Why Kashmir is so quiet - for now, Mukhtar Khan/AP
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2011/0802/Why-Kashmir-is-so-quiet-for-now
Smarter tactics by Indian police and a desire among Kashmiri businesses to make money are keeping a fragile peace in Kashmir a year after violent police crackdowns killed more than 100 people.
Kashmiri Muslims offers prayer on a street on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Srinagar, India, Tuesday, Aug. 2.
Mukhtar Khan/AP
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By Ben Arnoldy, Staff writer / August 2, 2011
Srinagar, Indian-controlled KashmirAfter security forces killed 117 civilians in Kashmir last summer, B.N. Ramesh took over as a top police officer here and saw a mess that his MBA degree could help him fix.
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Last summer, young people led street protests againstIndia’s presence here that prompted deadly police crackdowns, which in turn fueled more protests. This summer, in contrast, the valley has been mostly calm.
Why the calm? Young Kashmiris were not happy with the police. So Mr. Ramesh tried a new tactic: The Central Reserve Police Force in Kashmir (CRPF) began organizing sports teams for young men, hired discontented youth from 70 villages, gave away computers, and set up medical camps to offer free health care.
“People’s problems can be put into mathematical equations,” says Ramesh, who cites business management gurus like IBM’s Louis Gerstner, Jr. and Harvard University’s Michael Porter for informing his counterinsurgency theories. “The more we manage [people’s] frustration, the more … the war cries for so-called independence will calm down.”
Related Kashmir 101: Decoding Kashmir’s conflict
Ramesh embodies a hope held by some Indian officials that Kashmiris can eventually be sold on Indian rule. The latest stretch of calm, the return of Indian tourists, and the wide participation in recent elections have bolstered this hope.
But nearly everyone in the Kashmir Valley is warning that underlying desires for separation from India have not changed and that unrest could return in an instant. Local business leaders in particular are urging India to take this window of opportunity to negotiate a lasting settlement of the decades-old dispute.
“This part of Kashmir has been with India for the last 63 years. You can imagine how much money they have spent here and still [separatism] has not ended,” says Siraj Ahmed, president of theKashmir Hotel & Restaurant Association. “Ultimately, there has to be some sort of structure to address the main issue.”
Disaster for the business community
Mr. Ahmed’s group joined forces last year with the local shopkeeper’s association and a top businessman Iqbal Trumboo to form the Kashmir Economic Alliance. The group’s goal is to pressure all sides to talk and hash out a settlement – with good reason.
Last summer was a disaster for the business community. Between government curfews and separatist strikes, businesses lost 135 working days. Each day cost millions of dollars to the private sector, according to Shakeel Qalander, president of the Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir.
After last summer, business leaders went to the separatists to explain their dire situation. “I approached them and requested them not to go for frequent strike calls because it’s self-inflicted injuries you are creating,” says Mr. Qalander.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
some historic blunders in Pakistan as explained by Najam Sethi most informed and influential journalist and writer:
some historic blunders in Pakistan as explained by Najam Sethi most informed and influential journalist and writer:
http://www.punjabrang.com/forum/content/apas-ki-baat-2nd-august-2011-3291/
http://www.punjabrang.com/forum/content/apas-ki-baat-2nd-august-2011-3291/
Monday, 1 August 2011
Earthquake in Kashmir Politics- By Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani
Earthquake in Kashmir Politics- By Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani
Secretary General - JKCHR
Posted: August 01, 2011
The arrest of Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai by FBI is the first major earthquake in the politics of Kashmir in the last 124 years (since 1877). It is not the arrest of an individual but the credibility of the claim that the people of Kashmir were waging an indigenous resistance for their right of self-determination, in particular since 1990 has come under the international scanner.
My views on the right of self-determination, loss of liberty in Fai’s case and the understanding of the jurisprudence of Kashmir case date back to my College, University days when I used to write for Weekly Azan and other papers in Kashmir. I did not compromise my opinions in regard to the best interests of the people of Kashmir during my stay in AJK/Pakistan when my opinions brought me into a fatal conflict with Zia regime. I was booked for 5 years imprisonment and 10 lashes and later under MLR 53 for a death sentence. I persevered in my faith and am alive to write this column and have continued to advocate the right of self-determination.
The weaknesses in Fai’s case are more than one. First and foremost that has surfaced is the fact that many of his close friends, those he would strike a quid pro quo with, have started distancing themselves on one or the other explanation. It proves that all those who turned up at Fai’s treats were taking these invitations as pleasure trips with very little regard for the people of Kashmir.
The FBI Affidavit could have been very easily countered if there was a trace of evidence that his diplomatic work had the input of the Government of AJK under article 11 of the AJK Act 1974 or any input of the Government of Pakistan under article 257 of the Constitution of Pakistan. Under the interpretation of statutes the two Constitutional provisions could have been argued to cover his tracks. The preamble of the AJK Constitution (although authored by the Government of Pakistan) could have been extremely helpful. We could have linked the work with the universal character of the Kashmir case. I have always argued to move away from a bilateral bracket and agitate the universality of the UN resolutions on Kashmir. At the same time we could have asked the J & K Government to subscribe its interest in Fai’s arrest under article 4 and 48 of the J & K Constitution.
Unfortunately, even Fai with his exposure and resources failed to understand the Kashmir case. All that his work boils down is a quid pro quo with some powerful people in Pakistan and role of a conformist at the cost of people and habitat of Kashmir. A conformist always avoids to say no and as a natural consequence hurts the interest of the other. His arrest has hurt us as a people and we have become suspects all over the world.
The most difficult problem for Fai remains embedded in FBI affidavit. It may appear an arrest for “conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign principal without registering with the Attorney General, and to falsify, conceal, and cover up material by tricks, schemes, and devices, in matters within the jurisdiction of agencies of the executive branch of the Government of the United States”, but in para 3 of the affidavit the matters turn grave when the FBI agent subscribes on oath that “Because this affidavit is for the limited purpose of setting forth facts sufficient to establish probable cause, it does not include all of the pertinent facts that I have learned in the course of this investigation”. We know that Fai has been on FBI radar for some time and had lawful court orders to record his communications.
What these “all pertinent facts” and “recorded communications” are could be either very simple to explain or may turn out to be explosive and may have a potential to net many other people living in USA, Pakistan, India, AJK, J & K and many other countries. The manner in which Fai has unfortunately conducted himself has been attributed to a Confidential Witness in Para 8 of the affidavit. This witness has provided information to FBI agents in 2005, 2006 and in 2010 “about a scheme in which he participated to obscure the origin of money transferred by the ISI to Fai to use as a lobbyist for the KAC in furtherance of the interests of the government of Pakistan”. This witness has explained “that money was transferred to Fai through an American citizen living in Pakistan by the name of Zaheer Ahmad”.
Circle of wisdom and freedom of expression has been made causality in Kashmir. A few officers in a section of establishment in Pakistan tried to rewrite history in Kashmir and rewrite the script for politics, militancy and diplomacy for the people of Kashmir. They did it out of arrogance and with a sense of superiority, believing that Kashmir was a colony of their little secrets. In the course of time we killed a generation in Kashmir and by causing a numerical deficit killed the right of self-determination. Men, women, children and elderly have been exposed to unprecedented violation of human rights and other abuse.
Lack of interest in the best interests of the people of Kashmir and lack of reliable understanding of Kashmir case – have continued as the main defects in the present struggle since 1990. No one among this elitist group had ever visualised that the three components namely, politics, militancy and diplomacy would enter rough seas if they were not backed by the UN mechanism on Kashmir, Constitutions of J & K, AJK and the Constitution of Pakistan.
Para 8 maintains that Fai accepted money from ISI ‘in furtherance of the interests of the government of Pakistan”. This allegation remains at war with Fai’s claim that he was acting in the interests of the people of Kashmir. No Kashmiri could act in furtherance of the interests of the government of Pakistan until the point identified by article 257 of the Constitution of Pakistan. Until then one has to advocate the freedom of choice at the time of a referendum. How Fai or his associates in the “scheme” could prepone the wisdom of article 257 of the Constitution of Pakistan is very difficult to understand. If this has been the case Fai and his associates could be accused of sabotaging the UN mechanism on Kashmir and hurting the principle of self-determination. It is also going to war against the principles laid down in AJK, J & K and the Constitution of Pakistan and the UN Security Council Resolution on Kashmir.
I should not be wrongly understood as advocating anti-Pakistan views. While in Pakistan I submit myself to article 5 of the Constitution of Pakistan which prescribes “Loyalty to State and Obedience to Constitution and Law”. This is an obligation for every citizen wherever he may be and of every other person for the time being within Pakistan. Fai has not only given up his right for a speedy trial, he has also never looked back for a re-check whether he has been conducting himself in accordance with the diplomatic wisdom provided in the preamble and article 11 of AJK Constitution, article 4 and 48 of the Constitution of J & K, article 257 of the Constitution of Pakistan and the UN mechanism on Kashmir.
It needs to be pointed out that the manner and kind of diplomatic work entrusted to Fai had nothing to do with enhancing the constituency of the best interests of the people of Kashmir and it has never touched the core fact that there was a UN mechanism on Kashmir. A valuable Kashmiri turned into a conformist and failed to interpret the relief available to the people of Kashmir under J & K Constitution and the terms of a bilateral agreement between the Government of Kashmir and the Government of India. With a proper understanding of the jurisprudence of Kashmir case and the resources made available to Fai, we could have succeeded to fix the liability for the death and destruction in Kashmir.
Fai made a choice at the cost of the best interests of the people and the jurisprudence of Kashmir case. His support base was myopic and driven by colonial instinct. Others had the conscience to say no and it really should have been a difficult task to argue the jurisprudence of Kashmir case before the full court (High Court) in AJK from December 1992 – April 1999 making Government of AJK and the Government of Pakistan as parties. I would advise the readers to read the judgment published in the Pakistan Yearly Law Reporter 1999 titled “Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights v Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and 4 others”.
Author is London based Secretary General of JKCHR – NGO in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations and can be mailed at dr-nazirgilani@jkchr.com
http://www.thenewskashmir.com/drsngilani.htm#771884874
Dr S N Gilani
www.thenewskashmir.com
The mission statement of this site is very simple. The site contains current news and articles on Kashmir. If you wish to contribute to the site, feel free to send me pictures or feedback. The email address to use is editor@thenewskashmir.com
Secretary General - JKCHR
Posted: August 01, 2011
The arrest of Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai by FBI is the first major earthquake in the politics of Kashmir in the last 124 years (since 1877). It is not the arrest of an individual but the credibility of the claim that the people of Kashmir were waging an indigenous resistance for their right of self-determination, in particular since 1990 has come under the international scanner.
My views on the right of self-determination, loss of liberty in Fai’s case and the understanding of the jurisprudence of Kashmir case date back to my College, University days when I used to write for Weekly Azan and other papers in Kashmir. I did not compromise my opinions in regard to the best interests of the people of Kashmir during my stay in AJK/Pakistan when my opinions brought me into a fatal conflict with Zia regime. I was booked for 5 years imprisonment and 10 lashes and later under MLR 53 for a death sentence. I persevered in my faith and am alive to write this column and have continued to advocate the right of self-determination.
The weaknesses in Fai’s case are more than one. First and foremost that has surfaced is the fact that many of his close friends, those he would strike a quid pro quo with, have started distancing themselves on one or the other explanation. It proves that all those who turned up at Fai’s treats were taking these invitations as pleasure trips with very little regard for the people of Kashmir.
The FBI Affidavit could have been very easily countered if there was a trace of evidence that his diplomatic work had the input of the Government of AJK under article 11 of the AJK Act 1974 or any input of the Government of Pakistan under article 257 of the Constitution of Pakistan. Under the interpretation of statutes the two Constitutional provisions could have been argued to cover his tracks. The preamble of the AJK Constitution (although authored by the Government of Pakistan) could have been extremely helpful. We could have linked the work with the universal character of the Kashmir case. I have always argued to move away from a bilateral bracket and agitate the universality of the UN resolutions on Kashmir. At the same time we could have asked the J & K Government to subscribe its interest in Fai’s arrest under article 4 and 48 of the J & K Constitution.
Unfortunately, even Fai with his exposure and resources failed to understand the Kashmir case. All that his work boils down is a quid pro quo with some powerful people in Pakistan and role of a conformist at the cost of people and habitat of Kashmir. A conformist always avoids to say no and as a natural consequence hurts the interest of the other. His arrest has hurt us as a people and we have become suspects all over the world.
The most difficult problem for Fai remains embedded in FBI affidavit. It may appear an arrest for “conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign principal without registering with the Attorney General, and to falsify, conceal, and cover up material by tricks, schemes, and devices, in matters within the jurisdiction of agencies of the executive branch of the Government of the United States”, but in para 3 of the affidavit the matters turn grave when the FBI agent subscribes on oath that “Because this affidavit is for the limited purpose of setting forth facts sufficient to establish probable cause, it does not include all of the pertinent facts that I have learned in the course of this investigation”. We know that Fai has been on FBI radar for some time and had lawful court orders to record his communications.
What these “all pertinent facts” and “recorded communications” are could be either very simple to explain or may turn out to be explosive and may have a potential to net many other people living in USA, Pakistan, India, AJK, J & K and many other countries. The manner in which Fai has unfortunately conducted himself has been attributed to a Confidential Witness in Para 8 of the affidavit. This witness has provided information to FBI agents in 2005, 2006 and in 2010 “about a scheme in which he participated to obscure the origin of money transferred by the ISI to Fai to use as a lobbyist for the KAC in furtherance of the interests of the government of Pakistan”. This witness has explained “that money was transferred to Fai through an American citizen living in Pakistan by the name of Zaheer Ahmad”.
Circle of wisdom and freedom of expression has been made causality in Kashmir. A few officers in a section of establishment in Pakistan tried to rewrite history in Kashmir and rewrite the script for politics, militancy and diplomacy for the people of Kashmir. They did it out of arrogance and with a sense of superiority, believing that Kashmir was a colony of their little secrets. In the course of time we killed a generation in Kashmir and by causing a numerical deficit killed the right of self-determination. Men, women, children and elderly have been exposed to unprecedented violation of human rights and other abuse.
Lack of interest in the best interests of the people of Kashmir and lack of reliable understanding of Kashmir case – have continued as the main defects in the present struggle since 1990. No one among this elitist group had ever visualised that the three components namely, politics, militancy and diplomacy would enter rough seas if they were not backed by the UN mechanism on Kashmir, Constitutions of J & K, AJK and the Constitution of Pakistan.
Para 8 maintains that Fai accepted money from ISI ‘in furtherance of the interests of the government of Pakistan”. This allegation remains at war with Fai’s claim that he was acting in the interests of the people of Kashmir. No Kashmiri could act in furtherance of the interests of the government of Pakistan until the point identified by article 257 of the Constitution of Pakistan. Until then one has to advocate the freedom of choice at the time of a referendum. How Fai or his associates in the “scheme” could prepone the wisdom of article 257 of the Constitution of Pakistan is very difficult to understand. If this has been the case Fai and his associates could be accused of sabotaging the UN mechanism on Kashmir and hurting the principle of self-determination. It is also going to war against the principles laid down in AJK, J & K and the Constitution of Pakistan and the UN Security Council Resolution on Kashmir.
I should not be wrongly understood as advocating anti-Pakistan views. While in Pakistan I submit myself to article 5 of the Constitution of Pakistan which prescribes “Loyalty to State and Obedience to Constitution and Law”. This is an obligation for every citizen wherever he may be and of every other person for the time being within Pakistan. Fai has not only given up his right for a speedy trial, he has also never looked back for a re-check whether he has been conducting himself in accordance with the diplomatic wisdom provided in the preamble and article 11 of AJK Constitution, article 4 and 48 of the Constitution of J & K, article 257 of the Constitution of Pakistan and the UN mechanism on Kashmir.
It needs to be pointed out that the manner and kind of diplomatic work entrusted to Fai had nothing to do with enhancing the constituency of the best interests of the people of Kashmir and it has never touched the core fact that there was a UN mechanism on Kashmir. A valuable Kashmiri turned into a conformist and failed to interpret the relief available to the people of Kashmir under J & K Constitution and the terms of a bilateral agreement between the Government of Kashmir and the Government of India. With a proper understanding of the jurisprudence of Kashmir case and the resources made available to Fai, we could have succeeded to fix the liability for the death and destruction in Kashmir.
Fai made a choice at the cost of the best interests of the people and the jurisprudence of Kashmir case. His support base was myopic and driven by colonial instinct. Others had the conscience to say no and it really should have been a difficult task to argue the jurisprudence of Kashmir case before the full court (High Court) in AJK from December 1992 – April 1999 making Government of AJK and the Government of Pakistan as parties. I would advise the readers to read the judgment published in the Pakistan Yearly Law Reporter 1999 titled “Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights v Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and 4 others”.
Author is London based Secretary General of JKCHR – NGO in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations and can be mailed at dr-nazirgilani@jkchr.com
http://www.thenewskashmir.com/drsngilani.htm#771884874
Dr S N Gilani
www.thenewskashmir.com
The mission statement of this site is very simple. The site contains current news and articles on Kashmir. If you wish to contribute to the site, feel free to send me pictures or feedback. The email address to use is editor@thenewskashmir.com
Sunday, 31 July 2011
It is claimed that Pak Foreign Minister Hina Khar, during her official visit to India was wearing 1 cror worth of clothes, watch, handbag, jewelry etc
It is claimed that Pak Foreign Minister Hina Khar, during her official visit to India was wearing 1 cror worth of clothes, watch, handbag, jewelry etc ...view programme:
http://www.zemtv.com/2011/07/31/sawal-yeh-hai-with-dr-danish-31st-july-2011/
http://www.zemtv.com/2011/07/31/sawal-yeh-hai-with-dr-danish-31st-july-2011/
Friday, 29 July 2011
India and Pakistan's surprisingly successful negotiations
India and Pakistan's surprisingly successful negotiations
BY LUV PURI, JULY 28, 2011 Thursday, July 28, 2011 - 3:03 PM
http://afpak.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/07/28/india_and_pakistans_surprisingly_successful_negotiations
In 1963, residents of Delhi were witness to talks between Pakistan's then-foreign minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his Indian counterpart Swaran Singh, as the two met to discuss their countries' future -- in addition to dining in some of the city's premium restaurants.
The two leaders eventually held several round of fruitless talks, prompting a number of jokes about the purpose of the engagement. Since then, the Singh-Bhutto talks have become a metaphor to describe the pessimism over any high-level engagement between India and Pakistan.
The foreign ministers of two countries met again on July 27, and the passage of time has only increased the number of issues bedeviling relations between the two countries. This time, Pakistan was led by thirty-four-year-old foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar, while India was represented by seventy-nine-year old SM Krishna. The talks are being held at a delicate juncture of South Asian politics. Aside from dealing with the regular gamut of bilateral differences - from Kashmir, to Siachen, to terrorism -- there are worries that American withdrawal from Afghanistan may result in a revival of the India-Pakistan rivalry making its way into Afghan territory.
Senior Pakistani politicians from the opposition questioned the ability of their young foreign minister to fully defend and articulate Pakistan's interests before the Indian political leadership. Indian commentators had their own reservations, describing Khar as a nominee of Pakistani military which is against any rapprochement with India.
Yet it seems at first blush that the naysayers have been proved wrong on both sides. The two ministers covered a fair bit ground in the bilateral relationship, discussing counter-terrorism measures, including progress in the Mumbai attacks trial in Pakistan, the disputed Siachen glacier, and made some real tangible progress on the contested issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides announced some concrete confidence-building measures to promote interactions between the people of Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. These measures formed the operative portion of the 21-point joint statement released after their meeting, though the rest of the statement was more focused on demonstrating good intent than engaging in substantive discussion of various other aspects of the relationship.
The slow but important movement on Kashmir shows that the two countries have not jettisoned theunsigned agreement between Indian president Manmohan Singh and former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf negotiated between 2004 and 2007, which was committed to taking a people-centric approach to the disputed region. The main idea was to infuse realism as well as humaneness into negotiations, and the agreement was premised on the idea that the people of the region, on either side of the Line of Control (LoC), should be the driving force behind the peace process. One concrete idea was to put "soft borders" into place, and another proposal would have created institutional mechanisms for political leaders from both countries to discuss common areas of interest. But due to the political instability in Pakistan, the agreement was not fully put into operation.
Yesterday's statement indicates an intention to strengthen LoC trade mechanisms between the two parts of the disputed region. Trade was started between the two sides on 22nd November, 2005, but the rules surrounding this trade have been archaic. At present, there is a barter system in place in the absence of an agreement on a common currency. The statement said the designated authorities will resolve operational issues concerning cross-LoC trade through "regular interaction." It is still not known whether the two designated authorities on either side of the LoC will have the say to decide on the common currency.
Another important step forward was on the decision to convene separate meetings of the Expert Groups on Nuclear and Conventional confidence-building measures in Islamabad in September of this year. This can be a possible first move in initiating a process to slow the nuclear arms race in South Asia.
The challenge before for political leaders in India and Pakistan will now be to create momentum in their own countries in support of the peace process. Yesterday, Khar reached out to India's opposition and Hindu-nationalist BJP party leader LK Advani, who was born in Karachi but immigrated to India after the 1947 partition of the subcontinent. There may be similar efforts by the Indian political leadership to reach out to the opposition in Pakistan.
Admittedly, other meetings Khar held did not go over so well; some in India objected, for instance, to her meeting with both factions of All Party Hurriyet Conference, Kashmiri political groups that advocate secession from India. Khar defended her position and stated that India, as a democratic entity, should not have any objections if "she meets anybody who is an important stakeholder in [the Kashmir] domain." The issue didn't gain much traction after the initial controversy, and many in India accepted was acceptance of the fact that the two countries had divergent views on the issue.
Even the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah stated that he was not worried about the meeting, but added Pakistani political leadership should also engage with the non-separatist leadership from the region. And during the 2004-2007 peace process, Musharrafstated that leaders of all shades of opinion from Jammu and Kashmir should be taken on board to settle the issue.
The relationship between India and Pakistan currently rests at a delicate equilibrium. Outside the mainstream political space, the forces bent on acting as spoilers remain active. In the past, prominent terrorist attacks have often coincided with moves to improve India-Pakistan relations. On November 24, 2008, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari declared that his country would not be the first to use nuclear weapons against India and would work towards opening trade with their eastern neighbor. Two days later, India witnessed the most gruesome attack in its history, as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) fighters held Mumbai hostage on live television for days, slaughtering and burning their way through India's financial capital and killing 164 people. Some of the recent reports in the Pakistani press indicate a resurgence in the activities of banned militant outfits in Punjab province, for instance.
But despite the many roadblocks and difficulties ahead, this most recent foreign ministers' meeting was certainly a small step forward in resolving one of the most complex and complicated relationships in international affairs today.
Luv Puri is a political analyst, who has written two books on South Asian political and security issues. His book Across the Line of Control, based on field work in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir will be co-published by C. HURST & CO. (PUBLISHERS) LTD in July 2011 and Columbia University Press in the fall of 2011.
BY LUV PURI, JULY 28, 2011 Thursday, July 28, 2011 - 3:03 PM
http://afpak.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/07/28/india_and_pakistans_surprisingly_successful_negotiations
In 1963, residents of Delhi were witness to talks between Pakistan's then-foreign minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his Indian counterpart Swaran Singh, as the two met to discuss their countries' future -- in addition to dining in some of the city's premium restaurants.
The two leaders eventually held several round of fruitless talks, prompting a number of jokes about the purpose of the engagement. Since then, the Singh-Bhutto talks have become a metaphor to describe the pessimism over any high-level engagement between India and Pakistan.
The foreign ministers of two countries met again on July 27, and the passage of time has only increased the number of issues bedeviling relations between the two countries. This time, Pakistan was led by thirty-four-year-old foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar, while India was represented by seventy-nine-year old SM Krishna. The talks are being held at a delicate juncture of South Asian politics. Aside from dealing with the regular gamut of bilateral differences - from Kashmir, to Siachen, to terrorism -- there are worries that American withdrawal from Afghanistan may result in a revival of the India-Pakistan rivalry making its way into Afghan territory.
Senior Pakistani politicians from the opposition questioned the ability of their young foreign minister to fully defend and articulate Pakistan's interests before the Indian political leadership. Indian commentators had their own reservations, describing Khar as a nominee of Pakistani military which is against any rapprochement with India.
Yet it seems at first blush that the naysayers have been proved wrong on both sides. The two ministers covered a fair bit ground in the bilateral relationship, discussing counter-terrorism measures, including progress in the Mumbai attacks trial in Pakistan, the disputed Siachen glacier, and made some real tangible progress on the contested issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides announced some concrete confidence-building measures to promote interactions between the people of Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. These measures formed the operative portion of the 21-point joint statement released after their meeting, though the rest of the statement was more focused on demonstrating good intent than engaging in substantive discussion of various other aspects of the relationship.
The slow but important movement on Kashmir shows that the two countries have not jettisoned theunsigned agreement between Indian president Manmohan Singh and former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf negotiated between 2004 and 2007, which was committed to taking a people-centric approach to the disputed region. The main idea was to infuse realism as well as humaneness into negotiations, and the agreement was premised on the idea that the people of the region, on either side of the Line of Control (LoC), should be the driving force behind the peace process. One concrete idea was to put "soft borders" into place, and another proposal would have created institutional mechanisms for political leaders from both countries to discuss common areas of interest. But due to the political instability in Pakistan, the agreement was not fully put into operation.
Yesterday's statement indicates an intention to strengthen LoC trade mechanisms between the two parts of the disputed region. Trade was started between the two sides on 22nd November, 2005, but the rules surrounding this trade have been archaic. At present, there is a barter system in place in the absence of an agreement on a common currency. The statement said the designated authorities will resolve operational issues concerning cross-LoC trade through "regular interaction." It is still not known whether the two designated authorities on either side of the LoC will have the say to decide on the common currency.
Another important step forward was on the decision to convene separate meetings of the Expert Groups on Nuclear and Conventional confidence-building measures in Islamabad in September of this year. This can be a possible first move in initiating a process to slow the nuclear arms race in South Asia.
The challenge before for political leaders in India and Pakistan will now be to create momentum in their own countries in support of the peace process. Yesterday, Khar reached out to India's opposition and Hindu-nationalist BJP party leader LK Advani, who was born in Karachi but immigrated to India after the 1947 partition of the subcontinent. There may be similar efforts by the Indian political leadership to reach out to the opposition in Pakistan.
Admittedly, other meetings Khar held did not go over so well; some in India objected, for instance, to her meeting with both factions of All Party Hurriyet Conference, Kashmiri political groups that advocate secession from India. Khar defended her position and stated that India, as a democratic entity, should not have any objections if "she meets anybody who is an important stakeholder in [the Kashmir] domain." The issue didn't gain much traction after the initial controversy, and many in India accepted was acceptance of the fact that the two countries had divergent views on the issue.
Even the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah stated that he was not worried about the meeting, but added Pakistani political leadership should also engage with the non-separatist leadership from the region. And during the 2004-2007 peace process, Musharrafstated that leaders of all shades of opinion from Jammu and Kashmir should be taken on board to settle the issue.
The relationship between India and Pakistan currently rests at a delicate equilibrium. Outside the mainstream political space, the forces bent on acting as spoilers remain active. In the past, prominent terrorist attacks have often coincided with moves to improve India-Pakistan relations. On November 24, 2008, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari declared that his country would not be the first to use nuclear weapons against India and would work towards opening trade with their eastern neighbor. Two days later, India witnessed the most gruesome attack in its history, as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) fighters held Mumbai hostage on live television for days, slaughtering and burning their way through India's financial capital and killing 164 people. Some of the recent reports in the Pakistani press indicate a resurgence in the activities of banned militant outfits in Punjab province, for instance.
But despite the many roadblocks and difficulties ahead, this most recent foreign ministers' meeting was certainly a small step forward in resolving one of the most complex and complicated relationships in international affairs today.
Luv Puri is a political analyst, who has written two books on South Asian political and security issues. His book Across the Line of Control, based on field work in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir will be co-published by C. HURST & CO. (PUBLISHERS) LTD in July 2011 and Columbia University Press in the fall of 2011.
Text of India-Pakistan joint statementFrom the Newspaper July 28, 2011
Text of India-Pakistan joint statementFrom the Newspaper July 28, 2011
(2 days ago)
Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna, left, shakes hand with his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar before talks in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, July 27, 2011. – AP Photo
NEW DELHI: Pakistan and India expressed satisfaction with the talks their foreign ministers held here on Wednesday, according to a joint statement.
The statement said the talks were held in a candid, cordial and constructive atmosphere.
The text follows:
Both the foreign ministers reviewed the status of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction on the holding of meetings on the issues of counter-terrorism (including progress on the Mumbai trial) and narcotics control; humanitarian issues; commercial and economic cooperation; Wullar Barrage/Tulbul navigation project; Sir Creek; Siachen; peace and security including CBMs; Jammu & Kashmir; and promotion of friendly exchanges.
They affirmed the importance of carrying forward the dialogue process with a view to resolving peacefully all outstanding issues through constructive and result-oriented engagement, and to establish friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations between Pakistan and India.
The ministers underlined the need for sustained effort by both countries to build a relationship of trust and mutually beneficial cooperation in conformity with the determination of the people of both countries to see an end to terrorism and violence and to realise their aspirations for peace and development.
They agreed that terrorism poses a continuing threat to peace and security and reiterated the firm and undiluted commitment of the two countries to fight and eliminate this scourge in all its forms and manifestations.
Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism, including among relevant departments as well as agencies to bring those responsible for terror crimes to justice.
They noted with satisfaction the fact that since the resumption of dialogue earlier this year, the process of release of prisoners and fishermen from both sides has continued. In this regard, the ministers agreed with the recommendations of the judicial committee on prisoners regarding early repatriation of the prisoners who have completed their sentences and whose travel documents are available; adoption of a humane approach in dealing with cases of fishermen, women, elderly, juvenile prisoners, prisoners terminally ill or suffering from serious illness or physical or mental disability and need to monitor the welfare of prisoners in order to ensure their humane treatment.
The ministers attached importance to promoting peace and security, including confidence-building measures, between India and Pakistan and agreed to convene separate meetings of the expert groups on nuclear and conventional CBMs, in Islamabad in Sept 2011.
They held discussions on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to the need for continued discussions, in a purposeful and forward-looking manner, with a view to finding a peaceful solution by narrowing divergences and building convergences.
On cross-LoC trade and travel facilitation for Jammu & Kashmir the foreign ministers decided to take different steps that include list of 21 products of permissible items for cross-LoC trade will be respected by both sides.
The Working Group will review the trading list with a view to further specifying permissible items to facilitate intra-Jammu and Kashmir cross-LoC trade.
Both sides will provide adequate facilities at the trade facilitation centres on each side.
The number of trading days stand enhanced from two to four days per week. Truck movements shall take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, both on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes.
The designated authorities will resolve operational issues concerning cross-LoC trade through regular interaction.
Regular meetings between the chambers of commerce and traders of both sides will be facilitated.
Existing telephone communication facilities should be strengthened.
The meetings of the designated authorities will be held alternately at the terminal of the crossing points on both sides of the LoC every quarter or as and when deemed necessary.
Regarding cross-LoC travelling, the two countries agreed that this travel would be expanded on both sides of the LoC to include visits for tourism and religious pilgrimage. In this regard, the modalities will be worked out by both sides.
Facilities including waiting area, terminal and clearing procedures at the operational crossing points will be streamlined by both sides for smooth cross-LoC travel.
The cross-LoC bus service between Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes will henceforth run on every Monday.
Application forms and requisite documentation in respect of travel across LoC will be exchanged by email between designated authorities of both sides. Such email transfer of application forms will be backed up by hard copies.
Both sides will expedite the processing time for applications, which shall not be more than 45 days.
Six-month multiple entry cross-LoC travel permits will be allowed by the designated authorities after completion of the required formalities at an early date.
Coordination meetings between the designated authorities will be held at the terminals alternately on both sides of the LoC every quarter or as and when deemed necessary.It was agreed that the Joint Working Group will henceforth meet on a bi-annual basis to review existing arrangements and suggest additional measures for Cross-LoC travel and trade.
The two foreign ministers agreed that increase in trade and economic engagement between the two countries would be mutually beneficial.
In this context, they emphasised the importance of early establishment of a non-discriminatory trade regime between the two countries, including reduction/removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers.
They also emphasised the need for facilitating trade and redressing trade imbalance.
The ministers noted with satisfaction that during their meeting held in Islamabad in April 2011, the commerce secretaries of the two countries had decided on a number of important steps to realise the full potential of bilateral trade.
The two foreign ministers also agreed that discussions will continue on Siachen, Wullar Barrage/Tulbul navigation project and Sir Creek to find a mutually acceptable solution to these issues.
They reiterated their commitment to seeking early and amicable solutions to all these issues. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty.
The ministers also agreed that people of the two countries are at the heart of the relationship and that issues of people-to-people contacts and humanitarian issues should be accorded priority and treated with sensitivity.
They noted with satisfaction the progress made towards finalisation of a revised visa agreement which would help liberalise the visa regime and facilitate people-to-people, business-to-business and sports contacts.
The ministers also emphasised promotion of cooperation in various fields including, facilitating visits to religious shrines, media exchanges, holding of sports tournaments and cessation of hostile propaganda against each other.
The ministers decided to resume the work of the India-Pakistan Joint Commission and agreed that the technical level working groups should hold their meetings to identify avenues of further cooperation in these fields.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the goals and objectives of Saarc and agreed to make joint efforts to promote cooperation for regional development in the Saarc framework.
It was also decided that the Foreign Ministers will meet again in Islamabad in the first half of 2012 to review progress in the dialogue process.
The ministers agreed to the continuation of the dialogue process and to the convening series of secretaries-level meetings on counter-terrorism (including progress on Mumbai trial) and narcotics control; humanitarian issues; commercial and economic cooperation; Wullar Barrage/Tulbul navigation project; Sir Creek (at the level of additional secretaries/surveyors general); Siachen; peace and security, including CBMs; Jammu & Kashmir; and promotion of friendly exchanges.
Dates of all these meetings will be decided through diplomatic channels and will be held prior to the next ministerial meeting.
They noted that Shri Anand Sharma, Minister for Commerce and Industry of India, has extended an invitation to his counterpart, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, to visit India at a mutually convenient date.—APP
(2 days ago)
Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna, left, shakes hand with his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar before talks in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, July 27, 2011. – AP Photo
NEW DELHI: Pakistan and India expressed satisfaction with the talks their foreign ministers held here on Wednesday, according to a joint statement.
The statement said the talks were held in a candid, cordial and constructive atmosphere.
The text follows:
Both the foreign ministers reviewed the status of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction on the holding of meetings on the issues of counter-terrorism (including progress on the Mumbai trial) and narcotics control; humanitarian issues; commercial and economic cooperation; Wullar Barrage/Tulbul navigation project; Sir Creek; Siachen; peace and security including CBMs; Jammu & Kashmir; and promotion of friendly exchanges.
They affirmed the importance of carrying forward the dialogue process with a view to resolving peacefully all outstanding issues through constructive and result-oriented engagement, and to establish friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations between Pakistan and India.
The ministers underlined the need for sustained effort by both countries to build a relationship of trust and mutually beneficial cooperation in conformity with the determination of the people of both countries to see an end to terrorism and violence and to realise their aspirations for peace and development.
They agreed that terrorism poses a continuing threat to peace and security and reiterated the firm and undiluted commitment of the two countries to fight and eliminate this scourge in all its forms and manifestations.
Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism, including among relevant departments as well as agencies to bring those responsible for terror crimes to justice.
They noted with satisfaction the fact that since the resumption of dialogue earlier this year, the process of release of prisoners and fishermen from both sides has continued. In this regard, the ministers agreed with the recommendations of the judicial committee on prisoners regarding early repatriation of the prisoners who have completed their sentences and whose travel documents are available; adoption of a humane approach in dealing with cases of fishermen, women, elderly, juvenile prisoners, prisoners terminally ill or suffering from serious illness or physical or mental disability and need to monitor the welfare of prisoners in order to ensure their humane treatment.
The ministers attached importance to promoting peace and security, including confidence-building measures, between India and Pakistan and agreed to convene separate meetings of the expert groups on nuclear and conventional CBMs, in Islamabad in Sept 2011.
They held discussions on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to the need for continued discussions, in a purposeful and forward-looking manner, with a view to finding a peaceful solution by narrowing divergences and building convergences.
On cross-LoC trade and travel facilitation for Jammu & Kashmir the foreign ministers decided to take different steps that include list of 21 products of permissible items for cross-LoC trade will be respected by both sides.
The Working Group will review the trading list with a view to further specifying permissible items to facilitate intra-Jammu and Kashmir cross-LoC trade.
Both sides will provide adequate facilities at the trade facilitation centres on each side.
The number of trading days stand enhanced from two to four days per week. Truck movements shall take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, both on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes.
The designated authorities will resolve operational issues concerning cross-LoC trade through regular interaction.
Regular meetings between the chambers of commerce and traders of both sides will be facilitated.
Existing telephone communication facilities should be strengthened.
The meetings of the designated authorities will be held alternately at the terminal of the crossing points on both sides of the LoC every quarter or as and when deemed necessary.
Regarding cross-LoC travelling, the two countries agreed that this travel would be expanded on both sides of the LoC to include visits for tourism and religious pilgrimage. In this regard, the modalities will be worked out by both sides.
Facilities including waiting area, terminal and clearing procedures at the operational crossing points will be streamlined by both sides for smooth cross-LoC travel.
The cross-LoC bus service between Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes will henceforth run on every Monday.
Application forms and requisite documentation in respect of travel across LoC will be exchanged by email between designated authorities of both sides. Such email transfer of application forms will be backed up by hard copies.
Both sides will expedite the processing time for applications, which shall not be more than 45 days.
Six-month multiple entry cross-LoC travel permits will be allowed by the designated authorities after completion of the required formalities at an early date.
Coordination meetings between the designated authorities will be held at the terminals alternately on both sides of the LoC every quarter or as and when deemed necessary.It was agreed that the Joint Working Group will henceforth meet on a bi-annual basis to review existing arrangements and suggest additional measures for Cross-LoC travel and trade.
The two foreign ministers agreed that increase in trade and economic engagement between the two countries would be mutually beneficial.
In this context, they emphasised the importance of early establishment of a non-discriminatory trade regime between the two countries, including reduction/removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers.
They also emphasised the need for facilitating trade and redressing trade imbalance.
The ministers noted with satisfaction that during their meeting held in Islamabad in April 2011, the commerce secretaries of the two countries had decided on a number of important steps to realise the full potential of bilateral trade.
The two foreign ministers also agreed that discussions will continue on Siachen, Wullar Barrage/Tulbul navigation project and Sir Creek to find a mutually acceptable solution to these issues.
They reiterated their commitment to seeking early and amicable solutions to all these issues. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty.
The ministers also agreed that people of the two countries are at the heart of the relationship and that issues of people-to-people contacts and humanitarian issues should be accorded priority and treated with sensitivity.
They noted with satisfaction the progress made towards finalisation of a revised visa agreement which would help liberalise the visa regime and facilitate people-to-people, business-to-business and sports contacts.
The ministers also emphasised promotion of cooperation in various fields including, facilitating visits to religious shrines, media exchanges, holding of sports tournaments and cessation of hostile propaganda against each other.
The ministers decided to resume the work of the India-Pakistan Joint Commission and agreed that the technical level working groups should hold their meetings to identify avenues of further cooperation in these fields.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the goals and objectives of Saarc and agreed to make joint efforts to promote cooperation for regional development in the Saarc framework.
It was also decided that the Foreign Ministers will meet again in Islamabad in the first half of 2012 to review progress in the dialogue process.
The ministers agreed to the continuation of the dialogue process and to the convening series of secretaries-level meetings on counter-terrorism (including progress on Mumbai trial) and narcotics control; humanitarian issues; commercial and economic cooperation; Wullar Barrage/Tulbul navigation project; Sir Creek (at the level of additional secretaries/surveyors general); Siachen; peace and security, including CBMs; Jammu & Kashmir; and promotion of friendly exchanges.
Dates of all these meetings will be decided through diplomatic channels and will be held prior to the next ministerial meeting.
They noted that Shri Anand Sharma, Minister for Commerce and Industry of India, has extended an invitation to his counterpart, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, to visit India at a mutually convenient date.—APP
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Hizb's Hindu commander was policeman's son
Hizb's Hindu commander was policeman's son
WEDNESDAY, 27 JULY 2011 20:03 SRINAGAR- IZHAR ALI/SUHAIL KHAN
Subash Kumar Shan, the top Hizbul Mujahideen Commander killed in a gun-battle yesterday, was the son of a policeman working with the Indian Reserve Police force, sources told Kashmir Dispatch on Wednesday.
A resident of Parmad, 35-year-old Shan was son of a police head constable Jain Lal and is the third Hindu militant killed during the insurgency in the state. Lal serves the IRP 15 Batallion, sources said.
His brother, sources said, is a police follower and is currently undergoing training at Talwara Training College Reasi.
His family today refused to take his body, as sources claimed, Shan had converted to Islam after joining Hizb in mid-June 2001.
“Police informed the parents of his death, but, they refused to attend his final rites,” sources said.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kishtwar, Kulbeer Singh said the body of militant was handed over to the locals after completion of legal formalities.
Thousands of people took to streets in Marwah area of the district after Shan’s body was handed over to the locals by the police this morning.
According to eye-witnesses, mourners chanted pro-freedom and anti-India slogans while taking the procession through different areas of the locality.
Later, his funeral prayer (Nimaz-e-Jinaza) was offered at Astan Masjid. Imam-e-Hai led the prayers and he was laid to rest at a local graveyard in Marwah.
In 2005, Hizb appointed Shan as the Tehsil commander. He was appointed Deputy Divisional Commander of the outfit last year after remaining district commander for two years, sources said.
“He was a very good motivator. He convinced 5 boys to join the ranks. His area of operation spread across 60 km in the Kishtwar district,” Superintendent of Police Kishtwar was quoted by the police spokesperson on Tuesday.
__._,_.___
WEDNESDAY, 27 JULY 2011 20:03 SRINAGAR- IZHAR ALI/SUHAIL KHAN
Subash Kumar Shan, the top Hizbul Mujahideen Commander killed in a gun-battle yesterday, was the son of a policeman working with the Indian Reserve Police force, sources told Kashmir Dispatch on Wednesday.
A resident of Parmad, 35-year-old Shan was son of a police head constable Jain Lal and is the third Hindu militant killed during the insurgency in the state. Lal serves the IRP 15 Batallion, sources said.
His brother, sources said, is a police follower and is currently undergoing training at Talwara Training College Reasi.
His family today refused to take his body, as sources claimed, Shan had converted to Islam after joining Hizb in mid-June 2001.
“Police informed the parents of his death, but, they refused to attend his final rites,” sources said.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kishtwar, Kulbeer Singh said the body of militant was handed over to the locals after completion of legal formalities.
Thousands of people took to streets in Marwah area of the district after Shan’s body was handed over to the locals by the police this morning.
According to eye-witnesses, mourners chanted pro-freedom and anti-India slogans while taking the procession through different areas of the locality.
Later, his funeral prayer (Nimaz-e-Jinaza) was offered at Astan Masjid. Imam-e-Hai led the prayers and he was laid to rest at a local graveyard in Marwah.
In 2005, Hizb appointed Shan as the Tehsil commander. He was appointed Deputy Divisional Commander of the outfit last year after remaining district commander for two years, sources said.
“He was a very good motivator. He convinced 5 boys to join the ranks. His area of operation spread across 60 km in the Kishtwar district,” Superintendent of Police Kishtwar was quoted by the police spokesperson on Tuesday.
__._,_.___
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