Peace Into Pieces

Syed Ali Safvi

"Indian state is projecting a rosy picture of situation in Kashmir but the facts are contrary." "The process of law that should normally follow any act of violence is entirely absent in the state." "It is army rule in Kashmir and Army is carrying its tasks without accountability. I don't know how India calls itself democracy." – These are not the excerpts from the speech of a Kashmiri separatist leader, but of some non-Kashmiri Indian human rights activists. In a bid to ascertain the factual situation in Kashmir, a team of eleven human rights activists from different parts of India visited Kashmir. After enquiring about a dozen incidents of police and army high-handedness, the team gave its report, which refutes the claims of both the state government and Government of India that the strife-torn, conflict-ridden Valley is limping towards normalcy.

The eleven-member team has categorically written in its report that the picture depicted by the government and the outside state media is wrong. The revelations made in the report are eye-openers for all those who are made to believe that everything is normal in Kashmir. If 'normal' is the word which depicts the present situation in the Vale then I fail to understand where would 'abnormal' fit?

Army and the government have been claiming ad-infinitum and ad-nauseam that the situation in Kashmir has become normal and that the violence has been brought down. But, at the same time they are not ready for demilitrisation. Army has over and again maintained that at a given period of time there are about 1500 to 2000 militants operating in the state. Then it makes no sense to deploy six lakh troops to counter 2000 militants. What is the use of such a colossal force when it is not at all able to put a break on violence? Out of sheer anger coupled with frustration, the men-in-uniform have resort to such inhumane acts which has put to shame even the likes of Hitler and Chengez Khan.

There are umpteen evidences to prove how army has been misusing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state. The abundant powers given to the security forces have escalated human rights violations in the state. Custodial killings, illegal use of force, fake encounters, rapes, illegal detentions, and disappearances have become a regular phenomenon in Kashmir. The paradise of Kashmir has not just been lost but ruined and peace in the Valley has been broken into pieces. For Kashmiris living life itself has become like walking on the minefield. Anytime anything can happen. Each day is a new day of death and uncertainty. Few seconds can change the entire course of life and the world will not be the same place again. Dogged by poor fate, every Kashmir would be thinking in his heart of hearts – "God, why was I born Kashmiri."

Kashmir was the only place where Gandhi had witnessed 'sunshine' and 'sobriety' during the days of partition when rest of the sub-continent was painted red with blood of thousands of innocents. After more than half-a-century Kashmir is the only spot in the sub-continent bleeding with impunity.

Army has wreaked havoc in the state and the state government is watching like a mute spectator. It can not do anything except utter a few words of sympathy to the families which have suffered at the hands of the so-called security forces. In most of the cases no action has been taken against the errant troopers. Moreover, in bulk of the cases the victims of the 'insurgency' and 'counter-insurgency' have not been given relief or compensation, which otherwise is a 'proclaimed policy' of the state government. Holding Round Table Conferences or giving hefty economic packages make no sense when on the other hand human rights violations continue unabated. If India calls Kashmir her 'integral' part then why the Kashmiris are not treated at par with other Indians. If Gujarat Fake Encounters can draw so much criticism from almost all parts of India. Then why Kashmir fake encounters remain by and large unnoticed.

The ground situation in Kashmir will not improve unless and until the Govt. of India or the State govt. (remember, it has the power to do so) revoke the draconian acts – Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Public Safety Act (PSA). The govt. must ensure that errant troops involved in the humanitarian crimes should be brought to book so that others would learn a lesson.

Of The Sin And The Sinners

Syed Ali Safvi

As elections approach and poll fever grips the State, political parties have started the blame game to win over the gullible public. The practice of blame game, however, cannot always prove productive. It may, at times, land you in trouble, and expose that part which you otherwise want to conceal or try to erase from public memory.

On February 28, National Conference President Omar Abdullah while addressing media persons after his party's three-day extended Working Committee meeting castigated rival Peoples Democratic Party's patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, saying Mufti was responsible for the turmoil in the State. Earlier, the PDP patron had alleged that the NC patron was responsible for the current situation in Kashmir.

"If Farooq was responsible for turmoil in the State as blamed by PDP, then Mufti was equally responsible for it," Omar said. All said and done! We all know who is responsible for the current situation in the State, or for that matter, who deserves "greater blame."

Omar sees the mote in another's eye but not the beam in his own. History bears testimony that National Conference has always deceived Kashmiris. First it was its founder who betrayed Kashmiris at a crucial juncture of Kashmir history. His contribution to the Kashmir conflict is significant. The raison-d'être of Sheikh's 'Quit Kashmir Movement' was the removal of Dogra rule and its replacement by an independent Kashmir, but later on he developed strong affection towards India, or to be more specific, towards Jawaharlal Nehru, who after all was responsible for his release from Maharaja's prison. Sheikh became the victim of Indian treachery. Had he remained steadfast on his stand and not got influenced by New Delhi, I wonder how history would have turned? However, Sheikh again started advocating secession in 1953, but changed his position again in 1975 and signed the Kashmir Accord. Sheikh is not only responsible for Kashmir tragedy but he is obliquely responsible for many tragedies in the subcontinent.

NC has been twice betrayed by New Delhi. First in 1953, when the Indian loyalist and NC founder was put behind bars for his constant demand of the "promised" autonomy; again in 1984 when Farooq Abdullah was dismissed from office as chief minister by the then Governor Jagmohan at New Delhi's behest. Unfortunately, the NC leaders have not learned the lesson yet. The leaders of National Conference continue to play into the hands of New Delhi. Farooq Abdullah's NC rigged the infamous 1987 assembly elections. The rigging fanned the flames of discontent, sowed the seeds of armed upheaval and further strengthened the anti-India elements in the State.

When the democratic exercise is used as a political manoeuvre; as a political apparatus to breach people's aspirations, the consequences are always disastrous. And that's what exactly happened in our State. It is against political ethics, if there are any, to make capital out of people's sufferings.

Today NC leaders are protesting against human rights violation. A travesty of justice, indeed! Not long ago it was this party which formed the special operations group (SOG) of police and bestowed it with abundant powers and a license to kill. The SOG sleuths unleashed a reign of terror and committed gross human rights violation in the State. NC gave nod to draconian law like Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTA). Shedding crocodile tears now will cut no ice.

Farooq Abdullah, the political chameleon, has many strings to his bow. Controversies have been part and parcel of his political life. He is known for delivering different statements in New Delhi and Srinagar. Not long ago the former chief minister astonished his admirers by questioning the righteousness of accession to India. "People like Farooq Abdullah will also have to start thinking twice about it," he said, questioning the accession. The same person had once said that accession of J&K to India was "complete, final and irrevocable".

"Those who talk of accession still being incomplete are trying to fish in troubled waters, at the cost of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and its progress. Their basic aim is to keep the pot boiling, because they do not want either peace or progress in this sub-continent." (My Dismissal, Farooq Abdullah, page 83, 84)

Now, Mr Abdullah can you tell us who is trying to keep the pot boiling? Farooq's son seems to be a chip of the old block. He should, however, know that the public memory is not that short. He may have forgotten what his party did but the people of Kashmir have not forgotten anything. The wounds inflicted by NC have not yet healed. For God sake, stop this blame game and come out of your self-made cocoon. Admit your slip-ups and misdemeanours'. How long will you continue the exercise of brazenly cheating Kashmiris? Time has changed and you too need to change. Levelling accusations will not solve the problems of a common Kashmiri. You can not win over the hearts and minds of people unless you practice what you preach.

The Realities As Put Forward

Syed Ali Safvi

Fortifying and securing Israel has always constituted the prime agenda of the United States. Whenever and wherever any anti-Israel element makes headway, US can use all its influence to crush that. America, and virtually all other Western countries are fighting what they have phrased (a misnomer) as "Islamic terrorism". However, the fact is that these nations have for long harboured an ambition to uproot Islam and Muslims from the face of this planet. So far they have successfully created dissension and discontent among Muslims and now they are cashing in. The question however is: Why only Muslims? The answer is crystal: Muslims don't recognize Israel, barring some Muslim leaders who are American stooges.

There is no denying the fact that America will try to strangulate all those voices raised against Israel, and it will not spare any country acting a threat to Israel.

America invaded Afghanistan with the purpose of nabbing Osama bin Laden. It, however, failed pathetically. But in sheer frustration and to overcome that, it massacred thousands of innocent civilians with cluster bombs and other horrific weaponry. Bush was adamant to uproot the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which he considered a threat to "world peace" (read Israel). However, the Taliban militia is still active in Afghanistan and the clandestine visit of Bush to the region last year underlines the fact that even after six years of Afghan invasion, peace and stability is a distant reality in the country.

After invading Afghanistan, America targeted Iraq, a country headed by its so-called blue-eyed-boy, Saddam Hussain. The reason stated was that Iraq possessed Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs)(fake reality), which were dangerous for the world peace (read Israel). It soon became clear that this American SOS was a hoax, yet the whole world remained silent. Saddam's regime was toppled, and eventually he was captured, put to gallows. American invasion of Iraq will long be remembered for the infamous Abu Gharib prison, which became synonymous with American brutality. Even though fingers are now being raised accusing the US for its misadventure in Iraq, it is not prepared to leave the country. All the more it has created such conditions where the country is on the brink of a civil war.

Then came the Sabre-rattling toward Iran, whose is so called "clandestine nuclear enrichment". This, according to Bush's ersatz wisdom, is also a threat to "world peace" (read Israel). The reason is not hard to imagine: Iran has always openly questioned Israel's existence on illegally occupied Palestinian territory. The US is now trying to convince the world that Iran is on the verge of building nuclear weapons, and obviously the only way to stop it from going nuclear is to attack it and destroy it.

Meanwhile, Israeli troops, backed by America, invaded Lebanon and for the second time to bit the dust at the hands of the valiant Hezbollah militia. After remaining under Zionist occupation for more than two decades, Lebanon had to face the Zionist terror in July 2006. Hezbollah (party of God) is committed to armed resistance to the state of Israel itself and aims to liberate Palestinians territories and Jerusalem from Israeli occupation. Bush, while addressing the media at the onset of the war, said that Hezbollah was a big threat to "world peace" (read Israel). Hezbollah was formed in 1982 following the Israel's invasion of Lebanon. It was immensely influenced by the Islamic revolution of Iran and by the charismatic leadership of Ayatollah Rohullah Khomeini, who was instrumental enough to liberate Iran from the clutches of American imperialism (led by the Shah). The raison d'être of the birth of Hezbollah was to expel Jews from their country, who had occupied it by force. Hezbollah launched a campaign against the occupants and finally emerged triumphant. Lebanon was declared a free country on May 25, 2000.

Hezbollah has been labeled as terrorist organization by the United States, Israel, Canada and Australia. However, UK and Netherland think otherwise. Hezbollah, in the words of Robert Fisk, is "one of the toughest guerilla armies in the world". Yossi Alpher, a member of Mosad, the Israeli intelligence service, who used to head the Jaffe Centre for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, said during the war, "I dare say, based on what we have seen so far, these (Hezbollah) may be the best Arab troops we have ever faced."

Israeli captain Doron Spielman also asserted, "They (Hezbollah) are well trained, well equipped, and ready to die as can be seen from the very small number of prisoners taken by Israeli forces."

Despite incurring mammoth war expenditure of $ 7.1 billion, Israel failed to achieve its desired target: disbanding Hezbollah. Instead, Hezbollah's stature and popularity multiplied manifolds not only in Arab countries but across the world after the war. And Sheikh Hassan Nasrullah's charismatic leadership again won him loads of accolades from some of the prominent figures of world politics.

According to the official registrar, more than 120 babies born during the Israel-Hezbollah war were named after Nasrullah in the Egyptian city of Alexandria. In Gaza city there were at least a dozen newborns named Hezbollah, Nasrullah (victory from God) or Hassan.

The query that frequently strikes the mind of everyone is why America supports Israel? This is because of the fact that Israel is one of the top ranked trade partners of America. Here are the statistical data of Israel's trade relations with three major states of America.

Total exports since 1991 from the State of California estimates to $12,562,185,030. Military contracts with Israel in 2006 using Foreign Military Financing: $137,247,762. Israel's rank as trade partner: 20. Jewish percentage of total population: 2.9.

Total exports since 1991 from the State of New York amounts to $33,387,205,896. Military Contracts with Israel in 2006 using Foreign Military Financing: $151,083,792. Israel's rank as trade partner: 2. Jewish Percentage of Total Population: 8.7.

Total exports since 1991 from the State of Washington amounts to $3,049,094,403. Military Contracts with Israel in 2006 using Foreign Military Financing: $4,301,684. Jewish Percentage of Total Population: 0.7.

America's economic and military aid to Israel in 2006 amounted to $240 million and $2.28 billion respectively. America has no other option but to support Israel because if Israel comes under attack the American economy will feel the hardest blow. One of the columnists of the Frontline news magazine hit the nail on its head, saying "America cannot restrain Israel because Israel is part and parcel of Bush's mission for the world".

America 's strong-headed support to Israel's blatant policies is slowly and steadily, transforming the political fabric of the Middle East, which could prove very costly for the U.S. in the long run. The rise of Islam as a political force has sent a shaking and shocking message to the White House. Some militant outfits have transformed themselves into political parties and have taken a different route - democracy. The Islamic political parties like Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Islamic Salvation Front in Algeria, Hezbollah in Lebanon have strongly established themselves in their respective nations. If elections of Iraq and Iran, where clerics won overwhelmingly, confirmed the rise of political Islam, the Hamas victory in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections further underlined the fact.

It's an admitted fact that the US wants to create cultural, political and economic hegemony over the entire world. Despite the criticism Bush Administration was subjected to for its reasonless 'invasions' of Iraq and Afghanistan, both within and outside the U.S., it has not restrained itself, instead it is now eyeing Iran, which has, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, vehemently criticized America for legitimizing and supporting the Israel occupation on the Palestinian territory. It is not only the matter of Iran's 'peaceful' nuclear enrichment that is troubling the self-made global watchdog, Uncle Sam, but the threat it entails for Israel, since Iran is the bitter enemy of Israel and wants it to be 'wiped off the map.'

The policy of the U.S. towards the Middle East is crystal clear: to safeguard Israel. Apparently, U.S. had no qualms when Israel, assisted by France, was making nuclear bombs. This clearly reveals White House's double standard policy. Israel is known to possess some 200 to 300 nuclear weapons in its arsenal. America claims to make Middle East a 'nuclear free zone'. But how is that possible when there is already one nuclear power existing in the heart of Middle East – Israel? If America's intentions are clear then why doesn't US ask its strong economic partner, Israel to shun their nuclear policies? Reason assertion here would suggest US to keep itself at bay regarding Iran.

However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has given clean chit to Iran. In the second week of November, 2007, IAEA brought out a report in which it stated that Iran was generally truthful about crucial aspects of its nuclear programme.

Hawks in the Bush administration have vowed to prevent Tehran from mastering the nuclear fuel cycle. Despite IAEA's assertion that the allegations made by the U.S. and its allies about Iran's nuclear programme were baseless, the U.S. is hell bent to attack Iran "before a new administration takes over in 2008".

Vice-President of America Dick Cheney, in a tele-interview recently, vowed that the U.S. would never allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice echoed Cheney's statement saying that the "policies of Iran constitute perhaps the single greatest challenge to American security interests in the Middle East."

Surprisingly, America has no problems with Egypt, Brazil and South Africa who have announced to go in for nuclear energy in a big way by building several nuclear plants. Although experts believe that Iran's nuclear programme is no different from that being pursued by many other nations.

There are also talks of economic sanction to be levied on Iran. However, there is no denying the fact that if sanctions are imposed on Iran that could prove vulnerable for the world peace, and attack on Iran will open the Pandora's Box. The only way out is peaceful negotiation. And that can be only done when the world leaders have an unbiased approach towards the world nations especially Muslim ones.

If economic sanctions are levied on Iran it can have a gargantuan impact on the oil prices, which the European Union, Japan, or even the US for that matter can not afford. Remember Iran is currently world's fourth largest oil producer. The sanctions will only make the situation more deplorable. The world leaders should keep the consequences of the possible sanctions (on Iran) into consideration and try to resolve the issue amicably. The honchos in White House should realize, as Ahmedi Nejad said while addressing the 'world leaders' summit' last year, "You need us more than we need you."

Let Kashmiris decide their destiny: Safvi

Once described as Paradise on Earth, Kashmir has now become a synonym for violence.
Caught in the crossfires between the two neighbours of the Indian sub-continent, Kashmiris are living a life that is devoid of peace. What is the solution to the Kashmir issue? TwoCircles.net's Kashif-ul-Huda catches up with Syed Ali Safvi, Associate Editor of the newly-launched newspaper Etalaat. Syed Ali Safvi talks about the solution to the Kashmir issue.

Why do you think there was a need to bring out the newspaper Etalaat?
We felt the need of starting a new newspaper in Kashmir when we realised that the existing newspapers were not doing enough to depict the true and real picture of Kashmir. Most of the papers are working for the interest of others rather than serving the Kashmiri cause. Etalaat was started with the intention to represent the true aspirations of dejected Kashmiris. And masha'allah, the response and feedback we have had is really encouraging.

What are the demands of Kashmiris?
Every Kashmiri first wants to live with honour and dignity. It may sound quite strange but it is true that sometimes Kashmiris find themselves as aliens in their own land. They are subjected to human rights violations. They are sandwiched between security forces and militants. Even though Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh promised zero tolerance to human rights violations, they have continued unabated.

The problem of India and Pakistan is that they view the Kashmir problem from nationalist angle rather than humanist angle. The problem of Kashmir cannot be resolved unless Kashmiris are allowed to determine their own destiny. And that's what the first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru promised to Kashmiris.

Don't you think that the election process in the state is in the direction of giving Kashimiris a way to control their destiny?

Elections in Kashmir are rigged. Here only that party forms the government, is the party which has a mandate of New Delhi. Elections have never been fair in Kashmir and there are a number of examples to underline this fact. The rigged election of 1987 is the prime example of how 'fairly' elections are held in Kashmir. It was this election which triggered the mass movement in Kashmir. After all, how many Kashmiris willingly come out to exercise their franchise? In rural areas people are dragged out of their houses to vote. Is this what you call democracy?

What do you think is the solution to the Kashmir issue?
To put an end to the sixty year dispute over Kashmir, there seems only one solution: let the Kashmiris decide their own future. Let there be a referendum under the aegis of the United Nations as per the UN resolution. However, there is a need to bring a slight change to the old UN resolution. Keeping intact the existing two options: Union with India or Union with Pakistan, a third option should be given to the Kashmiris. That is independence. The opinion polls conducted by The Times of India in 2006 and CNN IBN in 2007 have confirmed that a majority of Kashmiris want to be independent. Let the Kashmiris decide their destiny. Both India and Pakistan must accept the result of the referendum.

What in your view is the solution to the problem of Kashmiri Pundits who are living as refugees in Jammu and Delhi?

Kashmir is a political dispute and no solution on the basis of ethnicity or religion, therefore, is acceptable to Kashmiris. Since people of Kashmir do not want the solution of Kashmir on ethnic or religious basis, the Pundits, who left Kashmir in one of the most unfortunate incidents in the history of Kashmir (which of course was a handiwork of the then Governor of J&K, Jagmohan), should be called back to the state. They are an integral part of the Kashmiri culture and identity. They too, along with Muslims and other religious groups, would decide the future of Kashmir.

How is the response of the newspaper and what do you hope to achieve?
Mashallah, the response is very good. We want to depict the real picture of Kashmir to the outside world that is made to believe that everything is normal in Kashmir.

Kashmir was the only place where Mahatma Gandhi witnessed 'sunshine' and 'sobriety' during the days of partition when the rest of the sub-continent was painted red with the blood of innocents. After more than half a century, Kashmir is the only spot in the sub-continent that is bleeding with impunity. The Army has wreaked havoc in the state and the state government is watching as a mute spectator. It cannot do anything beyond uttering a few words of sympathy to the families which suffer at the hands of the security forces. In most of the cases no action has been taken against the errant security personnel. Moreover, in bulk of the cases, the victims of the 'insurgency' and 'counter-insurgency' have not been given relief or compensation, which otherwise is a 'proclaimed policy' of the state government. The paradise of Kashmir has not just been lost but ruined and peace in the Valley is in tatters. A few seconds can change the entire course of life and the world will not be the same place again. Dogged by poor fate, every Kashmiri would be thinking in his heart of hearts "God, why was I born Kashmiri?"

If India calls Kashmir her 'integral' part then why aren’t the Kashmiris treated at par with other Indians? If Gujarat’s fake encounters can draw so much criticism from almost all parts of India, then why does Kashmir’s fake encounter remain by and large unnoticed? This is the real Kashmir. We want to bring this reality to the world.

Miscarriage Of Justice

Syed Ali Safvi

The question is not whether Afzal should be hanged or not, but the real question is, has Afzal Guru been given a fair trial. Did he actually deserve the death sentence given the degree of his involvement in the crime.

Once again Kashmiris and the rest of India are up against each other. Reason being Mohammad Afzal Guru’s death sentence. A debate which has found a place in every household is whether Afzal should be hanged or not.

Surprisingly, it is for the first time in the Valley that mainstream politicians and separatists are on the same side of the debate. Every section of society, lawyers, doctors, students, intellectuals, in Kashmir have demanded clemency for Afzal Guru. For the Valleyites, Afzal has become a big unifying factor. The Valleyites know, if Afzal is hanged, situation in the Valley will deteriorate.

Those sitting in the palatial bungalows in Delhi oblivious of the ground situation in Kashmir cannot envisage the ramifications if Afzal is sent to gallows. They have only come to know about Kashmir through Delhi-based newspapers and TV channels, which unfortunately have never reported the ground realities of Kashmir. They don’t know what exactly is happening in Kashmir.

One fateful morning, on February 11, 1984, Maqbool Bhat was hanged and the consequences are before us. Now, India wants to repeat the same mistake. Indian leaders want to gift one more martyr to Kashmiris. Martyrdom is the ultimate aspiration of a militant because it makes him eternal. If Afzal is one of them what more should he ask for?

When Maqbool Bhat was hanged, he became a martyr, a hero, and a legend. Thousand of Kashmiris inspired by Bhat went across the border for arms training. Maqbool Bhat’s hanging became a turning point which shaped the contemporary history of Kashmir. Now, Indian leaders want to take Kashmir back to the period of late 1980’s and early 1990’s.

The families of the victims, who died in the December 13 Parliament attack, are demanding that Afzal’s mercy petition should not be entertained and he should be hanged. No one can share the sympathies with them as much as Kashmiris because only they can feel what a loss of a dear one means. The so-called independent media of ademocratic India has portrayed the whole state of affairs differently as if it is a tussle between the families of victims
and Kashmiris. The question is not whether Afzal should be hanged or not, but the real question is, has Afzal Guru been given a fair trial. Did he actually deserve the death sentence given the degree of his involvement in the crime?

Whether you like it or not, but the answer is NO.

There are various reasons which clearly indicate that Afzal was not given a fair trial. First, Afzal was not given a lawyer of his choice despite giving three applications for the same. Second, his case was fabricated and even Amnesty International and some lawyers of the Apex Court have confirmed it. Third, Afzal was not allowed to cross question the witnesses. Four, the statements and objections raised by him against the false statements were not recorded by the Apex Court. Five, all the accused (Geelani, Shoukat, Afsan and Afzal) were tried under POTA, which, however, does not prescribe death sentence. While Geelani was acquitted and the quantum of punishment was commuted from death sentence to life in jail for other two accused, the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence in case of Afzal Guru by falling back on IPC. Like other three accused Afzal was not present in or around the Parliament complex at the time of attack. Still, his case was treated differently. Had he been tried under POTA like other of his co-accused he would have got the sentence of life imprisonment at the most. But, mysteriously, the Apex Court had different thoughts even though it has categorically stated that “there is no evidence to show that Afzal Guru is a member of any banned
organization.”

According to Afzal’s statement he was mentally and physically tortured by Special Task Force (STF) personnel because they wanted him to work as a “spy”. He was coerced to join Special Operation Group (SOG). This aspect has been completely condoned by the court. Those who demand that Afzal should be executed must at least once go through the letter which Tabassum, wife of Afzal Guru, wrote in 2004. Tabassum clearly mentioned in her letter that
her husband wanted to live a normal life but STF didn’t allow him to. She narrates a poignant tale of the tortures her husband was subject to at the hands of STF and other security agencies. She even revealed the names of these errant troops. The fault of Afzal was only that he had surrendered. In other parts of the world it is the responsibility of the
forces to safeguard a surrendered militant, but Kashmir is an exception.

When he was unable to bear frequent tortures, Afzal left Kashmir for Delhi but STF followed him there. Dogged by poor fate he couldn’t save himself from the notorious STF personnel. According to Afzal, he met one Tariq in the STF camp who compelled him to bring Mohammad to Delhi. Mohammad is one of the executors of the Parliament attack.

What was Tariq doing in the camp and how he knew Mohammad? These are the questions which need to be investigated. But, the fact is that the law enforcing agencies didn’t give it a damn.

There is a need of an institutional change in the Indian judiciary system as far as the capital punishment is concerned.

More than 75 countries have done away with the capital punishment. It has been observed and statistical data prove that the crime rate is persistently on rise in countries which have continued with the capital punishment. And the countries which have annulled the death sentence, the rate of crime has considerably decreased. It is a high time for
India to follow the suit. The indispensable notion of justice is to reform the society and by prescribing death sentence we are only creating more criminals.

Simmering Discontent

Syed Ali Safvi

The sun of July 13, 1931 confirmed the truth in Margaret Mead's saying, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

On that fateful day, thousands of Kashmiris had gheroed the Srinagar central jail demanding an open trial of a youth, Abdul Qadeer, who was tried for 'sedition'. His crime: pointing his finger to the Maharaja's Palace in protest against the desecration of the Holy Quran at the hands of Dogra troops in Jammu.

The Dogra governer, Ray Zada Chand, in order to disperse the crowd, ordered his soldiers to open fire. The scene that followed was no less horrific and horrendous than the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. In a matter of few seconds, twenty one protestors were left lying in a pool of blood and many more were seriously injured.

Kashmiris have, throughout their history, been at the receiving end only. The history of Kashmir is replete with incidents of inhumane and tyrannical oppression of the dejected Kashmiris by the rulers. Be it the Mughals, the Afghans, the Sikhs or the Dogras, a common Kashmiri has never found solace.

These rulers treated them merely as scapegoats and any voice of dissent would be severely strangulated. During the reign of King Unmattawati (939-944 AD), the king ripped the abdomen of a pregnant woman to see the foetus. One of the Afghan rulers, Azad Khan, raped, plundered and killed the innocent Kashmiris like a maniac.He slit the stomach of a doctor when the latter failed to cure his eye ailment.

When Zulchu (Zulfi Khan or Zulaji) invaded Kashmir, his soldiers resorted to indiscriminate killings, bloodbath, plundering beyond all limits. They carried out wholesale massacre of Kashmiris, killing everyone who fell into their hands. One of the Dogra rulers, Ranjit Singh, never visited Kashmir, but solicited women and taxes from the valley.

The Dogra rule, arguably, was the darkest period in the history of Kashmir. Such was the degree of oppression that Kashmiris were skinned alive for speaking against the Maharaja. The incident that took place outside the Srinagar Central jail on the fateful day of July 13, 1931 was nothing new for Kashmiris but it provided the much-needed impetus to the anti Dogra sentiments in the valley.

However, most of the freedom fighters who fought for the complete freedom of Kashmir from the tyrannical, oppressive and autocratic rule of the Dogras have remained by and large unsung in the pages of history. Courtesy: The Successful regimes of Kashmir Politics and the so called political interest of their spin doctors.

It's a travesty of justice that we do not have a single building, road, hospital or any other public infrastructure named after any of our freedom fighters who laid down their lives only that we could breathe in the ambience of freedom, peace and tranquility; where we would not be forced to pay tax to live on our own soil. Instead of commemorating them, we have roads, colleges, public parks named after the Dogra rulers who had been cruel and savage.In their rule, Kashmiris simmered in the smoldering fire. in return, that is what our state has given to the martyrs! It is, nonetheless,'never less than mortifying and humiliating both the denizens of the state and for the state itself.

In 1983, the then chief minister Farooq Abdullah inaugurated a bridge at Rambagh named after one of the freedom fighters, Mohammad Sultan Khan alias Sula Galdar. Unfortunately, during the heydays of the armed struggle, a rocket hit the stone plaque on the bridge and completely destroyed it. The administration did not deem it necessary to replace the stone plaque.Instead, the hole, caused by the blast, was plugged in with cement.

If every nation would 'honour' its freedom fighters the way our governments do, sincerely,the world would no longer produce the likes of Mandelas, Gandhis, Khomeinis, etc. Every year on July 13, we remember our martyrs, but are we really doing justice to their memory and role? Do we respect and honour their neverlasting sentiments and resilience towards saving our motherland.

We Salute Our Journalists

Syed Ali Safvi

Press plays a pivotal role in shaping the public opinion. It plays an all important role in developing the conscience of the society. But, in a conflict zone, like Kashmir, it has a much greater responsibility.

Writing against the government policies or state highhandedness may be a routine and trouble-free affair for the journos living in apparently cozy atmosphere in Posh area or metro cities, but the same becomes a Herculean task for the scribes in a conflict area, where you are being literally watched and monitored 24x7. In such a hostile ambience where bulk of the reporters 'manufacture' reports, TRUTH becomes the first and foremost casualty. But then, there are few who muster courage and report TRUTH without caring about the consequences and we cannot but appreciate them.

In a recently organized seminar on "The Growth of Press in Kashmir" by the Mass Communication Professionals' Guild (MCPG), chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Haseeb Drabu – the chief guest on the occasion – made some mortifying and demeaning remarks about the Kashmir press. I fail to understand how come a learned person like Drabu, who is not completely alien to journalistic field given that fact that he edited 'Business Standard' for over six years, forgot the basic principle of journalism ethics which says, "you cannot be judgmental."

It sounds outré to hear a discourse on journalistic profession from a complete 'unprofessional' person who has spent a greater part of his life sitting in the palatial bungalows oblivion of the ground realities in Kashmir.

One cannot find the likes of Sanghvis, Aikman and Fisks every where, but we, Kashmiris, are proud of the fact to have produced some of the brilliant journalists who have stood through thick and thin and have often put their lives at risk in order to report the TRUTH. These journalists are far, far better than the Sanghvis who, more often than not, play into the hands of the establishment.

When human rights violations, fake encounters, custodial killings, et al are routine phenomenon and the order of the day, how can a story on Dal Lake or any developmental work, for that matter, make it to the front page.

…and where is the development any way! Laying down the railway lines, reopening the exhibition ground cannot be termed as real development. These 'developments' make no sense for the dejected Bemina residents where three chief ministers have failed to complete a single bridge from the past 15 years. These works make no sense when the roads narrate a dismal tale of the share callousness of the state government.

There is no denying the fact that the successive state governments have not only failed to develop the social infrastructure but have also miserably failed to protect the interests of the denizens of the state. Moreover, the pseudo-intellectuals add fuel to the fire. They have that uncanny knack of criticizing and castigating the Valley populace. Like in cricket it is easy to criticize a batsman from the stands, but only the batsman in the centre – engulfed by players – knows what he goes through. The same is the case with Mr. Drabu. His example is like those spectators only!

We have to be true to our own selves. As George MacDonald said, " Friends, if we be honest with ourselves, we shall be honest with each other." I believe many of us still lack that honesty.

According to the data several Kashmiri journalists, including a woman scribe, Asia Gilani (JKCCS), have been killed in the strife-torn region of Kashmir since the eruption of mass movement in 1989. Among others, the journalists who were killed while doing their duties include Mushtaq Ali (ANI), Ghulam Muhammad Lone (News Agent), Ghulam Rasool Azad (Paper Owner), Muhammad Shaban Wakeel (Al-Safa) and Pervaz Muhammad Sultan (NAFA).

Among those tortured and illegally detained include Muhammad Maqbool Sahil (Chattan), Rehmattullah Khan (Editor, Rehmat) and Syed Iftikhar Gilani (Kashmir Times/Voice of Germany). Gilani was released after several months of illegal detention during which he was subjected to severe torture. The other two journalists are still languishing in Indian jails.
We salute our journalistic fraternity for showing the utmost audacity and commitment in order to sketch a real picture of Kashmir, sometimes with the colour of their own blood. We salute those indefatigable journos who braved the tyrannical establishment and highlighted the atrocities of the forces and in the process laid down their lives for a cause – the cause so dear to their hearts, the cause of projecting the TRUTH.

Let the TRUTH prevail.