Only Kashmir: September 2010

Thursday, September 30, 2010

AYODHA LAND TO BE DIVIDED INTO THREE PARTS

New Delhi: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has ordered that the disputed holy site in Ayodhya be divided into three parts: one-third for Hindu Mahasabha, one-third for Sunni Waqf Board and one-third for the Nirmohi Akhara.
The three-member bench of the Allahabad High Court, comprising justices SU Khan, Sudhir Agarwal and DV Sharma today delivered a split verdict in 60-year old Ayodhya title suit.
The majority ruled that the disputed land in Ayodhya was a joint property, held by all the three claimants namely Hindu Mahasabha , Nirmohi Akhara and Sunni Central Waqf Board. Justice SU Khan said that the mosque was built by Babar, not by demolishing a temple , but on the ruins of a temple.
According to Chief Standing Counsel of the UP Government, Devendra Upadhaya, the two judges namely Justices Khan and Agarwal ruled that the disputed property should be equally divided ( One third each) among the three parties. Justice DV Sharma has been categorical that the land belongs to Hindus and has rejected the claim of the Sunni Waqf Board.
However, the entire bench is of the view that the central dome of the disputed structure goes to Hindu Mahasabha, where the idols were installed in 1949 and again in 1992 after the demolition of the Babri Mosque. The Sita rasoi and ram chabootara have been given to Nirmohi Akhara.
The bench has also directed maintenance of status quo for three months and invited suggestions from all the parties for demarcation of the land.

OMAR HITS OUT AT SEPARATISTS

Ganderbal Sep 30 (Only Kashmir): Slamming the separatists who have rejected the Kashmir initiative, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said they have failed to move ahead purposefully on a dialogue with the Centre despite the best efforts of his government.
"I have always flagged the role of separatists in the settlement of political issues of the state and paved the way for dialogue channel between them and the Centre. Separatists, however, never helped in creating a peaceful atmosphere to move ahead on the subject purposefully," he said addressing a 'Gram Sabha' here.
This was the first public meeting addressed by the chief minister in the Valley since the ongoing unrest began on June 11, leaving over 100 dead.
Both the hardline Hurriyat faction led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and the moderates led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq have dismissed the eight-point package announced by the Centre last week to defuse the situation in J-K.
Omar lashed out at separatists saying it was unfortunate that the perpetrators of lockouts and closing down of schools are ensuring education of their children outside the state but do not care for the education of the children of common people.
"Let us feel our responsibilities towards the society and the state and shun the tactics of disturbing peace and marring the education and economy of the state," he said.
Omar called for taking recourse to peaceful political means including a dialogue process for venting political opinions and grievances.
He said his government would facilitate dialogue between the Centre and various shades of opinion in the state while acting as a bridge in improving relations between India and Pakistan.
The chief minister said he has continuously and categorically advocated politically addressing the political issues of the state.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

GEELANI'S 81TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED ON SOCIAL NETWORKS

Srinagar Sep 29 (Only Kashmir): As the veteran pro-freedom leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani turned 81 today, thousands of his followers celebrated his birthday, with wishes on popular social networking site Facebook, Twitter etc.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

3 DIED, 10 INJURED IN BANIHAL

Srinagar Sep 29 (Only Kashmir): At least three persons died and 10 others were wounded when a Sumo they were traveling in plunged into a deep gorge on Srinagar-Jammu highway on Tuesday, officials said.
They said Sumo (JK14A-719) on way to Banihal town from Chak Narwah rolled down into a deep gorge near Chamalwas in Jammu’s Banihal district. Three persons died while ten others were wounded in the accident.
The deceased were identified as Muhammad Yasin, son of Abdul Aziz , Shah-e-Jahan, son of Ghulam Muhammad Padder, both residents of Chak Narwah and Farid Ahmad, son of Jamal-ud-din.
The injured were rushed to Srinagar for specialized treatment.

NO CURFEW ON WEDNESDAY: GOVT

Srinagar Sep 28 (Only Kashmir): Authorities have decided to lift the curfew from the Srinagar city on Wednesday.
“There will be no curfew in the Srinagar tomorrow,” the District Magistrate Meraj Ahmed Kakroo told Media on Tuesday evening.
Pertinently, Hurriyat Conference (G), spearheading the ongoing ‘Quit Kashmir Movement’ has asked people to resume normal life for one day on Wednesday.
It will be first normal day since Eid as government had been clamping curfew on the “normal days” to counter Hurriyat (G)’s protest calendar.

EDUCATION MINSTER DENIES PRESS REPORT THAT HIS SON HAS NOT ATTENDED SCHOOL

Srinagar, Sept 28 (Only Kashmir):- Commenting on the news item published in the section of Srinagar press, where it was reported that son of Education Minister, was absent from school, was categorically denied by Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed. The Minister said after observing 80% attendance in rural areas and 28% in the Srinagar city the attendance of students in different government and private schools, the anti-education forces became active and started floating different rumors to discourage students to attend their schools. “The rumor of my son not attending school was handiwork of such elements”, the Minister said.
Before floating such baseless and mischievous news, the newspaper should have checked the attendance of Bisco School in Lal Chowk where he marked his attendance and attended his school for full day. He further said that his son attended the school today as well.
He questioned those who have prominently published this news. Commenting on alarming revelation of CNN-IBN news, where the names of those leaders who are telling children of Kashmir to remain uneducated have sent their children to premier and luxurious institutions outside the state as well as abroad, he said.
“I have already told in press conference on the queries of media persons that I don’t want to reveal their names but the press can get their names from CNN-IBN, which was carried by other electronic media as well”. But this section of the newspapers is feeling of shy to carry such news.

I DON'T NEED LESSONS FROM CHIDAMBARAM: GEELANI

Srinagar Sept 28 (Only Kashmir): Stating that Kashmiris know the importance and benefits of education, Chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Shah Geelani Tuesday said that people don’t need lessons from Indian Home Minister P Chidambaram.
“In view of the relentless pro-freedom protests over the past three months, the Indian government and its biased media are trying to portray the ongoing agitation as “a crusade against education,” the veteran leader said in a statement here.
The octogenarian leader said it was ironic that those responsible for the “murder of our children are giving us lessons on the future of our children.”
He said the Kashmiri students had excelled in education and would continue to do so besides raising their voice against the “Indian occupation”.
He said Kashmiris were wise enough to judge between good and bad, and being a civilized nation, “they don’t need lessons from Indian Home Minister Chidambaram or anybody else on the importance of education.”
“The fact is that despite labeling it as sectarian, communal and Pakistan sponsored agitation, the ongoing freedom movement is generating a widespread support among the international community and amongst a growing section of Indian people. This is giving India sleepless nights and now New Delhi and the biased Indian media is trying to project our genuine freedom struggle as a movement against education and knowledge,” Geelani said . He said during the pre-Eidul-Fitr protest calendar students were able to attend schools and colleges on days exempted from the purview of strikes. “However, the government itself created hurdles in students’ education when it locked the students along with the entire population in their homes by imposing a relentless stringent curfew,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Hurriyat leader has urged people to conduct marriages with austerity and not to spend lavishly on ceremonies as “it goes against Islamic and moral teachings.”

OMAR BRIEFS N.N.VOHRA

Srinagar Sep 28 (Only Kashmir): - The Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah, called on the Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, at Raj Bhavan here today.

During their over one hour meeting, the Chief Minister briefed the Governor about the developments consequent to the visit of the All Party Delegation to Srinagar and Jammu and the measures under way for the restoration of normalcy in the Valley, particularly regarding recommencing functioning of the schools, colleges and universities. The major issues before the forthcoming session of the State Legislature were also discussed.

SLOGANS OF " KASHMIR AZADI" RAISED AT UN HEADQUARTERS

New York. Sep 28: Hundreds of Kashmiri Americans and friends of Kashmir held a peaceful protest in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York during the current session of the General Assembly.
Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, the Prime Minister, Azad Kashmir said that Kashmir was situated at the heart of three nuclear powers of the world ? India, Pakistan & China - which makes it the most dangerous place on earth. He reminded the participants that the presence of 700,000 Indian military and paramilitary forces has made Kashmir eh largest army concentration anywhere in the world. He also said that the European Parliamentary delegation has sad that Kashmir was the most beautiful prison on earth. It is in the very national interest of world powers including the United States to find a lasting and durable solution of the Kashmir problem.
Sardar Attique Khan thanked the Secretary General of the United Nations for taking note of the grave situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir even though his expression of ‘regrets’ over the loss of Kashmiri lives was late in coming. It is the responsibility of the Secretary General as the custodian of human rights and under the Charter of the United Nations to take urgent steps to resolve this long-standing dispute in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmir as envisaged in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The Prime Minister underlined that a dispute-settled Kashmir can deliver immense peace dividends to the 1.2 billion people of South Asia
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center said that the Kashmir issue has been pending on the agenda of the Security Council since 1948. At that time, an agreement took place between India and Pakistan, endorsed by the United Nations and supported by the international community guaranteeing the right to self-determination to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The people of Kashmir who have never lost hope in the United Nations have since that date sought to freely exercise their right to self-determination. This denial of the United Nation Charter and thus the denial of the right of self-determination have lead to bloodshed, pain, rapine and suffering in Kashmir.
Fai emphasized that the situation in Kashmir has been met with studied unconcern by the United Nations. This has given a sense of total impunity to India. It has also created the impression that the United Nations is invidiously selective about the application of the principles of human rights and democracy. The Executive Director noted that what is anguishing and dumbfounding to me is not that the United Nations resists sending its forces to Kashmir to vindicate self-determination at the risk of warring with India. What is frustrating and confounding is that the United Nations withholds even the moral boost of officially proclaiming the right of self-determination for 15 million people of Jammu & Kashmir in accord with Security Council resolutions it heartily approved and has never disavowed.
Sardar Sawar Khan, leader of Jammu Kashmir Peoples Muslim League said that the conflict in Indian Occupied Kashmir has acquired a new dimension. Since, July this year, Kashmiri youth have taken the lead to press for their inalienable right to self-determination, a right guaranteed by the United Nations. Sawar Khan further said that the youth has taken to streets, paralyzing the unlawful local administration. Now, there is no turning back ? this is a do or die phase of our long struggle for “Azadi” (freedom) after decades of the oppressive Indian rule.
Tariq Mahmood Khalid Advocate said that as the custodian of human rights and fundamental freedoms we expect that the United Nations Secretary General to speak up and pressure India to implement the framework laid down in the United Nations Security Council resolutions for a free and impartial plebiscite to determine the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He stressed that the United Nations has an obligation, nay a duty, to the people of Kashmir.
Hafiz Mohammad Sabir, leader of Kashmiri community in New York said that India’s hugh security apparatus has failed to subdue the people of Kashmir. The youth has strong support among the people, including their parents. As the Indian soldiers attempt to subdue them, the people of Kashmir are suffering under strict 24 ? hour curfews, enforced by the Indian military.
Sardar Zahid, Jammu Kashmir Peoples Conference reminded the United Nations that there will be no peace in South Asia unless the core issue of Kashmir was peacefully resolved to the satisfaction of all parties _ nuclear- armed India & Pakistan as well as authentic representatives of Kashmiri people. The sooner it is settled, the better it will be far international peace and security.
Edward Hasbrook, Human rights Activist, San Francisco urged Obama Administration to take the leadership role in finding the durable solution of the aged old dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sardar Taj Khan, Muslim Conference expressed grave concerned over the deteriorating situation in Kashmir and appealed to the international human rights and humanitarian organizations to come to rescue the innocent civilians in the Occupied Kashmir.
Sardar Niaz, Jamaat-e-Islami, Azad Kashmir reiterated that Kashmir issue is one of the oldest issues pending on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council.
Mr. Abid Bhat made it clear that no solution will be acceptable to the people of Kashmir unless India and Pakistan include the Kashmiri leadership in all future negotiations. Kashmiri people, Abid Bhat said are the primary stakeholders.
Mohammad Afzal Bhat, President, Islamabad Press Club made passionate appeal to the world media to report about the semi-genocidal situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir. Kashmir mass rallies are much more widespread and popular than ‘Rose Revolution” in Georgia but the CNN did not make its priority to report about it on a regular basis. He said that it was the ‘Electronic Eye’ that could save the hapless Kashmiri people from the brutal and inhuman force of India.
Mr. Aftab Shah, President Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference said that beautiful Valley of Kashmir has been turned into a virtual hellfire for the people of Kashmir. Kashmir has lost its beauty and its mystique, Aftab Shah said.
Mr. Qayyum Qamar Sahib of Azad Kashmir said that the thousands of people who fled the Occupied Kashmir are living in various refugee camps in Muzzafarabad. Every family has a tale to tell. The people of Azad Kashmir, Qayyum Qamar said could not remain untouched and unmoved.
Others who attended the rally included Mr. Zubair Khan, Sardar Zarif Khan, Sardar Zulfikar Khan, Abdul Rashid Bhatti, Masood-Ur-Rehman, Abdul Hameed Shaheen, Mian Maqsood, Haji Mohammad Azam, Haji Mohammad Nazir, Chowdhary Mohammad Ishaq, and Chowdhary Zahoor Akhtar.
At the end, Dr. Fai submitted a memorandum to the Secretary General of the UN on behalf of all participating and sponsoring organizations wherein they said that the gruesome status quo in Kashmir was both legally and morally unacceptable and militarily and economically frightening. There is no time for further complacency.
They appealed to the Secretary General:
1. To create a conducive atmosphere for the Implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions. Alternatively, both India and Pakistan must be persuaded to initiate a tripartite negotiations between all parties concerned ? India, Pakistan and the leadership of the people of Jammu & Kashmir to set a stage for the final settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
2. To appoint a special envoy on Kashmir of an international standing, like Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.

KASHMIR CONFERENCE AT DARUL-ULOOM DEOBAND ON OCTOBER 04

Srinagar, Sept 27: Expressing concern over Kashmir unrest and the killing of 108 civilians in police and CRPF firing, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has called for formulation of a strategy for the restoration of peace and alleviation of the suffering of the people in Valley. A statement issued by the JUH said the national executive body of the JUH, in a meeting held in this connection at New Delhi, has decided to hold a Kashmir Conference at Deoband on October 4 to evolve a peaceful and unanimous civilian response to the (Kashmir) crisis. “We must understand and respect their legitimate aspirations. This alone can create space for reconciliation and bring an end to the turmoil in the Valley,” said Maulana Mahmood Madani, JUH leader and Rajya Sabha MP. Following the conference, JUH will also send a high level delegation to Kashmir to establish contact with people and express solidarity with them, he said. The JUH is also holding a public conference at Ram Lila grounds in New Delhi to launch an awareness campaign across India to sensitise the government, civil society and general public about Kashmir and other problems.

EDUCATION MINISTER’S SON ABSENT

Srinagar, Sept 27 (Only Kashmir): While the Minister for Education, Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed, urged the students to be present in the Valley schools on Monday, his son and a close relative were absent from their school in Srinagar. However, in the afternoon, the minister was asked by the school authorities to ensure that his son is sent to the school to avoid embarrassment.Peerzada’s son and relative study in Tyndale Biscoe School in the heart of the Srinagar city. “Both of them were absent,” said their fellow-students, who had gone to school today.An official in the school, who requested not to be named, confirmed that the Minister’s son was initially absent. “He would come to the school under a security cover. But today he didn’t turn up in time. But after everybody looked for him, the school administration called the minister and asked him to send his ward to the school to avoid any embarrassment over the matter,” the official said.The school sources said its administration today marked attendance on a plain sheet of paper and not on the attendance registers, as is the norm. “The Minister’s son was absent. But the school authorities deliberately marked the attendance on a plain sheet so that Peerzada’s son is marked present, if the need arises,” he said.

Sources said all eyes were on the minister’s son and his relative on Monday. “They study in the lower classes. Everybody looked for them, curiously. But nobody was able to locate them till afternoon. In fact some of the media persons wanted to interview them, but an official told them that they are absent,” the sources said. “The minister’s son, however, was seen in the school compound in the afternoon.”Sources said the absence of the duo drew flak from many parents, who accused the Minister of protecting his relatives while putting other children to trouble. “It is unfortunate that the state ministers urge students to attend their schools while keeping their children away from the institutions.

Peerzada’s son visits the school under a security cover. If he is not able to do so even under police cover, how can other students reach the schools without any security and amid curfew?” asked Muhammad Shafi, a parent.

Pertinently, Peerzada had Sunday made a passionate appeal to the parents to send their wards to schools. “At any cost we will not allow that the academic session of our students should go waste. The educational institutions, which were closed so far in Srinagar and other major towns, will restart functioning from Monday. All the steps in this regard have been taken. This includes providing transport facility and security to the students, teaching and non-teaching staff. We urge the parents to cooperate with the government in this endeavour,” he had said.But his words fell flat on ground when his son was seen absent. “Charity must begin at home. The minister should be the first person to urge his relatives to attend schools, in time,” Shafi said.

Peerzada Muhammad Sayed was not available for comments. His mobile phone was picked up by his telephone operator. “The minister has left his phone at home. He has gone to the CM house to attend a meeting,” the operator told Greater Kashmir.

MIRWAIZ REJECTS 8-POINT PACKAGE

Srinagar Sep 27 (Only Kashmir): The Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat Conference Monday said the re

cent “administrative” measures announced by New Delhi regarding the Kashmir unrest were “disappointing” and asserted that it was aimed to provide relief to the beleaguered state government.“The measures are administrative in nature which seems to be put in place to provide relief to the beleaguered state government and deliberately shift focus from the actual issue to providing compensation and concessions to people,” Mirwaiz was as saying in a statement by a spokesman here.The spokesman said that despite the All Party Delegations visit to the valley and assessing the seriousness of the situation for themselves, the announcements made reflect “a lack of willingness to understand and address the basic issue”“It again shows India’s reluctance to address the political aspirations of the people of J&K for which they have been agitating for the past six decades and making all kinds of sacrifices,” the spokesman said.The Hurriyat Conference, the spokesman said, had given certain suggestions to the Government of India for the initiation of a process of meaningful engagement between the three concerned parties— people of Kashmir, India and Pakistan— for the resolution of the Kashmir issue. “These suggestions are imperative in order to provide relief to the people on ground and build an atmosphere of trust, free of coercion and intimidation. But to our dismay there has been no progress on this account,” said the spokesman.

Earlier, the spokesman said the Hurriyat faction’s executive meeting scheduled for today could not take place due to the continuous house arrest of its chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and the strict curfew restrictions imposed by the government. “However a tele-conference meeting was held between the various executive members and it was reiterated that it is only the resolution of the Kashmir issue and not any political or economic concessions that can bring lasting peace and stability in Kashmir as well as in the entire region.”Syed Ali Shah led Hurriyat Conference has already rejected the package by New Delhi as “eyewash.”

Monday, September 27, 2010

AJK PRIME MINISTER TO LEAD PROTEST DEMONSTRATION

New York: Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir will lead the Kashmiris protest demonstration against the Indian brutalities and youth killings in occupied Kashmir outside of the UNO on the occasion of the Indian prime minister Manmoham Singh’s address to the UN General Assembly on Monday, Sep. 27, 2010. All Kashmiri political parties are participating in this joint demonstration to show to the world that India is violating her own signed UN mandate on Kashmir.
Since December 1989 Indian forces in occupied Kashmir killed over 100,000 innocent Kashmiris besides widowing 121,000 women, burning hundreds of thousands of Kashmiri homes. In the current phase of the anti-Indian occupation struggle by the peaceful Kashmiris, Indian forces have killed over 100 unarmed Kashmiri youth.
The AJK Premier has appealed to all shades of Kashmiri parties and groups to take part in the demonstration out side of the UNO today on September 27, 2010 and prove to the world that Kashmiris would not rest till the are the return to them of their seized right to self-determination. The Premier during his New York stay in connection with the 2-day OIC meetings on Kashmir met a number of international delegates and apprised them of the latest Kashmir situation. He repeated his stance that Kashmiris want a peaceful negotiated settlement of the dispute, but India in order to perpetuate her illegal occupation of the State has started a new phase of butchering Kashmiris.
The 57-member States of the OIC forum has extended full support to the right of self-determination of Kashmiris. The AJK Prime Minister thanked the OIC forum for reiterating their Kashmir support and urged them to reinforce their moral, political and diplomatic backing to the Kashmiris in struggle.

MAOISTS EXPRESS SOLIDARITY WITH KASHMIR

New Delhi Sep 27: In an attempt to show solidarity with protesting Kashmiris Maoists have called for a 24-hour bandh in six states on September 30. In a statement the CPI (Maoist) said September 30 will be observed as a bandh in six states — Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa — and also in Gadchiroli, Gondia and Chandrapur districts of Maharashtra and Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh in protest "against the killing of Kashmiri youth by forces since June 11".
The statement was issued by Abhay, spokesperson for the central committee, and Anand, central regional bureau spokesperson. The party said there would be a "closedown of all rail and road traffic, banks, government and private offices, industries, educational institutions and business establishments". "We are excluding essential services like hospitals and other services from this bandh call," the statement said.
The statement justified the stone-pelting in Kashmir and called it democratic. It has been a Maoist strategy to join forces with all manner of protests, particularly if they are directed against the state.
The party demanded "immediate end to massacres by forces in Kashmir, withdrawal of military and paramilitary forces, repeal of AFSPA, plebiscite for Kashmiris and release of all political prisoners".

MINISTER'S KIN SHOT DEAD

Varmul Sep 27 (Only Kashmir): Gunmen shot dead a relative of minister of state for health Javed Ahmed Dar in this north Kashmir district on Sunday night, police said. The gunmen fired upon Ghulam Mohidin Bhat son of Haji Abdul Rehman Bhat of Chatloora, while coming out from the Masjid at Chatloora in Dangiwacha here. Bhat was rushed to a hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

MATOO FAMILY REJECTS INDIAN RELIEF

Srinagar, Sept 27 (Only Kashmir): Not surprisingly though, the family of Tufail Ashraf Mattoo of Rainawari Sunday rejected the ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh, announ

ced for the relatives of the victims of Kashmir unrest, by the Home Minister P Chidambaram in New Delhi yesterday.Tufial, 17 was the first victim the ongoing unrest who was hit by a police teargas shell on June 11, triggering massive protests across the Valley. Since then 108 civilians have lost their lives in action by police and paramilitary CRPF.
Tufail died instantly after he was hit by a tear smoke canister near Gani Memorial Stadium in downtown Rajouri Kadal.“We reject the ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 Lakh which is being offered to us by the central government,” said a member who was part of a meeting convened by Tahafuz-I-Haqooq-I-Insaani Committee, Saida Kadal—which was formed to fight for justice to Tufail.

Tufail’s father, Muhammad Ashraf Mattoo, his other family members, relatives and locals participated in the meeting. They decided to reject the relief.“Our beloved kids have laid their precious lives for the noble cause. We cannot sell the blood of our martyrs. We will never accept any such offer even if government pays crores of rupees to us,” the family members said. “We will never compromise on the murder of our dear ones. We would like to ask the rulers of the state that if their beloved ones are brutally killed, would they accept such any such offer.”They said it would have been better if the “killer cops” were punished and brought to book. “It has been the policy of India to hush up the matter instead of bringing the killers to book and provide justice to the victims,” the family members said.

Tufail Mattoo was the only child to his parents and was on his way to home from tuitions when he was hit by the fatal tear smoke shell.

DO NOT ATTEND SCHOOLS ON STRIKE DAYS: GEELANI

Srinagar, Sept 27 (Only Kashmir): Accusing the Jammu and Kashmir government of using students to suppress the ongoing movement, the Chairman of Hurriyat (G) Syed Ali Geelani Sunday made a passionate appeal to the parents not to send their wards to the schools on the shutdown days. However, he maintained that the students can attend the schools on the normal days according to the Conglomerate’s protest calendar.

Geelani said on one hand the troopers and police are targeting the students to suppress the ongoing movement, and on the other, they are showing concern over their education.The veteran leader, who is spearheading the ‘Quit Jammu and Kashmir Movement’, said the struggle has reached a decisive phase. “We are ready to sacrifices even our lives for the movement. At this juncture we can’t afford anybody to take such steps which are aimed at affecting our cause. I want to maintain that we are aware about the importance of education but at the same time how can we forget that most of the 109 youth and teenagers who fell to bullets of troopers and cops, were students,” Geelani said.

Elaborating, he said during the ongoing agitation the authorities have arrested and booked many students under various offences and the Public Safety Act just for staging peaceful protests “against killing of their colleagues.”“These students who are languishing in jails, police stations and interrogation centers were also pursuing education. Their parents had woven dreams of prosperous future for them. But the Government has put them behind bars and ruined their career. It is ironical that the same Government is now showing concern over education of our students. This is sheer hypocrisy,” he maintained.Geelani said in the garb of education of our students the Government has hatched a “conspiracy” to suppress the ongoing movement. “Asking the students to attend the schools is an attempt to break the movement which is giving sleepless nights to Indian leadership. We are also concerned about the education of our children. But we have to understand that students as part of our society are not holidaying at homes on shutdown days but silently protesting against the denial of rights to Kashmiris. We are committed to provide safe, secure and respectable future to our future generation,” he said.Geelani said the students can freely attend the schools on the normal days according to the protest calendar.

He appealed the people, particularly the students, teachers and other academic staff to make the Conglomerate’s shutdown call for Monday and other days successful.“I salute the Kashmiris who have been rendering unflinching sacrifices to carry the movement to its logical conclusion. This nation has always respected our programs. I make a fervent appeal to parents not to send their wards to the schools on shutdown days. Teachers should also remain away from the schools. This way we can convey to leaders in New Delhi that they can’t befool the Kashmiris by showing false concern over the education of our children,” Geelani said.

Geelani said he is aware about the inconvenience to the people due to frequent shutdowns. “However, people from all walks, from street vendor to businessman, are wholeheartedly supporting our movement despite incurring financial losses. Shutdown is one of the ways to press for our right to self-determination. For convenience of the people, we have been giving relaxations for one or two days in the protest calendar every week. But the Government imposes curfew on day of relaxations to suppress the people,” he said.Giving figures, Geelani said out of 108 days of ongoing movement, the Conglomerate had called for shutdowns for 75 days. “But the Government imposed strict curfew for 76 days.

The Government uses its military might to enforce the curfew, but this has strengthened the resolve of Kashmiris to attain freedom and intensified their alienation towards the Indian rule,” Geelani maintained.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

FACEBOOK USER RELEASED

Srinagar, Sept 26 (Only Kashmir): Police on Sunday released Facebook user Faizan Samad Kumar who was arrested for pu

tting a list of police officers on the Facebook, a social networking site. A police spokesman said Samad’s action had put to threat the lives and property of several respectable citizens as well as maligned their character. “However, on questioning him, it came to fore that he had copied the objectionable note from the wall post of another unidentified social network user. Keeping in view the young age of the person and that he being a student, Faizan has been released today with no charge leveled against him,” the spokesman added. Net surfers are requested to take necessary care while making any comment on internet blogs or uploading material which could lead to consequences causing irreparable harm to the life or reputation of any citizen.

A STORY OF A PERSON WHO VISITS HEAVEN BUT FEELS HELL

By Sarwar Kashani, (The below views expressed in the story are his own)

I lacked guts, ot

herwise a policeman had done all he could to turn me into a stone-thrower on the streets of Srinagar.
After days of frustration due to strict restrictions on public movement, I mustered the courage to drive out of my house in the curfewed summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir that has been bristling with anger and pain over more than 100 deaths, mostly in clashes with security forces.
I was confident as I had a press card to flash in case of trouble with the paramilitary troopers. Police, I thought, were Kashmiri friends and it wouldn't take too much to convince them.
As I drove out on the deserted roads blocked with barbed wire, the only sight that greeted me was patrolling by thousands of men in khaki in anti-riot gear.
I crossed a couple of hurdles explaining to security forces that I was a journalist from Delhi and needed to take a tour of the city. I had a young nephew and niece with me who had been feeling equally frustrated after days of being locked in at home.
Things were fine till I reached Lal Bazaar where a group of young people - who were shouting pro-freedom slogans and throwing stones at police and paramilitary troopers - had just been dispersed. Bricks and stones were still lying around.
"Stop", a sub inspector with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) shouted. Sensing trouble, I came to an abrupt halt.
"Where are you going?" he asked angrily.
"Home," I said politely.
"Don't you know, you are not allowed to move, leave alone drive a car?" he said.
I explained that I was from Delhi and showed him my press card. Soon, his anger turned into a respectful smile.
"You should not leave like this. Anyway, you go ahead but it can be dangerous," he advised.
We spoke a little more. But by the time I switched on the ignition of my car, a masked Kashmiri policeman came charging towards me.
"Come out," he shouted in Urdu with a thick Kashmiri accent. I thought he also had some words of advice for me. He looked at me with anger and asked my credentials. I flashed my I-card, parliament's media pass, and tried explaining that I was from Delhi.
I was unprepared for what followed. Before I could even sense what he was up to, he took out a bamboo cane and started hitting me on my legs and hurled abuses left, right and centre.
The children in my car were shocked and started crying. They came out saying, "Sorry uncle, sorry...hamaare maama ko mat maaro (don't hit our uncle)."
I was shocked myself and didn't know how to stop this policeman who was supposed to protect the law - and human rights. I started crumbling under his cane charge.
It was the gentle CRPF trooper who came to my rescue. "Why are you beating him?" the trooper asked the policeman.
The cop looked surprised. "Do I need your permission?" he asked.
"I won't allow you to beat him," the trooper replied, much to my relief.
The policeman became furious and threatened to kill me first and then gun down the CRPF man. I was at a loss - but the CRPF man still bundled me and the children off into the car and ordered me to rush away.
I grabbed the chance and zoomed away. I hated myself later for not reacting - perhaps for not picking up a stone and throwing it at the policeman unlike thousands of ordinary Kashmiris who have now taken to stone pelting.
When you are pushed to the wall, do you expect sanity to prevail?
(Sarwar Kashani can be reached at s.kashani@ians.in. )

MAMOHAN SINGH REVIEWS JOBS PLAN FOR KASHMIR

New Delhi Sep 26: Prime Minister of India Mr. Manmohan Singh has reviewed the progress of plans to increase jobs in Jammu and Kashmir and asked an expert panel to ensure that employment opportunities were sustainable.
A press release issued Sunday said that the prime minister met the expert group, chaired by former Reserve Bank of India governor C. Rangarajan, last evening and was apprised about the progress of the plans.
"The prime minister desired that the group take into account all relevant aspects, like skill enhancement, education and appropriate involvement of civil society and industry, so that employment opportunities generated are sustainable," said the press release.
The expert group has drawn up a number of short and long-term measures for enhancing employment opportunities and improving employability prospects in the state.
Dr Singh asked the expert group to also give regard to "equity considerations, in terms of various regions of the state, sectors of the economy, levels of skill, and gender".
The expert group, announced by the prime minister in August, assured Manmohan Singh that these aspects would be taken into account and that its report will be ready within three months, added the press release. On Aug 10, the prime minister had proposed a panel of experts to formulate a job plan for the troubled state that has some 300,000 unemployed youth.

PAKISTAN 1ST CHOICE: GEELANI

Srinagar; Sept 25 (Only Kashmir): Syed Ali Shah Geelani today reiterated that his ‘preferred personal choice’ for the future of Jammu and Kashmir is its accession with Pakistan but he would ultimately go by ‘consensus final decision’, if and when that comes about.
In an interview with NEWSX TV channel’s Seema Mustafa, the hardline separatist leader defended his ‘first option’ on three main counts: That the option of ‘independent J&K’ was not viable as India, Pakistan and China were not in favour of the idea and without their collective support this proposition was neither feasible nor sustainable; that the UN resolution limiting the choice of accession between India and Pakistan continued to remain in force and that ‘our bitter experience of Indian occupation leaves us to the only other course of accession with Pakistan’.
Asked if his stand would not mean disunity within the separatist camp, Geelani argued that the ongoing movement was unidirectional because it aimed at ‘freedom from Indian occupation’ over which everyone was in agreement, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik. Only after achieving this objective, if there is consensus on independent Kashmir he would fall in line. But he felt that that would not be a viable proposition.
He ruled any dialogue with India until Indian government accepted ‘disputed’ nature of J&K and agreed to resolve the issue through trilateral ‘not bilateral’ talks.
Geelani claimed that the dialogue has nothing to do with mainstream parties as they had no problem with the existing state of affairs. ‘Minorities in the state also have no problem with India’, he argued. But ‘majority’ is not satisfied and has been agitating and making sacrifices to free itself from occupation. Meaningful dialogue would thus be limited to that amongst India, Pakistan and those representing ‘genuine sentiments’ of the majority.

MAKE KASHMIR A NATIONAL PRIORITY: MIRWAIZ

Srinagar Sep 26 (Only Kashmir): Though Kashmir seems perpetually on the boil, it is not to say that attempts to cool tempers are not being made. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the moderate Hurriyat Conference, for example, believes a shared commitment for dialogue is a step in the right direction. In order to sustain it, he says, there needs to be a process whereby all views, opinions and aspirations are considered before working towards a solution. "Resolving the Kashmir problem should be done in line with what the people want. There should be a Common Minimum Programme, supported by political parties in India and in Pakistan. Our political system needs to rise above vote-bank politics and consider Kashmir a national priority," he says. The Centre should facilitate the setting up of and empowering an official body, a Kashmir Committee. This should comprise senior representatives of all major Indian political parties so that they can engage with representatives of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. "Let this process be transparent, designed to deliver a negotiated solution that's mutually acceptable to all parties concerned," he says. He further said a similar Kashmir Committee should be established in Pakistan. "We will advocate this to political parties in Pakistan. This will ensure that all major political forces in both countries are on board for the peace process. It'll help institutionalize and sustain the process to resolve the Kashmir problem. We must make it immune from domestic politics which can act as a spoiler," the Mirwaiz says. He also adds that they want a meaningful and irreversible process of dialogue, designed to avoid the failures of the past in order to find a solution acceptable to all — India, Pakistan and the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The Centre made visible efforts to engage with Kashmir only when a major crisis had erupted. But once it had blown over, political complacency set in. "Today, we ask not for unilateral political concessions but a joint commitment that guarantees results. This is possible only if serious efforts are made by removing harsh and repressive measures that suppress our fundamental democratic rights," he says.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

OMAR ABDULLAH WELCOMES 8 POINTS OF CENTRE TOWARS KASHMIR

New Delhi, Sep 25: Welcoming the Centre's eight-point initiative for Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar

Abdullah today said it was a positive development which should lead to resolving the political issues of the state.
"The Centre's Kashmir formula is a positive development and must lead to a resolution to all political issues of Jammu and Kashmir," Omar told reporters here.
The Chief Minister said work on some of the issues announced after the CCS had already begun and expressed the hope that the schools and colleges will reopen from Monday and students booked for stone-pelting will be released soon.
On convening of the Unified Headquarters meeting, he said it will be done sometime next week during which a thorough discussion on decreasing the footprint of security forces in main towns, including Srinagar, will be discussed besides withdrawal of "disturbed areas" act in few places
would be discussed.
"While saying so, I would not build hope that results will be expected in the first meeting itself. It may take time and there may be many rounds before arriving at a consensus," he said.
While acknowledging the role of the army, Omar made it clear that "the view point of the army cannot be ignored but at the same time, their view point cannot be accepted unilaterally".
Omar said the Centre's eight-point initiative was a positive development and the appointment of interlocutors to start dialogue with civil society was a welcome step.
He said he understood his responsibilities as the chief minister of the state and he would try his best to take forward the Centre's formula and do the needful on the behalf of the state government.

PROTEST CALENNDAR FROM 27 SEP TO 06 OCT

Srinagar, 25 Sep (Only Kashmir): Hurriyat Conference (G) issued a new protest calendar on Saturday for next 10-days. Calendar Sept 27—Shutdown Sept 28—Shutdown Sept 29—No Strike Sept 30—Shutdown Oct 1— No Strike Oct 2—Shutdown Oct 3—Shutdown-Varmul chalo Oct 4— No Strike Oct 5—Shutdown--Kupwara chalo Oct 6- Shutdown. As per the calendar people have been asked to resume normal activities after 7:00 pm.

KASHMIR STONE-PELTERS TO BE FREED: CHIDAMBARAM

New Delhi: A group of interlocutors will be appointed to hold a dialogue on the Kashmir issue and youths arrested in the recent stone-pelting incidents will be freed soon, home minister P Chidambaram announced after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) here on Saturday. The CCS decisions were made on the assessment of the 39-member all-party delegation which visited Jammu and Kashmir recently, he said. However, there was no announcement on the demand for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from at least a few districts of the state. Suggestions on the AFSPA have to be taken first by the Unified Command in the state, Chidambaram said. The all-party delegation visited the state following a cycle of violence, which has rocked the Kashmir valley since June 11. At least 108 people, mostly youths and teenagers have been killed in firing by security forces on stone-pelting street protesters during the past three and a half months.

READY TO TALK WITH PAKISTAN ON KASHMIR ISSUE: INDIA

New York, Sept 25: Despite increasingly fiery statements from Pakistan on Kashmir, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna has clarified India won’t allow such rhetoric to derail talks between the two nations and said he was open to talking about Kashmir. “We are willing to talk on Kashmir also with Pakistan,” he said in an interview to a New Delhi-based newspaper. Asked what the contours of discussions on Kashmir could be, he said, “It’s going to be a free-wheeling discussion. There are not going to be any parameters.” He said if Pakistan was attempting to impose conditions in advance, it would result in “injecting an element of distrust” within the process of talks.

Friday, September 24, 2010

PAK SNUBS INDIAN OBJECTION TO RESOLUTION ON KASHMIR

Islamabad: Last week, Pakistan dismissed Indian reaction to the resolutions passed by parliament over the gross violations of human rights in Indian Kashmir.
The Foreign Office (FO), reacting to the remarks by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson on the resolutions passed by both Houses of Parliament on the situation in Indian-held Kashmir, said India should "take a fresh look at its unhelpful Kashmir policy".
"Jammu and Kashmir is an international issue and subject of several UN resolutions," Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit said in his weekly briefing.
The spokesman said the resolutions by passed by the Senate and the National Assembly reflected the "concerns of the people of Pakistan on the gross violations of human rights by Indian security forces".
Basit said the situation in Kashmir was also a matter of concern to the international community and pointed that the UN secretary general had also called for an end to deadly violence in Kashmir

MIRWAIZ & GEELANI DENOUNCE KRISHNA'S STATEMENT

Srinagar, September 24 (Only Kashmir): The Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Geelani have denounced the Indian Foreign Minister, S M Krishna’s statement that Kashmir is the integral part of India.
The two leaders in their separate interviews said, Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory and the Kashmiri people have yet to decide their fate. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq maintained that India’s intransigence was the main hurdle in resolving the Kashmir dispute. Syed Ali Gilani pointed out that the relevant United Nations resolutions stand testimony to the fact that India’s claim over Jammu and Kashmir was unjustified and it had occupied the territory illegally and totally against the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

MIR CALLS FOR UNITY

Srinagar, Sep 24 (Only Kashmir): JKLF ( R) leader Javaid Ahmad Mir had meeting with Veteran APHC leader and Chair man of APHC (G) Jinab Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Chairman of moderate faction A

PHC Mirwaiz Kashmir Moulvi Muhammad Omer Farooq at their respective residences. While discussing the prevailing situation, Mir stressed upon the unity and joint strategy viz-a-viz the long standing Kashmir dispute.
He said, it is the right time for freedom leaders to unite. So that a good notion may spread over Kashmiris, freedom loving people and on entire international community regarding Kashmir issue. He said, I fully support Five Point Program and other programs given by APHC (G) for the peaceful solution of Kashmir dispute. Mir said, Jammu & Kashmir dispute is an international issue and subject of several UN resolutions. He said, complete independence is the best solution of Kashmir, but whatever the people of Kashmir decide that will be acceptable to all. He said, we demand that armed AFSPA be withdrawn, stop killing innocents people, arrests and Govt. should release innocent Kashmiri youths including pro-freedom leaders.

Mir, alleged Indian forces for thrust aggression on peace loving people of Kashmir day by day. Since June in the valley under 110 youths have been killed by Indian forces and thousands have been injured. He appealed international community to come forward and make efforts for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue, keeping in view the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiri people.

CURFEW TO CONTINUE ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Srinagar Sep 24 (Only Kashmir): While Hurriyat Conference (G) amended its protest calendar suspending the strike for 2 more days, i.e. Saturday and Sunday, the government has decided to continue with curfew and restrictions. “Restrictions will continue on Saturday morning. The situation will be reviewed in the afternoon and decision about giving relaxation would be taken after that,” the District Magistrate Srinagar, Meraj Ahmed Kakroo told media.

JKLF LEADER, FAMILY MEMBERS INJURED IN POLICE FIRING

Srinagar, 24 Sep (Only Kashmir): The JKLF spokesman on Friday said that it’s senior leader Showkat Ahmed Bakshi and five members of his family, including his mother, wife and two nieces were wounded when police and paramilitary CRPF troopers opened fire on them at Bemina in city outskirts on Friday evening. Bakshi and his other injured family members were rushed to SK Institute of Medical Sciences for treatment,he added.

JKLF leader, family members injured in police action.

POLICE ARREST FACEBOOK USER

Srinagar Sep 24, (Only Kashmir): Police have arrested a youth on the charges of posting a list with the names of police officers who belong to the Valley on social networking site Facebook. Faizan Samad, an 18-year-old Class 12th student, was arrested from Nishat on the city outskirts. Samad, according to police, has been booked under 66 IT Act and Section 13 of prevention of unlawful activities Act.

HURRIYAT MODIFIES CALENDER AGAIN NO STRIKE ON 25 & 26 SEPTEMBER

Srinagar Sep 24 (Only Kashmir): The Hurriyat Conference (G) spearheading the ongoing “Quit Kashmir Movement” has amended its protest calendar by suspending the strike call for two more days i.e. on Saturday and Sunday. “We have suspended the strike for next 2-days,” the Hurriyat spokesman told media.

KASHMIRIS URGE US FOR INDIA PAKISTAN MEET IN NEW YORK

New York: A unanimous resolution passed by an enthusiastic Kashmiri public meeting in Brooklyn on Thursday appealed to the United States to pave way for holding in New York an important Kashmir meeting between the Foreign Ministers or Prime Ministers of Pakistan soon in an effort to resolve the Kashmir dispute and put an immediate end to the Kashmiri youth killings by the Indian forces. It condemned the continued Indian atrocities.

The important meeting was presided over by visiting AJK Prime Minister Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan and addressed among others by Washington DC-based Kashmiri-American Council chairman Dr G N Fai, North America Muslim Conference chief Syed Afab Shah, Taj Khan, Sardar Mehmood Khan, Ch Jameel Tabassum, Rashid Mirza, Qayyum Qamar and Hafiz Sabir. Sardar Mehmood Khan read out the resolution that calls for the US role in reviving peace talks between Pakistan and India. The AJK Prime Minister described the Kashmir deliberations by the OIC Foreign Ministers in New York very important and helpful to Kashmiris in carrying out their struggle in the present toughest circumstances. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi presented the Kashmir case forcefully, he said adding that there won’t be any let up in the ongoing Kashmir struggle till New Delhi conceded self-determination right to Kashmiris. He said that his ideological measures in relation to Kashmir movement are receiving bigger popular boost. “There would be no compromise on the Kashmiris right to self-determination, he asserted.

He highly lauded the b old support provided to the Kashmir movement by government of Pakistan. “Kashmir Banega Pakisan” is not mere a slogan. It keeps the Kashmiris on right tracks. He richly appreciated the remarks by the OIC Secretary General that “new innovative approach to solve Kashmir is needed. he AJK Premier disclosed that very soon he would be participating in an important on Kashmir in Brussels. I am going to start a new phase of sensitizing the international personalities about the serous ness of Kashmir unsolved”. Speakers lauded the package of measures taken recently by Sardar Attique Ahmed for revival of Kashmir cause, Sardar Attique asked his audience, his party workers to display “Kashmir seeks attention” on their chest board and hail American role for the welfare of the immigrants. A large number of community members participated in the meeting. The speakers hailed the new reformative measures undertaken b y the present government in AJK.

Sardar Attique reiterated his call for military democracy and cited the example of the USA to carry forward their strategic interests through its military democracy. If the democratic forces and the army work together the country could soon become a citadel of economic power.

MIRWAIZ PINS HOPE ON BAN-KI-MOON TO END ‘OPPRESSION’ IN KASHMIR

Srinagar, 24 Sep (Only Kashmir): Chairman Hurriyat (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has welcomed the statement of United Nation’s General Secretary, Ban-Ki-Moon in which he had urg

ed for an immediate end to the violence in Kashmir and appealed for restraint by all parties.In a statement issued here to KMW, Mirwaiz expressed hope that the general secretary would “use his influence to put an end to state sponsored terrorism, barbarity and oppression on Kashmiri people and for a peaceful and everlasting solution of the Kashmir issue.”Meanwhile, a spokesman of the Hurriyat faction said, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Iran participated in the special session of OIC’s Kashmir Contact Group in New York while as Sardar Attique Khan from Azad Kashmir represented and appraised the session of the grave situation in Kashmir. Khan also impressed upon the OIC to press India for resolving the Kashmir dispute and condemned India’s state terrorism in Kashmir and Mirwaiz Farooq’s house arrest, the spokesman said.Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also scheduled to address the session , but could not participate due to the and curbs and restrictions on his movement, the spokesman added.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

OPINION: DELEGATION ADDS SALT TO KASHMIR WOUNDS

By: Arati Jerath

The six bullet-hit patients lying in the inner recesses of ward 16, the main surgical section of Shri Maharaj Hari Singh Hospital, never even knew that an all-party delegation had arrived from Delhi on Monday to meet them. The accompanying posse of security men had whisked away the MPs almost from the entrance after azadi slogans ripped through the ward.
The melee that followed is the daily story in the Valley. The police collared sloganeers and took them away. One was an engineer and the other teacher. Both are still in custody.
A local television crew that tried to film the incident was roughed up and almost had its camera snatched. Patients, doctors and nurses watched in stoic silence. More frustration and anger from an ever-growing list of grievances.
Two days after the all-party delegation left, the feeling of disappointment continues to rankle. ''They spoke to just two patients,'' said one hospital staff. ''They spent less than 30 minutes.''
Like most VIP visits, this too was a controlled exercise with authorities putting up a security wall round the MPs and restricting their interaction. CPM's Sitaram Yechury was led to an anteroom to meet a patient handpicked to talk to the delegation. BJP's Sushma Swaraj and LJP's Ram Vilas Paswan were taken to bed number 2 where another selected patient was waiting.
But this is Srinagar after nearly four months of street agitations and over 100 dead. As Swaraj and Paswan made sympathetic inquiries, the patient on bed number 2 turned renegade and started shouting, ''Hamein azadi chahiye!''
Suddenly, there was commotion. Someone pushed past the security forces and pumped his fist in the air. ''Hum kya chahate? Azadi,'' he chanted.
That's when the security panicked. The delegation was bundled out and the sloganeers arrested. The visit ended at the entrance itself. The rest of the patients in the ward barely registered what was happening.
''I never got a chance to talk (to them),'' said Zahoor Ahmed (30), recovering from a bullet injury in his midriff. ''I wanted to ask them to stop the security forces from firing at us. I wanted to ask them to help us get justice. I wanted to tell them that we Kashmiris want freedom.''
Doctors revealed that the delegation was to have visited at least three wards to meet the 16 patients with bullet wounds. ''They would have got the full picture only after talking to all of them,'' said one doctor. ''I wish the authorities hadn't got so agitated by a little bit of slogan shouting. People have to be allowed to let off steam. Isn't this what democracy is all about?''

DR FAI HIGHLIGHTS KASHMIR SUFFERINGS AT OIC MEET

Text of the Statement of Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai Executive Director Kashmiri American Council / Kashmir Center Washington, before OIC Contact Group Meeting on Jammu & Kashmir at The United Nations, New York.
September 22, 2010
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies & Gentlemen,
I am enormously grateful for the opportunity to address this OIC Contact Group Meeting on Jammu & Kashmir.
The people of Kashmir would like to express their gratitude to brotherly member states of the OIC Contact Group for their steadfast unwavering support extended to them in their struggle for the right of self-determination.
We are also deeply appreciative of the efforts that Your Excellency in your capacity as the OIC Secretary General have made to effectively project international concern over the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The Kashmir question is one of the oldest unresolved international problems in the world. The experience of nearly six decades has shown that it will not go away and that an effort is urgently required to resolve it on a durable basis. It is imperative, whatever be the rights and wrongs in the equation as far as arguments go, real populations with a pronounced sense of identity of their own, with their suffering aspirations rather than just legal title and merit are involved.
Excellencies, today, I stand here to remind you that the human rights situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir has not changed despite the peace talks between India and Pakistan. Today, the people of Jammu & Kashmir are experiencing the horrors of state-sponsored terrorism on daily basis: extrajudicial killings that surpass 100,000 in the last two decades,108 within the past two months, including 18 civilian death on September 13, 2010, rape, torture, arbitrary detentions, and ruthless suppression of political expression. Pankaj Mishra, an Indian scholar wrote in the Daily Guardian on August 15, 2010 that "the killing fields of Kashmir dwarf those of Palestine and Tibet."
Today, Kashmir continues to bleed. This has caused a renewed outpouring of the revolt against occupation. Under unparalleled concentration of over 700,000 Indian military forces, there is a deliberate targeting of youth with the intent to crush the movement against military occupation.
Apart from magnitude of violence by the military forces, the most poignant aspect of the situation is the acute suffering of the whole population caused by the frequent curfews, disregard of normal life, arrests, detentions and sometimes disappearances of innocent civilians by the authority. This is a situation without precedent in the South Asian subcontinent and few parallels in the world today.
Far from seeking to rectify its atrocious human rights record, India has legalized its state-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir. It has given its occupation forces powers to shoot to kill and the license to abuse the people of Kashmir in whatever ways they like in order to suppress the popular movement for self-determination. These tactics have no military purpose whatsoever. Their only imaginable purpose is to terrorize a people into submission.
The phenomenon of unstopped and unpunished barbarities is being witnessed in Kashmir.
The irony is that the impunity that is thus being granted to the violator of human rights is not in the context of a new dispute. It is being allowed to arise and to persist in a territory which, under international law, is not part of any member state of the United Nations and whose status is yet to be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite under supervision and control of the United Nations.
Excellencies, as long as the international community allows India to hide its atrocities in Kashmir, there would be no end to the ever-increasing gross and consistent violations of human rights in that unfortunate land. As long as India is successful in isolating Kashmir from the rest of the world, they will not only continue to trample the Kashmiris’ basic rights and freedoms but will also block all peaceful processes for the restitution and restoration of these rights and freedoms.
The solution of Kashmir is both urgent and vital. It has a far more populous and strategic area than other trouble spots in the world. The pain felt by the people of Kashmir is no less devastating than that felt by the people of Haiti. The nuclear tinderbox in South Asia is no less threatening than in Korea. The mass rapes by the Indian occupation forces are no less humiliating in Kashmir than in Bosnia. The torture and imprisonment in Indian Occupied Kashmir is no less intense as it is in Myanmar. In fact the pain, suffering and humiliation in Kashmir s intensified because the people of Kashmir have been under Indian occupation for over 63 years.
Excellencies, the people of Kashmir urge this august gathering to persuade Government of India to initiate the Kashmir centric CBM’s, including:
i. Allowing the people of Kashmir to freely express their political views;
ii. Releasing all political prisoners, including Shabir Ahmed Shah & Mian Abdul Qayyum;
iii. Repealing draconian laws;
iv. Withdrawing the troops from urban areas and city centers;
v. Dismantling bunkers from the villages and towns;
vi. Allowing Kashmiri political leaders to travel abroad.To conclude, I would once again re-assure the international community that we stand for peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people in line with international agreements and commitments by both India and Pakistan at the United Nations.
Excellencies, I want to express my deep appreciation for your indulgence and patient hearing. I thank you.

SCHOOLS WILL START FUNCTION FROM 27 SEPTEMBER: GOVT

Srinagar, Sep 22 (Only Kashmir): Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Asgar Samoon has made clear in a meeting today that regular studies will be ensured in all the schools and colleges of the valley from 27 September, 2010, in view of less time available for completion of studies and school examinations.
The Government has already announced the new school timing which will be strictly adhered, keeping in view the demand of parents in general and entire student community in particular.
All necessary arrangements will be made for regular classes and academics of school examinations so that students of the valley do not lose the precious year in clearing of their respective examinations as per the examination schedule applicable to the entire state.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

HURRIYAT PROTEST CALENDER MODIFIED, NO STRIKE TODAY & TOMORROW

Srinagar Sep 23, (Only Kashmir): Castigating the government for imposing curfews on “normal” days, Chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Shah Geelani Wednesday modified the protest calendar by exempting 23 and 24 September from the purview of the strike.The veteran leader said the government by imposing curfew on Sunday and Wednesday ? when there was no strike call given by the amalgam? has proved that the state government was meting out a “collective punishment” to people for weakening their resolve. The government, he said, is subjecting people to severe hardships on purpose by imposing curfews and depriving them of essential commodities, life saving drugs and medicine. He said since the ongoing “freedom” movement is completely peaceful there was no justification for imposing stringent curfew for 12 running days. The octogenarian said the “freedom struggle” would continue unless the last Indian soldier does not leave Kashmir.“New Delhi is mistaken if it thinks that by imposing curfews it can break the will of the people of Kashmir. We would prefer to die than live a life of humiliation. The boats of retreat have been burnt by Kashmiris,” he said in a statement issued here to Press Bureau of India.“We had taken into account the daily problems of people while devising the ongoing programme for protests, and had allowed relaxation in strike so that people could stock up items or the sick could visit the hospitals , but for the Indian government it doesn’t matter even if the whole Kashmiri population is starved to death,” Geelani said, according to a statement issued here.Asking people to resume normal life and stock up on essential commodities on September 23 and 24, Geelani urged people to observe complete shutdown and stage peaceful protests according to the “Quit Kashmir programme” on September 25 and 26.

DEATH TOLL REACHES 109 SINCE 11 JUNE 2010

Srinagar Sept 22, (Only Kashmir): Another youth, Sajad Ahmad Pandit, 25, who was injured in police firing on September 13 at Shiekh Pora Budgam succumbed to his injuries here today.

With Sajad's death, Kashmir death toll since June 11 has reached 109.

9 died as plunges into gorge in Kashmir

Srinagar 22 Sept (Only Kashmir): At least nine persons died when a Sumo they were traveling in fell into a deep gorge on Srinagar-Leh highway on Wednesday.

They said the Sumo (JK-10-1700) on its way from Kargil to Srinagar fell into 300-feet deep gorge near Ganiwan area of Kangan, 30 kms from here this morning.

An officer told Agence India Press that eight Nepalese nationals among nine killed in this accident.

He said the deceased were Nepali labourers and their bodies are lying for identification at SDH Kangan. The deceased driver of the ill-fated vehicle was identified as Ahmed Ali son of Abdul Aziz.

Separatist leaders who met All Party Delegation are Indian Agents: Naqash

Srinagar Sep 22 (Only Kashmir): Senior leader, APHC ( M) and Chief Patron Islamic Political Party( IPP), Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Naqash has said that Indian government is still, insincere, non serious and stubborn in respect of just and honourable solution of Kashmir dispute. The Indian All Parties delegation has arrived here with the sole aim of curbing and sabotaging the ongoing freedom movement and intensifying the oppression and massacre of Kashmiri people. People of Kashmir are continuously giving supreme sacrifices for emancipation from the illegal and forced occupation of Kashmir from India and for this ultimate objective Kashmiri people are convinced for perpetual struggle against India, not for dialogue with in Indian constitution. If there arises the need for dialogue for attaining the objective of freedom that too should be tripartite. Any sort of meeting and interaction with the India delegation is futile and wastage of time. Any person, leader, and party opting for interaction with this delegation is Indian agent. Anti freedom movement and murderer of Kashmiri people, will be exposed for forcing the anger of Kashmiri people.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

SPLIT IN INDIA DELEGATION AS BJP OPPOSES MEETING KASHMIRI LEADERS

Srinagar: Cracks are developing within the all-party delegation to Kashmir with senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj saying Tuesday that reaching out to the separatists was not good idea.

Swaraj said "reaching out to the separatists was their decision and not a collective decision."

"That was their personal decision, not a decision of the delegation. If some people want to go, we cannot stop them. But we decided not to go," Sushma said. She added that it was not a mandate as it was not discussed in the delegation.

Sushma made these remarks when asked by newsmen for her response to discussions three groups from the all-party team had with the separatist leaders after some members went out of their way visiting their homes yesterday.

However, CPM's Sitaram Yechury said, that it was a collective decision.

"Yes, finally it did, if it didn't have the backing, nobody objected to it. We are the ones who proposed. It was finally, officially, on behalf of the delegation," Yechury said when asked if there was a consensus within the delegation.

When asked if the visit was successful, Sushma said, "It is successful in the sense that we have listened to the people and tried to understand what they are saying. Sitting from far you cannot understand the problem, you have to come here and listen to people's point of views from different walks of civil society. We will respond to this in Delhi after interacting with each other."

While in interview on national news channel J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, that meeting with separatists was part of the plan and welcoming the move.

"Purpose of the delegation coming here was for them to get an idea of what is happening and have balanced view of situation," said Omar.

On Monday, 39 politicians of different ideologies, personalities and opinions touched down in Srinagar hoping to make a gentle landing in the volatile Kashmir Valley. These politicians were seeking a united political consensus in a state that has seen 107 civilian deaths in the past three months.

AFSPA CANNOT BE REVOKED: PALLAM RAJU

New Delhi: The Indian Army is not responsible for the current turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju said here Tuesday, ruling out any dilution or revocation of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the troubled state.

'The army is not responsible for the current situation in Kashmir,' Raju told reporters at an interaction at the Indian Women's Press Corps here.

He said AFSPA is a 'necessary security blanket' which the army needs to fight terrorism.

'The situation in Kashmir has not come down to normalcy and the (AFSPA) Act cannot be amended or removed even from select areas,' he added.

Kashmir's political parties, barring the Congress, as also the separatist groups, have demanded the lifting of the AFSPA. An all-party delegation is currently in the state to review the ground situation in the wake of 103 people, maingly teenagers and youth, being killed since June 11 in retaliatory fire by the security forces against stone-pelting protesters in the Kashmir Valley.

APD to visit Tangmarg, hospitals today

Srinagar, Sept 21: The visiting All Party Delegation to Kashmir to asses the situation is scheduled to visit Tangmarg in north Kashmir on Tuesday, sources told Greater Kashmir.They said that delegation would meet the people in Tangmarg where six persons were killed in forces firing last week after spontaneous protests against alleged desecration of holy Quran in the United States broke out across the Valley.The delegation, according to the sources is likely to visit a few hospitals where injured are undergoing treatment. The delegation would leave for Jammu on Tuesday afternoon to interact with the political parties and other organizations of the region before flying back to New Delhi.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Acknowledge demand for Azadi: Mirwaiz to APD

Srinagar Sep 20 (Only Kashmir): Chairman of Hurriyat Co

nference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday asked New Delhi to acknowledge the demand of Kashmiris for Azadi. “ New Delhi cannot shy from discussing Azadi,” Mirwaiz told the members of All Party Delegation that called on him at his Nageen residence here. However, senior Left leader Gurudas DasGupta, who was leading the APD members, said that he had no mandate to talk about Azadi. “ We assure you that entire India feels your pain. Please help us to let us help you,” DasGupta told Mirwaiz. The Hurriyat (M) chairman told the delegation that it should go and ask the common people on streets what they want. However, DasGupta told Mirwaiz that they acknowledge that he represents a large section of the people and he is giving vent to their sentiments. Mirwaiz showed the photographs of the teenage boys and youngsters, who have fallen to the bullets of forces, to the delegation.

APD MEETS MIRWAIZ & GEELANI

Srinagar: Individual members of the all-party delegation to Kashmir meet separatists from the Valley at their residence. A five-member team including Sitaram Yechury, T R Baalu and Owasi met Syed Ali Shah Geelani - chairman of the Hurriyat Conference (G) at his home. Hurriyat chairman (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday stuck to his party’s pro-independence stance as a five-member team of leaders, who are part of the all-party delegation in Kashmir, visited him at his residence here. During his meeting with the All Party delegation, the Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani Monday reiterated that if India would fulfil five-condition put forth by him normalcy would return.

Five-members of the all -party delegation that called on him at his residence here urged him to restore normalcy in the Valley. Geelani told them once New Delhi accepts his 5-point formula normalcy would be restored. Geelani without mincing any words said that India should accept Kashmir as a dispute and it should rein in its forces. The delegation members assured him that they would convey his message to people of India and the formula put forward by him would be discussed threadbare. Pertinently, the octogenarian leader earlier this month had said that India should accept Kashmir an international dispute, begin demilitarisation in the state under the supervision of a “credible’ world agency, repeal all harsh laws, including Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act, release all political prisoners and punish the forces’ personnel involved in the recent killings.

He also wanted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to publicly commit and ensure no further killings do take place. Meanwhile, chairman of Hurriyat (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq during his meeting with the all-party delegation cautioned that India should admit that Kashmiris were fighting for freedom. “New Delhi cannot shy from discussing Freedom (Azaadi),” Mirwaiz told the members of all-party delegation that called on him at his Nageen residence here. However, senior Left leader Gurudas Das Gupta, who was leading the all-party delegation members, said that he had no mandate to talk about Freedom. “We assure you that entire India feels your pain. Please help us to let us help you,” Das Gupta told Mirwaiz.

According to Agence India Press correspondent, the Hurriyat (M) chairman told the delegation that it should go and ask the common people on streets what they want. However, Das Gupta told Mirwaiz that they acknowledge that he represents a large section of the people and he is giving vent to their sentiments. Mirwaiz showed the photographs of the teenage boys and youngsters, who have fallen to the bullets of forces, (since from last three months) to the delegation. The delegation members asked Mirwaiz what were the people of Kashmir demanding.

The Mirwaiz in his reply said the members of delegation should meet the common man on streets and those lying with bullet injuries in various hospitals. Kashmir has been rocked by widespread protests since June, with at least 107 people killed in clashes with security forces. Earlier in a day, Home Minister P Chidambaram assured the people of the Kashmir their honour, dignity and future are secure as part of India. The visit by the all-party team, the first in two decades, hoped to help break the deadlock in the Valley, where violence has claimed over 100 lives in the past three months. The delegation's recommendations will be considered by the Cabinet Committee on Security of Kashmir later this week. “We are here to listen to your views, we will give you a patient hearing, what you think we need to do, in order to bring to the people of Jammu & Kashmir, the hope and the belief that their honour and dignity and their future are secure as part of India,” Chidambaram, who led the 39-member delegation to the state, said. The 39-member team will spend two days in Srinagar and Jammu.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj, Samajwadi party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, DMK leader T R Baalu, LJP President Ram Vilas Paswan, JD-U chief Sharad Yadav, Indian Union Muslim League President E Ahamed are part of the delegation. National Conference leader and state Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather said the discontent within the people is because of so many unfulfilled promises by the government. Meanwhile, state Congress chief Saifuddin Soz said dialogue was the only way forward and appealed to the delegation to reach out to the grieving people of Kashmir. The PDP, which had earlier threatened to boycott the meet if the curfew was not lifted, said dialogue was impossible in the atmosphere of a siege in the Valley. “How can you reach out to the protestors if curfew is not lifted,” PDP leader Nizamuddin Bhatt said.

Accept 5-point formula to restore normalcy: Geelani to APD

Srinagar: The Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday reiterated that if India fulfills 5-con

ditions put forward by him normalcy would be restored in the Valley. Five-members of the All Party Delegation that called on him at his residence here urged him to restore normalcy in the Valley. Geelani told them once New Delhi accepts his 5-point formula normalcy would be restored. Geelani without mincing any words said that India should accept Kashmir as a dispute and it should rein in its forces. The APD members assured him that they would convey his message to people of India and the formula put forward by him would be discussed threadbare. Pertinently, the octogenarian leader earlier this month had said that India should accept Kashmir an international dispute, begin demilitarisation in the state under the supervision of a “credible’ world agency, repeal all harsh laws, including Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act, release all political prisoners and punish the forces’ personnel involved in the recent killings. He also wanted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to publicly commit and ensure no further killings do take place.

Kashmir conference to be held in UK

Birmingham, Sep 20: UK based Kashmiri organization will convene an all parties conference (APC) on September 26 to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation in Occupied Kashmir. According to Tehreek-e-Kashmir sources Lord Nazir Ahmed Chairman All Parties Kashmir Group in British Parliament would preside over the APC scheduled to be held at Kashmir House in Birmingham. An invitation have already been extended to key community leaders, representatives of various Kashmiri parties and groups and elected councilors to participate in the all parties conference, the sources said. Meanwhile President Tehreek-e-Kashmir, Mohammad Ghalib has said APC aims to draw attention of international community towards grave situation in occupied Kashmir where innocent people are being slaughtered and almost entire population has been forced to live inside their homes due to indefinite curfew clamped from dawn to dusk. The APC would review the situation thread barely to evolve a consensus for any future course of action, Ghalib added.

Joint memorandum to India delegation by Mirwaiz Omar, Yasin Malik

Srinagar Sep 20, (Only Kashmir): The chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Mohammad Yasin Malik and chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday decided not to meet the 39-member all-party delegation that arrived here this morning. However, Mirwaiz and Malik have decided to send a joint memorandum to the delegation. Agence India Press is in possession of a copy of the memorandum.

Text of the Memorandum
"Let us say clearly that we accept the basic proposition that the future of Kashmir is going to be decided finally by the goodwill and pleasure of her people. The goodwill and pleasure of this Parliament is of no importance in this matter, not because this Parliament does not have the strength to decide the question of Kashmir but because any kind of imposition would be against the principles that this Parliament holds. "Kashmir is very close to our minds and hearts and if by some decree or adverse fortune, ceases to be a part of India, it will be a wrench and a pain and torment for us. If, however, the people of Kashmir do not wish to remain with us, let them go by all means. We will not keep them against their will, however painful it may be to us… However sad we may feel about leaving we are not going to stay against the wishes of the people. We are not going to impose ourselves on them on the point of the bayonet."Jawaharlal Nehru, Speech to the Indian Parliament, August 7, 1952 "When a question becomes an international question like the Kashmir question, this Parliament can take many steps, of course, but it cannot solve the international part of it... the accession of Kashmir to India... was in that sense complete, not subject to anything except subject to the goodwill of the people of Kashmir... It is a very important thing and by that declaration we are going to stand. It is left to their decision... Now it is before an international forum and how can I or this Parliament take it away?Jawaharlal Nehru, Speech to the Indian Parliament,, 25th March 25, 1953 The All-Party Delegation from Delhi comes to Srinagar on the heels of some of the most vexed circumstances that Jammu & Kashmir has faced. The assault on the life and dignity of the average Kashmiri has been relentless. Daily life in our homes and streets has been turned into a nightmare as an entire population is treated as hostages on their own soil. Just a simple act of stepping out of our own houses has been turned into an act fraught with danger, threat and menace with unprecedented prolongation of the brutal curfew, ruthless persecution, topped up by some of the most uncivilized acts by a nation that claims to abide by democratic practice and the rule of law. The blockading of food, fuel and medical supplies with even life-saving drugs and ambulances being prevented from reaching their destinations, nocturnal raids and illegal detention of children and teenagers, clampdown on the local media and thrashing of media persons in recent days, is clearly an attempt at bullying and humiliating the Kashmiri population with base and inhuman tactics employed earlier only by rogue regimes in some notorious instances of international shame like in Kampuchea, Bosnia Palestine and Sri Lanka. We cannot help but feel that we Kashmiris have been corralled into a concentration camp of concertina wires, jack-booted surveillance and vengeful assault by the Indian State, which deliberately chooses to deny this part of its ‘claimed’ nation the constitutional guarantee of ‘the Right to Life’. And we have not even begun talking yet about the more than 100 Kashmiri youngsters senselessly but brutally killed by the Indian security forces in just over 100 days. It follows the thousands of lives already lost over the past decades due to the unresolved Kashmir Dispute. All this precipitates your visit today. We had hoped the 21st Century would offer our children a new world of opportunities. Indeed, both Prime Ministers Atal Behari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh gave us reason to hope for an honourable and lasting solution to the Kashmir Dispute through their multiple public declarations on Kashmir. We believe these statements represented not only their personal or partisan views but a commitment on behalf of the Indian people which your delegation today now represents.We started this decade with the intention of engaging in a meaningful process to resolve the Kashmir Issue and we continue to be committed to that objective. However, for the people of Jammu & Kashmir, this first decade of the century has only been one of continued human misery, unfulfilled promises, false hopes and failed efforts to resolve the issue.Failure has bred cynicism and destroyed hope. In recent times, the struggle in Kashmir has transformed from a violent to a non-violent movement and the new generation has adopted the mode of democratic protest rather than the gun to voice its aspiration. It leaves us shocked and resentful that rather than listening to and engaging with this call from the streets of Kashmir, India is responding to it with bullets and violence. We are at a threshold and it is vital that a new generation of Kashmiris should not be pushed to the wall. Dialogue and negotiation must come to the front, not a new chapter of violence and instability.Nobody will gain and we will all lose, if such a situation develops. The passage of time over the past 63 years has, in fact, made the Kashmir Problem more, rather than less, intractable. Allowing this dispute to fester will only extract increasing human costs from the people of Jammu & Kashmir and, for that matter, the people of India and Pakistan. Frankly, today we hope to make a break from the past. What we have seen for the last 63 years and what we are seeing in the current bloodshed is an aggregation of failed approaches. Above all we are seeing a failure to develop and evolve a sustainable, purposeful,results-oriented process of dialogue and negotiation aimed at tangibly resolving core issues rather than dealing with the crisis of the day. We are concerned that domestic politicking in India has again started to create hurdles on the way to developing a meaningful process of negotiation. This has been a phenomenon right from the inception of the Kashmir Conflict. Due to domestic politics in both India and Pakistan, the windows for working towards a solution to Kashmir have been narrowed or interrupted and, as a result, the people of Jammu & Kashmir have had to suffer dearly. It is disconcerting that today the BJP has taken a hard line on Kashmir. This is the same party whose veteran leader Prime MinisterAtal Behari Vajpayee went to Lahore and declared from the base of Minar-e-Pakistan: "It is my dream and wish to resolve the Kashmir Issue." This is the same BJP who initiated peace talks with the then united APHC under the chairmanship of Syed Ali Shah Geelani. This is the same party that engaged Hizbul Mujahideen in a cease-fire and talks process in the Summer of 2000. This is the same BJP that declared a unilateral cease-fire in the Month of Ramadhan and then offered talks "under the constitution of Insaniyat". This is the same BJP whose Prime Minister Vajpayee laid out an inspiring agenda on Kashmir from Kumarakom on January 2, 2001: "We shall not traverse solely on the beaten track of the past. Rather, we shall be bold and innovative designers of a future architecture of peace and prosperity for the entire South Asian region". We are now disheartened to see the same party advocating a contrary view as the principal Opposition in the Indian Parliament. It is time to develop a peace process on Kashmir that is immune to domestic politics and power tussles, both in India and Pakistan. On many occasions, in 2004 and again in 2006 from Amritsar, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh talked boldly about engaging in an irreversible process of dialogue to reach a political solution on Kashmir. We are concerned that the recent statements of the Prime Minister suggest that the Kashmir Problem is being seen as a matter of unemployment and that conditions are being imposed on the dialogue process. For an entire generation, more than 20 years, we have engaged in multiple exercises of dialogue and talks with the Government of India. We took risks to do so and some amongst us sacrificed their lives to tread the path of peacemaking, while others amongst us paid with our credibility.we give some suggestions with aview to generating a favourable poltical climate for a purposeful dialouge/ like dracionial laws, realease of poltical prisoners withdrawal of troops and zero tolerance for human rights etc etc,but these suggeations were not taken seriously yet. We are now wary that your visit today, however well-intentioned, represents only an effort at short-term crisis management and that there is no clear commitment nor path towards effective resolution of the Kashmir Issue and addressing the aspirations and interests of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. We have seen in the past that it is only when a major crisis erupts that visible efforts are made to engage and understand our aspirations. And as soon as the immediate crisis subsides, the demonstrated and inherent political complacency and negligence is restored. Today in light of the concerns expressed above and to voice our unequivocal condemnation of the killings of our children and youth, we choose not to meet with your delegation Today, we ask not for unilateral political concessions but rather ajoint commitment to a meaningful process that guarantees results. We believe this is possible only if serious efforts are made to create a conducive environment for dialogue by removal of the harsh and repressive measures that are in force here, to suppress our aspirations and our fundamental democratic rights. We look forward to entering into a dialogue based on the following shared commitments: To create a beginning and to sustain the process of dialogue we need to create a process in which all views and options ? most of all Kashmiri aspirations will be considered and explored before arriving at an acceptable solution. Let resolving the Kashmir Dispute in accordance with aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir become a Common Minimum Programme shared by all political parties in India and in Pakistan. Achieving a solution to the Kashmir Issue should now rise above vote bank politics and be taken up as a national agenda shared by all, worked for by all, and risked for by all major political parties of India. Let the Government of India facilitate to establish and empower an official body, a Kashmir Committee, consisting of senior representatives of all major Indian political parties to develop and enter into a process of engagement with the representatives of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Let this process be transparent designed to deliver a negotiated solution to the Kashmir Issue that is mutually worked towards by and acceptable to all parties concerned. We believe that a similar Kashmir Committee, bringing together all political forces, should also be established in Pakistan. We will advocate to the political parties in Pakistan that this be done. This will ensure that all major political forces in India and Pakistan are on board with the peace process and it will help institutionalize and sustain the process to resolve the Kashmir Problem. We must render the process immune from domestic politics and tendencies to act as spoilers. On our part we are ready and willing to engage and sustain a meaningful and irreversible process of dialogue designed to avoid the failures of the past and to jointly develop and implement a solution to the Kashmir Dispute that is acceptable to all sides ? India,Pakistan and above all the people of J&K

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