KNP will help brothers in Gilgit Baltistan, Dr Shabir Choudhry
London 16 May 2010
People of Gilgit Baltistan and especially people of Hunza are in great difficulty because of an artificial lake which emerged because of a landslide and blockage of river Hunza.
The lake is now more than 300 feet deep and more than 21 miles long, and posing a great threat to lives of many villages. People have serious problems with supply of food and other necessary items as scores of people were forced to abandon their homes and seek shelter.
The response of authorities, as always, was too little and too late. So far more than 23 people have lost their lives and many more are likely to lose their lives due to conditions and shortage of food, medicine and shelter.
In this regard government of China offered to help to remove the debris and clear the way to avoid problems, but authorities did not accept this offer. And tragedy is that the authorities did not do anything themselves until the danger was too great and out of control. They only panicked when experts said that it could threaten Tarbela dam and other important installations.
What little has been done by authorities is to ensure that the lake, if it bursts does not pose any threat to Tarbela Dam and other important Pakistani interests. What this means is that people of the area are still at great risk and many could lose their lives.
In order to help our brothers in need, a Committee has been set up in Muzaffarabad, a Pakistani Administered Kashmir to help and coordinate relief activities. The committee consist of leaders of KNP, UKPNP and NSF.
Dr Shabir Choudhry, while speaking to the Committee members urged them to collect funds and other essential items and personally go there in a form of a caravan to help our brothers and show solidarity with them.
In this regard the KNP members in the UK and elsewhere will play an active role; and support our brothers in desperate need of help. END
Sunday, 16 May 2010
A reply to Pakistani agents
A reply to Pakistani agents
Dr Shabir Choudhry 16 May 2010
1. First of all I don’t know who Shaban Bashir is. I have never met her. However I am grateful to her for posting some email for me. To me she is pro Kashmir and not anti Pakistan or pro India, but tragedy is anyone who is pro Kashmir, ISI agents and agents of Pakistani establishment harass them by labelling them as ‘pro India’ and anti Pakistan; because they want all Kashmiris to sing praises for Pakistan, despite what they have done to the Kashmir cause.
2. These fanatics and short sighted people got Pakistan in to such a mess that now all bad things are associated with the country. Situation is so bad in Pakistan that many Pakistanis don’t want to be part of Pakistan; yet these ‘Jihadi’s and agents want us to join Pakistan and would not allow us to even look for another viable option.
3. As soon as you express your intention to look for alternative to joining Pakistan or getting your own identity these agents and foot soldiers of ISI will harass you by calling you anti Pakistan and being pro this or pro that country. We people of Jammu and Kashmir, by and large are simple and peace loving people and don’t want any trouble so they easily give in to these blackmailers.
4. No one is saying that there are no problems on the Indian side of the LOC. But when you take gun given by ISI and fire at the Indians what do you expect in response; still we condemn human rights abuses no matter where they are committed and who is culprit. But these fanatics want to be selective even with human rights abuses: if human rights are committed by non Muslims they broadcast them and if they are committed by Muslims they either turn blind eyes or label these people being Hindus or non Muslims.
5. My fight is against this dishonesty, hypocrisy and injustice. My fight is for justice and against politics of intimidation. My fight is for our identity and our unfettered right of self determination, which unfortunately was changed to right of accession on the request of Pakistan – that Kashmiris can only become part of India or Pakistan.
6. For promoting the above (in no five) I expect opposition and accusations from those who deny us these rights. It is their duty to confuse people and fight for what they believe is Pakistani interest, and I have to fight my corner and defend and promote Kashmiri interests; and in doing so I will face difficulties.
7. Their concept of Pakistani interest change with time. To them it was a Pakistani interest to promote militancy in name of Jihad, train them and use them to promote their political agenda. Now their interest has changed and they are using F16 against Muslims and their own citizens in various parts of Pakistan. If anyone speaks against this barbarity in which innocent people die, he will be accused of being either Hindu, Indian agent or anti Pakistan.
8. We, as rational human beings, have some choices to make. Do we want to become part of this Pakistan where F16 and helicopter gun ships are in action against all those who seek their identity and ask for their fundamental rights? Do we want to promote undemocratic forces and religious extremism? Or we want o live in a liberal and democratic society:
Where Justice, Satisfaction and Happiness are the way of life; Where Obstacles and Misunderstandings are removed with Love and Compassion; Where Hatred and Anger are removed with Brotherhood, Calmness and Patience; Where Freedom leads to Dreams and Transforms them to Reality and Where Knowledge, Wisdom, Freedom and Peace are appreciated.
9. They want to impose their brand of Islam on people of Jammu and Kashmir who have history of tolerance and co existence. Kashmir is multi religious and multi ethnic state, and by forcing religion on them will only divide the State on religious lines, as various parts of the State or inhabited either by one religious group or the other. In any case which Islam are they going to impose on us: Sunni Islam, Deobandi Islam, Wahabi Islam, Shia Islam, Noor Bakshi Islam, Ismahili Islam etc. If we let these fanatics have their way they will divide us in to small groups that they can easily intimidate us and control the society.
10. We are repeatedly told that Pakistan is our brother and promotes Kashmiri peoples right of self determination. This is not true. They have always promoted their interest at the expense of Kashmiri interest Just look at some of these examples and decided for yourself:
11. Pakistan signed a Standstill Agreement with the government of Jammu and Kashmir in August 1947, because it was seen in their interest to have a foothold inside the State; and out manoeuvre India in political game of getting the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
12. But their interest changed and Pakistan violated this agreement and stopped even basic items like food, salt oil etc. In clear violation of this Treaty, they also managed a Tribal Invasion which started on 22 October 1947. Aim of this Tribal Invasion was to grab Kashmir and punish the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir who wanted to remain independent.
13. How could our Pakistani masters tolerate that Kashmiris could become independent; so Pakistan managed the Tribal attack in which thousands of innocent Kashmiri men and women were killed and women were raped. Our Kashmir was plundered and destroyed; and Kashmiri girls were kidnapped and taken to Peshawer and other parts of Pakistan.
14. Ask yourself, while managing this attack, did they want to promote a Kashmiri interest or they had imperialistic designs which failed, and which landed us in the present miseries – forced division and oppression on both sides of the LOC.
15. It was because of this attack that the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir panicked and requested help from India. If there was no Tribal attack we could have been independent state. In one sense, all our troubles and miseries are related to the Tribal invasion which ‘our well wishers and Muslim brothers – Pakistanis’ managed and financed.
16. Apart from that those of us who are old enough or have studied history of Azad Kashmir would know what Pakistani army did to us people of so called Azad Kashmir during the Poonch rebellion. This rebellion was not promoted by India or RAW, it was a protest against Pakistani attitude in Azad Kashmir. What people of Indian side of Kashmir are experiencing now we experienced that in late 1940s and mid 1950s.
17. You must have heard recent statements of some Pakistani leaders that they want Kashmir because of water resources. That means they want Jammu and Kashmir for resources and strategic reasons and not because they have love for us. They had no love for people of East Pakistan, no love for people of Balochistan who are facing fourth invasion, and no love for people of FATA and PATA. These are their own people – Pakistanis; don’t be fooled that they have love for us Kashmiris.
18. I have said very little about India and that is something which is always used against me. Indian role in Kashmir is known to all, and all violations are highlighted and sometimes exaggerated as some people now claim that India has killed more than one hundred and fifty thousand people in Kashmir.
19. If I also concentrate on promoting Indian wrongs then I am not adding anything new to the available knowledge on Kashmir and human rights abuses. All I am doing is repeating what has already been said by thousands of others; and I don’t waste my valuable time like that.
20. Moreover, in my view, it is more important to expose hypocrisy of a ‘friend’ a pretender, a ‘Muslim brother’ who has imperial designs but want to conceal that in name of religion; and wants us to focus Indian side of Kashmir that their own crimes could be hidden.
21. Apart from that on this side of the LOC, we are occupied by Pakistan. Same is the situation in Gilgit Baltistan which Pakistan has practically annexed. While supporting struggle of our brothers on the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir, our struggle is on this side against those who occupy us.
22. All the above is true and could be proved with historic documents. It is my right and duty to promote what is in interest of people of Jammu and Kashmir; and for doing that if baseless allegations are made against me and a malicious campaign is started against me I don’t care, as Allah is with me. I have faced these fanatics and agents before and I am prepared to face them again. I know forces of occupation, forces of terror, forces of extremism and forces of hatred have their own agenda; and I will fight them back even when I am totally on my own.
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
Dr Shabir Choudhry 16 May 2010
1. First of all I don’t know who Shaban Bashir is. I have never met her. However I am grateful to her for posting some email for me. To me she is pro Kashmir and not anti Pakistan or pro India, but tragedy is anyone who is pro Kashmir, ISI agents and agents of Pakistani establishment harass them by labelling them as ‘pro India’ and anti Pakistan; because they want all Kashmiris to sing praises for Pakistan, despite what they have done to the Kashmir cause.
2. These fanatics and short sighted people got Pakistan in to such a mess that now all bad things are associated with the country. Situation is so bad in Pakistan that many Pakistanis don’t want to be part of Pakistan; yet these ‘Jihadi’s and agents want us to join Pakistan and would not allow us to even look for another viable option.
3. As soon as you express your intention to look for alternative to joining Pakistan or getting your own identity these agents and foot soldiers of ISI will harass you by calling you anti Pakistan and being pro this or pro that country. We people of Jammu and Kashmir, by and large are simple and peace loving people and don’t want any trouble so they easily give in to these blackmailers.
4. No one is saying that there are no problems on the Indian side of the LOC. But when you take gun given by ISI and fire at the Indians what do you expect in response; still we condemn human rights abuses no matter where they are committed and who is culprit. But these fanatics want to be selective even with human rights abuses: if human rights are committed by non Muslims they broadcast them and if they are committed by Muslims they either turn blind eyes or label these people being Hindus or non Muslims.
5. My fight is against this dishonesty, hypocrisy and injustice. My fight is for justice and against politics of intimidation. My fight is for our identity and our unfettered right of self determination, which unfortunately was changed to right of accession on the request of Pakistan – that Kashmiris can only become part of India or Pakistan.
6. For promoting the above (in no five) I expect opposition and accusations from those who deny us these rights. It is their duty to confuse people and fight for what they believe is Pakistani interest, and I have to fight my corner and defend and promote Kashmiri interests; and in doing so I will face difficulties.
7. Their concept of Pakistani interest change with time. To them it was a Pakistani interest to promote militancy in name of Jihad, train them and use them to promote their political agenda. Now their interest has changed and they are using F16 against Muslims and their own citizens in various parts of Pakistan. If anyone speaks against this barbarity in which innocent people die, he will be accused of being either Hindu, Indian agent or anti Pakistan.
8. We, as rational human beings, have some choices to make. Do we want to become part of this Pakistan where F16 and helicopter gun ships are in action against all those who seek their identity and ask for their fundamental rights? Do we want to promote undemocratic forces and religious extremism? Or we want o live in a liberal and democratic society:
Where Justice, Satisfaction and Happiness are the way of life; Where Obstacles and Misunderstandings are removed with Love and Compassion; Where Hatred and Anger are removed with Brotherhood, Calmness and Patience; Where Freedom leads to Dreams and Transforms them to Reality and Where Knowledge, Wisdom, Freedom and Peace are appreciated.
9. They want to impose their brand of Islam on people of Jammu and Kashmir who have history of tolerance and co existence. Kashmir is multi religious and multi ethnic state, and by forcing religion on them will only divide the State on religious lines, as various parts of the State or inhabited either by one religious group or the other. In any case which Islam are they going to impose on us: Sunni Islam, Deobandi Islam, Wahabi Islam, Shia Islam, Noor Bakshi Islam, Ismahili Islam etc. If we let these fanatics have their way they will divide us in to small groups that they can easily intimidate us and control the society.
10. We are repeatedly told that Pakistan is our brother and promotes Kashmiri peoples right of self determination. This is not true. They have always promoted their interest at the expense of Kashmiri interest Just look at some of these examples and decided for yourself:
11. Pakistan signed a Standstill Agreement with the government of Jammu and Kashmir in August 1947, because it was seen in their interest to have a foothold inside the State; and out manoeuvre India in political game of getting the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
12. But their interest changed and Pakistan violated this agreement and stopped even basic items like food, salt oil etc. In clear violation of this Treaty, they also managed a Tribal Invasion which started on 22 October 1947. Aim of this Tribal Invasion was to grab Kashmir and punish the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir who wanted to remain independent.
13. How could our Pakistani masters tolerate that Kashmiris could become independent; so Pakistan managed the Tribal attack in which thousands of innocent Kashmiri men and women were killed and women were raped. Our Kashmir was plundered and destroyed; and Kashmiri girls were kidnapped and taken to Peshawer and other parts of Pakistan.
14. Ask yourself, while managing this attack, did they want to promote a Kashmiri interest or they had imperialistic designs which failed, and which landed us in the present miseries – forced division and oppression on both sides of the LOC.
15. It was because of this attack that the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir panicked and requested help from India. If there was no Tribal attack we could have been independent state. In one sense, all our troubles and miseries are related to the Tribal invasion which ‘our well wishers and Muslim brothers – Pakistanis’ managed and financed.
16. Apart from that those of us who are old enough or have studied history of Azad Kashmir would know what Pakistani army did to us people of so called Azad Kashmir during the Poonch rebellion. This rebellion was not promoted by India or RAW, it was a protest against Pakistani attitude in Azad Kashmir. What people of Indian side of Kashmir are experiencing now we experienced that in late 1940s and mid 1950s.
17. You must have heard recent statements of some Pakistani leaders that they want Kashmir because of water resources. That means they want Jammu and Kashmir for resources and strategic reasons and not because they have love for us. They had no love for people of East Pakistan, no love for people of Balochistan who are facing fourth invasion, and no love for people of FATA and PATA. These are their own people – Pakistanis; don’t be fooled that they have love for us Kashmiris.
18. I have said very little about India and that is something which is always used against me. Indian role in Kashmir is known to all, and all violations are highlighted and sometimes exaggerated as some people now claim that India has killed more than one hundred and fifty thousand people in Kashmir.
19. If I also concentrate on promoting Indian wrongs then I am not adding anything new to the available knowledge on Kashmir and human rights abuses. All I am doing is repeating what has already been said by thousands of others; and I don’t waste my valuable time like that.
20. Moreover, in my view, it is more important to expose hypocrisy of a ‘friend’ a pretender, a ‘Muslim brother’ who has imperial designs but want to conceal that in name of religion; and wants us to focus Indian side of Kashmir that their own crimes could be hidden.
21. Apart from that on this side of the LOC, we are occupied by Pakistan. Same is the situation in Gilgit Baltistan which Pakistan has practically annexed. While supporting struggle of our brothers on the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir, our struggle is on this side against those who occupy us.
22. All the above is true and could be proved with historic documents. It is my right and duty to promote what is in interest of people of Jammu and Kashmir; and for doing that if baseless allegations are made against me and a malicious campaign is started against me I don’t care, as Allah is with me. I have faced these fanatics and agents before and I am prepared to face them again. I know forces of occupation, forces of terror, forces of extremism and forces of hatred have their own agenda; and I will fight them back even when I am totally on my own.
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
Saturday, 15 May 2010
A reply to ISI agents
Reply to ISI agents
Dr Shabir Choudhry 16 May 2010
My attention was drawn to allegations of these fanatics and agents of ISI, who want to bleed people of Jammu and Kashmir for the sake of their vested interests.
We are party to the Kashmir dispute so is India, if we are not going to talk, who will???
ISI wants to ensure that only they meet Indians or their trusted agents meet them that their interests could be protected. Why is that since 1947 both countries have talked to each other on issue of Kashmir, but not have allowed Kashmiri leaders to be part of the talks?
Anyone who exposes their evil designs on Kashmir is perceived as an enemy. I have exposed their agenda on Kashmir. They are using name of religion to fool us people of Jammu and Kashmir. If their love for Islam was true people of East Pakistan would never have separated from them.
And anyone who can read Urdu can read article of very famous Pakistani writer Nazir Naji in daily Jang of 15 may 2010, what games they have played with Kashmir and interests of Pakistan. Also read Dr Aysha Siddiqua who has written a book to expose them.
We have met diplomats of both countries to discuss the Kashmir dispute. Many of these fanatics and Kashmiris meet Indian diplomats secretly at night. We had courage to meet them in broad day light and make it public, as we had nothing to hide.
Those who want to keep people of Kashmir enslaved and divided always bring in Islam when resolution of Kashmir is discussed. Kashmir dispute is not religious in nature. There is no danger to Islam in Kashmir, but danger is to bread and butter of those who need pot of Kashmir keep on boiling.
Kashmir is multi religious and multi ethnic society, with Muslims being in majority; and those who want to make it a religious dispute want to divide the State on religious lines. South Asia has not recovered from the wounds of partition of India on religious lines in 1947.
Pakistan was created in name of Islam; it did not damage Islam or other countries. If unity was must, why this new country didn’t become part of other neighbouring Muslim countries at that time? Why unity and unity of Muslim Umma is remembered only when issue of Kashmir’s independence is discussed?
Because of follies and undemocratic attitude of Pakistani rulers another country – Bangladesh was born by breaking away from Pakistan. It resulted in the biggest surrender in the Islamic history, in fact, history of the mankind – where more than 90,000 thousand armed men surrendered; and millions of innocent Muslims lost their lives.
This did not endanger their Islam; and there was no remorse shown at all. Some even said: thank God we got rid of these Bengalis.
Out of Soviet Russia six Muslim countries emerged and that did not endanger their Islam. But as soon as independence of Jammu and Kashmir is raised these people raise slogan of danger to Islam and Khilafa Movement.
These people are paid agents and enemies of Islam and enemies of people of Jammu and Kashmir. They are agents of Pakistani establishment. They are my enemy. They are enemy of Kashmiri identity. They are enemy of our independence; and whoever challenges their lies and fraud they declare him as an agent, but by grace of Allah swt their fraud is being exposed and they are losing support day by day.
I don’t expect anything better from them, as they have nothing better to offer. Creating divisions in name of religion and promoting hatred is their business because it helps them to run their kitchen.
In conclusion, these people have their own interest and they promote and defend that interest in name of religion and by politics of oppression and intimidation. They have no love or sympathy with their own people – Pakistanis; and it will be foolish to expect that they will defend and promote interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir.
We people of Jammu and Kashmir need to understand that they are there to exploit our resources. Kashmir is important to them because of its strategic importance and abundant natural resources.
May Allah SWT put them on right path?
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
Dr Shabir Choudhry 16 May 2010
My attention was drawn to allegations of these fanatics and agents of ISI, who want to bleed people of Jammu and Kashmir for the sake of their vested interests.
We are party to the Kashmir dispute so is India, if we are not going to talk, who will???
ISI wants to ensure that only they meet Indians or their trusted agents meet them that their interests could be protected. Why is that since 1947 both countries have talked to each other on issue of Kashmir, but not have allowed Kashmiri leaders to be part of the talks?
Anyone who exposes their evil designs on Kashmir is perceived as an enemy. I have exposed their agenda on Kashmir. They are using name of religion to fool us people of Jammu and Kashmir. If their love for Islam was true people of East Pakistan would never have separated from them.
And anyone who can read Urdu can read article of very famous Pakistani writer Nazir Naji in daily Jang of 15 may 2010, what games they have played with Kashmir and interests of Pakistan. Also read Dr Aysha Siddiqua who has written a book to expose them.
We have met diplomats of both countries to discuss the Kashmir dispute. Many of these fanatics and Kashmiris meet Indian diplomats secretly at night. We had courage to meet them in broad day light and make it public, as we had nothing to hide.
Those who want to keep people of Kashmir enslaved and divided always bring in Islam when resolution of Kashmir is discussed. Kashmir dispute is not religious in nature. There is no danger to Islam in Kashmir, but danger is to bread and butter of those who need pot of Kashmir keep on boiling.
Kashmir is multi religious and multi ethnic society, with Muslims being in majority; and those who want to make it a religious dispute want to divide the State on religious lines. South Asia has not recovered from the wounds of partition of India on religious lines in 1947.
Pakistan was created in name of Islam; it did not damage Islam or other countries. If unity was must, why this new country didn’t become part of other neighbouring Muslim countries at that time? Why unity and unity of Muslim Umma is remembered only when issue of Kashmir’s independence is discussed?
Because of follies and undemocratic attitude of Pakistani rulers another country – Bangladesh was born by breaking away from Pakistan. It resulted in the biggest surrender in the Islamic history, in fact, history of the mankind – where more than 90,000 thousand armed men surrendered; and millions of innocent Muslims lost their lives.
This did not endanger their Islam; and there was no remorse shown at all. Some even said: thank God we got rid of these Bengalis.
Out of Soviet Russia six Muslim countries emerged and that did not endanger their Islam. But as soon as independence of Jammu and Kashmir is raised these people raise slogan of danger to Islam and Khilafa Movement.
These people are paid agents and enemies of Islam and enemies of people of Jammu and Kashmir. They are agents of Pakistani establishment. They are my enemy. They are enemy of Kashmiri identity. They are enemy of our independence; and whoever challenges their lies and fraud they declare him as an agent, but by grace of Allah swt their fraud is being exposed and they are losing support day by day.
I don’t expect anything better from them, as they have nothing better to offer. Creating divisions in name of religion and promoting hatred is their business because it helps them to run their kitchen.
In conclusion, these people have their own interest and they promote and defend that interest in name of religion and by politics of oppression and intimidation. They have no love or sympathy with their own people – Pakistanis; and it will be foolish to expect that they will defend and promote interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir.
We people of Jammu and Kashmir need to understand that they are there to exploit our resources. Kashmir is important to them because of its strategic importance and abundant natural resources.
May Allah SWT put them on right path?
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
Monday, 10 May 2010
Dr Shabir Choudhry Speech at Party Seminar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Phgtl6TSFyc&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajvgaAWTS7E&feature=related
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Terrorism must be opposed and crushed, KNP
Terrorism must be opposed and crushed, KNP
London 10 May 2010
Supreme Council of Kashmir National Party met in Watford, England to discuss issues related to the Kashmiri struggle and the KNP.
The Supreme Council after detailed discussion unanimously declared that:
1. Terrorism must be opposed and crushed. It hurts innocent people; and it is seriously hurting interests of Muslims around the world, especially those living in the Western countries.
2. In this regard government of Pakistan and its agencies have a great role to play and have to be honest with what they claim. They have to stop this distinction of ‘good terrorists’ and ‘bad terrorists’; and revisit its policy because terrorists could not be strategic asset, as they have their own agenda which is against Muslims and hurts innocent people of other religions as well.
3. They have also to stop infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir as it hurts people of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control; and create tension and hatred in the region.
4. Government of Pakistan must stop its endeavours to annex Kashmiri territory of Gilgit Baltistan, and give people of the region their fundamental human rights.
5. Government of Pakistan must stop its meddling in affairs of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and immediately abrogate Act 74, which has practically made this territory a colony of Pakistan; and has allowed Pakistan to plunder and exploit our resources.
6. The Supreme Council strongly condemned action of puppet government of Gilgit Baltistan in which Shafqat Inquilabi and other leaders of APNA were not allowed to hold a peaceful public meeting in Gilgit on 28 April; and were expelled by force from the region.
7. This action of puppet government is flagrant violation of human rights of these people; and makes mockery of the much claimed democracy in Gilgit Baltistan imposed by Islamabad.
8. The Supreme Council, in line with its declared policy and constitution, set up Parliamentary Candidates Selection Board to select candidates for the next elections in Pakistani Administered Kashmir.
9. Dr Shabir Choudhry has been appointed Chairman of PCSB with the following people as members: Masoom Ansari, Ch Mohammed Ayub, Ifzaal Sulehria, Mahfooz Tahir and Yasin Anjum.
10. In this regard Abbas Butt, Chairman of the KNP will soon visit Pakistani Administered Kashmir to finalise these matters, and examine progress of various projects including progress of challenge to Gilgit Baltistan Ordinance currently waiting hearing in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
11. The Supreme Council declared that KNP wants to work with other like minded people and parties to promote a common agenda, but this goodwill gesture cannot continue when members of other nationalist parties show immaturity; and some with mischievous character spew venom against senior KNP leaders, as happened few weeks ago.
12. KNP leaders welcomed resumption of talks between India and Pakistan, but emphasised that the Kashmir dispute is not a bilateral dispute, and could not be resolved by bilateral talks. They said there is no military solution to the Kashmir dispute and violence must end that lives could be saved and the peace process could be resumed.
13. They reiterated their position that unification and independence of the entire State is their ultimate goal; and that APHC does not represent people of the State. They said Kashmir dispute is not religious in nature, and those who are trying to link it with Pan Islamic Movement are not well wishers of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, because movement based on religion will divide the State by provoking communal, sectarian and regional rivalries.
14. The Supreme Council appreciated the work carried out by Diplomatic Committee; and directed its head Dr Shabir Choudhry to work on new targets decided by the Supreme Council.
15. The Supreme Council strongly condemn government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir for harassing and starting unfounded cases against KNP Zonal President Ifzaal Suleria. They also condemn arrest and illegal detention of Shafqat Inquilabi who was illegally expelled from his home district.
16. KNP leaders congratulated all those British Kashmiri politicians who have been successful in the British elections, notably Mr Khalid Mahmood, Shabana Mahmood, Mr Chishti who have become Members of House of Commons; and Ali Adalat, Ghulam Hussain and others who have won local council seats.
The following people addressed the meeting: Abbas Butt, Nazam Bhatti, Masoom Ansari, Nawaz Majeed, Javed Shah, Asim Mirza, Ch Abdul Razaq, Ch Abdul Aziz, Aurnagzeb, Anis Ahmed Abdul Majeed Ch, Mohammed Shabbir Awan, Zil- e- Shah Naqvi and Dr Shabir Choudhry.
Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhry
Telephone: 0044 (0)7790942471
Email: drshabirchoudhry@googlemail.com
London 10 May 2010
Supreme Council of Kashmir National Party met in Watford, England to discuss issues related to the Kashmiri struggle and the KNP.
The Supreme Council after detailed discussion unanimously declared that:
1. Terrorism must be opposed and crushed. It hurts innocent people; and it is seriously hurting interests of Muslims around the world, especially those living in the Western countries.
2. In this regard government of Pakistan and its agencies have a great role to play and have to be honest with what they claim. They have to stop this distinction of ‘good terrorists’ and ‘bad terrorists’; and revisit its policy because terrorists could not be strategic asset, as they have their own agenda which is against Muslims and hurts innocent people of other religions as well.
3. They have also to stop infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir as it hurts people of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control; and create tension and hatred in the region.
4. Government of Pakistan must stop its endeavours to annex Kashmiri territory of Gilgit Baltistan, and give people of the region their fundamental human rights.
5. Government of Pakistan must stop its meddling in affairs of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and immediately abrogate Act 74, which has practically made this territory a colony of Pakistan; and has allowed Pakistan to plunder and exploit our resources.
6. The Supreme Council strongly condemned action of puppet government of Gilgit Baltistan in which Shafqat Inquilabi and other leaders of APNA were not allowed to hold a peaceful public meeting in Gilgit on 28 April; and were expelled by force from the region.
7. This action of puppet government is flagrant violation of human rights of these people; and makes mockery of the much claimed democracy in Gilgit Baltistan imposed by Islamabad.
8. The Supreme Council, in line with its declared policy and constitution, set up Parliamentary Candidates Selection Board to select candidates for the next elections in Pakistani Administered Kashmir.
9. Dr Shabir Choudhry has been appointed Chairman of PCSB with the following people as members: Masoom Ansari, Ch Mohammed Ayub, Ifzaal Sulehria, Mahfooz Tahir and Yasin Anjum.
10. In this regard Abbas Butt, Chairman of the KNP will soon visit Pakistani Administered Kashmir to finalise these matters, and examine progress of various projects including progress of challenge to Gilgit Baltistan Ordinance currently waiting hearing in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
11. The Supreme Council declared that KNP wants to work with other like minded people and parties to promote a common agenda, but this goodwill gesture cannot continue when members of other nationalist parties show immaturity; and some with mischievous character spew venom against senior KNP leaders, as happened few weeks ago.
12. KNP leaders welcomed resumption of talks between India and Pakistan, but emphasised that the Kashmir dispute is not a bilateral dispute, and could not be resolved by bilateral talks. They said there is no military solution to the Kashmir dispute and violence must end that lives could be saved and the peace process could be resumed.
13. They reiterated their position that unification and independence of the entire State is their ultimate goal; and that APHC does not represent people of the State. They said Kashmir dispute is not religious in nature, and those who are trying to link it with Pan Islamic Movement are not well wishers of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, because movement based on religion will divide the State by provoking communal, sectarian and regional rivalries.
14. The Supreme Council appreciated the work carried out by Diplomatic Committee; and directed its head Dr Shabir Choudhry to work on new targets decided by the Supreme Council.
15. The Supreme Council strongly condemn government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir for harassing and starting unfounded cases against KNP Zonal President Ifzaal Suleria. They also condemn arrest and illegal detention of Shafqat Inquilabi who was illegally expelled from his home district.
16. KNP leaders congratulated all those British Kashmiri politicians who have been successful in the British elections, notably Mr Khalid Mahmood, Shabana Mahmood, Mr Chishti who have become Members of House of Commons; and Ali Adalat, Ghulam Hussain and others who have won local council seats.
The following people addressed the meeting: Abbas Butt, Nazam Bhatti, Masoom Ansari, Nawaz Majeed, Javed Shah, Asim Mirza, Ch Abdul Razaq, Ch Abdul Aziz, Aurnagzeb, Anis Ahmed Abdul Majeed Ch, Mohammed Shabbir Awan, Zil- e- Shah Naqvi and Dr Shabir Choudhry.
Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhry
Telephone: 0044 (0)7790942471
Email: drshabirchoudhry@googlemail.com
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Challenges, options and role of Kashmiri Diaspora
Challenges, options and role of Kashmiri Diaspora
Dr Shabir Choudhry 01 May 2010
Text of speech of Dr Shabir Choudhry in a seminar arranged by United Kashmir Peoples National Party in London on 25 April 2010.
Mr Chairman, friends and colleagues aslamo alaykam
Some previous speakers have said Pakistan is an advocate or wakeel of people of Jammu and Kashmir; and that Pakistan has suffered because of the support rendered to the people of Kashmir. They further said Pakistan has done many favours to people of Kashmir; and have kept the Kashmir dispute alive.
That is one way of looking at things, but there is, of course, an alternative view. I want to present that alternative view that people could understand facts about Pakistan’s support for Kashmir; and ‘favour’ Pakistan has done to people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Advocate or wakeel is always appointed or dismissed by a client. People of Jammu and Kashmir did not appoint Pakistan as their advocate, wakeel or representative. Pakistan is self appointed advocate and we have no faith in Pakistan’s sincerity or skills to promote our cause or protect our interests.
Furthermore, when the Kashmir dispute was taken to the UN Security Council by India it was registered there as the Kashmir Problem. It clearly indicated that the issue related to a separate territory other than India or Pakistan; and to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. First ‘favour’ the government of Pakistan did to the people of Jammu and Kashmir was to change that to India and Pakistan problem.
What this showed was that the problem was related to India and Pakistan and not to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It also showed that Jammu and Kashmir was not a separate territory and people of that territory did not have separate identity and separate existence. It further showed that the dispute was a territorial one; and was not related to nation, its identity and future aspirations.
Let me now explain the second ‘favour’ the government of Pakistan did to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The UNCIP Resolution of 13 August 1948 stated that ‘the future status of the State of Jammu and Kashmir shall be determined in accordance with the will of the people and to that end, upon acceptance of the Truce Agreement both Governments agree to enter into consultations with the Commission to determine fair and equitable conditions whereby such free expression will be assured.’
The phrase ‘future status’ could mean an accession to Pakistan, an accession to India or an independent Jammu and Kashmir; and when this was confirmed by the UN, it was the government of Pakistan which requested the UN Security Council to change this phrase and replace it with the following: ‘The question of the accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan will be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite.’
So it was Pakistan and not India, which limited Kashmiri peoples right of self determination to right of accession.
This self appointed advocate or wakeel thinks we people of Jammu and Kashmir do not deserve to be an independent nation. They think we do not deserve to use right of self determination. They think we do not deserve to benefit from fruits of independence and democracy. It was because of this thinking they did us another ‘favour’, and limited our right of self determination to right of accession. However they have ‘kindly’ allowed us - people of Jammu and Kashmir to choose our masters in the form of either acceding to India or Pakistan.
We, people of Jammu and Kashmir, are urged to join Pakistan – a country which has no system of accountability, no transparency, no democracy, no political stability, no rule of law, no concept of civil liberties, no economic stability, no electricity, no gas, no place for merit or honesty and which is at war with itself. A country which is in chaos, where terrorists are calling shots, where communal rivalry and violence is promoted, where government has no control in some parts of the country; and where some parts want to break away from the federation and future looks bleak.
People say there is no comparison between two sides of Kashmir because India has more than half million troops there. I agree there is no comparison. It is true there are more than half million troops. It is also true human rights abuse take place there, but despite 21 years of militancy, destruction and instability that area is far ahead of Pakistani Administered Kashmir.
They have what we cannot even dream of on this side of the LOC. They have medical colleges, technical colleges, engineering colleges, free education, high literacy rate, freedom of speech, freedom of travel, freedom to protest etc. They have human rights abuses but they have a system of recording those abuses and highlighting them.
Don’t be under any illusion, human rights abuse also takes place on this side of the LOC, but we have no system of recording that; in fact, no one dares to speak against that because of the repercussions. Leaders on that side of the LOC shout against India and yet they travel to all parts of Jammu and Kashmir, visit Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi and eat chicken tikkas.
Whereas on this side of the LOC, Azad Kashmiri Prime Minister and President cannot even travel to Gilgit Baltistan, and area part of the State. Azad Kashmiri leaders and political activists cannot even think of going to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. They are not even allowed to have peaceful demonstrations and prime examples are the demonstrations of Mirpur and Rawalakot, where people demonstrated against electric load shedding and problems associated with that.
More electricity is produced in Mirpur and other parts of Azad Kashmir than our requirement, and that electricity is used in Pakistan and we don’t get enough to meet our needs. People of Mirpur and Rawalakot were demanding electricity and an end to more than 14 hours a day load shedding. They were peaceful and they had no guns, and yet they were mercilessly beaten up and guns were used against them injuring scores of innocent people.
Just imagine if these people were trained by India, guns were provided by them and these guns were used against Pakistani army in Azad Kashmir, then you would know what human rights abuse is. Everyone knows it was Pakistan who trained militants, gave them guns, and asked them to use them against the Indian army. India reacted and committed human rights abuses, and now they have more than half million army there. No one can defend that. But ask yourself if they had half million army there before the start of the militancy. Answer is no. So those who started militancy, trained men, sent guns and bombs provided a reason for India to station this large army there.
Many more examples could be given to explain the situation regarding two parts of Kashmir, but due to time I cannot go in to details. But I have to tell you some more facts, bitter as they are. Those leaders and parties who preach you to liberate the Valley of Kashmir or Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir first are not sincere with the cause of Kashmir.
In disguise these people are promoting someone else’s agenda. Their aim is not to liberate Kashmir, but to promote interests of those who want to keep India engaged in Jammu and Kashmir. They want to give this impression that problem is only on the Indian side of the divide, and on the Pakistani side of the divide everything is rosy. That is not true. This part is also occupied, but people are hoodwinked in name of religion and brotherhood. We should learn how Pakistan has practically annexed our motherland - area of Gilgit Baltistan.
On this side of the LOC, we are occupied by Pakistan. Our resources are exploited by them. Our struggle is on this side of the divide. My struggle starts from Bhimber. It starts from Mirpur and Kotli and other parts of Pakistani Administered Kashmir. People of the Indian side of Kashmir are struggling for independence on that side of the divide and they are making big sacrifices. I feel their suffering. I admire their spirit and sacrifices. I fully support that struggle; and want to help and advance the cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir.
My words might appear harsh, and some might call this ‘anti Pakistan’. I am not anti Pakistan; in fact no Kashmiri is anti Pakistan. Examples I have given regarding Pakistani role are historical facts. I am not here to promote a Pakistani interest. My mission is to promote a Kashmiri interest and explain to people who have done what against us to harm us, and to enslave us. In discharging this duty if another country’s strategic or other interest are damaged it DOES NOT worry me. It DOES NOT worry me if people dislike or oppose me for promoting a Kashmiri interest.
In conclusion, we people are faced with challenges of extremism, violence and hatred. We are challenged by anti democratic anti liberal forces. We people of Jammu and Kashmir do not have many choices. We have only two choices: accept this intimidation and occupation and become collaborators, or stand up and oppose them. Come what may, we have decided to stand up and fight them back. END
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
Dr Shabir Choudhry 01 May 2010
Text of speech of Dr Shabir Choudhry in a seminar arranged by United Kashmir Peoples National Party in London on 25 April 2010.
Mr Chairman, friends and colleagues aslamo alaykam
Some previous speakers have said Pakistan is an advocate or wakeel of people of Jammu and Kashmir; and that Pakistan has suffered because of the support rendered to the people of Kashmir. They further said Pakistan has done many favours to people of Kashmir; and have kept the Kashmir dispute alive.
That is one way of looking at things, but there is, of course, an alternative view. I want to present that alternative view that people could understand facts about Pakistan’s support for Kashmir; and ‘favour’ Pakistan has done to people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Advocate or wakeel is always appointed or dismissed by a client. People of Jammu and Kashmir did not appoint Pakistan as their advocate, wakeel or representative. Pakistan is self appointed advocate and we have no faith in Pakistan’s sincerity or skills to promote our cause or protect our interests.
Furthermore, when the Kashmir dispute was taken to the UN Security Council by India it was registered there as the Kashmir Problem. It clearly indicated that the issue related to a separate territory other than India or Pakistan; and to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. First ‘favour’ the government of Pakistan did to the people of Jammu and Kashmir was to change that to India and Pakistan problem.
What this showed was that the problem was related to India and Pakistan and not to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It also showed that Jammu and Kashmir was not a separate territory and people of that territory did not have separate identity and separate existence. It further showed that the dispute was a territorial one; and was not related to nation, its identity and future aspirations.
Let me now explain the second ‘favour’ the government of Pakistan did to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The UNCIP Resolution of 13 August 1948 stated that ‘the future status of the State of Jammu and Kashmir shall be determined in accordance with the will of the people and to that end, upon acceptance of the Truce Agreement both Governments agree to enter into consultations with the Commission to determine fair and equitable conditions whereby such free expression will be assured.’
The phrase ‘future status’ could mean an accession to Pakistan, an accession to India or an independent Jammu and Kashmir; and when this was confirmed by the UN, it was the government of Pakistan which requested the UN Security Council to change this phrase and replace it with the following: ‘The question of the accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan will be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite.’
So it was Pakistan and not India, which limited Kashmiri peoples right of self determination to right of accession.
This self appointed advocate or wakeel thinks we people of Jammu and Kashmir do not deserve to be an independent nation. They think we do not deserve to use right of self determination. They think we do not deserve to benefit from fruits of independence and democracy. It was because of this thinking they did us another ‘favour’, and limited our right of self determination to right of accession. However they have ‘kindly’ allowed us - people of Jammu and Kashmir to choose our masters in the form of either acceding to India or Pakistan.
We, people of Jammu and Kashmir, are urged to join Pakistan – a country which has no system of accountability, no transparency, no democracy, no political stability, no rule of law, no concept of civil liberties, no economic stability, no electricity, no gas, no place for merit or honesty and which is at war with itself. A country which is in chaos, where terrorists are calling shots, where communal rivalry and violence is promoted, where government has no control in some parts of the country; and where some parts want to break away from the federation and future looks bleak.
People say there is no comparison between two sides of Kashmir because India has more than half million troops there. I agree there is no comparison. It is true there are more than half million troops. It is also true human rights abuse take place there, but despite 21 years of militancy, destruction and instability that area is far ahead of Pakistani Administered Kashmir.
They have what we cannot even dream of on this side of the LOC. They have medical colleges, technical colleges, engineering colleges, free education, high literacy rate, freedom of speech, freedom of travel, freedom to protest etc. They have human rights abuses but they have a system of recording those abuses and highlighting them.
Don’t be under any illusion, human rights abuse also takes place on this side of the LOC, but we have no system of recording that; in fact, no one dares to speak against that because of the repercussions. Leaders on that side of the LOC shout against India and yet they travel to all parts of Jammu and Kashmir, visit Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi and eat chicken tikkas.
Whereas on this side of the LOC, Azad Kashmiri Prime Minister and President cannot even travel to Gilgit Baltistan, and area part of the State. Azad Kashmiri leaders and political activists cannot even think of going to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. They are not even allowed to have peaceful demonstrations and prime examples are the demonstrations of Mirpur and Rawalakot, where people demonstrated against electric load shedding and problems associated with that.
More electricity is produced in Mirpur and other parts of Azad Kashmir than our requirement, and that electricity is used in Pakistan and we don’t get enough to meet our needs. People of Mirpur and Rawalakot were demanding electricity and an end to more than 14 hours a day load shedding. They were peaceful and they had no guns, and yet they were mercilessly beaten up and guns were used against them injuring scores of innocent people.
Just imagine if these people were trained by India, guns were provided by them and these guns were used against Pakistani army in Azad Kashmir, then you would know what human rights abuse is. Everyone knows it was Pakistan who trained militants, gave them guns, and asked them to use them against the Indian army. India reacted and committed human rights abuses, and now they have more than half million army there. No one can defend that. But ask yourself if they had half million army there before the start of the militancy. Answer is no. So those who started militancy, trained men, sent guns and bombs provided a reason for India to station this large army there.
Many more examples could be given to explain the situation regarding two parts of Kashmir, but due to time I cannot go in to details. But I have to tell you some more facts, bitter as they are. Those leaders and parties who preach you to liberate the Valley of Kashmir or Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir first are not sincere with the cause of Kashmir.
In disguise these people are promoting someone else’s agenda. Their aim is not to liberate Kashmir, but to promote interests of those who want to keep India engaged in Jammu and Kashmir. They want to give this impression that problem is only on the Indian side of the divide, and on the Pakistani side of the divide everything is rosy. That is not true. This part is also occupied, but people are hoodwinked in name of religion and brotherhood. We should learn how Pakistan has practically annexed our motherland - area of Gilgit Baltistan.
On this side of the LOC, we are occupied by Pakistan. Our resources are exploited by them. Our struggle is on this side of the divide. My struggle starts from Bhimber. It starts from Mirpur and Kotli and other parts of Pakistani Administered Kashmir. People of the Indian side of Kashmir are struggling for independence on that side of the divide and they are making big sacrifices. I feel their suffering. I admire their spirit and sacrifices. I fully support that struggle; and want to help and advance the cause of united and independent Jammu and Kashmir.
My words might appear harsh, and some might call this ‘anti Pakistan’. I am not anti Pakistan; in fact no Kashmiri is anti Pakistan. Examples I have given regarding Pakistani role are historical facts. I am not here to promote a Pakistani interest. My mission is to promote a Kashmiri interest and explain to people who have done what against us to harm us, and to enslave us. In discharging this duty if another country’s strategic or other interest are damaged it DOES NOT worry me. It DOES NOT worry me if people dislike or oppose me for promoting a Kashmiri interest.
In conclusion, we people are faced with challenges of extremism, violence and hatred. We are challenged by anti democratic anti liberal forces. We people of Jammu and Kashmir do not have many choices. We have only two choices: accept this intimidation and occupation and become collaborators, or stand up and oppose them. Come what may, we have decided to stand up and fight them back. END
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
Monday, 26 April 2010
Role of Kashmiri leaders
Role of Kashmiri leaders 20 April 2010
Text of Dr Shabir Choudhry’s speech for a Conference organised by International Forum for Justice and Human Rights Forum Jammu and Kashmir at 11 AM on April 21, 2010 at Hotel, Taj Lal Chock, Srinagar.
Mr Chairman, friends, colleagues and honourable Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabeer Ahmad Shah, Mohmmad Yaseen Malik, Advocate Mian Abdul Quyoom, Mohatrama Asiya Andrabi and others aslamo alaykam.
I am grateful to International Forum for Justice and Human Rights Forum and Eng. Mehmood for providing this opportunity to speak to this august gathering on a topic which is extremely important to people of Jammu and Kashmir and our struggle.
It was my wish to be physically present in this important conference, interact with the people, and learn more about the situation there. However, due to short notice, and problems encountered to air industry by the Iceland volcano eruption it was not possible for me to be physically present in this important Conference. I hope that the organisers of this conference will read my short message to the audience.
Title of this conference is very interesting: “THE ROLE OF PRO-FREEDOM LEADERS VIS-À-VIS KASHMIR ISSUE”.
But before we go any further we need to establish what we mean by ‘pro freedom leaders’? Does it mean leaders who promote freedom? But what kind of freedom we have in mind? Do we mean freedom to hold certain views, freedom to travel, freedom to assemble and freedom to preach etc? Or are we confusing the term ‘freedom’ with independence.
What we need is not freedom, but independence. We want right of self determination and not right of accession with another country. We need to be clear in our political terms and ideologies. It is the job of the leaders to ensure that they don’t confuse the masses. They must have clear vision. They must know what they want to achieve; and how they should achieve it.
The role of leaders is to lead, but not in to difficulties and problems. Their duty is to lead people to clearly defined and set out destination; a destination, which can bring peace, dignity and honour to the Kashmiri nation, and which can enhance our national identity and sense of belonging.
Those who lead people to misery and quandary could not be called leaders. They could be called opportunists and collaborators. The role of leaders is to boost morale of the people. The job of leaders is to protect life, liberty, honour and property of the people; and not to test their patience and promote their politics while people are suffering.
You have right to disagree with me, but in my opinion, the last leader we people of Jammu and Kashmir had was Sheikh Abdullah. As a human being he also made some mistakes, but he was the tallest leader Kashmiris ever had; and enjoyed support of all sections and regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is sad that we don’t have any leader in todays Jammu and Kashmir. Instead of a leader we have many regional, tribal, sectarian and religious leaders, each having its small area of influence and its own small undemocratic and autocratic party.
It is bad luck of the nation that some of these leaders and parties are not promoting interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They do not promote unity and Kashmiri culture of tolerance and coexistence. They seem to be more interested in either promoting interests of our neighbours or interests of their parties, regions and sects.
Some of these leaders pursue this kind of politics not because it is in the interest of the people or supports the Kashmiri freedom struggle, but because it advances their personal agenda. Moreover they get rewards for doing this from certain quarters, as these policies divide people and make the struggle and the people of Jammu and Kashmir weaker.
The policies these leaders advance do not unite people of Jammu and Kashmir; rather they divide them on ethnic, regional and religious lines. These policies might suit some leaders or certain groups and neighbours of Jammu and Kashmir, but certainly do not suit people of Jammu and Kashmir. These policies divide people of Jammu and Kashmir. They weaken our struggle. They antagonise communities and help those who want to divide our motherland on communal or regional lines.
I am sure those who regard themselves as leaders would not like what I have stated. They will be angry with me, but they should know that in public life people are accountable for their actions. Apart from that someone need to tell them that their policies are wrong; and their strategies are out of step with requirement of the Kashmiri struggle.
They also need to have appraisal of their policies and politics they promote. Why is that after more than two decades of the struggle, and enormous sacrifices we are no nearer to our most cherished goal of independence. Why is it that despite tens of thousands of deaths of Kashmiri people the Kashmiri struggle is seen in the context of India and Pakistan? Why is it that the Kashmir dispute is to be resolved by India and Pakistan; and people of Jammu and Kashmir or their leaders are not part of any negotiations?
Does it not prove that there is something wrong with the strategy in operation since 1947? Does it not show, to outside world that the dispute is between India and Pakistan?
We have to present our struggle as a struggle of people of Jammu and Kashmir – a struggle which is for unfettered right of self determination; and not to join Pakistan. We have to tell the world that it is not a religious struggle or struggle of one region. By making it a struggle to join Pakistan we may get some favours from Pakistan, but we are harming the interests of the Kashmiri nation. We are excluding non Muslims and some regions from our struggle and paving the way for division of the State on religious or ethnic lines.
South Asia still has not recovered from the wounds of religious divisions which took place in 1947; and by advancing another division on religious lines we are not doing any favour to the Kashmiri nation or people of South Asia.
Furthermore, when this impression is given that people of Kashmir are giving all these sacrifices to join Pakistan, the international community laugh at our wisdom. Which Pakistan people of Kashmir want to join, they question? Mohammed Ali Jinnah’s Pakistan is no longer there, and the remaining Pakistan is going through a civil war and is in deep crises.
Does it show our political maturity or naivety when we say that we want to be part of this Pakistan? Nations and ethnic groups fight to preserve their traditions, their history their identity and their culture; and what will happen to our identity and culture when and if we join Pakistan?
Apart from that these leaders appear to be leaders of some sections of the Muslim community in the Valley, as not all Muslims support them. So question is what is their credibility? When and how did they establish their credibility? Having a demonstration against India does not prove their credentials, as that is resentment of people against India and against what they have endured for many years.
Also it was the same people who defied their calls to boycott the last elections and used their votes in large numbers to demonstrate that these leaders were out of touch with changing mood of the people and their requirements. So a big demonstration or a strike action does not establish leadership credentials.
All these respected leaders have to sincerely analyse their policies and make a new strategy which should include how to reach out to all regions of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. It is for them to decide if they want to limit their influence to some towns of the Valley and make it a Valley centric struggle or reach out to the people of other regions and try to win their confidence.
They need to speak out that the entire State of Jammu and Kashmir is occupied and appropriate strategy needs to be formulated to fight this occupation. A strategy which is perhaps appropriate for conditions in the Valley, might not be appropriate in Gilgit Baltistan which is occupied by Pakistan.
Among the leaders sitting here include those who I have known for many years. I hope that they won’t be annoyed by observations I have made very sincerely. I wish you all the best with this conference, and sincerely hope that the leaders present here will be able to formulate a policy which will be suitable to our struggle for unification and independence of the State.
Wassalam
Dr Shabir Choudhry
A leader of Kashmir National Party, writer, author and political analyst.
Email: drshabirchoudhry@googlemail.com
Tel.00442085974782/00447790942471
Text of Dr Shabir Choudhry’s speech for a Conference organised by International Forum for Justice and Human Rights Forum Jammu and Kashmir at 11 AM on April 21, 2010 at Hotel, Taj Lal Chock, Srinagar.
Mr Chairman, friends, colleagues and honourable Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabeer Ahmad Shah, Mohmmad Yaseen Malik, Advocate Mian Abdul Quyoom, Mohatrama Asiya Andrabi and others aslamo alaykam.
I am grateful to International Forum for Justice and Human Rights Forum and Eng. Mehmood for providing this opportunity to speak to this august gathering on a topic which is extremely important to people of Jammu and Kashmir and our struggle.
It was my wish to be physically present in this important conference, interact with the people, and learn more about the situation there. However, due to short notice, and problems encountered to air industry by the Iceland volcano eruption it was not possible for me to be physically present in this important Conference. I hope that the organisers of this conference will read my short message to the audience.
Title of this conference is very interesting: “THE ROLE OF PRO-FREEDOM LEADERS VIS-À-VIS KASHMIR ISSUE”.
But before we go any further we need to establish what we mean by ‘pro freedom leaders’? Does it mean leaders who promote freedom? But what kind of freedom we have in mind? Do we mean freedom to hold certain views, freedom to travel, freedom to assemble and freedom to preach etc? Or are we confusing the term ‘freedom’ with independence.
What we need is not freedom, but independence. We want right of self determination and not right of accession with another country. We need to be clear in our political terms and ideologies. It is the job of the leaders to ensure that they don’t confuse the masses. They must have clear vision. They must know what they want to achieve; and how they should achieve it.
The role of leaders is to lead, but not in to difficulties and problems. Their duty is to lead people to clearly defined and set out destination; a destination, which can bring peace, dignity and honour to the Kashmiri nation, and which can enhance our national identity and sense of belonging.
Those who lead people to misery and quandary could not be called leaders. They could be called opportunists and collaborators. The role of leaders is to boost morale of the people. The job of leaders is to protect life, liberty, honour and property of the people; and not to test their patience and promote their politics while people are suffering.
You have right to disagree with me, but in my opinion, the last leader we people of Jammu and Kashmir had was Sheikh Abdullah. As a human being he also made some mistakes, but he was the tallest leader Kashmiris ever had; and enjoyed support of all sections and regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is sad that we don’t have any leader in todays Jammu and Kashmir. Instead of a leader we have many regional, tribal, sectarian and religious leaders, each having its small area of influence and its own small undemocratic and autocratic party.
It is bad luck of the nation that some of these leaders and parties are not promoting interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They do not promote unity and Kashmiri culture of tolerance and coexistence. They seem to be more interested in either promoting interests of our neighbours or interests of their parties, regions and sects.
Some of these leaders pursue this kind of politics not because it is in the interest of the people or supports the Kashmiri freedom struggle, but because it advances their personal agenda. Moreover they get rewards for doing this from certain quarters, as these policies divide people and make the struggle and the people of Jammu and Kashmir weaker.
The policies these leaders advance do not unite people of Jammu and Kashmir; rather they divide them on ethnic, regional and religious lines. These policies might suit some leaders or certain groups and neighbours of Jammu and Kashmir, but certainly do not suit people of Jammu and Kashmir. These policies divide people of Jammu and Kashmir. They weaken our struggle. They antagonise communities and help those who want to divide our motherland on communal or regional lines.
I am sure those who regard themselves as leaders would not like what I have stated. They will be angry with me, but they should know that in public life people are accountable for their actions. Apart from that someone need to tell them that their policies are wrong; and their strategies are out of step with requirement of the Kashmiri struggle.
They also need to have appraisal of their policies and politics they promote. Why is that after more than two decades of the struggle, and enormous sacrifices we are no nearer to our most cherished goal of independence. Why is it that despite tens of thousands of deaths of Kashmiri people the Kashmiri struggle is seen in the context of India and Pakistan? Why is it that the Kashmir dispute is to be resolved by India and Pakistan; and people of Jammu and Kashmir or their leaders are not part of any negotiations?
Does it not prove that there is something wrong with the strategy in operation since 1947? Does it not show, to outside world that the dispute is between India and Pakistan?
We have to present our struggle as a struggle of people of Jammu and Kashmir – a struggle which is for unfettered right of self determination; and not to join Pakistan. We have to tell the world that it is not a religious struggle or struggle of one region. By making it a struggle to join Pakistan we may get some favours from Pakistan, but we are harming the interests of the Kashmiri nation. We are excluding non Muslims and some regions from our struggle and paving the way for division of the State on religious or ethnic lines.
South Asia still has not recovered from the wounds of religious divisions which took place in 1947; and by advancing another division on religious lines we are not doing any favour to the Kashmiri nation or people of South Asia.
Furthermore, when this impression is given that people of Kashmir are giving all these sacrifices to join Pakistan, the international community laugh at our wisdom. Which Pakistan people of Kashmir want to join, they question? Mohammed Ali Jinnah’s Pakistan is no longer there, and the remaining Pakistan is going through a civil war and is in deep crises.
Does it show our political maturity or naivety when we say that we want to be part of this Pakistan? Nations and ethnic groups fight to preserve their traditions, their history their identity and their culture; and what will happen to our identity and culture when and if we join Pakistan?
Apart from that these leaders appear to be leaders of some sections of the Muslim community in the Valley, as not all Muslims support them. So question is what is their credibility? When and how did they establish their credibility? Having a demonstration against India does not prove their credentials, as that is resentment of people against India and against what they have endured for many years.
Also it was the same people who defied their calls to boycott the last elections and used their votes in large numbers to demonstrate that these leaders were out of touch with changing mood of the people and their requirements. So a big demonstration or a strike action does not establish leadership credentials.
All these respected leaders have to sincerely analyse their policies and make a new strategy which should include how to reach out to all regions of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. It is for them to decide if they want to limit their influence to some towns of the Valley and make it a Valley centric struggle or reach out to the people of other regions and try to win their confidence.
They need to speak out that the entire State of Jammu and Kashmir is occupied and appropriate strategy needs to be formulated to fight this occupation. A strategy which is perhaps appropriate for conditions in the Valley, might not be appropriate in Gilgit Baltistan which is occupied by Pakistan.
Among the leaders sitting here include those who I have known for many years. I hope that they won’t be annoyed by observations I have made very sincerely. I wish you all the best with this conference, and sincerely hope that the leaders present here will be able to formulate a policy which will be suitable to our struggle for unification and independence of the State.
Wassalam
Dr Shabir Choudhry
A leader of Kashmir National Party, writer, author and political analyst.
Email: drshabirchoudhry@googlemail.com
Tel.00442085974782/00447790942471
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