Gagging Media Condemnable
The restriction imposed on Gk by seizing its copies out side press is highly condemnable. Impositions of such acts are tantamount to muzzle the right of expression and right to information. While media is allowed to do its professional duties in war zones but here in Kashmir the authorities have resorted to such cheap tactics to keep people uninformed about the happenings around which is futile. These unjust steps like imposing curfews, using brute force on peaceful protests, gagging media (print and electronic) have boomerang effect as it alienates people more and more and the credibility of the government( which is already low) gets eroded.
Such acts of suppression and oppression will not deter the freedom loving people of Kashmir to get swayed away from their cherished goal of independence. These acts only speaks the frustration of oppressor and these arm twisting methods are tantamount to moral defeat as these are last tools in the hands of suppressors of humanity and freedom. History teaches us that they at last have to eat a humble pie and bow down before the popular sentiments of people fighting for the liberation of their motherland.
Such acts of suppression and oppression will not deter the freedom loving people of Kashmir to get swayed away from their cherished goal of independence. These acts only speaks the frustration of oppressor and these arm twisting methods are tantamount to moral defeat as these are last tools in the hands of suppressors of humanity and freedom. History teaches us that they at last have to eat a humble pie and bow down before the popular sentiments of people fighting for the liberation of their motherland.
Betrayals and Perfidy by N.C.
Now former Chief Minister and N.C patron Farooq Abdullah says that by marches, rallies and protests India won’t leave Kashmir and elections will be held even if there will be just 5% voter turnout. This reflects his mental bankruptcy. When Kashmir was burning and Indian security forces let loosed reign of terror to suppress the mass agitation here he was busy in New Delhi to give his recommendations to Delhi Darbar how to quell this revolt in dream of taking the puppet chair of C.M by keeping Delhi in good humour and he was first to stamp his approval on agreement reached between samiti and govt which A.G.Norrani (prominent lawyer) described worse than that of may order. He has shown that he is only after power and can go to any extent for that. It was he who only few months ago had alleged that under a conspiracy discrimination is meted out and some vested interests are trying to destabilize integrity of J&K. It is a well known fact that Kashmir and its people are discriminated in every sphere. We have witnessed stark contrast how establishment treated rioters in Jammu as blue eyed boys and is displaying iron fist while dealing with people here. Be it mobile companies who have large customer base in Kashmir and earn more from this here but still they are shifting from here to Jammu leaving employees and others working in these companies in lurch, in employment as in education department in health department in administration Kashmiri Muslims who are in majority by population have been turned in minority in every department with an specific purpose of leaving them behind and on mercy of others. In power sector nothing is hidden India has stretched claws over this sector and robbed us from this main resource and in development works Kashmir is far behind due to biased bureaucracy. Even when both regions of our state were boiling with anger secretly funds were transferred for different schemes to Jammu region. This injustice and divide is breaded to keep us disunited lot and to keep us away from raising unanimously voice for our birth right i.e. freedom.
All this is done with full command and patronage from Delhi darbar to which N.C and particularly its Patron Dr. Farooq has been so loyal. He and NC were issuing statements earlier in sympathy of Kashmiris just to gain credibility among masses which has suffered severe dent due to its anti-People and pro-Delhi policies. Firstly his father made blunders after blunder; he parted away from Muslim Conference at the behest of Indian National Congress in 1938 and when Kashmir was about to be free from Dogra rule he throwed us straight in to frying pan of Indian chokehold. After the launching of plebiscite Front the biggest mistake Sheikh Abdullah made was that he broke the fountain of resistance i.e. plebiscite front to which every one was associated. That is why we see today number of parties and more leaders than followers. If he was tired of struggle he should have bid adieu to politics and led normal life without breaking front. The nature of Kashmir dispute would have itself forced India to address this dispute. Had it been so people of Kashmir would have still high regard and respect for him but he left ship midway and took complete U turn and betrayed movement. Even his opponents felt disgrace for the post for which he left every thing behind. He was downsized as CM from P.M of Kashmir and got nothing from Delhi to sell that to people for surrendering his two decade struggle for Plebiscite. His son Farooq Abdullah, who publicly declared his commitment to the cause of independent Kashmir and even attended convention at Mirpur, ditched movement and stabbed his friend Maqbool Bhat by signing the black warrant of his death sentence for the puppet chair of C.M. Still when he struck deal with Rajeev Gandhi in 1986, before joining office he along with his full cabinet went straight to Delhi to get their masters ‘ashirwaad’ and praised same Jagmohan who destabilized his government in 1984.
So it was mere show to quit the chair in 1990 on the pretext that he can’t work with a person who destabilized his government in 1984. He quit as he was not feeling comfortable with the chair, which he got through massive rigging by which he became so unpopular that he was not allowed even to offer Nimaz at Eidgah, because of armed struggle was in full boom then and N.C workers and leaders were feeling threatened here as they had received ultimatum of leaving this party or face dire consequences. Dr. Farooq tried his level best to frighten people and advised people not to support armed struggle, on 7th may 1989 while addressing people he said “police would raze your houses, ransack your homes, break open your shops and even subject your womenfolk to molestation if you are found assisting terrorists”. But it didn’t work as sentiment of freedom is deep rooted in the hearts and minds of people, still his son Omer Abdullah believes it was ‘enforced mass uprising’.
After the ruthless aggression of Indian security forces which had launched many brutal operations against armed guerrillas and local people here such as operation eagle, operation tiger, operation catch and kill, which they are still following, real face of Indian democracy got exposed and New Delhi was thinking of some face saving mechanism and they needed someone to participate in their bogus elections. Again N.C betrayed trust of people in 1996 and joined election chorus to provide much needed relief to Delhi and thrown their demand of autonomy before joining elections to winds. Killers, looters, dacoits, burglars such as Papa Kishtawari, kuka parray, Javed Ikhwani and many others were given patronage by this party and let loosed a reign of terror to suppress the movement. Dreaded Special Task Force (S.T.F) mostly comprising of surrendered militants and other anti-social elements was created and given free hand to commit crimes against humanity.
Human rights abuses by Indian security forces have reached to alarming proportions.Who advocated bombarding of neighbouring country to ‘finish training camps’? Who revolted against Hizbs dialogue with centre? Who was first to implement draconian act POTA when it was still an ordinance? It was he who used to call Hurriyat Conference as “bunch of seven jokers”. His son, who has learned this art of gimmickry, foul play and fraud well as he has received it through hierarchy said one thing in parliament and now says that Azadi or accession is not viable. When he was minister at union level he never uttered a single word against New Delhi over its policy on Kashmir. Their lust for power never allowed them to part away from alliance at centre with N.D.A, even when their autonomy resolution, not bill which they could have easily passed in assembly, was thrown in to dust bin even without any debate on it, actually autonomy as solution of Kashmir failed when on 9th august 1953 ‘P.M’ Sheikh Abdullah was arrested by a police constable from Gulmarg and putted behind bars, and when muslims in Gujarat were brutally butchered by sangh parivar.
The revelations made by L.K.Advani in his auto-biography ‘My Country My Life’ that Abdullahs preferred power over autonomy was already known to people of Kashmir. And now their utterance that ‘centre has no option but to restore states autonomy’ is sheer rhetoric and nothing else. Whom Farooq Abdullah tries to fool perhaps to himself as people’s memory is not that too short.
All this is done with full command and patronage from Delhi darbar to which N.C and particularly its Patron Dr. Farooq has been so loyal. He and NC were issuing statements earlier in sympathy of Kashmiris just to gain credibility among masses which has suffered severe dent due to its anti-People and pro-Delhi policies. Firstly his father made blunders after blunder; he parted away from Muslim Conference at the behest of Indian National Congress in 1938 and when Kashmir was about to be free from Dogra rule he throwed us straight in to frying pan of Indian chokehold. After the launching of plebiscite Front the biggest mistake Sheikh Abdullah made was that he broke the fountain of resistance i.e. plebiscite front to which every one was associated. That is why we see today number of parties and more leaders than followers. If he was tired of struggle he should have bid adieu to politics and led normal life without breaking front. The nature of Kashmir dispute would have itself forced India to address this dispute. Had it been so people of Kashmir would have still high regard and respect for him but he left ship midway and took complete U turn and betrayed movement. Even his opponents felt disgrace for the post for which he left every thing behind. He was downsized as CM from P.M of Kashmir and got nothing from Delhi to sell that to people for surrendering his two decade struggle for Plebiscite. His son Farooq Abdullah, who publicly declared his commitment to the cause of independent Kashmir and even attended convention at Mirpur, ditched movement and stabbed his friend Maqbool Bhat by signing the black warrant of his death sentence for the puppet chair of C.M. Still when he struck deal with Rajeev Gandhi in 1986, before joining office he along with his full cabinet went straight to Delhi to get their masters ‘ashirwaad’ and praised same Jagmohan who destabilized his government in 1984.
So it was mere show to quit the chair in 1990 on the pretext that he can’t work with a person who destabilized his government in 1984. He quit as he was not feeling comfortable with the chair, which he got through massive rigging by which he became so unpopular that he was not allowed even to offer Nimaz at Eidgah, because of armed struggle was in full boom then and N.C workers and leaders were feeling threatened here as they had received ultimatum of leaving this party or face dire consequences. Dr. Farooq tried his level best to frighten people and advised people not to support armed struggle, on 7th may 1989 while addressing people he said “police would raze your houses, ransack your homes, break open your shops and even subject your womenfolk to molestation if you are found assisting terrorists”. But it didn’t work as sentiment of freedom is deep rooted in the hearts and minds of people, still his son Omer Abdullah believes it was ‘enforced mass uprising’.
After the ruthless aggression of Indian security forces which had launched many brutal operations against armed guerrillas and local people here such as operation eagle, operation tiger, operation catch and kill, which they are still following, real face of Indian democracy got exposed and New Delhi was thinking of some face saving mechanism and they needed someone to participate in their bogus elections. Again N.C betrayed trust of people in 1996 and joined election chorus to provide much needed relief to Delhi and thrown their demand of autonomy before joining elections to winds. Killers, looters, dacoits, burglars such as Papa Kishtawari, kuka parray, Javed Ikhwani and many others were given patronage by this party and let loosed a reign of terror to suppress the movement. Dreaded Special Task Force (S.T.F) mostly comprising of surrendered militants and other anti-social elements was created and given free hand to commit crimes against humanity.
Human rights abuses by Indian security forces have reached to alarming proportions.Who advocated bombarding of neighbouring country to ‘finish training camps’? Who revolted against Hizbs dialogue with centre? Who was first to implement draconian act POTA when it was still an ordinance? It was he who used to call Hurriyat Conference as “bunch of seven jokers”. His son, who has learned this art of gimmickry, foul play and fraud well as he has received it through hierarchy said one thing in parliament and now says that Azadi or accession is not viable. When he was minister at union level he never uttered a single word against New Delhi over its policy on Kashmir. Their lust for power never allowed them to part away from alliance at centre with N.D.A, even when their autonomy resolution, not bill which they could have easily passed in assembly, was thrown in to dust bin even without any debate on it, actually autonomy as solution of Kashmir failed when on 9th august 1953 ‘P.M’ Sheikh Abdullah was arrested by a police constable from Gulmarg and putted behind bars, and when muslims in Gujarat were brutally butchered by sangh parivar.
The revelations made by L.K.Advani in his auto-biography ‘My Country My Life’ that Abdullahs preferred power over autonomy was already known to people of Kashmir. And now their utterance that ‘centre has no option but to restore states autonomy’ is sheer rhetoric and nothing else. Whom Farooq Abdullah tries to fool perhaps to himself as people’s memory is not that too short.
tag : National conference
Leadership People and Strategy.
This refers to the interview given by many senior pro-freedom leaders. One thing was common in them after reading their viewpoint that is they all believed that we don’t have a sound and workable strategy which is necessary for any success. But one fails to understand that to whom they are talking, they are executive council members of APHC (where decisions are taken) and top most leaders. If they think we don’t have any strategy why don’t they apply mind and formulate any workable strategy. If things are out of their control then who calls shots? We can’t deny when they say dispute can be solved through meaningful talks only. It is understood that ultimately this dispute has to be solved through tripartite talks and on the negotiation table neither India can take away whole Kashmir nor Pakistan. And Kashmiris won’t accept any solution reached at only between these two, which negates their national aspirations.
Both “mainstream” and pro-freedom leaders have failed to read and understand the mind of common Kashmiri. Though in the two phases of elections there was good voter turn out but people didn’t voted against the basic spirit of freedom. Just few months ago our leadership was so pessimistic that they were almost thinking of retreat. And over-buyed with this thinking of no repercussion “mainstream” leaders putted our land on sale. Then what followed was totally unexpected for “mainstream” leadership. People in millions came on streets and showed what was brewing in their heart and mind and totally rejected this set of leadership because they have sold their consciousness and honour of nation before their masters sitting at New Delhi and regarding future of Kashmir neither they have any role nor people trust them in this regard, but our pro-freedom leaders only joined this without any strategy, which is now accepted by them also. Apart from hartals they couldn’t deliver anything. Even when entire nation was feeling that it is the time to stand on our own our leaders were still looking to across for support. If Pakistan can think of reprieve by overlooking Kashmir dispute and our aspirations by calling our fighters as ‘terrorists’ and liberators as and when it suits them to concentrate on other issues she is facing, people here also have right to think of having some relief and look for better education, healthcare and roads without compromising stand on national independence.
During polls it was reported that at many places “mainstream” parties took advantage of economic condition of people by distributing blankets and other things in lieu of votes. But question arises who is pushing them to such an extent. During land transfer and economic blockade about 70 people gave their blood and our leaders paid only lip service rather than doing something needy to their families. An old woman hajira, who sacrificed her 4 sons to the ongoing movement and whose husband died of multiple organ failure is left unattended in city hospital here. We have no mechanism here to reach to the victims and kith and kin of our martyrs, which otherwise is our moral and national duty.
Both “mainstream” and pro-freedom leaders have failed to read and understand the mind of common Kashmiri. Though in the two phases of elections there was good voter turn out but people didn’t voted against the basic spirit of freedom. Just few months ago our leadership was so pessimistic that they were almost thinking of retreat. And over-buyed with this thinking of no repercussion “mainstream” leaders putted our land on sale. Then what followed was totally unexpected for “mainstream” leadership. People in millions came on streets and showed what was brewing in their heart and mind and totally rejected this set of leadership because they have sold their consciousness and honour of nation before their masters sitting at New Delhi and regarding future of Kashmir neither they have any role nor people trust them in this regard, but our pro-freedom leaders only joined this without any strategy, which is now accepted by them also. Apart from hartals they couldn’t deliver anything. Even when entire nation was feeling that it is the time to stand on our own our leaders were still looking to across for support. If Pakistan can think of reprieve by overlooking Kashmir dispute and our aspirations by calling our fighters as ‘terrorists’ and liberators as and when it suits them to concentrate on other issues she is facing, people here also have right to think of having some relief and look for better education, healthcare and roads without compromising stand on national independence.
During polls it was reported that at many places “mainstream” parties took advantage of economic condition of people by distributing blankets and other things in lieu of votes. But question arises who is pushing them to such an extent. During land transfer and economic blockade about 70 people gave their blood and our leaders paid only lip service rather than doing something needy to their families. An old woman hajira, who sacrificed her 4 sons to the ongoing movement and whose husband died of multiple organ failure is left unattended in city hospital here. We have no mechanism here to reach to the victims and kith and kin of our martyrs, which otherwise is our moral and national duty.
Maqbool butt had a dream
Twenty two years on, since Kashmir’s first dreamer for an independent Kashmir was sent to the gallows, his dream, his prophecy and his legacy lives on
While the political scene on both side of Kashmir changed dramatically after that fateful February day in 1984 - when Kashmir’s little known revolutionary was hanged in India, his hanging changed the fate and fortunes of Kashmir. That momentous change which evolved into an armed revolution has meant that the issue of Kashmir is not going to be brushed under the carpet until his mission is complete. He is now known as the Shaheed-e-Azam, ‘father of the nation’. He has become an icon for countless political groups both within and outside the vale of Kashmir.
11 February is being commemorated as Maqbool Bhat’s 22nd death anniversary. On this day the scene was set to make a modern day legend for Kashmir. On this day Kashmiris remember their hero with honors and pride. Kashmiri nationalist groups, on both sides of the dreaded line of control and all over the world, remember him well but his adversaries who had hoped that he would be forgotten with the passage of time wish their nightmare was over. Born after his death, young men of age 22 who have grown up with the only undisputed name in Kashmir’s turbulent history are not likely to forget his dream and his mission. That name will live on for centuries to come.
It was well after his hanging in February 1984 that politically disillusioned and desperately dispassionate young men began to walk down the never ending road to sacrifices. That emotionally charged and compassionately fuelled armed conflict, which later became symbol of liberty for JKLF and was referred to by Indians as ‘fanaticism’ - of the kind never witnessed in the recorded history of Kashmir – was in fact Maqbool Bhat’s path for liberation of his homeland. He is thus called the real architect of that innovative and dangerous dimension to the conflict – the armed revolution.
Kashmiris call it a freedom fight. The freedom fighters of Kashmir have gone on to make new history. Centuries of injustices, decades of political subterfuge and years of incarceration finally reached saturation point. One martyr proved enough for Kashmir to set alight its unique history and an entire era of peaceful struggle into violent uprising that continues to haunt both New Delhi and Islamabad with dangerous connotations for the entire region.
Dozens of books, newspaper articles and research documents have been written on the subject seeking to establish the root cause of change in Kashmiri ethos. Every year on this day, we are reminded of the root cause and the reasons. The reason lies in an obscure grave in New Delhi’s back yard – the Tihar Jail, and lives in Kashmiri hearts.
He will remain a symbol of real strength and mark of respect in a dynamically changing but forcibly divided Kashmir. He was controversial in his time. He laid down his life in controversy but 22 years are a convincing account of the fact that his words should have been listened to more carefully with due attention. Those who labeled him as an enemy agent in Pakistan and those in India who regarded him as a dreaded terrorist with a mission from Pakistan now hang their head in shame.
At the time, in Kashmir, very few knew the truth about him. After his death, everyone (both in India and Pakistan as well as in Kashmir) wanted to know the truth. The truth, which had long become a casualty in the Kashmir saga in terms of India-Pakistan politics of deceit and war of words over who should rule his homeland, is still a rare commodity. Both the governments spend millions to simply fund those who play a role in disguising the truth to the benefit of one or the other. Truth is fiercely suppressed in Kashmir as ever.
Is India really so much frightened of the truth that they refuse to handover his mortal remains after 22 years of his death? What then is the explanation for this refusal and why desecrate his grave? Why then the most liberal and unorthodox writers of India have not set out to discover the truth as yet? Many Indians who have taken the trouble to write on the issue of Kashmir post-1990 have conveniently ignored the entire chapter except for passing references to Maqbool Bhat – with the exception of a couple of rediff.com stories The valley based newspapers (and some in Rawalpindi - circulated in Azad Kashmir) have been publishing special numbers on his death anniversary but other popular papers in Jammu-Kashmir and in India and Pakistan are yet to come to terms with the fact that this was an extraordinary man who had a vision for the future of Kashmir.
His ideas clearly clashed with the official view regarding the future of Jammu-Kashmir. It is not surprising that attempts have been made to undermine his image and popularity within the official circles. He wanted independence. He saw independence for Jammu-Kashmir as the only solution.
The fact that he consciously chose to lead his political life on a collision course with the establishment of the day which consequently brought him closer to death is a testimony of his integrity that makes him stand above the rest of the martyrs of Kashmir.
He is still buried in Tihar jail but continues to command his people in the streets of Srinagar to Sopore, from Muzafarbad to Mirpur. He has achieved after his death what he could not achieve during his life but the banner waving and placard carriers of Kashmir’s younger generations need to comprehend his message and unravel his approach against today’s intriguing complexities.
He is likely to continue to command respect and prestige in the ranks of Kashmiri freedom fighters and independence campaigners for many years to come but the JKLF and other Kashmiri nationalist groups, which espouse to follow in his name have got to put up a united front against the diversion of road maps, increasingly paralyzing peace formulae and hegemonistic designs to divide and rule Jammu-Kashmir for ever.
The writer is a university lecturer and a former General Secretary of the JKLF in UK and can be reached by email a.khan@leedsmet.ac.uk
While the political scene on both side of Kashmir changed dramatically after that fateful February day in 1984 - when Kashmir’s little known revolutionary was hanged in India, his hanging changed the fate and fortunes of Kashmir. That momentous change which evolved into an armed revolution has meant that the issue of Kashmir is not going to be brushed under the carpet until his mission is complete. He is now known as the Shaheed-e-Azam, ‘father of the nation’. He has become an icon for countless political groups both within and outside the vale of Kashmir.
11 February is being commemorated as Maqbool Bhat’s 22nd death anniversary. On this day the scene was set to make a modern day legend for Kashmir. On this day Kashmiris remember their hero with honors and pride. Kashmiri nationalist groups, on both sides of the dreaded line of control and all over the world, remember him well but his adversaries who had hoped that he would be forgotten with the passage of time wish their nightmare was over. Born after his death, young men of age 22 who have grown up with the only undisputed name in Kashmir’s turbulent history are not likely to forget his dream and his mission. That name will live on for centuries to come.
It was well after his hanging in February 1984 that politically disillusioned and desperately dispassionate young men began to walk down the never ending road to sacrifices. That emotionally charged and compassionately fuelled armed conflict, which later became symbol of liberty for JKLF and was referred to by Indians as ‘fanaticism’ - of the kind never witnessed in the recorded history of Kashmir – was in fact Maqbool Bhat’s path for liberation of his homeland. He is thus called the real architect of that innovative and dangerous dimension to the conflict – the armed revolution.
Kashmiris call it a freedom fight. The freedom fighters of Kashmir have gone on to make new history. Centuries of injustices, decades of political subterfuge and years of incarceration finally reached saturation point. One martyr proved enough for Kashmir to set alight its unique history and an entire era of peaceful struggle into violent uprising that continues to haunt both New Delhi and Islamabad with dangerous connotations for the entire region.
Dozens of books, newspaper articles and research documents have been written on the subject seeking to establish the root cause of change in Kashmiri ethos. Every year on this day, we are reminded of the root cause and the reasons. The reason lies in an obscure grave in New Delhi’s back yard – the Tihar Jail, and lives in Kashmiri hearts.
He will remain a symbol of real strength and mark of respect in a dynamically changing but forcibly divided Kashmir. He was controversial in his time. He laid down his life in controversy but 22 years are a convincing account of the fact that his words should have been listened to more carefully with due attention. Those who labeled him as an enemy agent in Pakistan and those in India who regarded him as a dreaded terrorist with a mission from Pakistan now hang their head in shame.
At the time, in Kashmir, very few knew the truth about him. After his death, everyone (both in India and Pakistan as well as in Kashmir) wanted to know the truth. The truth, which had long become a casualty in the Kashmir saga in terms of India-Pakistan politics of deceit and war of words over who should rule his homeland, is still a rare commodity. Both the governments spend millions to simply fund those who play a role in disguising the truth to the benefit of one or the other. Truth is fiercely suppressed in Kashmir as ever.
Is India really so much frightened of the truth that they refuse to handover his mortal remains after 22 years of his death? What then is the explanation for this refusal and why desecrate his grave? Why then the most liberal and unorthodox writers of India have not set out to discover the truth as yet? Many Indians who have taken the trouble to write on the issue of Kashmir post-1990 have conveniently ignored the entire chapter except for passing references to Maqbool Bhat – with the exception of a couple of rediff.com stories The valley based newspapers (and some in Rawalpindi - circulated in Azad Kashmir) have been publishing special numbers on his death anniversary but other popular papers in Jammu-Kashmir and in India and Pakistan are yet to come to terms with the fact that this was an extraordinary man who had a vision for the future of Kashmir.
His ideas clearly clashed with the official view regarding the future of Jammu-Kashmir. It is not surprising that attempts have been made to undermine his image and popularity within the official circles. He wanted independence. He saw independence for Jammu-Kashmir as the only solution.
The fact that he consciously chose to lead his political life on a collision course with the establishment of the day which consequently brought him closer to death is a testimony of his integrity that makes him stand above the rest of the martyrs of Kashmir.
He is still buried in Tihar jail but continues to command his people in the streets of Srinagar to Sopore, from Muzafarbad to Mirpur. He has achieved after his death what he could not achieve during his life but the banner waving and placard carriers of Kashmir’s younger generations need to comprehend his message and unravel his approach against today’s intriguing complexities.
He is likely to continue to command respect and prestige in the ranks of Kashmiri freedom fighters and independence campaigners for many years to come but the JKLF and other Kashmiri nationalist groups, which espouse to follow in his name have got to put up a united front against the diversion of road maps, increasingly paralyzing peace formulae and hegemonistic designs to divide and rule Jammu-Kashmir for ever.
The writer is a university lecturer and a former General Secretary of the JKLF in UK and can be reached by email a.khan@leedsmet.ac.uk
Azad Republic Kashmir day
Following text has been read in conference held at Birmingham London on 4th October 2008 in connection with Azad Kashmir Republic day. The day on which first free Kashmir government was formed.
Kashmir is a powder keg, nuclear flash point in south Asia. This dispute has consumed more than 5 lakh lives only from 1947. Kashmir which is having 5000 year old history was an independent country till it lost it’s sovereignty at the hands of Mughals on 1585 A.D. There after Mughals came Afghans then Sikhs then Dogras. Kashmiri peoples struggle for emancipation of their rights became full fledged and organized movement after the massacre of 23 Kashmiris by the brutal Dogra Army. The real trouble began when on June 4, 1947 Lord Mountbatten brought plan for partition of India called Indian Partition act 1947. According to this act area comprising of Muslim majority will constitute a new country Pakistan and rest areas having non-Muslim majority will remain as India. But this act was applicable only for British India not for princely states which were near about 564 and were under indirect control of British. These 564 states were given choice either to choose to remain Independent or join any one of the two dominions in keeping two things under consideration first, majority of subjects whether Muslim or non-Muslim and second continuity of their states borders. As for as Kashmir is concerned it was a princely state and was having 85% Muslims and its border has continuity more with Pakistan than with India so there were only two options before Maharaja of Kashmir either he should have declared Independence or announced to accession with Pakistan. But Maharaja under a well knotted conspiracy removed R.C.Kak (then prime minister of Kashmir) and appointed Mehr chend for this slot who was a Hindu from Punjab and also a nominee of congress, bcoz the former one held meetings with the Pakistani leadership as well regarding the future of Kashmir and was known as man of integrity. Later maharaja also removed Muslim servicemen from his police and army removing any iota of doubts what he was planning to do. Maharaja was facing revolt in Poonch against imposing high taxes and this became a popular uprising against his ill motivated plan and he almost lost writ on Kashmir. Later on 4th October Khawaja Ghulam Nabi Gilkar formed first free Government of Kashmir. During these days and mostly during November 4th, 5th, and 6th 3 lakh Muslims were butchered by Dogra army with the active help of Rss and other chauvinist communal forces in Jammu which had already spread in many parts of Jammu. About 5 lakh Muslims had to flee leaving their every thing behind. This all was done so that atleast Jammu should remain with India if plebiscite will be held on the regional basis. There after the ceasefire between India and Pakistan this dispute went to UN which passed resolutions and rest is history.
Since then movement for right to self determination is going on through many phases and in this connection we have formed a group in srinagar under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir Tehreeki Azadi consisting of youth with passion and burning desire to see this dispute get solved once and for all and we stood by complete Independence of Kashmir. we are acting as a young think tank and work in volatile and hard conditions in this disputed region and have understanding with Kashmir Workers Association (UK) which is at initial stage and hopefully will grow in to an powerful alliance because we both are trying to follow the vision and mission and path laid down By Shaheed Maqbool Bhat (A.R) and we will like to have alliance with all other like minded resistance forces in this regard We express our gratitude and solidarity with Kashmir Workers Association (UK) which are working on an important front of our Struggle i.e. diplomatic front and we will Insha-Allah work with them for the emancipation of our cherished dream of Independence.
Notwithstanding the sanctity of the UN resolutions regarding Kashmir the two major parties to the conflict, India and Pakistan, do not appear to be in a mood to honor these resolutions; and this is happening at the cost of solace and tranquility of besieged and beleaguered Kashmiris. Further dereliction on Kashmir front will be tantamount to inviting more trouble in Kashmir in particular and the subcontinent in general. In the backdrop of the growing trend of violence and anarchy all over the globe- with special reference to Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Assam- it is not advisable to perpetuate the state of uncertainty in Kashmir because the western powers have already declared that Kashmir is a nuclear flashpoint and a fuse in the tinder- box of Asia. Kashmiris are by nature peace loving. Unfortunately India and Pakistan while adhering to their ego-centric stand and stance vis-à-vis Kashmir are literally pushing this heroic and struggling nation to the wall. Three generations have already struggled hard for achieving their right to self determination. Indian intransigence and obduracy is a major hurdle in the peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue. How far is it expedient for the two responsible democracies of south Asia, India and Pakistan to victimize Kashmiris without any respite and reprieve? The younger generation which was forced to resort to violence in early nineties has come of age now and is seriously thinking about a political peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue.
Indian policy of gaining time so as to consolidate its position in Kashmir has made situation worse where the future of whole south Asia hinges on the prospect of Kashmir dispute. People of Kashmir have once again shown that they wont rest until they are given their birth right i.e. unfettered right of self determination. The use of brute force by Indian security forces on the people here won’t cow-down Kashmiris. People of Kashmir would never allow the nefarious and evil plan of saffron brigade to ‘nationalize’ the entire route leading to Amaranth cave and carving out separate Hindu enclaves to succeed and will scuttle their vicious game plan as people here are very sensitive with regarding to land. The agitation of Jammu has made it abundantly clear that Kashmir valley, Doda, Poonch, Rajouri, Gool-gulabgarh and Pak administered Kashmir are real sufferers and hence these areas constitute war affected areas. While rest of areas can afford to wait but the people of war affected areas won’t accept status quo.
It is understood that ultimately this dispute has to be solved through tripartite talks and on negotiation table neither India can take away whole Kashmir nor Pakistan can take it away. And Kashmiris won’t accept any solution reached only between these two which negates their aspirations. So best solution is that both countries cease claim on their respective parts of Kashmir and allow it to get united and emerge as an Independent nation.
On other side of Kashmir situation is not as green as appears to be. To take part in elections one should have affidavit, taking oath of allegiance for Kashmir’s accession with Pakistan, which belies Pakistan’s claim of unconditional support for Kashmir cause. The people of this side of Kashmir particularly youth are more interested in doing business overseas rather than in liberation movement and its leadership has paid only lip service and done almost nothing practical Rather than those sycophants who talk of interim solution and advice to forget permanent solution as according to them independence is not possible even after 100 years, true freedom fighters and revolutionaries should form government there. Who will channelise resources for liberation movement and highlight it in its right perspective besides this will justify its name as ‘base camp’. If Pakistan says P.A.K as ‘Azad Kashmir’ then it should accept it as ‘Azad’ as well which compel India to come clean on Kashmir issue. If movement is of ours then its remote control should also be in our hands as it is we who have to do what is to be done.
The total area of Jammu Kashmir is about 84000 sq miles which is more than individual 93 independent countries and has population more than that of 125 independent countries of the world. We have so much of economic potential if used in better way we will be even able to give aid to other countries. Kashmir has tremendous water resource by which we will be able to generate hydro-electricity on large scale which can be exported to our neighboring countries, alone through this we can become rich state. Kashmir is world famous tourist spot with fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty which can attract thousands of elite tourists who can spend thousands and lakhs and we will be able to earn billions of foreign exchange. Natural herbs are found in abundance in Kashmir and we can use them to make hundreds of medicines and it can prove big source of income. There is tons of waste wood in the forests of Kashmir which is not used and their quantity is increasing, this can be tapped and taken out to make paper for printing and for other uses we can setup hundreds of paper factories here. Fruit, timber, minerals and handicrafts of Kashmir are famous all over the world and can prove big asset for our economy. There are thousands of doctors, engineers and other professionals on both sides of C.F.L working in different countries and earning tens of billions in foreign exchange. Within short period of time we will be great economic powerful country than rest of our neighbors.
People of Kashmir have shown in different international polls that overwhelming majority is with Independent Kashmir. And to the satisfaction of India and Pakistan we say let Kashmiris decide themselves their fate whether they want to remain Independent or accede to India or with Pakistan. It can act as buffer state between India and Pakistan only if better sense prevails over both countries. I will conclude by the saying of Maqbool Bhat Shaheed (R.A) “meray watan key ufaq par Azadi ka suraj toulo ho kar rahega”.
At last I once again on the behalf of my party express my sincere thanks and solidarity with Kashmir Workers Association (UK) for providing me this unique opportunity to present my views before this august audience.
Kashmir is a powder keg, nuclear flash point in south Asia. This dispute has consumed more than 5 lakh lives only from 1947. Kashmir which is having 5000 year old history was an independent country till it lost it’s sovereignty at the hands of Mughals on 1585 A.D. There after Mughals came Afghans then Sikhs then Dogras. Kashmiri peoples struggle for emancipation of their rights became full fledged and organized movement after the massacre of 23 Kashmiris by the brutal Dogra Army. The real trouble began when on June 4, 1947 Lord Mountbatten brought plan for partition of India called Indian Partition act 1947. According to this act area comprising of Muslim majority will constitute a new country Pakistan and rest areas having non-Muslim majority will remain as India. But this act was applicable only for British India not for princely states which were near about 564 and were under indirect control of British. These 564 states were given choice either to choose to remain Independent or join any one of the two dominions in keeping two things under consideration first, majority of subjects whether Muslim or non-Muslim and second continuity of their states borders. As for as Kashmir is concerned it was a princely state and was having 85% Muslims and its border has continuity more with Pakistan than with India so there were only two options before Maharaja of Kashmir either he should have declared Independence or announced to accession with Pakistan. But Maharaja under a well knotted conspiracy removed R.C.Kak (then prime minister of Kashmir) and appointed Mehr chend for this slot who was a Hindu from Punjab and also a nominee of congress, bcoz the former one held meetings with the Pakistani leadership as well regarding the future of Kashmir and was known as man of integrity. Later maharaja also removed Muslim servicemen from his police and army removing any iota of doubts what he was planning to do. Maharaja was facing revolt in Poonch against imposing high taxes and this became a popular uprising against his ill motivated plan and he almost lost writ on Kashmir. Later on 4th October Khawaja Ghulam Nabi Gilkar formed first free Government of Kashmir. During these days and mostly during November 4th, 5th, and 6th 3 lakh Muslims were butchered by Dogra army with the active help of Rss and other chauvinist communal forces in Jammu which had already spread in many parts of Jammu. About 5 lakh Muslims had to flee leaving their every thing behind. This all was done so that atleast Jammu should remain with India if plebiscite will be held on the regional basis. There after the ceasefire between India and Pakistan this dispute went to UN which passed resolutions and rest is history.
Since then movement for right to self determination is going on through many phases and in this connection we have formed a group in srinagar under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir Tehreeki Azadi consisting of youth with passion and burning desire to see this dispute get solved once and for all and we stood by complete Independence of Kashmir. we are acting as a young think tank and work in volatile and hard conditions in this disputed region and have understanding with Kashmir Workers Association (UK) which is at initial stage and hopefully will grow in to an powerful alliance because we both are trying to follow the vision and mission and path laid down By Shaheed Maqbool Bhat (A.R) and we will like to have alliance with all other like minded resistance forces in this regard We express our gratitude and solidarity with Kashmir Workers Association (UK) which are working on an important front of our Struggle i.e. diplomatic front and we will Insha-Allah work with them for the emancipation of our cherished dream of Independence.
Notwithstanding the sanctity of the UN resolutions regarding Kashmir the two major parties to the conflict, India and Pakistan, do not appear to be in a mood to honor these resolutions; and this is happening at the cost of solace and tranquility of besieged and beleaguered Kashmiris. Further dereliction on Kashmir front will be tantamount to inviting more trouble in Kashmir in particular and the subcontinent in general. In the backdrop of the growing trend of violence and anarchy all over the globe- with special reference to Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Assam- it is not advisable to perpetuate the state of uncertainty in Kashmir because the western powers have already declared that Kashmir is a nuclear flashpoint and a fuse in the tinder- box of Asia. Kashmiris are by nature peace loving. Unfortunately India and Pakistan while adhering to their ego-centric stand and stance vis-à-vis Kashmir are literally pushing this heroic and struggling nation to the wall. Three generations have already struggled hard for achieving their right to self determination. Indian intransigence and obduracy is a major hurdle in the peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue. How far is it expedient for the two responsible democracies of south Asia, India and Pakistan to victimize Kashmiris without any respite and reprieve? The younger generation which was forced to resort to violence in early nineties has come of age now and is seriously thinking about a political peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue.
Indian policy of gaining time so as to consolidate its position in Kashmir has made situation worse where the future of whole south Asia hinges on the prospect of Kashmir dispute. People of Kashmir have once again shown that they wont rest until they are given their birth right i.e. unfettered right of self determination. The use of brute force by Indian security forces on the people here won’t cow-down Kashmiris. People of Kashmir would never allow the nefarious and evil plan of saffron brigade to ‘nationalize’ the entire route leading to Amaranth cave and carving out separate Hindu enclaves to succeed and will scuttle their vicious game plan as people here are very sensitive with regarding to land. The agitation of Jammu has made it abundantly clear that Kashmir valley, Doda, Poonch, Rajouri, Gool-gulabgarh and Pak administered Kashmir are real sufferers and hence these areas constitute war affected areas. While rest of areas can afford to wait but the people of war affected areas won’t accept status quo.
It is understood that ultimately this dispute has to be solved through tripartite talks and on negotiation table neither India can take away whole Kashmir nor Pakistan can take it away. And Kashmiris won’t accept any solution reached only between these two which negates their aspirations. So best solution is that both countries cease claim on their respective parts of Kashmir and allow it to get united and emerge as an Independent nation.
On other side of Kashmir situation is not as green as appears to be. To take part in elections one should have affidavit, taking oath of allegiance for Kashmir’s accession with Pakistan, which belies Pakistan’s claim of unconditional support for Kashmir cause. The people of this side of Kashmir particularly youth are more interested in doing business overseas rather than in liberation movement and its leadership has paid only lip service and done almost nothing practical Rather than those sycophants who talk of interim solution and advice to forget permanent solution as according to them independence is not possible even after 100 years, true freedom fighters and revolutionaries should form government there. Who will channelise resources for liberation movement and highlight it in its right perspective besides this will justify its name as ‘base camp’. If Pakistan says P.A.K as ‘Azad Kashmir’ then it should accept it as ‘Azad’ as well which compel India to come clean on Kashmir issue. If movement is of ours then its remote control should also be in our hands as it is we who have to do what is to be done.
The total area of Jammu Kashmir is about 84000 sq miles which is more than individual 93 independent countries and has population more than that of 125 independent countries of the world. We have so much of economic potential if used in better way we will be even able to give aid to other countries. Kashmir has tremendous water resource by which we will be able to generate hydro-electricity on large scale which can be exported to our neighboring countries, alone through this we can become rich state. Kashmir is world famous tourist spot with fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty which can attract thousands of elite tourists who can spend thousands and lakhs and we will be able to earn billions of foreign exchange. Natural herbs are found in abundance in Kashmir and we can use them to make hundreds of medicines and it can prove big source of income. There is tons of waste wood in the forests of Kashmir which is not used and their quantity is increasing, this can be tapped and taken out to make paper for printing and for other uses we can setup hundreds of paper factories here. Fruit, timber, minerals and handicrafts of Kashmir are famous all over the world and can prove big asset for our economy. There are thousands of doctors, engineers and other professionals on both sides of C.F.L working in different countries and earning tens of billions in foreign exchange. Within short period of time we will be great economic powerful country than rest of our neighbors.
People of Kashmir have shown in different international polls that overwhelming majority is with Independent Kashmir. And to the satisfaction of India and Pakistan we say let Kashmiris decide themselves their fate whether they want to remain Independent or accede to India or with Pakistan. It can act as buffer state between India and Pakistan only if better sense prevails over both countries. I will conclude by the saying of Maqbool Bhat Shaheed (R.A) “meray watan key ufaq par Azadi ka suraj toulo ho kar rahega”.
At last I once again on the behalf of my party express my sincere thanks and solidarity with Kashmir Workers Association (UK) for providing me this unique opportunity to present my views before this august audience.
