Wednesday 21 July 2010

Jihad is back on agenda - it is official

Jihad is back on agenda - it is official
Dr Shabir Choudhry 21 July 2010

It might be terrorism elsewhere, but it is still ‘holy jihad’ in Kashmir. Despite being an important partner in so called ‘war on terrorism’, this is the real policy of Islamabad; and they make no attempt to even hide that.
This message was reiterated in very aggressively in a public rally held in Muzafarabad, Pakistani Occupied Kashmir, which was organized by United Jihad Council, a coalition of militant groups set up by ISI to fight India. The rally had full support of Pakistani Occupied Kashmir; and the Prime Minister of this territory Raja Farooq Haider Khan thundered: "Let me assure you that every home in Kashmir will become a bunker against India." Apart from that Syed Salahuddin, Chairman of UJC said:
"It is mandatory for every child in every street to wage war against India to bring it down to its knees."
Those who have interest in ascertaining as to why Krishna Qureshi talks failed have to look at timing of this message. This show of public strength in Muzaffarabad (in a place like Muzaffarabad they managed to muster around four thousand people) and strong resolve was demonstrated one day before the Indian delegation headed by Indian Minister for External Affairs S M Krishna was reaching Islamabad to begin dialogue to promote ‘peace’ and cooperation.
Also this strong stance has to be viewed in the context of recent unrest in the Valley, which Pakistan has very smartly ‘staged’ and made India defensive, especially on issue of human rights abuses. Furthermore, it has to be viewed in the context of the conflict between the two countries over the issue of Kishenganga Hydroelectric Project. Both countries after failing to resolve differences over this project have decided to refer it to Court of Arbitration.

On reaching Islamabad the Indian Minister for External Affairs S M Krishna said: “I am here with a message of peace and friendship. India wants to resolve all the issues with Pakistan through a process of dialogue”. But how could you hold a dialogue and have peace when guns are out and roaring on both sides of the LOC, in which innocent people perish?

I have been pointing out contradictions in the Pakistani policies on terrorism for a long time, but not much attention was given to this. I was the first to blow the whistle that Lashkar e Taiba, a declared terrorist group possessed huge piece of land in mountains near Muzaffarabad to continue indoctrination and training of militants that they could be used to advance cause of ‘jihad’.

In a seminar organised by Interfaith International during eleventh session of the UN Human Rights Council on 10 June 2009, I said:

‘Moreover Lashker E Tayeba, a banned terrorist group has purchased a land of 200 kanals in district Muzaffarabad in Pakistani Administered Kashmir. This land transaction could only be done with the help of Pakistani establishment, as legally no Pakistani individual or organisation could purchase land in any part of the State. It is clear that Lashker E Tayeba is known for its terrorism and violence and could not be expected to run courses on peace studies, conflict resolution or human rights’.

This news was later on confirmed by a report of BBC, here is the web link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/pakistan/2009/06/090628_lt_centre_land_ra.shtml
Abbas Butt, Chairman of Kashmir National Party said, “There is no ambiguity in Pakistan’s policy on terrorism. If there is a bomb blast in Balochistan or any other part of Pakistan, even if carried out by a disgruntled Pakistani, it is terrorism. But if a bomb blast takes place in Srinagar, even when it is carried out by a Pakistani, Afghani, Egyptian or Bangladeshi who has been trained by Pakistan and sent across with weapons by them as well, it is surely a Jihad. Despite that if some countries don’t understand or don’t want to understand then it is not Pakistan’s fault.”
Anyhow, as expected the talks failed, because both delegations had different priorities. India’s priorities were an end to infiltration, terrorism and action against culprits of Mumbai carnage; and Pakistan’s priorities were human rights abuses in the Valley and issues related to water. As far as India’s priorities were concerned Pakistani government put their cards on table by facilitating a big rally in Muzaffarbad in which call of Jihad was reiterated. It was declared that jihad was must and India must be brought “down to its knees."
India had its reluctance to show any flexibility on issues related to the Kashmir dispute, whether that is water, human rights or future of the State. However, in view of many experts the Muzaffarabad event coupled with other activities coordinated by Pakistani establishment sealed the fate of the dialogue before even it started.
In view of some experts, India is not too keen to negotiate any deal with leaders who have no power to deliver, as Pakistan has more than one centre of power. It is difficult to tell who actually holds power: is it the President, the Prime Minister, the Parliament or the army. Despite the civilian outlook many believe it is the army which calls shots in foreign affairs, especially related to India, Kashmir and Afghanistan.
Ayesha Siddiqa, an expert on defence related issues commented, ‘Shah Mehmood Qureshi was not keen to be viewed by the military establishment at home as being soft on India….. The military's top management neither took ownership of Musharraf's peace initiative nor did it agree with his proposals on the Kashmir dispute.’ Shah Mehmood Qureshi enjoys ‘cordial relations’ with the army top brass, and he had to show that, unlike President Zardari, he was tough when it comes to dealing with India
Pakistan’s tussle with India is no longer only related to water, Siachin Glacier, Sir Crick, terrorism, infiltration and future of the State of Jammu and Kashmir; but they are also actively confronting each other in Afghanistan. Both India and Pakistan know that America and other forces of occupation will have to leave one day, and both countries are competing to fill in the vacuum.
Future, stability and type of government in Afghanistan is of great interest to both countries. India doesn’t like extremism or Taliban like government in Afghanistan, but if Taliban are defeated and there is ‘stability’ in Afghanistan with a pro Pakistan government, then many experts think hordes of tribesmen will rush to Kashmir for Jihad, as they did in past. Also this will have tremendous impact on Indian plans for the region and especially Central Asia.
According to Indian claims infiltration has increased by 40%. Local people in Pakistani Administered Kashmir also confirm increased activities by Jihadi outfits, but exact percentage of infiltration could not be ascertained. Pakistan, of course, denies this charge, and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has strongly said: "Infiltration is not the policy of Pakistan or any intelligence agency of Pakistan.…But if there are individuals who have crossed over, deal with them firmly."
Some Indian commentators read this statement in the following sense: ‘Pakistan will keep on sending terrorists across the LOC, and it is for India to decide how to deal with them’. It is believed, either Pakistan is unable or unwilling to comply with the demands of India with regard to terrorism and Mumbai carnage; and despite policy of non interference Pakistan will not stop infiltration of militants and jihad will continue in Kashmir.
This policy will not only throw a spanner in any peace talks, but it will also have disastrous impact on people of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the LOC. My request to those who have some say in policy making and its execution is, please stop this ‘blood trade’ in name of ‘jihad’. We people of Jammu and Kashmir have already suffered too much. Like anyone else we also want peace, stability and economic prosperity. We also want to live with dignity and honour and enjoy fruits of independence.

The kind of jihad you people have imposed on us will only make our lives worse. It provides an excuse to people in uniform to commit human rights abuses. In any case, Kashmir dispute is not a religious dispute. Don’t divide us in name of religion. This strategy will never win us independence; and we don’t want to be part of any country. Our struggle is for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir which could not be achieved in name of religion.

Writer is Director Diplomatic Committee 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

View: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com www.k4kashmir.com

Sunday 11 July 2010

‘I loved Pakistan until I visited Pakistani Occupied Kashmir’

‘I loved Pakistan until I visited Pakistani Occupied Kashmir’
Dr Shabir Choudhry 11 July 2010

Pakistan had to twist the knife to make it relevant again.

Death of innocent people, especially young children has created a new situation in Kashmir; and gave Spokesman of Pakistan Foreign Office to express his resentment and show that Pakistan was still relevant in the Kashmir dispute; and still hold some cards up the sleeve.

A few weeks before this unrest, an impartial survey confirmed that 98% of the people of Kashmir did not want to join Pakistan. This was a big slap on the face of those who claimed and continue to claim that people of Kashmir were eager to join Pakistan and were giving sacrifices for this purpose. These claims are made despite the current deteriorating economic and security situation of Pakistan in which many Pakistanis don’t want to remain part of the Federation.

This survey was conducted by a prominent British Think Tank - Chatham House, which has its own expertise in matters of South Asia. The survey confirmed what we – nationalist Kashmiris have always claimed that people were not interested in joining Pakistan. We believe that the Kashmir dispute is not religious in nature; and concerns our inherent and unrestricted right of self determination.

Pakistani establishment and their puppets have, hitherto, made themselves relevant in the Kashmir dispute not because of any legal standing, but because of their de-facto control, religious card and Kashmiri collaborators which are available in abundance on both sides of the divide.

Many experts and Kashmir watchers after the survey thought Pakistan was becoming irrelevant in the Kashmir dispute because of this change; and because of Pakistan’s serious internal economic and terrorism related problems. Somehow Pakistan had to ‘strike back’ and make it relevant again; and they have done it in a style.

For this ‘gain if some Kashmiris have lost their lives, its price worth paying’, said one Kashmiri, on condition of anonymity. He said, ‘Pakistani agencies have always outmanoeuvred India over issue of Kashmir. They create a situation with help of their collaborators and Indians not only walk in, but jump in it and get trapped’.

End result in this dirty game is killing of innocent Kashmiris and human rights violations. It serves four purposes.

1. It further alienate the people of Kashmir and their resentment against India grows;

2. It gives India the kind of image Pakistani establishment wants to project; and make India defensive on issue of Kashmir;

3. It makes Pakistan relevant in the Kashmir dispute and helps them to promote them as a ‘good boy’ and well wishers of people of Kashmir;

4. It keeps people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan under check, as message is given that Pakistan, despite its all faults is not as bad as India, as India kills and commits human rights violations.

It is true people are killed and human rights are being committed on the Indian side of LOC; and comparatively less human rights violations take on the Pakistani side of LOC, but no one has time or even care to look at reasons.

People on the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir, especially Muslims of the Valley have not accepted the Indian rule, and after help from Pakistan have rebelled against India. On the hand people under Pakistani control have accepted their direct and indirect rule; and depending on interpretation and political thinking or lack of it, one might call it Azadi or slavery.

So if people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan have surrendered unconditionally and have agreed to call their slavery ‘freedom’ and azadi, then why would Pakistan kill these subservient people, who go out of their way to please Islamabad. Some of these Kashmiris proudly claim that they are ‘fighting Pakistan’s war’; and that they are ‘unpaid soldiers of Pakistan’. Soldiers they may be, but surely they are not unpaid.

Perhaps these people are clever, as they know what awaits them if they expressed their resentment and challenged rule of Islamabad, because tragedy of East Pakistan is not that old. Furthermore, they know what is happening to those Pakistanis who have asked for their rights and challenged Islamabad – they face bombardment of jet fighters and helicopter gun ships, their houses are destroyed and they are economically crippled.

After the recent uprising and blood of innocent Kashmiris, Pakistan has perhaps made them relevant again in the Kashmir imbroglio; they might have moral upper hand as well, but they have failed to win minds and hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. True, Muslims of the Valley reject Indian rule, but it must not be construed that they want to join Pakistan.

Showkat Ul Islam from Sopor said: ‘I loved Pakistan before I visited Pakistani Occupied Kashmir.’ He said, ‘Of course we have problems on our side, as there is militancy going on for more than 20 years, but despite that we are far ahead of you in every respect. I have visited POK and in many ways you people are still living in Stone Ages.’

Showkat Ul Islam said, ‘At one time my love for Pakistan was so strong that I punched my friend, Dr Ashfaq Butt of Srinagar when he said something negative about Pakistan’. His friend said to Showkat Ul Islam, ‘You have punched me because you don’t know true face of Pakistan, once you have seen true face you will feel sorry for your action’

Shaowkat Ul Islam said, ‘During my visit to Pakistani Occupied Kashmir I had plenty of opportunities to see what Pakistan is, and how their agencies were using us. Also I witnessed deprivation of people of POK, especially in Neelam Valley. After my experience in POK, I phoned Dr Ashfaq Butt and apologised for my action’.

He said, ‘People who shout India out, do not have love for Pakistan either. We want both India and Pakistan to leave our Kashmir.’ He said, ‘After what Pakistan has done to Gilgit Baltistan we are no longer in any doubts as to designs of Pakistan.’

Pakistani brothers need to understand that our struggle is not for accession of our State with either India or Pakistan. Our struggle is for unification and independence of the entire State of Jammu and Kashmir. Religion has no role in our struggle. We want to promote peace, tolerance and coexistence of all ethnic minorities. We want to promote peace and stability in South Asia and oppose those forces which preach violence, extremism and hatred.

Both India and Pakistan need to understand this simple fact: you cannot win minds and hearts of people by use of force; and you cannot eliminate violence by use of violence because violence breeds more violence. The Kashmir dispute is political in nature and needs political approach; and people of Jammu and Kashmir are the principal party to this dispute and they could not be kept out of the dialogue process.

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

Wednesday 7 July 2010

India and Pakistan in a legal battle over Kashmiri water

India and Pakistan in a legal battle over Kashmiri water
Dr Shabir Choudhry 07 July 2010

India and Pakistan could not reach consensus over use of water of Neelam River and have decided to fight it out in a court of arbitration which will cost millions of Dollars to both countries. The process of arbitration is not only expensive, but it is also a lengthy one. Whatever the outcome of the arbitration, the legal battle will surely embitter the relationship between the two countries.

Both India and Pakistan want to generate electricity by diverting water of Neelam River, water of which belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistani project is known as Neelam Jhelum Hydroelectric Project is located near Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistani Administered Kashmir, and aims to divert water through a tunnel from Nauseri and release it in River Jhelum near Chatar Kalas about 22 KM South of Muzaffarabad. The project once completed, will produce 969 MW of electricity.

India on the other hand is constructing Kishanganga Hydro Electrical Project
at Gurez which will divert water of River Neelam through 22 KM long tunnel before it enters Pakistani Administered Kashmir; and release the water in to Bonar Madumati Nallah – a tributary of the Jhelum River. The diverted water would be used for generating 390 megawatt electricity and feeding the Wullar Lake.



Map showing location of both projects on Neelam River and Baghliar Dam on Chenab River

The government of Pakistan claims that the diversion of water to Wullar Lake contravenes the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty, as it reduces flow of water and will reduce the power generation capacity by 16 per cent, and will cause Pakistan a loss of 6 billion rupees worth of energy per year. Bilateral Talks between the countries on this issue have failed and Pakistan wants to resolve this issue by invoking the arbitration process enshrined in the Indus Water Treaty of 1960.

16 per cent of 969 megawatt (which the Pakistani Project will generate) is 155.04 megawatt, and if that, according to Pakistan government, is worth 6 billion Rupees then one can work out how many billions worth is the energy of Mangla Dam. The Dam was completed in 1967, and generates 1000 megawatt; which Pakistan has been using without paying the price to the government of Azad Kashmir. People of Azad Kashmir pay more per unit of electricity than people of Pakistan pay a few miles across the River Jhelum.

Leaving other things aside from which Pakistan benefits economically, Pakistan owes approximately 1720 billion rupees just for the electricity of Mangla Dam. And if we include value of other hydroelectric generation from Pakistani Administered Kashmir, then Pakistan owes us approximately 2580 billion. Of course profit from use of water for irrigation and fishery is not included in this; and yet Pakistani officials and their puppets have nerve to say that Pakistan feeds us.

However, for sake of records Pakistan has started paying royalty for Mangla Dam (not for other projects in Azad Kashmir) since 2003. Pakistan pays Azad Kashmir government 15 Paisa per unit; and pays 70 Paisa per unit to provinces of Pakistan. Despite this exploitation and gross inequality, puppet leaders of Azad Kashmir are happy that their political masters have started paying something for the Mangla dam.

Anyway that aside, the Court of Arbitration consists of seven prominent experts. Both countries are entitled to nominate two members each; and they have to suggest and agree the remaining three independent experts who must be experts in water disputes, engineering and law. Apart from that they must either belong to the International Court of Justice, the World Bank or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Both countries had a meeting on 6 July to finalise the selection of names for the court of arbitration.

The Indus Water Treaty was a water sharing formula between India and Pakistan, which was brokered by the World Bank in 1960. Despite wars between India and Pakistan and frosty relationship, the Treaty has survived, and to a large extent has been working as envisaged in 1960.

A Commission was set up which meets regularly and exchange data and tries to resolve disputes. If the Commission fails to resolve a dispute, then it has to be resolved by both governments. And if both governments and the Commission fail to resolve the dispute then it could be referred to a Neutral Expert in a Court of Arbitration.

The Court of Arbitration has to see if the proposed diversion of water from one tributary of Jhelum River to another is permissible under the Treaty or not. This diversion reduces flow of water in Neelam River, but it does not reduce overall flow of water entering Pakistan, as the diverted water is released in another tributary of Jhelum River.

It is for the Court of Arbitration to decide, but one could foresee three possible outcomes:
1. that the diversion of water is not permitted under the Treaty;
2. that the diversion is permissible;
3. or a mixed findings.

In case of the first finding India will have to abandon the project which has cost them in billions. In case of the second finding the Pakistani project will suffer. It is probable that the Court of Arbitration might reach a mixed verdict – that the diversion is permitted subject to certain changes to minimise adverse downstream impacts.

As noted earlier, arbitration process is very expensive and lengthy one. It could take a good few years before the Court gives its verdict. In the mean time both governments are racing to complete their Projects, as the understanding is if a project is near to completion it will be very difficult for the Court to give a totally negative verdict.

I don’t believe for a minute that India is spending millions of rupees on a project that it would abandon after the verdict of the Court. Indian Federal Minister of Power Jairam Ramesh, during a recent visit to Kashmir said the Kishenganga project had geo-strategic importance to India. He said: "This is an issue with geo -strategic and foreign policy implications". The Indian government is working at full speed and wants to complete the Project by 2015.

Although Pakistan has initiated the arbitration process, its legal team is not ready to proceed. In reality there is still some controversy as to who should be included in the legal team, mainly because of potential rewards and favouritism. And by time everything is in place and verdict is given the Indian Project would be near its completion, as happened in the case of Baghliar Dam, and Pakistan, despite enormous expenses did not get much out of it.

Both India and Pakistan have their plans, as how to exploit the resources of State of Jammu and Kashmir. As a Kashmiri nationalist it is not our concern which country gets a favourable verdict from the Court; and which country loses out. We feel it is the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are ultimate losers in this power game.

Although we have no control over construction of dams, we, however, feel that the Project which is favourable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be completed. I have done extensive research on the Pakistani Project and learn that it has nothing positive for the people of Azad Kashmir, as it will only benefit Pakistan and we will only face all the negative impacts.

Claims are made that the Kishanganga Project will benefit people of Indian Administered Kashmir, but I have not done any research to ascertain or reject these claims.

Writer is Director Diplomatic Committee 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

Monday 5 July 2010

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

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

Sunday 4 July 2010

Neelam Jhelum Hydroelectric Project - exploitation of Kashmiri resources

Neelam Jhelum Hydroelectric Project - exploitation of Kashmiri resources

Speech of Dr Shabir Choudhry in a seminar arranged by Kashmir National Party on 04 July 2010.

Mr Chairman, friends and colleagues Aslamo alaykam.

1. Clarification

Before I make a presentation on the above topic, I want to make this clear that I DO NOT write or speak against Pakistan. I write and actively protect and promote interest of people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Because wrong doer on this side of the divide is Pakistan or Pakistani officials and I expose their deeds which they do in name of Islam or brotherhood, people wrongly accuse me of being anti Pakistan.

When Pakistani writers and media people expose Pakistani officials for wrong doings inside Pakistan, they get compliments and they are not called anti Pakistan, but when we nationalist Kashmiris expose wrong doings of Pakistani officials inside our territory, we are accused of being anti Pakistan and in some cases ‘Indian agents’.

True, for some years I have paid less attention to issues of Indian Administered Kashmir not because they are not important, but because there are plenty of people to speak for their rights; and if I speak I will be just another voice. Whereas on the Pakistani side of the divide there is hardly anyone to speak out or expose human rights abuses and economic exploitations because of fear and intimidation.

As soon as anyone dares to speak to expose wrong doings of Pakistani officials in Pakistani Administered Kashmir or Gilgit Baltistan he is criticised as being ‘anti Pakistan’ or an ‘Indian agent’. Because of this fear and intimidation people are very hesitant to speak about their plight on this side of the LOC.

I have courageously written and criticised Pakistan’s Kashmir policy for years. It was not criticism for the sake of criticism, as I supported my contentions with historical evidence and facts, and yet I had to pay a big price for this; and because of ludicrous allegation and campaign of hatred, even I feel the pressure. I am a practicing Muslim, and yet I have been called Hindu and Sikh, just because what I write does not promote interest of those who make Kashmir policy for us, and those who have transformed the Kashmiri struggle in to business, whereas people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to suffer.

After announcing this seminar I had a phone call in which the caller verbally abused me and said: ‘If you are a true Kashmiri then you should expose India, because they are killing innocent people including children; and all you care is about water issues in Azad Kashmir’.

I gave him appropriate replies, but for the benefit of this audience, I and KNP condemn terrorism and killing of innocent people. To us Indian policy in Kashmir is exposed and you can’t expose it anymore; however we need to expose Pakistani policy on Kashmir which is carefully disguised in name of Islam and brotherhood.

2. Introduction

Mr Chairman

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.

In 1995, Vice President of the World Bank Ismael Serageldin said: ‘If the wars of this century were fought over oil, the wars of the next century will be fought over water.’

Egypt went to war with Israel more than once, but when President Anwar Sadat signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, he said Egypt will never go to war again, except to protect its water resources. Former Secretary General of the Untied Nation, Boutros Boutros-Ghali warned bluntly that ‘the next war in the area will be over water’.

As freshwater resources transcend national boundaries and its management is a major challenge for the future. If amicable mechanism of water distribution is not established, and alternative sources of energy are not discovered then Ismael Serageldin’s prediction might prove to be correct not in too distant future.

Our neighbour, Pakistan has serious energy and clean water problems, and more than 38 million people do not have access to safe drinking water. Despite these serious problems Pakistan has failed to get consensus to construct Kala Bagh Dam, initial planning of which was made in 1950s, and the country has spent millions of pounds on various feasibility reports. All the reports suggest that the dam project was economically viable, but politicians and provinces did not agree with its construction for various reasons.

3. Water – our natural resources

Mr Chairman

Just like oil is natural resources of some countries, water is natural resources of Jammu and Kashmir; but unlike other countries we cannot sell our natural resources, because it is not under our control. Tragedy is we cannot even use water according to our wishes or requirements.

The water resources in Jammu and Kashmir belong to the people of the State, but it was India and Pakistan who decided how to use our water in Indus Water Treaty of 1960. In the past both countries fought conventional wars and a proxy war to take control of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, as both wanted to make it part of their country. Now fear is that they might clash over the water issue.
Strategic Foresight Group of the International Centre for Peace Initiatives in Mumbai, in a book “The Final Settlement” deals with the issue of water between India and Pakistan in detail and says: Pakistan’s interest is in conflict with the people of Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control; and adds, "A conflict over land between the people of Kashmir and the government of India will soon become a thing of the past. On the other hand, a water war between Kashmir and Pakistan is inevitable in the future."
But the question is who will fight and protect rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir? The puppet leaders who will do anything to please their political masters in Islamabad have no spine to even talk about rights of the people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir. When people of Khyebar Pakhtoon Khawa strongly refused to allow Islamabad to construct the Kala Bagh Dam, even though it was in the interest of Pakistan, puppet leaders of Islamabad in Pakistani Administered Kashmir said: for sake of Pakistan we will build 100 dams in Azad Kashmir.
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.”
Another Prime Minister of Pakistani Administered Kashmir, Sardar Yaqoob Khan while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 12 August 2009, said, ‘the AJK had the potential to generate over 14,000 megawatts (MW) of hydro-electricity’.
Pakistan’s electric requirement stands at 14,700 MW, and if our electric generating potential is in hands of a sincere government, then we can export electricity to Pakistan and meet their energy needs. It must be noted that current electric requirement of Pakistani Administered Kashmir is 400 MW; and we produce more than 1500 MW at present and we face long hours of load shedding just because everything is controlled by Islamabad.
4. Neelam Jhelum Hydroelectric Project
Mr Chairman
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. They know these rulers are puppets, and are ‘appointed’ there to look after interests of Islamabad.
Neelam Jhelum Hydroelectric Project is located near Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistani Administered Kashmir. It aims to dig a tunnel and divert water of Neelam River from Nauseri, about 41 KM East of Muzzafrabad. A Powerhouse will be constructed at Chatter Kalas, 22 Km South of Muzaffarabad; and after passing through the turbines the water will be released in Jhelum River, about 4 Km South of Chatter Kalas. Once completed, the Neelam Jhelum Hydroelectric Project will produce 969 MW of electricity annually at the cost of US $2.16 billion.
1. This project, once completed 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.

2. The project will have very serious impact on environment of the area, as it plays a key role in the configuration of Himalayan ecosystem. Environmental groups have expressed their concerns about prospective environmental hazards on local economy and biodiversity.

3. Ecologists say the project area has significant conservational importance due to abundant of forests, aquatics life and presence of many species of wild life, which have been declared endangered globally.

4. Majority of population lives in rural areas and their existence and life largely depends upon forestry, livestock and agriculture. River water and natural springs are main source for drinking and irrigation of land; and this diversion of river will have serious water shortage, which will make life miserable for the local people.

5. The project will also have serious impact on the habitat of various rare species considered on the verge of extinction. Developmental activities in the area and other changes will surely have negative impact on the natural habitat of wildlife.

6. Beauty of this area is enhanced by this river; and this diversion will have serious affect on wild life, weather and beauty of the area. The river and the beauty of the area attract tourists and provide clean water to the local people and citizens of Muzaffarabad; and this diversion of water will deprive the area of clean water and reduce the Neelam River to ‘Nalah Lahi’ in Rawalpindi which has dirty water and creates enormous problems for the citizens.

5. Kishanganga Hydro Electrical project

Mr Chairman

Interestingly India is also constructing a dam on the Neelam River at Gurez which will divert water through 22 KM long tunnel before it enters Pakistani Administered Kashmir; and release the water in to Bonar Madumati Nallah – a tributary of the Jhelum River. The diverted water would be used for generating 390 megawatt electricity and feeding the Wullar Lake. The project will be completed by 2015.

What this mean is that the water of Neelam River will join River Jhelum at Bandipore on the Indian side of LOC instead of its present convergence at Domel in Muzaffarabad, Pakistani Administered Kashmir. This project has potential to benefit people of Jammu and Kashmir on the Indian side of the LOC, but it will surely reduce flow of water in the Neelam River when it enters Pakistani Administered Kashmir; and it will have severe impact on Neelam-Jhelum Hydro Electric Project.

The government of Pakistan believes that the diversion of water to Wullar Lake contravenes the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty, as it affect flow of water and affects the Pakistani project. Bilateral Talks between the countries on this issue have failed and Pakistan wants to resolve this issue by invoking the arbitration process enshrined in the Indus Water Treaty of 1960.

6. Other Hydropower projects in Pakistani Administered Kashmir

Mr Chairman

Pakistan plans to construct some more dams in Pakistani Administered Kashmir.

They have completed a project at Jagran with capacity to produce of 30.4
MW, and it is already connected with National Grid System in Pakistan. Apart from that they have completed small projects at, Kundal Shahee, Kathai and Leepa. Also they have some micro- level projects completed and in operation at Kail.

The government of Pakistan in its Water Vision 2025 programme has announced to construct more dams in Pakistani Administered Kashmir, details are as follows:

Kohalla hydropower project

Kohalla project: This is also run-of-river project, and the project site is located at Dhal Chattian 22 km from Muzaffarabad upstream on Jhelum and powerhouse is at Barsala 7 km from Kohalla. The completion period is about nine years at the cost of $1381 million.

New Bong with capacity of 74 MW
Gulpur with capacity of 60 MW
Rajdhani with capacity of 86 MW
Chakhoti with capacity of 123 MW
Abbasian with capacity of 244 MW
Harrihgel with capacity of 53 MW
Kotli with capacity of 97 MW

There are some micro and small size projects under consideration, and these are:

Batar with capacity of 4.8 MW
Kathai with capacity of 2.4 MW
Batdhara with capacity of 10.2 MW
Riali with capacity of 24.9 MW and
Dhakari with capacity of 3.2 MW

7. Conclusion

As noted earlier water is essential for human survival and progress. Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with this by the Almighty Allah; and Pakistan has serious water and energy problems. Due to out of date water management techniques, poor planning, and political problems the situation has become very acute.

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 imperialial power. They need to acknowledge that these resources belong to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and if they want to make use of them then best way is to negotiate that with government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and pay for the resources they use that people of the area also benefit from this.

This approach will create better understanding and promote goodwill between people of Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir. If on the other hand they continue with their policies of exploiting Kashmir resources like imperial powers do, then it will surely back fire and will generate bad feelings for Pakistan.

I end with a quote of Mir Afzal Suleria, President of Kashmir National Party in Pakistani Administered Kashmir, who while talking to Human Rights Watch, said:

‘Pakistan says they are our friends and India is our enemy. I agree India is our enemy, but with friends like these, who needs enemies’?

Mr Chairman, I thank you for your patience.

Writer is Director Diplomatic Committee 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