Another round of Jihad is to start soon
Dr Shabir Choudhry 09 February 2010
Pakistan government has once again obliged people of Jammu and Kashmir by having another holiday in our name in disguise of ‘Solidarity Day’. Indeed we are grateful to them. The whole show was impressive. They managed to get Kashmiri collaborators and some so called Kashmiri nationalists, mainly belonging to JKLF factions, dancing in various parts of the world on tune played by Islamabad.
No Kashmiri nationalist or even a Kashmiri loyal to his nation could support the drama of Pakistan which they perform to fool people of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir on 5th February; yet stalwarts of JKLF Aman Group happily go to a function arranged by Kashmir Centre, London, which is funded by Pakistan. The Centre ‘specialise’ in promoting pro Pakistan policies and protecting interest of Pakistan; and only invites those people to their functions who endorse their pro Pakistan policies.
In the function of 5th February held in the Kashmir Centre London all those who were present were pro Pakistan, and among them was a JKLF leader. Of course this function could not complete without the presence and a lecture of Pakistani officials. This time, Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan Asif Ali Durani was there to honour the audience and pass on messages of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Another leader of one JKLF group, who hails from the Valley, on TV programme Q & A with PJ Mir said: ‘Their struggle is to get right of self determination as enshrined in the UN Resolutions on Kashmir’. JKLF Yasin Leader in UK said: ‘Kashmiris should hold a conference for unity and solidarity of Pakistan’. This in nutshell explains the ideology of the JKLF groups and yet they have nerve to call themselves – ‘Kashmiri nationalist’.
That aside, despite ‘militancy’ and ‘jihad’ going on in their own country, Pakistani government have kindly assured people of Jammu and Kashmir that they will continue their support – a kind of support that started in disguise of Tribal Invasion in1947 and which resulted in plunder, loot, destruction, rapes and which forced the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir to accede to India against his will.
This ‘support’ has seen different phases and has brought many disasters to Kashmiris and politics of South Asia. It is beyond the scope of this article to encompass all details of this ‘support’; and I will only try to explain likely problems which the people of Jammu and Kashmir could face as a result of more ‘support’ of this kind in future.
We understand that Pakistan is also facing violence and terrorism, but it is also known fact that those who are committing these crimes were, at one time, their ‘own boys’ who were supported and trained by them. Our concern is that despite these serious problems some sections of the Pakistani establishment have not changed their policy regarding ‘Jihad’ in Jammu and Kashmir and in India.
In my article, ‘Contradictions in a war against terrorism’ 18 June 2009, I wrote:
‘On one hand Pakistan appears to be actively engaged in the fight against terrorism, but on the other hand leaders with history of terrorism and violence are enjoying their freedom. Moreover Lashker E Tayeba, a banned terrorist group has purchased a land of 200 kanals in district Muzaffarabad in Pakistani Administered Kashmir.’
‘This land transaction could only be done with the help of Pakistani establishment, as legally no Pakistani individual or organisation could purchase land in any part of the State. It is clear that Lashker E Tayeba is known for its terrorism and violence and could not be expected to run courses on peace studies, conflict resolution or human rights.’
This was confirmed by news of BBC on 29 June 2009 in the following words: ‘Police in Pakistani Administered Kashmir have reported that banned militants have become active in the area once again. Information with the BBC reveals that Jamat ul Dawa (parent organisation of Lashkar e Taiba) have purchased land in Muzaffarabad in March 2009, to establish their offices and houses.’
Presence of militant groups was more visible and aggressive this time during the functions held in Muzaffarabad to show ‘solidarity’ with Kashmiris. In public meetings militant commanders openly and aggressively supported jihad; and vowed to continue their jihad to teach lesson to India.
Apart from leaders of Lashkar e Taiba and Jamat e Dawa who openly support jihad in Kashmir; retired General and former ISI Director General Hamid Gul also addressed the gathering. According to BBC, he said: ‘With India we have only relationship of animosity. They are our enemy and we their enemy. They are enemy of Kashmiris, enemy of their independence and honour. We openly say we are their enemy and we will go to any length for this.’
Jamat e Dawa leader Abdul Rehman Makki in his speech said: ‘Thousands of mothers have sent their sons to Kashmir to be martyred; but we have lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of young men ready to fight India’.
He further said: ‘We are not against dialogue, but India always used dialogue as a strategy which caused damage to the Kashmir dispute. On behalf of the Pakistani nation I am here to deliver a message of Jihad, killing and blood. Kashmir is important, but so is water. Water is in Kashmir, water lakes and sources are in Kashmir. We want all of Kashmir’. He threatened the India Prime minister that ‘if India stopped Pakistani water the India will have to face serious consequences’.
Head of Mutaida Jihad Council, Syed Salahuddin also addressed the Conference and emphasised that the only solution to the Kashmir dispute is jihad, which will continue until Kashmir is liberated. The leaders of Jaish e Mohammed and other militant groups also participated in the conference.
I have only produced brief messages of these militant groups, but it is more than enough to tell what is likely to come our way in near future. It is unfortunate that still there are many people who believe they can put out fire by pouring petrol on it. They don’t realise that violence generates more violence. Violence which ensued in name of jihad shattered basic fabric of the Kashmiri society; and it has also seriously harmed the Pakistani society.
Thinking in Pakistan is that:
• India is having edge over Pakistan in Afghanistan due to massive investment and due to close contacts with various players in Afghanistan.
• Also they think problems in FATA and other parts of Pakistan are not due to their wrong policies; but because of ‘Indian involvement’.
• Furthermore they think India is stealing ‘their water’; and best way to have India on back foot is to be more assertive with India and revert back to old policy of exporting ‘Jihad’.
In this regard, apart from activating jihadi groups who are too willing to pick up their guns to wage jihad against India in Jammu and Kashmir and in India; other ‘movements’ within India are also encouraged to continue their struggle. It is believed that both countries have been encouraging and supporting insurgents in each other’s countries.
The government of India is of course aware of these developments, and P Chidambaram, India’s Union Home Minister reacted angrily by saying that, "Let me make it clear: these dark forces will not succeed in their designs. We will defeat them whenever and wherever we confront them."
The last ‘jihad’ in Jammu and Kashmir started in 1988/9; and that brought death, destruction and loss of a generation. That ‘Jihad’ or a ‘proxy war’ further divided the Kashmiri people, as it communalised the Kashmir polity and divided people in name of religion. The wounds of that ‘jihad’ which has not ended yet are still fresh; and signs are that our ‘friends’ in Pakistan want to add a new chapter to the ‘Jihad’ in Kashmir.
As a Kashmiri, my concern is that this new wave of ‘jihad’ will bring more misery and suffering to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in areas of Neelam Valley and along the LOC will face brunt of oppression. Furthermore another Mumbai like incident, no matter who commits it, will have very serious repercussions and could lead both countries to an armed confrontation with disastrous consequences.
Writer is Director Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Friday, 5 February 2010
Pakistan army harass Deputy Commissioner in Azad Kashmir
Pakistan army harass Deputy Commissioner in Azad Kashmir
Dr Shabir Choudhry 05 February 2010
Once again Pakistan army has demonstrated that they are the real masters of Kashmiri territory under their control; and that they are not accountable to anyone for their actions. It is they who call shots in this region and there is no law which is applicable to them.
Pakistan army behaves like an army of occupation although at times they try to pretend to be ‘defenders’ of this territory. They commit human rights abuses and are never held accountable for anything; because unlike on the other side of Line of Control where every human rights abuse is reported and flashed in media, no one even dares to report anything against Pakistani soldiers on this side of the LOC.
Neelam Valley and other areas near the Line of Control suffer most, and because of the prevailing situation - fear of army reprisals and fear of being arrested and imprisoned on fake charges of being an ‘Indian agent’ force people to remain quiet and take every abuse with a smile on their faces.
Deputy Commissioner is a very senior civilian position in any district, but even a senior civilian is not spared by the Pakistani army in Pakistani Administered Kashmir known as Azad Kashmir. On 4th February 2010 at around 10 am, a Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Shahid Ayub, was manhandled by few soldiers of Pakistan army in Neelam Valley.
According to details emanating from the Neelam Valley, Mr. Shahid Ayub along with his staff was on his routine journey to Sharda from Athmuqam, district headquarters. When he reached Keran, just 15 kilometers from Athmuqam, he was stopped by the Pakistan army soldiers by putting up barriers on the Neelam road.
The soldiers treated him disrespectfully and demanded to know who he was. The Deputy Commissioner and his staff pointed to the AJK flag hoisting on his vehicle and told them that he was a Deputy Commissioner of the District. Only senior officers, President, Prime Minister and Ministers could hoist the flag of Azad Kashmir on their vehicles.
The soldiers laughed at him and said, ‘They don't care for any kind of Deputy Commissioner, or any flag; and that they were the masters of the area’. They said it is their law and their order which is implemented here. The soldiers verbally abused the Deputy Commissioner in front of his staff with guns pointing at him from both sides of his vehicle. They also threatened to shoot him on site if he tried to move from there without their permission.
The helpless Deputy Commissioner of so called Azad Kashmir, called Azad Kashmir police force for help, but they were unable to save their boss from the humiliation by soldiers of Pakistan army.
It is also pertinent to mention that the Deputy Commissioner has been in charge of the District for some months, and he is well known in the area and to the soldiers stationed at the Keran Check Post. It is not that the soldiers didn’t know who he was, but they wanted to demonstrate that it is they who call shots in this region and not a Kashmiri Deputy Commissioner. They wanted to send a message to all concerned that they must learn to abide by orders of the men in khaki and respect them.
The check post where this incident occurred is right across Keran village, which is under Indian control; and is divided by Neelam River. The Indian army must have witnessed this incident, and they must now know what azadi or freedom people of Jammu and Kashmir enjoy on the other side of the incident.
This humiliating treatment was experienced by a senior Civilian Officer of AJK; and even the Azad Kashmir police could not help him. Just imagine what kind of treatment would be available to ordinary, simple and illiterate people living in those villages in the Neelam Valley and along the LOC.
The man who informed me of this incident said under the terms of Provisional Accession which took place on October 1947, it was a duty of the Indian army to protect life, property and dignity of all citizens of the Jammu and Kashmir State. But unfortunately we suffer on both sides of the divide to varying degrees; and no one seems to be concerned about our plight. It hurts us more to note that despite all the suffering and sacrifices the Kashmir dispute is still perceived as a dispute between India and Pakistan.
This incident happened one day before the so called ‘solidarity with Kashmir day’- annual holiday people of Pakistan enjoy in our name. 5th of February has no significance in history of Jammu and Kashmir; and yet for past some years they have started holding a holiday to express their solidarity with Kashmiris.
This holiday or solidarity day is not based on sincerity or goodwill. The policy makers of Pakistan are fooling people of Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir. There is a big discrepancy in their words and deeds. When a situation comes to show solidarity with people of Jammu and Kashmir or to protect their interests, policy makers of Pakistan turn a blind eye to that; and only promote a Pakistani interest at the cost of a Kashmiri interest.
They never demand or even agree that people of Jammu and Kashmir should be part of the dialogue process on Kashmir. What right have they got to negotiate with India on our behalf? To us they are occupiers just like India and China are; and no occupier has this right to decide future of our motherland.
Their aim is to hold this display of ‘solidarity’ one week before the national day people of Jammu and Kashmir hold on 11 February to commemorate martyrdom of their leader Maqbool Butt who advocated an independent and secular Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani policy makers spend huge amount of money to undermine functions of Kashmiris which they voluntarily hold on 11 February.
If Pakistan really wants to show solidarity with people of Jammu and Kashmir then they should grant full political and economic rights to people under their control. They should withdraw their army and their officers from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Furthermore, they should work hard on 5th February and donate one day salary to suffering people of Jammu and Kashmir.
It must be noted that people uprooted by upraising of Mangla Dam and affected by the earth quake have not been housed. They are still suffering in tents without appropriate shelters and means to live. The best way to show solidarity would be to resettle these people with dignity and honour. If Pakistani policy makers have no will to do that, then please stop rubbing salt in our wounds.
Writer is Head of Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Dr Shabir Choudhry 05 February 2010
Once again Pakistan army has demonstrated that they are the real masters of Kashmiri territory under their control; and that they are not accountable to anyone for their actions. It is they who call shots in this region and there is no law which is applicable to them.
Pakistan army behaves like an army of occupation although at times they try to pretend to be ‘defenders’ of this territory. They commit human rights abuses and are never held accountable for anything; because unlike on the other side of Line of Control where every human rights abuse is reported and flashed in media, no one even dares to report anything against Pakistani soldiers on this side of the LOC.
Neelam Valley and other areas near the Line of Control suffer most, and because of the prevailing situation - fear of army reprisals and fear of being arrested and imprisoned on fake charges of being an ‘Indian agent’ force people to remain quiet and take every abuse with a smile on their faces.
Deputy Commissioner is a very senior civilian position in any district, but even a senior civilian is not spared by the Pakistani army in Pakistani Administered Kashmir known as Azad Kashmir. On 4th February 2010 at around 10 am, a Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Shahid Ayub, was manhandled by few soldiers of Pakistan army in Neelam Valley.
According to details emanating from the Neelam Valley, Mr. Shahid Ayub along with his staff was on his routine journey to Sharda from Athmuqam, district headquarters. When he reached Keran, just 15 kilometers from Athmuqam, he was stopped by the Pakistan army soldiers by putting up barriers on the Neelam road.
The soldiers treated him disrespectfully and demanded to know who he was. The Deputy Commissioner and his staff pointed to the AJK flag hoisting on his vehicle and told them that he was a Deputy Commissioner of the District. Only senior officers, President, Prime Minister and Ministers could hoist the flag of Azad Kashmir on their vehicles.
The soldiers laughed at him and said, ‘They don't care for any kind of Deputy Commissioner, or any flag; and that they were the masters of the area’. They said it is their law and their order which is implemented here. The soldiers verbally abused the Deputy Commissioner in front of his staff with guns pointing at him from both sides of his vehicle. They also threatened to shoot him on site if he tried to move from there without their permission.
The helpless Deputy Commissioner of so called Azad Kashmir, called Azad Kashmir police force for help, but they were unable to save their boss from the humiliation by soldiers of Pakistan army.
It is also pertinent to mention that the Deputy Commissioner has been in charge of the District for some months, and he is well known in the area and to the soldiers stationed at the Keran Check Post. It is not that the soldiers didn’t know who he was, but they wanted to demonstrate that it is they who call shots in this region and not a Kashmiri Deputy Commissioner. They wanted to send a message to all concerned that they must learn to abide by orders of the men in khaki and respect them.
The check post where this incident occurred is right across Keran village, which is under Indian control; and is divided by Neelam River. The Indian army must have witnessed this incident, and they must now know what azadi or freedom people of Jammu and Kashmir enjoy on the other side of the incident.
This humiliating treatment was experienced by a senior Civilian Officer of AJK; and even the Azad Kashmir police could not help him. Just imagine what kind of treatment would be available to ordinary, simple and illiterate people living in those villages in the Neelam Valley and along the LOC.
The man who informed me of this incident said under the terms of Provisional Accession which took place on October 1947, it was a duty of the Indian army to protect life, property and dignity of all citizens of the Jammu and Kashmir State. But unfortunately we suffer on both sides of the divide to varying degrees; and no one seems to be concerned about our plight. It hurts us more to note that despite all the suffering and sacrifices the Kashmir dispute is still perceived as a dispute between India and Pakistan.
This incident happened one day before the so called ‘solidarity with Kashmir day’- annual holiday people of Pakistan enjoy in our name. 5th of February has no significance in history of Jammu and Kashmir; and yet for past some years they have started holding a holiday to express their solidarity with Kashmiris.
This holiday or solidarity day is not based on sincerity or goodwill. The policy makers of Pakistan are fooling people of Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir. There is a big discrepancy in their words and deeds. When a situation comes to show solidarity with people of Jammu and Kashmir or to protect their interests, policy makers of Pakistan turn a blind eye to that; and only promote a Pakistani interest at the cost of a Kashmiri interest.
They never demand or even agree that people of Jammu and Kashmir should be part of the dialogue process on Kashmir. What right have they got to negotiate with India on our behalf? To us they are occupiers just like India and China are; and no occupier has this right to decide future of our motherland.
Their aim is to hold this display of ‘solidarity’ one week before the national day people of Jammu and Kashmir hold on 11 February to commemorate martyrdom of their leader Maqbool Butt who advocated an independent and secular Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani policy makers spend huge amount of money to undermine functions of Kashmiris which they voluntarily hold on 11 February.
If Pakistan really wants to show solidarity with people of Jammu and Kashmir then they should grant full political and economic rights to people under their control. They should withdraw their army and their officers from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Furthermore, they should work hard on 5th February and donate one day salary to suffering people of Jammu and Kashmir.
It must be noted that people uprooted by upraising of Mangla Dam and affected by the earth quake have not been housed. They are still suffering in tents without appropriate shelters and means to live. The best way to show solidarity would be to resettle these people with dignity and honour. If Pakistani policy makers have no will to do that, then please stop rubbing salt in our wounds.
Writer is Head of Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Thursday, 4 February 2010
KNP will continue to work for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir
KNP will continue to work for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir
London 04 February 2010
Kashmir National Party Chairman, Abbas Butt said: “Our struggle is for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir, but my struggle starts from Kotli and not from Srinagar. If my Kotli is enslaved and people are deprived of basic human rights here then what good is independence of Srinagar to me and my people? All those who want to liberate Srinagar first while their own regions are occupied by Pakistan are not sincere with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Those who follow this policy are not sincere and they have no right to speak about rights of people. These people must be opposed and exposed.”
Abbas Butt was speaking to a meeting of the Supreme Council of the KNP, which was held in London to discuss and formulate future programmes of the Party.
KNP Zonal Secretary General Nawaz Majid said: Maqbool Butt was hero of Kashmiri nation. His struggle was for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir. He spoke for rights of all Kashmiris and did not speak for rights of Kashmiri Muslims. His fight was for justice and equality; and those people who want to make this struggle a struggle of Kashmiri Muslims are not sincere to the cause of Kashmir or struggle of Maqbool Butt.
KNP Organiser Asim Mirza said, ‘We must hold a public meeting in Watford and should only work and support like minded people. It is not appropriate to attend meetings of those who do not respect our guests and try to disrupt our meetings’. He said we have tremendous experience in arranging public meetings and conferences, and he will ensure that there is a successful public meeting in Watford.
Head of Diplomatic Committee of KNP Dr Shabir Choudhry said: ‘Once again Pakistani people will enjoy another holiday on 5th February in name of solidarity with Kashmiri people. This date, 5th February, has no historic significance in history of Kashmir. Pakistani policy makers hold this ‘holiday’ one week before Martyrdom date of Maqbool Bhat to fool people of Jammu and Kashmir and people of Pakistan. Their aim is to show Pakistan is worried about their independence. But hypocrisy is that Pakistani governments are not willing to grant independence to those people of Jammu and Kashmir which are under direct control of Pakistan’.
Other KNP leaders who spoke include: Ch Shoaib, Zile Naqvi and Jamroz Khan
KNP leaders after some discussion decided the following programmes of the party:
1. KNP Azad Kashmir Zone will hold a public meeting in Dheer Koat to commemorate 26th Martyrdom day of Maqbool Bhat Saheed;
2. KNP will also hold public meetings in Kotli and Pindi Saber waal on 11 the February;
3. In Britain the KNP will hold a public meeting in Watford;
4. Apart from that KNP delegation will travel to Geneva to attend the Session of UN Human Rights Council in March;
5. KNP leaders will also visit Azad Kashmir in April to address public meetings in various towns including one in Dheer Koat; and meet leaders of other parties including diplomats and policy makers;
6. KNP also decided to make arrangements to get Urdu book of Saeed Asad, ‘Yadoon K Zakham’, translated in English and published. The book is based on interviews of those who witnessed atrocities committed by tribesmen in 1947 in name of ‘jihad’ and ‘liberation’ of Kashmir.
7. Apart from that KNP will make arrangements to launch new book of Dr Shabir Choudhry which will be published this month. The book is called, ‘New Dimensions of Kashmiri struggle’.
8. KNP leaders demanded that government of Azad Kashmir should declare an official holiday on 11th February to express solidarity and show appreciation to the sacrifices of Maqbool Butt. END
Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhry
London 04 February 2010
Kashmir National Party Chairman, Abbas Butt said: “Our struggle is for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir, but my struggle starts from Kotli and not from Srinagar. If my Kotli is enslaved and people are deprived of basic human rights here then what good is independence of Srinagar to me and my people? All those who want to liberate Srinagar first while their own regions are occupied by Pakistan are not sincere with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Those who follow this policy are not sincere and they have no right to speak about rights of people. These people must be opposed and exposed.”
Abbas Butt was speaking to a meeting of the Supreme Council of the KNP, which was held in London to discuss and formulate future programmes of the Party.
KNP Zonal Secretary General Nawaz Majid said: Maqbool Butt was hero of Kashmiri nation. His struggle was for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir. He spoke for rights of all Kashmiris and did not speak for rights of Kashmiri Muslims. His fight was for justice and equality; and those people who want to make this struggle a struggle of Kashmiri Muslims are not sincere to the cause of Kashmir or struggle of Maqbool Butt.
KNP Organiser Asim Mirza said, ‘We must hold a public meeting in Watford and should only work and support like minded people. It is not appropriate to attend meetings of those who do not respect our guests and try to disrupt our meetings’. He said we have tremendous experience in arranging public meetings and conferences, and he will ensure that there is a successful public meeting in Watford.
Head of Diplomatic Committee of KNP Dr Shabir Choudhry said: ‘Once again Pakistani people will enjoy another holiday on 5th February in name of solidarity with Kashmiri people. This date, 5th February, has no historic significance in history of Kashmir. Pakistani policy makers hold this ‘holiday’ one week before Martyrdom date of Maqbool Bhat to fool people of Jammu and Kashmir and people of Pakistan. Their aim is to show Pakistan is worried about their independence. But hypocrisy is that Pakistani governments are not willing to grant independence to those people of Jammu and Kashmir which are under direct control of Pakistan’.
Other KNP leaders who spoke include: Ch Shoaib, Zile Naqvi and Jamroz Khan
KNP leaders after some discussion decided the following programmes of the party:
1. KNP Azad Kashmir Zone will hold a public meeting in Dheer Koat to commemorate 26th Martyrdom day of Maqbool Bhat Saheed;
2. KNP will also hold public meetings in Kotli and Pindi Saber waal on 11 the February;
3. In Britain the KNP will hold a public meeting in Watford;
4. Apart from that KNP delegation will travel to Geneva to attend the Session of UN Human Rights Council in March;
5. KNP leaders will also visit Azad Kashmir in April to address public meetings in various towns including one in Dheer Koat; and meet leaders of other parties including diplomats and policy makers;
6. KNP also decided to make arrangements to get Urdu book of Saeed Asad, ‘Yadoon K Zakham’, translated in English and published. The book is based on interviews of those who witnessed atrocities committed by tribesmen in 1947 in name of ‘jihad’ and ‘liberation’ of Kashmir.
7. Apart from that KNP will make arrangements to launch new book of Dr Shabir Choudhry which will be published this month. The book is called, ‘New Dimensions of Kashmiri struggle’.
8. KNP leaders demanded that government of Azad Kashmir should declare an official holiday on 11th February to express solidarity and show appreciation to the sacrifices of Maqbool Butt. END
Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhry
Saturday, 23 January 2010
To Chief Minister of Punjab
To Chief Minister of Punjab
Dr Shabir Choudhry 24 January 2010
Dear Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab aslamo alaykam
It was pleasure to meet you in a meeting arranged by Lord Nazir Ahmed in House of Lords in London. Your speech to Kashmiri leaders assembled here was no different to speech of any other Pakistani leader and did not impress me or inspire me.
Policy of Pakistani leaders on Kashmir is no different than policy of India, as both countries want to make my homeland part of their countries; and they have been fighting over it since 1947.
Both countries want to get Kashmir not because they have welfare of people in their minds, but because they have territorial designs on the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
In order to accomplish their territorial designs, both countries have divided the state by force and made lives of people miserable on both sides of the forcibly divided LOC. Innocent people suffer on both sides of the divide to varying degrees because they don’t want to be part of either country.
Sir, I appreciate your concern about human rights abuse on the Indian side of Kashmir; but please tell me who is responsible for human rights abuse and denial of fundamental human rights on this side of LOC? Who has denied people of Gilgit Baltistan of their basic rights since 1947?
In a room where there were more than fifty people present, you would not remember me, but if I tell you what questions I asked you after your speech it will surely refresh your memory.
Sir, it was me who asked you, “If we put question of human rights abuse on one side, then tell me what is difference between India’s Kashmir policy and that of Pakistan, as both countries want to get Kashmir and have no care for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. What the Zardari government has done in Gilgit Baltistan has further exposed the Pakistani policy on Kashmir; but question is why your party - Muslim League N had to be part of that sin?”
Your facial expressions were not good when you heard that, and Lord Nazir Ahmed also didn’t look happy; but before he could stop me I quickly added that: “Those Kashmiris who say people of Mirpur have given sacrifices for Pakistan by allowing construction of Mangla Dam are wrong. Let me make it clear that this construction and subsequent upraising was against our will; and was forced upon us. It could be called injustice, oppression, exploitation, but not sacrifice. If Pakistan wants water and energy then best thing is to construct dams inside Pakistan.”
Of course some other people also asked some harsh questions, among them were questions of Arshad Malik and Mobeen Qadari; and you didn’t look happy. Perhaps you were not expecting this kind of ‘reception’. May be you were expecting to hear Shabaz Sharif Zindabad and Muslim League zindabad. May be we have disappointed you; but don’t you think we are also disappointed by your policies and policies of other Pakistani leaders.
However, I agree with you that General Musharaf has done enormous damage to the Kashmir dispute; but he was a Pakistani General and a Pakistani President. To us Kashmiris, Pakistani rulers whether in uniform or in a sherwani and a suit have same Kashmir policy. They all want to occupy us and enslave us, deprive us of fundamental human rights; and exploit our economic resources.
I also agree with you that Pakistan needs economic stability in order to influence the Kashmir dispute. But Sir, economic stability is also important for people of Jammu and Kashmir; then why Pakistan is exploiting us and using our natural resources?
Chief Minister Sahib, you are lucky man. You were born with a golden spoon in mouth. You are extremely rich and powerful. You, your brother Nawaz Sharif and your party are very popular in Pakistan; but your Kashmir policy is not. All of Pakistani leaders and generals are obsessed with getting Kashmir, occupy Kashmir and exploit resources of Kashmir.
This policy of getting Kashmir at all costs, be it in form of Tribal Invasion, Operation Gibraltar or Kargil fiasco have backfired and landed Pakistan in quandary. But no one seems to be concerned about evaluating that totally flawed and out of date policy.
Sir, don’t you think it is time to review Pakistan’s Kashmir policy? If you want to make Pakistan prosperous and stable then you need to learn from past mistakes. You also need to seriously and sincerely evaluate Pakistan’s Kashmir policy; and formulate a new policy in view of new geopolitical situation.
And before you do that, please keep in mind that Kashmir dispute is not an issue of water. It is not a bilateral dispute between India and Pakistan. It is not a jugular vein of Pakistan. It is not an issue of accession with India or Pakistan. It is not part of Two Nations Theory, and Mohammed Ali Jinnah more than once demonstrated that through his statement and practise.
Sir, Kashmir dispute concerns fundamental right of self determination of people of Jammu and Kashmir, a right which is our birth right, a right which no one could take away from us - even rulers of Pakistan could not take that right away from us.
And finally, please don’t confuse right of self determination with right of accession which was given to us in the UN resolution of 5 January 1949. In Pakistan may be right of accession is called right of self determination, but world at large have different meaning of right of self determination – this right could not be limited or made conditional.
The above observations are made by a true Kashmiri nationalist who does not seek any favours from you or anyone else; and if this letter somehow makes its way to you please don’t get angry. Please remember that the above views are shared by all true Kashmiris and you need to take them in to consideration when formulating the Kashmir policy.
Finally we people of Jammu and Kashmir have no desire to be part of either India or Pakistan; and those Kashmiris who tell you that they are eager to join Pakistan are not sincere with you. They don’t want to join Pakistan but they don’t want to say that because they don’t want to deprive themselves of rewards and privileges which Pakistan agencies provide them.
Yours sincerely
Dr Shabir Choudhry
Head of Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets; also Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Dr Shabir Choudhry 24 January 2010
Dear Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab aslamo alaykam
It was pleasure to meet you in a meeting arranged by Lord Nazir Ahmed in House of Lords in London. Your speech to Kashmiri leaders assembled here was no different to speech of any other Pakistani leader and did not impress me or inspire me.
Policy of Pakistani leaders on Kashmir is no different than policy of India, as both countries want to make my homeland part of their countries; and they have been fighting over it since 1947.
Both countries want to get Kashmir not because they have welfare of people in their minds, but because they have territorial designs on the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
In order to accomplish their territorial designs, both countries have divided the state by force and made lives of people miserable on both sides of the forcibly divided LOC. Innocent people suffer on both sides of the divide to varying degrees because they don’t want to be part of either country.
Sir, I appreciate your concern about human rights abuse on the Indian side of Kashmir; but please tell me who is responsible for human rights abuse and denial of fundamental human rights on this side of LOC? Who has denied people of Gilgit Baltistan of their basic rights since 1947?
In a room where there were more than fifty people present, you would not remember me, but if I tell you what questions I asked you after your speech it will surely refresh your memory.
Sir, it was me who asked you, “If we put question of human rights abuse on one side, then tell me what is difference between India’s Kashmir policy and that of Pakistan, as both countries want to get Kashmir and have no care for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. What the Zardari government has done in Gilgit Baltistan has further exposed the Pakistani policy on Kashmir; but question is why your party - Muslim League N had to be part of that sin?”
Your facial expressions were not good when you heard that, and Lord Nazir Ahmed also didn’t look happy; but before he could stop me I quickly added that: “Those Kashmiris who say people of Mirpur have given sacrifices for Pakistan by allowing construction of Mangla Dam are wrong. Let me make it clear that this construction and subsequent upraising was against our will; and was forced upon us. It could be called injustice, oppression, exploitation, but not sacrifice. If Pakistan wants water and energy then best thing is to construct dams inside Pakistan.”
Of course some other people also asked some harsh questions, among them were questions of Arshad Malik and Mobeen Qadari; and you didn’t look happy. Perhaps you were not expecting this kind of ‘reception’. May be you were expecting to hear Shabaz Sharif Zindabad and Muslim League zindabad. May be we have disappointed you; but don’t you think we are also disappointed by your policies and policies of other Pakistani leaders.
However, I agree with you that General Musharaf has done enormous damage to the Kashmir dispute; but he was a Pakistani General and a Pakistani President. To us Kashmiris, Pakistani rulers whether in uniform or in a sherwani and a suit have same Kashmir policy. They all want to occupy us and enslave us, deprive us of fundamental human rights; and exploit our economic resources.
I also agree with you that Pakistan needs economic stability in order to influence the Kashmir dispute. But Sir, economic stability is also important for people of Jammu and Kashmir; then why Pakistan is exploiting us and using our natural resources?
Chief Minister Sahib, you are lucky man. You were born with a golden spoon in mouth. You are extremely rich and powerful. You, your brother Nawaz Sharif and your party are very popular in Pakistan; but your Kashmir policy is not. All of Pakistani leaders and generals are obsessed with getting Kashmir, occupy Kashmir and exploit resources of Kashmir.
This policy of getting Kashmir at all costs, be it in form of Tribal Invasion, Operation Gibraltar or Kargil fiasco have backfired and landed Pakistan in quandary. But no one seems to be concerned about evaluating that totally flawed and out of date policy.
Sir, don’t you think it is time to review Pakistan’s Kashmir policy? If you want to make Pakistan prosperous and stable then you need to learn from past mistakes. You also need to seriously and sincerely evaluate Pakistan’s Kashmir policy; and formulate a new policy in view of new geopolitical situation.
And before you do that, please keep in mind that Kashmir dispute is not an issue of water. It is not a bilateral dispute between India and Pakistan. It is not a jugular vein of Pakistan. It is not an issue of accession with India or Pakistan. It is not part of Two Nations Theory, and Mohammed Ali Jinnah more than once demonstrated that through his statement and practise.
Sir, Kashmir dispute concerns fundamental right of self determination of people of Jammu and Kashmir, a right which is our birth right, a right which no one could take away from us - even rulers of Pakistan could not take that right away from us.
And finally, please don’t confuse right of self determination with right of accession which was given to us in the UN resolution of 5 January 1949. In Pakistan may be right of accession is called right of self determination, but world at large have different meaning of right of self determination – this right could not be limited or made conditional.
The above observations are made by a true Kashmiri nationalist who does not seek any favours from you or anyone else; and if this letter somehow makes its way to you please don’t get angry. Please remember that the above views are shared by all true Kashmiris and you need to take them in to consideration when formulating the Kashmir policy.
Finally we people of Jammu and Kashmir have no desire to be part of either India or Pakistan; and those Kashmiris who tell you that they are eager to join Pakistan are not sincere with you. They don’t want to join Pakistan but they don’t want to say that because they don’t want to deprive themselves of rewards and privileges which Pakistan agencies provide them.
Yours sincerely
Dr Shabir Choudhry
Head of Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets; also Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Independence or accession?
Independence or accession?
Dr Shabir Choudhry 19 January 2010
The man sounded energetic and confident. He is a political activist fromSrinagar and, I was discussing peace process in Kashmir and its likely outcome. I said to him, in negotiations all parties have to give some and take some. Are people of Kashmir now ready to make a compromise? “No way”, he said confidently. “We will never compromise. We want Azadi (freedom)”.
What do you mean by Azadi (freedom) I asked him? He hesitated for a moment and said, “By azadi, I mean azadi”.
I said different people have different meaning of freedom. Freedom generally means absence of restrictions and an opportunity to exercise one's rights and powers.
He said, “We don’t want the Indian army here”.
I asked, “If the Indian army moves out and issues related to law and order are controlled by Kashmiri police or local militia; you have freedom of speech and freedom of movement; is that satisfactory to you”.
He was little perplexed, and appeared bit unsure, and then he said, “We want India to be out of Kashmir. We don’t want to be part of India.”
I asked him, “If you don’t want to be part of India then what do you want to do when Indians move out?”
“We will have azadi (freedom) from India and run our own government, or join Pakistan”, he said.
This has been the problem with the Kashmiri struggle and people of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is forcibly divided and each region has its own interest and own agenda with no clear destination in mind.
As Kashmir is multi religious and multi ethnic State, there bound to be regional and ethnic issues; but while keeping those issues in mind we have to promote a national interest, and not interest of one religion of one region of the State. Similarly we have to ensure that we do not become foot soldiers of either India or Pakistan.
If ultimate aim of some Muslims of the Valley of Kashmir is to join Pakistan then that could be called accession and not azadi or freedom. Perhaps these people don’t know that the people of Pakistan are also in search of freedom since 1947, and they haven’t seen that yet; and in frustration they are looking for alternatives and some are clearly talking of breaking away from Pakistan.
Furthermore by promoting a Muslim cause or playing a Muslim card they are in practice dividing the State on religious lines; and that is something we must oppose at all costs. The last division on communal lines took place in South Asia in 1947, and people of South Asia are still paying price for that division with their blood.
That division caused death and destruction to property, and affected lives of millions of people. The scars of that bloody division were so deep that communities even now have been come to terms with that. Memories of that division, which generated hatred and animosity among the communities is still dividing the communities and poisoning politics of that region.
Apart from that it is religious fanaticism which has become threat to peace and stability in South Asia and Jammu and Kashmir. It is this fanaticism which is giving bad name to jihad and Islam; and creating enormous problems for Muslims through out the world.
Those Kashmiris who claim that divisions among the Kashmiris are superficial and that all Kashmiris are untied around the demand of right of self determination are not correct as there are deep divisions in the ranks of the Kashmiri people. Even people have different interpretations of right of self determination; and they confuse that with right of accession which was given to us in the UN Resolutions. It is only appropriate that we accept this reality and make sincere efforts to forge some kind of unity.
The divisions we have are ideological and clearly divide the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is unfortunate that even in 2010; there are some Kashmiri leaders who justify use of violence to promote their cause. Some want an Islamic rule; while others want democratic and secular form of government. Some even want to make this struggle a struggle of Kashmiri Muslims, which practically means they want a division of the State on communal lines.
These leaders represent a vested interest which wants instability in the region, as that suits their commercial and political interests. They want pot of communalism and hatred keep on boiling that they can advance their agenda and impose their will on other people.
If we want peace and stability in South Asia then we need to resolve the Kashmir dispute; and we cannot resolve the Kashmir dispute by making it a Muslim problem or a problem of water and resources. It is deeply disturbing that despite enormous sacrifices by the people of Jammu and Kashmir the Kashmir dispute is still perceived as a dispute which has to be resolved by the governments of India and Pakistan.
True, the Kashmir dispute has to be resolved by a process of dialogue and not by use of a gun; but we the people of Jammu and Kashmir must be part of this dialogue process, as we cannot allow bureaucrats of India and Pakistan to decide future of the State and future of our generations.
Writer is Head of Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Dr Shabir Choudhry 19 January 2010
The man sounded energetic and confident. He is a political activist fromSrinagar and, I was discussing peace process in Kashmir and its likely outcome. I said to him, in negotiations all parties have to give some and take some. Are people of Kashmir now ready to make a compromise? “No way”, he said confidently. “We will never compromise. We want Azadi (freedom)”.
What do you mean by Azadi (freedom) I asked him? He hesitated for a moment and said, “By azadi, I mean azadi”.
I said different people have different meaning of freedom. Freedom generally means absence of restrictions and an opportunity to exercise one's rights and powers.
He said, “We don’t want the Indian army here”.
I asked, “If the Indian army moves out and issues related to law and order are controlled by Kashmiri police or local militia; you have freedom of speech and freedom of movement; is that satisfactory to you”.
He was little perplexed, and appeared bit unsure, and then he said, “We want India to be out of Kashmir. We don’t want to be part of India.”
I asked him, “If you don’t want to be part of India then what do you want to do when Indians move out?”
“We will have azadi (freedom) from India and run our own government, or join Pakistan”, he said.
This has been the problem with the Kashmiri struggle and people of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is forcibly divided and each region has its own interest and own agenda with no clear destination in mind.
As Kashmir is multi religious and multi ethnic State, there bound to be regional and ethnic issues; but while keeping those issues in mind we have to promote a national interest, and not interest of one religion of one region of the State. Similarly we have to ensure that we do not become foot soldiers of either India or Pakistan.
If ultimate aim of some Muslims of the Valley of Kashmir is to join Pakistan then that could be called accession and not azadi or freedom. Perhaps these people don’t know that the people of Pakistan are also in search of freedom since 1947, and they haven’t seen that yet; and in frustration they are looking for alternatives and some are clearly talking of breaking away from Pakistan.
Furthermore by promoting a Muslim cause or playing a Muslim card they are in practice dividing the State on religious lines; and that is something we must oppose at all costs. The last division on communal lines took place in South Asia in 1947, and people of South Asia are still paying price for that division with their blood.
That division caused death and destruction to property, and affected lives of millions of people. The scars of that bloody division were so deep that communities even now have been come to terms with that. Memories of that division, which generated hatred and animosity among the communities is still dividing the communities and poisoning politics of that region.
Apart from that it is religious fanaticism which has become threat to peace and stability in South Asia and Jammu and Kashmir. It is this fanaticism which is giving bad name to jihad and Islam; and creating enormous problems for Muslims through out the world.
Those Kashmiris who claim that divisions among the Kashmiris are superficial and that all Kashmiris are untied around the demand of right of self determination are not correct as there are deep divisions in the ranks of the Kashmiri people. Even people have different interpretations of right of self determination; and they confuse that with right of accession which was given to us in the UN Resolutions. It is only appropriate that we accept this reality and make sincere efforts to forge some kind of unity.
The divisions we have are ideological and clearly divide the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is unfortunate that even in 2010; there are some Kashmiri leaders who justify use of violence to promote their cause. Some want an Islamic rule; while others want democratic and secular form of government. Some even want to make this struggle a struggle of Kashmiri Muslims, which practically means they want a division of the State on communal lines.
These leaders represent a vested interest which wants instability in the region, as that suits their commercial and political interests. They want pot of communalism and hatred keep on boiling that they can advance their agenda and impose their will on other people.
If we want peace and stability in South Asia then we need to resolve the Kashmir dispute; and we cannot resolve the Kashmir dispute by making it a Muslim problem or a problem of water and resources. It is deeply disturbing that despite enormous sacrifices by the people of Jammu and Kashmir the Kashmir dispute is still perceived as a dispute which has to be resolved by the governments of India and Pakistan.
True, the Kashmir dispute has to be resolved by a process of dialogue and not by use of a gun; but we the people of Jammu and Kashmir must be part of this dialogue process, as we cannot allow bureaucrats of India and Pakistan to decide future of the State and future of our generations.
Writer is Head of Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Senior JKLF leader joins Kashmir National Party
Senior JKLF leader joins Kashmir National Party
Disappointed with leadership and out date of policies of the JKLF a senior JKLF Aman Group leader has resigned from his post and joined Kashmir National Party.
Raja Kafeel, who was President of the JKLF Aman Group in politically important town of Dheer Koat has resigned from his position by saying that the JKLF has lost its importance; and its policies are out of step with the present requirements of the Kashmiri people.
While talking to the media men Raja Kafeel said the present policies of the JKLF could only keep its name alive but cannot make progress and meet needs of the Kashmiri struggle.
Raja Kafeel said, “How could you win confidence of the people if you have no programme or a policy which is pro people; and which could help you to win support of the people. I have decided to join Kashmir National Party as its policies are more forward looking and in tune with the requirements of the people.”
Dr Shabir Choudhry has welcomed Raja Kafeel in to the KNP fold and assured him that the party will do everything possible to advance the cause of Kashmiri peoples unfettered right of self determination.
Dr Shabir Choudhry said, “We imposed restrictions on accepting members from the other nationalist parties; and we have lifted that restriction now, and in future will accept like minded people who want to promote cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir”.
KNP leader said, “It is unfortunate that some parties in name of nationalism are still promoting communalism and violence which is harming the cause of Kashmir”. END
Disappointed with leadership and out date of policies of the JKLF a senior JKLF Aman Group leader has resigned from his post and joined Kashmir National Party.
Raja Kafeel, who was President of the JKLF Aman Group in politically important town of Dheer Koat has resigned from his position by saying that the JKLF has lost its importance; and its policies are out of step with the present requirements of the Kashmiri people.
While talking to the media men Raja Kafeel said the present policies of the JKLF could only keep its name alive but cannot make progress and meet needs of the Kashmiri struggle.
Raja Kafeel said, “How could you win confidence of the people if you have no programme or a policy which is pro people; and which could help you to win support of the people. I have decided to join Kashmir National Party as its policies are more forward looking and in tune with the requirements of the people.”
Dr Shabir Choudhry has welcomed Raja Kafeel in to the KNP fold and assured him that the party will do everything possible to advance the cause of Kashmiri peoples unfettered right of self determination.
Dr Shabir Choudhry said, “We imposed restrictions on accepting members from the other nationalist parties; and we have lifted that restriction now, and in future will accept like minded people who want to promote cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir”.
KNP leader said, “It is unfortunate that some parties in name of nationalism are still promoting communalism and violence which is harming the cause of Kashmir”. END
Sunday, 17 January 2010
KNP concerned over growing extremism in PAK.
KNP concerned over growing extremism in PAK.
London 17 January 2010
Kashmir National Party leader Dr Shabir Choudhry expressed great concern over growing extremism in Pakistani Administered Kashmir. He said, “People of our region are suffering because of wrong policies of Pakistani agencies which continued unhindered in this area for many years ago”.
KNP leader said, “It was a deliberate policy of Pakistani agencies to promote policies of extremism and they exported terrorism in disguise of Jihad for many years and now those policies have come to haunt them”.
Dr Shabir Choudhry said, “Our region is peaceful and terrorism and suicide bombing are alien to our culture and society. Because of policy of extremism our people in Pakistani Administered Kashmir have suffered continued harassment and humiliation for many years”.
KNP leader further said, “How could you effectively fight war on terrorism when secret agencies are still funding and supporting jihadi groups in certain parts, especially in parts of Pakistani Administered Kashmir”.
Dr Shabir Choudhry said,“In mountains of Pakistani Administered Kashmir there were still militant camps which espouse terrorism in name of jihad and it is special breed of Islam which they want to impose on people. This sect of Islam has their followers in all areas of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and in Pakistan; and it was they who are responsible for these suicide attacks in Pakistani Administered Kashmir”.
KNP leader also expressed his serious anger on the growing acts of harassment and victimisation in Pakistani Administered Kashmir, where authorities have unleashed state terror on peaceful demonstrations in Muzaffarabad and in Kotli.
London 17 January 2010
Kashmir National Party leader Dr Shabir Choudhry expressed great concern over growing extremism in Pakistani Administered Kashmir. He said, “People of our region are suffering because of wrong policies of Pakistani agencies which continued unhindered in this area for many years ago”.
KNP leader said, “It was a deliberate policy of Pakistani agencies to promote policies of extremism and they exported terrorism in disguise of Jihad for many years and now those policies have come to haunt them”.
Dr Shabir Choudhry said, “Our region is peaceful and terrorism and suicide bombing are alien to our culture and society. Because of policy of extremism our people in Pakistani Administered Kashmir have suffered continued harassment and humiliation for many years”.
KNP leader further said, “How could you effectively fight war on terrorism when secret agencies are still funding and supporting jihadi groups in certain parts, especially in parts of Pakistani Administered Kashmir”.
Dr Shabir Choudhry said,“In mountains of Pakistani Administered Kashmir there were still militant camps which espouse terrorism in name of jihad and it is special breed of Islam which they want to impose on people. This sect of Islam has their followers in all areas of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and in Pakistan; and it was they who are responsible for these suicide attacks in Pakistani Administered Kashmir”.
KNP leader also expressed his serious anger on the growing acts of harassment and victimisation in Pakistani Administered Kashmir, where authorities have unleashed state terror on peaceful demonstrations in Muzaffarabad and in Kotli.
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