Monday 24 June 2019

My speech in International Kashmir Conference on Peace, Human Rights and counter terrorism. Dr Shabir Choudhry


My speech in International Kashmir Conference on Peace, Human Rights and counter terrorism. Dr Shabir Choudhry

Mr Chairman, friends and colleagues, peace and blessings on all of you.

Distinguished guests, friends and colleagues, I welcome you to this august gathering on behalf of United Kashmir Peoples National Party.

By being here you have demonstrated that the topics of this conference are close to you heart. We want to promote and protect human rights, establish peace and oppose terrorism.

There is saying that knowledge is power. That is why those who want to deny fundamental rights to people ensure that masses are kept illiterate. Uneducated people can be easily manipulated.

Before we can protect human rights, and eliminate sufferings of other human beings, we need to know what are these human rights. One purpose of this conference is to educate people on issue of human rights.

Early on, one delegate said we should call Pakistani administered Kashmir, as ‘Azad Kashmir’ because that was the name given to this territory. Others differed with this view, and said, this territory should be called Pakistani occupied Kashmir, because we are not azad, we are not independent.

Let me quote you one example. United Kashmir Peoples National Party organised a seminar in London some years ago, where one Baloch leader also addressed. He said, ‘Oh people of Jammu and Jammu and Kashmir, there are nearly 200 countries in the world, and none of them have this prefix Azad. No one say Azad Germany, Azad Japan, Azad America or Azad Britain etc, if your small territory has ‘azad’ before its name, it means there is something wrong with it. This word is only given by rulers of Pakistan to fool people; and give this false sense of being independent.’

We people of this region should consider this comment seriously. Reality is we are not azad. We are occupied. However, it is sad that some people are mentally incapable of differentiating between independence and slavery.

Coming back to the topic of today’s conference, I want to assert that, no matter, where we are from and how we look, we all have a right to benefit from fundamental human rights, just because we are human beings.

No one has a right to deny these rights to us. Individuals, groups and governments which do this, in effect, contravene the UN Charter. These governments, groups and individuals must be made accountable for their actions.

It must be pointed out that this conference is not against any country or any party. Our aim is to bring about more awareness on fundamental human rights, and promote peace and human rights.

While advancing the cause of peace, and educate people on the issue of human rights, we have to talk about impediments to peace, and situations which lead to curbing the human rights of people.

I strongly believe that extremism, terrorism, intolerance and religious hatred result in curbing human rights, and endangering peace and stability.

Terrorist incidents whether they take place in Mumbai, Pulwama or in Quetta, they kill people. They destroy human lives. They add to human misery and suffering. They destroy family life. They make children orphans and women widows. We cannot, and must not condone one incident by calling it a jihad, and condemn the other by calling it terrorism.

Terrorism in its all forms and manifestation must be condemned and opposed. Human beings can only benefit from fruits of human rights when there is peace and stability.

However, there can be no peace and stability when guns are roaring; and when people try to impose their agenda by use of force and violence. When there is instability, chaos and infighting, vulnerable people of the society are the first to suffer.

There are many sources of violence and terrorism. Extremism is one of them. Extremist ideas and attitude lead to terrorism; and terrorist incidents can lead to wars between the countries.

Remember, the first World War started as a result of a terrorist incident. The Prince of Austria – Hungary, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were killed on 28 June 1914 in Sarajevo. This terrorist incident sparked a chain of events which eventually started the World War.

Acts of terrorism nearly led arch rivals, India and Pakistan to a nuclear clash. Terrorism is enemy of humanity and civil liberties. When we criticise a government for human rights violation, we do need to look at incidents in their socio political environment.

Let me give you one example. If terrorists start firing on police in Oxford Street, London. The police will immediately request reinforcement, armed police will arrive. For the safety of people, the entire area will be cordoned off, traffic will be stopped, and later on diverted.

In the cross firing, innocent people could be killed and injured. Even if firing stops from the side of the terrorists, the police will search the Shops and houses, warehouses and other places.

In this process people will suffer, including children women, old and the sick. There will be long traffic queues, people will be late from their hospital and other appointments. Business and trade will also suffer.

For all this suffering and chaos, who should we blamed? The police for doing what they did, or the terrorists who created this situation?
Remember, the police reacted to the situation, and had to do what they did to save people and kill the terrorists.

Violent and terrorist acts in Kashmir result in suffering and death of innocent people. For the sake of peace and protection of human life, gun culture must end, as that adds to our misery and suffering.

Prime responsibility of a government is to save life, liberty and property of the people; and in that context they have to fight terrorists or militants, and that, at times, result in causalities and human rights abuses.

It is prime responsibility of the government, and its infrastructure to protect me and other citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, who want to live their lives peacefully. However, while performing their duties, I request the men in uniform to exercise restraint, and not to kill innocent people.

It is wrong that the UN Resolutions give us a right of self-determination. What is available is a right of accession. This means the people of the divided State has to decide if they want to become a Pakistani or an Indian. The right to live as an independent country was taken away from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Apart from that, it must be remembered that as far as international community is concerned, term of reference on Jammu and Kashmir dispute is the Simla Agreement between India and Pakistan. According to the Simla Agreement, India and Pakistan will bilaterally decide what is good for us.

I do not want bureaucrats of New Delhi and Islamabad to decide our future. We people of Jammu and Kashmir are politically mature people. We know what is good for us. We don’t want any lectures on our identity, on our history, on our future or on our national interests.

Also, I want to clarify that Jammu and Kashmir dispute is not a religious dispute. It is a political dispute and requires a political solution.

Use of gun and religious extremism can create more problems for the people, and divide the State; but this proxy war and strategy of promoting extremism will never lead us to independence.

Many Pakistanis think people of Jammu and Kashmir are desperate to become part of Pakistan. That is not true. We believe that some people are brain washed in name of religion. Vast majority of people want united and independent Jammu and Kashmir.

This brain washing process starts from the childhood. Children are told you are a Pakistani. They are forced to say ‘Pakistan zindabad’, meaning, long live Pakistan. They are forced to sing anthem of Pakistan. They are forced to read syllabus in schools prepared by Pakistan. They ban books which tell them true history and culture of Jammu and Kashmir. They are rewarded for singing laurels of Pakistan and the Pakistan army.

Even if they contest elections they have to declare oath that they will be loyal to Pakistan. They are not asked to show loyalty to their motherland. If they apply for a government job in so called Azad Kashmir, they have to declare their loyalty to Pakistan. They are totally controlled by Pakistani officers appointed there, and their secret agencies and the army.

One British Kashmiri conducted a survey of 10,000 people in which more than 73% people clearly said, they wanted an independent Jammu and Kashmir. No Azad Kashmiri newspaper was prepared to publish a report of this survey. Eventually one newspaper called Majadla published the news. Next day, it was banned. To date the newspaper remains banned.

All of my books are banned. Any bookseller who stores my books faces hefty fine, and his shop is sealed off.

I have never used a gun. I do not support militancy. There is no case against me in any country. I use pen. Pakistani authorities are frightened of my pen.

My father died in England, and his dead body was taken to my native village. I cannot travel to my home village because we have to land in Pakistan, and they don’t allow me to enter Pakistan. Apart from me, Shaukat Kashmiri, Jamil Maqsood and many other people cannot land in Pakistan because of restrictions.

Anyone who disagree with their views, and openly speak against their policies on Jammu and Kashmir is branded as a ‘traitor’ and an ‘Indian agent’. In other words if we formulate pro Jammu and Kashmir, pro peace and pro people policies, according to the logic advanced by Pakistan, we are ‘anti Pakistan’, ‘traitors’ and ‘Indian agents’.

In this kind of political and social environment, if people do not praise Pakistan than what do they do. They have to do this in order to keep away from the trouble, and save their skin. This shows what fundamental rights we have and what right of expression we have in this so called ‘Azad Kashmir’.

The Pakistani authorities don’t want people who can think independently, or speak their mind. They need mental slaves who can dance on the tune played by Islamabad; and who can protect and enhance interests of Islamabad.

Human body is controlled by brain; and those who control our brains, also controls us. A person with a liberated mind is a liberated human being.

I sometimes feel sorry for these people, as they don’t have consciousness of being enslaved. They are unable to differentiate between independence and slavery.

Finally, I want to give compliments to my UKPNP colleagues, who worked hard to organise this magnificent international conference, which I hope will go some way in promoting cause of peace, human rights and counter terrorism.

On behalf of the UKPNP, I want to express sincere gratitude to the Church of Scientology for their assistance. Without their support, and facilitation we could not have arranged this mega event, and sincerely hope that their future cooperation will continue to advance the common agenda.

Writer is a renowned writer and author of many books. He is also President Foreign Affairs Committee of UKPNP; and Chairman South Asia Watch, London.



Sunday 23 June 2019

Resolutions passed in International Kashmir Conference on Peace Human Rights and counter terrorism held in Birmingham, England.


Resolutions passed in International Kashmir Conference on Peace Human Rights and counter terrorism held in Birmingham, England.

United Kashmir Peoples National Party, with help and support of international NGOs, Human Rights organisations and like – minded people organized 2 days International Kashmir Conference to deliberate on issues related to peace, human rights and counter terrorism.

Renowned human rights activists, thinkers, lawyers, journalists, authors, progressive political leaders with forward looking approach, assembled in Birmingham, England to discuss situation of peace and human rights in forcibly divided State of Jammu and Kashmir; and formulate appropriate strategies to counter threats to peace and human rights.

Honourable delegates of this International Kashmir Conference unanimously:

1.   Declare that South Asia has a turbulent history where interests of many other countries also clash with the interests of countries of the region. We don’t want former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir or South Asia to be a battleground for new cold war or a new ‘Great Game’. We all have to live in South Asia and face challenges of 21st Century; and work together to counter threats of terrorism, violence and xenophobia.

2.   Pronounce that the right to life is a fundamental human right, and this right is violated on both sides of the Line of Control in the divided State of Jammu and Kashmir. We request people with guns to exercise restraint, as guns do not provide any solutions, and they add to misery and suffering of the people;


3.   Condemn terrorism in its all forms and manifestations; and condemn those who promote extremism, terrorism, intolerance and religious hatred;

4.   State that people of Jammu and Kashmir, and all oppressed nations in Pakistan should unite, and work together to promote peace and tolerance, and help to establish conducive environment where people can feel safe;

5.   Decide that we should seek support of international human rights organization, NGOs with consultative status with the UN Human Rights Council, and activate the UN mechanism to promote cause of peace and fundamental rights of the oppressed people;

6.   Express their strong resolve that human rights must not be selective. Equality, human rights and justice must be for all the citizens.

7.   Emphasiseß that we must promote tolerance, egalitarian and secular ideals where people belonging to diverse ethnic and religious groups can live in peace and harmony.

8.   Profess to formulate strategies to educate people on issue of human rights, and empower them that they can protect their fundamental rights; and oppose those who promote extremism, religious intolerance, violence and hatred.

9.   Affirm to establish a committee to coordinate among different organisations of the oppressed people, and plan future  to create more space for peace and advance the cause of human rights.

10.                  Assert that people of State of Jammu and Kashmir have been victims of aggression, extremism and violence since 1947. They are forcibly divided, and continue to suffer on both sides of the Line of Control. This forced division and suffering must come to an end, as people deserve to enjoy their fundamental human rights.

11.                  Acknowledge that India and Pakistan have interests in Jammu and Kashmir, but we do not concur with them; as our interests must be paramount, as we are the principal party  to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

12.                  Announce that there is no military solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and dialogue is the only way forward; and in order to support the dialogue and peace process among all three parties to the dispute, politics of gun, fear and intimidation must end.

13.                  Reiterate that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is not a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan; therefore, it could not be resolved bilaterally. As the Principal party to the dispute, the people of Jammu and Kashmir must be part of the peace process;

14.                  Reaffirm that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is a complicated one with many dimensions, and it may not be possible to resolve it with one stroke, we therefore, suggest that it should be resolved with step - by- step approach, and by putting confidence - building measures in place. In this regard, all traditional routes should be opened that people of the divided State of Jammu and Kashmir could interact with each other, and strengthen their social, cultural and economic ties;     

15.                  Urge the government of Pakistan and India to respect the State Subject Notification of 1927, as that Ordinance grants a special status to people of Jammu and Kashmir. In this context, demand Pakistan to stop violating this law, and stop settling Pakistanis and Chinese in Gilgit and Baltistan to change the demography of the area;

16.                  Demand government of Pakistan to stop diverting natural route of rivers, as that creates enormous environment problems, including problems for the wildlife and human beings who will be deprived of water. Water is fundamental to human life, and diversion of rivers will very seriously affect their lives; and people may be forced to migrate from their homes, due to lack of water and other problems;

17.                 Caution government of Pakistan that continued oppression and injustice may compel people to rise against Pakistan, therefore, it is prudent to stop exploiting our natural resources, and give us the ownership of the dams already built within the territory of Jammu and Kashmir State;

18.                  Demand Governments of India and Pakistan to respect and honour civil and political rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir State; and also request government of Pakistan to refrain from annexing areas of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, as that will further exacerbate the situation. Instead, we request the government to grant autonomy to both areas under their control that the elected members could help the local people with everyday social, political and economic problems;

19.                 Support UKPNP’s struggle for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir with liberal and secular society, where rights of all citizens are protected, and no citizen is discriminated because of religion, ethnic or cultural reasons.

20.                 Oppose China Pakistan Economic Corridor, as it is not an economic corridor for the welfare of people of Gilgit Baltistan, or even for the betterment of people of Pakistan. This mega project has deep rooted military and strategic agenda, which will endanger peace and stability of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan and the region. It is sad that Pakistani ruling elite did not consult the local people of Gilgit Baltistan, people of Balochistan, Sindh and people of KPK, as a result there is a strong resentment against the CPEC.

21.                   Condemn the Killers of Arif Shahid, renowned human rights defender and political activist, have not been arrested even after six years of his murder. We are of the firm opinion that the state spy agencies are involved in this murder, and successive governments conspicuously avoided to investigate and arrest the killers. The family of Arif Shahid reported to the government that the only surviving son of deceased has been threatened many times that he should not pursue the case, otherwise he will face the same fate. We demand that the family must be given security;

22.                 Demand construction of all mega dams should stop as they are anti – people and anti-environment. Construction of mega dams are against the interests of riparian. Before the construction of mega dams the authorities must take local people in confidence;

23.                  Express serious concerns about continuous practices of enforced disappearances, extra juridical killings and torture by the state intelligence agencies, and law enforcement forces. There are reports that the Pakistani army has around sixty torture centres in Pakistan, including the Pakistani occupied territory of State of Jammu and Kashmir. The puppet government of the Pakistani occupied Jammu and Kashmir is a silent spectator, and is not doing anything to protect people. We demand that international community should intervene in this matter, and must ask the UN Human rights Commission to investigate the cases of enforced disappearances, extra – judicial killings and torture;

24.                 Observe that hundreds of thousands of people who are displaced due to different military operations, and mega projects must be rehabilitated, and resettled according to the constitution of Pakistan and international norms forth with.

25.                  Urge upon the elected representatives of the people, and the Supreme Judicial Commission that they must ensure the freedom and independence of judiciary, which to a large extent, is still subservient to the state apparatus; rather  than being an independent institution. The judiciary must initiate the reforms including the overhauling of criminal justice system. Also, we demand to repeal 21st amendment of the Constitution regarding supra constitutional powers given to the judiciary for appointing Judges. END