Dr Shabir Choudhry's blog: 2022

Friday, 30 December 2022

What a Pakistani says about the role of the Pakistani establishment, and position of India.

What role some Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir expect the UN to play in the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvHFRPmYaII

Friday, 23 December 2022

Local elections in so-called Azad Kashmir, who won? Role of Nationalists.

How logical is a boycott of elections? Does boycott support democratic process and help people? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is1qNrzlkVc

We peopleof Azad Kashmir are not part of any federation. Pakistan and Azad Kashmir flag.

We people of Azad Kashmir are not part of any federation. Pakistan and Azad Kashmir flag.

Azad Kashmir flag does not represent the State of Jammu and Kashmir. It justifies the Pakistani aggression. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k5XH_N21WI

Thursday, 1 December 2022

New initiative of Taliban – what is there for Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir? Dr Shabir Choudhry

New initiative of Taliban – what is there for Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir?

Dr Shabir Choudhry 1 December 2022

Hina Rubani Khar, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, visited Kabul with the Pakistani delegation. She was warmly received by her hosts, but what has she achieved from this visit?

She had talks with Afghanistan’s senior leaders. Also, she had a meeting with the leaders of a women's business forum. The purpose of the visit was to talk on issues of trade, security and transit.

The Taliban, after a long and bloody struggle took over the government on 15 august 2021, and to date no country, including Pakistan has recognised them. Despite non-recognition, Pakistan has cordial relationship with the Taliban, mainly because of the past services and good ‘neighbourly’ relations.

During her visit the Pakistani Minister of State, had meetings with Abdul Salam Hanafi, Taliban’s Interim Deputy Prime Minister, Interim Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and interim Commerce Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi. Of course, there were other senior officials present in the meetings.

Critics say, is it not interesting that a few days before her visit, Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a Pakistani militant group fighting against Pakistan, and which wants to impose their brand of extremist Islamic laws in Pakistan, ended their ceasefire in Pakistan, and resumed their military actions inside Pakistan.

It is believed that, despite Pakistan’s anger and complaints, the Taliban government in Kabul is fully supporting TTP and their agenda in Pakistan.

Pakistani Minister of Interior, Rana Sanaullah expressed his great concern on the deteriorating security situation and said, ‘the involvement of TTP militants in terror activities inside Pakistan should be a matter of concern for the Afghan Taliban and it is dangerous for regional peace.’

He further said, "TTP is enjoying all sorts of facilities in Afghanistan." He urged the governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to take appropriate actions to control terrorism. He said if the provincial governments fail to control terrorism, then the federal role government can take the matter in its hands.

As if this was not enough to send an unambiguous message to Islamabad, the Taliban published and circulated a highly controversial map before the visit.

The map exhibits a truncated Pakistan and a bigger Afghanistan with areas of Jammu and Kashmir divided in two with the following captions: Hindu Kashmir and Afghani Kashmir.

No area of Jammu and Kashmir was shown as part of Pakistan, as the present so-called Azad Kashmir was included in the Hindu Kashmir, and the areas of Gilgit Baltistan included in the Afghani Kashmir.

This map transmits a big message for the region. I shared this map on social media, and people with little knowledge and wisdom, in line with instructions of their handlers, criticized me, and called this act of posting an anti-Jammu and Kashmir activity. They may change their minds once their handlers understand what this map entails and how this can affect the region.

The map clearly shows that Jammu and Kashmir belongs to India, and they called it Hindu Kashmir. To the Taliban, Gilgit Baltistan and adjacent areas are part of Afghanistan.

The message is clear:

1. There will be no activity of Taliban or their allies inside the ‘Hindu Kashmir’.

2. In return, they expect no adverse activity from New Delhi.

3. The Taliban can take over Gilgit Baltistan either via Wah Khan corridor, or via areas which are currently part of Pakistan.

4. If everything goes according to their plans, then the current routes of the CPEC will go through Afghanistan, and not Pakistan.

5. China has no love for Pakistan. They are only interested in their economic, political and strategic interests. If these interests are protected by Afghanistan, Beijing will have no problem with that.

In conclusion, is it possible that there is some understanding among the international establishment and the countries of the region to redraw the map of the region?

If the region wants to move forward with a new agenda to face new challenges, and one country, which is still bogged down with the past policies of hatred, vengeance and extremism, and wants to throw a spanner, and create obstacles, will others remain quiet and be kept hostage to the past?

Is it possible that the Taliban have a tacit agreement that they can continue with this agenda. If Pakistan does not change and the Taliban have their way, then they will agree with the new arrangements.

In other words, Beijing and New Delhi will remain ‘neutral’, and will not send their troops to subdue the Taliban. Perhaps, for New Delhi, Gilgit Baltistan in the hands of Afghanistan is better than in the hands of Islamabad, as they will have access to Central Asia.

Writer is a political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also, he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs and President of Foreign Affairs Committee, UKPNP

Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com

Wednesday, 23 November 2022

Who is a patriot and a traitor in Jammu and Kashmir? Use of guns is counterproductive.

Loyalty to the motherland is must. I don’t have to be loyal to neighbours.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvPzQIIVvM0

Tuesday, 22 November 2022

Abbas Butt explains why Waseem Malik should not seek asylum in India? He is punished for his views.

Political leaders and other people of so called Azad Kashmir must support Waseem Malik and his family on humanitarian basis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqW-P3ynkPQ

Sunday, 20 November 2022

Accession treaty and India’s obligations. Who is responsible to protect the rights of Waseem Malik?

Under the obligations of United Nations Security Council Resolutions Pakistan cannot violate fundamental rights of people of Jammu and Kashmir.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ2-wgwtpws

Pakistan is sending the wrong message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Dispute of Waseem Malik, resident of Muzaffarabad, must be resolved honourably so that he can care for his wife and children.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNy9icSxLVk

Facts are facts, on Jammu and Kashmir we have a right of accession and not right of self-determination.

No solution should be imposed on the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We should be part of the dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkJKgUsa9Pw

Shaukat Kashmiri explains the legal and constitutional situation of Jammu and Kashmir, and way forward.

Use of guns, extremism, violence and hatred will only aggravate our problems and further divide us; and destabilise the region.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLeG22priJY

Jammu riots and loyalty of Muslim soldiers of Maharaja of JK. The JK dispute cannot be resolved by force.

Both India and Pakistan have their specific agenda on Jammu and Kashmir. Statement of the Indian Defence Minister was for domestic consumption.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XyWeuK9kY8

Ershad Malik explains the situation in Jammu and Kashmir – Don’t be influenced by propaganda.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MRqS4DAaMc

All Rulers of Princely States had a right to decide their future - Ignore propaganda of collaborators.

‘Danish khors’ of social media tell fabricated stories to confuse people. Their logic is 561 Rulers had a right to decide future of their states, but not Hari Singh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM1VaH_kQX4

Why Maharaja Hari Singh could not defend his State? Did troops of Maharaja of Patiala go to Jammu.

Facts about Patiala troops and tribal attack on Jammu and Kashmir.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKlzfS50Azg

Saturday, 22 October 2022

Protest against Pakistan on Black Day - 22 October 2022

Protest against Pakistan on Black Day - 22 October 2022

London Date: 22 October 2022

This demonstration is organised by United Kashmir Peoples National Party, British zone to register our protest against Pakistan’s obsession to capture Jammu and Kashmir which started in October 1947.

It is sad to note that despite the Standstill Agreement and against the principles of Islamic teaching and morality, attacked the small neighbour with intention to occupy the State of Jammu and Kashmir and punish its legitimate Ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh for refusing to accede to Pakistan.

This unprovoked and imperialist attack was carried out in name of Islam, and they did everything during this campaign which was against the teaching of Islam, and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

These uncivilised attackers were at liberty to kill unarmed citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, raped women, burnt houses, looted and plundered people. In this brutal attack, which was named Operation Gulmarg, tens of thousands of innocent people were killed, hundreds of women raped and kidnaped and sold in cities of Pakistan. The UKPNP wants to:

1. Declare that the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir is one political entity; and its unification, stability, prosperity and autonomy is our ultimate goal.

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

3. Emphasis that a right to assemble and a right to protest is a fundamental human right; and people of Jammu and Kashmir living under the Pakistani occupation are also entitled to exercise all fundamental rights enshrined in the UN Charter.

4. Proclaim that forces of occupation and their collaborators in Pakistani Occupied Jammu and Kashmir have no justification to harass and intimidate these people who were holding peaceful demonstrations against injustice, sky high prices, lack of electricity, heavy taxes etc; and use tear gas and guns to silence their legitimate voices.

5. Denounce all actions taken by the forces of occupation on unarmed and peaceful citizens, as they are illegal, unjust and are against the United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, and against the UN Charter; and even against rights enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan.

6. Condemn extremism, violence and terrorism in their all forms and shapes; and vow to continue our struggle to oppose who promote, condone or justify these evils.

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

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

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

10. Strongly condemn growing ‘Land Grabbing’ in Pakistani Occupied Azad Kashmir and in Gilgit Baltistan, where military, non-state actors and other influential people illegally and forcefully seizing private and public property, hill tops and tourist resorts like Peer Chanasi Hill Top in District Muzaffarabad. These holiday resorts belong to the people of this region, where people freely went with their families. After seizing these holiday resorts, military and non-state actors restricted access to the entire area by erecting barbed wire, and no one is allowed to enter. If someone ignores their instructions, orders are to shoot him on sight.

11. Criticise Pakistani policy of systematically plundering our natural resources, and constructing mega dams and diverting natural flow of rivers in this disputed territory. This illegal construction and diverting of rivers result in serious environmental problems for the local people, including access to clean drinking water.

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

13. Strongly condemn brutality of the Pakistani troops perpetrated on unarmed civilians who were peacefully protesting against high prices, lack of electricity, lack of clean drinking water, and systematic exploitation.

14. Extremely concerned about Pakistani policy of using religion as a weapon and terrorism as a foreign policy tool; and our region, POJK, as a launching pad for terrorism and training camps to suppress the secular, democratic and progressive voices of the entire region.

15. Recommend the government of Pakistan to take effective measures to control activities of those who promote extremism, violence and intolerance in various parts of the POJK and in Gilgit and Baltistan. Also, they must ensure that religious and ethnic

minorities in Pakistan must not become victims of intolerance and hate.

16. Restate that China is not a party to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. However, China is in occupation of Jammu and Kashmir territory - Pakistan illegally ceded territory of Shakhgam Valley from Gilgit to China in 1963. In addition to that China occupied Aqsai Chin in 1962; and China must evacuate all the territory of Jammu and Kashmir under their occupation.

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

Friday, 14 October 2022

Is Jammu and Kashmir going to become part of the new cold war? Dr Shabir Choudhry.

Is Jammu and Kashmir going to become part of the new cold war?

Dr Shabir Choudhry. 14 October 2022

The US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome has stirred up a political controversy in South Asia during his visit to so - called Azad Kashmir.

Pakistan and pro Pakistan citizens of Jammu and Kashmir like to call this region, occupied by Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, meaning an independent Jammu and Kashmir. By this they mean that the Pakistani occupied territory of the forcibly divided Jammu and Kashmir is independent; and the territory administered by India is occupied, and that needs to be liberated by use of religious card, violence and arms.

In contrast to what Pakistan says, the Indian claim is that the entire State of Jammu and Kashmir is part of the Indian Union; and that Gilgit Baltistan and so-called Azad Kashmir should be liberated from Pakistan.

The new Ambassador of America seems to have plenty of time these days that he toured the so - called Azad Kashmir with his entourage for 3 days. During his long visit he generously used the phrase Azad Kashmir.

Surely, it was not a slip of tongue, as Imran Khan’s followers claim after his blunders. Each word of Donald Blome was calculated and was designed to hit the target. At one time, he highly praised the beauty of so-called Azad Kashmir, and expressed his satisfaction and great potential in this ‘Pakistani province’.

If there was no war in Ukraine or if India had supported NATO and the American policy in Ukraine, Donald Blome may not have visited the so- called Azad Kashmir. If he had visited, the duration of the visit might not have been that long. Moreover, he would not have said what he did during his visit.

As pointed out above, Donald Blome’s words were calculated, and his target was clearly New Delhi. America and some NATO countries expected India to condemn the Russian action in Ukraine. Instead, India chose to remain neutral in this war, and that was not acceptable to America and some NATO countries.

Washington, through Donal Bolme’s visit and carefully chosen words wanted to caution New Delhi that if you want to pursue with this neutrality, then we also have some choices.

In other words, America will raise issues that will hurt New Delhi; and America may use their international clout to influence politics of South Asia, which may not be in the best interests of India.

This clearly shows that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, once again, has become part of the cold war, rather a ‘New Cold War’. Readers may recall that Pakistan ignored the Russian invitation to visit Moscow and decided to visit Washington in May 1950.

Despite this insult, Russia remained neutral in the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. However, Pakistan’s love and obedience to America and Britain had no bounds, and they joined military alliances called SEATO (September 1954) and CENTO (1955) against Russia.

Russia advised Pakistan to stay out of these alliances, or there would be some consequences for Pakistan. The Pakistani leadership was infatuated with love and affection of London and Washington, and under their influence they ignored all that.

Pakistan didn’t have to wait long for the Russian response. In 1955, Nikita Khrushchev visited India, and openly supported India on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Soon after that, India declared Jammu and Kashmir as its integral part.

The world witnessed that Russia, which remained neutral on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute from 1947 to 1995, because of wrong policies of Pakistan twice used its Veto on Kashmir in 1957.

When another American politician, US Congresswoman Illhan Omar visited Azad Kashmir in April 2022, India strongly responded in the following words:

"She visited a part of Jammu and Kashmir illegally occupied by Pakistan. If such a politician wishes to practice her narrow-minded politics at home that may be her business, but violating our territorial integrity in its pursuit makes it ours." 1

The US Ambassador, Donald Blome said:

"The United States is continuing this strong tradition of supporting Pakistan during times of great need, having thus far contributed more than $66 million in cash, food, shelter, and health assistance in response to the devastating flooding. The US support has included a US military airbridge that delivered lifesaving supplies to the people of Pakistan," said Blome. 2

Ilyas Tanveer, Prime Minister of Pakistani Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, took advantage of this visit and urged the American Ambassador to intervene and “stop India from human rights violations against the innocent Kashmiri people.”

Donald Blome’s visit to so-called Azad Kashmir and utterances have upset many Indians. Brahma Chellany, a strategic thinker and expert said:

“Biden has still no ambassador in New Delhi. But his envoy to Pakistan visits Pakistani-held Kashmir, calling it not “Pakistan-administered Kashmir,” as the UN labels it, but by its Pakistani name, “Azad [Liberated] Kashmir,” though it is racked by a growing independence movement.” 3

America needs to understand that we live in 2022, and the power and influence of ‘Superpowers’ has considerably declined with time. No country in the world is in a position to dictate to other countries that have economic and political stability, national pride and integrity.

The British author, William Dalrymple, in his of book ‘The Anarchy’ – The Relentless Rise of The East India Company’, wrote:
‘Now when a Western Prime Minister visits India, he no longer comes, as Clive did, to dictate terms. In fact, negotiation of any kind has passed from the agenda. Like Roe, he comes as a supplicant begging for contracts and business, and with him come CEOs of his country’s biggest corporations’. 4

Reference:

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-raises-strong-objection-to-us-envoy-s- visit-to-pak-occupied-kashmir-101665144870106.html
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/us-envoy-visits-azad-kashmir-to-promote-us- pakistan-partnership-/2702994
https://www.firstpost.com/world/us-has-no-ambassador-in-new-delhi-but-pakistan-envoy- visits-pak-occupied-kashmir-calls-it-azad-11404561.html
‘The Anarchy’ – The Relentless Rise of The East India Company’ page 394

Tuesday, 4 October 2022

Issues related to Provisional Government of 4th October 1947, Dr Shabir Choudhry

Issues related to Provisional Government of 4th October 1947

Dr Shabir Choudhry 01 October 2012

Many Kashmiris regard 4th October 1947 as an historic day, as it was on this day, according to a widely held view, some Kashmiris announced a ‘Provisional Government’ which was later to be called Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government. This Provisional Government was re-organised on 24th October 1947 and Pakistani authorities, and more precisely Commissioner of Rawalpindi appointed Sardar Ibrahim as a President of this government.

I acknowledge that I was among those who also actively supported the revival of this Provisional Government for many years, especially when I was part of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front. However, later on, with more education and political maturity I started expressing doubts about this ‘historic event’; and for many years we have not held any functions on 4th October. Before I analyse this ‘historic event’ from a critical point of view, I must point out that views expressed in this article are mine as a writer, and my party has nothing to do with this.

It must be understood that under the terms of the Partition of India, after the lapse of the British Paramountcy, the State of Jammu and Kashmir and other Princely States that did not join India or Pakistan gained their independence on 15 August 1947. Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad and Junagarr were among those Princely States who became independent on 15 August 1947. The last two had Muslim Rulers with non- – Muslim majority population; and Kashmir had non- –Muslim Ruler with Muslim majority population.

The Muslim Ruler of Junagarr declared to accede to Pakistan, even though there was no land link with Pakistan, and the majority of the people were not Muslims. Pakistan accepted this ‘accession’, and in response to this, a ‘Provisional Government’ for Junagarr was announced by non-Muslims of Junagarr in Bombay on 1 October 1947.

Either encouraged by this move, or on instructions of some sections of the Pakistani government, especially Sir Zafar Ullah Khan, Foreign Minister of Pakistan; who was a Qadiani, and they as a sect wished to have a country under their control in that region, some Kashmiri activists, namely Ghulam Nabi Gilkar, who was also a Qadiani, Bashir Din, Mehmood Ahmed, Mufti Zia- U- Din, and Mohammed Abdullah Qadri, gathered in Lahore and declared a similar type of Provisional Government for Jammu and Kashmir.

Ghulam Nabi Gilkar used a fake name of Mr Anwar, and sent out the following statement, in which he described him as the President of the Provisional Republic of Jammu and Kashmir:

‘With the termination of the Paramountcy of the British Crown the ruling family of Kashmir have lost whatever rights it claimed under the Treaty of Amritsar, under which Kashmir was transferred by the British to Maharaja Gulab Singh, a forefather

of the present ruler, for a paltry sum of Rs. 50 lakhs, and that the people have set up a Provisional Government with Headquarters at Muzaffarabad’.

‘If after 1pm on 4 October Hari Singh (the present Maharaja) or any person acting under his orders or instructions claims to rule over the State, he shall be punished according to the laws of the Provisional Government. Henceforth all the laws, orders and instructions promulgated by the Provisional Government shall be respected and obeyed.’

Let us leave the conspiracy aside and talk of some facts and apply some common sense to this. The first question is who was Ghulam Nabi Gilkar; and what was his political standing in the State of Jammu and Kashmir at that time? At that time there were two big political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, namely National Conference and Muslim Conference, with the former being most popular and well organised. Ghulam Nabi Gilkar did not even figure out among the middle ranking leadership of these two parties. In other words, he was not a known political figure, so what political significance we can assign to his statement issued in Lahore, a major city of our neighbouring country (which desperately wanted to get Kashmir) and signed with a fake name.

What right did he have to ‘depose’ the Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir? What right or power did he have to punish the Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir and his officials for disobeying Ghulam Nabi Gilkar and his team? Who assigned this power to him? Where did he derive this power from? What legitimacy did he and his Provisional Government had? Furthermore, did he have the ability to enforce his orders; remember, at that time, this ‘Provisional Government’ had no army, no police and no other institutions.

Let me give a few examples to prove my point. In Pakistan, Asif Zardari is President and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf is Prime Minister (and Yousaf Raza Gilani was the Prime Minister before him). They both are the most unpopular top office holders in the history of Pakistan. Majority of people of Pakistan, not only dislike them but hate them because of rampant corruption, severe shortage of electricity, water, gas and other essential items; and in some parts of the country people have taken arms against the Federal Government.

What if some middle ranking political activists of some party get together in Kabul and declare a ‘Provisional Government’ of Pakistan; and claim that they have deposed President Zardari and Prime Minister Ashraf from their respective posts. They warn people of Pakistan not to obey orders of President Zardari and Prime Minister Pervaiz Ashraf; and anyone who obeys their orders will be punished by the Provisional Government. I am sure many people with common sense will ignore this statement and some will laugh at it.

Apart from that, we all know and now most Pakistani leaders acknowledge that in Balochistan there are militant groups fighting to get independence from Islamabad. These groups have political and military support as well. These political leaders are very well known; and they openly speak about their rights and oppression of the Pakistani army and secret agencies. What if some of these senior leaders, who are well known around the globe, declare their Provisional Government in Kabul; and declare that anyone supporting the Islamabad Government will be punished? It must be pointed out that they have the ability to punish people as well.

Furthermore, Amanullah Khan, as the Chairman of JKLF announced a Provisional Government in June 1990. Unlike Ghulam Nabi Gilkar, Amanullah Khan was a very popular Kashmiri leader in 1990; and JKLF was also at its peak. How many people took Amanullah Khan’s Provisional Government seriously? It resulted in a split of the JKLF and expulsion of Amanullah Khan from the JKLF with two - third majority of Central Committee members deciding against him. Today, even the JKLF members don’t want to talk about it.

Then the question arises, why do we people regard the statement of Ghulam Nabi Gilkar so sacrosanct, even though he used a fake name for this purpose; and had virtually no political standing? My view is that the government of Pakistan wanted to increase pressure on the Maharajah of Jammu and Kashmir who, contrary to expectation and needs of Pakistan, was refusing to accede to Pakistan.

In order to break down resistance of the Maharajah, the Pakistani authorities first encouraged a rebellion against him in areas of Poonch which was primarily a movement against Maharaja’s administrative policies, especially against different kinds of excessive taxes; among them was the notorious ‘Malia’ - a land tax. On 21 October 1947, Sheikh Abdullah, while talking about the Poonch problems said: ‘The present troubles in Poonch, a feudatory of Kashmir, were caused by the unwise policy adopted by the State. The people of Poonch had started a people’s movement for the redress of their grievances...’ Source- Kashmiris fight for freedom, Justice Muhammad Yusuf Saraf, page 801

In other words, it was not a movement for independence as such. However, Pakistani leaders, secret agencies, army, writers and other members of the society termed that as a ‘Liberation Movement’ to justify their interference in Kashmir; and pro Pakistani Kashmiris under this propaganda happily towed that line and continued to call their struggle against administrative matters ‘a liberation struggle’. Later on, Pakistani officials launched a tribal invasion in the name of helping people of Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in death and destruction; and forced division of the State, which continues to date. Apart from that, the Pakistani authorities, in clear violation of the Standstill Agreement, applied economic blockade against the Maharajah, in which, of course, ordinary citizens of Jammu and Kashmir suffered.

As mentioned earlier, Ghulam Nabi Gilkar was a Qadiani, and so was Pakistan’s highly talented and influential Foreign Minister Sir Zafar Ullah Khan. Qadianis were also in search of a homeland for their sect; and they had their eyes on Kashmir, so it was more than likely that on his instructions Ghulam Nabi Gilkar declared this Provisional Government. Another important question is what happened to Ghulam Nabi Gilkar? According to one story, after declaring the Provisional Government, he travelled to Srinagar where he was arrested.

If he was genuinely a ‘President’ of the ‘Provisional Government’ would his Government and other officials allow him to travel to the ‘enemy area’ – Srinagar, where the Maharaja was still in power. It does not make sense. Reality is that it was a political stunt aimed at pressuring the Maharajah. However, powerful Sunni Muslim lobby feared a ‘Qadiani conspiracy’; and they got the ‘President’ out of way and changed this Government in name of re – organisation on 24th October 1947, and installed their trusted man – Sardar Mohammed Ibrahim Khan as a President who sincerely served the interests of the Pakistani ruling elite.

I know for challenging a popular myth and the status quo, I will get criticism. I do not mind positive criticism, if anything, I welcome it as it helps me to learn and address other related questions. However, forces of occupation have appointed certain individuals with a clear task of attacking me; and they are spearheading a campaign of character assassination against me. As a sincere Kashmiri, a writer and analyst, I feel it is my duty to expose myths and lies spread by those who occupy us; and in performing my duties to my enslaved and forcibly divided nation, if I get some battering it is a price worth paying.

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

View: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com

Friday, 23 September 2022

RIGHT of SELF DETERMINATION A REALITY or BETRAYAL for people of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

Speech of Dr Shabir Choudhry in a Conference organised in Birmingham, England by United Kashmir People's National Party.

Mr Chairman, friends and colleagues Aslamo Alaykam.

The Charter of the UN proclaims that one of its purposes is to advance the right of all peoples to self-determination. The right of self-determination is defined as ‘the ability of a people to collectively determine its political status and to pursue its own economic, social and cultural development’. 1

Another UN General Assembly Resolution clearly states that:

“Every state has the duty to promote, through joint and separate action, realization of the principle of equal rights and self–determination of peoples”. 2

We need to ask ourselves, is our struggle for a right of self-determination or is it to regain our independence? Remember, after the lapse of the British Paramountcy on 15 August 1947, the State of Jammu and Kashmir became independent. The Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir concluded an agreement with Pakistan, known as the Standstill Agreement. India was also offered to make a similar agreement. India wanted more discussion on this matter.

It was confirmation by both India and Pakistan that they regarded Jammu and Kashmir as a separate, independent and distinct political entity with its own defined borders and constitution.

It is sad that the Pakistani government, against Islamic teaching and against terms of the Standstill Agreement attacked its smaller neighbour with intention of occupying it. As a direct result of Pakistan’s unprovoked attack on 22 October 1947, our motherland, Jammu and Kashmir was forcibly divided and tens of thousands of innocent people perished and women were kidnapped and raped.

Resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on 19 December 2017 on Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination states:

• Reaffirms that the universal realization of the right of all peoples, including those under colonial, foreign and alien domination, to self-determination is a fundamental condition for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights and for the preservation and promotion of such rights.

• Deplores the plight of millions of refugees and displaced persons who have been uprooted as a result of the aforementioned acts, and reaffirms their right to return to their homes voluntarily in safety and with honour. 3

• Lakhs of non - Muslims and Muslims who have been forced to leave their homes, will they ever be allowed to return with safety and honour, when Pakistani militants are sent in name of jihad to create instability and dominate the society with guns and harassment?

The right of self - determination is a right of enslaved or occupied people to determine their own future without any conditions attached to it; and without any coercion and intimidation. Denial of right of self - determination is, in fact, denial of all other human rights because it is through this right, people could give meaning to other political, social, economic and cultural rights.

Mr Chairman,

Right of accession or right of self-determination

The UNCIP Resolution of 13 August 1948, implicitly recognised and gave us the right of self-determination; but Pakistan which many Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir regard as a ‘big brother’ and an ‘advocate’, suggested that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be only given a right to join India or Pakistan. As a result, our right to independence was curtailed in the subsequent Resolution of 5 January 1949.

This right, at best, can be called a right of accession. It is not a right of self- determination. This right of accession was further curtailed in the Simla Agreement of 1972. In the UNCIP Resolution of 5 January 1949, at least, a right of accession was to be exercised by the people of the divided State of Jammu and Kashmir. In the Simla Agreement India and Pakistan took away this right from the people, and entrusted it to the bureaucrats of New Delhi and Islamabad.

You can call me what suits you, but, I for one, will not accept any decision with regard to the future of Jammu and Kashmir made by bureaucrats of New Delhi and Islamabad. We people of divided Jammu and Kashmir are the principal party to the dispute. We are politically mature and sensible; and we will decide what is good for us. We don’t want the dictation of New Delhi and Islamabad in this regard.

Pakistani Policy on Jammu and Kashmir

However, I am impressed with the skills of the Pakistani policy makers. They have successfully fooled Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947.

The unprovoked attack of October 1947 was camouflaged in the name of Jihad; and many of us still accept Pakistani narrative on this.
They have convinced Muslims of Azad Kashmir that the tribal attack was a jihad against a Kaffir Maharaja; and Pakistan has liberated the people. Despite all

the problems we face, many of us continue to think that we are free on the Pakistani side of the divide.

Those who betrayed the Maharaja against their oath were presented as heroes. They were given guns, bullets, training, uniform, salary and other benefits that they will defend Jammu and Kashmir and be loyal to the Maharaja. When Jammu and Kashmir was attacked by Pakistan they sided with Pakistan. We have been fooled to regard these people as heroes. If a war breaks out between Iran and Pakistan, and Shias of Pakistan choose to side with Iran; they will be castigated as traitors and punished. Why were those who betrayed the Maharaja Hari Singh treated differently? Are we not also responsible for welcoming them as heroes? Doesn’t this show that this struggle has a communal dimension?
The Pakistani policy makers have fooled people that the right of accession is equal to the right of self-determination. This is contrary to the definition of right of self - determination.
They have fooled people that India refused to honour the UN Resolutions, yet it was Pakistan which refused to withdraw troops as demanded by the UNCIP Resolution of 13 August 1948. After Pakistan’s complete withdrawal, India only had to withdraw ‘bulk’ the troops.
They have violated State Subject Laws in Gilgit Baltistan, and changed the demography of the region. They have given a large area of Shaksam Valley to China. On the policy promoted and supported by them Lakhs of non-Muslims had to migrate from their homes in Kashmir.
Despite all the above, and despite what they signed in the Simla Agreement, they continue to fool people that the UN Resolutions should be implemented. They know that the ground realities have changed, making practically the UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir irrelevant; and they still have their troops in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

Their present policy of promoting and supporting militancy in Kashmir is in essence, continuation of their jihad started in October 1947. It is sad to note that the Pakistani propaganda wrapped in holy name of Islam is so effective that still many people agree with the Pakistani narrative, wrong as it is.

Also, it is depressing to note that Pakistan is not even prepared to give people a right of accession, because they fear that they will lose the vote.

The right of accession gives people two choices:

A/ Ratify the accession.

B/ Join Pakistan.

In the UNCIP Resolution that limited our right to self-determination with the right of accession, both India and Pakistan agreed to ensure that:

(a) There is no threat, coercion or intimidation, bribery or other undue influence on the voters in the 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 of India or Pakistan. There shall be freedom of 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 protection. (e) There is no victimization. 4

It means people of the Jammu and Kashmir State were permitted to promote any political activity they liked. However, Pakistan has ensured that anyone who promotes a pro India or pro - independence policies are castigated as traitors, agents and anti- Pakistan, and in some cases, anti-Islam.

Sometimes people of Azad Kashmir feel that Pakistani officials love and care for people of the Valley of Kashmir, as they seem to be supporting their struggle and highlighting their problems. There is a strong feeling that Pakistan is not prepared to express love and care to the people of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan and give them fundamental human rights.

I sometimes feel this narrative is not true. In reality, if we look at it carefully, they are punishing the people of the Valley for not siding with them in 1947. If these people had not stood up and faced the attackers, Pakistan would have captured Srinagar.

If you really love and care about a group of people or a community, you don’t create instability in their neighbourhood, burn their schools and colleges, hold strikes to damage their economy and livelihood. You don’t send trained militants to throw bombs in streets and in market places. You don’t create a situation in which forces of occupation kill, arrest and torture people.

The Pakistani agenda is to ensure that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is not resolved and instability continues, walls of hatred and extremism remain high and jihadi culture and division of people in name of religion is intensified.