Kashmir: 'It's a very dangerous situation for India'

Sinagar, 9 October: Ever since the flare-up in Kashmir worsened, veteran diplomat Howard B Schaffer, author of The Limits of Influence: America's Role in Kashmir, has been a much sought after expert in think tank circles in Washington, DC, reports rediff.com

In an interview with rediff.com's Aziz Haniffa, Schaffer says if Delhi continues to be in denial, and Islamabad is tempted to stoke the fires as it always has, the Kashmir situation could unravel fast.

What is your take on the flare-up in Kashmir? Is it the so-called 'intifada' of two decades ago all over again?

It's a very dangerous situation for India because I believe this is a very genuine expression of thorough dissatisfaction with Kashmir's connection to India, launched by young people who can remember only conflict in their lives -- when you consider that the conflict began just about 20 years ago with the outbreak of the insurgency and the people who are involved in it now cannot remember any kind of stable situation.

And, they are convinced from various points of view -- the economic, political and cultural -- that they have no future as part of India, that their economic futures look very dim. Obviously, they don't trust the Indian authority and they seem to have turned their backs on all of the political leadership, both in the pro-India parties, which are taking part in the political process, and on the Hurriyat group because the Hurriyat people, it seems to me, seem to be sidelined and they are in the situation of leaders who are hastening to catch up with their followers.

I hope that India will follow through with the political efforts that have now been undertaken following the visit of that all-party group to the state a week ago. But what's very important is this -- that the record would indicate that India announces efforts to reform and then these peter out when the situation in the valley calms down. I hope that won't happen now.

Twenty years ago, too, when the insurgency first began, it was an indigenous movement; but then it got contaminated?

Yes, then too, 20 years ago, it started as an indigenous movement. The Indian side admitted that it was an indigenous movement but the Pakistanis moved to take it over. And, their efforts to take it over were quite brutal because people to who they looked for support and whom they supported turned on -- at Pakistani direction -- those who favoured independence and not an amalgamation with Pakistan. Now, so far at least, no evidence, credible to me, has been brought to light that the Pakistanis are involved. But the ISI will be strongly tempted to fish in these troubled waters, just as they did 20 years ago.

What is the distinct difference between then and now? As you said, these are young guys who grew up -- as you say -- knowing nothing but conflict, suppression, repression, etc. But you still find the old guard like Syed Ali Shah Geelani making the tough provocative statements as if he calls the shots and is pulling the strings?

I don't believe so for all his talk, because as I said, I believe the Hurriyat leaders have not been at the centre of things. They've been completely sidelined, (but) they've been trying to get back into controlling position. You hear interviews with these young people and they are seemingly acting on their own. Now Geelani is trying; he declares boycott days, shutdown days, but I think the difference to me is that this seems to be a very spontaneous movement by people without solid political background.

Why is it so dangerous? Couldn't the argument be made that this is a bunch of kids who started pelting stones at the Indian troops who probably overreacted?

It's dangerous for the reason that the Pakistanis will again be tempted to intervene and -- coming at a time when India-Pakistan relations continue to be tense in the wake of the Mumbai attack -- that this could create the possibility of another confrontation.

You indicated that the Indian government seems to have made the right moves, with the all-party delegation giving pretty much an objective report to Delhi and there being some genuine efforts to address some of the grievances?

I believe the Indian response has been useful although it is very belated. After all, the troubles began on June 11 and it wasn't until mid-September that the Indians recognised that the situation was serious enough to lead them to take what was an unprecedented step of sending an all-party group to Kashmir. Obviously, they wanted to diffuse the responsibility and the blame among other political parties in India.

Now, some of the steps that have been taken are good ones, but it is much too early to make a judgement as to how far the Indians will be prepared to go to offer concessions that will be meaningful to the Kashmiris. They have once again talked about economic efforts, but these things have happened repeatedly in the past and the Indians will tell you quite rightly that India has invested a lot of money in Kashmir. But the trouble has always been that the money has gone into the wrong pockets.

As far as political changes go, we have to see what they are going to do about the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. It's good that they are releasing a bunch of youngsters from jail, that they are going to try to be less combative in dealing with these stone-throwing incidents, that people who have not committed serious crimes will be let off.

These are all good things, but again, we've got to see where it all leads to. And, the problem remains that -- and polling confirms this and this is incredible -- after 63 years as part of India, Kashmiris remain alienated and want to be outside of India. They no longer are interested in joining Pakistan. I mean, who would be interested in joining Pakistan?

But it is amazing that so much time has passed and so many Indian efforts have been announced but this sense of alienation continues all the way through society among Muslims in the valley.

UN records database J&K, AP as separate countries

New Delhi, Oct 9: While India continues relentlessly to assert that Jammu Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh are both integral part of the country, United Nations does not seem to agree.

A report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has named Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal as completely separate countries in the list of East Asian countries.

The names of the disputed states figure in Annexure 5 of the 2010 FAO report on assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from the dairy sector.

Besides this, Arunachal Pradesh has been spelt as ‘Arunashal’ Pradesh.

Another disputed region that has been treated as a separate country by FAO is Aksai Chin, which China holds as its integral part.

As per reports, FAO has defended its treatment of these states citing that the disputed areas were deliberately being treated as independent entities. Agencies

We invite Omar Abdullah to join Pro-freedom Camp: Hilal War

By: Khailal-ul-Rehman

Srinagar, Oct 8:  The Chairman of People’s Political Party (PPP), Engineer Hilal Ahmad War, has appreciated Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah’s statement and his acknowledgment that Kashmir is an International Issue which has its roots as deep as 63 long years in the contemporary history, has vindicated not only our stand but also the stand of J & K Plebiscite Front wherein his grand father had categorically raised an official slogan that ‘ People are masters of their own fate’ .

PPP Chief said “Omar Abdullah’s statement is not only the victory of   the pro-freedom parties stand but also the temporary victory of   Omar Abdullah’s ‘conscience’. If his conscience has really woken up he must quit his service from Indian Government and resign from  Chief Ministership in order to complete the unfinished agenda of his grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and join pro-freedom camp and plead the case and cause of right of self-determination of people of entire pre-august 1947 J & K State, said Mr.War. We invite Omar Abdullah to join pro-freedom camp and fight for freedom of Kashmir. If he (Omar) accepts our invitation, we will appoint him as an ambassador and Chief of Foreign Affairs to plead Kashmir case at International level, said War.


PPP Chief, said that Signing of so-called document of Accession is a controversial issue and a debatable question, there are legal provisions and by virtue of Indian Independence Act, passed by British Indian Govt. on July 15, 1947 the Maharaja Hari Sigh was ceased to be a ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, therefore, he had no authority to Sign any document according to aforesaid Act and the relevant provisions International Law. The second argument is that no document of Accession Signed by Maharaja Hari Singh, there was only Bhutan Type Treaty signed by him renewable after every 10 years. According to Indian argument and the fake document of Accession was signed but subject to the ratification by masses directly through referendum.

Elaborating, Hilal War  said that at the time of signing of the “so-called” instrument of accession, the then Indian rulers had subjected it to the condition  of  ratification through referendum directly my the masses of entire  Pre-August 1947 J & K State which India has not done so far, therefore, so-called accession is invalid and a dead document. In 1948 Government of India pledges before the United Nations, Security Council to hold a plebiscite  in order to ascertain the WILL of the people of Jammu and Kashmir whether they want to stay with India or Pakistan. It is ironic that India has not fulfilled its promises till date and has not conceded the just demand of right of self-determination of people of Jammu and Kashmir. (Writer-South Asia)

Pervez Musharraf admits Pakistan role in Jammu and Kashmir Jehad

Johan Simith
Srinagar- Oct 6: Former Pakistan  Pervez Musharraf has admitted that his country had trained underground Kashmiri freedom fighter groups to fight Indian rule in Kashmir.

"They (underground militant groups to fight against India in disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir) were indeed formed," Musharraf told German magazine Der Spiegel in an interview.

Asked why did Pakistan train militant underground groups to fight India in Kashmir, the former President said Nawaz Sharif’s apathy to the Kashmir issue was one of the reasons, so was the fact that the world had turned a blind eye to the dispute.

"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," Musharraf claimed adding, “Nawaz Sharif Government turned a blind eye because they wanted India to discuss Kashmir”.

The former Pakistan president indicated he had no regrets for the Kargil intrusion that led to an armed conflict with India in 1999 and argued that each country had a right to promote its national interest.

He slammed the international community, particularly the West, for persistently ignoring the Kashmir issue, and for singling out Pakistan for all blames.

"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?" the former Pakistan military ruler asked.

"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. The United States and Germany gave statements, but they didn’t mean anything," he said.

Musharraf charged the international community of courting India for strategic deals, while treating Pakistan as a rogue state.

"Everybody is interested in strategic deals with India, but Pakistan is always seen as the rogue," Musharraf said.

The former Pakistan ruler also said the worst blunder of the US would be to quit in Afghanistan 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," he said.

Will Kashmir lead to war with China ?

Bangalore, October 5: Will the current explosion in Kashmir ultimately lead India to another war with China? Reports say ruling “Jews of India” have been asked by the Jews to widen the conflagration so that China, which is already in the “Pak-occupied Kashmir”, is provoked to intervene through Pakistan. India may then seek US support, reports  Dalit Voice  (5/9)

The staple food of the Jews and “Jews of India” has been war and violence to establish world domination. Having been defeated in their experiment in Iraq and Afghanistan, they are now trying to shift the scene to Asia and confront China with the help of the “Jews of India”.

Our sources say if there is such a direct confrontation between US and China it will lead to World War-III with Russia, Iran and the entire Muslim world. Dangerous days are ahead.

Nato regrets Pak troop deaths, urges route re-opening

ISLAMABAD/BRUSSELS: Nato chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen expressed regret on Monday for the deaths of Pakistani soldiers last week and said he hoped Pakistan’s border would reopen for NATO supplies to Afghanistan as soon as possible, reports Jumg (5/9./2010)

Angered by repeated attacks by Nato helicopters on militant targets within its borders, Pakistan blocked one of the supply routes for Nato troops in Afghanistan after a strike killed three Pakistani soldiers in the western Kurram region.

Analysts and Western officials said Pakistan’s closure of the border for a few days would not seriously impact the war effort in Afghanistan, but it would create political tension that Pakistan could exploit.

“I expressed my regret for the incident last week in which Pakistani soldiers lost their lives,” Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said after meeting Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Brussels. “I expressed my hope the border will be open for supplies as soon as possible.”

The apology came after gunmen attacked a convoy of trucks taking goods to Western forces in Afghanistan on the outskirts of Islamabad, killing three guards. The foreign minister while apprising the Nato secretary general of the gravity of public anger over Nato incursions said that Pakistan would only reopen the supply route for coalition troops in Afghanistan once public anger eases and security improves. “Unless the reaction cools down and we make sure that the supply line is secured, we cannot reopen it,” the foreign minister added. He further said the UN mandate for Isaf is confined to Afghanistan and Nato/Isaf forces are again advised to refrain from any actions that constitute a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Foreign Minister Qureshi did not hold a press conference after the meeting. Hours later, suspected militants attacked trawlers carrying supplies for Nato through Balochistan, killing one man, police said.

Pakistan has officially said the border has been closed for security reasons and the Taliban threat of more attacks will likely prolong the closure of the vital supply route — now in its fifth day — and further strain ties with ally Washington, which has long demanded Pakistan crackdown on militants. “Efforts are underway to resolve this issue, but there is a lot of anger in Pakistan about the border incursion,” a senior Pakistani government official told Reuters.

ISAF spokesman Major Joel Harper told Reuters in Kabul that the border closure wouldn’t impact the mission, but that the supply lines are “an important element of the Pakistani economy. It’s important to our logistics stocks”. The closures would force more supplies through NATO’s northern supply route through Russia and the central Asian republics, he said. “Nato authorities have all along anticipated disruptions in the supply chain and have been stockpiling supplies in advance,” said Kamran Bokhari, South Asia director at STRATFOR global intelligence.

Andrew Exum, a fellow with the Center for a New American Security and former adviser on Gen Stanley McChrystal’ assessment team in Afghanistan, said the closures mattered little tactically.

“Even though it’s painful it doesn’t cripple the mission,” he said. “The larger strategic issue is that we’re seeing a period of rising public tension between the United States and Pakistan.”

“It’s clear the Pakistanis are frustrated with the United States,” he continued. “It’s clear the Pakistanis are frustrated with the drone strikes in Pakistan. What I don’t think the Pakistanis understand is how frustrated the Americans and the American public are with the Pakistanis.”

Rasmussen said the killing of the three Pakistani soldiers was unintended and showed the need to improve coordination between the NATO and the Pakistani military. He said a joint investigation was under way. “It is important we step up our cooperation,” he said. —Agencies

Mariana Baabar adds: Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), when contacted, said it cannot confirm the identity of two planes that hovered inside Pakistani airspace at the time when Nato helicopters were striking a Pakistani checkpost. A private television channel showed the footage of the incident in which for the first time the presence of these two planes came to light.

Chidambaram Appeals to People of J&K to Ensure

New Delhi, 27 September: The Union Home Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram has appealed to all sections of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that all schools and colleges function normally. In a statement issued here today he expressed happiness over the fact that most schools and colleges have reopened, disregarding a call by one of the Hurriyat leaders. Following is the text of the statement:

“Government is happy to learn that most schools and colleges have reopened in Jammu and Kashmir and most students have gone back to school/college today.

There was a call by one of the Hurriyat leaders to parents asking them not to send their children to school/college. Happily, parents have disregarded that call and sent their children to schools/colleges.

There were a few minor incidents of stone-pelting on school buses at Habak, Bemina and Nowgam. How can any right thinking person pelt stones on school buses? I hope that such mischief will stop immediately. Anyone who has the interest of the children at heart cannot indulge intone-pelting; nor should anyone support such mischievous attempts to interfere with the functioning of schools and colleges.

I am confident that the few schools and colleges that remain closed today, presumably out of caution, will reopen tomorrow. I am also confident that the attendance will improve significantly tomorrow. The Government of J&K has assured us that every effort is being made to ensure that all schools and colleges reopen and function normally and that security will be provided to enable the students to attend schools and colleges.

I appeal to all sections of the people of J&K, especially parents, to cooperate with the State Government and ensure that all schools and colleges function normally”.

'Mosque and temple can be built side by side in Ayodhya'

Srinagar,September, 27: Is it possible that the Allahabad high court's much-awaited verdict in the Babri Masjid  title case will lead to the construction of a mosque and a temple side by side in Ayodhya? If so what will be the reaction of the Muslim community?

A respected religious leader of the community and the Secretary of All India  Muslim Personal Law Board Moulana, Abdul Raheem Qureshi, has said that Muslims will not have any objection to such an eventuality as there was nothing wrong in it , reports rediff (27/9/) from New Delhi.

Speaking in Hyderabad on Monday, Abdul Raheem Qureshi said that already many such mosques and temple exist in the country and if this happens in Ayodhya, there is nothing wrong in that.

However, he said that the government should ensure that there were separate ways for the mosques and the temples so that no disputes or problems arise in future. "The vast land acquired by the government should be divided in to portions to provide separate ways to the mosque and the temple," he said.

Moulana Qureshi said that if the court decides so, the temple can come up at the place where Ram chabutra existed in the outer courtyard of the mosque, while mosque can be rebuilt at the place where the old mosque building with three domes and inner court yard existed.

"The chabutra was used from worship by the Hindus for 150 years and the Muslims have not opposed it. In 1885 a Mahant had claimed that chabutra was the birth place of Lord Ram and he had even gone to a court with the claim and Muslims not opposed it," he said.

His remarks came on a day when the AIMPLB decided to move a petition before the Supreme Court to oppose any further delay in the pronouncement of the verdict by Allahabad high court in Babri Masjid title case.

Abdul Raheem Qureshi said that the board decided to move the petition because it was question of rule of law in the country and any further delay in coming out with the verdict will not be in the interest of the justice.

He expressed hoped that the apex court will not delay the verdict of HC any further because the earlier decision of deferring it from September 24 was taken by the junior member of the two member judge of Supreme Court.

"Because of the differences between the two judges -- Justice Ravindran and Justice Gokhale -- the matter has been referred. We have moved our petition to make our stand clear that judicial verdict should not be delayed. It should be pronounced and respected by all. The dissatisfied party can always appeal to the Supreme Court," he said.

He said that the board was opposed to delay in the verdict because it involved many important issues. Recalling the night of 22 December 1949, when idols were installed in the Babri Mosque in Aydohya, he said that it was a trespassing, an offence but instead of punishing the culprits, Muslims were punished by stopping them from entering the mosque.

Elaborating why the board was against delaying the verdict, Moulana Qureshi said that one of the judges of the Allahabad high court was going to retire on September 30. "If a new judge comes and he wants fresh arguments once again, verdict will not be possible for another two years and it will be very unfair," he noted.

He also exuded confidence that on the basis of the available records and evidences, the Allahabad high court can give a verdict that the Babri Masjid with its inner court yard belongs to Muslims and outer court yard belongs to the Hindu community.

Referring to the statements of some people that out of court settlement was still possible, Moulana Qureshi said that many such efforts were made in the past, but they could not succeed as the organisations like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bharatiya Janata Party refused to budge an inch from their stand. "Without that no compromise was possible," he said.

He insisted that while Muslims were ready to abide by any court verdict, they will never ever willingly hand over the mosque to others.