Nawaz Shreef in Muzafarabad

APHC and Qaid-e- Azam

Muzafarabad...Chela Migrents

Indian Surrender Policy

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Shabir Shah Briefs Indian Delegation

Kashmir in Wikileaks

Leaks disclose secrets of in-camera sessions

PESHAWAR: Whistle-blowing WikiLeaks besides its diplomatic disclosures, has also disclosed the secrets of in-camera sessions of the parliament pertaining to Kashmir and extremist elements in Pakistan, Geo News reported on Saturday.

In its disclosure, WikiLeaks, citing an anonymous source, has stated that ISI informed the parliamentarians and senior officials of the government about some qualities of Taliban elements. The spy agency also informed them about real extremists.

In the briefing, it was stated that some elements in the extremists’ groups would be useful in Kashmir or operation at some other places. The source said that there was difference of opinion among the participants of the in-camera session over this.

 

Pakistan trying to ‘stir the pot’ in Kashmir'

WASHINGTON: Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told the United States earlier this year that Pakistan’s latest moves indicated that it was trying to “stir the pot” in Kashmir.At a meeting with visiting US special envoy Richard Holbrooke in January, Rao expressed concern over the ‘sharp increase in unseasonal Pakistan-inspired violence and preparation for violence’. She pointed to incidents of cross-border shelling along the Line of Control and in Punjab, increased infiltration, and transfer of terrorist hardware.“They are clearly trying to ‘stir the pot’ in Kashmir,” according to a US diplomatic cable of the meeting, leaked by WikiLeaks on Thursday. “In her view, Pakistan is trying to deflect attention to its eastern border from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where the focus ought to be.”The cable, put out by US Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer, said  Holbrooke and special adviser Vali Nasr briefed Rao on “the evolving political landscape in Pakistan with a weakening President Zardari and the fluid dynamic between the various centers of power, including COAS Kayani, Prime Minister Gilani, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and Chief Justice Choudhary”.In what clearly would not be music to Pakistani ears, Holbrooke said at the very start of his meeting that he had come to New Delhi ‘with a clear vision of the centrality of India to the strategic landscape in the region’.Significantly, at one point while dealing with Rao’s suggestion that the US should apply pressure on Pakistan to stop supporting the Afghan Taliban, Holbrooke signalled Washington’s own frustration on this score.Holbrooke went on to comment that “Pakistan views certain Taliban groups, particularly the Quetta Shura, as an insurance policy to protect its strategic interests in Afghanistan and it is not clear that anyone can easily influence Pakistan to turn on these groups, although the US is exerting tremendous pressure”.Against this backdrop, Holbrooke cited Washington’s “own difficulties in dealing with the Pakistan government” and suggested that “many people overestimate the US influence in Pakistan”, noted the cable.The special envoy lauded India’s role in Afghanistan, stating that he favours the Indian assistance programmes. He pointedly stated that he “is not influenced by what he hears in Islamabad”.Holbrooke, taking on board India’s acute concerns, made it clear that the US would not let the Taliban enter into a power-sharing agreement in Afghanistan.

India must 'decrease footprint in Afghan' to gain Pak trust: Gilani

SLAMABAD: India needs to "decrease its footprint in Afghanistan and stop interfering in Balochistan" in order to gain Pakistan's trust, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani told US Senator John Kerry during a meeting earlier this year, according to a leaked US embassy cable posted by WikiLeaks.

"During a February 16 meeting with Senator John Kerry, Prime Minister Gilani spoke at length about the state of the Indo-Pakistani relationship. Gilani indicated that the GOP was willing to resume talks with the Indian government, and pointed to the upcoming meetings between India and Pakistan's Foreign Secretaries as evidence of such," said a cable, which was classified as "confidential".

Gilani further said that Pakistan and India had also resumed back channel discussions, and that "improving bilateral relations with India was in Pakistan's best interest as it would enable the GOP to focus all of its attention on securing its western border."

"Gilani, however, noted that in order to gain public support for this process, the U.S. had to treat India and Pakistan equally. He added that India would need to gain Pakistan's trust and indicated that reducing the Indian footprint in Afghanistan and halting Indian support of militants in Balochistan would be steps in the right direction," revealed the cable.

Kerry told Gilani that the upcoming meeting between the Indian and Pakistani Foreign Secretaries had "enormous potential", and urged the Pakistan government "not to allow pressure from the local media and the masses to derail these efforts."

"Kerry argued that dialogue with India was an opportunity to create new security arrangements that could change the regional dynamic. While assuring Gilani that the effort would not be U.S.-driven, Kerry indicated that the USG was open to the idea of serving as a mediator to help facilitate the resumption of the Pakistan-India Composite Dialogue," the leaked cable said.

The senator pointed out out that following the recent bombing in Pune, India was "focused on counter terrorism ., and suggested that the Pakistan government present the Indian government with its plan to tackle terrorism.

"He (Kerry) said that this would be a clear 'confidence builder' that would make India more willing to move forward in talks about Kashmir and water disputes," said the cable.

He also suggested that Pakistan and India sign a non-aggression pact, and added that "the US and other countries of goodwill would be prepared to help in any way possible".

"Gilani agreed to present Kerry's proposal to the the GOP leadership. He was amenable to the idea of a rapprochement in the India-Pakistan relation, but expressed concern that the public would not support the idea," according to the leaked document.

"Kerry said that in order to gain public support for this initiative, the GOP needed to clearly outline the long-term economic benefits of improved bilateral relations, such as improvements in social development and increased investments and trade, to the Pakistani people," the document added.

In 2007 Musharraf said agreement on Kashmir coming very soon

An agreement on Kashmir is coming sooner than anyone might think, an optimistic Pervez Musharraf had told top U.S. Congressional leaders in 2007, informing them that India and Pakistan were on verge of a deal on the contentious issue, leaked cables from WikiLeaks show.

In a meeting with Congressional leaders in Islamabad on January 27, 2007, the then Pakistani President said he and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were on the verge of an agreement on Kashmir and this could be signed as early as April that year.

“Soon -- sooner than anyone might think,” Musharraf is quoted as saying in a State Department cable -- released by Wikileaks -- to the Congressional delegation that included Nancy Pelosi, the then Speaker of the House Representative; Ike Skelton, Chair -- House Armed Services Committee; and Tom Lantos, Chair -- House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. Musharraf appreciated Dr. Singh’s flexibility, relating his personal invitation for the President to attend the SAARC Ministerial in New Delhi in April, the cable said.

“Musharraf explained his decision to decline the invitation, saying that there is too much euphoria and expectation at present. If I went to Delhi, but we didn’t sign an agreement, the people would think we had failed,” he said.

“Musharraf said that he has conveyed two options to New Delhi: either PM Singh comes to Pakistan before April to sign an agreement or the two hold a signing ceremony at the SAARC Ministerial,” it said.

Mr. Musharraf shared his enthusiasm for the just-concluded visit to Pakistan by three Jammu and Kashmir leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, noting that he had advised them to engage and bring on board other Kashmiris.

“An agreement should not land like a bombshell...

Leaders must prepare their publics, as he is doing in Pakistan,” the cable said.

26/11 closed door for talks on Kashmir: US envoy told Holbrooke

Washington, December 01, 2010

• The Mumbai terror attacks, which were carried out by the Pakistan-based LeT terror outfit, closed the door for any Indo-Pak discussions on Kashmir, according to a top American diplomat. The remarks by the then American ambassador to Islamabad Anne Patterson were part of a cable dated February 4,

2009, which she wrote for US special envoy for Af-Pak region Richard Holbrook ahead of his maiden trip to Pakistan in his new capacity, following which he also visited India and Afghanistan, showed the classified US documents released by whistle-blower website WikiLeaks.

"Although the conventional wisdom says that Mumbai closed the door on Kashmir discussions, there is no doubt that Pakistan believes tackling the Kashmir issue remains the key to regional security," Patterson wrote in the cable.
Noting that Indo-Pakistan relations were still simmering, Patterson, according to the leaked cable, said that in the wake of Mumbai attacks and accelerating militant control of Pakistani territory, the military/ISI faced the need to re-evaluate its historic use of proxy tribes/militant groups as foreign policy tools.
Patterson said that to avoid a potential Indian military strike, Pakistan needed to show progress on prosecuting those responsible for the Mumbai attacks.
"Interior Minister (Rehman) Malik will outline to you his plan to prosecute Lashkar-e-Taiba/Jamaat-ud-Dawa (LeT/JUD) suspects now in custody. The key will be whether the military/ISI is ready to turn the Mumbai suspects over to civilian law enforcement, and whether India considers Pakistani actions adequate," the ambassador said.
"(Army chief Ashfaq Parvez) Kayani, in particular, wants to avoid a reckoning with his past leadership of ISI. Despite arrests of key LeT/JUD leaders and closure of some of their camps, it is unclear if ISI has finally abandoned its policy of using these proxy forces as a foreign policy tool; we need to continue pressing them to realise this strategy has become counter-productive in Kashmir, Afghanistan and FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas)," the cable said.
Patterson told Holbrook that the Pakistani Foreign Ministry quashed the National Assembly debate of a resolution signed by leaders of most of the political parties urging the US to appoint a special envoy on Kashmir, or add that portfolio to your plate.

"However, privately, (President Asif Ali) Zardari and FM (Shah Mahmood) Qureshi have indicated they would welcome your engagement on Kashmir," Patterson wrote in the cable to Holbrooke.

Pak focuses on Kashmir: Wikileaks

ISLAMABAD: Kashmir also appears among the diplomatic flood-peaks of Wikileaks stories raging across the globe these days.

 

In the context of Pakistan-France mutual relations Jasmine Zerinini, Head of the French Government’s Inter-Agency Afghanistan-Pakistan Cell is quoted by Paris-based US Embassy as saying that “the Pakistani government is eager for trade concessions, but does not want any political dialogue unless it is focused on Kashmir”.

 

In its secret message to US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton the US Embassy in Paris quotes Zernini: “France is working to reinforce its political relations with Pakistan, and was expecting President Sarkozy to visit Pakistan early in the second quarter of 1010. The GOF (Govt of France) does not want to return to a relationship based on military equipment sales, as in the 1980s, and is instead focusing on counter terrorism in addition to economic and trade links.

 

“France is also trying to support an EU-Pakistan dialogue, but she (Zernini) said Pakistan makes it difficult by rejecting conditionality and attempting to focus exclusively on economic issues. Zernini said the Pakistani government is eager for trade concessions, but does not want any political dialogue unless it is focused on Kashmir.”

No Surrender

Kashmir Rehabilitation Policy

FIRDOUS TAK

Jammu, Nov 22: Jammu and Kashmir government Monday approved the much awaited `Rehabilitation Policy’ paving way for the return of youth who had crossed over to Pakistan administered Kashmir with the eruption on turmoil in the Valley.
Well placed sources in the ruling alliance told Greater Kashmir that the state cabinet, which met here for the first time after shifting of Durbar to the winter capital, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave the final nod to the policy, drafted by state and approved by the Union Home Ministry.
The Chief Minister was of the view that once the policy comes into effect, new channel would be opened up enabling these youths to resume their normal life after proper precautions were taken.
“What is proposed is that for those who are desirous of returning without arms and resuming some form of normal life, we will open channels for them so that they can be able to come back,” Omar had said.
National Conference reportedly had a smooth sailing in approving the policy despite reservations from the Congress ministers, who had sought some more time in view of the ensuing elections for Panchayats and urban local bodies.
The cabinet decision will now be followed with the constitution of a high-level committee to be headed by Commissioner/Secretary Home, which will be the final authority to clear the cases under the policy.
As per the policy, youth who had crossed over to Pakistan and PaK will be brought under the ambit of the scheme. The policy had received nod from by the Union Home Ministry also after consultation with the Army and central security agencies, official sources said.
The pre-requisite for getting benefit of the policy would, however, be `change of heart’, one of the cabinet ministers, present in the meeting said. He added that the policy will only for those who want to shun the path of violence and return to the mainstream.
Under the policy, parents of the youth who had crossed over to Pakistan or PaK can approach the Superintendent of Police of their district certifying that their ward wanted to return and live a normal life.
The parents will receive orders from the SP only after the case is scrutinized by all the intelligence agencies operating in the state, the sources said. The case will also be forwarded to the high level committee to be constituted in this regard by the government for final approval; sources said adding that the committee will scrutinize cases which receive clearance from the intelligence agencies.
Such youth will be kept in a camp where they would be monitored and imparted counselling so that they could earn their livelihood, the sources said. In the meantime, if someone arrived with their wife and children, they would also be provided with emergency certificate.
For those youth, who do not have any relation, the surrender application can be filed before the Indian High Commission in Pakistan. Government is also contemplating to provide online information and application form under the policy.
The policy, which was discussed threadbare with Union Home Ministry, is expected to put an end to illegal entry of such youths who were entering India through Nepal, Bangladesh or Wagah border using fake documents and coming to Kashmir, sources said.
Government has selected four entry points – Poonch-Rawalakote (Poonch), Uri-Muzaffarabad (Uri), Wagah (Punjab) and Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi from where the youth, given clearance, can enter the state.
“They will be arrested on the entry point and brought to Counselling Centres”, a senior government officer said adding that such youth, who have cases pending against them in any police station, will be tried before the court of law.

HIGHLIGHTS

* Surrender application to be filed before SP, Indian High Commission in Islamabad

* Online application form to be made available

* Applications to be scrutinized by intelligence agencies

* Four entry points identified for return

* Returnee youth to be kept in Counselling Centre for 3 months

* Youth to be tried for cases pending against them

PTI

The much-talked about surrender policy for youths who had exfiltrated from Jammu and Kashmir between 1989 and 2009 for arms training and have a change of heart now was cleared on Monday by the State Cabinet.

Under the policy, youths who had crossed over to Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) will be eligible for the scheme.

The policy had received nod from by Union Home Ministry too after consultation with the Army and central security agencies, official sources said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was of the view that once the policy comes into effect, new channel would be opened up enabling these youths to resume their normal life after proper precautions were taken.

“What is proposed is that for those who are desirous of returning without arms and resuming some form of normal life, we will open channels for them so that they can be able to come back,” Mr. Abdullah had said.

Under the policy, parents of the youths who had crossed over to Pakistan or PoK can approach the Superintendent of Police of their district certifying that their child wanted to return and live a normal life.

The policy, which was discussed threadbare with the Union Home Ministry, is expected to put an end to illegal entry of such youths who were entering India through Nepal, Bangladesh or the Wagah border post using fake documents.

These parents will receive orders from the SP only after the case was scrutinised by the State CID in consultation with the central security agencies, the sources said.

Under the policy, the youth will be kept in a camp where they would be monitored and imparted training so that they could earn their livelihood, the sources said. In the meantime, if someone arrived with their wife and children, they would also be provided with emergency certificates.

“There will be a cooling off period, some counselling, rehabilitation and certain amount of interface between the security forces and them to be assured that they are not being planted and they are actually people who are coming back for resumption of normal life. That is the broad parameters of the policy,” a senior official said.

Asked what could be the number of such people, the official said “the numbers run into thousands but I am not, even for a moment, suggesting that all are going to come knocking on our door on the first day. It may really be a very small trickle that seeks to take advantage of this but the fact is that people are coming.”

Cabinet approves rehab policy

Youth ‘stranded’ in PaK can return to Valley
Shabir Dar
Jammu, Nov 22: After nod from Home minister P Chidambaram, the cabinet Monday finally approved the surrender and rehabilitation policy for youth who had crossed LoC between 1989 and 2009 for receiving arms training and are now willing to return home.
The cabinet, which met here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, held exhaustive deliberations on the ways and means to rehabilitate the youth before approving the policy.
It was the first cabinet meeting in Jammu after the Darbar re-opened here earlier this month.

Confirming cabinet’s approval to surrender and rehabilitation policy, Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir said the rehabilitation policy was the main agenda of the meeting. “It was unanimously approved by the cabinet,” he said.

Minister for Industries Surjit Singh Slathia said that notice in this regard will be issued soon. “The draft has already been formulated by the government and its implementation will start soon”.

Sources said the surrender and rehabilitation policy envisages that the family members of the youth who has crossed the LoC and are presently in Pakistan-administered-Kashmir and want to return back, should approach the concerned Superintendent of Police with an undertaking certificate that their wards want to return.

“Thereafter, the case would be thoroughly scrutinized by various security and intelligence agencies and after their go ahead, the parents of the youth would receive information of return of their wards,” they said.

The policy, sources said, further states that the youth will be kept in rehabilitation camp where they would be monitored and imparted training so that they could earn their livelihood. “If someone arrived with their wife and children, they too would be provided with emergency certificates,” they said.

They said there will be a cooling off period, some counselling, rehabilitation and certain amount of interface between the security forces and the youth to ensure that they are not being planted and actually want to resume normal life. “That is the broad parameters of the policy. Cases would also be filed against them, if found involved in any criminal activity before crossing the LoC,” sources said.

Home minister P Chidambaram has already given a go ahead to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for implementation of the policy during their recent meeting in New Delhi.

“Home Minister was very eager for the package and wanted the state cabinet to approve it without any further delay. Now, that the state cabinet has approved the policy, it will be forwarded to the Centre for approval. The final package will be announced by the Union Cabinet,” a senior cabinet minister said.

Omar first talked about the rehabilitation policy in his address during Chief Ministers’ Conference on internal security in New Delhi on February 7 earlier this year.

Sources said Home Minister readily agreed to the package since it was in line with the recommendation of one of the five working groups set up by the Prime Minister in May 2004. The working group had mooted general amnesty for “misguided youths who want to shun the gun and return to the mainstream”.

“The policy is tipped to be a major confidence building measure for Indo-Pakistan dialogue to get underway,” a senior government functionary said.

Official sources maintain that the proposed rehabilitation package may be extended not only to those who had crossed over to PaK for receiving arms training but also to hundreds of those who had crossed the LoC for economic and social reasons. 

The Cabinet also approved the release of COLA for the PSU employees.

RK

Indian state launches 'militant rehabilitation' policy

• By Binoo Joshi BBC News, Jammu

The government in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has given formal approval to a rehabilitation policy for militants.

It is the first time that that such a policy has been introduced for militants who have allegedly trained in Pakistani-administered Kashmir.
The state government says militants must "eschew arms and violence" if they want to take advantage of the scheme.
They must also "accept the integrity of India" and its constitution.
There has been no reaction from Pakistan or the government of Pakistani-administered Kashmir to the announcement.
Thousands of people have joined the Kashmir insurgency since it began 20 years ago.
Officials say the new scheme is different from previous initiatives because it is specifically targeted towards militants who have been or who are based in Pakistan.
It is geared towards those who have crossed from Indian-administered Kashmir into Pakistani-administered Kashmir to get arms training so that they can join militant groups fighting Indian rule in Jammu and Kashmir.
The scheme currently in place - launched in 2004 - offers rehabilitation and monetary incentives only for "local militants".
"The new scheme is only open for those who are willing to [solemnly renounce] violence and the gun," a senior cabinet minister told the BBC.
He added that the process of screening such people would be "very strict" and would involve various security and intelligence agencies.
"We have to be sure that only genuine people make use of [it]," the minister said.
There is no exact estimate provided by India as to how many people are currently receiving training on the Pakistani side, but security agencies reckon it is about 3,000 people.
Pakistan has consistently denied that it provides any assistance to militants fighting in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Indian Home Minister Mr P Chidambram has backed the idea, but the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said it was a "dangerous step and a big security risk" which they would "fight tooth and nail".

Jehad Counsil Rejects

Jehad Counsil has objected to the exclusion of Kashmir from a list of disputes.Jehad Counsil Secretary Genaral and Ameer of Tehreek ul Mujahideen Sheikh Jameel ur Rehman said,
"Jammu and Kashmir dispute is on the AGENDA OF UN FOR 63 YEARS,It is time not to exslude but include the issue on the agenda of Security Counsil as top dispute." "Kashmir is atomic flash Point"he said.
"Time has come to solve the issue according to the wishes of the people and we reject division of Kashmir",he added. He said that Indian forces in Kashmir are terrorist and are killing innocent Kashmiris mercilessly.Let India vacate Kashmir once for all.This is the only solution.

Kashmirm out of UN

Pak objects to no mention of Kashmir in UN list of disputes

 Pakistan has objected to the exclusion of Kashmir from a list of disputes under the observation of the Security Council as mentioned by the UK's top diplomat in an annual debate on UNSC reforms here.

UK holds the presidency of UNSC this month.
"Jammu and Kashmir dispute was not mentioned in the context of unresolved long-running situations," said Amjad Hussain B Sial, Pakistan's acting envoy to UN, told the General Assembly, where the debate was held.
"We understand this was an inadvertent omission, as Jammu and Kashmir is one of the oldest disputes on agenda of the Security Council," he added.
Pakistan has been asking the UN to intervene to help resolve the issue but India has always maintained that it has to be resolved bilaterally between the two countries.
Speaking earlier at the General Assembly, the UK envoy to the UN, Mark Lyall Grant, said that "some long-running situations, including in the Middle East, Cyprus and Western Sahara remain unresolved, as do issues where the Council has become engaged in recent years, including Nepal and Guinea Bissau." 
 
India welcomes exclusion of J&K from U.N. list

India has welcomed the reported exclusion of Jammu and Kashmir from the list of unresolved international disputes.

“It has been reported that United Nations has dropped Kashmir from the list of unresolved disputes. I think, if this step has been taken, I welcome it,” Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur told reporters on Monday. “We have always firmly maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India... this a very welcome step and we hope that in [the] same way the U.N. addresses our bilateral issues,” he said.

Reports have quoted Pakistan's Acting envoy to the U.N. Amjad Hussain B Sial, as stating that the J&K dispute was not mentioned in the context of unresolved long-running situations. “We understand this was an inadvertent omission, as Jammu and Kashmir is one of the oldest disputes on agenda of the Security Council,” he had said.

 

 

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Jammu Martyrs Day

Resolution on Kashmir passed in STWC conference in London

London, October 31
In London, Stop the War Coalition (STWC), a United Kingdom group has passed a resolution on Kashmir in its general conference. The resolution, which was moved by Khaja Aslam,
a journalist from Indian occupied Kashmir, on behalf of Britain/south Asia solidarity forum (BSASF), condemned the recent killings of over 111 innocent and unarmed young men and teenagers in the occupied territory.
It maintained that Kashmir was not a dispute of land between India and Pakistan but was a core political issue concerning to the future of millions of oppressed Kashmiris who had been deprived of justice since the partition of Indian sub-content. “The issue of Kashmir is the issue of self-determination which was guaranteed under successive United Nations Security Council resolutions. The self-determination of peoples is a basic principle of the United Nations Charter, which has been reaffirmed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and applied countless times to the settlement of many international conflicts,” it added.
“Presence of 700,000 Indian military and paramilitary forces without any moral, political and legal code has made Jammu and Kashmir the heaviest concentration in human history,” it added. It pointed out that India had put in force draconian laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Disturbed Areas Act in occupied Kashmir that gave Indian troops to act with impunity.
The STWC resolution said that the lingering dispute needed the immediate attention of the world powers. It emphasised that the time had come when the world powers especially the US President, Barack Obama, who is going to visit India next week, should play an effective role in helping to secure a permanent settlement to the dispute in accordance with the Kashmiris’ aspirations.
It is to mention here that the STWC was founded in October 2001, one month after the then US President, George W Bush announced the ‘war on terror’, and has since been dedicated to ending the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, bringing the troops home and forcing the British and US governments to change their disastrous foreign policies.
It is for the first time that SWTC has included the Kashmir dispute in its agenda. In the conference it was decided that in future there would be a full day discussion on the Kashmir issue to highlight it on international forum. (KMS)

Deoband -Kashmir

NEW DELHI: The Deoband seminary, which has stayed out of Kashmir politics, will host a gathering of Muslim clerics and scholars on October 4 to discuss Kashmir in the backdrop of renewed violence in the Valley. The conference is an initiative by the Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind (JuH), first-of-its-kind by a Muslim religious organization in the country, said the group's leader Maulana Mahmood Madani.

"The ulema will meet to evolve a peaceful and unanimous civilian response to the Kashmir crisis," he said.

But dragging Deoband into Kashmir wasn't being welcomed. "It could create a perception that Kashmir is a religious issue," said Arshad Alam, assistant professor, Jamia Millia Islamia University. He feared it could create a wedge between communities. "A message could go out that Kashmiris are facing repression because they are Muslims. It could foist a monolithic identity on a heterogenous Muslim community," he said. Sociologist Imtiaz Ahmad said, "A religious initiative on Kashmir issue is not desirable."

Madani says Deoband is just a venue and no symbolism should be attached. "We couldn't find a venue in Delhi due to the Commonwealth Games. On October 30, we will hold a rally at Delhi's Ram Lila Maidan where we'll invite like-minded people from all communities and civil society groups."
---------

In the first such initiative by a mainstream Muslim outfit, the Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind is set to assemble around 10,000 Islamic scholars and clerics at Darul-uloom Deoband in the first week of next month to give a call for peace in Kashmir, and to seek protection of the “democratic and human rights” of Kashmiris.
Islamic scholars and clerics of “all shades of opinion and schools of thought” would be invited for the conference to be held on October 4, which would be on the lines of a conclave it had organised two years ago at the end of which some 6,000 clerics had issued a joint fatwa against terrorism.
This was decided at a meeting of the working committee of the Jamiat here on Sunday.

One of the country’s leading Islamic organisations and an influential voice of Deobandi ulema, the Jamiat hopes to rally support for the people of Kashmir through the conference and at the same time send a powerful message that Kashmir is an integral part of India and peace has to be restored through dialogue with all stakeholders

New Delhi, Sep 21: Leading Indian Muslim politico-religious outfit, the Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind, is holding a Kashmir Conference at Darul-Uloom, Deoband in the first week of the next month to evolve what it calls a peaceful and unanimous civilian response to the on going crisis in Kashmir.

Jamiat would be inviting around 10,000 Muslim scholars and clerics of all schools of thought and shades of opinion at Darul-uloom for the conclave.

This was decided at a meeting of the national executive of the Jamiat, chaired by Maulana Qari Mohammad Usman Mansoorpuri, in Delhi yesterday.

The meeting was called to discuss deteriorating situation of Kashmir and to formulate strategy for restoration of peace and help in alleviating the suffering of innocent people, according to a Jamiat statement sent to Kashmir Observer.
While expressing its concern over the killing of innocent citizen including woman and children in Kashmir in what it called was the unrestrained firing by the police and CRPF claiming more than 100 human lives, Jamiat said it would look at the issue from humanitarian, Islamic and moral viewpoints.

”We should first look at the problem as a common citizen who is committed to humane and democratic values. Unless we are sensitive to the suffering of common people of Kashmir we have no right to meddle in their affairs”, Jamiat said.
"The people of Kashmir have been fed up with prolonged curfew, bandhs. They are deprived of essential commodities and medicines. Their business and factories are shut down. Their children are unable to attend to schools”. 

“Keeping these circumstances in mind, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has decided to hold Kashmir Conference at Deoband on October 4 to evolve a peaceful and unanimous civilian response to this crisis ", said Maulana Mahmood Madani, leader of Jamiat and Rajya Sabha MP.

”We must understand and respect their legitimate aspirations. This alone, we believe, can create space for reconciliation and bring an end to the turmoil and conflict prevalent in the valley”, the statement said.
”Steps to repress their voice would not bring any solution; instead it would complicate the situation further, working committee of Jamiat felt. 

Senior Jamiat leader Maulana Niaz Farooqui said there would be a joint declaration by the ulema at the end of the conference, talking about humanitarian and religious angles.

He said the declaration would not talk about political package or initiative. “That is not our subject. We will confine ourselves to humanitarian and Islamic aspects,” Farooqui said.

Following this conference he said Jamiat would also send a high level delegation to Kashmir to establish people-to-people contact there and also to express solidarity with them. 

The Jamiat has also  decided to hold a public conference at Ram Lila Grounds in New Delhi on October 30 against the ongoing violence in the Valley.

”We will launch countrywide awareness campaign and to sensitize all sections of civil society about the suffering and problems of common people and how it threatens our democratic polity”, Jamiat said adding the party shall seek cooperation of all Organizations and leaders cutting across religious, social and political affiliations

RAKESH K SINGH | New Delhi

The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH) has convened a conference at Deoband early next month of all the Muslim sects to evolve a consensus over the Kashmir situation and express solidarity with the community in the Valley. The JUH also plans to send a delegation to the Valley.

While major Muslim bodies have so far refrained from interfering with the sensitive Kashmir situations, the JUH move could have wide ramification as it might end up projecting the Kashmir conflict as a Muslim issue.

“The movement against the violence in Jammu and Kashmir has so far been run by a small minority of civil rights group and we are trying to give a voice to the silent majority of masses and bring people to the fore to address the situation and resolve the problem,” secretary and spokesperson of JUH Niaz Ahmed Farooqui told The Pioneer.

Besides leaders and representatives from the Shias, Sunnis, Deobandis, Barelvis and non-Muslim communities, the Jamiat has invited 10,000 delegates of the organisation from across the country at Deoband on October 4 to discuss the Kashmir situation.

“Following this conference, the Jamiat will also send a delegation to Kashmir to establish people-to-people contact there and express solidarity with them against violence and address the humanitarian problems being faced by them. The Jamiat will also hold a public conference here next month to address the Government, public at large and the Kashmiris in particular against the ongoing violence in the Valley,” Farooqui said.

The conference will try and evolve a consensus among the different Muslim sects over a common stand to be taken by them on the Kashmir issue.

“Different people have different views on the Kashmir issue….We will discuss the humanitarian problems being faced by the community as result of the violence that is perpetuating in the Valley for the last three months,” Farooqui said.

He said, “The Valley is under siege…. The Muslims are facing a lot of problems there due to shortage of essential commodities, like medicines…. Suffering of the common man is enormous.”

“The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is alarming and the community cannot remain a silent spectator. A democratic voice of the masses is necessary to contain the spate of violence,” he said and added that a public session of the Muslim organisations here next month will help in mobilising the masses against the ongoing violence there.

Other Muslim organisations that will participate in the Deoband conference include All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Jamat-e-Islami, All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat and All India Milli Council among others.

The Kashmir issue was discussed at the National Executive Committee meeting of the JUH here on Sunday.

The AIMPLB, which held a separate meeting on the Kashmir situation on Sunday, said the Muslims cannot afford to remain silent and should play a constructive role in containing the violence in Kashmir.

New cycle of agitation in Kashmir

By Ershad Mahmud
Sunday, 03 Oct, 2010 | 01:26 AM PST |

SCORES of people have been killed in the Kashmir Valley in pitched street battles between angry protestors and Indian security forces during the last three months. It is said that each death creates new protestors who fearlessly battle with police and paramilitary forces.

Despite the heavy-handedness of the security forces and frequent impositions of curfews no end to current resistance is in sight. A couple of consecutive high profile incidents of human rights violation by the security forces and the lack of accountability at the state level forced the people to take to the streets which turned into a massive agitation. It is the third straight summer which have witnessed the massive street protests that have not only paralyzed the state apparatus but has also affected the daily life.

New Delhi made several attempts but could not succeed to reach out to the people and address their grievances and aspirations so far. The same old traditional and conservative methods are being applied to handle the problem such as most of the pro-Azadi leaders have been locked up in the jails while repressive measures are used to curb the agitation.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appeared twice on television channels and made appeals to the people to calm down and help restore peace in the Valley but to no avail. The current cycle of agitation began when the security forces killed a protestor who was part of a march against a fake encounter that took place in the Machil, a town close to Line of Control.

The people urged the government to revoke draconian laws which provide immunity to forces to act without fear of accountability. The central government, along with armed forces, not only ignored the protestors’ genuine demand but also issued no reprimand to its local forces’ commanders to censure them to avoid such behaviour in future. Neither the vibrant media nor civil society picked up this issue to sympathise with the people of Kashmir.

On the contrary, top armed forces commanders declared that the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) was a holy book for his rank and file.The outcome of the 2008 state assembly elections and tragic Mumbai attacks followed by Pakistan’s indifferent attitude towards the plight of the Kashmiris has emboldened New Delhi to suspend any negotiations with Pakistan to find an acceptable solution for all stakeholders. During the last couple of years it seriously downplayed Kashmiri aspirations and overlooked political realities of Kashmir.

On the other hand, Indian armed forces have triumphantly declared that they have defeated militancy in Kashmir. Therefore, New Delhi diverted all energies to build state of the art infrastructure in the state and froze the negotiation process with Mirwaiz Omer Farooq led Hurriyat Conference and closed the chapter of composite dialogue process with Islamabad. Interestingly, pro-India Kashmiri leadership has persistently been calling for the political solution of the issue but Delhi never took them seriously.

Above all, the authorities have miserably failed to understand the depth of alienation and grievances of the people when the non-violent character of Kashmiri uprising appeared. The New York Times noted that the protests had led India to one of its most serious internal crises in recent memory. Not just because of their ferocity and persistence, but because they signal the failure of decades of efforts to win the assent of Kashmiris using just about any tool available: money, elections and overwhelming use of force.

Over a period of time Indian society has been told that whatever awful occurs in Kashmir, it is planned by Pakistan to destabilise India. The victim card worked well. Even liberal opinion makers and civil society activists hardly criticised their government’s disproportionate use of force because of Pakistan or radicals’ role in Kashmir. Now, when a peaceful mass movement has taken over the radical and violent forces New Delhi is yet not able to seize the opportunity and initiate unconditional dialogue.

It is largely perceived that if India gives any concessions to Srinagar it will be seen as its weakness in the face of the protests. Ironically, BJP which is deemed as an architect of peace process with Pakistan does not want to give any credit to Congress to solve the Kashmir issue. Therefore, BJP declared it would not let the government show even a mild gesture of flexibility. Only Communist Party of India (Marxist) publically acknowledged that the question of Jammu and Kashmir has to be treated as a special case and this requires a new political framework. It makes an uphill task for the Congress to offer symbolic compromise even to its own coalition partner in Srinagar — National Conference — to assuage people’s grievances.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also offered conditional talks with the separatist leadership which was declined. Though, it was hinted at the top level that internal autonomy can be granted to Jammu and Kashmir but it could not turn the table. Pro-Azadi groups have upped the ante and are no more asking for mere autonomy.

Additionally, autonomy has always been National Conference’s (NC) political mantra. Other mainstream parties such as People’s Democratic Party or Kashmir chapter of the Indian Congress never let NC take political mileage if Delhi grants further internal autonomy to Kashmir. The dissident voices too do not appreciate this sort of outcome to their 20-year long struggle.

This newly found mass resilience also indicates that Indian forces have limited options to contain Kashmiri upsurge too. In fact, the use of force and repressive measure have not only lost their effectiveness but also proved counterproductive. Several times curfews were violated by the citizens and they joined either funeral procession or agitation. The Economist of London has aptly encapsulated the challenge that New Delhi is facing in Kashmir. It says, “at some point they (cycle of protests) will become so big that they can only be contained by killing more of its citizens than a democracy can stand.”

In this context, finding a respectable way out is a gigantic task for New Delhi as well as for the people of Kashmir since unlimited agitations are not sustainable in the long run. It should be acknowledged at the level of policy-makers and political elite that Kashmir issue has internal as well as external dimensions to deal with. There is no denying the fact that during the last two decades Islamabad’s influence in the Kashmir Valley has increased tremendously. As long as Islamabad and New Delhi continue to follow hostile approaches towards each other and do not stop the zero-sum game, peace in Kashmir will remain a pipedream.

However, the state government led by Omer Abdullah can also play a vital role if it demonstrates political maturity. No matter what political cost it has to pay, the state government should not allow the security forces to use highhanded policies to curb the legitimate protests. It offers no solution to the current unrest. It, in fact, has aggravated the situation further.

The resumption of internal dialogue in Kashmir can be helpful if New Delhi makes it a tri-partite – Srinagar-Delhi, Srinagar-Islamabad and finally Delhi and Islamabad based exercise. However, a dialogue between various regions and hassle-free intra-Kashmir interaction at all levels of the society can always be useful to narrow down the extreme positions and to create a broader understanding of each others’ viewpoints. The dialogue should be backed by practical steps to improve the ground realities such as demilitarisation of the urban centres.

The writer is an Islamabad-based political analyst.

ajkrawalakot@gmail.com

Musharraf admits for trainig Kashmiris

SPIEGEL ONLINE

10/04/2010 11:06 PM

SPIEGEL Interview with Pervez Musharraf

'Pakistan is Always Seen as the Rogue'

Pakistan trained militant underground groups to fight against India in Kashmir, former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf admitted in an interview with SPIEGEL. In addition, the 67-year-old explains why he wants to leave his exile in London and return to his country.

SPIEGEL: Pakistanis have been left bewildered by the incompetence of the government led by President Asif Ali Zardari in dealing with the consequences of the disastrous floods. Do you expect another military coup soon?
Musharraf: Whenever the country is in turmoil, everybody looks to the army. But I would suggest that the times of military coups in Pakistan are over. The latest political developments have shown that the Supreme Court has set a bar on itself not to validate a military takeover.
SPIEGEL: How would you judge the performance of your successor, Zardari, and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani?
Musharraf: I do not want to comment on the present government, but everybody can see what they are doing. Pakistan is experiencing a deep economic decline -- in other areas, as well. Law and order are in jeopardy, extremism is on the rise and there is political turmoil. The non-performance of an elected government is the issue.
SPIEGEL: How do you view the role of General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the man considered to be pulling the strings in Pakistan?
Musharraf: I made him chief of the army, because I thought that he was the best man for the job.
SPIEGEL: When Pakistan's rulers lose power, they traditionally get imprisoned or murdered by their rivals. Why are you founding a party to, once again, get involved in politics instead of enjoying retirement in London, which is at least a safe place?
Musharraf: No risk, no gain. We unfortunately have a culture of vendetta and vindictiveness in Pakistan. But there is no case of corruption or fraud or anything against me at the moment. My political opponents, especially Nawaz Sharif, would love to create a case against me -- that I am corrupt or have committed fraud or some such. They do their best to achieve that, but they haven't succeeded. Even if they did, I would reply in court. Risks need to be taken.
SPIEGEL: Why do you believe that Pakistanis are keenly awaiting your political comeback?
Musharraf: I am not living a hermit's life, I meet people here and in Dubai and receive accurate feedback. I launched my Facebook page eight months ago and today I have more than 315,000 fans. And hundreds of Pakistanis called into a TV show in which I collected money for the flood victims. They donated $3.5 million. Do you think they are doing this because they hate me?
SPIEGEL: Is there anything that you regret -- for example, your secret Kargil Operation, which led to an armed conflict with India in 1999, your arbitrary changes to Pakistan's constitution, your dismissal of the country's highest judge, the lack of concern for Benazir Bhutto's life after her return or your oft-criticized mild treatment of religious militants?
Musharraf: The West blames Pakistan for everything. Nobody asks the Indian prime minister, Why did you arm your country with a nuclear weapon? Why are you killing innocent civilians in Kashmir? Nobody was bothered that Pakistan got split in 1971 because of India's military backing for Bangladesh (which declared independence from Pakistan that year). The United States and Germany gave statements, but they didn't mean anything. Everybody is interested in strategic deals with India, but Pakistan is always seen as the rogue.
SPIEGEL: Why did you form militant underground groups to fight India in Kashmir?
Musharraf: They were indeed formed. The government turned a blind eye because they wanted India to discuss Kashmir.
SPIEGEL: It was the Pakistani security forces that trained them.
Musharraf: The West was ignoring the resolution of the Kashmir issue, which is the core issue of Pakistan. We expected the West -- especially the United States and important countries like Germany -- to resolve the Kashmir issue. Has Germany done that?

'I'm Earning Good Money Here in London, But Pakistan Is My Country'
SPIEGEL: Does that give Pakistan the right to train underground fighters?
Musharraf: Yes, it is the right of any country to promote its own interests when India is not prepared to discuss Kashmir at the United Nations and is not prepared to resolve the dispute in a peaceful manner.
SPIEGEL: And how can a nuclear arsenal be safe when high-ranking officers support proliferation or even personally profit from it, as has been alleged? The nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan claims that the Pakistani army monitored and organized deals with countries like North Korea and Iran.
Musharraf: That is wrong, absolutely wrong. Mr. Khan is a characterless man.
SPIEGEL: What did the United States offer you in exchange for getting control of the nuclear weapons in Pakistan?
Musharraf: I would be a traitor if I had ever given our nuclear weapons to the United States. This capability is our pride and it will never be compromised.
SPIEGEL: A German member of the militant Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, 36-year-old Ahmad Sidiqi, who has been held by US forces in Afghanistan since July, allegedly told his American interrogators that he was trained in Pakistan and confessed there were plans to attack Europe. Why, nine years after 9/11, does Pakistan remain a breeding ground for international terrorism?
Musharraf: We poisoned Pakistani civil society for 10 years when we fought the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 1980s. It was jihad and we brought in militants from all over the world, with the West and Pakistan together in the lead role. After the withdrawal of the Soviet troops, the West left Pakistan with 25,000 mujahedeen and al-Qaida fighters, without any plan for rehabilitation or resettlement. While you were mostly concerned with the reunification of Germany, we had to cope with this. Now you expect Pakistan to pull out a magic wand and make all of this suddenly disappear? That is not doable -- this will take time.
SPIEGEL: How can the problem be solved?
Musharraf: The West made three blunders so far: After the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, they abandoned the region in 1989. Then, after 9/11, they fought the Taliban instead of strengthening the Pashtuns who could have taken on the radical Taliban. Now you try to negotiate with so-called "moderate Taliban," but there is no such thing as a moderate Taliban. There are Taliban and Pashtuns. But as I have always said: All Taliban are Pashtun, but not all Pashtun people are Taliban. Again, you should reinforce the ancient Pashtun clans who are not ideologically aligned with the Taliban to govern Afghanistan and to fight the Taliban. That's my strong advice. The fourth and worst blunder would be to quit without winning. Then militancy will prevail not only in Pakistan, India and Kashmir, but perhaps also in Europe, the United Kingdom and in the United States. That's my belief.
SPIEGEL: The al-Qaida chief in Pakistan, Sheikh Fateh al Masri, was recently killed in a US drone attack in North Waziristan. Many al-Qaida leaders are sheltered by the Haqqani network (of warlord Jalaluddin Haqqani). How serious is Pakistan about fighting a former mujahedeen heroes like Haqqani and his son Siraj?
Musharraf: If you hear the new statements from the West that they plan to withdraw their troops and leave Afghanistan in 2011, then Pakistan should think of how to handle the withdrawal scenario. Pakistan needs to find a strategy for its existence, how to tackle the situation with Seraj Haqqani, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the Pakistani Taliban and Mullah Omar. When the West quits, we will be on our own with them.
SPIEGEL: Do you not fear that when you return to Pakistan, you might face the same fate as Benazir Bhutto, who was murdered in a suicide attack?
Musharraf: Yes, that is a risk, but it won't stop me. I am happy here in London. I am earning good money, but Pakistan is my country.
Interview conducted by Susanne Koelbl

URL:

• http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,721110,00.html

KASHMIR: India Bleeding Kashmir Media

KASHMIR: India Bleeding Kashmir Media: "Kashmiri journalist in hospital after police beating By Altaf Hussain BBC News, Srinagar The..."

India Bleeding Kashmir Media

Kashmiri journalist in hospital after police beating

By Altaf Hussain BBC News, Srinagar

  

The authorities have been enforcing a curfew for weeks

A prominent video journalist has been admitted to hospital in Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir after being severely beaten by police.

Merajuddin, who works as a cameraman for APTN, was hit with a baton in the neck and fell unconscious. Police also beat his son and colleague, Omar Meraj.
There have been a number of such attacks on local journalists recently.
The authorities have declared a curfew following violent anti-India protests in which scores have died since June.
The two journalists had been heading to the state assembly in Srinagar when they were stopped by police, who refused to let them pass despite their having curfew passes.
When Merajuddin insisted on speaking to their officer, the policemen became angry and beat him.
The assault happened while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was apologising in the assembly for the seizure of newspapers by the police in Srinagar on Friday morning.
He told members the police had seized the newspapers without his knowledge.
The media is under increasing pressure in the state.
One senior journalist, Sheikh Mushtaq, said: "We have never felt so insecure as now. We not only face a threat to our lives but are also humiliated off and on."

Police accused of beating AP reporters in Kashmir

(AP) – 5 hours ago

SRINAGAR, India — Two Associated Press journalists were assaulted by police Friday at a roadblock in Indian-controlled Kashmir, and one was knocked out by blows from rifle butts and batons.
Local journalists have repeatedly complained of harassment and assaults by police during turmoil in the Himalayan territory that has killed more than 100 people since June, most of them demonstrators and bystanders.
With a curfew in place, AP Television News journalists Meraj Uddin Dar and his son, Umar Dar, were stopped at a checkpoint as they drove to work Friday.
Police inspected their identity cards and curfew passes — which are given out by Indian authorities to journalists allowing them to work — and initially refused to let them pass. Officers relented after the reporters protested.
As they began to drive away, police yelled for them to stop. Umar Dar said he got out of the car to complain and a police officer slapped him. After Meraj Uddin Dar left the vehicle, officers beat him unconscious with fists, rifle butts and batons, Umar Dar said.
Another journalist at the scene called a police commander, who took the men to a hospital.
Meraj Uddin Dar was admitted with neck injuries and underwent neurological tests.
Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the incident was being investigated.
Reporters Without Borders reported in July that Indian paramilitary forces beat up 12 journalists covering a demonstration. Reporter Mark Magnier with the Los Angeles Times and Riyaz Masroor of the BBC were assaulted by security forces during a separate incident, the media rights group said.
Ghulam Hassan Kaloo, president of the Kashmir Press Association, said his group called an emergency meeting for Saturday. "The police confiscated copies of almost all newspapers early today. Now they have beaten our colleagues as well. This is alarming," he said.

Don’t bleed Kashmir press

Kashmir on Friday witnessed a twin attack on press freedom. J&K Police yet again seized all the newspapers as printing machines cranked them out in the wee hours of a sternly curfewed Friday. In recent months the seizure and harassment of hawkers was too frequent to be ignored.

However chief minister’s response to such undemocratic practice came only after some MLAs prompted him in legislative assembly that is in session. The chief minister was quick to apologize and sought ‘report’ from his Police Chief but the gesture was soon mocked by yet another attack on the press fraternity. The policemen nearly killed the senior most photo journalist Me’rajudin and his son, also a journalist, when both were on way to Legislative Assembly to cover the ongoing autumn session. Throughout these hundred days, Kashmir’s vernacular press and local journalists have been suffering in variety of ways due to unwritten, invisible gag orders. Harassing newspaper staff, disrespecting curfew passes that are issued by district magistrate, beating of field reporters and photographers, intimidating reporters through FIRs are some visible excesses suffered by Kashmir media. Routine abuses, insulting remarks and choicest invectives by cops on streets are so rampant that quantifying them would take a fat book. When quizzed, most of the Police officers attribute this gag policy to the ‘top bosses’, using the worn out cliché Upar se Order hai. The deliberate indifference of the government, particularly the information department, only adds insult to the injury. Friday’s undemocratic act cannot be cast aside as yet another stray mistake by the stressed out Police. The government cannot hide behind the pretext of precautionary measures post Babri Masjid verdict. The verdict did not entail press gag in UP, Delhi or Maharashtra, why in Kashmir? Censoring newspapers and beating newsmen, particularly when the situation shows signs of improvement, points to only two things: lack of command on law enforcing agencies or a racist policy to muzzle Kashmiri press. If the later is true, the biggest irony is that a Kashmiri chief minister is presiding over the actions that bring disrepute not just to the chief minsiter’s person but to the Indian state and her global acclaim as the world’s largest democracy. Apart from heading the coalition cabinet Omar Abdullah is J&K’s home minister as well as information minister. He should come clean on a coercive information policy his government has adopted post June 11. Kashmir press should be restored with dignity if the authorities really want to restore peace and order.

Jamat Islami Pakistan protests

KASHMIR: An Appeal from Indian Jail to the Editors of Pakis...

KASHMIR: An Appeal from Indian Jail to the Editors of Pakis...: "Dear Sir/Madam Iam Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Chairman Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement detained at Kotbalwal Jail Jammu. At this auspicious occa..."

KASHMIR: An Appeal

KASHMIR: An Appeal: "Respected Sir/Madam In charge News Section Aslam ala kum With regards & prays A peaceful demonstration was organized by KASHMIR (W)..."

MJC chief Syed Salauddin in Wahcant

An Appeal

Respected Sir/Madam

In charge News Section

Aslam ala kum

With regards & prays

A peaceful demonstration was organized by KASHMIR (W) JUSTICE FORUM before Lahore press club on 13^th Sep. at 5 P.M. to knock the conscious of the civilized World, as World is silent, though Kashmir problem being an international issue, where Kashmire in present phase of non violent freedom struggle, are victim of Indian brutalities continuously.

Chairman of forum Eng.Mehmood, via brief lecture said that as there are many ways for solution other than power & violence to ensure peace in sub continent. But unfortunately International organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union & the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) are silent & failed for reasonable and humane solutions to international Kashmir problem as had taken seriously the local issue of East Tymoor. Which Kashmir dispute can any time turn the sub continent into a ball of fire? Such double standards of UNO can block the path to peace for the World.

Speakers added that during violent struggle, World lords openly showed concerns & continue their open/hidden support to India to overcome militancy. Even many well wisher intellectuals advised Kashmire leadership to recharge again the non violent mass freedom movement to avoid more human loss & to gain the sympathies of the World. It is unfortunate with Kashmires even after launching non violent mass movement, neither Indian policy makers changed their brutal mood nor the World is yet influenced, though Kashmir being the first international issue before UNO.

Speakers also, appeal internal media especially a section of Pak media ignoring Kashmir, to show solidarity with oppressed Kashmires via updating World about mass non violent freedom movement of Kashmir & to expose Indian brutalities.

With regards

Mushtaq Ahmad

In charge Media

Kashmir (w) Justice Forum

16-23 Rajgarh Lahore

An Appeal from Indian Jail to the Editors of Pakistani Media

Dear Sir/Madam

Iam Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Chairman Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement detained at Kotbalwal Jail Jammu. At this auspicious occasion of Eid-ul_Fitar please accept my heartiest Eid felicitations and convey the same to whole nation of Pakistan through your esteemed newspaper.

I am aware about the recent natural calamity in Pakistan and I am shocked at the trauma and devastation wrought by the recent floods in Pakistan. I wish to express my solidarity on behalf myself and Kashmiri Nation with all those who have suffered loss of life and livelihoods.

I know that lakhs of Pakistanis are rendered homeless due to this flood and are celebrating this Eid in a miserable condition.

I wish to assure you that kashmiri people living all across the world, are with you at this time of pain and suffering. I appeal to Kashmiri International Diasphora and all those Kashmiris living around the globe to play their leading role and help the flood affectees generousely.

I am thankful to you on the pivotal role played by your daily for last 20 years for the projection of popular freedom struggle of Jammu & Kashmir. It was because of the continuous coverage in your newspaper and other Pakistani print as well as electronic media that Kashmir Issue was highlighted in the whole world community and it got central focus in various international forums. Indeed Pakistan was playing role of real advocate of Kashmiris at international level. But I am sorry to say that Pakistani media could not project the 2008 uprising in Kashmir on land row and Israeli type settlements of Hindu pockets in the name of Amaranth Shrine Board. In that uprising hundreds of Kashmiris have embraced martyrdom and got world attention but unfortunately Pak media could not play the proper role. Same is the case in recent uprising in which India is busy in systematic genocide of Kashmiris and innocent youth are being butchered on daily basis and due coverage is not given in Pak media.

The letter is to remind you the responsibility which Pakistan has in case of Kashmir. The movement has now entered the decisive phase and at this time people of Kashmir need your due support.

India has left no stone unturned to crush the current freedom struggle and more than one lac people are martyred in last 2 decades. Indian forces are busy in killing the people of Kashmir since her occupation but I want to draw your attention towards the recent killing spree in Kashmir.

Recently people came on roads to protest against the Indian illegal occupation in Kashmir and launched the peaceful,” Quit Kashmir Movement” but Indian ruthless forces fired bullets on them which resulted in the killing of 68 innocent Kashmiris from 8year old boy to 80 year old man in last two months.

Hundreds of Kashmiris are put behind the bars including me, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Naeem Ahmed Khan, Syed Ali Geelani, Muhammad Yasin Malik during recent uprising. The trigger happy forces are busy in killing the innocent people of kashmir. They are not accountable to anyone and complete lawlessness is witnessed through out the Valley.

I appeal to the international community through your esteemed News Paper to come forward and pressurise India to stop unabated killings in Kashmir, repeal draconian laws and release all political leaders and workers of Kashmir and finally force India to respect the UN resolutions on Kashmir.

Lastly I would like to appeal the Muslim Ummah that donot forgets the flood affectees of Pakistan and victims of Indian state terrorism in Kashmir at this occasion of Eid-ul-fitar.

Yours Sincerely

Zaffar Akbar Bhat

Chairman

Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement

 Kotbalwal Jail Jammu.

PDD and Crime Branch offices burning in Srinagar

KASHMIR: United we Stand Divided we Fall

KASHMIR: United we Stand Divided we Fall: "Ummer Meets Geelani Srinagar, Sept 5: In a bid to forge unity among the pro-freedom leaders, a two-member delegation of Hurriyat C..."

United we Stand Divided we Fall

Ummer Meets Geelani

Srinagar, Sept 5: In a bid to forge unity among the pro-freedom leaders, a two-member delegation of Hurriyat Conference (M) Sunday met the chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani here.
 The delegation comprised the Hurriyat (M) leaders, Advocate Nazir Ahmad Ronga and Prof Habibullah Jeelani, who is the special secretary to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
 The meeting, which lasted for over an hour in a cordial atmosphere, was held at Geelani’s Hyderpora residence.
 Sources said the delegation discussed the need to have unity among the pro-freedom leaders at this juncture. “They also conveyed to Geelani sahib about the Mirwaiz’s desire that the pro-freedom leaders, especially Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Muhammad Yasin Malik should offer Eid prayers together at Eidgah,” they said.
 The participants broke the fast together at Geelani’s residence.
 Sources said Geelani has conveyed the delegation that he would have deliberations with his colleagues over the Hurriyat (M) suggestions and convey his decision accordingly. “The next meet is expected in a day or two,” they said.

KASHMIR: Dukhtran Millat chief Aasiya Andrabi, aide arreste...

KASHMIR: Dukhtran Millat chief Aasiya Andrabi, aide arreste...: "Srinagar, Aug 28: Police on Saturday arrested the chairperson of Dukhtaran-e-Millat, Syeda Aasiya Andrabi and her close aide during..."

Dukhtran Millat chief Aasiya Andrabi, aide arrested

Srinagar, Aug 28: Police on Saturday arrested the chairperson of Dukhtaran-e-Millat, Syeda Aasiya Andrabi and her close aide during a raid on a house at Zakura in the City outskirts here on Saturday.
Pertinently Aasiya along with senior Hurriyat Conference (G) leader Masarat Alam have been spearheading the ongoing “Quit Jammu and Kashmir Movement” for over two months. Since the launch of the movement, Aasiya had gone underground to evade arrest.
Police said acting on a tip off, the Special Operations Group personnel accompanied by a posse of women cops cordoned a house at Zakura at around 1.00 pm and arrested Aasiya and her close aide, Sofi Fahmeeda. They were whisked to some unknown destination. Sources said the raid was kept so secret that even the local police was not aware of the happenings in the area.
Highly placed official sources said the police have been tracking Aasiya’s mobile to ascertain her location. They said though Aasiya had been constantly changing her locations, her mobile signals were last tracked to a residential house in Zakura. The Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Aashiq Bukhari confirmed Aasiya’s arrest. “We had already registered a case against her. We were tracking her movement and finally succeeded in arresting her along with a close aide” the SSP said. However, he refused to
divulge the details about the charges. But sources said she has been lodged in the Women’s Police Station here and booked for “inciting people against the state and police.” Sources said she was likely to be booked under the Public Safety Act.
Sources said police has also seized Aasiya’s personal laptop and many mobile phones during the raid. Officials said police had formed special teams to arrest Aasiya and even raided many places in the City. They said police earlier this month had conducted an identification of some burqa-clad women at Parimpora when they had received reports that Aasiya will pass through the area.
Incidentally, Aasiya who has been endorsing the Hurriyat (G) protest calendar was at the forefront of criticizing the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and New Delhi for killing spree in the Valley.
Aasiya was recently in dock after some New Delhi based newspapers accused her of double-standards for demanding passport for her elder son, Muhammad Bin Qasim to study abroad.
However she had vehemently denied the charges terming it as an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing situation in the Valley.

FAMILY WORRIEDThe family members of Aasiya are worried about her welfare. “The police are not telling us where they have lodged Aasiya and Fahmeeda or for what charges they have been arrested. If anything happens to them, the Government will be responsible for the consequences. We will be taking legal recourse against the arrest soon,” Aasiya’s family told Greater Kashmir.

‘IT SHOWS GOVT’S FRUSTRATION’
The Dukhtaran-e-Millat has termed the arrest of Aasiya as Government’s frustration to curb the ongoing agitation. “Aasiya Bajee’s unflinching support to the Quit Jammu and Kashmir Movement had frustrated the authorities. Though her arrest is a big jolt to the movement but it will not deter our resolve to extend support to the just cause. We appeal the people to carry forward the agitation to its logical conclusion,” said the spokesperson of Dukhtaran-e-Millat Shaista Banu.
She said Aasiya has never compromised on her commitment to champion the cause of Kashmiris. “We salute her courage and countless sacrifices for the movement,” she added.

BACKGROUND
Born in 1962, Aasiya, a vociferous orator, graduated in Home Science from University of Kashmir in 1981. Daughter of a Unani doctor, Syed Sahabuddin Andrabi, Aasiya wanted to become a scientist and to move to neighbouring, Himachal Pradesh in pursuit of higher studies. But her brother’s refusal changed her destiny.
Her close aides said she used to spend most of her time at home and one day, by chance, read a book ‘Khawateen Ke Dilon Ki Bateen’ from her father’s library based on the rights and duties of Muslim women. She was moved by the status of women in Islam and this proved a turning point in her life. She learnt Arabic to propagate the teachings of Islam.
Aasiya formed the Dukhtaran-e-Millat (daughters of the community) in the eighties. However, after the eruption of militancy, she spearheaded a reformist movement among women prompting a ban of her organization. Around the same time, she found a match in Muhammad Qasim alias Aashiq Husain Faktoo, then a commander of Jamait-ul-Muhajideen.
However, the couple couldn’t stay together for long. They were arrested along with their newborn, Muhammad Bin Qasim. They were booked under Public Safety Act and shifted to Jammu Central Jail. Her husband was booked under Terrorism and Disruptive Act and given life sentence. Despite passing of over 17 years in jail, he has not been released yet.
Over the years, Aasiya has been arrested and booked for various charges. During the Amarnath land row and subsequent killing of over 60 youth, Aasiya led massive protests and was again booked under the PSA. She remained in custody for over six months. Though, the High Court quashed the PSA and released her, Aasiya was again arrested after she staged protests against the Shopian double murder and rape in 2009. She along with her associates were booked under PSA.
Aasiya’s fame even reached Bollywood and inspired filmmakers to depict her life in films. But she halted their efforts by threatening legal action against the producer.