NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, Sept 27: Reacting to the Government of India’s fresh initiative to deal with the current uprising in the Valley, the United Jehad Council chief, Syed Salahudin has said there was nothing new for Kashmiris as the agenda reflected New Delhi’s ‘traditional intransigence and stubborn attitude vis-à-vis Kashmir’.
“Kashmir issue is all about the inalienable right, the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the so-called packages do not provide any solution to the long-simmering dispute,” Salahudin said on Monday.
Terming it as ‘deceit and deception on the part of India’, he said rather than hanging around the policy of illusion, the government of India should come forward positively and sincerely to resolve Kashmir once and for all.
“Kashmir as I said is an internationally recognized issue, but India as usual is trying to deceive Kashmiris and the world by presenting the sort-of packages devoid of significance,” he added.
By and large the Kashmiri leadership he said had rejected the initiative and “we believe that there will be no change unless India adopts a rational approach, eschews its self-serving policy and accepts Kashmir as a disputed territory”.
“Let me clear that the people of J&K who have rendered matchless sacrifices to achieve their cherished goal would never compromise on their inalienable and internationally recognized right to determine their political future,” he said adding the struggle would continue unless and until India withdraws its forces from J&K.
Referring to the rights violations in Kashmir he said, “Kashmir stands as the most heavily militarized region in the world where innocents are killed and tortured by the armed forces with impunity”.
He said the troops had unleashed rein of terror by killing more than 100 people in last four months.
Extending support to the ‘Quit Jammu Kashmir Movement’ spearheaded by Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, he said people of Kashmir would make all out efforts to make it a success.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
KASHMIR: THE UNDYING SPIRIT AND YEARNING FOR FREEDOM
Kashmir issue is an internationally recognized political dispute and as per the international covenants, Kashmiris struggle is a legitimate struggle, their demand is a just demand for plebiscite to determine political future through universally accepted principle of right to self-determination. All the way through the rights movement in Kashmir has been constant and spontaneous by nature, though it had gone through many ups and downs over the past 63-years but one thing is clearly evident that the means of resistance have changed from time to time but Kashmiris’ demand remained unaltered all the way.
Recently the world witnessed the new-phase of the resistance movement, being organized and spearheaded by the valiant and vibrant youth of Kashmir. This newfangled art of resistance by Kashmiris has not only surprised political analysts at large but it had virtually baffled the ruling elite, the intelligentsia and Indian establishment that has been proclaiming that “separatist ideology” was non-existent in Kashmir.
The undying spirit of highly charged youth and the valor of the common masses painted a different picture of the resistance movement, it was altogether a new approach as people belonging to different shades of opinion, irrespective of their social and political affiliations, acted and spoke in unison; there was no second opinion, by and large all the players on ground were seen on the same page.
Born and brought-up in an environment plagued with oppression and suppression, this new generation, after taking the reigns of the ongoing movement, reasserted Kashmiris’ position and their resolve in a very different manner, unlike their predecessors they maintained complete restraint, instead of resorting to violent means they preferred to carry forward their struggle peacefully by organizing mass rallies all across the valley to grab the world attention towards the unresolved Kashmir dispute and the stepped-up human rights violations perpetrated by Indian troops in Kashmir.
The protest demonstrations have been widespread and the public resentment against India was clearly evident all across the Kashmir vale, Chinab division (Doda, Baderwah and Kishtawar) and the other side of Peer-Panchal region including the Muslim majority areas of Poonch-Rajouri.
Though, the Indian Home Minister P Chidambaram at the very outset of mass-agitation described it as sheer frustration of unemployed youth and latter resorting to the traditional blame game Chidambaram hurled accusations on Pakistan, its premier intelligence agency the ISI and Lashkar Toyabah just to hide the fiasco.
India’s approach has been extremely belligerent and there was no change in its antagonistic behavior towards Kashmiris. As usual, New Delhi responded in a very callous and cold-blooded manner and used brute force to stifle Kashmiris’ voice. Whereas, Omar Abdullah, who very recently joined the shoe club, behaved more like New Delhi’s chief agent rather than the chief minister of the occupied territory.
He violated the public mandate ruthlessly and maintained criminal negligence over the continued blood bath of innocent civilians. At this very crucial stage, the junior Abdullah and his father Dr. Farooq usually preferred to please their masters. Instead of giving a healing touch to the bleeding wounds of Kashmiris they pursued New Delhi’s agenda just to remain in power.
Baffled by the simmering situation, the duo asked New Delhi to deploy more troops to quell the public uprising. And this was for the first time that India deployed Rapid Action Force (RAF) to muzzle the voice of freedom. On one hand Indian troops played havoc thereby killing more than 100 Kashmiris within a three months time, while on the other hand, its secret agencies remained deeply engaged in hatching conspiracies against Kashmiris. To give a bad name to the ongoing peaceful struggle the agencies tried to create a wedge between Muslims and the Sikh community.
Besides maligning the peaceful struggle of Kashmiris, Indians also tried very hard to give a notion that the uprising was just confined within Srinagar and some other towns of the valley but the world media; however, turned down India’s proclamations and termed the uprising as most powerful non-violent movement against India. While commenting on the current situation the New York Times noted that India was facing Intifada-like popular revolt in Kashmir. One of the positive aspects of the ongoing public revolt against India was that the people demonstrated highest degree of forbearance and extended their hand of co-operation in maintaining unity at all levels while generously supporting and adhering to the protest calendars issued by Syed Ali Geelani led Hurriyat faction. Not only the men and youth who are supposed to be a critical part of any successful movement, the women folk was even seen at the forefront at this crucial phase of mass agitation against India.
Anyways, this is not a new phenomenon; Kashmir has the history that besides offering matchless sacrifices, the hapless people of this troubled region have always followed their leaders with absolute sincerity, faithfulness and indeed without any pretence… but it is very unfortunate that the leadership always failed to deliver in the times of trial. At this very crucial stage when there was a dire need of complete unity and concurrence at all levels, Hurriyat leaders who claim to be the champions of Azadi (freedom) movement, seem to be poles apart from each other. Although they talk about unity but practically there is a huge gap, there is a trust-deficit and lack of magnanimity. And indeed there is personality clash and egotism that has badly damaged their collective cause on one hand while on the other people continued to suffer awfully.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference was established in Jammu and Kashmir in 1993 one hoped that it would emerge as a broad based policy making institution cum political forum. Instead of consolidating various political actors on ground, on the contrary, it led to the further disintegration and estrangement. Nonetheless, leaders of the segregated factions of APHC may give a thousand arguments to prove their innocence in this regard but being the sole representatives of the red hot blood of Kashmiri martyrs, as they claim, it is their legal and moral responsibility to fight the forces of evil (the enemies of Kashmiri nation) by adhering to the rules and regulations established in the Hurriyat constitution. Constitutionally, they are bound to consolidate political forces on ground besides providing a strong mechanism to tackle the challenges faced by the nation.
While realizing the importance of the current peaceful uprising in the valley it is incumbent on the Hurriyat leadership to forge a broad base unity and work painstakingly to steer the nation out of the dark prospects of alienation and chaotic situation that has overwhelmingly crippled the civil society.
Holding mammoth public demonstrations, delivering long sermons in the mosques, ridiculing the opponents is not the only job of leaders…revolutionary leadership is supposed to guide the masses in the times of trial, maintain the tempo of the movement and to give right direction to the peoples’ sentiment to make it a success.
A soul-searching self-analysis is deeply needed at the moment; not to talk of a commoner, the movement leadership may have achieved a lot individually, but as a nation Kashmiris stand at point-zero even after sacrificing more than 100 thousand lives.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir have offered great sacrifices to achieve the cherished goal of freedom; their demand is a just demand. Having paid the highest forfeiture of thousands of lives to get the globally recognized right, the right to self-determination, the wailing valley of Kashmir seeks attention of the highest body (UN) and the peace loving people of the world at large. Millions of peaceful protesters marching on the streets of Kashmir have given their verdict against India. The world community’s policy of indifference towards Kashmir at this crucial stage would have dangerous repercussions on the overall geo-political situation of the region and therefore it is high time that the international community should come forward in a big way to help resolve the dispute of Kashmir peacefully.
The Indian civil society that has expressed grave concern over the prevailing situation in Kashmir too should impress upon the Indian ruling elite to desist from using indiscriminate force against Kashmiris. Palming off and on is not the solution to the problem; it is high time that the Indian rulers should adopt a realistic approach and accept this hard reality that the uprising spearheaded by the vibrant Kashmiri youth is nothing but a newfangled mode of resistance against India’s illegal occupation.
Last but not the least; Indians should also accept the ground reality that people of Kashmir were not ready to accept its dominance at any cost. They should bear in mind the very fact that they can vilify, denounce, harass or even for that matter kill Kashmiris but they can not kill their undying sprit for freedom. Rather than using brute force against the innocent civilians India should acknowledge Kashmir as a disputed territory and resolve this decade’s long conflict through peaceful means once and for all.
Recently the world witnessed the new-phase of the resistance movement, being organized and spearheaded by the valiant and vibrant youth of Kashmir. This newfangled art of resistance by Kashmiris has not only surprised political analysts at large but it had virtually baffled the ruling elite, the intelligentsia and Indian establishment that has been proclaiming that “separatist ideology” was non-existent in Kashmir.
The undying spirit of highly charged youth and the valor of the common masses painted a different picture of the resistance movement, it was altogether a new approach as people belonging to different shades of opinion, irrespective of their social and political affiliations, acted and spoke in unison; there was no second opinion, by and large all the players on ground were seen on the same page.
Born and brought-up in an environment plagued with oppression and suppression, this new generation, after taking the reigns of the ongoing movement, reasserted Kashmiris’ position and their resolve in a very different manner, unlike their predecessors they maintained complete restraint, instead of resorting to violent means they preferred to carry forward their struggle peacefully by organizing mass rallies all across the valley to grab the world attention towards the unresolved Kashmir dispute and the stepped-up human rights violations perpetrated by Indian troops in Kashmir.
The protest demonstrations have been widespread and the public resentment against India was clearly evident all across the Kashmir vale, Chinab division (Doda, Baderwah and Kishtawar) and the other side of Peer-Panchal region including the Muslim majority areas of Poonch-Rajouri.
Though, the Indian Home Minister P Chidambaram at the very outset of mass-agitation described it as sheer frustration of unemployed youth and latter resorting to the traditional blame game Chidambaram hurled accusations on Pakistan, its premier intelligence agency the ISI and Lashkar Toyabah just to hide the fiasco.
India’s approach has been extremely belligerent and there was no change in its antagonistic behavior towards Kashmiris. As usual, New Delhi responded in a very callous and cold-blooded manner and used brute force to stifle Kashmiris’ voice. Whereas, Omar Abdullah, who very recently joined the shoe club, behaved more like New Delhi’s chief agent rather than the chief minister of the occupied territory.
He violated the public mandate ruthlessly and maintained criminal negligence over the continued blood bath of innocent civilians. At this very crucial stage, the junior Abdullah and his father Dr. Farooq usually preferred to please their masters. Instead of giving a healing touch to the bleeding wounds of Kashmiris they pursued New Delhi’s agenda just to remain in power.
Baffled by the simmering situation, the duo asked New Delhi to deploy more troops to quell the public uprising. And this was for the first time that India deployed Rapid Action Force (RAF) to muzzle the voice of freedom. On one hand Indian troops played havoc thereby killing more than 100 Kashmiris within a three months time, while on the other hand, its secret agencies remained deeply engaged in hatching conspiracies against Kashmiris. To give a bad name to the ongoing peaceful struggle the agencies tried to create a wedge between Muslims and the Sikh community.
Besides maligning the peaceful struggle of Kashmiris, Indians also tried very hard to give a notion that the uprising was just confined within Srinagar and some other towns of the valley but the world media; however, turned down India’s proclamations and termed the uprising as most powerful non-violent movement against India. While commenting on the current situation the New York Times noted that India was facing Intifada-like popular revolt in Kashmir. One of the positive aspects of the ongoing public revolt against India was that the people demonstrated highest degree of forbearance and extended their hand of co-operation in maintaining unity at all levels while generously supporting and adhering to the protest calendars issued by Syed Ali Geelani led Hurriyat faction. Not only the men and youth who are supposed to be a critical part of any successful movement, the women folk was even seen at the forefront at this crucial phase of mass agitation against India.
Anyways, this is not a new phenomenon; Kashmir has the history that besides offering matchless sacrifices, the hapless people of this troubled region have always followed their leaders with absolute sincerity, faithfulness and indeed without any pretence… but it is very unfortunate that the leadership always failed to deliver in the times of trial. At this very crucial stage when there was a dire need of complete unity and concurrence at all levels, Hurriyat leaders who claim to be the champions of Azadi (freedom) movement, seem to be poles apart from each other. Although they talk about unity but practically there is a huge gap, there is a trust-deficit and lack of magnanimity. And indeed there is personality clash and egotism that has badly damaged their collective cause on one hand while on the other people continued to suffer awfully.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference was established in Jammu and Kashmir in 1993 one hoped that it would emerge as a broad based policy making institution cum political forum. Instead of consolidating various political actors on ground, on the contrary, it led to the further disintegration and estrangement. Nonetheless, leaders of the segregated factions of APHC may give a thousand arguments to prove their innocence in this regard but being the sole representatives of the red hot blood of Kashmiri martyrs, as they claim, it is their legal and moral responsibility to fight the forces of evil (the enemies of Kashmiri nation) by adhering to the rules and regulations established in the Hurriyat constitution. Constitutionally, they are bound to consolidate political forces on ground besides providing a strong mechanism to tackle the challenges faced by the nation.
While realizing the importance of the current peaceful uprising in the valley it is incumbent on the Hurriyat leadership to forge a broad base unity and work painstakingly to steer the nation out of the dark prospects of alienation and chaotic situation that has overwhelmingly crippled the civil society.
Holding mammoth public demonstrations, delivering long sermons in the mosques, ridiculing the opponents is not the only job of leaders…revolutionary leadership is supposed to guide the masses in the times of trial, maintain the tempo of the movement and to give right direction to the peoples’ sentiment to make it a success.
A soul-searching self-analysis is deeply needed at the moment; not to talk of a commoner, the movement leadership may have achieved a lot individually, but as a nation Kashmiris stand at point-zero even after sacrificing more than 100 thousand lives.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir have offered great sacrifices to achieve the cherished goal of freedom; their demand is a just demand. Having paid the highest forfeiture of thousands of lives to get the globally recognized right, the right to self-determination, the wailing valley of Kashmir seeks attention of the highest body (UN) and the peace loving people of the world at large. Millions of peaceful protesters marching on the streets of Kashmir have given their verdict against India. The world community’s policy of indifference towards Kashmir at this crucial stage would have dangerous repercussions on the overall geo-political situation of the region and therefore it is high time that the international community should come forward in a big way to help resolve the dispute of Kashmir peacefully.
The Indian civil society that has expressed grave concern over the prevailing situation in Kashmir too should impress upon the Indian ruling elite to desist from using indiscriminate force against Kashmiris. Palming off and on is not the solution to the problem; it is high time that the Indian rulers should adopt a realistic approach and accept this hard reality that the uprising spearheaded by the vibrant Kashmiri youth is nothing but a newfangled mode of resistance against India’s illegal occupation.
Last but not the least; Indians should also accept the ground reality that people of Kashmir were not ready to accept its dominance at any cost. They should bear in mind the very fact that they can vilify, denounce, harass or even for that matter kill Kashmiris but they can not kill their undying sprit for freedom. Rather than using brute force against the innocent civilians India should acknowledge Kashmir as a disputed territory and resolve this decade’s long conflict through peaceful means once and for all.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Revisit Kashmir policy: Islamabad tells Delhi
NISAR AHMAD THOKAR
Islamabad, Sept 23: Upping the ante, Pakistan Thursday said there can be no result-oriented discussions with India on Kashmir unless New Delhi stops treating it as the country's integral part and seeking a solution within the ambit of the Indian Constitution.
Intensifying the criticism of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit called on India to "revisit its approach and its Kashmir policy rather than trying cosmetic measures here and there because this is not going to bring about any difference as far as the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is concerned."
"Unless India takes a fresh look at its Kashmir policy, does some introspection and stops treating Jammu and Kashmir as its integral part and stops harping on seeking a solution within the Indian Constitution, we do not believe that we can really have any meaningful or result-oriented discussions with India on this (issue)," Basit told a weekly news briefing.
He was responding to a question on the Indian government's efforts to address the protests in Jammu and Kashmir by sending a delegation of political leaders to meet Kashmiri leaders.
Basit noted that the Hurriyat Conference had already rejected the move.
He also described as "self-serving" India's rejection of resolutions passed by both houses of Pakistan's Parliament condemning the violence in Jammu and Kashmir and calling on the international community to ensure the implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir.
"Jammu and Kashmir is an international issue and subject of several UN resolutions. The Senate and National Assembly resolutions of September 20 reflect the concerns of the people of Pakistan on the gross and systematic violations of human rights of the Kashmiri people by Indian security forces," he said.
Basit noted that the UN Secretary General had called for an end to the violence while the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and Amnesty International had asked India to end the violence and protect the rights of people.
“Besides the OIC, Human Rights bodies including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for a transparent inquiry into human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir”, he said.
"Pakistan is committed to finding a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and will continue extending its moral, diplomatic and political support to Kashmiris in their legitimate struggle against Indian occupation," he said.
In response to another question, Basit said Pakistan is not undertaking any propaganda against India on the Kashmir issue.
"If you are describing that as propaganda on the part of Pakistan, it is totally self-serving and just to mislead the international community because the issue is far bigger than what the Indians are saying," he said.
‘No decision Qureshi-Krishna meet’
Basit said "no decision" had yet been made on a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Indian counterpart S M Krishna on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York.
The possibilities of such a meeting "are still being explored" through diplomatic channels though "there is no decision as yet," Basit said.
Pakistan, he said, has always insisted on the resumption of a "comprehensive, meaningful, sustained and result-oriented" dialogue with India.
Pakistan will welcome it if India is willing to resume such a dialogue, he said.
At the same time, it was important for India to stop "ongoing atrocities in Kashmir," Basit said.
Islamabad, Sept 23: Upping the ante, Pakistan Thursday said there can be no result-oriented discussions with India on Kashmir unless New Delhi stops treating it as the country's integral part and seeking a solution within the ambit of the Indian Constitution.
Intensifying the criticism of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit called on India to "revisit its approach and its Kashmir policy rather than trying cosmetic measures here and there because this is not going to bring about any difference as far as the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is concerned."
"Unless India takes a fresh look at its Kashmir policy, does some introspection and stops treating Jammu and Kashmir as its integral part and stops harping on seeking a solution within the Indian Constitution, we do not believe that we can really have any meaningful or result-oriented discussions with India on this (issue)," Basit told a weekly news briefing.
He was responding to a question on the Indian government's efforts to address the protests in Jammu and Kashmir by sending a delegation of political leaders to meet Kashmiri leaders.
Basit noted that the Hurriyat Conference had already rejected the move.
He also described as "self-serving" India's rejection of resolutions passed by both houses of Pakistan's Parliament condemning the violence in Jammu and Kashmir and calling on the international community to ensure the implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir.
"Jammu and Kashmir is an international issue and subject of several UN resolutions. The Senate and National Assembly resolutions of September 20 reflect the concerns of the people of Pakistan on the gross and systematic violations of human rights of the Kashmiri people by Indian security forces," he said.
Basit noted that the UN Secretary General had called for an end to the violence while the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and Amnesty International had asked India to end the violence and protect the rights of people.
“Besides the OIC, Human Rights bodies including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for a transparent inquiry into human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir”, he said.
"Pakistan is committed to finding a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and will continue extending its moral, diplomatic and political support to Kashmiris in their legitimate struggle against Indian occupation," he said.
In response to another question, Basit said Pakistan is not undertaking any propaganda against India on the Kashmir issue.
"If you are describing that as propaganda on the part of Pakistan, it is totally self-serving and just to mislead the international community because the issue is far bigger than what the Indians are saying," he said.
‘No decision Qureshi-Krishna meet’
Basit said "no decision" had yet been made on a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Indian counterpart S M Krishna on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York.
The possibilities of such a meeting "are still being explored" through diplomatic channels though "there is no decision as yet," Basit said.
Pakistan, he said, has always insisted on the resumption of a "comprehensive, meaningful, sustained and result-oriented" dialogue with India.
Pakistan will welcome it if India is willing to resume such a dialogue, he said.
At the same time, it was important for India to stop "ongoing atrocities in Kashmir," Basit said.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
APKC calls for end to HR violations
Urges government to adopt a coherent policy on Kashmir
Lauds Hurriyat leaderships’ role
Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Islamabad, Sep 21: While seeking world community’s role to end the bloodbath of innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, the delegates at a conference have called on the UN to discharge it’s legal as well as moral obligations with regarding the final settlement of long-standing Kashmir dispute.
Held at a local hotel in Islamabad today, the All Parties Kashmir Conference (APKC) organized by Jamat-e-Islami AJK was attended by political and religious leaders hailing from both sides of the Line of Control (LOC). Besides the AJK president Raja Zulqarnain Khan, the conference was attended by acting prime minister of AJK Chudhary Aziz, Abdul Rasheed Turabi the Ameer Jammat-e-Islami AJK, former AJK premiers including Sikander Hyat Khan, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chudhary, Sardar Yaqoob Khan, Raja Farooq Haider Khan, former president Sardar Muhammad Anwar, PML-N spokesman Shah Ghulam Qadir, Khalid Ibraheem, Justice Majeed Malik, JKLF(Aman) president Advocate Sageer and several others whereas the APHC-M convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Ghulam Muhammad Safi the convener APHC-G, Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri and Shoukat Ahmed Bhat were also present on the occasion.
Speakers on the occasion while deliberating on the different dimensions of the ongoing mass uprising in Kashmir stressed the need for sensitizing the world community with respect to Kashmiris’ peaceful struggle for right to self-determination.
Lauding the supreme sacrifices rendered by the people of Kashmir they made a passionate appeal to the peace-loving people of the world to support the people of Kashmir in their just and peaceful struggle to achieve the cherished goal. They also made it clear that the ongoing struggle was not just to get economic package or political concessions from India saying that it was all about the peoples’ right to self-determinaiton.
They also denounced in strong terms the gross human rights violations perpetrated by Indian military and paramilitary troops in Kashmir and said that India was trying to stifle Kashmiris’ voice by using its military might.
Referring to international covenants, they pointed out that the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir constitute the sole basis so for as the final settlement of the dispute was concerned.
Terming Pakistan as an important party to the dispute they said that the incumbent regime should reassert and revisit its wisdom on Kashmir. They were of the view that the government should adopt a coherent and unified Kashmir policy to send a positive signal across the line of control.
They urged the prime minister of Pakistan to contact the five permanent members of the Security Council to seek their support to bring about a peaceful solution of the long-pending dispute.
The participants of the conference adopted a joint declaration calling for an immediate end to the HR violations in Kashmir and demands release of detained Hurriyat leaders including Shabir Ahmed Shah, Ashraf Sahrai, Mian Abdul Qayyum Advocate and other political activists who have been languishing in various jails and detention centers in and out side Jammu and Kashmir.
The declaration also called for repealing of all draconian laws besides restoring the democratic rights of the people.
The conference while lauding China’s Kashmir policy urged the world including the OIC member countries to follow the same strategy with regard to Kashmir.
The conference also demanded the highest body to play its key role in resolving the dispute in line with Kashmiris’ aspirations.
The conference resolved that the government of Pakistan should convene an All Parties Conference take stock of the HR situation in Kashmir.
They also appreciated the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan for adopting a unanimous resolution in support of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and deploring HR violations inflicted upon the people of Kashmir by Indian troops.
The conference also hailed the Hurriyat leadership for representing Kashmiri peoples’ aspirations unanimously in a very befitting manner.
Lauds Hurriyat leaderships’ role
Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Islamabad, Sep 21: While seeking world community’s role to end the bloodbath of innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, the delegates at a conference have called on the UN to discharge it’s legal as well as moral obligations with regarding the final settlement of long-standing Kashmir dispute.
Held at a local hotel in Islamabad today, the All Parties Kashmir Conference (APKC) organized by Jamat-e-Islami AJK was attended by political and religious leaders hailing from both sides of the Line of Control (LOC). Besides the AJK president Raja Zulqarnain Khan, the conference was attended by acting prime minister of AJK Chudhary Aziz, Abdul Rasheed Turabi the Ameer Jammat-e-Islami AJK, former AJK premiers including Sikander Hyat Khan, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chudhary, Sardar Yaqoob Khan, Raja Farooq Haider Khan, former president Sardar Muhammad Anwar, PML-N spokesman Shah Ghulam Qadir, Khalid Ibraheem, Justice Majeed Malik, JKLF(Aman) president Advocate Sageer and several others whereas the APHC-M convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Ghulam Muhammad Safi the convener APHC-G, Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri and Shoukat Ahmed Bhat were also present on the occasion.
Speakers on the occasion while deliberating on the different dimensions of the ongoing mass uprising in Kashmir stressed the need for sensitizing the world community with respect to Kashmiris’ peaceful struggle for right to self-determination.
Lauding the supreme sacrifices rendered by the people of Kashmir they made a passionate appeal to the peace-loving people of the world to support the people of Kashmir in their just and peaceful struggle to achieve the cherished goal. They also made it clear that the ongoing struggle was not just to get economic package or political concessions from India saying that it was all about the peoples’ right to self-determinaiton.
They also denounced in strong terms the gross human rights violations perpetrated by Indian military and paramilitary troops in Kashmir and said that India was trying to stifle Kashmiris’ voice by using its military might.
Referring to international covenants, they pointed out that the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir constitute the sole basis so for as the final settlement of the dispute was concerned.
Terming Pakistan as an important party to the dispute they said that the incumbent regime should reassert and revisit its wisdom on Kashmir. They were of the view that the government should adopt a coherent and unified Kashmir policy to send a positive signal across the line of control.
They urged the prime minister of Pakistan to contact the five permanent members of the Security Council to seek their support to bring about a peaceful solution of the long-pending dispute.
The participants of the conference adopted a joint declaration calling for an immediate end to the HR violations in Kashmir and demands release of detained Hurriyat leaders including Shabir Ahmed Shah, Ashraf Sahrai, Mian Abdul Qayyum Advocate and other political activists who have been languishing in various jails and detention centers in and out side Jammu and Kashmir.
The declaration also called for repealing of all draconian laws besides restoring the democratic rights of the people.
The conference while lauding China’s Kashmir policy urged the world including the OIC member countries to follow the same strategy with regard to Kashmir.
The conference also demanded the highest body to play its key role in resolving the dispute in line with Kashmiris’ aspirations.
The conference resolved that the government of Pakistan should convene an All Parties Conference take stock of the HR situation in Kashmir.
They also appreciated the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan for adopting a unanimous resolution in support of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and deploring HR violations inflicted upon the people of Kashmir by Indian troops.
The conference also hailed the Hurriyat leadership for representing Kashmiri peoples’ aspirations unanimously in a very befitting manner.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Hurriyat (M) delegation calls on Nawaz
‘We will support Kashmiris till they achieve their goal’
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, Sept 17: Reaffirming his full support to Kashmir cause the former prime minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharief on Friday said that his country would continue its political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris till they achieve their legitimate right, the right to self-determination.
Sharief made these remarks while talking to Hurriyat (M) delegation who called on him at Punjab House in Islamabad today.
Speaking on the occasion, the former premier said that he was concerned over the worsening human rights situation in Kashmir. While assuring his unflinching support to Kashmiris’ legitimate cause, the PML-N chief said that Pakistan has a historic stance over the issue, which is based on the universally accepted principle of right to self-determination.
Sharief said Pakistan can never overlook the aspirations of Kashmiri people who have rendered invaluable sacrifices for right to self-determination.
Commenting on the present mass uprising in the valley he said that it should serve as an eye-opener for the world community.
Led by Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, the 11-member APHC delegation apprised the Pakistan leader of the worsening human rights situation in Kashmir.
Highlighting the different dimensions of the present mass uprising in the valley the delegates urged Nawaz to play his due role to mitigate sufferings of Kashmiris.
Besides the APHC convener, the delegation comprised Syed Yousuf Naseem, Manzoor-ul-Haq Bhat, Sheikh Yaqoob, Khadim Hussain, Syed Faiz Naqashbandi, Nisar Mirza, Abdul Majeed Malik, Tufail Altaf Butt and Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah.
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, Sept 17: Reaffirming his full support to Kashmir cause the former prime minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharief on Friday said that his country would continue its political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris till they achieve their legitimate right, the right to self-determination.
Sharief made these remarks while talking to Hurriyat (M) delegation who called on him at Punjab House in Islamabad today.
Speaking on the occasion, the former premier said that he was concerned over the worsening human rights situation in Kashmir. While assuring his unflinching support to Kashmiris’ legitimate cause, the PML-N chief said that Pakistan has a historic stance over the issue, which is based on the universally accepted principle of right to self-determination.
Sharief said Pakistan can never overlook the aspirations of Kashmiri people who have rendered invaluable sacrifices for right to self-determination.
Commenting on the present mass uprising in the valley he said that it should serve as an eye-opener for the world community.
Led by Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, the 11-member APHC delegation apprised the Pakistan leader of the worsening human rights situation in Kashmir.
Highlighting the different dimensions of the present mass uprising in the valley the delegates urged Nawaz to play his due role to mitigate sufferings of Kashmiris.
Besides the APHC convener, the delegation comprised Syed Yousuf Naseem, Manzoor-ul-Haq Bhat, Sheikh Yaqoob, Khadim Hussain, Syed Faiz Naqashbandi, Nisar Mirza, Abdul Majeed Malik, Tufail Altaf Butt and Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah.
Solidarity rally held in Rawalpidni
Struggle to continue till logical end
Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Rawalpindi, Sep 16: Kashmiri community based in Rawalpinid and Islamabad on Thursday staged a massive protest against the stepped-up human rights violations and killings of innocent civilians by Indian troops in Kashmir seeking international community’s pro-active role to end violence in the troubled region.
Held under the aegis of All Parties Hurriyat Conference-M Pak chapter, the protest rally was led by the amalgam’s convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar whereas other leaders of the alliance also participated in the rally.
Besides the representatives of traders’ community the solidarity rally was attended by scores of Kashmiri migrants settled in the suburbs of the twin city. In a bid to show solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren the participants of the rally earlier gathered at Nawaz Shareef Park and later marched along the Murree Road and culminated peacefully at Press Club Rawalpindi near Liaqat Bagh.
Displaying placards and banners inscribed with anti-India and pro-freedom slogans the protestors while flaying brutal killings demanded India to withdraw its forces from Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking briefly on the occasion, speakers denounced in strong terms the use of brute force against civilians saying that India was using its military might to suppress Kashmiris legitimate and peaceful struggle for right to self-determination. Hailing the role of vibrant Kashmiri youth they said “they (new generation) are the voice of Kashmir”. Referring to the recent killings they regrettably noted that Indian military and paramilitary troops have killed more than 90 Kashmiris within a three months time.
Terming it as worst kind of state-terrorism they said world human rights bodies should take effective notice of the Indian highhandedness. The speakers however maintained that despite Indian subjugation the valiant people of Kashmir would continue their peaceful struggle against India unless they achieve their cherished goal.
Paying tributes to Kashmiri martyrs they said that the blood of innocent Kashmiris would never go in vain. They also expressed solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones during the recent wave of violence in Kashmir. As a first step they pointed out that India should cease HR violations, release illegally detained Hurriyat leaders and repeal black laws prevalent in the state to create a congenial atmosphere to settle Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with the peoples’ will.
The speakers also urged the world community to play its pivotal role to mitigate the unending sufferings of Kashmiri people adding that world community must come forward in a big way to help resolve Kashmir dispute.
Meanwhile, a protest march was held in Muzaffarabad which was led by Ghulam Muhammad Safi, the Convener of the APHC-G Pak chapter. The march started from Press club and ended at the United Nations Observers’ Office where a memorandum was also presented to the UNMOGIP officials.
Highlighting the plight of Kashmiris the communiqué said that the highest body should take effective cognizance of the atrocities inflicted upon Kashmiri people by Indian troops.
Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Rawalpindi, Sep 16: Kashmiri community based in Rawalpinid and Islamabad on Thursday staged a massive protest against the stepped-up human rights violations and killings of innocent civilians by Indian troops in Kashmir seeking international community’s pro-active role to end violence in the troubled region.
Held under the aegis of All Parties Hurriyat Conference-M Pak chapter, the protest rally was led by the amalgam’s convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar whereas other leaders of the alliance also participated in the rally.
Besides the representatives of traders’ community the solidarity rally was attended by scores of Kashmiri migrants settled in the suburbs of the twin city. In a bid to show solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren the participants of the rally earlier gathered at Nawaz Shareef Park and later marched along the Murree Road and culminated peacefully at Press Club Rawalpindi near Liaqat Bagh.
Displaying placards and banners inscribed with anti-India and pro-freedom slogans the protestors while flaying brutal killings demanded India to withdraw its forces from Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking briefly on the occasion, speakers denounced in strong terms the use of brute force against civilians saying that India was using its military might to suppress Kashmiris legitimate and peaceful struggle for right to self-determination. Hailing the role of vibrant Kashmiri youth they said “they (new generation) are the voice of Kashmir”. Referring to the recent killings they regrettably noted that Indian military and paramilitary troops have killed more than 90 Kashmiris within a three months time.
Terming it as worst kind of state-terrorism they said world human rights bodies should take effective notice of the Indian highhandedness. The speakers however maintained that despite Indian subjugation the valiant people of Kashmir would continue their peaceful struggle against India unless they achieve their cherished goal.
Paying tributes to Kashmiri martyrs they said that the blood of innocent Kashmiris would never go in vain. They also expressed solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones during the recent wave of violence in Kashmir. As a first step they pointed out that India should cease HR violations, release illegally detained Hurriyat leaders and repeal black laws prevalent in the state to create a congenial atmosphere to settle Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with the peoples’ will.
The speakers also urged the world community to play its pivotal role to mitigate the unending sufferings of Kashmiri people adding that world community must come forward in a big way to help resolve Kashmir dispute.
Meanwhile, a protest march was held in Muzaffarabad which was led by Ghulam Muhammad Safi, the Convener of the APHC-G Pak chapter. The march started from Press club and ended at the United Nations Observers’ Office where a memorandum was also presented to the UNMOGIP officials.
Highlighting the plight of Kashmiris the communiqué said that the highest body should take effective cognizance of the atrocities inflicted upon Kashmiri people by Indian troops.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Pakistan deplores Kashmir killings
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, Sept 13: Voicing serious concern over the worsening human rights situation in Kashmir, Pakistan has strongly condemned the killing of 13 Kashmiris who were shot dead by forces in various parts of the Valley on Monday.
“Blood bath of innocent youth by forces is highly condemnable”, the foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit said this while talking to a state-owned TV channel. He said that stepped up human rights violations was a matter of great concern for Pakistan. He stated that more than 70 people have been killed by paramilitary CRPF and police forces since the mass uprising against gained momentum in the valley.
He said that it was high time that the world should take cognizance of the HR violations in Kashmir. He maintained that Pakistan and the world community would lend their support to Kashmiris in their struggle for right to self-determination.Referring to the supreme sacrifices rendered by Kashmiris, the spokesman said that the sacrifices offered by the people would never go in a vain. He said that the world community was gradually the realizing the fact that solution of the lingering Kashmir dispute was must for peace in the region.
By killing peaceful protesters India can not misguide the world community any more”, he said adding that his country would continue its political, diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiri brethren in their legitimate struggle.
Islamabad, Sept 13: Voicing serious concern over the worsening human rights situation in Kashmir, Pakistan has strongly condemned the killing of 13 Kashmiris who were shot dead by forces in various parts of the Valley on Monday.
“Blood bath of innocent youth by forces is highly condemnable”, the foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit said this while talking to a state-owned TV channel. He said that stepped up human rights violations was a matter of great concern for Pakistan. He stated that more than 70 people have been killed by paramilitary CRPF and police forces since the mass uprising against gained momentum in the valley.
He said that it was high time that the world should take cognizance of the HR violations in Kashmir. He maintained that Pakistan and the world community would lend their support to Kashmiris in their struggle for right to self-determination.Referring to the supreme sacrifices rendered by Kashmiris, the spokesman said that the sacrifices offered by the people would never go in a vain. He said that the world community was gradually the realizing the fact that solution of the lingering Kashmir dispute was must for peace in the region.
By killing peaceful protesters India can not misguide the world community any more”, he said adding that his country would continue its political, diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiri brethren in their legitimate struggle.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Pak shocked over Kashmir killings
NISAR A THOKAR
Islamabad, Sept 9: Pakistan today expressed shock at the “brutal killing” of four Kashmiris in alleged firing by police at Palhallan, Pattan in district Varmul on September 6.
“Pakistan is greatly concerned over the killings of innocent civilians in Kashmir during the latest wave of violence by the government forces taking the toll 69,” Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said at the weekly press briefing here.
He said, “The Times of India has rightly pointed out that more civilians have been killed in Kashmir by security forces than in militant attacks”. He urged India to enter into a meaningful and result-oriented dialogue to bring about a permanent and just solution to the simmering dispute of Kashmir in accordance with UN resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiris.
Separately, diplomatic sources have said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should back up his call for re-engagement with Pakistan with concrete measures to address issues that are of concern to Islamabad, including the Kashmir problem, Siachen and peace and security in South Asia.
Islamabad, Sept 9: Pakistan today expressed shock at the “brutal killing” of four Kashmiris in alleged firing by police at Palhallan, Pattan in district Varmul on September 6.
“Pakistan is greatly concerned over the killings of innocent civilians in Kashmir during the latest wave of violence by the government forces taking the toll 69,” Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said at the weekly press briefing here.
He said, “The Times of India has rightly pointed out that more civilians have been killed in Kashmir by security forces than in militant attacks”. He urged India to enter into a meaningful and result-oriented dialogue to bring about a permanent and just solution to the simmering dispute of Kashmir in accordance with UN resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiris.
Separately, diplomatic sources have said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should back up his call for re-engagement with Pakistan with concrete measures to address issues that are of concern to Islamabad, including the Kashmir problem, Siachen and peace and security in South Asia.
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