Migrant community’s role in AJK polls vital

Raising their concerns over flawed electoral system the speakers said that all the stakeholders should come forward and pool their efforts to ensure free, fair and transparent elections that would ultimately pave a way for good governance, peace and prosperity in the region.

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NISAR AHMED THOKAR Islamabad, Publish Date: May 20 2016 12:21AM | Updated Date: May 20 2016 12:21AM

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Highlighting Kashmiri migrant community's role in the upcoming general elections in Pakistan administered Kashmir, the participants during a day-long interactive session arranged by Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) here said that in 49-member house (AJK Legislative body) 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees provided an opportunity to get their voices heard at the highest level besides highlighting the Kashmir cause.

 The discourse on "AJK Elections 2016 and the role of Kashmiri refugees" was addressed and attended by members of civil society, journalists, legislators and expected candidates of various political and religious parties including Shoukat Ahmed Shah, member legislative assembly AJK; Riyaz Ahmed Khan, former additional commissioner development ; Deputy Election Commissioner AJK, Muhammad Anwar; Bashir Ahmed Khan, Shabir Ahmed Tantray, NaseemaWani, Athar Masood Wani, ShahidMehmoodWani, Khursheed Ahmed Mir, Abdul QayoomWani, and others. The KIIR programme manager Altaf Ahmed Wani was present on the occasion.

 Raising their concerns over flawed electoral system the speakers said that all the stakeholders should come forward and pool their efforts to ensure free, fair and transparent elections that would ultimately pave a way for good governance, peace and prosperity in the region. In his opening remarks KIIR programme manager Altaf Hussain Wani said, "Legislators do make laws but it is civil society that paves a way for law making before it is passed in the assembly". He was of the view that the issue of good governance, holding of transparent elections and creating awareness amongst the masses was a collective responsibility of all including civil society and the political parties. He said that rather than adopting same age-old practices the stakeholders should realize their responsibilities and contribute positively towards making electioneering a flawless and affordable exercise for all.

 

"The reserved seats for migrants in the Legislature is of vital importance but there are people who claim that the party in power at the center always uses these refugee seats as a potent tool to setup its own government in the region", he said adding that the sort of notion/impression would simultaneously fade away once the flaws in the electoral system get eliminated.

 

Shoukat Hussain Shah said that the government in the base-camp was setup with a view to promote and project Kashmir at international level but it seems that the government of the region is gradually deviating from its basic goal. Regarding the prevailing electoral system he said that it has been plagued by corruption, malpractices and negligence. There are many issues that needed to be addressed so that genuine and worthy people could be able to contest elections.

 

Bashir Ahmed Khan said that issuance of state subjects to non state subjects was the most intriguing problem that had plagued the whole process. He said election commission should take stern action against those who have achieved state subject certificates by unfair means. Terming casting vote as national duty he said that choosing an honest candidate was a subject matter of voter's  conscience. To bring a positive change Khan maintained that this national duty has to be perfumed with utmost honesty.

 

Khursheed Ahmed Mir said that the real refugees were those who were driving carts in the Gala-Mandi in Raja Bazar but they know nothing about state subjects. "They work day in and out to make their both ends meet", he said adding that those who deserved were deprived and undeserved have unfortunately been granted state subject certificates by unfair means.

 

Stressing the need for educating masses about the importance of vote Shabir Ahmed Tantray who is contesting elections from Valley V as an independent candidate said that genuine candidates can only serve the community. He said that the candidates contesting elections on refugee seats across the country should rise above the party politics and join hands together to address the problems faced by the community.

 

Naseema Wani said that coordinated efforts were needed to bring a positive change. She said that despite many problems efforts were being made to ensure transparent elections. Highlighting the role of civil society Athar Wani said that civil society's role in creating awareness amongst the masses was of great importance.

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Speaking on the occasion, the deputy election commissioner PaK, Muhammad Anwar said that the EC had made all arrangements to ensure foolproof and transparent elections.  He said that bogus votes have been discarded and the new electoral list was being prepared that would be released on 30th May. He said that the commission had made it clear that only those would be eligible to cast their votes whose finger prints match with their identity cards.

 

Shahid Mehood Wani said that the PML-N government at the center was a trendsetter in promoting good governance, merit and transparency. He said that development funds worth billions of rupees were granted for the AJK.

 

Speakers also suggested that a fool-proof computerized mechanism should be introduced to issue the state subjects certificates to Kashmiri migrants. They proposed that a smart card  be issued to state subjects to avoid identity theft or duplicity.

Islamabad seminar seeks right to self determination for Kashmiris

‘JK youth victims of long drawn conflict’

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NISAR AHMED THOKAR Islamabad, Publish Date: May 13 2016 12:20AM | Updated Date: May 13 2016 12:20AM

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Expressing serious concern over the prevailing human rights situation in Kashmir speakers at a seminar hosted by Institute of Strategic Studies here on Wednesday stated that the youth of Kashmir who have been at the forefront of the ongoing struggle were the `worst victims of India’s oppressive policies’. This was stated by Moulana Fazl-ur-Rehman and other speakers at a seminar titled “Human Rights, Youth and the Issue of Jammu and Kashmir” at Islamabad, Pakistan Thursday.

Senator Raja Zafarul Haq, Senator Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Qayyum, Ghulam Muhammad Safi Convenor All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Dr. Seemia Raheel Qazi the head of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Attiya Inatyatullah, Sheikh Tajamullul Islam, Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, Rafiq Dar, Altaf Hussain Wani, Abdullah Gilani, Dr. Nazir Ahmed Gilani, Arfif Kamal, Ershad Mehmood and others also addressed the seminar. 

Addressing the seminar, Ambassador Masood Khan the Director General ISSI said that Kashmiris have been subjected to atrocities since 1948 but human rights violations in the restive region stepped up alarmingly after 1990s. “Ever since every man, woman and child in Kashmir is suffering and the youth have especially been victimized by the so-called security forces”, he said.

Khan said that the movement started by the youth against the Indian aggression since Afzal Guru’s anniversary at Delhi University in early 2016, has generated a new enthusiasm for the right of self-determination in Kashmir.

This new enthusiasm he observed was being carried out politically, through social media. Khan said that Pakistan needs to realize its responsibilities. Terming dialogue between India and Pakistan as imperative Khan said that there was a dire need to raise the voice at the international forums besides lobbying within the Indian civil society.

“There is need to work proactively with the Human Rights Council to provide relief to the affected Kashmiris”, he said adding that Intra-Kashmir confidence-building measures should also be institutionalized.

Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Khan, the president of Pakistani administered Kashmir said that Kashmir movement cannot ever be compromised. He said that Kashmiris’ struggle was a just struggle and it should not be associated with terrorism. “Kashmiris’ demand is based on principles and has immense strength”, he said addding that the political parties of Pakistan must realise that they cannot ignore the Kashmir dispute .

Federal Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch suggested that a balance has to be created in the country between the opinions of those who want to have friendly relations with India, and those who want to keep Kashmir as their first priority. Regarding the HR situation in Kashmir Baloch said, “Every home in Kashmir and every individual have been affected”.

Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehaman, said that the political application of the argument has lost its efficacy in world opinion since it is invariably associated with Pakistan’s security and economic interests. This dilemma must be understood and the issue must be talked about exclusively for Kashmiris.

Referring to international covenants with special reference to the UN Charter Senator Raja Zafarul Haq said that Kashmiris’ struggle for right to self-determination was a just and legitimate struggle. Rejecting the notion that international circumstances are not in favour of Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir Haq said that the OIC had recently passed a comprehensive resolution on Kashmir recently. He however said that Pakistan needs to highlight the dispute more proactively.

Senator Lt. Gen Abdul Qayyum emphasized that Kashmir remains to be one of the Pakistan’s core vital national interests. As a party to the dispute he said it is Pakistan’s responsibility to promote and project the Kashmir cause in the letter of the spirit of the UN charter which acknowledges peoples’ right to self-determination. He said that a multi-prong, mission oriented strategy should be evolved to seek a solution of the dispute peacefully. He said that war was no more an option. “Though there are extremists elements like RSS in India but there was no dearth of saner elements within the Indian society who want the issue be resolved peacefully”, he said adding that the incumbent regime had vociferously raised the issue of Kashmir at all international forums and there was no question whatsoever of appeasement.

APHC leader Ghulam Muhammad Safi said that during past several years may out of the box solutions were proposed to resolve the Kashmir tangle. He, however, said that Kashmiris have time and again rejected these imposed and ready-made solutions. “Kashmiris want nothing short of right to self-determination”, he said adding that this preamble of our movement has been written by the young generation of Kashmir with their own blood. Regarding Indo-Pak talks he said Kashmiris were not averse of dialogue but “Our only demand is that India should accept Kashmir as a disputed territory”.

“Kashmiris will continue their struggle to materialize their cherished dream as it is now a matter of life and death but Pakistan has to decide how much importance it gives to Kashmir”, he concluded.

Dr. Samia Raheel Qazi while regretting the pathetic human rights condition in Kashmir said that the new connotations like ‘half widows’ and ‘half wives’ have surfaced in Kashmir that were agonizing and painful.

Speaking at the second session of roundtable discussion Dr. Attiya Inayatullah appreciated the youth of Kashmir saying that the educated and well integrated youth who have been spearheading the movement has redefined the course of Kashmir struggle. Terming human rights situation in Kashmir as volatile she said that it was the responsibility of the UN to alleviate the sufferings of people in the disputed region. Citing the mass-rape of Kunun Poshpora, killings of innocent civilians and the issue of mass graves she said that International Criminal Court (ICC) should also take up these issues. She said that there was no right to freedom of speech and expression in Kashmir and E-curfew was used as tool to suppress the voice of dissent.

Attiya said that mental health in Kashmir was declining as a result of surging violence. Referring to a survey conducted by foreign journal she said about 55 per cent of local population was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. She said that drugs was yet another highly worrying factor. “These drugs are being used to target youth specially in the areas like Tral, Pulwama and Sopore where resistance is more stronger than other areas”, she added.

Highlighting the importance of early resolution of K-dispute she said world can not run the risk nuclear confrontation in the region.

Sheikh Tajamulul Islam the director of Kashmir Media Service suggested that UN can take a suo moto action on Kashmir provided the dispute was made a subject of chapter 7 of the UN. “As long as the issue is debated and discussed under chapter IV of the UN it will continue to remain a bilateral issue between the two countries”, he said.

Dr. Syed Nazir Ahmed Gilani said that said death of a generation in Kashmir had caused a serious number deficit in the process of self-determination. He said that the youth of Kashmir were being profiled. “Three categories (A B C) have been defined to kill Kashmiri youth. Kashmiris today he said were more vulnerable than they were in 1931.

“Then the Maharaja was forced to surrender and restore the rights in just 11 days and today we have been fighting for last several decades and there is no respite in sight”, he said adding that Sanik colonies were being established to settle Indian citizens in the valley. “The state (Kashmir) where Indians were not allowed to enter without a formal permit are now being settled in the valley”.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood the Chairman Board of Governors ISSI in his concluding remarks said that the right of self-determination must not be coupled with terrorism. He suggested that Pakistan should not withdraw from its principle stance of the right of Kashmiris for self-determination.

Pertinently, the Kashmiri intellectual Syed Abdul Rehman Gilani’s recorded audio message was played during the interactive session of the seminar.

OIC supports Kashmiris' just cause: Abdul Rehman Al-Alam

Wani said that the special envoy stated that the OIC was keenly monitoring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

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NISAR AHMED THOKAR Islamabad, Publish Date: May 9 2016 10:06PM | Updated Date: May 9 2016 10:06PM

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The special envoy of OIC secretary General on Jammu and Kashmir Ambassador Abdul Rehman Al-Alam while assuring the Muslim body's continued support to Kashmir cause has stated that the OIC fully supports Kashmiris' legitimate struggle for right to self-determination.

 

 Alam the head of OIC delegation, currently on an official visit to Pakistani administered Kashmir, made these assertions while talking to a seven member delegation of Kashmiri leaders who called on him at PM House Muzaffarabad on Monday.

 

Divulging details of the meeting Altaf Hussain Wani told this correspondent that the OIC secretary general's special envoy on Jammu and Kashmir assured the Muslim body's all out support to Kashmir cause. He said that during an hour long meeting Alam while talking on various issues confronting the Ummah with particular reference to Kashmir said, "The OIC during its recent summit at Istanbul had passed a unanimous resolution in support of Kashmiris' right to self-determination". "We not only support the just cause of Kashmiri people but the OIC has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating human rights and condemned in strong terms the rights violations by Indian troops in the region", Wani quoted Alam as saying.

 

Wani said that the special envoy stated that the OIC was keenly monitoring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Meanwhile, the Kashmiri delegates comprised of Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Tahir Masood, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Altaf Hussain Wani, Syed Faiz Naqashbandi, Syed Yousuf Naseem and Abdul Majeed Malik briefed the special envoy about the present political and human rights situation in Kashmir. The Kashmiri leaders on the occasion thanked the OIC for adopting a unanimous resolution on Kashmir. It is pertinent to note here that the OIC in its recent resolution at Istanbol in Turkey reaffirmed its support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the realization of their legitimate right to self-determination, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The resolution further stated that Jammu and Kashmir is the core dispute between Pakistan and India and its resolution is indispensable for bringing peace in South Asia.

 

Front leaders vow to carry forward JKLF founder's mission

The JKLF leaders offered Fateh for the departed soul of Ammanullah Khan and prayed for good health and early recovery of its ailing chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik.

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NISAR AHMED THOKAR Islamabad, Publish Date: May 9 2016 10:08PM | Updated Date: May 9 2016 10:08PM

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While reiterating their pledge to carry forward the mission of JKLF founder Amanullah Khan, the Front leaders during an extra-ordinary session here on Monday resolved that the party would leave no stone unturned to materialize the deceased leader's cherished dream.

 

The meeting held under the chairmanship of Abdul Hameed Bhat the vice chairman of JKLF was attended by Hafiq Muhammad Anwar Samavi, Rafique Ahmed Dar, Saleem Haroon, Manzoor Ahmed Khan, Khawaja Saifudin, Abid Gilgiti and others. Front leaders voiced their full confidence over the party leadership and made it clear that the party would never compromise on its ideals. The participants of the meeting vowed not to compromise any of the party ideals/ideology till the attainment of complete freeom of their motherland.

 

Speaking on the occasion the JKLF vice chairman Abdul Hameed Bhat said, "It (JKLF) is not just an organization, but a movement that was founded by Qaid-eTehreek Amannulah Khan way back in 1977". He observed that Khan was in fact an institution and a peerless personality. Referring to JKLF founder's supreme sacrifices and his unwavering struggle Bhat said that no one would be allowed to ignore or betray the supreme sacrifices rendered by Quaid-e-Inqilab Ammanulah Khan, Shaheed Maqbool Bhat, Ishfaq Majeed Wani and thousands of Kashmiri martyrs. He said that the deceased leader's years-long struggle and the guiding principles were not only the beacon of light for all but a key to success.

 

The participants of the meeting expressed their gratitude to prime minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif and others who condoled the demise of  JKLF founder. They also thanked the former PaK premier Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan for his presence at all occasions right from JKLF co-founder's funeral prayers at Rawalpindi to his interment in Gilgit.

 

According to Front spokesman some important decisions were taken in the meeting that included the construction of a tomb at JKLF founder's grave in Gilgit, constructing wall of honour in Muzaffarabad, holding a condolence reference in Islamabad and publishing a pamphlet that would give a brief account of Khan's years long struggle and his indomitable role in the ongoing struggle.

 

A four member committee has been constituted that has been assigned the task to make necessary arrangements regarding the condolence reference being held on 23 May. The meeting also hailed Manzoor Ahmed Khan for serving JKLF supreme head selfless for more than 26 years.

 

The JKLF leaders offered Fateh for the departed soul of Ammanullah Khan and prayed for good health and early recovery of its ailing chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik.