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.

DFP member bereaved

Rawalpindi, Oct 23: Kashmiri community based in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have expressed deep sorrow and grief over the sad demise of the mother of Mir Asrar Hussain, the senior member of the Democratic Freedom Party.
Mir’s mother passed away on Friday after a protracted illness at her native village Ghantamullah in Varmul.
Besides Hurriyat representatives of both the factions, traders’ union members and representatives of the Kashmiri community settled in the twin city visited Mir’s residence at Dhoke Paracha Rawalpindi to express solidarity with the bereaved family.
A delegation led by the APHC-M convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, and other leaders of the faction also visited his (Mir’s) home and conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the grief-stricken family.

JKLF stages protest march in PaK

Nisar Ahmed Thokar

Muzfarrabad, Oct 22: To reinforce the ongoing Quit Kashmir movement in Kashmir, hundreds of JKLF (Amman Group) workers on Friday staged a demonstration at Khoierata adjacent to the Line of Control (LoC).
Besides JKLF stalwarts, the demonstration was attended by the members of JKSLF (student wing of the party) and a large number of people hailing from southern district of Kotli, Nakial, Charoi and Sehansa.
JKLF activist, Manzoor Ahmed told Greater Kashmir that hundreds of people particularly the youth participated in the rally. He said the participants gathered at Khoierata and later marched towards Seeri village near to the LoC.
The rally culminated peacefully near the border village of Seeri in district Kotli.
Addressing protesters, the speakers expressed their support to Kashmiris’ ongoing peace struggle for right to self-determination. Lauding the political resolve of Kashmiri peoples they said that they (Kashmiris) had rendered matchless sacrifices to achieve their cherished goal.
Terming Kashmir as an indivisible entity they said all out efforts would be made to protect the political as well as the geographical integrity of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
As a part of the ongoing “Restoration of national integration campaign” the speakers said that JKLF would hold another protest long-march from Hajeera to Teetrinote in District Rawalokat on October 25. They said another protest march would be taken from Muzaffarabad to Chakoti on October 27.

‘UN resolutions strong basis to resolve K-dispute’

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Oct 19: Rejecting any out of the box solution of the Kashmir dispute, the delegates at a seminar hosted by Justice (Rtd) Manzoor Gilani here on Monday resolved that the relevant UN resolutions provide a comprehensive mechanism to bring about a durable and lasting solution to the issue.

Held under the aegis of Association for the Rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ( ARJK) the seminar was attended by former diplomats, academicians, jurists, lawyers, media men and the people hailing from different shades of opinion including Jehangir Ashraf Qazi, the former Ambassador, Inam- ul- Haq the former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, renowned political analyst Asif Ezdi, Air Marshal Mansoor Akther, the vice- chairman of the ARJK, Afzal Shigri, Ijaz Hussain and several others.

Justice Gilani said ARJK was established to work for the achievement of basic rights besides securing the constitutional rights of the people of the state of J& Kcomprising “ PaK and Gilgit Baltistan”. He however made it clear that the achievement of the right of self- determination for the people of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir remains the paramount objective of the Association.

He said as per the international covenants the status of the state had to be decided by the people through a free, fair and impartial plebiscite to be held under the auspicious of the United Nations.

Jehangir Ashraf Qazi said in view of the changes sweeping across the globe there was a dire need that a coherent Kashmir policy, acceptable to the people of Kashmir, had to be evolved at national level.

He said in view of the ongoing movement in Kashmir, the APHC leadership should foster complete unanimity within their ranks and files.

Former foreign minister of Pakistan Inam- ul- Haq was of the view that depriving people of Kashmir from their birth right was the biggest rights violations.

“ New generation of Kashmir has completely rejected India, as an option”, he said adding that Pakistan was not against Kashmiris’ freedom.

Refresh your memory: Saghar to JuH

Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Islamabad, Oct 12: The convener of Hurriyat Conference (M)-- Pak chapter--- Mehmood Ahmed Saghar on Tuesday advised Jamiat-Ulema-i-Hind (JuH), a body of Deoband clerics, to refresh its memories and go through the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
Talking to Greater Kashmir Saghar said that Kashmir is an international issue and needs to be resolved as per the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris. “Clerics claiming that Kashmir is an integral part of India is unacceptable,” he added.
He said we sympathize with the Muslims settled in various parts of India but so for as the question of right to self determination was concerned they (Indian Muslims) have used their right and opted for India. “But Kashmiris have not decided their future as yet,” he added.
“This is an undeniable fact that India is forcibly holding on to Kashmir as Kashmiris have been deprived of their right, guaranteed to them by the world community,” he said.
“We urge Deoband clerics to bear historical realities in mind rather than creating a mess of Kashmir issue,” Saghar added.

JI chief flays US 'policy of indifference' towards Kashmir

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Oct 11: Expressing serious concern over the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistan Jammat-e-Islami Chief Syed Munawar Hassan has flayed the America’s policy of indifference towards the burning issue of Kashmir.
JI Chief made these remarks while addressing Kashmir Solidarity Rally in Islamabad today.
A large number of people especially women and children participated in the rally, which was organized by the JI.
Speaking on the occasion, the JI leader condemned the use of brute force against the innocent civilians in Kashmir by Indian troops.
Expressing solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he reiterated that the people of Pakistan would lend every support to Kashmiris’ unless they achieve their cherished goal.
Referring to the US policy regarding the region he said that the Obama administration maintained complete silence over the India’s belligerence and state-terrorism in Kashmir.
He also flayed the role of Parliamentary Kashmir Committee headed by Moulana Fazl-ur-Rehman saying that the committee has miserably failed to fulfill the responsibilities with regard to Kashmir issue.
He urged the incumbent coalition government to shun its policy of appeasement and adopt a coherent policy on the issue.

Remain cautious of detractors: Sageer to Kashmiri leadership

JKLF to launch “Quit Kashmir Movement” in PaK from Oct 22
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, Oct 10: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Aman Group) chairman, advocate Sardar Sageer Khan has said that besides maintaining the indigenous character of the ongoing peaceful struggle in Kashmir, it was incumbent on the leadership on both the sides of the line of control to remain cautious of elements trying to detract the movement.
JKLF chairman made these assertions while interacting with Kashmir Journalist Forum members.
He said it was high time that Kashmiris should come forward to plead their case in an effective manner. “The movement has to be under full control of Kashmiris, otherwise, you know that the world views it with different angle”, he added. Quoting Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s recent statement, he said the leadership on the other side of the LoC had realized the importance of the matter.
Commenting on the prevailing political environment on this side of the line of control, Sageer said it was astonishing to note that after 3-months of criminal negligence, various political parties have bugged out to show their allegiance with Kashmiris. “Why had they sewed their lips when the blood of civilians was shed on the streets and roads of Kashmir”, he asked.
Paying tributes to Kashmiri martyrs, the JKLF chairman appreciated the newfangled mode of resistance being spearheaded by Kashmiri youth. “The mass movement has to be strengthened in its real spirit and political perspective.”
Lambasting the former military ruler’s Kashmir policy, he said
Musharraf had “severely damaged the Kashmiris’ struggle for right to self-determination.”
Flaying the PaK rulers for their inaptness he pointed out that they had “miserably failed to establish the state on the principles enshrined in the resolution of October 4, 1947 that provides a comprehensive mechanism besides defining the role of the state vis-à-vis the freedom movement.”
He said to strengthen the ongoing Quit Kashmir movement in J&K, JKLF had agreed to expand the movement on this side of the line of control. To garner support for the concerted movement, he said the party would organize a series of demonstrations in PaK from October 22 to 27 at different places, close to the cease-fire-Line. This he said was decided in the meeting of the JKLF Central Committee held in its Central Information Office at Rawalpindi, Chaired by Sardar Saghir Ahmad Khan and attended by Amanullah Khan, the Chief Patron of the organization besides other party leaders.
He said, “On Oct 22, JKLF will hold a protest long-march from Khoiratta to Seeri in District Kotli followed by a sit-in programme with a public meeting close to the cease-fire-line at Seeri, while on Oct 25 another protest long-march will take place from Hajeera to Teetrinote in District Rawalokat.” To culminate the “National Integration Restoration Week”, he maintained that JKLF would hold another Protest Long-March on Oct 27 from Muzaffarabad to Chakoti.

PaK APC assures full support to Kashmir struggle

‘Necessary to maintain indigenous character of movement’
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, Oct 9: Voicing full support to the ongoing ‘Quit J&K Movement’ in Kashmir, All Parties Kashmir Conference hosted by Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) premier Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan here on Saturday called upon the international community to play its due role in resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiris.
While lauding the Kashmiris’ political resolve, the delegates at the roundtable conference stressed the need for complete unanimity within the Kashmiri leadership on both sides of line of control and reiterated their resolve that the ongoing struggle for right to self-determination would continue till the Government of India publicly acknowledges its pledges made with the people of Kashmir.
While deliberating on various dimensions of the current mass uprising they said that there was a dire need to maintain the indigenous character of the movement. Expressing dismay over the incumbent regime’s K-policy they demanded the government to adopt a coherent and clear cut policy reflective to the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The speakers on the occasion said that a joint session of PaK and Gilgit Baltistan legislative assembly should be convened to show complete solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Urging the need for a single point Kashmir agenda they said that the slogan and strategy adopted by the struggling youth of Kashmir must be followed and supported to take the movement to its logical end.
The participants lauded the role of separatist leadership for presenting Kashmiris’ case vociferously and said that talks at this point of time would have adverse affect on the freedom struggle.
Denouncing HR violations in Kashmir they said that India should bring an end to bloodshed in Kashmir and repeal all draconian laws that provide legal protection to its troops ‘to unleash rein of terror in the state.’
The conference unanimously adopted more than half a dozen resolutions calling for just and equitable solution of Kashmir dispute.
It urged the OIC and the European Parliament to send a joint peace mission to Kashmir to asses the situation on ground.
It also urged the world community to help resume talks between India and Pakistan with a view to settle the long-pending dispute of Kashmir.
The resolution also urged the US president Barak Obama to raise the Kashmir issue with Indian leadership during his forthcoming visit to New Delhi.
The resolution denounced the registration of rebellion cases against the separatist leadership including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Yasin Malik and medical care denial to Shabir Ahmed Shah.
It also called on the Government of India to withdraw its forces from the “occupied territory” to help build an atmosphere conducive for result-oriented talks.
Later talking to Greater Kashmir, PaK premier Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan said that besides forging unity in the rank and file there was a need to maintain the peaceful posture of the ongoing movement. He was of the view that the movement should be strengthened by linking together peaceful elements, the leadership on both sides of the LoC and the Kashmiri Diaspora leadership based in UK, USA and other countries.
These steps, he said, would certainly help to strengthen the ongoing struggle in Kashmir.
Replying to a query he said that there was no harm in talking but talks within the Indian framework were not acceptable to Kashmiris.
He said that bilateralism has miserably failed to resolve the dispute and therefore it was high time that all the parties involved in the dispute should come and sit together to bring about a just and equitable solution of the long-simmering dispute.
When asked about out of the box solution, he said, “Any negotiated settlement involving all the three parties should be acceptable to all the concerned parties.”
Of those who addressed the seminar included PaK premier Attique Ahmed Khan, PaK Speaker Chaudhary Anwar-ul-Haq, PPP president Ch. Majeed, JI chief Abdul Rasheed Turabi, Justice Majeed Malik, former PaK president Sardar Anwar Khan, Sardar Khalid Ibraheem, JKLF president Sardar Sageer Advocate, APHC leaders Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Yousuf Naseem, Manzoor Bhat, Altaf Wani and others.