Dr Shabir Choudhry's blog

Introduction by Professor Rafiq Bhattti to new book:

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

Introduction by Professor Rafiq Bhattti to new book:

The new dimensions of Kashmiri struggle

A prominent politician and author of European Parliament Kashmir Report – Present situation and future prospects, Baroness Emma Nicholson wrote an introduction to Dr Shabir Choudhry’s last book titled: ‘Struggle for independence, Proxy war or Jihad’. The book was very well received in various circles, and after great demand its translation in Urdu was published in July this year.

It was an honour for me to translate that book from English to Urdu, which has been appreciated by many quarters. I was further honoured when Dr Shabir Choudhry asked me to write an introduction to his new book: ‘The new dimensions of Kashmiri struggle’.

The new book is a collection of new articles written by Dr. Shabir Choudhry, a prominent Kashmiri scholar and political analyst. These articles are not slogans are emotional reflections but ground realities and facts which were willfully ignored to distort the legal and constitutional status of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir. The legal and constitutional distortions were intentionally and maliciously made by both Indian and Pakistani governments to suite their national interests.

Not only Indian and Pakistani governments played malicious role to exploit the resources of the State, but they promoted and supported such parties and politicians in the State who pleaded the cause of Indian and Pakistani agencies and establishments for their petty personal gains at the cost of national freedom and fundamental human rights assigned to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by the UN Charter, and our inherent right of self determination.

Dr. Shabir Choudhry whom I pronounce as the “Antina” and “Mobile Cell” of Kashmiri nation is a prolific and regular writer particularly on Kashmir dispute since many years. His writings are scientific and systematic. He is pro-people, pro peace and pro-Kashmir writer. His writings are based on reasons, prudence and rationality. He is a staunch believer in democracy, rule of law and social justice.

Although Dr. Shabir Choudhry is a political thinker, yet all his pen work is based on dignity of mankind, fundamental rights, social equality, economic justice and democratic ideals. He supports the cause of Kashmiri nation not because he himself is a Kashmiri, but because he believes in fundamental rights of people and democratic rights of all citizens. He strongly believes that forces which preach violence, terrorism, extremism and hatred must be opposed and defeated.

He is not an ‘armchair analyst’ or an ‘armchair scholar’. He has done extensive research on Jammu and Kashmir and India - Pakistan relations. He is considered as a leading authority on the subject and fully understands legal and constitutional position of the Kashmir dispute because of his study and in - depth knowledge of the legal documents which include the following important documents:

1. Transfer of power, 3 June 1947.
2. Cabinet Mission Memorandum.
3. Indian Independence Act 1947.

To re-enforce his arguments, Dr. Shabir Choudhry quotes many statements of the stake holders of the division of India i.e. British Government, Indian Congress leader and Muslim League Leaders, particularly. Transfer of Power, 3 June 1947, Cabinet Mission Memorandum and Indian Independence Act 1947 along with the policy statements of Lord Mountbatten, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Muhammad Ali Jinnah are very crucial and relevant which Dr. Shabir Choudhry has mentioned with authenticity. These documents and statements give insight-into the legal and constitutional status of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir.

The book comprising of 45 articles is of great intellectual and practical significance for all those who believe in democracy, rule of law and social justice for the people of South Asia in particular and for the world in general. It will enlighten the astray young generation in Kashmir and will prick the bubble of “Ilhaq” and “Attot Ang”. Contents of the book, I believe, will also give food for thought to thinking people in India, Pakistan, Kashmir and overseas.

The facts about Kashmir dispute have been changed into fiction. This fiction is made part of curricula of schools, colleges and universities in both parts of the State controlled and occupied by India and Pakistan. The net-result is confusion and contradictions. It has damaged the genuine freedom struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir which was secular, democratic and pro-people. It has endangered the peace, prosperity and progress of this region.

In this book Dr. Shabir Choudhry has very eloquently and strongly condemned terrorism, extremism and sectarianism in all forms and manifestations. He is of firm belief that ultimate, safe and acceptable solution of Kashmir dispute is linked with free and fair will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are the principal party to this dispute. India and Pakistan must honour their national and international pledges made by their leaders. In one of his book, “Kashmir Needs a Change of Heart” Dr. Shabir Choudhry has very prudently explained as to what should be done for an honourable solution of this dispute.

Dr. Shabir Choudhry is an author of more than twenty five valuable books and booklets on Kashmir. He regularly writes very thought provoking articles about Kashmir to generate awareness among the new generation of Jammu and Kashmir. His articles are published, reproduced and referred in papers of international standing. He is neither against Pakistan nor India as interest oriented sections across LOC assume. As an acknowledged scholar of high caliber and integrity, he is often invited in different seminars and conferences at international level.

The literature produced by Dr. Shabir Choudhry has brought about a positive change. Those who have read him are better informed on various aspects of the Kashmir dispute. They appreciate his wisdom, analytical, rational and balanced approach on the topic. He has managed to present a Kashmiri view point and has successfully countered the propaganda of extremists and that of India and Pakistan.

Many ‘Kashmir watchers’ and students who want to know facts about the Kashmir dispute very often contact his publisher Muhammad Rafiq Khawaja, Chief Executive of Kashar Printers and request books of Dr Shabir Choudhry. He has persuaded many to abandon extremist ideas and support peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute through a process of dialogue.

This book, I hope, will help the readers to comprehend the contemporary requisites of Kashmir dispute; promote rights of people and strengthen those forces who believe in peace, tolerance and rule of law. I suggest all sections of Kashmiris to read it between lines and avail its rational.

Professor Muhammad Rafiq Bhatti
Principal Shah Hamdaan College, Mirpur
November 2009

New dimensions of the Kashmiri struggle.

2009-11-08T03:43:00.000-08:00

New dimensions of the Kashmiri struggle.
Dr Shabir Choudhry 8 November 2009

Yes, it is time for a change. We have always opposed the status quo in hope that change will bring better results - it will bring freedom, peace and prosperity; and now that change is in the offing I am apprehensive as to what it might bring. I don’t know what this change will bring to us. Will we, as a nation forcibly divided be any better off or worse?

At one time it was only the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir that was viewed as disputed; and more or less everyone from the Pakistani side of the divide wanted to liberate that side which had better living standard, better infrastructure and more political, economic and social rights.

Although Pakistan, their agencies, political parties pro Pakistan Kashmiris on both sides of the divide and some ‘nationalist parties’ who are considered ‘B’ team of Pakistan wanted to ensure that attention is focussed only on the Indian side of the divide and only those areas should be seen as disputed; but hard work of true nationalists have paid off, and now areas of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir are also deemed as disputed.

Those who were living on the Indian side also thought the grass was greener on the Pakistani side of the divide; and they might get better rights and better future once they join Pakistan. Now all that has changed, as people come to know that there is no grass on the other side at all; and whatever little grass is there is rotten.

Furthermore they think if Pakistan had any love for the people of Jammu and Kashmir then they could have given fundamental human rights to the people who were living in the areas under their control. Denial of basic human rights to these people shows what care the Pakistani officials have for the people of the State. With time people have come to know Pakistani designs on Kashmir – they are only interested in the territory and the resources the State can offer to them.

People had to pay big sacrifices and suffer for many decades in order to reach this stage. They are not happy with India, but they no longer wish to join Pakistan either. They no longer trust those leaders who led them on this path where they suffered while the leadership enjoyed their lives and built their economic empires.

A big change has taken place and people have realised that if violence is ‘haram’ (religiously not permitted) in Pakistan or inside Pakistani Administered Jammu and Kashmir then how could it be ‘halal’ (religiously permitted) on the Indian side of the divide.

Support for democratic process

Yes, more changes are taking place. People have greater awareness and they no longer wish to follow their leaders blindly. They want to hold their leaders accountable for what they do. Did anyone visualise that the people of Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir will defy repeated requests of APHC leaders to boycott the elections; and despite threats of militants, they refused to boycott the elections and voted for their candidates.

People of Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir voted with their feet; they came out in very large numbers to cast their votes and stunned everyone. Some Kashmiris voters said, we hate India, but our hate is stronger for those who tell us to boycott elections, as this helps them financially and politically, and we have decided to defy their call and come out to vote in large numbers.

At one time to support an election on the Indian side of the divide was a serious crime. People were beaten up and killed for supporting the elections or for expressing their desire to be part of the democratic process. When my colleagues and I supported the electoral process, anti elections or anti democratic forces fully supported by Pakistani agencies came for us. We were declared anti Kashmir, anti Movement, anti Islam and pro Indian.

Despite this nefarious campaign against us we continued with our jihad of speaking truth and educating people about their rights and obligations; and opposing terrorism, violence, extremism, communalism and hatred. Many thought we will not be able to withstand this onslaught and propaganda, and will perish under this tremendous pressure; but we stood our ground and, if anything, the forces that opposed us are on the run and are busy realigning themselves.

Changing attitude

Another big change has taken place on the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir. According to a report of English daily Kashmir Observer of 18 February 2009, nearly 14,000 youths took part on the Indian army’s recruitment drive which began in the district of Baramulla.

This has made people think why such a large number of people have turned out to join the Indian Army, especially if they thought it was an army of occupation that committed serious crimes against innocent people of Kashmir. Some people say it is the poverty and unemployment which is forcing people to join the army; however others have different explanations for this.

People of Palestine dislike and hate the Israeli army; and there is more poverty and unemployment there than what there is in Jammu and Kashmir. Then why is that the struggling people of Palestine do not join that army which they regard as killer army and army of occupation?

Small people big roles

People of the Valley, by and large, have developed superiority complex that everything should revolve around them; and that people of the other regions of the State should follow them. They wrongly think that every one should speak about them and support them, and they don’t have to even mention about miseries of the people belonging to other regions of the State.

This complex or ego of the ‘Valley leaders’ is regularly massaged by both India and Pakistan by giving them more attention than they deserve. Both governments have worked hard to promote those people as leaders of the Kashmiri Movement who were uneducated, uncommitted and lacked vision and directions. Aim of both governments and their agencies was to promote those who did not know what requirements of a genuine independence movement were.

Plan was to keep genuine freedom fighters under shadow and away from the lime light. Small people were assigned big roles – roles which they did not deserve; and had no clue how to perform them. The result was chaos and destruction. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives, thousands were tortured, imprisoned and raped; and we still have not moved a step forward, if anything the independence struggle was associated with Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism.

Despite all the above sacrifices our struggle is still not considered as an indigenous Kashmiri struggle, where people of the State could decide their future. Still it is Indian and Pakistani bureaucrats and politicians who will decide what is good for us. India and Pakistan were considered to be the main players in the Kashmir dispute, even though we are the principal party.

Emerging role of China

However the above scenario is changing now. Role of China in Kashmir dispute is becoming more visible and stronger; and this gives totally new dimension to the Kashmir dispute and how it might be resolved. China’s interest is not only confined to the territory of the State, but it goes well beyond the boundary of the State. In order to fulfil their future aspirations, China needs to ensure that they maintain what the State territory they already have, but also ensure that they have greater influence and hold in the territory of Gilgit Baltistan. For this they have chalked out a programme and they are increasing their influence and hold over the areas of Gilgit Baltistan.

It is believed that they have leased various areas of Gilgit Baltistan from government of Pakistan, who are willing to sell anything and everything as long as they get cash for that. More than ten thousand Chinese, majority of them army men, are actively working in the area under different pretexts or under different development and exploration projects.

In the past they used to come to Gilgit Baltistan, stay in temporary shelters and go back after completing the project. This time the Chinese have come to stay, as they have started building permanent residential houses and have started taking keen interest in local matters, including local politics.

Unlike leaders of Pakistan, Chinese leaders are patriotic people. To them national interest is more important than the personal interest and self aggrandisement. They are not sure if Pakistan will survive as a nation state or will be able to hold on to the territory they have currently under their control. If Pakistan fails to protect its own borders and areas of the State under their illegal control, then China will not remain spectator and let others take over these strategically important territories which are extremely important to the Chinese future plans.

In this scenario they will take over these areas and protect their investment and interests directly linked to Gawader sea port and beyond. One can see how new developments and new dimensions in the Kashmiri struggle are taking place; and what impact they can have on unification and independence of former State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Asserting youths and Safr e Azadi

It is pleasing to note that Kashmiri youths on both sides of the divide have decided to be more assertive. They have decided to play an active role, and advance the cause of Jammu and Kashmir. The emerging role of the Kashmiri youths has forced the leadership of various Parties to be more careful in what they do and what they say.

Another important change is that for the first time initiative led by youths of the Valley, have forced the leaders to follow the theme; and even speak for the rights of the people of Gilgit Baltistan. Although not too strongly but it is pleasing to note that for the first time some leaders of the Valley have criticised action of the government of Pakistan regarding their new package on Gilgit Baltistan. This means for the first time they have realised that vast areas of Gilgit Baltistan are part of the State.

Because of more awareness and realisation of their strength and role, people have started questioning role of their leaders. Many ask why leaders have remained tight lipped regarding the plight of people of Gilgit Baltistan for the past sixty two years. Were they afraid that by speaking for rights of these people the leaders (who claim to represent whole of Jammu and Kashmir but in reality represent themselves and few localities of the Valley) could have lost their perks and other rewards.

Kashmiri youths also ask what was the purpose of collecting signatures in so called Safr – e Azadi - meaning journey for independence, if they were to be handed over to Prime Minister of a country which occupies two areas of the State, namely Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan and deprive them of basic human rights.

How interesting Yasin Malik got a gun and training from Pakistan and made use of that in the Valley and later on surrendered the gun to Delhi. He got new training and a new weapon – peace offensive during detention in a farm house in New Delhi, used it in the Valley, collected signatures and surrendered them in Islamabad.

Was this campaign taken - on to help government of India to get this message across to the Western capitals that right of movement of people is not restricted provided they abandon violence and move around without a gun? Message was clear: look a former militant who has surrendered his gun is allowed to walk with his friends freely from village to village, from town to town, at day and night to spread his message to hundreds of people in public meetings.

Message was that restriction of movement was only for those who use violence to promote their politics and intimidate local people. This message was projected through appropriate channels and helped India to ease pressure of the Western countries. Indian planners of this strategy were pleased with the outcome. Apart from other rewards, they allowed Yasin Malik to go to Pakistan with all the signatures that he can present them to Shaukat Aziz, Prime Minister of Pakistan.

But question is why Shaukat Aziz – he was a person on loan to Pakistan and his job was to ‘screw up’ economy and the country to the best of his ability and leave, which he did very effectively. Why Yasin Malik didn’t give these signatures to some international body like the UN, which now says the UN has no role in the Kashmir dispute. Wouldn’t this have helped to strengthen the Kashmiri cause that people are not happy with the status quo; and that something must be done to improve the conditions of Kashmiris.

Furthermore, wouldn’t it have been better to present these signatures to the European Parliament which has started taking more active role in the Kashmir dispute; and have passed a resolution on Kashmir, which is the first of its kind and which is the first international initiative on Kashmir after the UN resolutions?

The European Parliament Resolution on Kashmir has also brought new a dimension to the Kashmir dispute. EU parliament, in its Resolution authored by highly respected and talented Baroness Emma Nicholson, differentiated between a right of self determination and a right of accession. It was a right of accession which the people of Jammu and Kashmir were offered by the UN, and which Pakistan has been supporting, and not a right of self determination.

Furthermore the EU Parliament in its Resolution has rightly focussed attention on the neglected people of Gilgit Baltistan, and demanded that people of this region should get their political and democratic rights. May be it was this pressure that has resulted in Pakistan granting some rights to the people of Gilgit Baltistan

New Package on Gilgit Baltistan and border crossing

At last government of Pakistan has acknowledged that this territory has a name – Gilgit Baltistan; and that they are not Northern Areas. Furthermore, people of this area could not be neglected anymore. They deserve to have their political and democratic rights, just like people of any other nation.

What Pakistan has given in this new package is not enough; and it shows Pakistan’s real designs related to the territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This new package and Pakistan’s endeavour to change the status of Gilgit Baltistan has removed the thin veil which hid the real designs of Pakistan.

This was welcomed by collaborators and opposed by people of the area and Pakistani Administered Kashmir. Nearly all nationalist parties openly spoke out against the new package and held rallies and public meetings against it. Pakistani establishment was not expecting so strong response from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Under pressure from the youths of his party even Amanullah Khan had to speak out against the new package. In the past, like Molana Fazal Rehman provided a friendly opposition to government of General Musharaf, Amanullah Khan successfully provided a ‘friendly opposition’ to policies of Pakistani governments. His real opposition was against India and not Pakistan; and many nationalist parties DONOT regard his group of JKLF as a nationalist party.

It was because of his friendly and very often ‘negotiated opposition’, as stated by Nawaz Malik, Senior Minister of Azad Kashmir in a public meeting in Luton, England, that people called him ‘B’ team of Pakistan. Of course ‘A’ team consist of those who openly speak of accession to Pakistan and say they are soldiers of Pakistan and fighting Pakistan’s war.

Amanullah Khan is a shrewd politician, he realised he could not satisfy his rebellious youths and other parties by cosmetic changes or activities. He normally feels comfortable in the company of pro Pakistan parties, but this time he had to woo some nationalist parties to reassert his claim to nationalism. He, therefore, desperately needed a face saving activity.

There was a lot of international pressure on Pakistan that Kashmiri militants were getting training and arms from Pakistan; and Pakistan was on a verge of being declared a terrorist state in 1992. Amanullah Khan’s services were hired to take off this international pressure by staging highly propagated activity of ‘border crossing’ drama of February 1992, where he was fully helped and supported to muster people but told not to go beyond a certain point that it could be demonstrated to the international community that people of Azad Kashmir were supporting militancy; and Pakistan was having difficulty in controlling these people.

Influenced by a large number of people, and especially youngsters, he ignored the agreement with the establishment and tried to go beyond the agreed point, which resulted in shooting by the Pakistan army and killing of eight innocent Kashmiri youths.

Amanullah Khan decided to have another border crossing show. This time he was to ‘run over’ the border between Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. While he himself was comforted in safety of his office in Rawalpindi, he wanted his protestors to reach Pakistani Parliament in Islamabad at a time when there was high alert everywhere. Because of the war on terrorism or more appropriately a civil war, no part of Pakistan, especially in Rawalpindi and in Islamabad was considered safe, genius Amanullah Khan wanted to raid the Pakistani Parliament under this situation.

Like in 1992, he was told that he would not be allowed to proceed beyond a certain point; and that point was Azad Patan Bridge. But question is if the protestors had to come back from that Bridge then why take them there. Perhaps it would have been better to protest outside the AJK Assembly, like NAP, NSF and JKNLF have done.

Like the border crossing of February 1992, this time again, Amanullah Khan’s real agenda, like the last time is not what he claims. It is too early to say what terms of the deal were agreed this time, but surely one day in future it will be known.

Increased role of Kashmiri nationalists

Another new dimension is the confidence of nationalist parties in Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir. They have all of sudden become very active and persuasive. JKNLF had an impressive show in Muzaffarabad, and demonstrated its power and influence. Also NAP and NSF had some activities in various towns which were good shows and resulted in arrests and injury of their leaders. Similarly JKPNP after a long time had a good show in Mirpur.

Newly established Kashmir National Party gave a new twist to Kashmiri politics and history by deciding to hold a Black Day on 22 October. In the past Black Day was held on 27 October to coincide with landing of the Indian Army in Srinagar. But KNP claimed that it was the Tribal Invasion which violated the Standstill Agreement and undermined the sovereignty of Jammu and Kashmir State. They said it was the Tribal Invasion supported by Pakistani officials that resulted in our suffering and division of the State, therefore, the Black Day should be held on this day.

Furthermore UKPNP also flexed its muscle and had an impressive show in Rawalakot. It showed its strength and openly spoke against oppressive policies of Pakistani rulers. Apart from that All Parties National Alliance is also getting its act together and playing its part in promoting the cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir.

All these activities were in one way against the Kashmir policy of Islamabad. This sudden upsurge of Kashmiri nationalists unnerved the ruling elite, especially the rulers of Islamabad who have interest in keeping these areas under their control and exploiting natural resources.

JKLF Yasin group in Pakistani Administered Kashmir is virtually on death bed, and are not in a position to put up any show apart from issuing a paper statement from time to time. So only party the Pakistani establishment could rely on is the JKLF Amanullah Khan Group. It is possible that they requested the old, tried and trusted ally to come out and show that he is still alive and kicking. They knew if logistic support is provided and a task of apparently against Pakistani policy is given it will suit both: Amanullah Khan and his party will get a new lease of life and it will help Pakistani establishment to marginalise the other parties who are genuinely working in the field.

Role of MQM and other Pakistani parties in Gilgit Baltistan

Entry of MQM in the Kashsmiri politics is certainly a new dimension. Some years ago when the MQM was not involved in the Kashmir politics and was not even that influential in the politics of Pakistan, a Pakistani friend from Islamabad came to visit me. This friend has good interaction with foreign diplomats in Islamabad and also has ear of the Pakistani establishment. He also has good knowledge of Pakistani politics and India Pakistan relations. During our conversation he suggested that I should join MQM. With amazement I asked reason for this. He said:

‘MQM is going to play a leading role in politics of Pakistan; and they will also have a big say in politics of Kashmir as well’. He smiled at me and said, ‘You have given enough time and suffered enough, and in my opinion you should get some rewards now and MQM can help you with that.’

I said to him, ‘Like any other political activist I also want rewards, but I would not accept any rewards at the cost of my ideology. I don’t want Pakistani parties to operate inside Kashmiri territory’. Also I told him what I thought of MQM and refused to take that path. I thought may be on suggestion of Pakistani agencies he was trying to woo me and distract me from my mission. Anyhow what he said became true.

Now when I see MQM marching right from Karachi to Azad Kashmir and to Gilgit Baltistan and holding big public meetings, his words echo my memory. Gilgit Baltistan is part of State of Jammu and Kashmir; and Pakistani presence there is illegal and unwarranted. They have injected millions in the polity of the area and are busy corrupting people with their ill gotten money.

These Pakistani parties with help of their money and huge propaganda machinery and media will defeat most of local parties and especially nationalist candidates. They have already violated State Subject Laws, control local economy and now with help of election drama they will hijack and ‘legally’ dominate polity of the area as well. To fool people and the world at large, they will call this ‘granting independence and empowering people’.

Yet another dimension

India claims the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, and furthermore Kashmir is part of their constitution; but we challenge this contention because the accession was ‘provisional’ and had to be ratified by the people of the State in free and an impartial plebiscite.

In any case for all practical purposes India settled for what they had. India was more than happy to have a treaty on basis of the cease fire line or the present LOC. However, it was Pakistan which wanted more territory of the State to satisfy their imperial and economic designs; and for that they started direct and indirect wars.

What this indicates is that India did not believe that the accession was final; and that it was for the entire State of Jammu and Kashmir, otherwise they would not have settled for the status quo or remained silent on the plight of people in Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir if they had thought these people were ‘Indian’ like people of other Indian states.

But after sixty two years of silence all of sudden India has changed its stand or strategy. They have not only raised objections to the Chinese intentions to build dams in Gilgit Baltistan, they have also asserted their claim that these areas belong to India.

This dimension of the Kashmir dispute will change the scenario and will have great impact on politics of the region and that of South Asia. So in presence of all these dimensions discussed above, what is there for us? Are we going to be any better off, or we will be a battleground for a new conflict and new tension, which may attract other players in the conflict?

Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Tribal invasion was unprovoked aggression against Jammu and Kashmir, declares Black Day Conference.

2009-10-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/kasser786/Conference19102009#

Tribal invasion was unprovoked aggression against Jammu and Kashmir, declares Black Day conference.
18 October 2009, London

A unique conference known as Black Day Conference was arranged by Kashmir National Party in Watford, England, which wanted to examine the role of Tribal Invasion. The Tribal Invasion was unprovoked aggression against people and State of Kashmir which started on 22 October 1947 and violated Kashmiri sovereignty.

In the past years people of Kashmir held Black Day demonstrations against India to coincide with the arrival of Indian army in Srinagar. It was for the first time that a conference was held on 22 October to coincide with the attack of the tribesmen on State of Jammu and Kashmir which forced the Ruler of the State to seek help from India and subsequently accede with India, although that accession was provisional and had to be ratified by the people.

The Black Day Conference was first of its kind and attracted a lot of interest by the concerned parties. Thirteen political parties from the UK representing various political view points participated in the conference and declared that the tribal invasion was designed to force the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir to join Pakistan. Apart from Kashmiris a number of Pakistanis were also present in the conference to express their support for the cause of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Black Day Conference started with opening remarks of the KNP Chairman Abbas Butt who welcomed all the participants and explained order of the day and rules regarding this crucial debate. He said, ‘Our struggle is not against Pakistan or Pakistani people; it is not against India or Indian people. Our struggle is against injustice and wrong policies of Pakistan and India. If India and Pakistan change their Kashmir policies and people of Jammu and Kashmir get their right of self determination then we can all live in peace and harmony and work for peace and stability of the region’.

Abbas Butt said, ‘We have produced a booklet especially for this conference which explains with historic evidence that the State of Jammu and Kashmir was independent after the end of the British Raj; and that tribal invasion was supported by Pakistani authorities in clear violation of the Standstill Agreement concluded between the Maharaja government and government of Pakistan’.

Dr Shabir Choudhry, Spokesman of Kashmir National Party in his key note speech said, ‘The tribal invasion was planned and supported by government of Pakistan, and aim was to punish the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir who refused to accede to Pakistan or India. This tragic event changed the course of our history and our destination. It undermined our sovereignty and deprived us of our independence. It divided our beloved motherland and divided families and the nation. It killed innocent Kashmiri men and women. It plundered and looted Kashmiri resources. It is the main cause of our present miseries and troubles’.

Dr Shabir Choudhry further said, ‘If there was no tribal invasion then there might have been no Kashmir dispute as we see it today. It was possible that both countries in absence of this dispute could have resolved other issues and could have developed friendly and cordial relations; and that could have led to peace and stability in the region’.

He said, ‘The genie of extremism and hatred released in name of jihad in October 1947 to advance political agenda, continue to spread extremism and hatred. Unfortunately that policy of promoting extremism to advance political agenda continued until very recently, and forces of extremism and hatred have become power in their own right. They have already affected lives of millions of people. Like any other living being, it wants to live and flourish; and has become out of control. Like Frankenstein monster it has turned against its creator, hence we see cries in Pakistan about terrorism, jihad and establishing writ of government, all claiming to be on the right path’.

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of UKPNP in his key note speech praised the KNP leadership for taking this daring step of having a Black Day Conference. ‘It is something new. It makes people think what happened in October 1947. Which were the forces that caused so many problems to us? We need to reorganise our struggle, and must not follow the old line which was given by those who had interest in territory of Kashmir’.

He said, ‘Strategy in the Kashmiri struggle was wrong and that is why we have not made any progress in the last sixty two years. We must not be afraid of criticism and exploring our history which has been distorted by those who occupy us. We must get our facts right and in this regard Dr Shabir Choudhry and KNP has done a considerable work and that must be appreciated by the Kashmiris’.

PNP Chairman said, ‘Kashmiri struggle is a political struggle. It is not fight against any religion or any community. We have common problems and we have common enemy and that is illiteracy, poverty, and extremism’.

PNP Chair added, ‘Why is it that people of so called Azad Kashmir at the age of fifteen have to say good - bye to their homeland and become a migrant? It is because we were invaded. We are occupied and our State is forcibly divided. Our resources are being exploited by those who occupy us. If we were masters of our own resources then we could have been very well off’.

Mahmood Kashmiri, President of NLF said, ‘We are grateful to KNP leadership for providing us with this opportunity that we can all sit down in this round table conference and debate who did what to us in 1947. It is important to get our facts right that we can plan our future strategy’.

Mahmood Kashmiri said, ‘Those who criticise and say that we should not look at the past mistakes are wrong. It is absolutely crucial that we analyse past mistakes of the Kashmiri leadership, and blunders of our so called friends that we know who has been sincere with the cause of people of Jammu and Kashmir’.

NLF President added, ‘It is only appropriate that we struggle on this side of the LOC; and other Kashmiris struggle in other parts according to their situation and according to their strategy’.
‘It was a wrong policy that we must liberate Srinagar first and then liberate this side of Kashmir’ Mahmood Kashmiri said. ‘It was wrong at that time and it is wrong now. We have problems on this side of the LOC and we have to struggle on this side according to our situation. What sense does it make to have a protest against a Commissioner of Mirpur when injustice is being done by the Commissioner of Muzaffarabad.’

Ali Adalat, representative of KIN said, ‘We people of Jammu and Kashmir have got our priorities wrong. We are confused with our identity. We don’t know if we are Pakistanis or Kashmiris. I can understand there could be pressure on people in Pakistani Administered Kashmir to speak out, but what holds them back in UK. Why they are afraid of getting themselves recognised as Kashmiris that we also benefit as an ethnic minority group’.

Ali Adalat said, ‘True both India and Pakistan have exploited us economically and otherwise. We also have been victim of communalism and extremism. But why we are not taking a lead and ensure that we get our rights recognised in Britain. We ensure that we are not excluded from decision making process, as we were excluded in the past be it in 1947, UN Resolutions, Tashkant Agreement, Shimla Agreement any many other subsequent agreements’.

He said, ‘We have to learn from past mistakes. I agree that the Tribal Invasion was a blunder. If the aim was to help Muslims then why attack an area where there was 95% Muslims. Why not attack and help Muslims of Jammu where they were in minority and where they were being killed. They attacked Srinagar which is more than 135 miles, but did not go to Jammu from Sialkot which is less than 20 miles’.

NSF leaders Asif Masood, fully appreciated the efforts of the KNP leaders and expressed their full support to cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir. Asif Masood said, ‘Those who tell us to liberate Srinagar first are wrong and are trying to divert our attention and our resources’.

He said, ‘We have always opposed politics in name of religion. We opposed militancy in name of Jihad even when many organisations praised it and took pride in being part of that’. He said, ‘We need to have unity among ourselves and correct strategy to liberate the State. Our struggle is on this side of the LOC and not on the other side’.

Surrinder Kaul, President of Kashmir Peace Committee, highly appreciated the Black Day Conference. He said, ‘It is important to set historical record right. As a child I witnessed this tribal invasion and have personal memories of this tragic event. These people did not come to Kashmir to liberate us or help anyone’. He said, ‘We people of the divided Jammu and Kashmir must interact with each other that we have better understanding of each other. It is important to have conferences like this, but I wish if we can have a conference like this in Srinagar and other places of the State’.

Surriya Makhdoom, representing World Sindhi Congress said, ‘The People Sind voted for Pakistan. It was the Sind Assembly which passed a resolution in support of Pakistan. But after becoming a part of Pakistan we are still not enjoying our full democratic rights. We are still struggling for our educational, linguistic and cultural rights’.

She fully supported Kashmiri struggle for right of self determination, and urged that we should all work together for peace and fundamental rights of the people in the region.

NAP leader, Asghar Malik, said, ‘We have always supported the cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir and will continue to do so’. He appreciated the hard work done by the KNP leadership and assured the audience ‘that his party will support the cause of unity and work for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir’.

He said, ‘We are not against Pakistan but it is our birth right to struggle for our fundamental rights and independence of our motherland’. He said, ‘It is only appropriate that we struggle on this side of the LOC, but coordinate with other parties struggling in other areas’.

Mujtaba Ali Shah, Secretary Information of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) expressed ‘his serious concern on rise of religious intolerance in areas of Pakistani Occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Beltistan’. He said, ‘Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and other jihadi groups have entrenched their positions in Azad Kashmir and the puppet government of Azad Kashmir has instructed the local administration to accommodate the Pakistani and other jihadis by all means possible, including in madrassahs and sate run schools’.

He said, ‘He was a witness to the murder of a young Shia student in Muzaffarabad at the hands of LeT terrorists after the martyred student protested against the activities of LeT soon after the 2005 earthquake’.

Nawaz Majid Kashmiri, Secretary General of KNP Britain Zone said, ‘The Tribal invasion communalised the Kashmiri politics in which people of the State suffered immensely. It was this unprovoked attack which forced the Maharaja to join India’.

He said, ‘Our struggle is not for any accession or against any religion. Our struggle is for a secular and independent Jammu and Kashmir where all ethnic minorities of the State can live in peace and harmony.’

Jameel Latif, President of UKPNP Britain in his short speech assured the audience that his party ‘Will not shy away from speaking the truth and speak for the rights of our people’. He said, ‘We were the first party to hold a demonstration outside the Pakistani High Commission to protest against the new package for Gilgit and Baltistan and against annexation of this area to Pakistan’.

Ayub Rathor, representing JKLF group of Farooq Papa expressed his full support for the conference and assured the audience that his party will support unity among the Kashmiri parties. He said, ‘If we remain divided and don’t set out our priorities then it will be very difficult to get independence.’

Moohammed Nazam Bhatti, President of KNP Britain Zone thanked all those who made such brilliant arrangements for this conference and said, ‘We always have taken a lead in promoting the cause of people and independent Jammu and Kashmir’. He said, ‘I was only fifteen years old when I became one of the younger members of the JKLF when it was formed in 1977. Like my other colleagues I have worked all my life to advancethe cause of a secular and independent Kashmir’.

Arshad Khan of Muslim Conference, differed with the other speakers and said, ‘The Tribesmen came to help people of Kashmir. It is possible that there were some bad people as well who committed some crimes. My party policy is that we should become part of Pakistan, but I respect views expressed by other speakers. We need to understand each other and tolerate criticism.’

Usman Kayani, Secretary General of UKPNP Britain said, ‘If people of Pakistan can hold demonstrations against injustice in Pakistan and no one questions their loyalty and no one calls them traitor, then why should we be afraid of holding demonstrations against those who do injustice to us’. He said, ‘Our first loyalty is with our motherland and not with our neighbours, no matter how good is our neighbour.’

Mumtaz Rathor of JKLF Farooq Papa group and other speakers also expressed their views and assured the audience to work for the cause of Kashmir.

The following resolutions were passed by the Conference:

Resolutions passed by the Black Day Conference arranged by Kashmir National Party in Watford (England) on 18 October 2009

Participants of this conference unanimously:

1. Declare that the Tribal Invasion supported and directed by Pakistani authorities was aggression against the State of Jammu and Kashmir. It desecrated sovereignty of the State which was independent at that time of this unprovoked aggression;

2. Agree that the tribal attack was a clear violation of the Standstill Agreement signed by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and the Government of Pakistan;

3. Recognise that this aggression carried out in name of jihad was designed to force the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir to accede to Pakistan. It resulted in death and suffering of innocent Kashmiris; and changed the course of our history as the Maharaja was forced to seek help from India and accede to India against his will;

4. Note that the accession was provisional in nature and had to be ratified by the people of the State, however they never had chance to express their opinion on this matter;

5. Welcome the resumption of dialogue as that is the only way forward to resolve the Kashmir dispute; but emphasise that people of the State must have a final say on the future of the State;

6. Express their determination to promote the cause of peace, democracy and equality for all citizens of the State; and oppose forces of extremism and hatred;

7. Acknowledge that terrorism has added to problems of the people of the State and it should be opposed in all its manifestations;

8. Affirm their determination to oppose all those forces who want to divide the State of Jammu and Kashmir, as the State is one political entity and must remain so;

9. Resolve to continue their struggle for unification and independence of the State;

10. Strongly believe that the State of Jammu and Kashmir is multi religious and multi cultural; and this aspect of our society and culture must be recognised and promoted.

11. Urge the British government and governments of other countries to recognise people of Jammu and Kashmir as Kashmiris and not reclassify and redefine them as Pakistanis or Indians.

12. Demand that people of Jammu and Kashmir who were uprooted because of the troubles in the State must be settled back in their homes with dignity, honour and safety.

13. Emphasis that right of movement within the State is our fundamental right; and CBMs are designed to prevent free movement of the Kashmiri people. We demand that restrictions in the CBMs must be lifted that people of the State could easily interact with their fellow citizens.

14. Support democratic, economic, educational, cultural and linguistic rights of the Sindhi people.

Tribal invasion and its implications

2009-10-18T16:37:00.001-07:00

Tribal invasion and its implications
Presentation of Dr Shabir Choudhry on Black Day conference organised by Kashmir National Party in Watford, England.

Mr Chairman, friends and colleagues aslamo alaykam

1. Introduction

Tribal invasion was a major event in the modern history of Jammu and Kashmir. This tragic event changed the course of our history.
• It changed our destination.
• It changed secular ethos of Kashmir.
• It undermined our sovereignty.
• It deprived us of our independence.
• It divided our beloved motherland.
• It divided families and the nation.
• It killed innocent Kashmiri men and women.
• It dishonoured Kashmiri women.
• It plundered and looted Kashmiri resources.
• It is the main cause of our present miseries and troubles.
• In one sentence, it is the cause of all of our problems we face today.

We need to investigate and analyse what was this tribal invasion? How did it happen? Who were behind this and what was the purpose of this? We people of Jammu and Kashmir are repeatedly told that tribesmen from North West Frontier came to Jammu and Kashmir to help us. They came there for Jihad. However historic facts do not support this contention.

These tribesmen were set on us not to help us, but to subdue and invade us. Some of them might have been motivated by holy name of Jihad, but for the majority it was an opportunity to satisfy their hunger for loot and plunder, and take away Kashmiri women. Religion of victims was not an issue to them; and their victims included Muslims and non Muslims.

In name of ‘Jihad’ when these unruly tribesmen entered territory of Jammu and Kashmir, their first victim was a Muslim. When the tribesmen attacked house of a non Muslim citizen of Muzaffarabad, Master Abdul Aziz in line with his Islamic duty and Kashmiri ethos, tried to protect his neighbour. He asked them not to loot and kill his non Muslim neighbours.

The tribesmen did not like intervention from Master Abdul Aziz, and killed him on spot. To these ‘jihadis’ crime of Master Abdul Aziz was so severe that he did not even deserve a funeral (janaza) or a burial. They threw his dead body in River Neelam.
They created mayhem and sent the message to all that if anyone even questions them as to what they were doing, they will eliminate that person. Grandchildren of Master Abdul Aziz, first victim of the tribesmen still live in Muzzafarabad, and explain the tragic events which they heard from their elders.

2. Legal status of Jammu and Kashmir

It is well established fact that the State of Jammu and Kashmir had attained its sovereignty after lapse of the British Paramountcy on 15 August 1947. The Independence Act, Section 7.1 explains that after ‘the suzerainty of His Majesty over the Indian States lapses’; all powers which were responsibility of the Crown were to revert back to the Rulers of the States.
This point was further elaborated by Governor General of India Lord Mountbatten in his address to a Special meeting of the Chamber of Princes on July 25 1947, he said, and I quote:
There had been universal acceptance among the States of the Cabinet Mission's Memorandum of 12 May and when the political parties accepted the Statement of 3 June they fully realised and accepted that withdrawal of Paramountcy would enable the States to regain complete sovereignty……Now, the Indian Independence Act releases the States from all their obligations to the Crown. The States will have complete freedom- technically and legally they become independent. Unquote.
Mohammed Ali Jinnah agreed with the above legal position. He strongly believed that the State of Jammu Kashmir and other Princely States had a right either to accede to India or Pakistan, or become independent States. In a reply to a question on 17th June 1947 about legal status of the Princely States, Mohammed Ali Jinnah said:

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

Despite all pressures from Lord Mountbatten, different leaders of Congress and Muslim League the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir did not accede to any country. He wanted to remain independent. He attained his independence after lapse of paramountcy on 15th August 197. As late as on 12 October 1947, the Maharaja wanted to remain independent, and this position was reinforced by his Deputy Prime Minister Ram Lal Batra, who during his visit to Delhi said:

‘We intend to keep on friendly relations with both India and Pakistan. Despite constant rumours we have no intention of joining either India or Pakistan, and the Maharaja and his government have decided that no decision of any kind will be made until there is peace in the plains. He also revealed that the Maharaja had told him that it was his ambition to make Kashmir Switzerland of the East – a completely neutral state.’ 1

All sovereign states must have four characteristics, and before any state attains sovereignty these attributes must be satisfied:

1/ First attribute is that the state should have people. This attribute Jammu and Kashmir satisfied before the lapse of Paramountcy. The people living within the State boundaries were regarded as citizens of Jammu and Kashmir; and State Subject Definition Notification dated the 20th April, 1927 further strengthens our case in this regard.
2/ Second attribute of a statehood is that the state should have a defined territory. Size of the state does not matter; it could be a city state. The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir had clearly defined territory of which he was the Ruler.

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

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

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

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

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

3. Who planned the tribal invasion?

Mohammed Ali Jinnah and government of Pakistan always took pro Maharaja and anti people position in Jammu and Kashmir, in hope that the Maharaja will join Pakistan. Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir RC Kak also gave them similar impression, but on 11 August 1947, he was replaced by General Janak Singh. In second week of September he was replaced by Mehr Chand Mahjan, who incidentally was a member of the Punjab Boundary Commission.

It is claimed by some Pakistani writers that he was assured of the post if he had provided the State a land access to India. Even though the District of Gurdaspur had a Muslim majority, the Radcliff Award divided the district in such a way that India had a land access to Jammu and Kashmir. 2

On 24 August 1947, Mohammed Ali Jinnah sent his Military Secretary, Colonel William Birnie to Kashmir that he can negotiate for him two weeks holiday visit in Kashmir in mid September. He came back after one week and gave Mohammed Ali Jinnah news he did not want to hear. Because of the political turmoil the Maharaja government refused this request. This stunned Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Pakistan government. They realised that all was not well, and things were not evolving the way they envisaged.

After few days the Pakistan government sent a secret agent to Kashmir to ascertain the situation there. His report was not encouraging either. In view of this report Liaquat Ali Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan convened a secret meeting of top officials in Lahore to ‘decide how to force the Maharaja’s hand’. Authors of Freedom at Midnight write and I quote:

‘The conspirators dismissed immediately the idea of an outright invasion. The Pakistan army was not ready for an adventure that could lead to war with India….Colonel Akbar Khan proposed that Pakistan supply the arms and money to foment uprising of Kashmir’s dissidents Moslim population. It would require several months, but the end, Khan promised would see forty or fifty thousand Kashmiris descending on Srinagar to force the Maharaja to accede to Pakistan’. 3
Unquote

The second proposal was presented by Khan Abdul Qayyum Khan, Chief Minister of North West Frontier Province of Pakistan, which involved use of the tribesmen to force the Maharaja to accede to Pakistan. I once again refer to authors of Freedom at Midnight, and I quote:

‘Sending those dangerous hordes to Srinagar had considerable appeal. It would force the swift fall of the Maharaja and the annexation of his state to Pakistan. And by offering the tribesmen the opportunity to loot the bazaars of Kashmir, their covetous eyes could be kept off the bazaars of Peshawear…..The gathering closed with a stern warning from the Prime Minister. The operation must be a complete secret. Finances would be provided by secret funds from his office. Neither the officers of Pakistan’s army nor her civil service nor, above all, the British Officers and administrators in the service of the new state were to know.’ 4 Unquote

In line with this secret decision Muslim dissidents were encouraged and fully supported to rise against a ‘Hindu Maharaja’. The Maharaja government had many serious problems to deal with. Future of its State was uncertain. Both India and Pakistan applied tremendous pressure for accession.

Muslims in Poonch had started their armed rebellion at a time when there were communal riots in parts of Jammu, mainly started by non Muslims who uprooted from Pakistan. Situation in Gilgit Baltistan was not satisfactory either, as his newly appointed Governor Gansara Singh was having some difficulty to assert his authority in this region which was only reverted to the Maharaja on 1st of August 1947.

State forces were not capable of dealing with all these problems; and to make things more difficult for him the Pakistani government in clear violation of the Standstill Agreement stopped essential supplies to Jammu and Kashmir. The Maharaja government complained to the government of Pakistan, and requested to lift the economic blockade. Pakistani government was in no mood to lift the economic blockade without getting the accession of the State; and to accomplish this task they sent Major A.S.B Shah, a junior officer who had no knowledge of Kashmir history and had no skills in politics and diplomacy. A junior military man had to negotiate and persuade experienced Maharaja Hari Singh, Prime Minister Mehr Chand Mahajan and Ram Lal Batra Deputy Prime Minister.

Mehr Chand Mahaja later recorded that, ‘Major Shah was in Srinagar with a whip in one hand and a letter of accession in the other…..He was keen to have an assurance of the State’s accession to Pakistan or in the alternative, a negative assurance that I would not advise the Maharaja to accede to India. I told him this would take some time but he was not prepared to wait. When I found he had came there almost with an ultimatum, I said, “If you raise the blockade and allow food, cloth and petrol to enter the State I will discuss the matter with you.” 5

Major Shah agreed to persuade Mohammed Ali Jinnah to lift the blockade, and sent him a telegram, but got no favourable reply. Instead he was told to ask Mehr Chand Mahjan to go to Lahore and discuss the matter there. Mehr Chand Mahajan said: I was in no mood to fall into Pakistani hands. I declined the invitation as the object was to coerce me in to securing the State’s accession’. 6

4. Arrogance of Pakistani rulers

Government of Pakistan managed to fool people for sometime that these tribesmen came to help and liberate people of Jammu and Kashmir. They also claimed that these tribesmen were motivated by religious sentiments and came there on their own. Unfortunately some Kashmiris also advanced and supported that propaganda as it suited their political and personal agenda.

Over the years it has been revealed by many Pakistani officials and writers that the whole affair was initiated and managed by Pakistani officials; and main attraction for the tribesmen was not liberation of Kashmir or jihad but loot, plunder and Kashmiri women. Unfortunately those who planned this tragic expedition permitted them to loot and plunder and create atmosphere of fear that the Maharaja surrenders and begs Pakistan for accession.

People of Jammu and Kashmir had to pay a big price for this blunder of the Pakistani government. Despite all the humiliation and degradation which Sheikh Abdullah suffered at the hands of Mohammed Ali Jinnah and other Muslim League leaders, he was considering some kind of understanding with Pakistan where by the State could have maintained its special status in return for Pakistan taking certain responsibilities in line with the Standstill Agreement.

Even as late as first week of October 1947, he was persuaded by Dr M D Taseer and Mian Iftikhar Uddin to travel to Lahore and meet Mohammed Ali Jinnah and finalise matters. Sheikh Abdullah secretly travelled to Lahore with Dr Taseer and stayed at Mian Iftikhar Uddin’s house. Ego and pride of Mohammed Ali Jinnah overcame national interest of Pakistan and that of people of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite sincere advice of some people Mohammed Ali Jinnah refused to meet him, which was against Islamic teaching, against rules of politics and bad statesmanship.

Mohammed Ali Jinnah said, ‘I don’t need to meet this man. Kashmir is in my pocket’. 7 In another place ego centric Governor General of Pakistan said, ‘Who is Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah? I am prepared to discuss Kashmir with the Maharaja or senior Government official from Kashmir.’ 8

This was the fourth time Mohammed Ali Jinnah rebuffed the tallest leader people of Jammu and Kashmir ever had; and it was the last opportunity to bridge differences between the most popular leader of Jammu and Kashmir and Governor General of Pakistan. According to Balraj Puri, Mr Jinnah wanted ‘complete surrender on the part of anybody, particularly a Muslim, seeking political alliance with him. It was too tall demand from the tallest leader of Kashmir, who was no less proud of his own personality as also that of Kashmir’. 9

Pakistan lost Kashmir not because Indians were too clever, but because Pakistani leaders were not farsighted; and they were too arrogant and ego centric. To them satisfaction of their ego was more important than the national interest. At a time when Congress leaders were trying to meet and appease Sheikh Abdullah, leaders of Pakistan treated him like a trash. They thought with help of tribesmen they will be able to annex Kashmir.

Even after this last rebuff, Sheikh Abdullah’s men were in Lahore waiting to meet some sensible Pakistani leaders with whom they could negotiate something, but Pakistani government abandoned political and diplomatic route and relied on the force of gun. It was their arrogance, impolitical attitude and too much reliance on use of gun which cost them Jammu and Kashmir. Ultimately it was the people of Jammu and Kashmir who had to suffer at that time; and who continue to suffer because of follies of Pakistani rulers.

5. What if there was no tribal invasion

I understand we cannot turn back clock of history, but as thinking people who were victims of tribal invasion; and who are even today suffering as a direct result of that conspiracy, we can analyse what might have happened if there was no tribal invasion

All the available evidence clearly indicates that the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir did not want to accede to any country. He wanted to maintain his independence. It was possible that he could have maintained his independence if there was no outside interference.

True, not all of his citizens were happy with him; but it is also true that his subjects enjoyed more rights than subjects of other Princely States at that time. It was quite possible that after independence of his State and after independence of the Sub Continent, he could have made changes to his style of government where by he could have given more rights to people and Assembly.

He could have maintained his neutrality and made agreements with both India and Pakistan. Even few days before the tribal invasion his Deputy Prime Minister explained his vision of the State in the following words: ‘The Maharaja had told him that it was his ambition to make Kashmir Switzerland of the East – a completely neutral state.’

If there was no tribal invasion people of Jammu and Kashmir could have avoided loot, plunder and rapes in 1947. They could have avoided separation of families. They could have avoided division of their homeland. They could have avoided other miseries since 1947. They could have avoided the present suffering on both sides of the divide which was thrusted upon them as a direct result of militancy which started in 1988.

If there was no tribal invasion then there might have been no Kashmir dispute as we see it today. It was possible that both countries in absence of this dispute could have resolved other issues and could have developed friendly and cordial relations; and that could have led to peace and stability in the region.

In conclusion, one could say that source of many of our troubles and troubles of the region are directly related to that fatal decision of directing hordes of tribesmen in name of jihad to invade Jammu and Kashmir and loot, plunder and rape people without any accountability.

The genie of extremism and hatred released in name of jihad in October 1947 to advance political agenda, continue to spread extremism and hatred. Unfortunately that policy of promoting extremism to advance political agenda continued until very recently, and forces of extremism and hatred have become power in their own right. They have already affected lives of millions of people. Like any other living being, it wants to live and flourish; and has become out of control. Like Frankenstein monster it has turned against its creator, hence we see cries in Pakistan about terrorism, jihad and establishing writ of government, all claiming to be on the right path.

I hope those quarters who deliberately promoted extremism and hatred have learnt their lesson. Also I hope they will do their best to put things right; and will not promote terrorism and hatred in future, or create more hurdles in our inherent and most cherished right of self determination.

I thank you Mr Chairman.

References:

1. Kashmir Problem – its legal aspects, Dr HO Agarwal, page 31
2. The Kashmir of Sheikh Abdullah, Bilqees Taseer, Page 264
3. Freedom at Midnight, Larry Collins and Dominque Lapierre, Page 402
4. ibid, Page 402
5. opcit, Bilqees Taseer, page 265
6. ibid, page 265
7. ibid, Page 301
8. ibid, page 303
9. ibid, page 305

Attack on GHQ analysed

2009-10-13T23:57:00.001-07:00

Attack on GHQ analysed
Dr Shabir Choudhry 13 October 2009

Pakistanis are very determined people. Once they set their eyes on something they will go for it all the way. They wanted to get Jammu and Kashmir, not because they wanted to ‘liberate them’ but because that suited their national interest; and for that they risked everything and despite many internal and external threats, still have not abandoned their mission to get Kashmir.

Likewise war against Taliban was not their war, but they wanted to make it their war as it suited them. They worked hard for number of years to make it a Pakistani war. Their sincerity in this regard and hard work has paid off, and now it is their own war. It has knocked the walls of their command and control centre, a building which was supposed to be most important and heavily guarded.

This building – their GHQ should have be impregnable, and yet only ten men in broad day light managed to penetrate that and kill more than fourteen army men including one Brigadier and one Lt Colonel. They even managed to make thirty nine people hostage for more than eighteen hours. Nine attackers were killed and there commander was injured and arrested.

Americans and others involved in the ‘war on terrorism’ must feel satisfied now. They can take a back seat and let Pakistanis fight this war which will kill more Muslims and Pakistanis, as both warring sides are Muslims and Pakistanis. Full Pakistani involvement in this war will mean America can stay longer in Afghanistan and put in practise policies to control and dominate this region and Central Asia.

No one wins in wars. All lose although some lose more than others. In this war where battleground is Pakistan and its cities, Pakistan cannot be a winner. It is not a war, it is called a civil war, and Pakistan fought one civil war in 1970/71 with disastrous results.

Pakistani army and leaders are claiming that outcome of the attack is a ‘victory’; and ‘paid defence analysts, conspiracy theorists and TV anchors’ were hired to distract attention and present it as a great victory. If the aim of ten militants was to host a Taliban flag on the building of GHQ, and they failed in that then it is a victory for the army, but anyone with any sense knows that this was not their aim. Their aim was to cause death and make big news of this; and they have done that successfully. They killed two senior officers and twelve others. They have sent a clear message that they can penetrate anywhere and that nothing in Pakistan is beyond their reach.

This attack has seriously demoralised common man because they think if the headquarters of the army is not safe then how could we be safe in this environment where terrorists are calling shots and attacking and penetrating army and security related institutions. First responsibility of every state is to provide basic security to its citizens, and if that is not guaranteed then people have right to question the purpose of government and State.

Disturbing aspect of this episode is that there were intelligence reports that something similar to what has happened might be attempted. The report was also published in some Pakistani newspapers which clearly stated that there could be attack on army headquarters by militants dressed as soldiers. The report also warned that the attack could be a joint effort of Taliban, Lashkar e Tayiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad. People want to know why despite a prior warning from intelligence reports preventive measures were not taken.

What annoys people more than anything else is the fact that these organisations were established, trained and funded by Pakistani agencies to advance Pakistan’s political agenda. In other words Pakistani money and know how was used to train these people who have now turned against Pakistan and its policies. They have become a major threat to Pakistan, its security and society. They have killed thousands of Pakistani soldiers and many senior officers.

Moreover the commander of the operation, Aqeel, alias Dr Usman, is a former soldier himself. He left army service and first joined Lashkar e Taiba, and then he joined Jaish e Mohammed and then became part of Tehrek e Taliban Pakistan. No one knows how many Dr Usman’s have joined the terrorist groups and where they are hiding with inside knowledge. It also raises a serious question as to how security agencies will react if in future another attack is made with dozens of trained militants, especially on sensitive facilities.

It is a major policy blunder, a major security laps and a big failure, and despite that if Pakistani analysts and military generals want to present this as a victory then may Allah put them on right path? In view of many analysts, Pakistani and foreign, it was not a victory for Pakistan, if anything; it exposed Pakistani potential and security preparedness.

There should have been a committee set up to investigate what went wrong; and how it could be avoided in future. We know it won’t happen. Last time it was Prime Minister Junejo who set up a committee to find out who was responsible for Ojeri Camp explosions. The men in Khaki did not like this, and his government was dismissed before the report could be completed. No wonder every politician is congratulating the army for this ‘victory’ instead of asking for any investigation.

To make things worse for Pakistan their one time ‘blue eyed boy’ and famous commander, Ilyas Kashmiri is still alive. He was thought to have been killed by a drone attack on 14th September 2009 in a village of Turikhel near the town of Mir Ali in Taliban-controlled North Waziristan. Ilyas Kashmiri is a former commando of Special Services Group of Pakistan army. He has promised retribution against the ''U.S and its proxies,''

According to the US intelligence reports, Ilyas Kashmiri is one of al Qaeda's most dangerous commanders. At one time he was operational chief of the Harkat-ul Jihad Islami, an Al Qaeda-linked terror group that operates in Pakistan, Kashmir, India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. He was listed as the fourth most wanted terrorist by Interior Ministry of Pakistan.

Some analysts believe that Ilyas Kahmiri could also be behind the attack on the GHQ. Dr Usman, commander of the attack on the GHQ, is also a member of Harkat ul Jihad Islami and served under Ilyas Kashmiri. He is a commander of Brigade 313 which is thought to behind many of the high-profile attacks and bombings inside Pakistan. ILyas Kashmiri dropped out of favour with the Pakistan military after he refused to join Jaish e Mohammed. After army attack on Red Mosque, he set up a camp in Ramzak, North Wazirstan, where many people were recruited. It is believed that many radical army officers were among those who joined him.

This week alone Pakistan has lost more than 125 people in terrorist related incidents, and yet Rehman Malik, Interior Minister of Pakistan has guts to say that he and his strategy was working. I don’t know how many times he has claimed that his strategy has broken back of the terrorists; and each time terrorists come back with vengeance and bigger attack to humiliate him and Pakistani efforts to fight terrorism.

Attack on GHQ has hurt Pakistan and its pride, but Rehman Malik defends his intelligence services, even though they failed to stop the attack despite reports of the attack in advance. The report of the attack was even published in a newspaper on 5th October. Once again he has boasted to ‘wipe out Islamist extremists’; I am not sure how many people will take that statement seriously.

If Pakistan seriously want to combat terrorism then first things they want to do is to change Rehman Malik. Since he has taken over there has been increase in terrorist attacks, and Pakistani image has been tarnished. It shows the man doesn’t know what he is doing. One cannot root out terrorism with slogans and bragging. Terrorism has become very sophisticated; and to root it out one needs more sophisticated planning and determination.

Secondly they need to realise that terrorism of all kinds is bad. Combating terrorists at home and supporting them elsewhere gives contradictory signals. If terrorist act is condemnable if it takes place in Islamabad it should also be condemnable if it takes place in Srinagar or Jalalabad.

Thirdly they need to look at causes which breed terrorism. Is it poverty which forces people to join ranks of these? Do they join them for ideological reasons? Are Madrassas churning out religiously motivated graduates who become easy target for the recruiters? Are these people taking revenge because their love ones have lost lives as a result of drones attacks or some aerial bombardment? Or spirits of innocents died during the assault on Red Mosque are haunting those responsible for that ‘crime’?
Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Kashmiri demonstrators demanded Pakistan to leave Kashmir

2009-10-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

Kashmiri demonstrators demanded Pakistan to leave Kashmir
KNP also took part in the demonstration outside Pakistan High Commission

London, 13 October 2009

Kashmiri nationalist parties who demand unification and independence of Jammu and Kashmir held a picketing outside Pakistani High Commission in London. Despite the wet weather a large number of Kashmiris gathered outside the High Commission and shouted pro Kashmir slogans; and demanded that Pakistan must not annex Gilgit Baltistan as it will lead to serious problems for Pakistan.

People of Jammu and Kashmir hitherto have been keen in speaking against Indian role in Jammu and Kashmir and having demonstrations against India, but it looks tide has turned. People of Jammu and Kashmir have seen true intentions of Pakistan and feel no hesitation in standing outside High Commission of Pakistan and shout ‘Pakistani forces out of Kashmir’. ‘Pakistan ka jo yaar hai - ghadaar hai ghadaar hai, Ilaaq ka jo yaar hai Ghadaar hai, meaning who so ever is friend of Pakistan is a traitor….who so ever is for accession is a traitor.

Demonstrators also shouted against India and demanded that India should also leave Kashmir; and that Jammu and Kashmir should become an independent country. It was a big demonstration if we compare it with demonstrations of Kashmiri and Pakistani held in London over the past years; and people travelled from various towns to express their anger and disapproval of what Pakistan was doing in Gilgit and Baltistan and ‘Pakistani Occupied Kashmir’.

It was interesting to note that some pro Pakistan Kashmiris were also present to show their support for this picketing, and for the first time they spoke out against Pakistani policies with regard to Kashmir. They said they were deeply disappointed with policies of Pakistan; and wanted to show their anger and frustration.

Demonstrators shouted Zardari jee ye Kashmiriyoun ke saath Ghadaari hai, meaning what you are doing is treason to Kashmiris. They also said Geelani jee hamain ye ghulami qabool nei…. Bacha bacha kat maray ga Kashmir sooba nei baney ga, meaning Prime Minister Gilani we reject this slavery – reference to a new package on Gilgit and Baltistan. They said every Kashmiri child will die but Kashmir won’t become a province of Pakistan.

Demonstrators got really angry when Pakistani High Commission even refused to accept a petition from respected Kashmiri leaders representing various political parties. ‘This is like rubbing salt in our wounds’, said Dr Shabir Choudhry, Spokesman of Kashmir National Party.

He said, ‘We used our democratic right and like civilised people did not use foul language against Pakistan or threw stones or tomatoes at the High Commission. We were here to express our disappointment and anger; and least we expected was that someone from the High Commission come out and receive our petition and pass it on to President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani that they also know what our concerns were’.

Abbas Butt, Chair of KNP said, ‘The attitude of the Pakistani officials was very annoying and this was a slap on our faces. It was a common decency that they should come out and meet the Kashmiri leaders. It is their arrogance and wrong policies which is turning Kashmiris against them. Today even pro Pakistan Kashmirirs have come out to protest against their policies in this cold weather’. He said, ‘Pakistani officials treat Kashmiris as slaves of medieval times who do not deserve basic humane rights, but they are wrong we will fight back and get our rights’.

JKNLF President Mahmood Kashmiri expressed his deep anger on attitude of Pakistani High Commission officials. He said, ‘They should have enough decency to come out and meet us. They have shown that they are worse than Indian officials. At least Indian officials respectfully take petition from us when we hold demonstrations outside the Indian High Commission’. He said, ‘Our struggle is against wrong policies of Pakistan and not against the State of Pakistan, but you can see after refusing to accept petition some Kashmiris have shouted slogans against Pakistan. This is no way to win minds and hearts of people’, he added.

When the delegation that went to hand - in the petition came back and explained what had happened, some Kashmiris in frustration and anger shouted anti Pakistan slogans. Leaders acted quickly and requested them not say anything against state of Pakistan, however still some shouted, ‘Kashmiriyoun ka barra qatil Pakistan and chhotta qatil Hindustan’- meaning, ‘Pakistan is a big murderer of Kashmiris and India is a small murder’. Also they said, ‘Kashmiriyoun ki Azad ke do shaitan eik India doosra Pakistan’- meaning ‘Two Satans are against Kashmir’s independence one is India the other is Pakistan’.

Tahir Bostan, President of JKPNP also expressed his anger against the attitude and arrogance of the Pakistani officials. He said, ‘This attitude is insulting. This shows what respect Pakistani officials have for Kashmiri leaders’. He said, ‘Our struggle against wrong policies of Pakistan will continue, and we will start a campaign against Pakistan, and will hold a series of demonstrations outside different Pakistani missions’.

The following parties and their supporters were present in the demonstration:

1/ Jammu Kashmir National Liberation Front
2/ Jammu and Kashmir National Awami Party
3/ Kashmir Freedom Movement
4/ Jammu Kashmir Plebiscite Front
5/ Kashmir Liberation Organisation
6/Association of British Kashmiris
7/Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (Y)
8/Jammu Kashmir Peoples National Party
9. Kashmir National Party

Black Day for Kashmiris on 22 October

2009-10-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

Black Day for Kashmiris on 22 October

Kashmir National Party is holding one day conference on Kashmir in Watford, England. The conference aims to examine what importance of 22 October has in history of Jammu and Kashmir.

Some people encouraged by Pakistani establishment hold a Black Day on 27 October every year to coincide with the landing of the Indian army in Kashmir which came there on the request of the then Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir.

KNP leaders however believe that we have to look at the root cause. Jammu and Kashmir had a Standstill Agreement with Pakistan and in contravention of that Agreement, government of Pakistan managed a ‘tribal invasion’ which not only violated Kashmiri sovereignty but also committed serious human rights abuses and killed innocent people and raped women.

This looting and pillaging continued for many days and the Maharaja and his forces were unable to defend the State territory or the people of Kashmir; and had no other choice but to seek outside help.

KNP Spokesman Dr Shabir Choudhry said, our miseries and troubles started with that tribal invasion. It caused death and destruction in Kashmir, and forced the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir to seek outside help, which resulted in provisional accession and subsequent arrival of the Indian army.

We believe the State of Jammu and Kashmir is not part of India or Pakistan and we strongly oppose policies of both countries; but as for as Black Day is concerned we should have a Black Day on 22 October because this is the day when our troubles and miseries started.

We expect writers and leaders to explore this aspect of our history and educate people rather than treading on the path shown to us by those who have interest in occupying us and exploiting us.

Details of the conference are as follows:

Titles:
• Why 22 October matters in Kashmiri history?
• What are our grievances against Pakistan?

Venue: Watford
Time: 2pm
Date: Sunday 18 October 2009

States must also provide justice and equality

2009-09-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

States must also provide justice and equality
Dr Shabir Choudhry 17 September 2009

While speaking to a seminar organised in Palais Des Nations in Geneva by International Institute for Peace, Dr Shabir Choudhry said:

Whereas I agree violence and terrorism is evil and must be opposed and condemned, but we also need to look at reasons why people resort to violence. Sometimes when people have exhausted all peaceful and political means to achieve their legitimate rights then some feel violence is the only way to get their voice heard.

I am not condoning or supporting terrorism as that leads to misery, loss of human life and destruction; and very often leads to more violence. Conflicts and disputes should be resolved through a process of dialogue, but when all avenues of peaceful means are closed to them; and people are unfairly treated and pushed against wall, it is expected that some will lose patience and resort to violence.

Violence and terrorism is bad, whether it is individual terrorism, group terrorism or state terrorism; but people will say state terrorism is worst as it is generally the main cause of grievances and has capacity to cause more destruction under the cover of law and order and fighting terrorism. Then situation comes when a man killing people and destroying homes and villages from safety of his jet fighter or helicopter gun ship is called a brave soldier; and person who is defending his basic human rights, his family and his home is labelled as a terrorist.

Every human society has problems and it is not possible to resolve problems of society with use of gun; and this message needs to be understood by the states and groups who have grievances and want to resolve political matters with use of violence. Violence should not be used to advance a political agenda by groups; and governments and their agencies should not deny people of their fundamental rights.

Using his right of reply Dr Shabir Choudhry said, I have lived in England for past 43 years and I have not seen any mosque used as a base to commit terrorism. It is totally wrong assumption. Mosques are places of worship and peace. They are used for praying, teaching religion and spreading peace and harmony not hatred and violence. It is however possible that a terrorist could be using that mosque for praying, but it must not be construed that the mosques has any role in terrorism or its promotion.

He further said I have not condoned terrorism, if anything I have been campaigning against terrorism for many years. Some people say it is wrong to kill civilians but it is appropriate to target army personnel to advance legitimate rights, as they represent a state against which people have grievances.

I do not even support violence against what are called ‘legitimate targets’ like army men and police men, as they also have families, children and parents. Terrorism must not be condoned under any context, but at the same time states must also adopt reasonable and acceptable attitude and treat all citizens equally. They must provide justice and protect fundamental rights of all citizens. When states or some of their organs become a source of inequality, injustice and oppression, people resort to terrorism.

We people of Jammu and Kashmir fought for our right of self determination by using peaceful methods and after 40 long years of peaceful struggle some of them got frustrated and resorted to violence. I know what destruction and misery this policy of using violence to advance the Kashmiri cause has brought to my countrymen. Despite loss of tens of thousands lives, destruction and misery our goal of independence is not in sight yet – we are not any nearer to our destination; if anything we are more divided and further from our goal of independence.

Those powers which are fighting terrorism by using jet fighters and justify it under collateral damage really need to rethink of their strategy as they are creating more people ready to take them on. We have seen the trauma of old men, women and children who were uprooted from their homes in millions in name of fighting terrorists and Talibans in Pakistan. The way their homes were destroyed and the way they were humiliated it will surely lead to more violence and more people will be ready to take up the cause of fighting the oppressors; or take revenge for loss of their love ones. End

Dr. Shabir Choudhry, Director Institute Kashmir Affairs
Tel: 0044 77909 42471 Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
My blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com/

Speech of Dr Shabir Choudhry on Gilgit Baltistan in Geneva

2009-09-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Speech of Dr Shabir Choudhry in a seminar arranged by INTERFAITH INTERNATIONAL in Geneva on 16 September 2009.
How Constitutional, Political, Cultural and Economic rights are violated in Gilgit and Baltistan?

Mr Chairman, friends and colleagues aslamao alaykam and afternoon.

A comment was made earlier that we are here to look at ‘legal’ acts of Pakistan in Gilgit Baltistan. Since Gilgit Baltistan is not legally part of Pakistan, and article 257 of Pakistani constitution makes that clear; so any action they take is extra constitutional and illegal. I want to say that we are here to examine ‘illegal’ acts of Pakistan and oppose them, as they are illegal and undemocratic.

It is generally agreed that democracy is a form of government where people can democratically elect their rulers and hold them accountable for their actions. In other words it is a government of people and for the people - a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation in which free and fair elections are held. In all democracies a right of political expression, a right of speech and freedom of press is essential. Furthermore political pluralism, equality before law and respect for human rights of all citizens is must.

But in Pakistan and especially in areas of Jammu and Kashmir occupied by Pakistan, this rule does not apply. Here it is a government of bureaucrats and for the interest of the bureaucrats. Their main aim is to protect and enhance their interest and interest of the establishment they represent. By establishment I mean bureaucrats - civil and military, secret agencies, top army elite, political elite which has always been there in one form another for many decades.

Pakistan always had imperialist designs towards State of Jammu and Kashmir; they wanted to grab the State by hook or by crook. After failing to convince the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir to accede to Pakistan they resorted to military means and managed a tribal invasion on 22 October 1947. This military adventure resulted in first direct military clash between India and Pakistan. When a cease fire was arranged on 1st January 1949, Pakistan was in control of a large territory of the State, which was further divided in to so called Azad Kashmir or Free Kashmir and ‘Northern Areas’ which is constituent part of the State and was officially known as Gilgit and Baltistan.

Whereas areas of Pakistani Administered Kashmir got some political rights and semi autonomous status in 1970, areas of Gilgit Baltistan were directly ruled by Islamabad with draconian laws without any civil and political rights. The present government of Pakistan which claims to be a champion of democracy and fundamental human rights has pronounced a new package for the people of Gilgit Baltistan and has hailed it as ‘empowering people’ and ‘granting people independence’.

People of Gilgit Baltistan have rejected this package as ‘old wine in new bottles’. There has been strong opposition to this Package from various parts of the State, especially from Pakistani Administered Kashmir. Having said that I want to confess, that like in other oppressed and colonised nations, we also have collaborators on both sides of the LOC and they have welcomed the Package.

Mr Chairman

In my view the package has one positive thing – recognition of the fact that this territory is not ‘Northern Areas’ of Pakistan; and they have officially been recognised as Gilgit Baltistan. Apart from that the Package has given some more rights to the people, but aim of Islamabad is not to give more rights to people, but to annex this area by electing a docile Assembly and ask them to sign on a dotted line to complete the task of division of the State. First PPP government in 1970s tried to make Azad Kashmir a ‘Province’ of Pakistan; and abandoned it only after fiercely opposition.

Islamabad has already appointed PPP Stalwart as a ‘Governor’, who will ensure that desired results are achieved in the elections which are due to be held on 12 November 2009. Even Pakistani political parties are not happy on this appointment, as they fear a PPP ‘Governor’ could not be impartial in the forthcoming elections and he will rig them to elect or select people who are loyal to him and his Party.

This Package was prepared by a Committee that consisted of Pakistani bureaucrats and political activists, and was headed by a man called - Qamar Zaman Qaira who has become a new ‘Governor’ of the area. In other words as a head of this Committee he promoted himself to become a ‘Governor’; and this act alone shows this man cannot be impartial as he has vested interests.

This Governor is called a ‘Viceroy’ of Gilgit Baltistan, and he will be a political master of the area; and he won’t be accountable for what he does in an area more than 29 thousand Sq miles; and to more than two million people. People of the area will have no role in his selection. This unelected Pakistani man will have enormous powers. He will even select a cabinet for Chief Minister. He will also have senior Pakistani Office Bearers, again selected by Islamabad to help him to accomplish his task of ruling this colony of Pakistan to promote interest of Pakistan at the expense of the local people.

This Committee did not consult any person from the area. Even their supporters and collaborators were not taken in to confidence, as they were not deemed suitable to be consulted on this crucial matter even though it was to have great impact on lives of millions of people. Thinking in Islamabad is that of an old grandma who claims to know everything; and who wants to assert her control in her own home and in homes of her neighbours.

Even not all Pakistanis are in favour of this new package. A member of Pakistan National Assembly, Marvi Memon wrote in the News International on 14 September, and I quote:

‘What is most misleading in all government statements on the package is the assertion that this package gives most autonomy. But the fact is that it is the Council which has all the powers. The Council of eight un-elected representatives will be ruling Gilgit-Baltistan from Islamabad. These eight include the prime minister and his cabinet members. Even when the rest of the seven elected Gilgit-Baltistan members are elected onto the Council they will be in minority. This is not autonomy. The new Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has no concept of an opposition as described in the Order. Moreover, all material powers are vested either with the prime minister through the Council or with the governor who is vice chairman of the Council. Since the chief minister, the elected representative of the people, does not have the same powers, it is in effect governor’s rule’. Unquote

The ‘Council’ Marvi Menon has mentioned is Gilgit Baltistan Council which will hold all the powers and Prime Minister of Pakistan will be its Chairman. All the major decisions will be taken in this Council which will have majority of unelected Pakistanis who have no direct link or interest in the area. They will decide what is good for the people of the area. They will decide who should be promoted and who should be appointed; and these decisions could not be challenged any where. This is a democracy in a Pakistani style.

I have plenty to say on the new package. I can also quote many things from critics from Gilgit Baltistan, and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir; but in my view it is better to quote criticism of a Pakistani. So once again I want to quote Marvi Memon, who says:

‘No amount of paid articles to ridicule the valid criticisms can win the people of Gilgit-Baltistan over. No amount of paid welcome parties for non-Gilgit-Baltistan governors can give the impression that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are with the PPP government. The protests of the nationalists, the political parties and the disgruntled youth are a testament to the actual feelings of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan’.

Even a Pakistani politician and a legislator believe that people of the region are not happy with this new package, even though it has some good points in it. They know that it is a trap in a name of democracy. Like people of other civilised countries, people of Gilgit Baltistan also want to enjoy fruits of democracy. They want rule of law, political and economic rights, equality, accountability and transparency, but not at the cost of their freedom and submission to Islamabad.

Mr Chairman

Today the world appears to be united in their fight against terrorism and fight against Talibans, who it is claimed are major source of terrorism and instability in the region. As a result of this war on terrorism Afghanistan has suffered enormously and tens of thousands of innocent people have perished even though Afghanistan had no role in tragic event of 9/11. Moreover the Talibans are not an Afghan phenomenon. They were exported to Afghanistan to accomplish certain tasks.

Talibans are a product of a deliberate policy which has its own mechanism, source of inspiration and source of training and funding. It is wishful thinking to defeat this ideology and this creature while the infrastructure that created this monster is still alive and kicking; while it is still pursuing policies which create more Talibans. Brains and policy that produced Talibans have only changed their tactics; their real goals and strategic thinking has not changed.

Whereas I am seriously concerned about peace and stability of the region, my fear is that forces of violence and destruction could be unleashed in my homeland – areas of Gilgit Baltistan. This will help Islamabad to strengthen their hold and strangulate those forces which believe in democratic rights for all citizens and which regard Islamabad as a colonial ruler.

Furthermore this policy of talibanisation of Gilgit Baltistan will help Islamabad to protect and promote interest of the elite which controls and runs Pakistan in name of national interest. In view of this, we totally reject this new package and demand that Islamabad should relinquish its control and let people of the region run their affairs according to their interests and aspirations.

I thank you Mr Chairman for your patience.

Dr. Shabir Choudhry, Director Institute Kashmir Affairs
Tel: 0044 77909 42471 Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
My blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com/

KNP to hold Black Day on 22 October

2009-09-07T14:37:00.001-07:00

KNP to hold Black Day on 22 October
London 07 September 2009

Supreme Council of KNP held an important meeting in Luton on Sunday 6th September, which was presided by the party Chairman Abbas Butt. The meeting discussed and analysed the current situation of the Kashmiri struggle and made important decisions.

The Supreme Council strongly condemned the government of Pakistan’s latest attempts to grab territory which is legal part of State of Jammu and Kashmir. The SC said Pakistani governments have never been sincere with the cause of Kashmir and always have formulated policies to snatch Kashmir; and have deliberately deprived people of their fundamental human rights.

The SC said people of Gilgit Baltistan deserve to have their basic human rights which have been denied since 1947; but no one should be allowed to implement their imperialist designs in name of giving rights to people of the region. The KNP leaders said, if Pakistani authorities were sincere they could have discussed the issue with the people of the region and given these rights without making the region a ‘province’ of Pakistan.

PPP government claims to advance rights of people and democracy, but their policies are designed to deprive people of basic rights and advance undemocratic and unconstitutional practises. They tried to make Pakistani Administered Kashmir a province after the Shimla Pact and they plan to make Gilgit Baltistan a province and pave way for division of Jammu and Kashmir.

KNP leaders said some people of Jammu and Kashmir hold Black Day on 27th October, as that is the day when Indian army landed in Kashmir. KNP leaders said in our opinion their wisdom is misdirected. We have to look at the root cause. Indian army came after the tribal invasion and subsequent ‘Provisional Accession’.

KNP Supreme Council said, ‘It was the Pakistani tribesmen supported by the Pakistani government of the time which violated the Standstill Agreement and invaded parts of the State territory. It was these tribesmen which contravened the State sovereignty and killed thousands of innocent Kashmiri men and women. It was because of this unprovoked and unjustified attack on our sovereignty which seriously threatened life, honour and property of people that the Maharaja was compelled to seek help from India.

KNP leaders said we have serious issues with India on their Kashmir policy, as we believe Kashmir is not their internal part; but as for the Black Day is concerned we should have Black Day on 22 October because this is the day when our troubles and miseries started.

KNP SC has decided to take a lead on this matter and hold a BLACK DAY on 22 October; and in this regard various responsibilities have been given to Dr Shabir Choudhry and Nawaz Majid who will liaise with other like minded people and parties. The meeting was addressed by ZubairAnsari, Nazam Bhatti, Nawaz Majid, Asim Mirza, Abbas Butt and Dr Shabir Choudhry.
Earlier KNP held an Iftar Party in which more than eighty people were present; among them were leaders and political activists of various Kashmiri parties who spoke against the new package for Gilgit and Baltistan and condemned designs of Pakistani government. In the meeting pro Pakistan and nationalist leaders were present, and they all strongly spoke against this new package and demanded that it must be taken back.

A unanimous resolution was passed which strongly criticised the new package and demanded from government of Pakistan to withdraw it as it will seriously damage our struggle for right of self determination. The resolution fully supported fundamental rights of people of Gilgit Baltistan; but added that the State of Jammu and Kashmir is one political entity and it must not be divided. END

Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhry: drshabirchoudhry@googlemail.com

New Package old policy

2009-09-03T15:43:00.001-07:00

New Package old policy
Dr Shabir Choudhry 03 September 2009

Pakistani government and a large section of Pakistani media hailed the new package on Gilgit and Baltistan as a big ‘reward’ for the people of the region; and some even said that these areas have got khud mukhtari – meaning independence. If these areas got ‘independence’, that means they were occupied before; which means the country that granted this ‘independence’ occupied them.

Pakistani control and rule in Gilgit Baltistan was not legal and had no moral justification. As a matter of policy resources were plundered and people were deprived of their basic rights since 1947. All the packages given to Gilgit Baltistan by different Pakistani governments ensured that Pakistani control and influence remains intact; and people do not get their fundamental rights or enjoy fruits of democracy.

Pakistani love for democracy and rights of the local people could be seen from the fact that the Committee which recommended this package, and which will have great impact on lives of more than two million people had no representation from Gilgit Baltistan.

The existing system was set up by Pakistan not long ago; and was pro Pakistan. The Chief Executive in that system was a local man - Meer Ghazanfar, even he was not consulted on this matter. He, like other people heard it through the press conference. Similarly so called ‘Northern Areas Legislative Council’ or any of its members was not consulted.

Even East India Company consulted some local people before taking any major decision regarding its colony – India. Pakistani rulers take it as an insult to consult people of Jammu and Kashmir under their control; and if people complain or criticise they are declared anti Pakistan or pro India.

Leaving claims of Pakistani officials aside, let us look at what the new package brings to people of Gilgit Baltistan; and how it differs from Pakistani Administered Kashmir. One good thing in the package is that, at last, Pakistani officials have acknowledged that these areas are not ‘Northern Areas’ and that they should be called Gilgit Baltistan.

Existing ‘Northern Areas Legislative Council’ will be replaced by a Legislative Assembly, which will have 24 Member directly elected. These elected Members will elect 6 women Members and 3 Technocrats. This Assembly of 33 will elect a Chief Minister instead of a Chief Executive. The Chief Minister will be responsible for the government and chair meetings of the Cabinet, but interestingly will have no right to select his Cabinet.

In the existing set up the Chairman holds lion’s share of powers, and he is replaced by a Governor who will be appointed by Islamabad (President). The post of the Governor will go to a Pakistani who has to be more than 35 years old; and has the qualifications to become a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan. The tenure of the Governor will not be fixed and he will be holding the office as desired by the President. This Pakistani Governor will select a Cabinet for the Chief Minister. The constitutional head of the region will be the Governor who will have enormous powers but won’t be accountable to anyone for his actions.

The Governor will convene a meeting of the Assembly 30 days after the election to elect a Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Chief Minister. The Governor will also appoint Advocate General. It is believed that, like in case of PAK, Gilgit Baltistan will also ‘benefit’ from a Pakistani Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary and IG Police to ensure that Pakistani interests are protected.

On a model of Pakistani Administered Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan will also have a Council which will be headed by Prime Minister of Pakistan just like in case of PAK; and Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan will be its Vice-Chair. The Gilgit-Baltistan Council will consist of 15 members. Six members will be selected by the President, Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan. Six members proposed by the Chief Minister and the Legislative Assembly of Gilgit Baltistan. The Minister for Kashmir Affairs will be a member of the Council; however he will not have right to vote.

Although Gilgit Baltistan will have its own Legislative Assembly, but in practise it won’t have much work to do as the Council Chaired by Prime Minister of Pakistan and outnumbered by Pakistani members will take most decisions; and the Assembly will have no power to challenge any of the decisions.

Apart from that the Governor and other Pakistani officials, like in case of PAK will wield tremendous power. They will ensure that only pro Pakistan people are elected to the Assembly; and that elected people do not cross the line, as the ‘elected’ Members don’t cross the line in PAK.

The Gilgit Baltistan Assembly or Council won’t be allowed to discuss or legislate on issues relating to defence, foreign affairs, finance, security and interior. It will have no power to legislate against the principles of Sharia, and in case of any confusion it can approach the Islamic Ideology Council of Pakistan. Furthermore, just like in PAK, no one will be allowed to legislate or work against the ideology of Pakistan.

It is because of all this the people of Gilgit Baltistan have rejected this package, although some pro Pakistan and insignificant people have welcomed it. Hamid Khan, Chair of BNF said: "I strongly condemn this type of setup which further strengthens Pakistani occupation”. He said the package is designed to ‘strengthen the bureaucracy and unelected forces which rule on the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He calls it a ‘governor rule’.

It is a ‘New Package with old policy’, which aims to maximise Pakistani gains at the expense of the local people. Aim of Pakistani policy makers has always been to subjugate people, deprive them of fundamental rights, strengthen undemocratic forces, and promote communalism, extremism and hatred to divide people and plunder resources of this area.

Malika Baltistani, Chairperson Gilgit Baltistan National Alliance, in a letter to PM of Pakistan said: ‘It is a mournful reality that you have further continued a tradition to prolong our slavery by only altering the titles of the portfolios of our future "masters" than transforming our constitutional, democratic and basic rights from darkness to enlightenment. What you have "endowed" upon us is a provincial set up but without a provincial status, a political system without political empowerment, a constitutional package without constitutional rights, a constitutional draft for Gilgit Baltistan without the input or suggestions by Gilgitis and Baltis’.

Only thing which people have appreciated is the change of name; otherwise all those who matter have rejected the package and called it ‘an eye-wash’; and a gimmick of words to perpetuate the bureaucratic rule over the region. Manzoor Hussain Parwana, Chairman Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement said, “The so called provincial set up aims at concealing the human rights violations and continue the colonial control over the region”.

Advocate Ehsan Ali, Chief of Labour Party Pakistan Gilgit Chapter rejected the package and said that it would increase the sense of deprivation among the people. “The real powers rest with the governor, who is President’s appointee and not answerable to Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly,” said Mr Ehsan. There is no constitutional protection to the provincial setup.

One can see the strength of feelings against this undemocratic package given to people of Gilgit Baltistan by a government which brags about its love for democracy and rights of people. If leaders of PPP are sincere with cause of democracy and human rights then they should consider withdrawing this package and take people of the area in confidence before declaring anything.

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

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Another step to annex Gilgit and Baltistan

2009-08-29T17:39:00.000-07:00

Another step to annex Gilgit and Baltistan
Dr Shabir Choudhry 29 August 2009

Pakistan has finally come out with its plan to annex areas of former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir - Gilgit and Baltistan. Some Kashmiri activists have always provided benefit of doubt to Pakistani designs on Kashmir dispute; and urge people to concentrate only on ‘liberating’ areas of the State from India.

Among this category of political activists include some so called nationalist leaders who are based in Rawalpindi and around chandni chowk, and who have been working under cover for the agencies of Pakistan to further the interest of Pakistan. It is still time for this class of people to abandon their past policies and advance the cause of people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan always had eyes on the State of Jammu and Kashmir; and has made many unsuccessful attempts to grab whole of Jammu and Kashmir. Areas of Gilgit and Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir are under direct and indirect control of Pakistan since 1947. Gilgit and Baltistan was directly ruled and was known as Northern Areas of Pakistan – a term always opposed and denounced by the people of the area.

Whereas areas of Pakistani Administered Kashmir, known as Azad Kashmir enjoyed some social and political rights; areas of Gilgit and Baltistan were denied all basic rights and were ruled with iron fist. The situation in Gilgit and Baltistan was so bad that some conscientious Pakistani and some Pakistani human rights activist called it a colony of Pakistan.

Pakistani government knows that legally these areas are not part of Pakistan. Famous constitutional expert Abid Hassn Minto said: “The people of this important region are administered under the Citizenship Act but the territory is not a constitutional part of Pakistan. Pakistan’s Constitution does not say a single word about Gilgit-Baltistan. This is a worst example of human rights violation.” He further said, Gilgit-Baltistan was not constitutional part of Pakistan and people of region had been deprived of all fundamental human rights.

Pakistan has made enormous economic and political gains from these areas since 1947. With help of China they have started many mega projects in the area which benefit both countries – China and Pakistan, and not the people of the area. Pakistan has finalised construction of Diamer Basha Dam, which is the biggest and most expensive project ever taken up by Pakistan. So Pakistani investment and gains in the area are in billions of dollars; and there is no way they will let go this gold mine.
It was expected that before committing to these mega projects, Pakistan would like to take legal control of these areas. In order to provide a legal cover to this land grabbing they have announced (29 August 2009) a new package. While addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said, ‘Nortehrn Areas’ now will be called Gilgit and Baltistan, which will have 15-member Administrative Council which will choose the Chief Minister. There will be six Ministers along with three Technocrat seats and two women seats.
The Cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan, according to the news, will approve their budget, but it is not clear who will make the budget. In the past it is always Islamabad who has run the show with help of some local puppets; and it is believed that it will be the case of old wine in new bottles and not much will change. They simply want to change names of different office bearers and give them some additional rights.
Previously Islamabad appointed Chairman, and now his post has been upgraded with a title of Governor, which will be appointed by Islamabad. Similarly the Northern Areas Legislative Council will be upgraded to the status of Assembly; and existing NALAs Advisors will become Ministers. The post of the Chief Executive will be upgraded to the post of Chief Minister.
Furthermore Gilgit and Baltistan will have Auditor General and Election Commissioner, but it is not clear who will appoint them and if they will be local people or they will be Pakistanis, as is the case with Lent Officers in Pakistani Administered Kashmir.
Governors are appointed in provinces and Gilgit and Baltistan is not a province of Pakistan, then what is logic of appointing a governor for these areas. Minister of Kashmir Affairs, Qamar Zaman Kaira has been appointed Governor, and it looks that Islamabad wants to legalise its occupation of these areas.
According to the game plan a new elections will be held in November 2009. Islamabad based bureaucracy and agencies have mastered the art of rigging elections and they will get a result which is desired by Islamabad. Call it Cabinet, Council or group of puppets they will rubber stamp the process ‘accession to Pakistan’. In the past there has been no accession to Pakistan or any kind of election or plebiscite to ascertain the views of the people, yet Islamabad has always relied on lies and claimed that these people have acceded to Pakistan.
Different Kashmiris have shown their reaction to this new move of Islamabad. Abbas Butt, Chairman of Kashmir National Party, expressed his anger and requested all Kashmiris to oppose this annexation of our territory, as it would lead to division of Jammu and Kashmir. Nawaz Majeed, Secretary General of KNP Britain Zone said, it is time that KNP take a lead on this matter and invite all like minded parties to oppose designs of Pakistan. He said if we remain quiet then it will encourage Pakistan to continue with its policy of grabbing Kashmir, and one day same thing will happen to Azad Kashmir.
While talking to BBC, former Prime Minister of Pakistani Administered Kashmir Sardar Atiq Khan said: he is in favour that people of Gilgit and Baltistan should get their fundamental rights to redress their lack of freedom and other rights, but the way positions of Governor and Chief Minister have been announced indicate that Pakistan wants to make it a province. It shows some kind of conspiracy to divide Kashmir. He further said Gilgit and Baltistan is part of Jammu and Kashmir State, and its future should be decided in accordance with the UN resolutions.
Even Amanullaah Khan could not remain quiet on this. While talking to BBC, he said: Pakistan has brought itself to the level of India. India calls Kashmir as its integral part and Pakistan has annexed a Kashmiri territory and practically divided Kashmir. He said he will oppose this decision of Pakistan. (We know he won’t oppose Pakistan or any of its policies on Kashmir, but in order to stay alive politically he also has to pay some lip service. May be his services will be used to further demoralise and divide Kashmiris).
Manzoor Hussain Parwana, Chairman Gilgit Baltistan United Movement said: “The so-called provincial set is fraudulent and blackmailing offers of the government which aimed to conceal the political atrocities and brutal colonial control on the people in the occupied region”.
He further said: ‘The government of Pakistan’s empowerment act granted to the people of Gilgit Baltistan is illegal and holds no ground at all because Gilgit Baltistan does not fall under the constitution of Pakistan’. The people of Gilgit Baltistan reject the cosmetic package to the region; and demand ‘Azad Kashmir Like set up, to run the region as a country’.
Now that government of Pakistan has put its cards on the table and has once again shown that they have no interest in independence or territorial integrity of the State of Jammu and Kashmir; is it not time for people of Jammu and Kashmir to open their eyes and formulate a new policy to counter threat of division of the State.
Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Pakistan uproots more Kashmiri people by dam plan

2009-08-24T17:36:00.001-07:00

Pakistan uproots more Kashmiri people by dam plan
Dr Shabir Choudhry 25 August 2009

How sweet of Pakistani government - they have given us two pieces of news in one week, and both are related to construction of dams and uprooting of tens of thousands people of Pakistani Occupied Gilgit Baltistan.

On 21 August 2009, after meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council, federal ministers Qamar Zaman Kaira and Raja Pervez Ashraf told reporters that the plan to construct Diamer Bahsha Dam is final and that ‘the government was working on war footing to resolve the energy crisis in the country’. The dam will generate 4,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity and store 6.4 million acre feet of water; and for that Pakistani officials don’t care if tens of thousands of people of Gilgit and Baltistan are uprooted to meet energy needs of Pakistan.

They claimed that the nation is ‘united’ on this issue, and that people of Gilgit and Baltistan also have no objections to this. May be people of Pakistan are united on this issue as they don’t have to construct Kala Bagh dam to meet their water and energy requirements and uproot Pakistani people, but surely people of Gilgit and Baltistan are not happy with this project.

The respected ministers did not say what method they used to ascertain agreement or no objection certificate from the people of Gilgit and Baltistan. Did they have a referendum, a survey; or they assumed this by sitting in their luxurious offices in Islamabad.
Before people of the area could digest this news another bombshell was thrown at them that Pakistan will construct Bunji Dam in Astore district of Gilgit and Baltistan. Like the Diamer Bahsha Dam, China will provide help and finance to construct Bunji Dam, which will have a capacity of generating 7,000 megawatts of electricity.

As expected the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council has not resolved the issue of royalty; and has left it for the authorities to resolve this issue. Bureaucrats of Pakistan have mastered the art of exploiting their colony in such a style that the people feel the Pakistani officials have done them a favour by this exploitation. Some sincere nationalists who try to expose the designs of Islamabad are silenced with help of puppets in the area.

Diamer Basha Dam will submerge vast areas of Gilgit and Baltistan; and will take only a tiny bit of area from North West Frontier Province. These technical experts who planned the dam knew what exactly they were doing. They selected the site that a small village called Basha in district Kohistan plays a key role on the issue of royalty and profit sharing. According to article 161 (2) of the Constitution:
‘The net profits earned by the Federal Government, or any undertaking established or administered by the Federal Government from the bulk generation of power at a hydro-electric station shall be paid to the Province in which the hydro-electric station is situated’.

The technical bureaucrats of Pakistan planned the project in such a way that Hydro – electric station is situated in Basha village of NWFP, that royalty is paid to a Pakistani province rather than Giglit and Baltistan, which is not legally part of Pakistan. In other words, Tens of thousands of people of Gilgit and Baltistan get uprooted for this project, their history, culture and graves of their love ones submerge in water; and Pakistan gets water for irrigation and electricity to run their factories, and a Pakistani province of NWF bags the royalty. Isn’t that a great deal for Pakistan and rough deal for people of Gilgit and Baltistan based on exploitation and oppression?

The rate of royalty is to be determined by inter-provincial forum known as Council of Common Interest (CCI); and because Gilgit and Baltistan is not legally part of Pakistan and therefore has no representation in CCI, so it is clear that the decision will go in favour of NWFP. The article 161 (2) further explains that ‘For the purposes of this clause "net profits" shall be computed by deducting from the revenues accruing from the bulk supply of power from the bus-bars of a hydro-electric station at a rate to be determined by the Council of Common Interests’.

However, the Parliament of Pakistan, if they wish, can make a specific amendment to the above and enable a province or a territory hosting the dam to get the royalty or share it with another territory. But isn’t that a wishful thinking? Pakistani governments abandoned all plans to construct Kala Bagh dam, even though these plans were made as far back as in 1950s, and have cost millions to the exchequer, just because they did not want to annoy their political allies.

In view of this can Islamabad government annoy politicians of NWFP and give royalty to Gilgit and Baltistan, especially when these areas have no representation in Pakistani Senate or National Assembly?

Once completed the Daimer Basha Dam will be able to store more water and produce more electricity than Tarbela dam. That means it should get more royalty than the Tarbela Dam, which brings around 8 billion per annum in royalty to government of NWFP; and that is more than the total annual budget for Gilgit and Baltistan.

A Legislative Council in Gilgit and Baltistan, known as ‘Northern Areas Legislative Council’ passed a resolution requesting the government in NWFP to withdraw its demand for royalty in favour of Gilgit and Baltistan in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence of justice, equality and benefit sharing. This won’t happen because one cannot expect from a lion to promote equality in jungle and ban eating of meat.

In the past Pakistani governments have uprooted people of Jammu and Kashmir more than once to meet energy and water needs of Pakistan. It is ironic that this so called ‘friend and big brother’ of Kashmiris did that very callously and without any care for welfare of the people of the area; and without paying appropriate compensation or any royalty, which is normally paid to provinces of Pakistan.

Despite strong protests from people of Mirpur Mangla Dam was constructed in 1967, but no royalty for the dam was paid to the government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir until few years ago; whereas government of North West Frontier Province is receiving royalty for Tarbela Dam ever since its completion in 1976. After repeated requests from government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir government of Pakistan set up a Committee in 1987 under Chairmanship of Mehboob Ul Haq to look in to the royalty issue.

The Committee recommended that government of NWFP should get royalty of 3 billion rupees per annum for the Tarbela Dam; and the government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir should get 2 billion for the Mangla Dam. Despite this no royalty was paid to the Pakistani Administered Kashmir until few years ago, and it was at much reduced rate – less than one billion; whereas government of NWFP gets 8 billion for the Tarbella Dam now.

I am no one to say whether Pakistan should construct Kala Bagh dam or not, but I have every right to say that Pakistani governments should learn to construct dams inside their own territory. Gilgit and Baltistan is part of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir, and is not part of Pakistan; and Pakistani governments democratic or undemocratic have no right to violate State Subject Laws and illegally construct dams in a disputed territory.

At a time when plans to construct Kala Bagh dam were taking a serious shape, a Pakistani nationalist leader Wali Khan said: this construction is against the interest of his people; and if authorities went ahead with these plans they will blow up the dam with a bomb.

When plans for construction of Basha Dam were at early stage and people of the area also protested against the construction of the dam. A Kashmiri Khan (Amanullah Khan), who hails from Gilgit and Baltistan but lives in Rawalpindi for convenience, was on a visit to the area and had an opportunity to address a gathering.

He did not oppose the construction of the dam, rather demanded that the dam’s name should be changed to Diamer dam as it was to be constructed in that district. His second demand was about royalty for the dam. The authorities said we accept 50% of demands: change of name from Basha Dam to Diamer Basha Dam, and issue of royalty will be decided by relevant authorities.

The change of name does not change anything, as people still get uprooted and our history, culture and land gets submerged in water, but the Kashmiri Khan and his followers claimed this as a ‘victory’. I wish we people of Jammu and Kashmir had one Wali Khan, instead of so many ‘Khans’, Rajas, Choudhrys, Sardars, Maliks and puppets of those who occupy us.

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

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Test for Kashmiri nationalists

2009-07-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Test for Kashmiri nationalists
Dr Shabir Choudhry 29 July 2009
Sardar Liaquat Ayat is not only in hot water but he is in jail. He is going through this ordeal not because he has committed any crime but because he has expressed an opinion which is against interest of the ruling elite.
He is a known Kashmiri nationalist, and President of Jammu Kashmir National Awami Party. I have not met him but he came to my attention when I read his interview in Saeed Asad’s book regarding human rights abuse in Neelam Valley. Sardar Liaquat Ayat very bravely and unequivocally exposed acts of human rights abuse committed by Pakistan army. His statement was so good that we produced quotes for the speech which was delivered at Geneva by KNP Chairman, Abbas Butt.
Sardar Liaquat Ayat while referring to Pakistan army, said:
‘Forces of occupation were present everywhere and openly displaying their weapons to harass people. If you want to see unruly army, which has no care for welfare of the people, and which is not controlled by any one then visit the Neelam Valley. This army is stationed in villages and populated areas. There is no concept of sanctity of ‘chader and chaar divari’ - meaning respect for home and dignity of women, because honour and dignity is trampled under big boots of the army. Dignity and honour of no one is safe here. Sexual abuse is common here; and because of fear factor no one dares to complain’.
When I read this statement I knew he will have to pay for his honesty and bravery. He was arrested for holding a public meeting on 19 July, and exposing a political fraud committed on this date in 1947. The ruling party - Muslim Conference, in Pakistani Administered Kashmir claims that their party on this date passed accession to Pakistan resolution. History does not support this contention, but when lies are spoken consistently and over a long period of time some people will believe them.
The facts are that in a press conference held on 28 May 1947, Choudhry Hameedullah, acting President of the Muslim Conference said: ‘Accession to Pakistan will disturb Hindus while accession to India will disturb Muslims. Therefore, we have decided not to enter into any controversy either with India or Pakistan. The second thing we have decided is that we should try to acquire independence for the State. The third question now before us is what would be the position of the Maharaja? We have never been lacking in showing loyalty and respect for him and it is because of this attachment that we did not support the Quit Kashmir Movement although in one way it was a natural Movement. We, therefore, felt that we should try to find a solution which will maintain the position of the Maharaja Bahdur while at the same time, it should also satisfy the Praja. The best solution that we have found is that the Maharaja should become a constitutional King as is the position in many countries…… The fourth thing that we have decided is that we should a Constituent Assembly of our own to draft our constitution……’
Choudhry Hameedullah had full support of leadership of the party, and it was expressed in the meeting of the Working Committee of the Muslim Conference on 18 July 1947. The working Committee after careful consideration unanimously endorsed the statement made by, the acting President, Choudhry Hameedullah; and ‘ unanimously adopted a resolution calling upon the Maharaja to declare independence and assured him of the Party’s wholehearted support and co operation.’
This was a bombshell to all those who regarded Muslim Conference as their ‘pet’, and regarded Kashmir being in their ‘pocket’. Much publicised Muslim Conference ‘Convention’ was itself a fraud, as no official invitations were given to delegates, which is the normal practise. A small advertisement was placed in newspaper and members were requested to attend the ‘Convention’, which was attended by less than hundred people, and mainly supports of Mirwaiz who were motivated by religious fervour.
On 19 July 1947 a resolution was passed that was contradictory to the one passed by the Working Committee, which normally consists of matured and experienced people. It was also contradictory to the official policy of the party and statement of Choudhry Hameedullah. The resolution said, ‘It is, therefore, necessary that the State must accede to Pakistan’. People wonder what had happened between 18th and 19th July which brought about a complete U – turn.
Sardar Liaquat Hayat was arrested for crime of exposing political fraud committed on 19 July 1947, and imposed on reluctant people of Jammu and Kashmir in order to promote their own interest and also the interest of Islamabad. He condemned the so called ‘accession resolution’, and advanced the cause of democratic, secular, and united independent Jammu and Kashmir.
Pro Pakistan government and Pakistani agencies have shown what they are capable of doing. They have arrested these leaders, which is clear abuse of their human rights and clear violation of UNCIP resolutions on Kashmir, which says: ‘All authorities within the State of Jammu and Kashmir will undertake to ensure in collaboration with the Plebiscite Administrator that:
(a) There is no threat, coercion or intimidation, bribery or other undue influence on the voters in plebiscite;
(b) No restrictions are placed on legitimate political activity throughout the State. All subjects of the State, regardless of creed, caste or party, shall be safe and free in expressing their views and in voting on the question of the accession of the State to India or Pakistan. There shall be freedom of the Press, speech and assembly and freedom of travel in the State, including freedom of lawful entry and exit;
(c) All political prisoners are released;
(d) Minorities in all parts of the State are accorded adequate protection; and
(e) There is no victimisation’.
We people of Jammu and Kashmir are a divided lot. We have failed to shown unity when most needed. NAP is a pro independent party, which like other parties needs a political space, but we have to see it differently. We have to view this as an attack on our liberties, attack on a fellow leader and attack on our fundamental belief of independence. We have to demonstrate our complete solidarity with NAP leaders and take active part in release of these leaders. It should not be taken as a struggle of NAP, but struggle of all those who believe in united and independent Kashmir, and all those who believe in secular, democratic and progressive Kashmir.
In this regard I request all nationalist parties to fully cooperate with NAP leaders and support all their programmes to demonstrate unity; and send a clear message to the authorities that if you want peace and harmony in this region then release these political prisoners immediately and without any conditions. Apart from that I request nationalist parties to organise protests independently as well to show that it is not struggle of NAP only, but struggle of all freedom loving people.
Apart from that NAP and other nationalist parties should contact embassies and Foreign Offices of different countries and explain the plight of people and human rights abuse perpetrated in Pakistani Administered Kashmir. If we Kashmiri nationalists failed to get release of these innocent people then it will be a clear signal to the authorities that these people are divided and cannot rise above their petty differences.
This impression will open a floodgate of human rights abuses in this area, and lead to subjugation of other nationalists. We need to send a clear message to the authorities that we will not allow them to contravene our social, political and economic rights; and any attempt to curb our human rights will be opposed and brought to the attention of the international community.
Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

India Pakistan talks - Gilani scores a goal.

2009-07-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

India Pakistan talks - Gilani scores a goal.
Dr Shabir Choudhry 17 July 2009

On side lines of NAM Summit, Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan met in Egyptian holiday resort of Sharm El Sheikh. Good thing is that they have managed to issue a joint statement as well. This indicates some progress in talks and climb down by India, despite strong and arrogant stand before the talks.

Since the Mumbai carnage in November 2008, India has consistently and emphatically maintained that the dialogue process cannot resume till Pakistan takes "concrete" and "visible" action against perpetrators of Mumbai terrorist attacks. But many thought it was only posturing and because of geo political situation and war on terrorism, India could not afford to stay away from the negotiating table for too long.

Pakistani government and its supporters are claiming a great ‘success’ in the talks. Some Pakistanis claim Gilani has scored a goal over his old and very experienced rival. For the first time the Pakistani Prime Minister has demonstrated good performance, which could be the result of better preparation and team work.

There is more than one way to look at what is there in the Joint Statement. However one Indian, Aditya, commented in the following words; ‘The joint statement sounds like a virtual surrender by India after the high sounding rhetoric that talks would resume only if the terrorism sponsored from across was stop’.

The meeting between the two teams was a long one, spread over three hours, which included nearly one hour of one to one exchange of views between the Prime Ministers. Pakistanis can claim to have come out jubilant that once again the Indian government because of different influences have agreed to start the dialogue process.

Moreover they have managed to get a kind of ‘admission’ that India has some role in the matters of Balochistan and other turbulent areas of Pakistan. The government of Pakistan has consistently claimed that India was behind the troubles in Balochistan and others areas of FATA and Malakand; and in view of those allegations even to get a reference of ‘Balochistan’ and ‘other areas’ in a joint statement is a big achievement of the Pakistani team.

Conversely Indians can claim that they have managed to avoid a mention of Kashmir in the joint statement; and that is a blow to the Pakistani stand on Kashmir and makes it a laughing stock. It makes people think that government of Pakistan is not serious with the Kashmir dispute; and that their policy changes with time. However Pakistanis can claim that issue of Kashmir is inherently included when the text says: ‘India was ready to discuss all issues with Pakistan, including all outstanding issues’.

Traditionally both countries accuse each other for various terrorist related activities. Pakistan has provided arms, training and other logistic support to those who fight against Indian rule in Kashmir, and India has continually complained against this. But Pakistan has never accepted that they have provided any arms or training, rather they always say we provide ‘political and diplomatic support’.

I have no evidence if India is involved in arming and financing terrorism in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan, but the joint statement implies that India has some role in it. This is very crucial part of the joint statement, as it is recognition of an Indian involvement in various parts of Pakistan.

Apart from that the Pakistani team claim a victory over India, its past stand and behaviour on dialogue because of the following in the joint statement: ‘Both Prime Ministers recognized that dialogue is the only way forward. Action on terrorism should not be linked to the Composite Dialogue process and these should not be bracketed’.

This appears to be a climb down by India which consistently claimed that the talks could not take place until the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks were punished. Pakistan got resumption of talks by making another promise that they will do "everything in its power” to combat terrorism. Taking this as a victory, Prime Minister Gilani said, "All core issues that were pending under composite dialogue should be discussed... That should not be bracketed with this Mumbai incident."

In the past whenever there was a major ‘terrorist action’ in Jammu and Kashmir or in India, the government of India used to express strong reaction; and at times abandon talks. The above sentence in the text indicates that it will not happen in future. In other words one can deduce that the dialogue process will continue even if a major terrorist action is committed, especially if there is no visible official link to these terrorist actions.

Perhaps the Indian Prime Minister realised this mistake and later on he said: “A composite dialogue cannot begin unless and until the terrorist attacks that shook Mumbai are accounted for and the perpetrators of these heinous crimes brought to book. The starting point of any meaningful dialogue with Pakistan has to have their commitment not to let their territory be used for terrorist activities against India. If acts of terrorism continue to be perpetrated, there is no question of a dialogue, let alone a composite dialogue.”

However this is not what the joint statement says. The joint statement makes no mention of Pakistan's commitment of 6 January 2004, in which Pakistan agreed not to allow its territory to be used for terrorism against India; and the Prime Minister of India’s statement appear to contradict the official joint statement. I hope that assurances given to each other in Sharm El Sheikh are sincere and both parties implement the agreement in letter and spirit

Some commentators claim young and energetic Gilani desperately needed some success to boost his credentials at home and abroad, because many were taking him as a lame duck Prime Minister. He managed to persuade the old and experienced Prime Minister of India that if we don’t resume talks India could have more terrorist attacks as it will weaken his position and strengthen those who believe in gun culture and violence.
That may not be the whole truth. Government of India also wanted to start the dialogue. They could not have remained stubborn and appear uncompromising when Hillary Clinton is due to visit Delhi on her visit to the country, in which both countries expect to conclude big and attractive deals. India wanted to show that they are willing to make compromise and support the war on terrorism.

The Indian Premier in his second term in office wants to make some serious progress and improve relations with the arch rival – Pakistan; so he, like Premier Gilani also went to Sharm El Sheikh with an open mind and with intention to make some progress. Both Prime Ministers were eager for success and to wanted to create this impression that they were serious in their fight against terrorism and to improve bilateral relations. It is because of this Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has apparently given another concession by agreeing to review the Mumbai dossier.

By agreeing to this India has very cleverly put Pakistan in dock and now it is Pakistan’s turn to clean on terrorism and bring culprits to justice. Apart from that Pakistan has to clearly demonstrate that Pakistan is genuine in its fight against terrorism; and resolving all dispute with India through a process of dialogue.

What this means is that America, Britain and other countries with stakes in Pakistan and peace and stability of the region will use their influence to coerce Pakistan to ‘do more’. Prime Minister Gilani appears to be victorious, but in my view that was only a first round, and there are other rounds to be played yet. Outcome of this ‘coercion’ and policy of ‘do more’ together with Secretary Level talks will ultimately determine who has won in Sharm El Sheikh.

Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

It is time to talk

2009-07-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

It is time to talk
Dr Shabir Choudhry 10 July 2009

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Yousuf Raza Gilani and his Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh are due to meet next week in Sharm El Sheikh, Egyptian Red Sea resort. Before their meeting Foreign Secretaries of the both countries will meet to work out a mechanism to kick start the peace process which became causality of the Mumbai carnage perpetrated by terrorists in November 2008.

True, it is time to talk, as that is the only way to resolve disputes and build bridges of trust and confidence. Both countries had many rounds of talks in the past, but have failed to make substantive progress on core issues; however they have made some progress on insignificant issues, although they have their own importance and can help to create conducive environment to resolve bigger disputes.

In fact, on some disputes both countries have been talking since 1947, as is the case with the Kashmir dispute; and with time the dispute gets more and more complicated. We people of Jammu and Kashmir want honourable and dignified solution to the dispute and that is no where in sight. It appears that both countries talk on Kashmir for sake of talks, and not to resolve this dispute.

Apart from that, approach of both countries to resolve the Kashmir dispute is erroneous and out of step with reality. They have treated the Kashmir dispute as a territorial one; whereas the dispute is related to fundamental rights of more than 17 million people, which include our most cherished and inalienable right of self determination.

The Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh and President of Pakistan, Asif Zardari met in Russia on 16 June 2009; and in that meeting it was agreed that Foreign Secretaries of both countries should talk to agree on a mechanism to re start the stalled talks. It must be noted that the meeting was only a side show, held when the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Yekaterinburg was taking place, where both these leaders were present as Observers.

While referring to the meeting in Sharam El Sheikh, Pakistani Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit in his weekly press briefing told journalists in Islamabad that, "We are going with an open mind and hope that the composite dialogue is resumed. We are going to be meeting with a constructive and a positive mind."

It is good to note that they intend to go there with ‘open mind’ and ‘positive mind’. But it makes people think with what kind of mind they used to attend the previous meetings and summits. Moreover what are they going to talk; and how their talk is going to be different to previous talks?

They make lofty claims to end terrorism - fight it tooth and nail, and normalise bilateral relations; but at the same time make plans to promote terrorism in a different geographical location. On one end talks were going on and Indian Prime Minister was received in Lahore where he made epoch making speech and wished to make a new start in South Asia; on the other hand plans to sabotage that process were being finalised in GHQ of Pakistan.
The ‘composite dialogue’ which continued for four years did not produce any tangible results. This resulted in frustration in some quarters; and some sections of the Pakistani establishment were expressing their disappointment and there was even some talk of revival of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. In Pakistani Administered Kashmir old training camps were being prepared to resume the old job.

Despite the fight against militants in Pakistan, very reliable reports from the local people reveal that militant activities along the LOC, especially in Neelam Valley has increased. This will ultimately result in more problems for the people of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the LOC. It appears for some sections of the Pakistani establishment, militant activities in Kashmir are still jihad; and it is terrorism only when bombs go off inside Pakistan.

Last year Mumbai terrorist attacks stunned many, both inside India and outside. Many feared Indian reprisals which could have escalated in to wider military confrontation. Thank God, common sense prevailed and matters did not get out of hand. However this terrorist act, which is believed to have been carried out by Lashker e Taiba, was more than enough to prematurely end the ‘composite dialogue’.

Lashker e Taiba and other terrorist outfits are alleged to have close working relationship with Pakistan’s elite secret agency. Indian claim is that LeT could not have carried out such a sophisticated mission without logistic help and support from this agency. Pakistan on the other hand denies the allegation and strongly asserts that they are also victim of terrorism and are fighting terrorism at home.

Now there is urgent need to start the dialogue process; and this realisation that dialogue must be given another chance is on both sides of the divide. Other friendly countries or those who have stake in peace and stability in the region are also urging both countries to resume the peace process.

The Americans once again feel that in order to eradicate terrorism and win war in Afghanistan, they need to pay some attention to the Kashmir dispute. America’s new Ambassador to New Delhi Timothy Roemer, while replying to Senate Foreign Relations Panel said: “I think it has been an extremely sensitive hotspot for the world and for the region, where we've almost experienced thermonuclear war on several occasions”.

He further said: “It is a delicate and sensitive issue… We would diplomatically encourage that the Pakistanis and the Indians first of all improve their relationship, their ties, their trade, their exchanges, to foster peace and more prosperity in that area between their two countries. Secondly, I think it's important to try to make sure that, where we can, in front of the scenes, behind the scenes, through diplomatic channels, encourage them to talk about this issue and hopefully resolve it between their two countries.”

Whereas I welcome the resumption of the peace process, both countries need to understand that they can resolve all their bilateral issues with this dialogue, but they will never be able to resolve the Kashmir dispute by bilateral talks. People of Jammu and Kashmir are principal party and the most suffering party; and until they are not part of the peace process there will never be any satisfactory solution to the Kashmir dispute and peace in the region.

While they are working out a new mechanism for the resumption of the peace process, they need to do take following points in mind:

1. Bilateral talks should lead to some kind of trilateral talks that people of Jammu and Kashmir are also engaged in the peace process;

2. Intra Kashmir dialogue representing all regions of the State of Jammu and Kashmir should be encouraged and facilitated that some understanding could be reached among them with regard to the future of the State; and that they can select their representatives who can take part in the dialogue to protect and promote interest of the people;

3. Concrete steps should be taken to reduce and eradicate violence and terrorism on both sides of the LOC that suffering of the people could come to an end;

4. And for this purpose terrorists and terrorist infrastructure must be uprooted both from Pakistani Administered Kashmir/ Gilgit and Baltistan and Indian Administered Kashmir that no terrorist action could jeopardise the pace process.

5. Army presence in Kashmir should be reduced that people are not intimidated and their rights are not trampled.

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

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

When drones will visit Pakistani controlled Kashmir

2009-06-27T04:52:00.001-07:00

When drones will visit Pakistani controlled Kashmir
Dr Shabir Choudhry 27 June 2009

Jihad and jihadi groups and their infrastructure have always been present in Pakistani controlled Kashmir, in fact, these areas came under control of Pakistan through use of tribesmen in name of Jihad; however a suicide attack in Muzaffarabad, capital of this area is totally new phenomenon.

According to unconfirmed reports four people, including army men died and around twenty were injured; but ISPR statement claimed: `Two soldiers embraced shahadat while three others were injured when early this morning a suicide bomber exploded himself against an Army vehicle closed to Shaukat lines, Muzaffarabad'.

In situations like this, normal practise is to blame India and its agencies, as they blame Pakistani agencies for incidents of terrorism in India and in Jammu and Kashmir; but before it could happen Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. Baitullah Mehsud’s deputy, Hakimullah Mehsud, while claiming responsibility for the attack said, ‘the attack was launched to show TTP's power’.

As soon as I heard this tragic news I phoned a Kashmiri friend who is well connected and has always been very critical of this ‘jihad’ and the jihadi forces who have no discipline, accountability and sense of responsibility. “So jihad has reached Muzaffarabad”, he retorted.

I was not expecting this from him so I asked him what he meant by that. He said: “This jihad, its teaching, its recruitment, its training and its launching to other areas in the region has proved to be very rewarding. Jihadi forces enjoyed special privileges and were perceived as above the law. They dominated the society, harassed innocent people, and dictated their terms because the government of Pakistan, its agencies and their puppets in Azad Kashmir provided all kinds of support to them. I was sure that one day this jihad will visit areas where it nourished and flourished; and probably teach new lessons to teachers and promoters of jihad”.

I was stunned by all this. How could you say that? Do you know people have been killed and militancy could destabilise this peaceful area, I said. He angrily interrupted me and said: “Why didn’t you think of this when you people set up militant camps in this area and launched terrorism in Kashmir Valley and elsewhere? Didn’t that destroy peace of those regions? Why did you remain quiet at that time?”

He was correct. Most of us one way or the other supported militancy in name of jihad or freedom struggle. I tried to wriggle out of this by saying that situation at that time was different; and that now demands of the struggle have changed. I added that we must change our tactics according to situation.

“Don’t play with words”, he interrupted me again. “Situation in human societies never stays same, and people like you take advantage of the changing situation. When it suited you people, it was jihad. When bombs were killing innocent people and destroying and destabilising other areas it was jihad. But when what was done in holy name of jihad got out of control and, bombs started to drop in various parts of Pakistan it became terrorism and shar pasandi.”
He paused for a second and ignored my request to talk. “Millions of dollars were spent to propagate jihad and militancy and its rewards. I don’t know those who have lost their lives in name of this jihad will get heaven or not but they have turned this region in to hell. Nearly three decades of open support and nourishment of terrorism in name of jihad and struggle has helped to assert its influence in every corner of Pakistan; and it could not be rooted out in days, weeks or months. Even if the authorities in Pakistan are serious and sincere in this fight; and their strategies are also correct, it will still take them many years to root it out. And who knows geo political interests and situation will change again, demanding different approach”.

I thought it is best not to tread on this path and not to provoke him. So I expressed my agreement with him that mistakes were made in the past, and that we must ensure that rule of law and basic human rights are not trampled.

He did not bite this. “No Dr Sahib, you are wrong again. It was not a mistake; and those responsible for all this do not show any remorse or even regard it a mistake. It was their deliberate and considered policy; and take it from me that policy has not changed, only their strategy has changed because of so many pressures and changes in situation.”

“Those who devised this policy of jihad and exported it to other areas”, he said, “Still openly support it. They take pride in the fact that they defeated a superpower with that jihad. They still think jihad is the only solution to the problems of Kashmir and Afghanistan; and that they have every right to continue jihad on the Indian side of Kashmir”.

However, despite all the evils the Pakistani society has, this group of people don’t want anyone to wage a ‘jihad’ against Pakistan, even when someone wants to have an Islamic laws, as that will be construed as challenge to the writ of government and brutally crushed. This group doesn’t give same right to other governments to crush those who challenge writ of the government in their countries.

He said call them Talibans, terrorists or militants, by and large they are still safe. No doubt they have suffered losses, and their structure is disrupted, but they have managed to disperse and move out to other areas. Majority of those who have been killed or uprooted from their homes are innocent people. Thousands of militants have moved to adjacent areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and other areas of Pakistan from where they will strike back.

He said around 26 people were arrested by Pakistani special forces fighting terrorism from Mirpur and Khaliqabad - areas of Azad Kashmir about two weeks ago. A large quantity of arms was also confiscated from three locations in Mirpur district, including a place called Jatalan. It is claimed that the target was Mangla Dam and Jatalan head works.

I was shaken for a moment with the prospect of blowing up of the Mangla Dam and its huge impact on people of the area and people of Pakistan. This would have given a licence to the Pakistani secret agencies to oppress Kashmiri nationalists in the area and crush the movement for independence.

Fearing the worst for my area, which is near Jatalan and Mirpur, I asked him what would be the outcome of all this. This is not to suggest that I had no concern for other areas. This news that thousands of militants have illegally entered areas of Gilgit and Baltistan worried me. My local contacts also confirmed presence of these militants, and that the local people were intimidated and they feared the worst. They feared that the Pakistani secret agencies will use this as a pretext and root out nationalists who oppose the Pakistani rule in this area.

In reply to my question he said, “Muzaffarabad suicide attack is the first one but it won’t be the last one”. He said situation in these areas is going to get worse. Presence of militants and their infrastructure in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan is a known fact. Battleground could shift and this infrastructure will be taken out. America has ‘God - given right’ to attack with drones any area where they think high value targets are hiding. What if they think some of these high value targets are hiding in Gilgit and Baltistan, which could be true, and then there is every chance that drones will strike in these areas?

This was frightening. He had a valid point. If thousands of militants have entered areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, whether drones come or not it is enough for the secret agencies of Pakistan to round up all those who are on their list as ‘trouble makers’ or ‘undesirables’. The government of Pakistan knows that people of Gilgit and Baltistan are against their rule and suppression of fundamental human rights. They also know that people have finally decided to oppose their policy of exploitation and oppose construction of dams in areas of Gilgit and Baltistan.

The presence of terrorists and Taliban in Gilgit and Baltistan, true or not, will provide an excuse to the authorities in Islamabad and to those who want to establish their unquestionable writ, and have their way in these areas will be tempted to strike at roots of nationalism of people of these areas, hence more trouble and misery. May Allah Almighty help us?
Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Contradictions in a war against terrorism

2009-06-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

Contradictions in a war against terrorism
Dr Shabir Choudhry 18 June 2009

Summary of Dr Shabir Choudhry’s speech made in a seminar organised by Interfaith International during eleventh session of the UN Human Rights Council on 10 June 2009.

It is good to note that government of Pakistan has expressed its determination to root out terrorism and extremism. They have shown their determination by conducting a military operation in Swat and other parts of Malakand Division. No one is sure how many terrorists have been killed in this operation; however one thing is sure that it has killed thousands of innocent people, and uprooted more than three millions from their homes.

The operation was started in hurry and without appropriate preparations; and as a result of that more than three million of people are languishing in camps without appropriate help and support. The hurriedly started operation helped the authorities to win support of the concerned quarters that Pakistan was serious in its resolve to fight against terrorism, but I am not convinced if it will help to defeat terrorism and extremism.

I disagree with those who claim that Pakistan will not get anything out of this war. The government is getting plenty of dollars to fight this war; just like the previous government did. The present government could not have got new funds for doing the same job for which the previous government already received the funds and did not complete the tasks.

This government had to go out in force and show that it meant business; and for that if innocent Pakistanis lose lives it doesn’t bother the ruling elite, as long as they are appropriately rewarded for this. To make things better for the ruling elite, millions of people languishing in camps will help them to attract more foreign funds, hence more embezzlement.

I respectfully disagree with those who say that the uprooted people should be settled in areas of Gilgit and Baltistan. True these areas are beautiful, weather is cold and are adjacent to the Malakand Division, but let me make it clear that we don’t want any of these people, as we already have too many Pakistanis illegally settled in our homeland. These Pakistanis are settled there in clear violation of State Subject Laws. These outsiders not only dominate economy of Gilgit and Baltistan, but also meddle in social, cultural and politics of the area.

Apart from that problems of Pakistan, be it related to violence, extremism or uprooting of people are created by the ruling elite of Pakistan; and they should resolve these issues without being burden on others. Uprooted people are Pakistanis, we feel sorry for their miseries, but they should be housed inside the territory of Pakistan. If they are housed inside the Kashmiri territory – Gilgit and Baltistan, then that will add to our problems; and might lead to more communalism, violence and extremism.

In my view internally displaced people, uprooted from cold and beautiful areas of Pakistan shall stay for long time in these camps, as there presence will help the ruling elite to beg for more money. We note with regret that people who were uprooted because of the earthquake some years ago still have not been housed, and they are also still languishing in camps in various parts of Pakistani Administered Kashmir.

No doubt junior and middle ranking officers of the Pakistan army are serious in this war; and they are suffering causalities. People are getting killed on both sides. But many Pakistanis still think it was never their war; and Pakistani authorities had to work really hard to make it their own war.

Despite all the killings and suffering, I believe Pakistan cannot win this war, as there are clear contradictions in their policy. On one hand Pakistan appears to be actively engaged in the fight against terrorism, but on the other hand leaders with history of terrorism and violence are enjoying their freedom. 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.

I met the journalist who broke the news about this land purchase and interviewed him during my recent visit to Muzaffarabad and Neelam Valley. He was threatened with sever consequences by different secret agencies of Pakistan if he did not keep his mouth shut. Apart from that the local people I met in the Neelam Valley confirmed that militants were still crossing the LOC. Of course these people were not infiltrating with intention of promoting peace and goodwill.

My concern and concern of other true nationalists of Kashmir is that because of this infiltration and land transfer people of Jammu and Kashmir will suffer on both sides of the LOC; therefore it must be stopped immediately.

This clearly shows that the Pakistani government still has two conflicting policies on terrorism and violence. Apart from that children and other relatives of those killed in this operation will resort to violence and extremism. There is also danger that terrorists or Taliban might have taken refuge in these camps and might spread to other towns and cities to promote their cause. Moreover this policy of arming people in name of ‘lashkers to fight Taliban’ is another policy to create more terrorists. End

The Seminar was also addressed by Sardar Shaukat Kashmiri, Chairman UKPNP, Hamid Khan, Chairman BNF, Suraiya Makhdoom from Sind, Munawer Laghari, from Sind and Dr Sekhlon Singh from Canada. Dr Charles Graves, Secretary General Interfaith Chaired the session and Nasir Aziz moderated it.

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

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Status of Indian and Pakistani army in Jammu and Kashmir

2009-06-16T15:23:00.001-07:00

Status of Indian and Pakistani army in Jammu and Kashmir
Dr Shabir Choudhry 16 June 2009

Dr Nazir Gilani is among a few Kashmiris who regularly write on Kashmir and human rights abuse. He, at times, comes out with new phrases, which provide a new dimension to debates. In response to my article, ‘Another own goal’, he made an interesting remark:
‘India is not an occupier in Kashmir. She is there as the consequence of a provisional agreement with the Government of Kashmir. The jurisprudence of this provisional agreement is accepted by the Government of Pakistan in all her bilateral agreements with the Government of India, namely, Tashkent Accord and Shimla Accord’.

This observation gave a new dimension to the debate and requires further consideration. The Indian army came to Jammu and Kashmir not as army of invasion; rather they came on request of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. On 22 October 1947 some parts of the State were invaded by unruly tribal warriors, killing and pillaging on their way to Srinagar, the Maharaja’s forces were not able to defend the State territory. The Maharaja had two choices: either let these tribesmen run over the country and destroy everything or seek help from India – he chose the later.

The Maharaja could not have got help from the government of Pakistan as they betrayed his trust; and despite the Standstill Agreement with the Maharaja, they stopped all the necessary supplies to the State and managed the tribal invasion to punish the Maharaja for not yielding to the demands of the Pakistani rulers who wanted State’s accession to Pakistan.

The Maharaja requested help from India, and signed an accession treaty on 26th October 1947, which was ‘provisionally’ accepted by the government of India. In line with the request of the Maharaja the Indian forces landed in Srinagar on 27th October 1947. Their primary purpose was to save the State from the invaders; and protect ‘life’, ‘liberty’ and ‘property’.

So Dr Nazir Gilani’s contention is that the Indian army did not invade the State, rather they went there on the request of the Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, and went there to protect the state from invasion. They had a specific role to perform in the State. What they did there, wrong as it might be, does not change the legal position of the army’s presence.

In reply to some of the criticism, in my next article - It is a matter of perspective- I said: ‘He (Dr Nazir Gilani) is entitled to express his opinion and defend it. Others have a right to accept it, remain silent or challenge it. Question, however, is if the Indian army, using Dr Nazir Gilani’s phrase, is not ‘an occupying force’ then logically it is a ‘legal force’. If that is so, then what is the problem? Why people of Kashmir are complaining and protesting?

I don’t know how many takers there will be for this argument in Jammu and Kashmir, and especially on the Indian side of the LOC. Also I don’t know how many people will direct their wisdom and experience to elaborate this point to the satisfaction of those who have serious grievances.
Another friend and a colleague in struggle, Mumtaz Khan, also cared to read that article and made the following comments: ‘The other point that didn’t fit into nationalistic profile of Shabir Sahib when he specifically sought opinion of Valley people on the observations of Gilani Sahib that is very much against the very essence of nationalism especially what Shabir Sahib believe in entire state Jammu and Kashmir as single entity but trying to localize it which opponent forces normally practice to keep this division alive. I do not mean to doubt his intentions but words normally create such impression’.

Perhaps my friend didn’t read carefully to note that I never used the word ‘Valley’ in that paragraph. I said: ‘I don’t know how many takers there will be for this argument in Jammu and Kashmir, and especially on the Indian side of the LOC’. Jammu and Kashmir does not mean the ‘Valley’. Similarly the phrase ‘on the Indian side of the LOC’ does not stand for the ‘Valley’.

Anyhow the fact is that many parts of the State have no complaints from the presence of the Indian army. For example, people of Gilgit and Baltistan have no problem with the Indian army. I have spoken to some leaders from Gilgit and Baltistan on the topic; they clearly have no problem from the Indian army. However their problem is related to the presence of the Pakistan army in Gilgit and Baltistan and many regard it as an army of occupation.

Similarly people of Ladakh have no problem with the presence of the Indian army in Jammu and Kashmir. I have spoken to many people from Jammu, and they seem to have no serious issue with the presence of the Indian army. However they had a serious problem with the presence of militants, many of them non Kashmiris, in parts of the Jammu region and wanted the Indian army to root them out.

Majority of people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir criticise what their brothers and sisters have to endure in the Valley, but have no direct problem with the presence of the Indian army (cross border skirmishes and firing created problems for the people, but that generally happened when there was infiltration taking place or when there was tension on the LOC which is manned by the Pakistan army from the other side).

That leaves us with the Valley of Kashmir, main part of the State in many ways; and which has faced wrath of the Indian army since 1989. The Indian army’s relationship with the Valley has been different from other areas of the State; hence majority of the people, especially in 1990s regarded the Indian army as ‘army of occupation’. I was referring to this fact rather than undermining struggle for unification and independence of the State, which has always been close to my heart.

After this explanation it would be pertinent to analyse the legal status of the Pakistani army in some parts of the State. Unlike the Indian army, the Pakistani army was never invited by a Ruler or any legitimate authority to enter the territory of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Under terms of the Standstill Agreement, Pakistan was responsible for providing certain non military services which the government of the Punjab provided during the British Raj.

But despite the Standstill Agreement Pakistani government managed a ‘Tribal invasion’ to acquire Jammu and Kashmir. Unofficially Pakistani army and civilians entered the state territory to support and direct the tribal invasion. Officially Pakistani troops entered the State territory in April 1948, not on the request of Kashmiris, but to safeguard their strategic and other national interests.

The UN Security Council took a serious notice of illegal entry of the Pakistani troops in the State territory; and the UNCIP Resolution of 13 August 1948 explains this situation in the following words:
A. (l) As the presence of troops of Pakistan in the territory of the State of Jammu and Kashmir constitutes a material change in the situation since it was represented by the Government of Pakistan before the Security Council, the Government of Pakistan agrees to withdraw its troops from that State.
(2) The Government of Pakistan will use its best endeavor 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.
I hope this explanation will help readers to understand legal status of both armies at the time of their entry in to the State territory. Their presence and role in the respective parts is subject of much controversy and resentment, but that is a separate topic.

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

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

It is a matter of perspective

2009-06-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

It is a matter of perspective
Dr Shabir Choudhry 12 June 2009

Good thing about pluralistic society is that there is more toleration and acceptance of divergent views. People are not called traitors, castigated, imprisoned or killed just because they have expressed a view which is disliked by the dominant group in the society. Endeavour is made to accommodate different views; and people are allowed to exercise their right of expression.

I frequently write on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorism and politics of South Asia. I have noticed that some Pakistani writers express their opinions on ‘Kashmiri Jihad’ and its sponsors more strongly than I do; and yet they get away with that and I face a barrage of criticism, accusing me of all sorts of things. Some even don’t hesitate to criticise my family which only shows their class and upbringing.

My last article was about the incident of Shopian, titled: ‘Another own goal’. Some emails I got in response of this praised me; and others depicted me as an evil person. Both views cannot be correct. So it is a matter of perspective and how one is viewing the events. Generally our thinking and opinions are shaped by the upbringing and experience we go through; and a person who has lived all his life in Kashmir or in a village in Pakistani Administered Kashmir is bound to have different perspective on matters with someone who has lived in democratic, liberal and progressive societies of Europe.

Criticism of some fake people with a personal agenda is largely ignored by people, but what hurts many is lack of tolerance and understanding of educated people. Unfortunately they have also developed this phenomenon that if you don’t openly agree with them or appreciate their views you are not ‘sincere’ and ‘loyal to the struggle’. In reply to these people in my previous article I said I don’t need ‘their certificate’; and I still stand by it.

My latest article has also attracted some sharp criticism. Some frustrated people, as usual, have made personal attacks. Some genuine people have directed their wisdom and experience in jurisprudence, history and law by demonstrating their knowledge and point scoring skills. Most of the points they were referring to were not ‘justified’ in the article, or even discussed, so it appears they were endeavouring to get their message across to some ‘others’. Anyhow despite the ‘spin’ in these arguments, I feel much ‘wiser’ after reading these comments; and I am sure others have also benefited from this.

Dr Nazir Gilani has made an interesting point that in law the Indian army in Kashmir is not ‘an occupying force’. He is very skilful writer and knows his subject well; and there is no limit to his wisdom and analytical ability. He is entitled to express his opinion and defend it. Others have a right to accept it, remain silent or challenge it. Question, however, is if the Indian army, using Dr Nazir Gilani’s phrase, is not ‘an occupying force’ then logically it is a ‘legal force’. If that is so, then what is the problem? Why people of Kashmir are complaining and protesting?

I don’t know how many takers there will be for this argument in Jammu and Kashmir, and especially on the Indian side of the LOC. Also I don’t know how many people will direct their wisdom and experience to elaborate this point to the satisfaction of those who have serious grievances.

It is totally wrong assumption that I am ‘provoked’ to write by telephone calls or by emails. Everyday I receive many telephone calls and emails on topic of Kashmir and terrorism and peace in South Asia. I don’t write an article on every email or telephone call. I select my topics carefully. My topics deal with current issues – issues which are related to real people; and aim always is to inform, educate and generate discussion. But when people have no logical argument to oppose or defend an argument they resort to foul language and personal attacks.

Apart from my critics, the article, ‘Another own goal’ was also read by many other people, among them was Mohammad Ishaq Khan, President UKPNP, Belgium branch. His view is different to those who have daggers in their hands. With his permission I am producing the letter, which is as follows:

Dear Doctor Sahib, Regards

‘Sir I regularly see your posts on Kashnet and on Kashmirmail. I find your mails quite informative and well prepared which provide a great material on Kashmir issue. I also see the people who criticize your views, which is also a good sign. But I see some people who do not see if you are right or wrong just criticize you in a very poor and stupid way. Their purpose of course is to differ even if you write a verse of the Holy Koran, believe me. I know you are a committed nationalist and a learned person. I never saw any negative sign in your mail but some morally very low level people use very dirty and bad language on kashnet against you. I do not know what their purpose is but I do understand that they have nothing to do with movement for freedom. So the purpose of my this email to you is to ensure you that where there is a tiny group of people using bad language against you, there are many more who respect you and want to see your mails and articles. And the second purpose of this mail is to request you not to answer those people who have no sense…….’

Yours sincerely
Mohammad Ishaq Khan, President UKPNP, Belgium

I had other emails appreciating this article, but I chose to use this email for four reasons: He is a Kashmiri nationalist. He is a known person and is the President in Belgium of a well known nationalist political party. And above all he is not a fake man, and lives in a pluralistic society. If I had used any other person’s email, not known in political circles then critics would have sprung in to action, and would have called him fake.

If I remain quiet I am criticised. If I condemn the Shopian incident – rape and murder, and demand full investigation and punishment, I am criticised. If I oppose and expose opportunists and selfish Kashmiri leaders, I am criticised. If I draw comparison between two occupying countries and try to explain that depending on situation both forces of occupation could brutally crush us, I am criticised.

Mohammed Ishaq Khan has accurately put it: Even if I write a verse of Koran they will criticise that as well. It looks when I write, intentionally or inadvertently I touch some ‘raw’ nerves or tender nerves; and people get disturbed. The ‘task’ of some people is to criticise me no matter what I write. They remain silent and as soon as I write something they are ‘activated’. Their ‘job’ is to insult me and oppose me hoping that I will be demoralised and give up my struggle. They are totally wrong. It strengthens my resolve and makes me think that I must be doing something right that so many people are ‘activated’.

Some critics say my writings demoralise people. I have failed to understand this logic. I have condemned rape and murder in Shopian, how can that demoralise anyone? I have demanded investigation and punishment for the culprits, and how can that demoralise anyone? I have criticised corrupt and selfish leaders and how could that demoralise anyone? Only cronies and blind followers of those corrupt leaders and their handlers could be could be demoralised by this; and every true citizen of Jammu and Kashmir should do everything in their power to demoralise them.

Apart from that if a person shoots another person on head at point blank; and a third person says the victim is expected to die. How could anyone with common sense call this ‘justifying’ the shooting?

What I said was that all forces of occupation commit crimes like this; it does not mean that I justify them. In fact, in the same article I wrote: ‘Kashmir, especially the Valley has been unfortunate in this context where tens of thousands of people have lost their lives and people are imprisoned, killed in torture cells and women suffered rapes and humiliation. I and many other people including human rights activists condemn all this; and demand that the culprits must be punished for these crimes’.

I have no issue with the state of Pakistan, but I have very strong issue with their Kashmir policy, as it affects me and other people of Jammu and Kashmir State. But I have no interest in defending interests of India or Pakistan; however it looks some people are distressed when some disturbing facts are presented about Pakistan.

We come from different social, political, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and it is natural that we differ on issues; but while defending or promoting an argument we must respect each other. I don’t expect every one to agree with me, but I expect some to understand my point of view.
Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Another own goal

2009-06-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

Another own goal
Dr Shabir Choudhry 08 June 2009

A friend phoned me and asked me about this tragic incident in Shopian where two innocent girls were allegedly raped and killed. ‘It was tragic and blatant abuse of human rights’, I said to him.

He said, “If you really think it was human rights abuse and you condemn it then why have you not written against it?” I told him no one can say it was not human rights abuse; and every person with conscience will condemn that; but do we need to write an article on every rape and every murder which takes place?

Tragic is the incident of Shopian – it must be very agonising for the relatives and friends of the families concerned, but is it not true that in most Third World countries- and even in so called advanced and civilised countries - human rights abuse, rapes and murders are common. Does that mean one has to write an article to demonstrate that he/she condemns it?

Kashmir, especially the Valley has been unfortunate in this context where tens of thousands of people have lost their lives and people are imprisoned, killed in torture cells and women suffered rapes and humiliation. I and many other people including human rights activists condemn all this; and demand that the culprits must be punished for these crimes.

While no one can justify rape and murder, but at the same time we have to ask ourselves why all this is taking place. Did Indian forces burst in to houses of civilians in Kashmir, killed people, harassed them, torture them and raped women before 1988/9. Or all this started when we Kashmiris agreed to wage a ‘proxy war’ - in name of Jihad and freedom struggle on behalf of Islamabad that they can settle an old score with their arch foe India.

Now even in view of Islamabad that struggle or jihad is ‘terrorism’; but at that time both parties were happy with the arrangements: we Kashmiris agreed to get gun from ISI, get their training, take their money and other rewards and shot at the targets selected by them. Pakistani agencies were happy to provide all the above and more that India could be taught a lesson. By doing this did we people of Jammu and Kashmir expected that India will award us with bravery medals and welcome us with flowers?

India reacted to this just like any other power of occupation does, and we people of the State suffered immensely because of this. No doubt people of the Valley suffered more than others, and we all feel for that, but is it not true that the Kashmiri leadership also has to share the blame for suffering and misery of the people. The leadership failed to lead, because they were not leaders rather most of them were ‘proxies’; and were on pay role of agencies and lacked vision and clarity.

This is not to mitigate the offences or crimes committed in Kashmir, but the fact is that all forces of occupation commit human rights abuse. Even those countries who claim to be champions of human rights and call themselves civilized nations are culprits in this regard; and one only has to see what happened in Iraq and Afghanistan to judge their lofty claims. But they are clever and have developed a sophisticated system to influence people; and even when they kill thousands of innocent people, with help of their powerful media it is presented as a service to humanity, democracy and justice.

What India has done in Kashmir cannot be justified, and I will be the last person to justify that; but as a thinking person who has ability to analyse and make comparisons, I can visualise how Pakistan would have reacted if people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir or people of Gilgit and Baltistan had borrowed guns from India and waged a war against a Pakistani rule.

One only has to see what is going on in Swat, various parts of FATA and Balochistan, where helicopter gunships, jet fighters, heavy guns, tanks and commandoes are in action to kill Pakistanis and Muslims. More than 3 million people are made homeless and they are suffering in camps in this heat with enormous problems, and with very little support form the authorities. Some displaced people complain that they have been uprooted for the past 5 weeks and still there is no help from the government.

The Pakistani government and the army reacted in the same manner in 1970/1, when people of East Pakistan asked for their democratic rights. It is claimed that millions of people were made homeless, thousands women were raped and around three million lost their lives.

In Swat majority of people were not against Pakistan, and yet they suffered this ordeal. It is claimed by the displaced people that more people have lost their lives because of the army shelling and aerial bombardment than at hands of the Taliban. People had no choice but to flee for their lives and leave everything behind.

In the Kashmir Valley on the other hand majority of the people were against the Indian rule, and during 1990/1 it looked as India had lost. The system of government had totally collapsed, with militants calling the shots. Yet I could not remember Indian army or para military forces using jet fighters, helicopter gunships, heavy artillery, and tanks etc. Yes they were brutal. They killed, they tortured, there were custodial deaths and there were rapes; and none of that could be justified.

But if past history of Pakistan army, and present on going war and tragedy is anything to go by, then Pakistani army and agencies would have been no better. If they can do that to their own Pakistani Muslims, what will they do to us Kashmiris who are not part of Pakistan and who DONOT want to be part of Pakistan?

It is alleged that culprits in the Shopian tragedy are members of CRPF who have bases in the area, but there is no conclusive evidence to assert this claim. This tragic incident has once again demonstrated that human rights abuse still goes on there, and that people of the Valley are still angry. Despite the large turn out in the recent elections (which was to exercise their democratic right and elect their Assembly Members that they can help them in every day problems), the people of the Valley do not hesitate to express their resentment against New Delhi.

People of Kashmir have expressed their anger against this tragic incident. The government promised to take strong and quick action against the culprits, but there hasn’t been any visible progress on this matter which is fuelling public anger.

All parties connected to the Kashmir dispute have scored own goals. The Kashmiri leadership from 1947 to date have many own goals to their credit. The Government of India have many times scored own goals; and it looks that from time to time they score own goals. The last own goal was related to Amar Nath Cave and the land transfer issue. The Shopian incident, tragic as it is, has strengthened the defunct APHC, and it is viewed by some as another own goal by New Delhi.

It is not clear whether these own goals are scored by accidents and negligence or they are scored to provide new lease of life to the defunct APHC and its leadership which is generally out of step with demands of the independence struggle and geo political situation of the area.

Whoever is the culprit in this tragedy must be found and punished. The government of India is accustomed to scoring own goals and get away with the consequences. The government of Omar Abdullah is new and people have many hopes from it as well; but if it fails to investigate and punish the culprits then it will be an own goal, which could prove very costly.

Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Thank you, I don’t need this certificate

2009-05-31T12:30:00.001-07:00

Thank you, I don’t need this certificate
Dr Shabir Choudhry 31 May 2009

We people of Jammu and Kashmir are occupied because we are divided; and are not sure what we want as a nation. To make matters worse we are led by a bunch of people presented to us as leaders who are selfish and egocentric, and who clearly lack vision, sincerity and sense of direction. Moreover they are more eager to promote agendas of New Delhi and Islamabad rather than protecting rights and interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir.

A policy was initiated to persuade people that areas under Pakistan were Azad - meaning independent and problem was only on the Indian side of the divide. This policy was instigated by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs of Pakistan and their agencies, and launched with help of their political proxies known as Kashmiri leaders.

Plight of People of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan and their basic human rights were swept aside and they were persuaded, rather pressurised to support the ‘struggle’ on the other side and speak against India. It is fact that people of that side had more rights and better facilities than we can even imagine on this side of the divide.

Test of one’s sincerity was how strongly or eloquently one can yell against lack of rights on the Indian side and Indian atrocities. And how sincerely, explicitly and vigorously one can support and commend Pakistan’s role in the areas under Pakistani control and in war of ‘liberation’. If one could pass this test, he/ she was presented as a true leader of people of Kashmir and appropriately rewarded.

Unfortunately leaders of the nationalist movement or independence movement were also cultivated to pursue the same policy. People who had enacted this policy and fine - tuned it according to new situation had to persuade top leaders of nationalist groups, and it was left to them to handle matters within their parties. Any member or a leader who refused to follow this line of action or questioned a rationale of this policy was either sidelined or declared ‘anti movement’, ‘anti organisation’ or ‘agent’ of agencies and expelled from the party.

This policy worked for both the agencies and the top leadership of nationalist groups, who used this ‘guillotine’ frequently and mercilessly to advance their political interest and to please their paymasters. Pakistani planners were pleased that they have managed to trap Indian army in a quagmire of Kashmir; and propagate against Indian rule, actions against militancy, which included extra judicial arrests and custodial killings of innocent people.

Anyone who dared to speak for rights of people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir or draw attention to the plight of people of Gilgit and Baltistan were cautioned not to do so, as it would ‘divert attention’ from the Indian side to the Pakistani side of the divide. Many political aspirants and cautious people decided to follow this dictation and did not risk to be called ‘anti jihad’, ‘anti movement’, ‘anti organisation’ or ‘pro India’. They decided to remain quiet even though they knew what their leaders were doing in their name or in name of the party was wrong.

However many rebels and sincere people decided to challenge this doctrine and paid political and social price, as powerful forces and their proxies initiated consistent campaign to sideline and discredit people like me and many others. It is a stigma to be called an ‘Indian agent’, ‘anti movement’ or ‘anti Pakistan’ in a society whose values are determined by those who occupy us. People would go to any lengths to avoid this label and this pressure was even felt in European capitals where people like Shaukat Kashmiri, Mumtaz Khan, Afzal Tahir, Abbas Butt, Hamid Khan, Dr Nazir Gilani and of course me (Dr Shabir Choudhry) were opposing wrong policies and promoting pro people of Jammu and Kashmir agenda.

In spite of the problems and uphill struggle we sincerely continued with anti terrorism and pro people policies and fought back with vigour and determination. Even with a lot of awareness and available knowledge as soon as something appear in any media or any internet platform, which is construed as an attempt to ‘divert attention’, a systematic campaign is unleashed against that person. Even those people who do not understand basic requirements of the independence movement or fundamental character of the Kashmiri struggle start issuing edicts.

These stalwarts still want us to speak against India and focus our attention on the situation of the Valley only. No doubt India has done a lot of wrong things in Jammu and Kashmir, including human rights violations, and I condemn that. Also the Valley of Kashmir has its own importance, but there is life beyond the boundaries of the Valley; and the people who live outside the boundaries of the Valley also have some genuine problems which need to be addressed.

Situation has been created that if you write something or make a speech and not mention the Valley or not condemn India even when the topic is about upraising of Mangla Dam ( in Pakistani Administered Kashmir) or construction of Basha Dam (in Gilgit and Baltistan), you are perceived as not sincere with the cause of Kashmir.

Worried people or political aspirants don’t want to annoy the crocodile while they still have to share the same water, are desperately making efforts to be in good books of agencies or their proxies. Some are even prepared to attack and malign their fellow colleagues or fellow nationalists in order to win favour and rewards.

Kashnet whether we like it or not links people of Jammu and Kashmir; and at times it also provides valuable information. Nearly all political activists and many non Kashmiris are members of this platform. Apart from sharing information this platform is increasingly used to discredit genuine political activists and leaders by those who have made no contribution to the cause in any form or manner; or by proxies of those who have made fortune of miseries and sufferings of the people. There are nearly 1100 members which include some fake IDs as well; and many people use these fake IDs to settle personal goals against each other.

Whenever something is written or spoken about the plight of people on Pakistani side of the LOC, these proxies are activated to discredit the writer for the crime of ‘diverting attention’ away from the Valley and for not swearing at India. Apart from some dedicated people most political activists choose to remain quiet, and let few be cursed and condemned.

One writer spoke about the situation in Pakistani Administered Kashmir in following words: ‘Corruption practices, nepotism, favouritism, blackmailing, mismanagement, injustices, misuse of authority, violation of merit, discrimination govern so called Azad Kashmir’. When the situation is so bad and people suffer as a result of bad polices and exploitation of Kashmiri resources, I for one cannot remain quiet. Call me whatever suits you, but I will speak about the plight of the people of Gilgit and Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir.

I have recently visited the Neelam Valley with KNP delegation. The situation there cannot be explained in words, it is much worse than what we have in the Valley or any other part of the State. I cannot be expected to remain silent on this human tragedy and systematic and consistent exploitation of our resources.

I will write and expose those responsible for this human tragedy. I know I will be criticised for this, but do I care? I don’t need a certificate from anyone that I am sincere to my cause. Actions speak louder than any certificate. I know ‘Jihadi warriors’ and ‘liberal fascists’ who are assigned a task of opposing all those who want to educate people and tell them that we are occupied by more than one country; and that a large scale exploitation of our resources and political and economic strangulation is going on in Gilgit and Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir.

In the past we have opposed culture of intimidation and fear. We have also opposed proxy politics and proxy war. While supporting a right of expression we need to oppose this culture of proxy politics unleashed on Kashnet with sole aim of discrediting genuine political activists and to discourage those who want to speak for rights of people on this side of the divide.

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

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Why we formed Kashmir National Party

2009-05-25T16:08:00.001-07:00

Why we formed Kashmir National Party
Dr Shabir Choudhry 25 May 2009
Since the formation of KNP last year - May 2008, people have asked many times why we have formed a new party and why we did not join one of the existing pro independence parties. I have replied to this question many times.

Rashid Khan Sahib wrote: ‘below mentioned article did not carry any serious matter to discuss’; and yet went on to analyse the entire article by taking out things out of context. He further wrote: ‘I would like to know, though it is not necessary to know, that while there were so many pure nationalists parties were already existing, with same manifestos, programmes and objectives with little difference, then what was the need to form a new party in the name of KNP?’

Respected Rashid Sahib ‘if there was no serious matter in the article to discuss’, then why you took the trouble to discuss it. Anyhow your question with regard to formation of KNP is a genuine one, and I will try to answer this once again, and hope that it will help you and others to understand the matter in hand.

We were among those who helped to set up the JKLF in Birmingham (England) in 1977. We worked hard to protect and promote the JKLF ideology and sincerely hoped that I will help to advance the cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir. When we realised that the top JKLF leadership has betrayed the ideology and the movement we sincerely tried to rectify the situation internally, and protect and promote the real ideology of the party.

When we realised that the forces which want to keep the JKLF and the movement divided were more powerful and influential; and that we could not get the JKLF united, we decided to dissolve our faction of the JKLF and set up a new party with a new name- Kashmir National Party. Our reasons to form KNP are as follows:

1. We formed a new party because we sincerely believed that policies of most nationalist parties were not in tune with the present day demands of the Kashmiri struggle. Their policies were designed either in geo political situation of 1980s or in 1990s; and geo political situation of the world has changed. Also politics of Jammu and Kashmir and the struggle has changed; and these changes should reflect in our policies.

2. Because of discriminatory clause, part 7(2) in the ACT 1974, which states: ‘No person or political party in Azad Jammu and Kashmir shall be permitted to propagate against or take part in activities prejudicial or detrimental to the ideology of the State’s accession to Pakistan’, Kashmiri nationalist parties don’t take part in elections? However some Kashmiri nationalists have individually taken part in the elections in Pakistani Administered Kashmir.

3. We were the first political party to write it in our constitution that we will take part in the elections despite this discriminatory clause. KNP aims and objectives states: ‘Without prejudice to our inherent and most cherished right to independence; and despite restrictions upon those who adhere to this ideology, KNP in order to empower people and promote democratic values and culture of accountability and transparency will support democratic process in the divided State and might take part in the electoral process’.

4. We are pleased that NAP as a political party has also decided to take part in the elections despite the discriminatory clause. We can assure the NAP leadership that they will get our full cooperation in this matter; and in every other matter which can advance the cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir.

5. Many nationalist parties of Pakistani administered Kashmir still want to liberate ‘Indian held’ Kashmir first; and regard ‘Pakistani Occupied Kashmir’ as Azad Kashmir. Some even say that once Kashmir is liberated from India then we can speak to Pakistan, knowing that it will not happen till doomsday. They fail to distinguish between two different kinds of occupations; as a result their strategy to liberate our homeland is contradictory and confused. One can even say their policy and strategy is discriminatory in nature, as deep down in their hearts they see the struggle in the context of Muslims and non Muslims.

6. Our policy is crystal clear on this. We believe a person who is enslaved himself in one room cannot ‘liberate’ his brothers who are enslaved in the other room. In order to help them I need to be free myself first. I need to struggle against my slavery according to situation where I am enslaved and suffering; and my fellow countrymen can struggle according their conditions where they are enslaved and suffering. We can help, support and coordinate our struggle, but cannot abandon struggle for our liberation until the rest of the Jammu and Kashmir is liberated from India.

7. Some nationalist parties in order to be in ‘good books’ of certain quarters oppose and condemn terrorism, but not only justify militancy and violence on the Indian side of the LOC but also promote it. These nationalist parties also oppose armed struggle inside Pakistani Administered Kashmir. KNP on the other hand oppose terrorism in its all manifestations and wherever it takes place. We are not among those who wrap violence in holy cover of jihad when it takes place on the Indian side of the LOC and call it terrorism when it takes place in Pakistan.

8. We believe people of State of Jammu and Kashmir cannot get unification and independence by use of gun. Use of gun whether it was in the form of Tribal invasion in 1947, Pakistani led war in 1965, or in the form of jihad, militancy or a proxy war (1988 to date) has only resulted in misery and suffering of the people. We have not made any progress towards goal of our most cherished goal of independence. We therefore feel that struggle now has to be political and democratic. We need to give chance to genuine peace process and dialogue among all the Kashmiri ethnic groups and India and Pakistan.

9. Some Kashmiri nationalist organisations use name of secularism and yet they are actively engaged in politics of communalism and they promote politics based on religion. KNP on the other hand genuinely believes that religion has no role in politics. Jammu and Kashmir is multi religious and multi ethnic State and we cannot let religious forces to divide our beloved homeland. KNP strongly believes that majority ethnic group – Muslims have to win trust of the minorities by going extra mile and take concrete steps to promote and protect rights of Kashmiri minorities.

10. KNP gives great importance to working with trade unions and other progressive forces in the country; and will promote role of working class people and underprivileged classes. KNP believes corruption, nepotism, deiscrimination and regionalism are poisionous for society, as they destroy peace, harmony and cohesiveness of the society, we therefore, will have zero tolerance to all these evils. We will root out racial, communal, regional, linguistic and class prejudices; and promote unity, friendship and equality amongst all people of the State.

11. Apart from that some nationalist parties want to establish a communalist society in Jammu and Kashmir – a society which has strong traditional, cultural and religious roots. We believe communism might not be suitable for the society of Jammu and Kashmir.

In our opinion no existing Kashmiri nationalist party offered us all the above and we had no choice but to make a new start with a new name. I hope that respected Rashid Khan and others will have better understanding of KNP now.
Also I hope that those who preach us to ‘accept’ decisions of their parties will at least respect decisions of our party - KNP. We don’t expect them to accept our decisions, as only party members are expected to accept them. Others have a right to criticise, comment or reject our decisions and we have to tolerate that, as this essence of democracy.

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

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Police oppression continues against lawyers in Muzaffarabad

2009-05-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

Police oppression continues against lawyers in Muzaffarabad

20 May 2009

Kashmir National Party Spokesman Dr Shabir Choudhry strongly condemned police action against unarmed civilians, lawyers and journalists in Muzaffarabad which continued today, despite widespread anger and resentment against the authorities.

According to confirmed reports, police atrocities against unarmed civilians continued in Muzaffarabad today. Yesterday local police demonstrated their power when they charged against peaceful demonstration which was organised by the lawyers and supported by the civil society of Muzaffarabad.

The demonstration was held against officials of Muzaffarabad Development Authority who went out of their way to assert their power and illegally demolished houses belonging to citizens. On orders of the authorities the police used batons and brutally beat up lawyers and members of the civil society, for the ‘crime’ of holding a peaceful demonstration in which dozens of lawyers suffered injuries, and some had their arms broken.

According to Abid Kashmiri, a local political activist, there was a widespread anger against the authorities, and members of the civil society arranged a demonstration today in support of lawyers who were brutally beaten up yesterday.

Abid Kashmiri said, ‘the police continued with their oppression against the demonstrators and like yesterday mercilessly beat up unarmed civilians. Today apart from lawyers, journalists were also targeted in the police action’. This heavy handed tactics are strongly criticised by human rights organisation and members of the civil society.

More than hundred policemen attacked the District Courts and beat up lawyers and used foul language. District and Session Judge Syed Khalid Gilani said it was contravention of law and insult to legal system. He said it looks that police is out of control and there is a serious threat to life and honour of citizens. He said appropriate action will be taken against culprits of this action.

Judge Syed Khalid Gilani further said it was this action is condemnable and amounts to state terrorism.

Taking notice of this serious development Prime Minister of Pakistani Administered Kashmir, Sardar Mohammed Yaqub Khan expressed his seriously concern about this police action and human rights violations. He immediately set up a committee under the ‘Home Minister’ Raja Sadeeque and ordered him to submit a report within three days.

Sardar Yaqub Khan said appropriate action will be taken against the culprits and the government will provide protection to lawyers and journalists. He said, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that justice is done and rule of law prevails. END

Police action against lawyers in Muzaffarabad.

2009-05-19T15:42:00.001-07:00

Police action against lawyers in Muzaffarabad.
Dr Shabir Choudhry 19 May 2009

According to reports emanating from Muzaffarabad, there was a serious police action against a peaceful demonstration in Muzaffarbad, capital of Pakistani Administered Kashmir. The city showed scene of a battleground, according to eye witness who was present when the policemen bravely attacked and injured peaceful demonstrators.

The trouble started when lawyers began their demonstration against unjust and unreasonable attitude of authorities in Muzaffarabad. According to Khawaja Abid Kashmiri, a local political activist who witnessed the police charge said, ‘Police in hundreds were waiting for the demonstrators, and as soon as they emerged from the Central Bar building, police charged at them with sticks and started beating unarmed and completely peaceful demonstrators’.

He said, ‘Demonstrators had to take shelter inside the Bar building, but they were chased by the police who generously used tear gas and big sticks to beat the lawyers’. In this ‘jihad’ against lawyers total of 22 lawyers suffered head injuries, and 16 lawyers had their arms broken. Police have ‘won’ the day but there is much anger and resentment among the people of the city.

According to local people some officers of Muzaffarabad Development Authority wanted to misappropriate land that they can sell it at higher rate later on. In this regard one officer named Khawaja Amar Mehmood went to dismantle a shelter of one lawyer Hazoor Imam Qazmi. Mr Qazmi is a lawyer of High Court and Supreme Court. He challenged the action of the MDA officers, but Khawaja Amar Mehmood expressing his arrogance and power demolished parts of his dwelling.

Mr Qazmi obtained a stay order from the court next day, and presented that to Khawaja Amar Mehmood who allegedly ignored the court action and went ahead with his mission of demolishing the remaining parts of Mr Qazmi’s dwelling. Mr Imam Qazmi and his family tried to fight off this illegal action of MDA officers, but had no luck as the officers were well prepared for their action.

According to Abid Kashmiri a twelve year old young daughter of Mr Qazmi also resisted this action and said, ‘Uncle why are you doing this to us. Why are you throwing out our belongings?’ Instead of showing any sympathy or care, MDA officials fiercely pushed her away. She fell down and hurt herself.

In another incident which took place on Neelam Road Muzaffarabd, Raja Ijaz Dilwar’s house was demolished in presence of Assistant Commissioner Muzaffarabad, Abdul Hamid Kayani. And when Raja Ijaz Dilwar protested against this unfair treatment, he was personally beaten up with a stick by the Assistant Commissioner, and Mr Dilwar’s leg was broken during this mission of the authorities.

Because of these actions the local people were very angry and they arranged the demonstration to show their disgust. The authorities were angry over this and ordered police to teach them a lesson. In this police action apart from the lawyers, bystanders were also beaten up. In total twenty two law - abiding advocates had head injuries and sixteen of them had their arms broken.
It is a basic human right to hold a peaceful demonstration, but when a territory is colonised or when it is ruled by undemocratic forces the right to assemble or a right of speech is brutally silenced. How unfortunate that this area is known as Azad Kashmir, but it lacks azadi in true sense.

I wonder why authorities in Muzaffarbad want to create new problems when they already have so many problems on their plate. Still there are thousands of earthquake victims who need to be housed and properly looked after. Apart from that there are many other problems that need their immediate attention, and which are related to welfare and education of people. They are advised to formulate policies for the welfare of the people, rather than uprooting those who have shelter, and beating up those who are there to promote and protect law and rights of the citizens.

According to confirmed reports MDA officer Khawaja Amar Mehmood is a brother of Khawaja Hassan who lives in Belgium, and presents himself as a nationalist Kashmiri. But sources in Belgium claim that the man is acting mysteriously and have practically become a mouth piece of Pakistani funded Kashmir Centre in Brussels.

His main mission is to create divisions among the nationalist Kashmiris. In the past secret agencies of India and Pakistan used to accuse Kashmiri nationalists of being ‘agents’ of either India or Pakistan; now this mission is assigned to Khawaja Hassan, who is working very hard to discharge his duties to divide Kashmiris and make allegations against true Kashmiri nationalists.

It is claimed by political activists in Muzaffarbad that he was also instrumental in withdrawal of National Awami Party from All Party National Alliance, a platform of Kashmiri nationalists. In view of some political activists the move is designed to discredit APNA which has infuriated Islamabad policy makers, as it has strengthened ties between people of Gilgit and Baltistan and people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir.

This move of new NAP leaders could have far reaching consequences and could split the party. The new President of the NAP, soon after his election declared that his party will no longer be part of the APNA, as he was not happy with certain things in the alliance.

His action whether supported by his Executive Committee or not demonstrates that the previous leadership of NAP was weak and naïve, and he is clever and stronger. It shows that the previous leadership of NAP failed to understand ‘wrong policies’ of the APNA, and he understood them and took action as soon as he was elected.

However sources close to the former President Professor Khaleeque claim that he still regards himself to be part of the APNA set up. I don’t know how that can be possible but it will surely create divisions within the ranks of the party; and Khawaja Hassan should get full credit for the accomplishment of his mission.

APNA is an alliance of Kashmiri nationalist parties. It may not be perfect, and some of its constituent parties or leaders may not be liked by every one, but these small matters could be resolved from inside. APNA is alliance of like minded parties and has agreement of parties on broader issues. The constituent parties, big or small are free to hold their own separate functions and promote their ideologies.

In my view anyone who is trying to weaken APNA or wants to give it a bad name is not helping the cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir. It is well known that Amanullah Khan group of JKLF is not part of this alliance as there is a big question mark on his nationalist credentials. He and pro Pakistan parties with whom he associates himself will be happy that APNA is weakened.

However those who are acting as ‘B’ team of Islamabad or working for Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan, they will be happy that they have managed to dent the credibility of this alliance which has worked hard to promote the nationalist cause and bring people of Gilgit and Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir closer.

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

To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com