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
My blog provides alternative view on Kashmir dispute and politics of South Asia, especially India Pakistan relations. It aims to educate people that they can make informed judgements.
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Monday, 25 May 2009
Why we formed Kashmir National Party
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
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
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Police oppression continues against lawyers in Muzaffarabad
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
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
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Police action against lawyers in Muzaffarabad.
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
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
Monday, 18 May 2009
A message for Sada E Watan International
A message for Sada E Watan International
Dr Shabir Choudhry 18 May 2009
Friends and colleagues I want to congratulate you on your decision to launch a monthly Sada E Watan International. You want to promote cause of Kashmiri nationalists and invite them to put forward their programmes for unification and independence of Jammu and Kashmir.
I admire your courage and good intentions; but courage and good intentions alone, no matter how sincere they are, cannot make a project successful. To make a new magazine successful, there must be sincere and dedicated team and public support in the form of readership and advertisements. Apart from that publishers must have financial muscle to ensure that the magazine is published regularly and has good system of distribution.
Above criteria is for all types of magazines, but when the magazine plans to promote nationalist view point it becomes more difficult, as the authorities would not look at it too kindly. Apart from that businessmen will also be very reluctant to support the magazine with advertisements because of fear and intimidation and poor distribution and small readership.
In any case businessmen of Pakistani Controlled Kashmir might not be that enthusiastic in supporting a magazine which could make them ‘bad boys’ in eyes of the Pakistani establishment. Most businessmen of Kashmir have only one ideology and that is to make more money and support the status quo or the ruling elite.
There is too much competition in the print media, and there is hardly any space for a new magazine, especially when readership is declining and people get all kinds of news through electronic media. The task of making a new magazine successful becomes more difficult when the magazine wants to promote a policy or ideology which is disliked by the rulers.
Perhaps importance of Media is not fully appreciated by the people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan. There isn’t any Kashmiri media of importance, especially media which can promote a nationalist cause. Whereas people of Gilgit and Baltistan are not rich, people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir are not poor. There are many millionaires among them, and yet no one has invested in media.
We have millions of people from Pakistani Administered Kashmir who live in Britain, America, Europe and Middle East, and some of them are really rich. They like to take part in politics as well but won’t invest in media, instead they are happy to take their press statements to print media abroad mainly owned by Pakistanis.
Some Kashmiris who dared to invest in print or electronic media were not supported by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, even though most viewers/ readers acknowledged that there was need of a Kashmiri media; and that they were providing news which really mattered to them.
In Pakistani Administered Kashmir people generally read Pakistani newspapers, even though some Kashmiri dailies are available. These Pakistani papers are specially printed for Pakistani Administered Kashmir; and news they carry are different from the newspapers which are printed for the Pakistani readers.
In other words when Kashmiri leaders, nationalists or pro Pakistan Kashmiris issue statements or hold press conferences their readership is people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir. These statements and press conferences about Kashmir are not published in the Pakistani papers; as a result of that Pakistani people only know about Kashmir what Pakistani authorities want them to know.
In view of the above scenario you have taken a big decision. This decision demands that you must get a dedicated and sincere team who can promote the cause of this magazine. Also you must set up a system that the magazine is professionally managed - its distribution and marketing is in hands of those who have experience in this field. Moreover there should be sufficient funds available that the magazine is financed until such time that it sustains itself.
In this regard my suggestion is that the owners of the magazine and the editorial board should contact nationalist leadership of all Kashmiri parties and seek some help for the magazine. These leaders, at times, talk big. This is the time to test their strength and dedication to the cause of unification and independence of Jammu and Kashmir.
Also local businessmen, community leaders and NOGs should be contacted for the support and advertisements. I am sure with proper planning, hard work and dedication the Sada e Watan International can survive, and can become voice of the people in true sense.
I wish you all the best and sincerely hope that you people make this magazine a success. In this regard my services will always be available to you.
Dr Shabir Choudhry London, 18 May 2009.
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 Mob: 0044 (0) 7790 942471
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Dr Shabir Choudhry 18 May 2009
Friends and colleagues I want to congratulate you on your decision to launch a monthly Sada E Watan International. You want to promote cause of Kashmiri nationalists and invite them to put forward their programmes for unification and independence of Jammu and Kashmir.
I admire your courage and good intentions; but courage and good intentions alone, no matter how sincere they are, cannot make a project successful. To make a new magazine successful, there must be sincere and dedicated team and public support in the form of readership and advertisements. Apart from that publishers must have financial muscle to ensure that the magazine is published regularly and has good system of distribution.
Above criteria is for all types of magazines, but when the magazine plans to promote nationalist view point it becomes more difficult, as the authorities would not look at it too kindly. Apart from that businessmen will also be very reluctant to support the magazine with advertisements because of fear and intimidation and poor distribution and small readership.
In any case businessmen of Pakistani Controlled Kashmir might not be that enthusiastic in supporting a magazine which could make them ‘bad boys’ in eyes of the Pakistani establishment. Most businessmen of Kashmir have only one ideology and that is to make more money and support the status quo or the ruling elite.
There is too much competition in the print media, and there is hardly any space for a new magazine, especially when readership is declining and people get all kinds of news through electronic media. The task of making a new magazine successful becomes more difficult when the magazine wants to promote a policy or ideology which is disliked by the rulers.
Perhaps importance of Media is not fully appreciated by the people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan. There isn’t any Kashmiri media of importance, especially media which can promote a nationalist cause. Whereas people of Gilgit and Baltistan are not rich, people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir are not poor. There are many millionaires among them, and yet no one has invested in media.
We have millions of people from Pakistani Administered Kashmir who live in Britain, America, Europe and Middle East, and some of them are really rich. They like to take part in politics as well but won’t invest in media, instead they are happy to take their press statements to print media abroad mainly owned by Pakistanis.
Some Kashmiris who dared to invest in print or electronic media were not supported by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, even though most viewers/ readers acknowledged that there was need of a Kashmiri media; and that they were providing news which really mattered to them.
In Pakistani Administered Kashmir people generally read Pakistani newspapers, even though some Kashmiri dailies are available. These Pakistani papers are specially printed for Pakistani Administered Kashmir; and news they carry are different from the newspapers which are printed for the Pakistani readers.
In other words when Kashmiri leaders, nationalists or pro Pakistan Kashmiris issue statements or hold press conferences their readership is people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir. These statements and press conferences about Kashmir are not published in the Pakistani papers; as a result of that Pakistani people only know about Kashmir what Pakistani authorities want them to know.
In view of the above scenario you have taken a big decision. This decision demands that you must get a dedicated and sincere team who can promote the cause of this magazine. Also you must set up a system that the magazine is professionally managed - its distribution and marketing is in hands of those who have experience in this field. Moreover there should be sufficient funds available that the magazine is financed until such time that it sustains itself.
In this regard my suggestion is that the owners of the magazine and the editorial board should contact nationalist leadership of all Kashmiri parties and seek some help for the magazine. These leaders, at times, talk big. This is the time to test their strength and dedication to the cause of unification and independence of Jammu and Kashmir.
Also local businessmen, community leaders and NOGs should be contacted for the support and advertisements. I am sure with proper planning, hard work and dedication the Sada e Watan International can survive, and can become voice of the people in true sense.
I wish you all the best and sincerely hope that you people make this magazine a success. In this regard my services will always be available to you.
Dr Shabir Choudhry London, 18 May 2009.
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 Mob: 0044 (0) 7790 942471
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com