KASHMIR IMBROGILIO AND ITS SOLUTION

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(Dr. Ali Mohamed Rather)

The Jammu and Kashmir State was founded in 1846.C.E, after the Sikhs were defeated in the first Anglo-Sikh war and the territories of Sikh empire situated between the rivers Sutlej and Indus and including Jammu, Kashmir, Hazara, Chamba and the frontier divisions of Ladakh and Baltistan were transferred to Gulab Singh, a Dogra Rajput chieftain of Jammu and a feudatory of the Sikh empire.

Kashmir problem is a knotty one, which has been etching her people since centuries. Though people of today do not realize its intensity in pre -1947 era barring the an incident of July 13, 1931 , which is still being commemorated as the martyrs day. Otherwise people are ignorant of all the anti-kashmiri events which took place since the Mughal rule . The taking over of Kashmir by Mughal deceitfully and their atrocities are rarely remembered by them. This is due to the fact that Kashmir History has never been taught in schools or colleges of our state. Similarly, we are ignorant about rule of Pathans and Sikhs and the atrocities committed by them upon the Kashmiri populace. If we had been aware we could have compared them to the present state of matter and thus could have realized the difference in the socio-economic condition of our society in the two eras.

We are  unaware that our resources were looted by the alien rulers. The craftsmen of Kashmir lived a miserable life .The aristocracy and traders from outside  made huge profits out of our resources. The condition of agriculturists was extremely miserable. They were charged huge taxes. The feudalism and Chak Dari system had ruined the poor farmer. He worked hard for the year and cultivated the land but had no food to  feed his family, throughout the year. The Baigar system was another misfortune institution. It made the life of poor people miserable and there was no security of the youth. I have heard that during Dogra rule whenever any sahib ( English Man) visited any  part of Kashmir, particularly non-motorable area; all the villagers on that route were directed to facilitate his travel. They had to carry the sahib in a palki and even his dog too was carried on the palki to the post, where he had to stay for the night. Also the villagers had to make arrangement for his food, etc in the tourist bungalow/ Sarai there. This was duty of all the villagers on that route till he would reach the destination.

So far as the religious freedom was  concerned ,there were many restrictions. It is a well known that Sikh  rulers closed the Jamia Mosque Srinagar and also prevented people from entering other Masjids. These were opened during Dogra rule. However, Dogras also made the life of peasants miserable. The huge taxes was burden on them.

This is brief of all the atrocities  which people faced during the alien rule.

After independence of India and Pakistan Kashmir issue remained unsolved? What were the causes for this? We must be aware of this.

During the process of Independence of  India, there was a lot of work done for the amalgamation of J&K state with Pakistan and or for  independent Statehood.   In this regard the some  actions taken were as follows:

In a Resolution of  Kisan Mazdoor Conference on September 5, 1947 it was decided to persuade all the people of state of J&K to join Pakistan. Resolution of Kashmir Socialist Party on September 18, 1947 was that state should join Pakistan and not India.

“The British Paramountacy of the States has come to an end. It has been transferred to the people. No solution has so far been found out for conceding the demands of various communities living in India. If Kashmir has to keep itself aloof from carnage and bloodshed, it should lose no time in adopting a strong and bold policy. His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur should declare Kashmir independent immediately.

A separate constituent assembly to frame the constitution for the state according to the wishes of the people, should be established at once. His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur will receive the cooperation of Muslims in carrying out this policy.  Muslims form 80% of the population. They are represented by the Muslim Conference. The Muslims will welcome the Maharaja Bahadur as the first constitutional ruler of independent and democratic Kashmir.”( Press Statement: Chowdhry Hamidullah Khan President Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference 10th May, 1947)

 

As we are aware that India had two components prior to 1947 :British India and princely states. Kashmir was also a princely state. So as per British decision, the rulers of princely states had to decide which to join: Bharat or Pakistan. Maharaja Hari Singh had no intention of joining India so he asked for a Stand Still Agreement with India and Pak1. Pakistan readily agreed to the same and India wanted to have consultation with his ministers. Even trade and communication started between Kashmir and Pakistan. Pakistani flag was hoisted on Head post office Bund Srinagar. But the bad event came when Afridi tribal from Pakistani invaded   Kashmir on 23rd Oct 1947. Maharaja was disturbed .He approached Pt. Nehru for help. He was asked to sign the instrument of Accession and to induct Sheikh Mohmad Abdulah in the government . The IOA was signed by the Maharaja which was readily accepted by Lord  Mountbatten the governor general of India on 27th October 1947 Governor general also  addressed to  the Maharaja that the question of accession should be settled by reference to the people as soon as the state is cleared of all invaders.

Important  events are briefly  and chronologically mentioned as follows:

On  30th  October 1947 Maharaja Hari Singh appointed  Sheikh Abdullah as the Emergency Administrator for the State. This paved the way for sheikh to become the Prime minister of J&K.

In order to settle the accession which was questioned by the people of state, on 1st  January 1948 India referred the Kashmir issue to the UN Security Council and in this connection, on 20th  January 1948 U.N. Commission for India and Pakistan was  (UNCIP) set up.

It was on 5th  March 1948 that Maharaja issued a proclamation replacing the Emergency Administration by a popular interim Government headed by Sheikh Abdullah.

On 21st  April 1948, the Security Council passed a resolution providing for mediation by a 5-member UN Commission for India and Pakistan. (UNCIP).

On 13th  August 1948,the UNCIP passed a resolution providing for (1) Ceasefire (2) Withdrawal of Pak troops and tribals followed by Indian troops and (3) Plebiscite.

On 11 December 1948,the UNCIP appointed Plebiscite Administrator. On 1st   January 1949 Ceasefire was proclaimed under the UN auspices.

It was on 5th January 1949 that the UNCIP called by Pakistan to pass a resolution providing a Plebiscite Administrator for J&K. Admn. Nimitz was nominated as Plebiscite Administrator. However, he could not succeed in getting the UN resolution implemented particularly due to non-fulfillment of the resolution No.2 viz. withdrawal of Pak troops. As Pakistan did not with draw army from the POK as such plebiscite could not be conducted.

20 June 1949 Maharaja Hari Singh issued a proclamation abdicating in favour of his son, Yuvraj Karan Singh.

26 January 1950 The Constitution of India cames into effect – Article 1, under which the entire state of J&K was a part of the territory of India and Article 370, giving a special status to the State were applied to J&K.

26th  January 1950 ,the Constitution (Application to J&K) order 1950 issued under Article 370. This order applied 39 entries of the Union list to J&K corresponding to the terms of the ‘instrument of Accession’ and enumerated the related provisions of the Constitution which would apply to J&K with or without modifications.

Sir Owen Dixon appointed as the first UN Representative, visited India and Pakistan in May-June 1950. He suggested a process of de-militarisation popularly known as ‘Dixon Plan’.

On 27th  October 1950, All J&K National Conference passed a resolution for convening a Constituent Assembly based on adult suffrage for the purpose, inter alia, of determining the future shape and & affiliation of the state of J&K including the issue of accession to India and & to frame a Constitution for the State.

In April 1951the Security Council appointed another representative (Dr. Graham) to resolve the issue within 3 months.

August-September, 1951 Elections for the Assembly were held and assembly formed. All 75 seats were won by the National Conference. It s pertinent to mention that all the members were got elected unopposed. So in a way they were selected and not elected.

On 31st  October 1951first sitting of Constituent Assembly was held.

24 July 1952 Kashmiri leaders (NC) discussed Centre/State relations with the Central Government and arrived at an arrangement known as the ‘Delhi Agreement’. On November 1952 Election for the Constituent Assembly was   held for framing the Constitution of J&K. All 75 seats won by the NC. Then there started existence of acute differences of opinion between members of the Government on basic issues – political, economic and administrative-affecting the vital interests of the State; and as such Sadri Riyasat  issued  order  on August 8th,1953 for the dismissal of the Sheikhs government and appointment of Bakhshi.

Thus the fate of Kashmir began to get dismal. After this the GOI  accepted the Instrument of Accession with the condition ,given by Governor General of Free India Lord   Mountbatten.,”The Government has decided to accept the accession of Kashmir State to the Dominion of India. Consistently with their policy that, in case of any State where the issue of accession has been the subject of dispute, the question of accession should be decided in accordance with the wishes of the people of the State, it is my Government’s wish that, as soon as law and order have been restored in Kashmir and her soil cleared of the invader, the question of the State’s accession should be settled by a reference to the people.”

Indian forces fought the tribal and result was the division of the state. After cease fire LOC was established. Pakistan occupied one part and other by India .

After this the S.M Abdullah was arrested from Gulmarg. The Plebiscite movement was initiated. A close   associate of S.M.Abdullah  Mirza  Afzal Beg on 9th  August 1955 declared the formation of Plebiscite Front. This was basically a wrong initiative. The important   condition of Plebiscite was the withdrawal of forces from POK by Pakistan and as mentioned above Pakistan had already refused to do so. Sheikh Abdullah wanted to get opportunity to become leader of Kashmir by any mean. So he in order to woo the masses towards himself  raised the slogan of  plebiscite, which he knew was not possible due to Pakistan’s attitude. On this pretext India too gave up the idea of conducting Plebiscite and took steps to gradually reduce  the impact of the Constitution of J&K state. India with the support of local leaders derogated the J&K  Constitution and by gradual steps has been trying to put it at the  same status as other states of India.

India and Pakistan fought several wars on the issue of J&K but all in vain. Kashmir issue has become valueless and other issues between them have begun to arise. So finally Kashmir remained less important issue between Pak and India. It has also been noted that India and Pakistan  have always been interested in their mutual affairs. For example the Indus water treaty has been signed at the cost of resources of J&K .The rivers within J&K are utilized exclusively by India as well as Pakistan and J&K remains without any direct benefit from these rivers. We are aware about the  difficulties  we have been facing due shortage of power supply exclusively due to Indo-pak’s Indus water treaty. The rivers flowing within our own territory are of no use to us. There are many such instances where we have been put to national disadvantage by both India and Pakistan. Furthermore our identity is lost as they are amalgamating our state within their own identity.

The Kashmir has been politically exploited by her own people and the foremost among them has been her own leaders . All political dynasties have played role in the political exploitation of the people. All the so called leaders changed their patrons  from time to time. They all followed same pattern as Sheikh did. Sheikh was strong opponent of  Pakistan and Jinnah sb, merely  to get the  head-ship of state. But in 1953 when India threw him out and was put behind bars  and he with the help of his associate Mirza Afzal Beg linked himself to Pakistani patron-ship by raising the slogan of  Plebiscite. The same pattern was followed by Mirwaiz dynasty. The other leaders like S.A.Geelani etc were initially in different fields and later  came one way or the other in to politices;viz Geelani a teacher came into  main stream  politics through Jamati  Islamia by becoming member of J&K Legislature assembly and is presently the  protagonist of the pro-Pakistan movement.

The secessionist leadership in Kashmir include two ideologies :pro-Pakistan and pro-freedom. Thus people too are divided into two ideologies and this is not a useful indicator. The GOI is not in favour of any support to Pakistani concept. The mention of Pakistan in slogans, symbols etc by the proponent of pro-Pakistan ideology is clearly a step which invokes penal cognizance against the offender. On the other hand slogan of freedom is less offensive.

Can pro-Pak slogan be an effective instrument in Kashmir movement? The state of Jammu and Kashmir does not inhabit  Kashmiri Muslims only. There are diverse religious and cultural groups within Kashmir.  Further ,there are three regions with further diversity. The people have diverse sentiments, emotions and wants. How can an ideology be forced upon all others, which is based on two nation theory rather two religious theory?  So there is need to take the ethnicities, religiosities , sentiments and interests of all these inhabitants  into consideration, when looking for the future of the region’s politics.

Now if we have to think about any political future of our state, how  can we ignore the other people who dwell there? So taking democratic decisions is indispensible when we want to decide about the political future of State.

Now what should be our method of getting sovereign status for the state?

As is clear from the above discussion that   the state  came into Indian lap due to faults of our own leaders. They gave priority to their own interests and benefits at the cost of nation. Indian state using clever tactics is leaving  no stone unturned to integrate J&K into her domain. So it is not easy to liberate it from the clutches of India and it needs a tactful way to let loose the grip. The violence, proxy war etc is not a suitable tactic for it. The best way is academic and political methodology with pragmatic approach.

  1. We must initially assure India that this issue is between   people  of Jammu & Kashmir and India and  has nothing to do with Pakistan.
  2. There is no need of third party intervention.
  3. We must be permitted to follow the  political matters of  state  as per constitution of J&K . Also we   must be permitted to make suitable changes in our constitution as per our aspirations on democratic principles. There is need to elect a fresh constituent assembly, which will study the constitution and make suitable changes in it to suit the latest political aspirations of the people of J&K.
  4. Position of state as on October 26, 1947 must be restored. In this connection the nomenclature and structure of the executive of the J&K must be reshaped. It can be same as it was done by maharaja or some other form as suitable. Other administrative matters should be handed over to state (neo-sovereign) of J&K.
  5. There should be no change in LOC till decision is taken about Pak controlled Kashmir. The people of POK must be given political and moral support to fight for their cause in Pakistan, if need arises.

Reference

 

1.Kashmir-Pak Standstill Agreement Telegram from Prime Minister, Kashmir State, to Sardar Abdur Rob Nishtor, States Relations Department, Karachi dated12th August)

 

(Note: News Kashmir does not necessarily subscribe to Author’s view)

KASHMIR ISSUE AND IT”S RESOLUTION-THE NEED OF THE MOMENT.

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Imran Aslam Sheikh

 

The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been protesting against what they call illegal Indian occupation since the last Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir Maharaja Singh temporarily acceded with India in turn of security against tribal invasion and transportation so as to escape any type of persecution at their hands. The legality of the accession has always been on the news but it is not discussed in the amount as much as it deserves. Many historians argue that Maharaja only forged this accession only to save himself from the advancing tribals. Meher Chand Mahajan’s Delhi visit to convince Nehru to send military assistance is a strong argumentation to support this point. Many believe that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Helped Meher Chand Mahajan strike the deal with Jawaharlal Nehru.And Few persons from Jammu and Kashmir and India thus decided the fate of Millions of Kashmiris. And to whitewash their misdeeds Jawahar Lal Nehru promised Kashmiris in Lal Chowk that they will be given their birth right, the right o self determination to choose their future. Eighteen Resolutions were passed in UN recognizing Kashmir as an international Dispute. But what Kashmiris saw aftermath was just death and destruction. And from a promise of self determination the Indian leadership of both Congress and Jana Sangh shifted to the slogans of “integral Part”. Permit system was given as a goodwill coin in the begging bowls of Kashmiris which was later on abolished by India. Prime Minister was changed to Chief minister so as to simply merge Kashmir in India. One thing which remains constantly common in all those scenarios is that everybody from India to their pro indian political set up here in Kashmir have only cared about the beautiful landscape of Kashmir and their own financial status.

After witnessing a long movement of people to gain their logical goal of right to self determination from 1947 to 1980s.When people left experimenting with protesting non violently in the form of protest rallies, when people lost faith in the electoral politics when mass rigging made the popular candidates of Kashmiris lose elections and their workers beaten. Kashmiris turned to guns and from 1989 to 2016 more than 100000 people have died in armed militancy. Almost 650 graveyards of rebels have been set up across the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This move even brought much more hardships to Kashmiris with forces provided with many draconian laws like APSFA. But this also helped the Kashmir issue come out of cold storages to the spotlight. When highly educated and people from well to do families took up arms against India. Nadeem Khateeb and Yusuf Shah are among such people. While one was killed in an encounter and the other still leads an armed uprising against India under a new name Syed Salah ud Din.

Now thousands have been disappeared and lacs killed with billions of economy damaged by this conflict. Three wars were fought between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue. Human rights record is worst in Kashmir in fact it is a place where the internet gets snapped on every 15th august, 26th January, or on any festival like Eid. This happened  in Kashmir in 2016 which is thought to be the century of digitalization. There have been incidents of mass rapes like Kunan Poshpora and security forces are accused to have perpetrated these heinous crimes. The resolution of Kashmir issue is very important than it has been ever been in the past. The importance of this nuclear flashpoint needs a mature leadership in India to understand the seriousness of this dispute and the intensity of the lava which is boiling inside and waiting for an eruption with a bang. This time we have two nuclear powers India and Pakistan at the loggerheads on Kashmir. They may have fought three wars in the past but during those times both the countries were not as much militarily strong as they are today. So if a war takes place between India and Pakistan during the current times I am very much sure that both the countries won’t hesitate to use a nuclear bomb against each other. This keeps a constant fear of cleaning out population of millions from both the sides. To save the human race from any such man made calamity the resolution of Kashmir issue becomes mandatory for both the survival of India, Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir. The economy of India gets very much affected when it has to bear a heavy expense of 800000 army men installed at various parts of Kashmir. India has a very high number of malnourished children ,poverty is on the rise, farmers are committing suicides due to inflation and loans. The medical facilities of the country is not very good, the literacy rate is still very low in this age of computers and digital gadgets. I think the money of Indian tax payers shall be used at a place where it deserves the most. India shall not succumb to a pressure of egos created on her by her corrupt politicians. Kashmir has always been a liability for India if someone observes it seriously after taking out the prisms of egos and communal hatred. And as Mehbooba Mufti and many highly influential people of India like Rajnath Singh, Narendra Modi, Manohar Parrikar have already said that only 5 percent of people in Kashmir are protesting against India in the streets of Srinagar then I think they have a golden opportunity right now to settle this dispute once and for all by holding a referendum under UN supervision and as India and it’s collaborators are well aware that they will get the support of 95 percent it is a sure win for India then. And this all will be done without any guns, grenades, atom bombs or stones. And hereafter when the result of the referendum gets public there won’t be any demand of a referendum or “Azadi”. And India will save her billions of dollars of money of Indian tax payer and use it for the development of India. Poverty in India will come down as the money spent in Kashmir to continue what Kashmiri’s see as a forced occupation will be used in the welfare of the people of India.

 

 

( The writer can be reached at E mail address:imu3133@gmail.com)

 

Kashmir: Community Schooling Keeping the flame lit

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WRITES::- SYED TAJAMUL ‘IMRAN’

 

“The best people in the world are those, who are helpful to others.” Dr, Iqbal (RA)

Education is among the significant fields of a country .A society is known to be well behaved only when it has education at its core. As we are very well aware that since the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani, the situation in Kashmir has with every passing day gone from bad to worse. Scores of innocents have been killed, thousands injured and many other crippled for life.

 

But, the pivotal sector of education too has taken a hit due to the ongoing agitation with no ending to crisis seeming near. The schooling of students has come to complete halt due to the situation, conduct of exams and preparations to these exams look a very rare possibility such is the gloomy situation in the Kashmir valley. The educational institutions in state were closed for the annual summer break on July 1 across the Valley. The break scheduled to end on July 17 was then extended up to July 25 due to the agitation which has already taken 70 lives injuring thousands, including students. The crisis has been discussed even in Parliament of India as well as an All Parties meet was called in order to handle the situation but there seems no breakthrough in calming the angry kashmiries that seeks a political resolution of Jammu and Kashmir.

What is the way-out seems to be quiet a difficult question to one and all. Now to find some sought of reprieve the youth of Kashmir have launched an innovative and timely initiative to provide some sought of reprieve to those seeking education and also keep in consideration the sacred freedom struggle  of Kashmir in mind. The youth have started community based coaching centers free of cost in their respective localities for the students and the response so far has been quiet impressive.

Without an iota of doubt, the need of education in these gloomy times has been to some extent being sufficed by these community based coaching centers, parents and students are all praise for this initiative and call it a great step and a step taken in right direction.

Apart from young and dedicated young and educated volunteers, All Jammu and Kashmir Students Union (AJKSU) has as a premier students body taken a lead in not only providing education in these community education centers via its volunteers, but also has established many such centers throughout the length and breadth of violence hit valley of Kashmir. AJKSU and the bodies like it are with every passing day widening the net of such education centers.

Keeping in view the ever grave situation of Kashmir in mind these education centers mainly operate at early morning and evening times, and students brave the heavy deployment of security forces to reach to these community based education centers. Apart from religious and civil societies, Pro Freedom Parties have also asked youth to take the initiative in opening more and more such education centers. Following this, several such centers have opened up where youth are teaching children in every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

One such volunteer is Azra Muftia member of All J&K Students Union who teaches Management, English and all subjects’ up to class 1oth. “A message to all students, In these times of conflict and struggle, students should not suffer at all. I would like to contribute my bit. Any student who is interested in free tuitions can surely contact me. Free coaching for all the subjects will be provided and those who have Internet access will be provided material online. Let’s take a step towards change. Drop a message here keep sharing.” Reads her facebook post.

Another Such Volunteer is  Muzamil Maqbool. Who teaches English, Political science and all subjects’ up to class 1oth. “If anyone is interested in tuition classes for 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th for English and political science can come to my home. I will try to cover the syllabus asap (free of cost) and would be happy to offer tea and free WIFI.” Reads his Facebook post.

Syed Suhail Yaqoob a scholar and a formal member of AJKSU believes that apart from present sutivation lot of kashmiri students can’t afford private tuition so in future  it should be done on a large scale. Suhail who currently teaches Around 100 students from class 1-12th at his home in a far-flung village Nazneenpora of south kashmir’s Shopian Distt.  “It took time to channelise these classes, but now students come themselves as they hear about free classes.”

 

Meanwhile All J&K Students Union on their official facebook account having more than 4k followers have released a list of their Members with their residence and phone numbers, who are teaching children’s across the valley free of cost in order to reach out to students.

On July 20, the government in first phase announced to open the schools in Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal districts and in second move before some days Education Minister of state Nayeem Akhter seeks co-operation of parents to re-open schools.  The response, however, from both teachers and students was discouraging due to the continuous shutdowns and curfew.

It is great shame that imposers of curfew and cordon for last 41 days are also ‘missing’ school kids and calling them for the morning assemblies.

 

While we are in resistance as a nation we are very well aware that we cannot neither compromise the our right to resist and on the same hand we as a nation are also motivated to give our future of nation a quality education which will keep our nation a balanced nation. But in the same time if we talk to any student of any class from 1st to 12th they only talk about slogans and also talk to have a lesson on Kashmir history.

 

Since the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani, sentiments have increased among youth in general and students in particular.

A for Aazadi
B for Burhan
C for Curfew

They knew it all by themselves & when I asked a question “Do you know, who is Burhan?” to one of my student of class 4th who comes to study nowadays to my home. The answer was “I want to be like him one day. Everyone will talk about me.”

With this couplet of Dr. Iqbal (RA) I pray for all those who were killed in current agitation in Kashmir. May Almighty Allah Grant all of them the highest place in Jannah where noble souls actually belong.

“Oh Allah bless the youth with graciousness of supplications of dawn and bestow strength to these kids of falcon to take a flight.”

Lastly, Anyone from my area south kashmir’s distt shopian worried about the tuition, I offer my voluntary services to teach English, Urdu, History, Political Science, Maths, etc up to class 10th and any subject of Management up to Masters. I am sure many more volunteers will come forward.

 

Bio: ‘Syed Tajamul Imaran’ is a Student activist, President at All J&K Students Union (AJKSU), Pursuing MBA, With the Dream of Breaking the Status Quo. He tweets as @sydtajamulimran   and can be reached at syedtajamul09@gmail.com.

Pellet Tyranny

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Bilal Bashir Bhat

The Pellets which are brutalizing the human values in were first used on 19th of August 2010 and Mudasir Nasir Hajam of North Kashmir became the first person who lost his life to this deadly weapon. Since then this weapon continues to shatter many dreams and ironically during the current year after the killing of Hizb Commander Burhan Muzafar Wani the deadly weapon continued to brutalize the humanity on larger scale. Pellet gun which can only be used against the animals or birds have taken vision of dozens of youth which makes a shame on the soul of humanity and a bolt on democracy under which the generation of Kashmir is being blinded.

During the present turmoil in Kashmir which erupted on 9th July around 100 people suffered serious pellet injuries to their both eyes while hundreds received injuries to one eye resulting in damage to their vision. The India’s leading retina surgeon and the Padma Awardee Dr. S. Natrajan who came all the way from Mumbai admitted on record that after visiting all conflict areas across the world he found the situation in Kashmir valley very unique when it comes to dealing with unarmed and innocent protestors. During ongoing turmoil only Dr. Natrajan has performed more than 45 surgeries in Srinagar’s SMHS hospital.

The pellets have once again shattered dozens of lives, as many as over 200 people particularly youth have been admitted in various hospitals in the valley who have received pellet injuries to their eyes, and many of them may never be able to see again. The fate of those referred outside valley and going through treatment in private hospitals is not known.

“The pellet comes in a forces so it penetrates through and through the whole layers of the eyes, from the front to the back, so we have to operate all layers thus causing damage which is difficult to recover,” Dr Ashish Holani prominent Mumbai based retina surgeon said.

The pellet gun fires which were introduced in Kashmir as a non lethal alternative to bullets against protestors caused death to 10 persons only in year 2010. A study conducted at SKIMS Soura revealed during the turmoil months of 2010, as many as 198 people received major pellet injuries, five persons blinded in the involved eye.

During the ongoing turmoil in Kashmir, apart from killing of more than 50 persons in discriminate firing and injuries to 7,000 people, we are witness to the killing of Srinagar’s Chattabal man Riyaz Ahmad Shah who was hit by pellet fires from close range. As many as 360 pellets were discovered in his body during autopsy.

“These pellet guns were introduced as effective non lethal crowd control weapons and authorities repeatedly claimed that these pellet gun will rarely harm the target however these pump action guns are creating havoc in the Kashmir valley claiming many precious lives,” said Mannan Bukhari a prominent Human Rights defender who has also authored a first ever book over the horror of pellets, adding, that the figures which are being provided by the authorities are not up to the mark infact they are hiding the actual figures because number of such victims don’t report to the government hospitals due to the fear of getting arrested and profiling done by the police and other agencies present in the hospitals.

The pellets which were introduced in Kashmir Valley to minimize casualties’ aftermath the killing of over 130 youth during the civil agitation of 2010 have proved to be most lethal.

The above quotes, statics and data is enough to term pellet as deadly weapon and time to seriously rethink over the use of pellet on protestors, the way it has been used in Kashmir is undoubtedly among basic human rights violations.

The use of pellet guns to disperse the protestors is a crime against humanity and against the International humanitarian law to which India is signatory. It is also against the constitution of India which guarantees the right to life. Contrary to this the government forces in Kashmir are not only using pellet guns in brazen violation of the international laws but against their own law.

Although people have right to come on roads to protest peacefully on the legitimate issues but according to the doctors most of the patients injured in forces action were hit above the waist which clearly depicts that how forces are violating the Standard Operating Procedures.  According to the law the forces have to use minimum force to disperse the protestors but they can’t go beyond powers even it can’t use its powers excessively, therefore maiming kids of Kashmir for entire life can never be justified by inviting specialist doctors.

Despite the repeated appeals from the several quarters of Human Rights Organizations and political parties even from those who are presently driving the ruling dispensation in Jammu and Kashmir the pellet remains to continue threat to life. The excessive use of pellet gun and legalizing this inhuman tool of barbarism to naked aggression by putting forever the life of people in dark just because they protest clearly indicates that there is need for the ruling class to envisaging the real view of politics.

Recently people in Kashmir saw a ray of hope that they may get rid of this deadly weapon after Home Minister of India Mr. Rajnath Singh quoting statics and data conducted by Manan Bukhari on the floor of Parliament assured to find the alternative to disperse the protestors.

Well, Amnesty International has once again asked Jammu and Kashmir government to end use of pellet guns in Jammu and Kashmir following after the death of a third person in Kashmir due to injuries caused by pellet guns but the important aspect is to address the root cause i.e. the political dispute of Kashmir  which is not concealed neither to the claimants of largest democracy or its collaborators.

 

Bilal Bashir Bhat is a Kashmir based freelance Journalist and social activist can be reached at bilalbashirbhat@gmail.com

 

 

An Appeal to Conscience of India

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Rameez Makhdoomi

Rape victims, pellet victims, unmarked graves, fake encounters, tortures, killed protesters, gagging internet, snapping communication, peace of graveyards ,useless inquiries have defined handling of Kashmir conflict .As Kashmir is witnessing another round of unprecedented unrest and suppression in wake of scores of deaths and blinding of protesters post the killing of Burhan Wani, militant commander I as a student of history and humanity would like to state some facts and appeal to all humans of India . It has become a habit of so called mainstream media and their anchors in cozy studios with illiterate panelists to resort to hurling abuses on Kashmir. But we are also aware that pain, torment of Kashmir has given rise to conscience class in India who not only emphasize with Kashmir but also speak vocally against these atrocities. Here is what first Prime Minister of India stated on the issue . “It [Kashmir] belongs to the Kashmiri people. When Kashmir acceded to India, we made it clear to the leaders of the Kashmiri people that we would ultimately abide by the verdict of their Plebiscite. If they tell us to walk out, I would have no hesitation in quitting. We have taken the issue to United Nations and given our word of honour for a peaceful solution. As a great nation we cannot go back on it. We have left the question for final solution to the people of Kashmir and we are determined to abide by their decision.” (2nd January 1952, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India). Spreading hate and venom is no answer to political issue of Kashmir.A question to these media channels: Have they ever run their shows on this pragmatic point? Gandhiji has also felt sorry for those nations which treat their news outlets as Bible and then generate dishonest opinion based on that content. This, too, is pertinent for supposed experts who opine on the basis of such fascist content. Debate on pellet gun which is wreacking havoc on eyes of Kashmiris and turning the Kashmir valley into valley of blinds. You have a political dispute at hand admit and crushing people making them blind is no answer. Confusing Kashmir with illogical and unrelated voter turnouts which even by stand of pro-Indian parties are just for governance, high tourist arrivals are no paradigms to settle Kashmir issue.  Pertinently, you tried to confuse Kashmir issue with youth here getting selected in competitive exams like IAS, IPS look what the Kashmir’s First IAS topper and BDirector Education, Shah Faesal has written via a facebook post. He writes – “By juxtaposing my photos with the images of a slain militant commander, a section of national media has once again fallen back upon its conventional savagery that cashes on falsehoods, divides people and creates more hatred,” reads Faesal’s Facebook post. “At a moment when Kashmir is mourning its dead, the propaganda and provocation being dished out from red and blue newsrooms is breeding more alienation and anger in Kashmir than what Indian state can manage.” As a matter of fact hailing from a remote village in Kupwara district, Faesal became the first Kashmiri ever to top the coveted IAS exam He adds -“Personal vulnerability apart, the very fact of becoming a part of a ridiculous debate is something which has disturbed me very much. Have I joined IAS to do a job or to become a part of your sadistic propaganda machine? In fact when I qualified this exam I never thought of spending my whole life scratching the desk and if this nonsense around me continues, I might prefer to resign sooner than later,” he added.  All these realities  suggests the State and government doesn’t want to learn from its past mistakes that beastly use of force and impunity to the alleged perpetrators of human rights violations that include the men in uniform doesn’t help in making Kashmiris obedient by assassinating their genuine political aspirations but is followed by unrest and more unrest. It is high time all in India rise above jingoistic nationalism and for the sake of blinded, annihilated, tormented, shattered Kashmir impresses upon its media to act sanely and also on for government to intimate civilized means to settle the Kashmir issue.

The writer is freelance journalist and can be reached at rameezh3@gmail.com

Pakistan Diary

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By Farzana Mumtaz

I was recently in Pakistan invited for a conference on Kashmir and peace in region. The conference was held in capital city Islamabad. The visit to that part of the world gave me a feeling how things are much different  in a place when watched from own perspective rather than from secondary sources . As soon as I entered Lahore the city presented its glittering and historic looks. The people were also nice with culture not much different from the Indian side of Punjab. Lahore as a historic city is home to many attractions. Pertinently,  Lahore has successfully maintained its historical touch. Prominent attraction of Lahore city  is the historical Minar-e-Pakistan (literally “Tower of Pakistan”) a public monument located in Iqbal Park which is one of the largest urban parks in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. The tower was constructed during the 1960s on the site where, on 23 March 1940, the All-India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution, the first official call for a separate homeland for the Muslims living in South Asia, in accordance with the two-nation theory.

Another must see location is the  Badshahi Mosque  or “Emperor’s Mosque” . This historical mosque was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Lahore, Pakistan. It is one of the city’s best known landmarks and a major tourist attraction representing  the beauty and grandeur of the Mughal era

Pertinently, the construction going on metro train suggests that Lahore is trying to make a perfect match of history with modernity. Many beautiful gardens and canals add to charm of Lahore combined with the beautiful markets.

The lush green city of Islamabad is treat to watch in terms of cleanness and attractive forest cover which proves why it is among the best capital cities of the world. Daman-e-Koh, at an altitude of 3000 ft, is a viewing point and hill top modern garden in Islamabad and a very picturesque spot. The entire area provides panoramic view of Islamabad.

Another major attraction is the Faisal Mosque (also known as Shah Faisal Masjid) which  is an exceptionally large and unique mosque in Islamabad. Centaurus Mall is one of Islamabad’s hottest attractions. The Centaurus is a mixed use real-estate development in Islamabad, Pakistan. The project includes a mammoth mall, 36-floor hotel, three 23-floor residential and office towers

People by and large are friendly. The average and literate Pakistanis want freedom from extremism and do not buy much into extremism as they feel it has hurt their country a lot. Shia and  Sunni divide is not to be seen as  many families  consist  of shia , sunni members  without any animosity and living in harmonious relationship.

The constituency of peace is also quite handsome in Pakistan and  wants peaceful resolution of issues. One meets many youth who want to carve a positive image of Pakistan .The pulse on ground is that coming years are going to be crucial for Pakistan as it tries to secure a victory in battle against terrorism.

Overall, the journey to Pakistan was an enthralling experience.

The Philosophy Of Ramadhan

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Faizaan Bhat
bhatfaizan10@gmail.com

It is the ninth month of Islamic calendar month of Ramadan the month in which the book of guidance, the book which leads humankind to success, the book which distinguishes right from wrong was revealed. In the words of Allah
“In the month of Ramadhan the Qur’an was revealed, a book of guidance with proofs of guidance which distinguishes right from wrong. Therefore whoever of you is present in that month let him fast But he who is I’ll or on a journey shall fast a similar number of days later. (2:185)
In the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast, don’t eat ,drink from dawn to dusk. Fasting in the holy month of Ramadan is one of the fifth pillar of Islam.  Food, drink are the man’s most basic necessities. When he/she is consumed by hunger and thirst he/she understands pain of hunger, thirst, weak ,ill people. It also gives symbolism of an inner, spiritual eagerness to make all kinds of sacrifices and build a person self control which enables a person to lead successful life.
The month is the annual reminder of the blessings of Quran. The path that mankind must follow, the path that leads to success, the path that was followed by best creation of world Prophet (SAW),the path of obedience.
Ramadan purifies soul, in the words of Prophet(SAW) ” There is a zakat for all things and the zakat of the body is fasting (mishkat 1/639) here zakat means purification of soul which fasting purifies .
The prophet (SAW) also said
“The month of fasting is the month of compassion” (Mishkat al Masibah 1!613).in Ramadan people are compassion, generous which is human aspect of fasting.
Ramadan awakens a sense of humility in all human beings. It produces an atmosphere of compassion. Ramadan teaches us how a society can be turned into truly human brotherhood.

 

Turbulent summers in Kashmir

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Sheikh Saqib

Summer has always emerged as a season of war between stones and bullets in Kashmir. This time it’s just the month of April and six young people have been shot dead and several others injured. These

killings and a shameful action from the  army which comes wearing the mask of what it calls its ‘security’ forces has brought the people of Kashmir on streets with one slogan chanted endlessly,

Hum kya Chahtey? What we want? Aazadi! Freedom. On April 13 , the  army fired bullets at a demonstration in Handwara , who were themselves protesting about a girls alleged molestation by an Indian trooper. One of the bullet hit a 21 year old Iqbal Farooq Pir and minutes later another youth, Nayeem, also fell on the ground followed by a 70 year old lady who was calmly working in her vegetable garden. Three killings in a day led more Protests , and more killings. In 4 days  five people were shot dead on the streets of Kashmir. After the news got published in the Kashmiri press thousands defied the police and joined the funeral procession the next day , chanting angry slogans and pledging revenge.

The whole Kashmir is under strict military restrictions. Citizens  are locked up inside their homes here, as they are in every town in the valley. For 5 days, shops, businesses, most government offices and schools have been shut. In a convulsion of anti-India anger, residents—thousands at a time—have defied  harsh restrictions to come out on the streets , raining stones at everything that symbolizes the state’s authority. They have fought pitched battles with police and paramilitary forces, who have responded with lethal force, killing over six residents mostly teenagers.

Demonstration against Indian security forces escalated on 13th April when it was  revealed that a Handwara based girl was allegedly molested in a Public toilet by an Indian army trooper , After taking note of the scene people reclaimed the streets , came out in massive demonstration with thousands of people protesting against the shameful act by the India army.

This stepping out of young people on the streets resulted in the killing of three people and two on next day  at the hands of Indian forces.

Protest appears and young people die. Though with the start of summer the years 2008-2010 got refreshed when  brutal deaths of Tufail , Wamiq , Zahid ,  Inayat were laid to rest in martyr’s graveyard(

mazar-e-shouhda) and this time five more are going to be remembered as martyr’s.

The year 2008-2010 gave rise to hundreds of civilian killings by Indian forces in a very short span of time including eminent separatist leader, sheikh Aziz.

The teenagers of 2008-2010 who never had a childhood at all , who have seen their childhood under the shadow of guns, didn’t fear death.lt is this generation that picked up rocks in violent protests in the year2008 – 2010 unrest that resulted in the killing of more than 200 people at the  hands of Indian Forces.

Every day brings news of more unarmed protesters killed somewhere in Kashmir. The children of the conflict fight the soldiers with stones and receive bullets in return. The years since 1989 seventy thousand Kashmiri have been killed and eight thousand have gone missing. To this must be added the less visible costs of torture , rape , lifelong physical incapacities and grievous economic, social and psychological damage. The extent of this devastation will probably never be fully estimated.

THE UNSPOKEN PAIN

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Nazima Parray

White color among all the colors has always been a favorite of ‘Saba’. To her this color was a symbol of pure and serene love. This summer mornings were not the usual mornings. These morning breezes were filled with strange smell of death that had just visited her neighborhood. Death is an unwanted guest for everyone but unwillingly one has to welcome it, but death in this form is barbaric and heart wrenching. This time a mother has lost her only hope by the hands of unwanted visitors to Saba’s motherland who claim their ownership on this land. These visitors have changed the identity of her son and have given him the name of a ‘stone-pelter’ and killed with this name.  To her mother his name was ‘suhail’ and the essence of his innocent blood is still afresh on her perforated soul. Little did Saba know that these visitors were destined to change her world too? With suhail’s death, tagged with the new name of ‘Stone pelter’, the killers did get the impunity under law while his family sank into the everlasting and unending pain. He was not alone and his mother was not the only sobbing character under the shade of the gun yielding new members of her neighborhood. There were other sisters, brothers, fathers and spouses crying and wailing for the ones they lost to the trigger happy lot. The gloom in the air and the frown on everybody’s face was not just an outcome of deaths taking place day in and day out but the fear of death and destruction, fear of desecration of honor of mothers, sisters and daughters and the fear of losing the identity.

Saba, dressed in her white school uniform reluctantly left for the school. She left the home saying goodbye to her mother with a promise to return early since Saba had to accompany her mother to buy new white dress which she was going to wear at her uncle’s wedding. She was excited to visit the market with her mother in the evening and enjoyed the discussion about cloths and new fashion trends in the market with her friends. The dabbed giggles of the girls in the school were the only remnant of old pristine glory of the place they lived in. The precincts of the school were, believingly, the only safe domains for these innocent girls where they could be just themselves. Saba discussed the new style of hair tail her mother had taught her to bind, the color of her new nail paint she wanted to wear on the upcoming marriage party and all the mundane matters that matter most amongst the little innocent girls. The closing bells rang and all the girls jumped off the desks and rushed through the doors. Saba, excited with the prospects of visiting the market with her mother too closed her school bag, hung it on the shoulder and hurried herself to the deserted road leading to her house.

Walking along the road, preoccupied with her thoughts weaving hundreds of dreams for her future in her eyes with  the promise to reunite with her family on the back of her mind, Saba, would have never thought her promise of reaching home early would remain unfulfilled. This time there was no stone pelting, no protest, nothing that would engage the uniformed men standing across the streets. The idle uniformed unknown visitors, this time over caught Saba who was lost in her thoughts. A sudden jerk from behind swept her off her feet and eventually off her innocence. These men, with horrifying instincts, took her to some unknown place. They blindfolded her, snatched her bag, threw it off and brutally tore her white uniform into shreds. Horrified Saba was unable to understand what was happening, she was not able to retaliate, she was too meek to resist but her soul was too strong to surrender. She struggled with vain punches and kicks but she was too fragile to give in. These unknown visitors, while talking to each other and deciding who was going to be the first to get the privilege of tearing her chastity, were calling each other with the words like, ‘come visit the heaven’. ‘Heaven’, what heaven are they talking about. ‘Ma’, always used to say only good people goes to heaven but these people don’t seem good at all. They have almost killed me with the weight of their bodies. They are giving me unending pain how come they will visit heaven. Why are they laughing at me? Can’t they see my agony’? Are they not listening to my cries? Please give me my white uniform back, she cried. I have never been nude, not even in front of my mother who gave me birth was what revolved her thoughts that occupied her pleasant dreams some time back. My ribs are broken now so is my soul, she rued while she breathed with difficulty. Please don’t click my pictures, how they are going to entertain you during nights, she would wordlessly convey with her eyes. One after other repeating the same process, process of pain and agony, process of torture and misery. Saba was dying, didn’t need anything just a cup of water. But the water that slipped from her eyes reached her lips was not the water her mother would give her. The taste of this water was salty and warm, this water was the water that oozed out with the grind of her soul, this exuded from her red eyes that watched her body being torn apart, being battered, thrashed with sickening throbs and the soul drenched with the dirty fluid. You have killed me now please let me go I want to see my mother one last time, she pleaded.

Under the open sky and at some distant dark place they left her all alone, alone in the darkness of her dreams, darkness of her future, darkness of her lifeless drained out white flesh, darkness of her sunken eyes and darkness of her parents esteem. Saba, unable to get up and half dead, lying unconscious on the ground, woke up by the first rain drop that touched her nude body. Her white uniform stained with blood and all torn up. Blood of her innocence, blood of her mother’s dreams, blood of her father’s dignity and above all the blood of her virgin body. The stain of this blood on the same white cloth could have given her a new identity of being a good wife had it been out of her nuptial tie. The same white colored dress would have made her the most beautiful bride on earth. These unknown and unwanted brutes snatched everything from her and from her family. These unknown visitors gave her a new life with unending pain and the all new identity of being called RAPE VICTIM.

Saba was an ordinary rape victim, she was the victim of collateral damage, she was the victim where the perpetrators enjoy impunity, she was the victim where her destroyers would be awarded and honored with medals. Saba was just one amongst the thousands whose muzzled voice would not pass beyond the ears of her family, neighbors and the society she would live in. She was no ‘Nirbaya’ for whom thousands of candles would be lit on the streets and for whom the country would mourn. She was an ordinary girl who was destined to be the matter of consumption for the lewd fantasies of her so called protectors of motherland.

When Saba was carried to her home by some passersby who spotted her lying semiconscious on the edge of the road, she did not cry. Her haggard hair, her bruised body and her arms wound up hiding her chest was enough to convey her plight to her mother who ran down the front stairs of her house on seeing her daughter limping inside the compound. Her mother wrapped her body with the dupatta, the dupatta that had never slipped her hair all through the life. No one had ever seen a streak of her hair till this date except for her husband. But today she could feel the nakedness of her body in her child who had been devastated and there was no importance of covering her hair when her honor was splattered into the murky drain. She embraced Saba and frantically shook her, pleading to narrate the happenings to her. But Saba had turned into the stone, she had matured, as if, with the flip of a page. In just few hours the cruel events had transformed her into a silent matured lady from an innocent school girl. Saba, in few moments had become a rape victim, a girl who was not worth attending the marriage party, the girl who cannot go to the market with her mother to buy the latest fashion clothes, the girl who cannot apply her favorite nail paint, the girl who would not get a life partner, the girl who would not go to attend the regular school and would not be sitting and giggling with her friends in the school. The smile, the essence of life, the fragrance of youth, the dreams of lovely future, the dreams of having a loving husband and children vanished in the thin air. Saba lost her life like her neighbour Wamiq did. Wamiq though got the sympathies of the people living around him, Saba was not even lucky to get that. Wamiq would be remembered at least as a ‘stone pelter’, Saba would be cursed as a ‘rape victim’. Wamiq was laid to rest with thousands carrying his body to grave; Saba has not even the grave to carry her.

NOTE-The writeup is a piece of fiction.

Transformation:- As If It Happened

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Writer Syed Zumair Bukhari

 

 

Isolated every now & then, up the creep,

Life goes on with musings of heap;

Hollowness tempts me deepen deep,

Blissful often unhollows me, i cry ,i weep;

Why couldnt uh hear me? Am i that nigh?

I’ve veiled your reminiscence with every sigh;

On the wedge of hills,i scream your name,

My soul stretches tight across the skies,

The rainbow furnishes shade to reach you,

The time resumes to feel you, to feel us,

I’m burnt-out in my covetousness, blazing high,

Your shadow furnishes breeze to my lingering soul,

I espy uh in the burnt-out ends of smoky day,

Though you’ve a great vision of boulewards,

Your glimpse fades to astonish me,

And slowly I live I die, though it hardly understands,

I being a hypocrite keep things go on,

Uh exist no more in my nest, so doesnt i,

Somewhere far away, I yet feel us,

Abhorrence jammed ecstasy, life walked out,

Time passed by degrees, detached us,

Nothing much to carve up,

We departed long turns back,

Distant us,

Strangers Us . . .