News Kashmir Magazine

Indo-Pak ties in the shadow of Kashmir Fumes

Majid Wali

Pakistan and India, both are having nuclear power and war-head missile technology.
Pakistan is the larger importer of arms and ammunition from China while India heavily imports the arms and ammunition from Russia and America.
In the history of 70 years, both experienced three wars. Therefore, sensitivity of war status on ground borders of two countries keep moving on between weak and strong.
Not only on ground borders, but also on diplomatic international fronts, both countries are having challenging position encountering each other.
Whether the clashes are on military grounds or on diplomatic fronts or on media pitch, the blame game between two nuclear powers is quite common for any act of unpleasantness and adversity of any sort.
Kashmir is a disputed territory, claimed both by India and Pakistan with both countries administering part of the territory.
Since 2015, the Indian security forces are suffering from terrorist attacks and Indian forces are badly targeted by extremists.
In July 2015, three gunmen attacked a bus, and police station in Gurdaspur. Early in 2016, four to six gunmen attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station. In February and June 2016, the militants killed nine and eight security personnel respectively in Pampore. In September 2016, four assailants attacked an Indian Army brigade headquarters in Uri killing 19 soldiers. On 31 December 2017, the Commando Training Centre at Lethpora was also attacked by militants killing five security personnel.
In the series of terrorist hit, Indian forces suffered another deadliest attack in Pulwama, Indian administered Kashmir.
The Central Reserve Police Force is the largest central paramilitary force under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

On 14 February 2019, a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora (near Awantipora) in the Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The attack resulted in the deaths of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and the attacker. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack. Pakistan condemned the attack and denied any connection to it.
Unrest and law order situation triggered in 2016 after India killed a popular militant leader, Burhan Wani. The overbearing protest then, from Kashmiri people was a big smash for Indian authorities.
Again Pulwama attack sparked violence in Indian administered Kashmir that is headed towards confrontation and hard times between India and Pakistan on military as well diplomatic fronts.
Not only ,Muslims of Indian administered Kashmir are suffering from social violence but Muslim students studying in various parts of India have been badly tortured by Hindu extremist communities, Few of educational Institutes announced to prohibit admission’s for Kashmiri students in there Institutes.
Indian media is over exaggerating the pulwama attack causing emotional hype and hysteria in Indian communities against Pakistan.
Media of both countries smashed each other creating psychological differences in between people of both countries.
Following the negative foot prints of pulwama attack, Indian forces responded by creating military confrontation on Pak-India borders particularly on Pakistan administered Kashmir borders and on Sialkot borders.
In continuity to the line of control cross fire, Indian air force attempted to cross Pakistani air space to attack the pre-defined targets but as retaliation, Indian jets were shoot down by Pakistani fighter jets resulting in Indian jet crashed in Pakistan’s territory and jet pilot was captured by Pakistani military.

Later on, as goodwill gesture, Pakistan released and handed over Indian captured pilot to Indian authorities through Wagah border.
The goodwill gesture itself is a pleasant act from Pakistan demonstrating clear intentions to overcome tension between two countries.
Prime Minister Pakistan in his speech delivered a positive message to Indian government that In the context of Pulwama attack Pakistan is ready for any sort of investigation that can address Indian concerns over Pulwama attack.
War and military acts are not a solution to any problem, war results in the destruction of economy, as a result people of both countries suffer the most.
Kashmir dispute should be resolved under the shelter of the United Nations Resolutions and according to the will of people of kashmir so that Pak-India ties can be destined towards peace and positivity.

Showkat Dar & Zubair Ahmad

The Mantra of Proscribing of Jamaat-e-Islamia in Jammu and Kashmir has led to cessation of various Philanthropic activities in the state, Jamaat-e-Islami is a socio-religious political organisation active in Jammu and Kashmir. The Kashmir branch broke away from Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and was founded in 1953. As a matter of fact, this is the third time in its history that Jamaat-e-Islami has beenbanned. In 1990, after militancy broke spread, the organisation was banned for the second time for allegedly encouraging unlawful activities.
The government claimed the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir is in close touch with
militant outfits and supports extremism and militancy.

The move has led to angst and grudge among the Masses. A local Lady from Handwara , Noth Kashmir, wishing anonymity, said, “I am a widow who has three daughters and little son. Jamaat has been taking care of my basic needs from the local Bait-ul-Maal for past Ten years without letting anyone
know about it. Infact one of my daughter was married by the help of Almighty Allah and then after the assistance of this Jammat. This Jamaat ban will make my life difficult. I am asking the government. Who will now take care of me and thousands like me? You were not taking care, that’s why Jamaat was.”
The woman was not the member of the outfit, but was one among the many, who approach Jamaat for financial help, which is provided to them on contingency basis.
“Bait-ul-Maal works like Auqaaf. They are maintained by Jamaat in every locality where they have their units. Funds are donated to Bait-ul-Maal by the members of Jamaat and others who wish to contribute,” said another local.
Meanwhile some Schools were sealed too, as it was being run by JeI. Parents of the children’s are in traumatic situation feeling that what will be the future of their children after this hellish and draconian policy of state.
But later, when the locals protested, the school was reportedly reopened. Locals said that the authorities will keep a check on the curriculum of Jamaat schools, and will take action
accordingly. Another symbol over substance is that Once you close the doors of peaceful activism, you open the door of suicidal response. The people perception sometimes being hypothesis is accurate and true that This mantra is nothing but only Election doldrum of present regime after playing consistently with the lives of kashmir innocent people.
If Narendra Modi has banned Jamaat under an Islamophobic trend and to earn votes of anti-Muslim Hindu constituency in the upcoming parliamentary elections in India, then it is yet another day of sorrow for Republic of India and a dismal repeat of the hanging of Afzal Guru by the Congress Government in 2014.
I would strongly argue for the lifting of the ban on Jamaat on an urgent basis and give Kashmir a breathing space for politics. Bans cannot resolve the Kashmir crisis.Jamaat is neither an
underground organisation, nor is it a terror outfit.
It has been part of the electoral process in the state in1971, 1975, 1977, 1983 and 1987. It is only after mass rigging of elections in 1989 that Jamaat abandoned the electoral process.
Many sane voices acknowledges the gross root network of
social service support system provided by Jamaat-e-Islami, J&K for the victims of conflict, and livelihood to orphans and widows in the state. It offers education through its vast network of schools having over 1, 00, 000 enrolled students.
Jamaat has done a remarkable job after 2005 earth quake and 2014 Kashmir floods, which broke humanitarian crisis in the region.
Incidents of sealing of properties, including residences, have been reported from several areas in Kashmir Several properties, including residential houses belonging to various JeI leaders and activists were sealed in many areas of the city and elsewhere in the Valley.Even the bank accounts of JeI leaders have reportedly been frozen. This has caused panic among the locals in Kashmir who see this move by the Centre as an “assault on the right to religious practice”.

“The sealing of houses and properties is new. The families are literally being thrown out of their homes at night, without any intimation, for no justified reason. And it is shameful and disgraceful. And
naturally, it will cause pain to not only the families, but even to
the locals. People are angry and scared here. They are even apprehensive about revealing the details.

The banning of JeI was informed by a notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs that accused JeI of being “in close touch with militant outfits.” The ban has been condemned by regional political parties, and the Joint Resistance Leadership.
Recently, members and activists of the Joint Resistance Leadership assembled in several places, and raised slogans against the ban. The protestors said that ban on religious organisation
JeI is unacceptable. They also raised issues like release of all political prisoners. Ahead of the ban, a major crackdown was carried on the JeI outfit in the valley. Nearly 150 leaders and activists of the outfit were detained in the nocturnal raids across Kashmir. Sealing of residential houses and schools
violates the basic principles of humanity and demonstrates the
desperation of vested interests after global rejection of their politics of hate, communalism and pernicious designed propaganda.

A former Jamaat chief, wishing anonymity, said, “We have no associations with the militancy. We do religious and welfare work and it is for everyone to see. We don’t work in shadows.
It is a politically motivated decision, and baseless allegations have been levelled. There is no evidence against us. We are peace-loving organisation, and we will take the route of law to challenge our ban. Kashmir is an unresolved political issue and it is the root cause of militancy, not us. Government must avoid measures like banishing that only feed anti-India sentiment in Kashmir. Governor of the state, Mr. Satya Pal Malik must inform the Centre about the Kashmir’s response to the ban and make efforts to help in making peace in the state..” Hello! India, We want paradise kashmir in peace not in pieces..

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it.
And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it….

(The writer Showkat Dar resides in Handwara with Four post graduation and civil service aspirant)

“India and Pakistan should Stop Jingoism “.. .
Showkat Ahmad Dar & Zubair Ahmad

Where the falling of blood is Monotonous. A stalemate known as Kashmir.
Every morning, I wake up with the news of bloodshed. I feel my body desperate to know whether I’m still alive. The presupposition here is that humanity’s real sin is the violence that leads to death. At least 49 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) paramilitary troopers were killed in the deadliest terror attack witnessed in three decades of Kashmir’s insurgency. The heinous incident has united all political parties across the country while leaders from all over the world have condemned
the dastardly attack; the United States even went on to the extent of warning Pakistan to not harbor terrorism.
At present, the security forces in the Valley are on high alert and subsequent operations have been launched to detain more suspects in connection with the attack. While Pakistan has denied any role in the attack, India has sent a stern warning to its neighbour while United States warned the nation to eradicate safe havens for terrorists.
Many other countries have also condemned the dastardly incident that has left more than 40 families in anguish.
The aftermath is now another serious and dangerous for kashmiris. Instead of rectification India and Pakistan is now more busy with to activate their defense system for waging the war. Is this called Solution not at all.
Almost all kashmiri students enrolled in Indian colleges and universities are persistently being beaten by Indians hence violation has been growing more and more the police is now escorting the students to their hostel where four of their men patrolled outside for the entire night.
The people of Jammu division using different posters upfront of their shops with tagline of epithet i. e Dogs are allowed but not kashmiris. Morever The constitutional head of Meghlaya created another controversy by supporting the call of boycott of kashmir and kashmiris. The governor as per Indian constitution acted as constitutional authority has the duty to uphold equality and fraternity of India. But Alas! he violated the true spirit and theme of constitution . I must say that this process is called sprinkling salt on the burns which has further tendency to create more and more chaos and violence in kashmir.

Several Kashmiri sophomores, migrants, traders and professionals from many northern states particularly Uttarakhand, Jammu,Bhopal and Haryana, have had to pack up and leave. Colleges
and institutions, threatened by mob, rusticated and suspended many students and professionals with commitment of not admitting Kashmiri students in future particularly in Dehradun.
The mob had members of Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad,
ABVP and students’ unions.
Many Kashmiri students were booked for posting anti-national comments on social media
and many others were rusticated just because other college students demanded so. Several students in Ambala andJammu were forced out of their rented accommodations. Mobs in Bihar, West Bengal and other states targeted and beaten up the Kashmiri traders. There is a series of non-stop abuses hurling over Kashmiri people and Pakistan on social media by a group of people who demand for revenge and an open war.
Most of the news anchors are constantly arguing to return the same fate for Pakistan. The hatred and bigotry has been shown to that extent that a senior Professor demanded to ‘execute’ 40 Kashmiris as a revenge of Lethpora attack.
Meghalaya governor tweeted suggesting to boycott everything
Kashmiri, even the Amarnath yatra for two years. Apart from these, people questioning the government for the security lapses which was the main cause of the deadly attack on CRPF convoy, are also being targeted and sacked along with those who sympathized and expressed their solidarity with
Kashmiris facing the discrimination and trolls. They are equally considered as anti nationals by the hate mongers.

India has strongly claimed the involvement of Pakistan in this attack as JeM is based in Pakistan and warned it for a befitting reply. In response to the allegations, Pakistan’s Prime
Minister has denied Pakistan’s role in the attack and stated that the country would retaliate if India declares a war but it would be unfortunate for the both countries. He further offered for a bilateral dialogue on terrorism, stating that Pakistan is thenerve center of terrorism. India has rejected both his response
and offer so far and rejected Pakistan’s allegation that India’s response to the terrorist attack is determined by the forthcoming General Election.
Meanwhile PM Narendra Modi ensured not to miss rallies in India, he made his two-day trip to South Korea and also welcomed Saudi crown prince, who announced investment of $20 billion to Pakistan during his Islamabad visit and also praised Pakistan’s anti-terror efforts for maintaining peace.
The UN chief Antonio Guterres has urgently appealed to the government of both countries to
exercise the maximum restraint to stop the situation from further deterioration, adding that it is essential that there must be accountability under international law and the perpetrators
of terror acts be brought swiftly to justice.
While the whole nation is grieving over the killing of army personnel, there are much more additional things for the Kashmiris to grieve over. The way they faced the hatred and
have been hounded up by the mob, it has further weakened their trust in India for their safety and well being in future.
Students are clueless as to what to follow next and are in
doubt whether they would be taken back in the universities or not. This would be a mass educational disaster in India.
Traders, being harassed and pushed to leave, are forced to go back to Kashmir. The people in Kashmir including locals and non-locals from every community staged protest against the
atrocities carried out on Kashmiris outside the state.
Responding to this all, J&K government raised the issue of safety of Kashmiri students in an all-party meeting on the matter on February 16, after which the Home Ministry issued
an advisory nationwide to ensure safety and security of students and people from Kashmir. Kashmiris showed their gratitude and love for the Sikh community who helped and saved them from the mob violence, a sensible humane act which is expected from every sensible citizen of India.
Clearly the Lethpora attack has divided India into three groups: one who is demanding for the revenge in many forms including declaration of war against Pakistan, hounding Kashmiri people and boycotting everything that is Kashmiri.
They clearly don’t care if more soldiers sacrifice their lives neither they care Kashmir being more alienated from rest of the India. Communal harmony is not their preference indeed.
Second is who demand for the democratic solution avoiding the war and condemning the terror attack on convoy and mob violence against Kashmiris equally. The first group immediately declares the second group as anti-national. The third group comprises of those who choose or pretend to
remain unaware, thinking it’s a “sensitive” issue. Communal
harmony is already on stake in India.
The statement of reality is that whatever is happening persistently on the paradise of the earth (kashmir) and kashmiris only the impeccable civilians are at the persistent loss. The perception of every kashmiri is that Where is UNO ,where is Veto power. Yes This is only a theory and mentioned only in books for students reading purpose nothing else than that. Since How long Kashmir will resist such brutal things. Aren’t we humans. Dear Indian Government Try to understand the worth of peace and Non violence and Apply this mantra or syrup for better situation .
At last but not least please do not forget the phrase violence begets violence and hate begets hate .This needs to be stopped to avoid any further damage. Maintaining amicable relationships during crisis should be country’s or Govt’s agenda. Stop it here before it reaches point of No Return.

Peace is not made at the council table or by treaties, but in the hearts of men.

Salute to Sikh community
RAMEEZ MAKHDOOMI

Amid the heartrending scenes of wars in Middle East from Iraq, Syria to Yemen and Libya and Rohingya carnage by Burmese authorities to the pain of Kashmir one has seen humanity getting butchered to core in recent times, leaving this world nearly a meaningless place to exist.
In the ongoing upheaval since past few days Kashmiris are facing threatened but one community that has healed humanity is Sikhs , From discounts to free coaching and medical treatment offers, Kashmiri Muslims are showering their affection on “Sikh brethren for their bravery.”
Across all the social media platforms, the Sikh community is being applauded for sheltering and helping Kashmiri Muslims under attack from mobs in different parts following the deadly Pulwama bombing on February 14 that left 40 CRPF men dead. The community of Sikhs rose above religion and caste, by setting up free kitchens and accommodation in Gurudwaras for Kashmiri students and general public, after their dwellings were pelted by stones and hundreds of vehicles set ablaze.
A local Kashmiri trader stuck in Jammu had stated , “The Sikhs have made it easy, like always. They make us believe that humanity exists. Our vehicles were set ablaze and stones are thrown on our rented rooms after the Pulwama attack ,we had no food, no accommodation, our Sikh brothers came forward and arranged langar, open Gurduwaras for us

Humanity voices may be in minority currently But as it is said Every cloud has a silver lining same has been the case here too with Khalsa aid and Sikh community at forefront in these places rendering a helping hand to humanity and rendering valuable services to those in dire needs irrespective of their colour, creed or religion.
The Khalsa Aid working on the Sikh principle of “Recognise the whole human race as one” has warmed the human hearts with its great work.
In Iraq Yazidi villages had been occupied by extremist fanatics , grown men in their community killed, and older women bussed away to empty land; they were considered useless. Since 2016, Khalsa Aid had seen trickles of Yazidi girls and young women have managed to flee their captors and return to the local community. But most return in the clothes the extremists forced them to dress in. Shopping for new clothes was the last thing they could imagine, let alone afford.
So, Khalsa Aid decided to act with an innovative approach: to give each one a budget to pick exactly the outfits they wanted, after months or years of violent brutal oppression. “We wanted to give the girls the freedom of choosing the clothes themselves” – Kanwar, Khalsa Aid project coordinator had stated . Each trip also offers a social outlet for a group with whom psychological trauma is rife.
Be it Kashmir or Iraq, Yemen or Burma the Sikh community and Khalsa Aid have risen to the occasion to heal the wounds of suffering humanity . As a Kashmiri we are all indebted to the efforts put in by the Sikh community in ensuring the safe return of people of kashmir to their native land amid all challenges .