Implement UN resolution on Kashmir: Fazl

Nisar Ahmed Thokar

Islamabad, Dec 28: Parliamentary Kashmir Committee chairman, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman today urged the international community to ensure implementation of United Nations resolutions on Kashmir.

In a statement, Fazl said “the world body should also move its machinery to implement these resolutions.” “The adoption of new resolution would reinvigorate the cause of Kashmiris. Therefore, the world body should immediately hold plebiscite in J&K,” Fazl said.

“The Indian civil society should compel the government to give the right of self-determination to Kashmiris,” he said adding “many intellectuals and politicians are now speaking in support of the Kashmiris cause.”

The Chairman of Parliamentary Kashmir Committee, Maulana Fazl urRahman, also appreciated the adoption of resolution by the United Nations on the right to self-determination, urging the world body to ensure implementation of its resolutions also.

“The adoption of the new resolution would reinvigorate the cause of the Kashmiris. Therefore, the world body should dust off its resolutions on Kashmir and hold plebiscite in the State ofJammu and Kashmir as early as possible”, the statement said.

He said that the country that had been in violation of international agreements has no right to hold such an important position of the body.

Maulana Fazl ur Rahman also called upon the Indian civil society to compel its Government to give the right of self-determination to the Kashmiris. He said that it was mockery of democracy that the so called biggest democracy of the world was not giving this fundamental right to the Kashmiris. He observed that same voices are now emanating in India in support of the Kashmiris. Many an Indian intellectual and politician are now speaking in support of the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. He condemned the efforts of the Indian Government to curb these voices, like that of Arundhati Roy. He said that such ignoble moves would further enhance her stature and history would vindicate her position.

It may be recalled here that the UN had recently adopted a resolution in support of the right of self-determination calling for support to the nations, subjected to occupation by other countries or nations.

‘Intl community must play its role to settle K-dispute’

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Dec 25: Non Resident Kashmiris (NRKs) on Saturday sought intervention of international community to settle the long pending Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of people.
 Kashmiri leaders and intellectuals while speaking at a seminar hosted by Anjuman-e-Shari-e-Shian on the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah said,    
 “Kashmiris have been offering supreme sacrifices for a cause. We salute their commitment and dedication.”
 Participants denounced human rights violations taking place in the Valley and expressed solidarity with the families of the victims killed during the 5- month unrest.
 They urged the international community to play a pro-active role to get the Kashmir issue resolved once for all.  
 They maintained that the world community should impress upon India to provide Kashmiri people their right to self-determination as promised to them in the UN resolutions on Kashmir.
 They also expressed serious concern over India’s bid for the UNSC seat and said that it must be linked to the settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
 Speakers on the occasion while highlighting the indomitable role of Quaid-e-Azam paid eulogizing tributes to the founder of Pakistan, for his great contribution and services towards the formation of a homeland for the Muslims of South Asia. They were of the view that Jinnah’s philosophy provided a strong basis for Kashmiris’ struggle for right to self-determination.
 Besides Kashmiri leaders hailing from both sides of line of control, the seminar titled Quaid-e-Azam and Kashmir was attended by intellectuals, former ambassadors including Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, the prime minister of PaK, ,Mehmood Ahmed Saghar convener of APHC-M Pak chapter, Sheikh Tajammal-ul-Islam the Executive Director Kashmir Media Service, Gen (R) Talat Masood, Sardar Khalid Ibrahim, Nisar Mirza, Agha Mutuza Poya, Ambassador Tanvir Ahmed, Gen (R) Hamid Gul, Dr Shaheena Akhtar, Dr Pervez Cheema, Dr Nazir Ahmed and Dr Muhammad Khan.
 The conference was telephonically addressed by the chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Anjuman-i-Sharie-Shian chief Agha Hassan Budgami.

Thus Spake Nehru!

“KASHMIR BELONGS TO KASHMIRIS”

Yes Roy is right, if New Delhi is serious in filing a case against her and Geelani, they must first file it against the first prime minister of India, Hashim Qureshi quotes Nehru's speeches which, by today's New Delhi logic, can be easily dubbed as `seditious’. He is the first to commit the crime which now Roy and Geelani have committed
What is said here is not my statement but that of Arundhati Roy. A case has been filed in the court of law against Roy and Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Delhi on their demand for freedom of Kashmiris.  With reference to it, she said, “If a case is to be filed against me then first of all a case should be filed against India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. But as he is no more in this world, and filing case against him is impossible, therefore a case should be filed against his Samadhi or resting place.”

Arundhati Roy is not a lady from Sopor or Kupwara or Shupian who would be beaten with batons, whose clothes would be torn or in certain cases subjected to rape, and then the culprits would be given promotion instead of punishing them. Arundhati Roy is a person known globally whose articles are published in New York Times, Washington Post and in the newspapers appearing from London. Her demand for the freedom of Kashmir falls under the right of speech. Therefore filing a case against her tantamounts to giving wider publicity to the Kashmir issue on international platforms. Filing case against her and also Geelani Sahib is not in the interests of India; it goes in the interests of the struggle of Kashmiris. She has also said that a case should be filed against Nehru because he had promised with Kashmiris that their opinion would be sought.

Let's go back to the what Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Krishna Menon  said at UNO from 26 October 1947 till 24 January 1959. Pandit Nehru had also stated about self-determination of Kashmiris from the time of accession of the state to the role of the assembly and of the United Nations. We have also given authentication of these statements. In the light of these statements we would like to ask if in the cases of youth and politicians of Kashmir, PSA and other black laws are invoked on their demand for freedom, then why are flowers offered on their Samadhi of those who had made solemn promises with Kashmiris which are violated. With their statements listed below, we need not to say anything more on Kashmir issue. Therefore we are enlisting here the statements of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru that can be useful for those who evince interest in the Indian nation and the movement of Kashmiris. Below are the statements of Pandit Nehru:

1) "We have received urgent appeal for assistance from Kashmir Government. We would be disposed to give favorable consideration to such request from any friendly State. Kashmir's Northern frontiers, as you are aware, run in common with those of three countries, Afghanistan, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and China.  We are giving urgent consideration to question as to what assistance we can give to State to defend itself. I should like to make it clear that question of aiding Kashmir in this emergency is not designed in any way to influence the State to accede to India. Our view which we have repeatedly made public is that the question of accession in any disputed territory or state must be decided in accordance with wishes of people and we adhere to this view, it is quite clear.
(Excerpts of telegram dated 26 October 1947 from Jawaharlal Nehru to the British Prime Minister,Clement Attlee)

2)"I should like to make it clear that the question of aiding Kashmir in this emergency is not designed in any way to influence the state to accede to India. Our view which we have repeatedly made public is that the question of accession in any disputed territory or state must be decided in accordance with wishes of people and we adhere to this view."
(Telegram 402 Primin-2227 dated 27th October, 1947 to PM of Pakistan repeating telegram addressed to PM of UK)                   

3) "Kashmir's accession to India was accepted by us at the request of the Maharaja's government and the most numerously representative popular organization in the state which is predominantly Muslim. Even then it was accepted on condition that as soon as law and order had been restored, the people of Kashmir would decide the question of accession. It is open to them to accede to either Dominion then."
(Telegram No. 255 dated 31 October, 1947, PM Nehru's telegram to PM of Pakistan)
                                                                                                                                                                                            4 ) "...our assurance that we shall withdraw our troops from Kashmir as soon as peace and order is restored and leave the decision regarding the future of the State to the people of the State is not merely a promise to your Government but also to the people of Kashmir and to the world."
(Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, Telegram No. 25, October 31, 1947, to Liaqat Ali Khan, PM of Pakistan)
                                                                                                                                                                                             5) "We have decided to accept this accession and to send troops by air, but we made a condition that the accession would have to be considered by the people of Kashmir later when peace and order were established. We were anxious not to finalize anything in a moment of crisis, and without the fullest opportunity to be given to the people of Kashmir to have their say. It was for them ultimately to decide. And here let me make clear that it has been our policy all along that where there is a dispute about the accession of a state to either dominion, the decision must be made by the people of the state. We have declared that the fate of Kashmir is ultimately to be decided by the people. That pledge we have given, and the Maharaja has supported it not only to the people of Kashmir but the world. We will not, and cannot back out of it. We are prepared when peace and law and order have been established to have a referendum held under international auspices like the United Nations. We want it to be a fair and just Reference to the people, and we shall accept their verdict. "
(2nd November, 1947, broadcast to the nation over All India Radio, Pandit Nehru,PM.)           
                                                                                                                           

6) "I wish to draw your attention to broadcast on Kashmir which I made last evening. I have stated our government's policy and made it clear that we have no desire to impose our will on Kashmir but to leave final decision to people of Kashmir. I further stated that we have agreed on impartial international agency like United Nations supervising referendum ".
(Nehru's reiteration of plebiscite pledge in a telegram to Liaqat Ali Khan, November 03, 1947)

7)"We have declared that the fate of Kashmir is ultimately to be decided by the people. That pledge we have given not only to the people of Kashmir but to the world. We will not and cannot back out of it."
( 3rd November, 1947, All India Radio broadcast, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India)

8) "I have repeatedly stated that as soon as peace and order have been established; Kashmir should decide about accession by plebiscite or referendum under international auspices such as those of United Nations."
( 21st November, 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India)
                                                                                                                                             
 9) "... The question of the State's accession should be settled by reference to the people. In order to establish our bonafides, we have suggested that when the people are given the chance to decide their future, this should be done under the supervision of an impartial tribunal such as the United Nations Organization".
(25th November, 1947, statements in the Indian Constituent Assembly, Pandit Nehru, PM of India)

10) "... But in order to avoid any possible suggestion that India had utilized the State's immediate peril for her own political advantage, the Government of India made it clear that, its people would be free to decide their future by the recognized democratic method of plebiscite or referendum which, in order to ensure complete impartiality, might be held under international auspices."
(Government of India's letter of 31 December, 1947, to UN Security Council)

 11) "The question of the future status of Kashmir vis-à-vis her neighbors and the world at large and a further question, namely, whether she would withdraw from her accession to India and either accede to Pakistan or remain Independent, with a right to claim admission as a Member of United Nations- all this we have recognized to be a matter for unfettered decision by the people of Kashmir, after normal life is restored to them."
(Indian representative Gopalaswami Ayyanger,"United Nations Security Council Official Records", 227th Meeting, January 15, 1948)                                 
                                                                                                                          
 12) "As the Security Council is aware, the Government of India is fully committed to the view that after peace is restored and all people belonging to the State have returned there, a free plebiscite should be taken and the people should decide whether they wish to remain with India, go over to Pakistan or to remain Independent if they choose to do so."
(Indian representative Gopalaswami Ayvanger, "UN Security Official Records", 239th Meeting, February 23, 1948)
                                                                                                         
13) "Even at the moment of accession, we went out of our way to make a unilateral declaration that we would abide by the will of the people of Kashmir as declared in a plebiscite or referendum. We insisted further that the Government of Kashmir must immediately become a popular government. We have adhered to that position throughout and we are prepared to have a Plebiscite with every protection of fair voting and to abide by the decision of the people of Kashmir."
( 5th March, 1948, statement in the Indian Constituent Assembly, Pandit Nehru, PM of India)  

14) "If you rule out mediation, then the only two things that remain are either continuation of the deadlock or war. So far as we are concerned, and I have said this repeatedly, we want to rule out war..... A deadlock, of course, will continue until there is settlement. Therefore, mediation is the only way out. When I say mediation, it does not mean necessarily the type or kind or extent of mediation that we have had. That is matter for consideration. But I do say that it should be under the auspices of the United Nations. What form it should take can be considered later."
(16th November 1949, Press conference in New Delhi, Pandit Nehru, Prime Minister of India)
                                                                                                         
15) "India has repeatedly offered to work with the United Nations reasonable safeguards to enable the people of Kashmir to express their will and is always ready to do so. We have always right from the beginning accepted the idea of the Kashmir people deciding their fate by referendum or plebiscite. In fact, this was our proposal long before the United Nations came into the picture. Ultimately the final decision of the settlement, which must come, has first of all to be made basically by the people of Kashmir and secondly, as between Pakistan and India directly. Of course it must be remembered that we (India and Pakistan) have reached a great deal of agreement already. What I mean is that many basic features have been thrashed out. We all agreed that it is the people of Kashmir who must decide for themselves about their future externally or internally. It is an obvious fact that even without our agreement no country is going to hold on to Kashmir against the will of the Kashmiris."
(16th January 1951, press conference in London, as reported by the daily "Statesman" on 18th January 1951, Pandit Nehru, PM of India)
                                                                                       
16) "We have given our pledge to the people of Kashmir and subsequently to the United Nations; we stood by it and we stand by it today. Let the people of Kashmir decide."
(Nehru's statement in Indian Parliament, 12 February 1951)

17) "I reaffirm that so far as the Government of India is concerned the Constituent Assembly for Kashmir is not intended to prejudice the issue before the Security Council or come in its way."
(Indian representative Mr. Rajeswar Dayal's address to the UN Security Council on 29 May 1951)

18)"We have made it perfectly clear that the constituent assembly of Kashmir was not meant and is not meant to come in the way of any decision which might flow ultimately in the Security Council's decisions."
(PM Nehru's reply when asked at a press conference on 11 June 1951, "What will happen if the Constituent Assembly in Kashmir decides in favor of acceding to India?")

19) "Kashmir has been wrongly looked upon as a prize for India or Pakistan. People seem to forget that Kashmir is not a commodity for sale or to be bartered. It has an individual existence and its people must be the final arbiters of their future."
(Addressing the All India Congress Committee on 6th July 1951, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India)

20) "The Government of India not only reaffirms its acceptance of the principle that the question of the continuing accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to India shall be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations but is anxious that the conditions necessary for such a plebiscite should be created as quickly as possible."
(11th September, 1951, letter to the U.N. representative by Pandit Nehru, PM of India)

21) "It [Kashmir] belongs to the Kashmiri people. When Kashmir acceded to India, we made it clear to the leaders of the Kashmiri people that we would ultimately abide by the verdict of their Plebiscite. If they tell us to walk out, I would have no hesitation in quitting. We have taken the issue to United Nations and given our word of honour for a peaceful solution. As a great nation we cannot go back on it. We have left the question for final solution to the people of Kashmir and we are determined to abide by their decision." (2nd January 1952, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India)

22) "If, after a proper plebiscite, the people of Kashmir said, 'we do not want to be with India'; we are committed to accept it though it might pain us. We will not send an army against them. We will accept that however hurt we might feel about it. We will change the constitution, if necessary."
(June 26, 1952, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's statement in the Indian Parliament)

23) "It is an international problem. It would be an international problem anyhow if it concerned any other nation besides India and it does. It became further an international problem because a large number of other countries also took interest and gave advice. So, while the accession was complete in law and in fact, the other fact which has nothing to do with the law also remains; namely, our pledge to the people of Kashmir - if you like, to the people of the world - that this matter can be reaffirmed or cancelled or cut out by the people of Kashmir if they so wish. Let me say clearly that we accept the basic proposition that the future of Kashmir is going to be decided finally by the goodwill and pleasure of her people. The goodwill and pleasure of this Parliament is of no importance in this matter, not because this Parliament does not have the strength to decide the question of Kashmir but because any kind of imposition would be against the principles that this Parliament holds. Kashmir is very close to our minds and hearts and if by some decree or adverse fortune, ceases to be a part of India, it will be a wrench and a pain and torment for us. If, however, the people of Kashmir do not wish to remain with us, let them go by all means. We will not keep them against their will, however painful it may be to us. I want to stress that it is only the people of Kashmir who can decide the future of Kashmir. It is not that we have merely said that to the United Nations and to the people of Kashmir, it is our conviction and one that is borne out by the policy that we have pursued, not only in Kashmir but everywhere. Though these five years have meant a lot of trouble and expense and in spite of all we have done, we would willingly leave if it was made clear to us that the people of Kashmir wanted us to go. However sad we may feel about leaving we are not going to stay against the wishes of the people. We are not going to impose ourselves on them on the point of the bayonet.   We will not compel them. In that sense, the people of Kashmir are sovereign."
(Excerpts from Pandit Nehru's speech in Indian Parliament on 7th August, 1952)

24) "When a question becomes an international question like the Kashmir question, this Parliament can take many steps, of course, but it cannot solve the international part of it...
(On 25th March 1953, in Indian Parliament, Pandit Nehru, Prime Minister of India)

25) "India still stands by her international commitments on the Kashmir issue and will implement them at the appropriate time."
(May 15, 1954, Pandit Nehru, Prime Minister of India)

26)  " Kashmir is perhaps the most difficult of all these problems between India and Pakistan. We should also remember that Kashmir is not a thing to be bandied between India and Pakistan but it has a soul of its own and an individuality of its own. Nothing can be done without the goodwill and consent of the people of Kashmir."
(On 31st March, 1955, statement in the Lok Sabha as published in Hindustan Times New Delhi on 1st April, 1955, Pandit Nehru, PM of India)

27) "So far as we are concerned, there is not one word in the statements that I have made in this council which can be interpreted to mean that we will not honour international obligations. I want to say for the purpose of the record that there is nothing that has been said on behalf of the Government of India which in the slightest degree indicates that the Government of India or the Union of India will dishonour any international obligations it has undertaken."
(24th January, 1957, statement in the 765th meeting of the Security Council by Mr. Krishna Menon, the Indian representative) ..Courtesy Greater Kashmir

World recognizes importance of K-resolution: PaK Minister

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Dec 15: The Pakistan Administered Kashmir Information Minister, Dr. Mehmood Riyaz has said that “there was a great understanding within the international community that a just and equitable solution of Kashmir dispute was must for lasting peace in South Asia.”

Dr. Riyaz made these remarks while interacting with representatives of both factions of Hurriyat Conference in Islamabad. He said besides the EU countries, European parliament and Norwegian parliament had voiced their full support in favour of Kashmiris’ movement and showed their concern over the alleged rights violations in valley.

He said it was high time for the government of India to accept the ground realities and pave way for a peaceful solution of the dispute that had marred the socio-economic development in the subcontinent.

Kashmiri leaders on the occasion apprised him of the prevailing political and rights situation in Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Mehmood Ahmed Saghar the convener of APHC-M and other Hurriyat representatives.

Later, the PaK minister also held a separate meeting with the APHC-G leaders here. Besides amalgam’s convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi the meeting was attended by other members of the alliance.

Send fact finding mission to Kashmir: APHC (M) to UN

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

HR Day APHC leaders addressing a joint news conf.

Islamabad, Dec 10: All Parties Hurriyat Conference (M) Pak chapter on Friday urged the international community to play a proactive role to mitigate sufferings of Kashmiris. It asked the United Nations to send a fact finding mission to Kashmir.  
 APHC (M) leaders, including Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Altaf Ahmed Wani and Faiz Naqashbandi, while addressing a joint news conference here said, “Armed forces are trampling the fundamental rights of Kashmiris. Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most heavily militarized region in the world. Presence of more than half a million army troopers  and paramilitary troops has turned the entire area into a prison.”
 “India’s intransigence and unrealistic behavior has led to the death and destruction in the region,” they said adding that hundreds of Kashmiris have been killed since 1989. “Enforced disappearances, custodial killings, torture and killings of innocent civilians have become an order of the day,” leaders said.
They said that Kashmiri youth were being “targeted” and killed in a very systematic manner. “During the ongoing peaceful movement in Kashmir more than 112 youth were killed by the forces,” they added.
They urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to send a fact finding mission to Kashmir to take stock of the situation. They also urged India to repeal black laws in the valley. They also lauded EU countries for raising their voice in favour of Kashmiris’ fundamental rights.

Protest demonstration

Stagging a sit-in protest in front of UNMOGIP office

Earlier members of both Hurriyat factions staged a joint sin-in, in front of UNMOGIP office in Islamabad and presented a memorandum to the UN officials to seek the role of highest body to mitigate sufferings of Kashmiris. The protest demonstration was attended by the top leaders of both Hurriyat factions and representatives of JKLF and JKLF-R and members of traders’ community.

JI holds photo exhibition on Kashmir

Meanwhile, a photo exhibition, organized by Jammat-e-Islami (PaK) chapter, depicting atrocities being inflicted on Kashmiris was held here on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, the JI chief Abdul Rashid Turabi, Mian Aslam and Bashir Usmani urged the world community to come forward to resolve the Kashmir dispute.  They said that India had usurped the democratic and political rights of Kashmiris by denying them their inalienable right which was guaranteed to them by the world community and the leaders of India and Pakistan.
They regretted that the United Nations and HR organizations were maintaining silence over the plight of Kashmiris.
They also flayed the government of Pakistan and PaK for “having miserably failed in highlighting” the human rights issue at international level
.

International community indifferent towards Kashmiris: Salahuddin

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Rawalpindi, Dec 9: Expressing discontent over the international community’s “pathetic” approach towards unending sufferings of Kashmiris, the Chairman of United Jihad Council (UJC) Syed Salahuddin on Thursday said that world had failed to stop gross human rights violations in the troubled region.

Addressing a news conference here the Hizb chief said that world powers had disappointed   Kashmiris by maintaining “criminal silence” and remaining indifferent towards them.  
Salahuddin termed Kashmir dispute as a “biggest threat” for regional peace and said that the conflict in this highly volatile region could trigger an Indo-Pak war.
Terming the ongoing struggle in Kashmir as indigenous he said that India had deployed over half a million troops to crush the mass movement.
Citing POTA, TADA, AFSPA and PSA, he said that under the garb of the infamous laws prevalent in the state, India had provided a legal protection to its forces to carry out “genocide of Kashmiris.”
Salahuddin, who was flanked by Hizb deputy commanders Khalid Saifullah and Umar Javid, said sacrifices rendered by Kashmiris would not go in a vain. 
He said one of the positive aspects of the present non-violent struggle in Kashmir was that the saner elements in the Indian civil society had started to acknowledge the indigenous character of the movement. “People like Arundhati Roy, Gautam Naulakha and others expressing solidarity with Kashmiris shows that people in India too are for settlement of the Kashmir issue,” he added.

On US,China, Iran and EU countries’ role
Regarding the US president Barack Obama’s remarks on Kashmir, he said that the statement rejected India’s contention and made it crystal clear that Kashmir was a dispute that needed to be resolved peacefully.
He also appreciated China’s Kashmir policy and said that it was a significant development. He also lauded the role of European countries.

On Pakistan
Being an important party to the dispute he said that the government of Pakistan must not shy away from raising Kashmir issue at international level. He suggested the incumbent regime to be firm on its national policy on Kashmir saying that Musharraf government had seriously damaged the Kashmir movement.
Appreciating Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s recent statement regarding right to self-determination for Kashmiris he said, “It is encouraging that the present regime is firmly sticking to its traditional stand on the issue.”
However, he was quick to add that Pakistan government continued to appease India still.

On Indo-Pak talks
Expressing dismay over the outcome of peace talks between India and Pakistan, Salahuddin said the government of Pakistan should not hold talks with India unless latter accepts Kashmir as a disputed territory.

He said that Kashmiris were not averse to talks but the dispute of Kashmir must be focal point in the Indo-Pak talks. It is a serious issue and can not be just ignored.

Kashmir, he said, was not a border dispute between the two countries but it was all about the inalienable right, the right of self-determination of the people of more 13 million people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Demanding inclusion of Kashmiris in talks he pointed out that the history stood testimony to the fact that over130 rounds of talks between two countries have not yielded any results till date. He said bilateral talks were bound to fail.

As per the international covenants he said that it was the sole prerogative of the people of Kashmir to determine their political future. “Whether they (people of Kashmir) want to join India or Pakistan we will have no objection and even if they want to remain independent we will accept the peoples’ verdict”, he added.

  

Replying to a query he said that India’s intransigence was a major hurdle in the way of peace in the region. He was of the opinion that a state-wide mass movement in Kashmir with a strong resistance movement at its back was must to bring India on negotiating table. “Military occupation can not come to end simply by holding dialogue for the sake of dialogue”, he said adding that Americans have to vacate from Vietnam only because of a strong resistance by the Vietnamese. French forces flee away from Algeria and Russian troops from Afghanistan only because of the volunteer forces (Mujahideen).

Releases a report on HR violations in Kashmir

Before concluding the press conference UJC chief on the occasion released a report highlighting human rights violations in Kashmir. According to reports 94, 433 men and women have been killed during the ongoing struggle in Kashmir since 1989. The report reveals that 5, 78,948 men and women have been injured in various incidents of violence across the state, whereas 10, 314 men and women have been subjected to forcible disappearance during past two decades.

The report also pointed out that there were more than 5500 martyrs’ graveyards across J&K, 2700 unnamed graves, 60,000 orphans, 25,000 widows, 1500 half-widows in Kashmir whereas 1, 04, 801 structures including houses, shops have been either been set on fire, demolished or destroyed by the troops during military operations.

Resolution of K-dispute must for peace in Sout Asia: Attique

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Pak:Kashmiri leaders during a press talks

Islamabad, Dec 6: The Prime Minister of Pakistan administered Kashmir, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, has said that the international community should resolve the issue of Kashmir before elevating India as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

This was asserted by Khan while talking to reporters after a meeting with the leaders of APHC here on Monday.  The PaK premier was of the view that Kashmiris would have no objection whatsoever if India resolves the long-pending dispute as per the wishes of the people of Kashmir.

Terming settlement of Kashmir as key to greater peace and prosperity in the region, he expressed the optimism that that the international community was gradually realizing the importance of the early resolution of Kashmir issue. He said that European Parliament and OIC have been vociferously raising their voice in support of Kashmiris right to self-determination.

Referring to HR situation in Kashmir, he expressed concern over the worsening human rights violations in the territory and urged the world HR bodies to take cognizance of the situation. He denounced the attacks on Hurriyat leaders and said that such attacks by the extremist forces would not break Kashmiris political resolve.

Earlier, during one and half-hour long meeting that was attended by the representatives of both the Hurriyat factions, he was apprised of the prevailing political situation in Kashmir. Besides, conveners of both the segregated factions Mehmood Ahmed Saghar and Ghulam Muhammad Safi, the meeting was attended by Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, Syed Yousuf Naseem, Ghulam Nabi Nowshehri, JKLF leader Rafique Ahmed Dar and others.

Meanwhile, Kashmiri traders engaged in cross LoC trade have expressed serious concern over the hostile behavior of the custom and taxation department of Pakistan alleging that the department was creating hurdles thereby imposing undue restrictions on transportation.

Advocate Pervaiz Ahmed, a member of the trade union told Greater Kashmir that despite the incumbent regime’s assurances the department was not co-operating with the business community. He said that this unfriendly attitude would have serious implications on future prospects of cross-LOC trade.

Pak deplores attack

Sardar Attique, Geelani, Malik Others Condemn Assault

Nisar Ahmed Thokar

Srinagar, Nov 25: The Government of Pakistan and political organizations of Valley have strongly condemned the assault on Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, terming it frustration of communal organizations.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman, Abdul Basit, while denouncing the assault on Mirwaiz, said that Kashmiris were engaged in a peaceful political struggle for right to self-determination.

The spokesman said this while responding to a query during a weekly press briefing in Islamabad on Thursday. He was of the view that India should realize the ground reality that it would not be able to suppress Kashmiris call for right to self-determination. He said that Indians fully knew that the resolution of Kashmir dispute was a guarantee to peace in the region.

He maintained that India has no clear-cut approach, as its policy towards Pakistan was full of ambiguity. “So far as the resolution of long-standing Kashmir dispute was concerned, the statements of Indian leadership were devoid of substance and political will,” he said.

The Pakistani Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira, also deplored the assault and said that the act was undemocratic and uncalled for. Talking to a state-run news channel, Kaira said that Kashmiris’ movement was purely a peaceful and non-violent struggle, but India was unfortunately hell bent on pushing this peaceful political movement towards violence.

The convener of APHC-M Pak chapter Mehmood Ahmed Saghar condemned the attack and termed it as an act against the democratic norm of freedom of expression.

He said that assault on Hurriyat leaders was a deep-rooted conspiracy being hatched by the secret agencies. He pointed out that there were hidden forces who have been smartly stage-managing such attacks in order to disrupt communal-harmony in Kashmir.

Pakistan Administered Kashmir Premier Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan has strongly denounced the attack saying that the attack was undemocratic, unjustified and uncalled for.

In a statement issued here today, Khan said that such act would not deter Hurriyat leadership from pursing their collective cause. He said that the assault on Hurriyat Chairman has exposed the face of India’s so-called pluralistic society.

Condemning the attack, the chairman of Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front Muhammad Yasin Malik termed it the handiwork of agencies.

“The attack on leaders by some fringe communalists belied all the claims of Indian democracy. These goons have been subjecting the pro-movement Kashmiri leaders to their attack and humiliating treatment for the past 20 years. Earlier Shaheed Khawaja Abdul Gani Lone, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Shabir Ahmad Shah were subjected to attack and indecent behaviour by these hoodlums who under the cover of migration were living five-star level life in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other big cities of India. They are the people who create hurdles in the return of common Kashmiri Pandits to Kashmir. They know that their return to Kashmir will deprive them of five-star lifestyle,” he said.

Hurriyat Conference (M), while condemning the attack, said the paid-agents and hooligans of agencies tried to misbehave with Mirwaiz to stop him from reaching out to the Indian people.

Terming the incident as unfortunate, the spokesman said that the vile tactics wouldn’t stop pro-freedom leadership from reaching out to the India people.

The spokesman said that Hurriyat Conference salutes the people of Kashmir for protesting against the act.

Senior Hurriyat Conference (M) leader Shahid-ul-Islam, while condemning the attack termed it as a part of the well planned conspiracy.

“During past one year pro-freedom leaders Muhammed Yasin Malik, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Shah and now Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were assaulted by these fanatic elements and it seems part of conspiracy to keep Kashmiri leadership away from telling reality to the people of India,” he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference, Bilal faction, while condemning the attack, said such cowardly acts by the extremists could not deter the Kashmiri leaders from speaking the truth and highlighting the need for resolution of Kashmir issue.

Condemning the assault, the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu Kashmir led by Geelani said the assault on Mirwaiz and Bilal Gani Lone had proved it that Indian communalists did not want that Kashmiri pro-movement leaders should talk about Kashmir issue outside Valley.

The Hurriyat Conference (G) has also condemned the attack, saying that it had become a routine now for Hindu goons to attack Kashmiri pro-freedom leaders.

The chairman of Islamic Political Party Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, while condemning the assault, said the communal parties of India were always doing such cowardice acts. “The government of India neither takes a note of it nor punishes them which depicts that it is hand in glove with these extremist parties,” he said.

The Muslim Khwateen Markaz leader Zamrooda Habib also deplored the assault.

The Peoples Conference chairman Sajjad Gani Lone has also condemned the attack, saying, “This is barbaric and there is no place for such acts in the civilized society,” he said.

The Awami National Conference senior vice-president Muzaffar Shah said in a civilized society and a democratic set up such acts are highly condemnable and all opinions must be heard and debated, as dialogue is the only way out.

Castigating the Union Territory government of Chandigarh, Shah said it was their prime duty to prevent such dastardly acts and ensure safety of all the participants of the seminar.

The All Party Sikh Coordination Committee has also condemned the assault saying, “The culprits involved in the incident should be dealt sternly.”

Kashmiri Pandit Sangarash Samiti (KPSS) has condemned the act committed by some right wing groups in Chandhigarh under the KP banner to widen the gap between Kashmiri communities.

In a statement Sanjay K Tickoo, president of KPSS, said the role of UT government and the organizers should also be put under scanner who allowed the people to instigate the situation that can lead to more damage in Kashmir Valley.

“In 2008, during Shri Amarnath land row, when so called Indian mechanism failed to protect the rights and lives of minorities in the Valley from the un-scrupulous elements, it was Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other Hurriyat leaders who provided sigh of relief to the minorities living in Kashmir by showing concern and sending their cadre to protect the minorities whenever needed,” he said, adding that whatever the political or religious ideologies Syed Ali Shah Geelani or Mirwaiz and other pro freedom leaders belong to, they always extended the helping hand to the minorities in the hour of need.

The Dal Khalsa Amritsar also condemned the attack. In a statement, party head H S Dhami said the assault was planned with the connivance of the state administration to deter the resolve of the Kashmiri leadership in reaching out to Indian civil society to muster the support for their cause.

The National Conference general secretary Advocate Sheikh Nazir Ahmad, while condemning the attack, termed it an undesirable act against the basic principles of democracy.

 The Chairman of National Front Nayeem Ahmed Khan while condemning the attack on Mirwaiz said: “Attack on Kashmiri leaders with the latest one on Mirwaiz Umar Farooq demonstrates the growing supremacy of fascists and communal forces in India. This undemocratic and unjust and outrageous attack is highly deplorable and condemnable and intolerable to democratic thought. It shows the tolerance level of communist and fascists forces by the Indian state. It is further a testimony of the fact that Kashmiri voice is choked everywhere.”

Duktharan-e-Milat also condemned the attack on Mirwaiz.

The patron of Jamiat-e-Hamdaniya Mirwaiz Moulana Riyaz Hamdani, while condemning the attack, termed it a sheer demonstration of hooliganism, intolerable in a democratic set up.

Former PaK speaker bereaved

Nisar Ahmed Thokar

Rawlapindi, Nov 24: Kashmiri community based in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have expressed deep sorrow and grief over the sad demise of the mother of Shah Ghulam Qadir, the former speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK). 

Shah’s mother Habiba Begum, 80, breathed her last on Wednesday morning after a protracted illness.  She was laid to rest at her ancestral graveyard in Islamabad this evening. The funeral prayers were attended by leaders of various political and religious parties, including Sardar Sikander Hyat Khan the former PaK premier, MLA Ahmed Raza Qadri, PML-N leaders and several others, whereas, convener of Hurriyat (M) Mehmood Ahmed Saghar and other Kashmiri leaders also attended the funeral prayers.

Meanwhile, deputy speaker Mehrun Nissa and members of Kashmiri community in large number visited the Shah’s residence at Satellite Town Rawalpindi and expressed their heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family.

Hailing from Jamallata Srinagar, Shah’s parents had migrated to East Pakistan in 1955 and stayed there until Bangladesh debacle in 1971. Latter they moved to Pakistan and got  settled in Rawalpindi.

His father Ghulam Nabi Shah, who died a couple of years back, had a flourishing business in Calcutta. Following the partition in 1947, G N Shah was not allowed to return Kashmir because of his links with Muslim Conference. As a result he had to flee to East Pakistan and after spending a few years there, he some how managed to revisit Srinagar and got married to Habibah Begum in 1955 and in pursuance of business he yet again drove to Dhaka along with his spouse.

Unity paramount to achieve the goal: PaK Prez

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Nov 12: The President of Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK), Raja Zulqarnain Khan, on Friday said the Kashmir movement had entered into a crucial stage.

“The need of the hour is to forge complete unity within our ranks and files,” Khan told a selected gathering of Kashmiri leaders here.

He asked Kashmiri leaders to forget the past and raise their voice in unison.

Kashmiri leaders based in Pakistan and other countries were of the view that the US engagement was must to facilitate a meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir.

Besides Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, the executive Director of Washington based Kashmir American Council, the meeting was attended by the Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Rafiq Ahmed Dar, Matloob Inqilabi, Dr Waleed Rasool and Dr Z U Khan.

Earlier, the KAC chief delivered key note address at a seminar titled “Kashmir conflict, the ground realities, Indian thinking and international understanding”. The seminar was hosted by department of Social Sciences of AIR University Islamabad. Besides Dr. Naveed Iqbal,the grandson of Allama Iqbal, the seminar was addressed by Dr. Abida Hassan and several others.

Speakers on the occasion maintained that civil society across the borders should come forward to help resolve longstanding issue of Kashmir.

Quoting Arundhati Roy, Veer Sangvi, Guatam Nualakha they pointed out that the civil society in India was gradually realizing the importance of the Kashmir resolution.

‘Obama should have spoken on Kashmir rights abuse’

KAC chief Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai and Fazl-ur-Rehman 

Dispute Resolution Must For Peace: Fazl-ur-Rehman

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Nov 10: Expressing cautious optimism over the US president Barrak Obama’s recent statement on Kashmir, the Chairman of Pakistan’s All Parties Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, Moulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, has said that while voicing concern over rights violations in Myanmar, the US president should have asked India to end human rights violations in Kashmir.

The Kashmir Committee chief said this while talking to the Executive Director of Kashmiri American Council, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, who called on him at Parliament House here today.

Besides Dr. Fai, AJK Information Minister, Dr. Mehmood Riaz, was also present on the occasion. During the one and a half-hour long meeting both the leaders discussed in detail the issues of mutual concern.

Rehman also expressed his concern over India’s bid for a permanent seat at UN Security Council and said that the country that has been violating the international covenants does not deserve membership of the highest body. Terming Kashmir as an important issue, he said that international community cannot just ignore the significance of K-resolution. He said that Obama has rightly pointed out that the resolution of this long outstanding issue was must for peace and stability of whole South Asia.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s full support to Kashmir cause and said that his country would continue to extend its political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmir. Referring to the Committee’s role, he said that the parliamentary body was hectically engaged to promote Kashmir cause at international level. In this connection he said that special delegations would be sent to Europe, Arab World and East African countries.

Dr. Fai while apprising him of the present political situation in Kashmir said that in view of Kashmiris’ ongoing peaceful mass movement the National Assembly as well as the Senate of Pakistan should adopt a unanimous resolution in favour of Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

He also suggested that Kashmir Committee should also include Kashmiri representatives while sending delegations abroad. He also thanked the people and the Government of Pakistan for continued support to Kashmiris’ legitimate cause.

Referring to Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s recent statement, he said that the Foreign Minister raised Kashmir issue at the highest body effectively.

Intl community bound to support Kashmir struggle: Dr Fai

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Dr. G N Fai addressing media men at Sareena Hotel (08 Nov 10)

Islamabad, Nov 9: Hailing US President, Barack Obama’s statement on Kashmir, the Director Kashmir Centre Washington and US based Kashmiri American Council chief, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai has said the international community had no choice, but to support the people of Kashmir provided that the peaceful and indigenous character of the ongoing mass movement remains intact.

“Obama’s statement is the acceptance of Kashmiris’ principle stance and rejection of India’s contention that Kashmir was its internal matter”, Dr Fai said this while addressing a press conference here on Tuesday.

He pointed out that “through various diplomatic channels, Indian delegates had pursued the US president and conveyed him the sensitiveness vis-à-vis the K–word suggesting that the issue should not be mentioned during his visit to New Delhi.”

He said there were voices in America like Bruice Ridder, Howard Schaffer and Bob Woodward who suggested that Obama should address the Kashmir issue during his visit.

Dr. Fai said it was significant statement and not deviation from US policy. “Right from the day one America’s Kashmir policy has been quite consistent and they have said it time and again that Kashmir is a disputed territory and the issue has to be decided in accordance with the wish of the people”, he said adding he could have maintained silence over the issue, but it would have given a different message that the US does not care about Kashmir.

He said the US president had made it clear that the resolution of the longstanding dispute was must for peace and stability of South Asia.

Regarding India’s’ bid for the UNSC seat, he said Obama had rightly said that though “India has right to be the member of the highest body but it has to have a special responsibility.”

He said it was the duty of Kashmiri leadership to let the world know “what are the responsibilities and commitments, which India made vis-à-vis the resolution of Kashmir”.

About dialogue process, KAC chief said there was a dire need to define the parameters, besides including Kashmiri leadership in the talks. He however maintained that the impact of peace talks should be seen on ground and the important thing was to keep intact the peaceful and indigenous nature of movement.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabir Ahmed Shah, Yasin Malik and Syed Sallahudin had expressed their desire to get engaged in a meaningful dialogue if India was ready to accept Kashmir as a disputed territory, Dr Fai added.

‘Kashmir solution must for peace in subcontinent’

NISAR A THOKAR

Islamabad, Nov 8: The two-day Kashmir conference organized by JKLF (Raouf Kashmiri group) at Palandari (PaK) concluded on Monday adopting a unanimous resolution that peace in the subcontinent was not possible unless Kashmir dispute was settled in line with its peoples’ aspirations.
Attended by Peoples Party PaK chief, Sardar Khalid Ibraheem Khan, Liberation League president Justice (Retd) Majeed Malik, Gilgit Baltistan Alliance chief, Inayatullah Shumali, PaK health minister, Dr. Najeeb Naqi, Ameer Jammat-u-Dawah PaK, Abdul Aziz Alvi, Raouf Kashmir the JKLF chairman and the host of the conference and several others.
No Kashmiri leaders from Jammu Kashmir participated in the conference; however, telephonic speeches were delivered by leaders including JKLF chief, Muhammad Yasin Malik, National Front Chairman, Nayeem Ahmed Khan and Prof. Bhim Singh of Panther’s Party.
Deliberating on the different dimensions of Kashmir issue, the speakers maintained that there was a dire need to review and re-examine the strategy besides forging greater consensus within the ranks and files so as to take the movement to its logical end.
They said the people had offered sacrifices to achieve the cherished goal and it was incumbent on the leadership across the divide to discharge their moral obligations vis-à-vis the restoration of territorial integrity and the independence of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Terming Kashmir as an indivisible entity stretching over an area of 84471 square miles, they maintained that there would be no compromise on the State’s integrity whatsoever.
The delegates at the conference extended support to the ongoing peaceful mass movement in Kashmir and expressed concern over what they termed as the “unabated rights violations in Kashmir.”
To bring about a peaceful solution of Kashmir dispute they however stated that instead of creating hurdles the governments of India and Pakistan must facilitate intra-Kashmir dialogue wherein Kashmiris hailing from all the three regions (Jammu Kashmir, Gilgit Batistan and PaK) could be able to participate and share their view point with regard to the final settlement of the dispute.

Obama urged to resolve Kashmir issue

Eulogizing tributes paid to martyrs of Jammu
Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Islamabad, Nov 06: While urging the US president Baraak Obama to fulfill his promise with regard to the settlement of the pressing Kashmir issue, the delegates at a seminar hosted by APHC here on Saturday maintained that a just and equitable solution of the festering dispute was must to ensure durable peace in South Asian region.

Held in connection with “Youmi Shuhada-e-Jammu”, the seminar was attended by PaK president Raja Zulqarnain Khan, Sardar Khalid Ibraheem Khan, the convener of APHC Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Syed Yousuf Naseem, Rafique Ahmed Dar JKLF and several others, whereas the conference was specially attended by the ageing Kashmiri leader and the supreme head of JKLF, Ammanullah Khan.

Speaking on the occasion, the participants paid eulogizing tributes to the martyrs of Jammu. Terming 6th November as one of the bleak chapters of Kashmir history, they pointed out that the history of the troubled region was awash with heart-wrenching tales of repression and suppression. They said that the massacre of thousands of Muslims was orchestrated by Dogra Maharaja’s troops and belligerent Hindu extremists.

Referring to Kashmiris century’s old cultural tradition of peaceful co-existence they said that history was witness to the fact that when innocent Muslims were butchered like animals in Jammu, Kashmir valley supposed to be a safe heaven for the minority communities no matter whosoever.

They said that Kashmiris struggle was a just political and peaceful struggle. In pursuance of the internationally pledged right they said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have rendered matchless sacrifices to achieve the legitimate right that had been guaranteed to them by the world community and the leadership of India and Pakistan.

The however, maintained that it was very unfortunate that after 63 years Kashmir solution could not materialized. Terming India’s intransigence as a major hurdle in the way of peace, the speakers, regrettably noted the world community’s pathetic attitude towards the resolution of Kashmir issue and said that policy of indifference by the international community has disappointed people of the region.

Appreciating the ongoing peaceful political movement in Kashmir, the speakers said, “Kashmiris’ recourse to a non-violent and peaceful political struggle has to be acknowledged by the world community”. It was high time that the world particularly the united states of America should take effective notice of what they said as the worst human rights situation in Kashmir.

The participants of the seminar adopted more than half a dozen resolutions demanding the US president Baraak Obama to impress upon India to help resolve Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people.

The resolution also urged India to repeal black laws prevalent in the state and denounces attack on senior Hurriyat leader Shabir Ahmed Shah by the RSS activists. Paying respects to Jammu martyr’s the participants reiterated their pledge to uphold the mission of the martyrs.

Of those who spoke on the occasion included, Raja Zulqarnain Khan, the president of PaK, APHC convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Ammanullah Khan, Sardar Khalid Ibraheem, Syed Yousuf Naseem, Saleem Bhkhari, Dawood Khan Manzoor-ul-Haq Bhat, Altaf Wani, Syed Muzaffar Shah, Advocate Nabeela Ershad, Abdul Majeed Malik, JKLF leader Rafique Ahmed Dar and several others.

Latter talking to Greater Kashmir, the PaK president Raja Zulqarnain Khan said that the US president must not turn a blind eye towards this alarming issue as durable peace in the SA was inescapably linked to a just and amiable solution of the long-pending dispute of Kashmir.

He said that owing to the unresolved dispute people of the region have been suffering terribly and persistently since 1947. He said that being a signatory to the UN’s historic resolutions on Kashmir the America should play its pivotal role to seek a settlement of the issue to ensure peace and stability. “This is a major issue and it could not be just ignored”, he said adding that the dialogue process was going on between India and Pakistan for last several years but that proved to be a hoax slogan and nothing came out of the years’ long peace process.

He said that India and Pakistan were the nuclear deterrent states and keeping this aspect in view the resolution of Kashmir conflict becomes even more crucial.

NRKS REMEMBER JAMMU MARTYRS

NISAR THOKER

Islamabad, Nov 6: While urging the US president Barack Obama to fulfill his promise with regard to the settlement of the Kashmir issue, No Resident Kashmiris (NRKs) at a seminar hosted by Pak chapter of Hurriyat Conference (M) here on Saturday maintained that a just and equitable solution of the festering dispute was must to ensure durable peace in South Asian region.
The seminar held in connection with “Youmi Shuhada-e-Jammu,” was attended by PaK president Raja Zulqarnain Khan, supreme head of JKLF, Ammanullah Khan, Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Syed Yousuf Naseem, Rafique Ahmed Dar and several others.
Speaking on the occasion, the participants paid eulogizing tributes to the Jammu martyrs.
Terming November 6 as one of the black days in Kashmir history, they said, “ pointed out that the history of the troubled region was a wash with heart-wrenching tales of repression and suppression.
Referring to century’s old cultural tradition of peaceful co-existence they said that history was witness to the fact that when innocent Muslims were butchered like animals in Jammu, not a single person from minority community was touched in the Valley.
Delegates praised Kashmiris for remaining firm on their resolve. “In pursuance of the internationally pledged right people of Jammu and Kashmir have rendered matchless sacrifices to achieve their legitimate right which had been guaranteed to them by the world community and the leaders of India and Pakistan,” he added.
Terming India’s “intransigence” as a major hurdle in the way of peace, the speakers said the world community’s “pathetic attitude” towards the resolution of Kashmir issue and policy of indifference by the international community has disappointed people of the region.
The participants adopted more than half a dozen resolutions demanding the US president Barack Obama to impress upon India to help resolve Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiris.

'US can play role to resolve Kashmir'

Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Islamabad, Nov 3: The convener of APHC-M Pak chapter, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar has appealed to the US President, Barrack Hussain Obama to persuade Indian leadership to help resolve the Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with the Kashmiris aspirations.

In a memorandum addressed to the US president, Saghar said the USA could play an important role by engaging India, Pakistan and the Kashmiri leadership to initiate a dialogue on Kashmir to seek an amicable solution of the long-simmering dispute.

The APHC leader pointed out that being the sole super power the US could play an effective role to settle this issue.
Referring to the plight of Kashmiris, he said as a result of the conflict, Kashmiris had lost three generations.

“Kashmiri people are positively looking forward to the Obma’s forthcoming visit to New Delhi and believe that he would vociferously raise the issue with India to put an end to the sufferings of Kashmiris”, the communiqué said.
Meanwhile, the JKLF supreme head, Amanullah Khan urged Obama to pursue the governments of India and Pakistan to honour their nationally and internationally made pledges and commitments regarding Kashmiris’ inalienable right to determine their political future.

Khan reminded Obama of his promise to solve Kashmir issue after winning the presidential elections. He said the US had always supported the Kashmiris’ legitimate demand.

Stressing the need for early resolution of Kashmir dispute he said, “Kashmir issue, if left unresolved can endanger world peace and economic order”.

Khan asks Indo-Pak to shun rivalry

Nisar Ahmed Thokar

27/Oct/10...JKLF Chakoti march 

Islamabad, Oct 29: The supreme head of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Ammanullah Khan on Friday said that the Indo-Pak rivalry and the lack of pragmatism on both sides was the main reason for Kashmir issue remaining unresolved for past 63- years.

“The intransigence and continuing hostility between the two countries not only deprived 15 million Kashmiris of their inalienable right but has also pushed the region into severe economic predicament”, the JKLF leader said in a statement here.

Appreciating political resolve of Kashmiris, he said that people of Kashmir had rendered matchless sacrifices for a cause.

Terming Kashmir as an indivisible entity Khan said that the JKLF would make all out efforts to thwart the conspiracies aimed at bifurcating Kashmir.

Referring to “Restoration of territorial integrity campaign” that culminated peacefully at Chakoti on Thursday he said that the campaign was launched to show complete solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

Highlighting the significance of the campaign, he said the main objective of conducting peaceful protest rallies in PaK was to convey a strong message to the governments of India and Pakistan that division of Kashmir would not be acceptable.

Hurriyat activists stage protest in PaK

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Oct 27: Activists of both Hurriyat factions staged a protest in front of the office of United Nations Military Observers Group (UNMOG) on Wednesday to seek UN’s pro-active role to settle the long-simmering Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with aspirations of Kashmiris.
Holding banners and placards, protesters raised pro-freedom slogans. Addressing protesters, speakers termed Indian control over Jammu and Kashmir as “illegal, unjustified and against the international norms of justice.”
They said that it was ironic that the country that proclaims and projects itself as the world’s largest democracy had “usurped the fundamental rights of the millions of Kashmiris.”
Highlighting the dangerous dimensions of what they called the “Indian military aggression” they said that it (aggression) has jeopardized peace in the region.
They maintained that Right to self-determination was inalienable right of Kashmiris. “India holding on to Kashmir is in utter defiance of its pledges regarding the withdrawal of troops and holding a free and fair plebiscite under the UN auspices”, they said.
Referring to the human rights violations in the Valley they said that it was unfortunate that Kashmiris were being taken hostage in their own land.
Stressing the need for early resolution of the dispute they urged the world community to intervene. They also called an end to HR violations in Kashmir.
They also urged the US president to take up the Kashmir issue with Indian leadership during his forthcoming visit to New Delhi.
Later a memorandum addressing the UN secretary General Ban Ki Moon was presented to the UNMOG officials seeking highest body’s role to settle Kashmir dispute.
Those who spoke on the occasion included, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, Syed Yousuf Naseem, Shah Ghulam Qadir, Saleem Haroon, HR activist M Afsar Khan, Ab. Majeed Mir, Ghulam Hassan Malik, Tufail Altaf, Altaf Wani, Ishtiaq Hameed, advocate Parvez Ahmed and several others.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PaK) held a protest rally in front of Islamabad press club this afternoon. They noted regrettably that 63 years have passed but the highest body (UN) failed to discharge its moral and legal obligations vis-à-vis the resolution of Kashmir dispute.