and imaginative minds" and they would come out with different stories.

I have a long association with the freedom struggle, and before I wrote that piece I gave it a careful consideration. I had sound reasons for writing this article.

I was a teenager when I started work for a united and independent Kashmir, and inshallah I will continue that through out my life. No one should doubt for a moment my commitment to an independent Kashmir, integrity and courage. Come what may I will, even if that means on my own, continue to work for a united and independent Kashmir as that is the only solution of the Kashmir dispute. But what has hurt me is the attitude and response of some people.

I thought we were working as a team for the same cause and that is united and independent Kashmir. Through thick and thin we worked together and worked hard, and at times completely neglecting our family responsibilities. I thought India, China and Pakistan have occupied our Kashmir, and they all have to vacate it that we can have united and independent Kashmir. And only this will bring a lasting peace in South Asia.

But now I am advised that I should not talk about Azad Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan as this annoys some people. And further more that it creates rift in the ranks of "freedom fighters"; and this helps our enemy - India. Therefore I should change my attitude and approach to make it "acceptable" to others. I was further advised that in meetings I should refrain from talking about united and independent Kashmir as this irritates some people present.

This was coming from a person whom I thought was a staunch pro independent. And if I don't adjust my approach to the changing scenario there could be some problems, as decisions are already being taken and you should know which side you should be on.

In other words if I want to be good in eyes of some people then I have to follow a set policy, which practically means forget about Azad Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan. In eyes of these people a good political activist is the one who around the clock condemns India and speak about the freedom of the areas under India. I have no problem condemning India for gross human rights violations, and I have done that time and again; but at that same time I have right to criticise Pakistani authorities for their role in Kashmir.

This is where the problem lies. If I criticise Pakistani authorities for their mistakes in Kashmir, and if I criticise senseless killings of innocent civilian Kashmiris then I am not a good Muslim let alone being a freedom fighter or a leader of a political party. What has further disturbed me is that whereas we are fighting for a united and independent Kashmir, some leaders on the Indian side of the LOC have already shown their willingness to accept division. Their fight is for the liberation of the areas which are currently not under Pakistan; whereas we wanted the whole State of Jammu and Kashmir united and independent.

Whether I am liked by certain quarters or not I am a nationalist Kashmiri, and I am proud of this. And for being a nationalist if there is some price, which there is, then I am prepared to pay that, but I will not abandon my path. All the above was too much for my nationalism, and one aim of the article was that we start a discussion and analyse the current situation and see where are we going. And in doing so we must not forget Azad Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan.



We have lost Kashmir 4
Dear Sohail Sahib Aslamo Alaykam

Thank you very much for your kind remarks and encouragement. I am also grateful to all those who contacted me privately to provide me encouragement and support.

Your example is excellent, and I hope people understand it.

Inshallah I will continue whatever little I can do to achieve united and independent Kashmir.
People can criticise me for what I wrote because they only like to hear good things. They don't want to face reality and like to build imaginary world around them. Instead of accepting our shortcomings we like to blame everything on Jews and Hindus. No one is saying they are our friends but our own behaviour and attitude is also questionable at times.

If we have wrong policy, wrong strategy and wrong approach then India or Israel needn't do anything to fail us, and we should not expect to be successful. Sensible thing after such failure is to analyse our policy, strategy and approach and make appropriate changes rather than blaming others.

It is unfortunate that the Kashmiri struggle has become a lucrative business for some and it is in their interest that the present situation perpetuates. That is why they think there is no need to analyse the present policy and make appropriate changes. I hope common sense prevails and we learn to take matters in our own hands; and find the path that leads to freedom.

Shabir Choudhry