UN resolutions—the best solution for Kashmir

Srinagar, August 20 (KMS Report ): In occupied Kashmir, the High Court Bar Association has said that the Kashmir dispute can only be peacefully resolved through implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions and the holding of unconditional and result-oriented talks among all stakeholders on Kashmir.

This was said by the Bar Association’s executive members during a meeting with an Indian delegation led by former Indian Minister, Yashwant Sinha that called on them in Srinagar. HCBA General Secretary Bashir Siddique in a statement said that the delegation was informed that the Indian army and paramilitary forces had been tasked with killing, blinding and maiming innocent Kashmiris, while National Investigation Agency and Enforcement Directorate had been assigned the job of harassing the people by raiding their houses. The other members of the Indian delegation included Bharat Bushan, Kapil Kak and Sushoba Barve.

Senior APHC leader and Anjuman Sharie Shian President, Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi Al-Safvi speaking at a party meeting in Srinagar, today, expressed concern over the political victimization of Hurriyat leaders and activists in occupied Kashmir. He called for settlement of the Kashmir dispute through implementation of relevant resolutions of the United Nations on Kashmir.

Jammu-based Kashmir Times Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin while addressing a function in Srinagar saluted the resilience of the Kashmiri people and their constant struggle. The event was organized by a human rights group, Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. Her lecture was themed ‘Many Shades of Kashmir Resistance’. She said that Burhan Wani was seen by youth as both a symbol of oppression and defiance against it.

Meanwhile, a bullet- riddled body of a college student was recovered in Shopian district, today. The body of the youth, identified as Gowhar Ahmad, was found by locals in an orchard only a kilometer away from his house.

An Indian court rejected the bail application of Jamaat-e-Islami of occupied Kashmir Chief Spokesman Advocate Zahid Ali and JI Tehsil Kulgam President, Farooq Ahmad Sheikh who are in police custody for the past 15 days.

On the other hand, Indian media has reported that a key file on Kashmir justifying the insertion of Article 35A into the Indian Constitution has gone mysteriously missing from the high security vaults in New Delhi. The incident comes at a time when the Indian Supreme Court is hearing a petition by an RSS-backed NGO seeking the abrogation of the Article, which bars outsiders from acquiring land in Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmir historical issue, needs to be addressed: China

Beijing, June 07 (KMS): China while reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is a historical dispute has called for its resolution through negotiations, media reports said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Hua Chunying, said, “We also stressed many times that the Kashmir issue is one left behind by history between India and Pakistan and should be addressed properly through negotiations.”

The statement made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry comes a day after Indian Foreign Minister, Sushma Swaraj, had raised concern over China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

“The CPEC is an economic corridor and not targeted at any third party and has nothing to do with any territorial dispute. It will not affect China’s position on Kashmir,” Hua added.

On India’s bid to join Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), China made it clear that its position on the issue remains “unchanged”.

“China and other member including Russia maintained close communication and we also maintain that we should act in accordance with the principles of the NSG,” Hua told media. The application for accession by non-NPT countries is a multi-lateral question and should be addressed on the basis of consensus of the NSG members, Hua said when asked for reaction to Sushma Swaraj’s comments.

Imran points out double standards on Kashmir

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Sunday asked the world community to get rid of its hypocrisy and double standards and speak out on the continued Indian oppression against the Kashmiri people in blatant violation of UN charter and resolutions for plebiscite in the divided state of Jammu Kashmir.

In a reaction to the recent killing of Kashmiri freedom fighter Sarbaz Ahmed Bhat and other young people by the Indian Army, he said that the hypocrisy and double standards of the international community have never been so starkly displayed, as on the Kashmir issue.

Strongly denouncing the ongoing reign of terror unleashed by the Indian forces in the Indian-held Kashmir, which led to the death of 12 Kashmiris including Sarbaz Bhat on Saturday, he deplored the protestors were fired upon with shotgun pellets by Indian troops as a curfew was imposed in Srinagar and a media blackout was imposed by the Indian government.

“The new round of terror and violence unleashed by India against the Kashmiri people is nothing short of state terrorism,” he said, and called on the international community to take note of this Indian state terrorism against the Kashmiri people, which was a violation not just of the UN charter and its underlying principle of the right to self-determination but of all human rights and humanitarian laws.

The PTI chairman reminded the world that the disputed state remains the most militarised region of the world and it was a sad reflection of the state of global politics today that India’s violence and terrorism against unarmed Kashmiri people was being allowed to go unchecked despite multiple international calls for combating all forms of terrorism.

“India’s media blackout, its suspension of internet services and a re-imposition of the ban on a number of social media sites including Twitter and Facebook, are all reflective of the repressive and authoritarian nature of the Indian government and its troops,” he added.

He said the use of military force cannot be used to deny the Kashmiris their basic right to self-determination guaranteed to them by the UN Security Council resolutions. “We will always stand by the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination and justice.”

He made clear that no solution to the Kashmir conflict can be valid or viable without the support of the Kashmiri people. “The Kashmiri people must have the right to decide their future.” He also criticised the government for what he claimed not projecting the Kashmir issue and Indian actions against Kashmiri people at international forums.

He said that the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, headed by Fazlur Rehman, has also been a shameful failure and must be held accountable. He claimed that the ‘personal’ contacts of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with Indian businessmen have prevented him from speaking forcefully for the Kashmiri people on the multiple international forums.

India imposes security lockdown in Kashmir to Stop Protests

SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Government forces enforced a strict curfew in parts of Indian-controlled Kashmir on Sunday, a day after the killing of a prominent rebel commander by Indian soldiers sparked massive protests in the disputed region.

Armed police and paramilitary soldiers patrolled deserted streets and ordered residents indoors in the region’s main city of Srinagar and other towns to stop the anti-India demonstrations. 

Still, thousands of people assembled in the southern Tral area to take part in the funeral of the rebel leader, Sabzar Ahmed Bhat, chanting slogans calling for Kashmir’s freedom from Indian rule.

There were no reports of any protests on Sunday, which marked the beginning of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

After Bhat and another militant were killed in a gunbattle with soldiers on Saturday, large-scale protests and clashes erupted across the region, leaving one civilian dead and dozens of others injured.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep among Kashmir’s mostly Muslim population, and most people there support the rebels’ cause against Indian rule despite a decades-long military crackdown to fight the armed rebellion.

Separatist leaders who challenge India’s sovereignty over Kashmir called for a general strike on Sunday and Monday.

India and Pakistan administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety. 

Rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for Kashmir’s independence or merger with neighboring Pakistan. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the fighting and the ensuing Indian crackdown. India has accused Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, which Pakistan denies. 

Rebel groups have largely been suppressed by Indian forces in recent years. However, public opposition to Indian rule remains deep and is now principally expressed through street protests marked by youths 

hurling stones at government forces.

Report: Seattle times 

Pro-freedom Leader Yasin Malik reaches Tral

​Our hearts and souls have been pierced by Indian bullets and lives of many of our young brave hearts have been snatched by the occupational forces. Struggle of this great soul against illegal occupation and oppression will be always remembered and cherished by Kashmiris: Muhammad Yasin Malik

 Our hearts and souls have been pierced by Indian bullets and lives of many of our young brave hearts have been snatched by the occupational forces. Struggle of this great soul against illegal occupation and oppression will be always remembered and cherished by Kashmiris //Muhammad Yasin Malik Srinagar// (27th May 2017) Martydom of Sabzar Ahmad Butt and his associates has trodden the hearts and souls of every Kashmiri. Struggle of this great soul against illegal occupation and oppression will be always remembered and cherished by Kashmiris. This was stated by the chairman of Jammu Kashmir liberation front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik while speaking to thousands of bereaved people at Ratsuna Tral today. Prior to this JKLF chairman along with many others including senior leader Zahoor Ahmad Butt managed to reach Tral and immediately after reaching traveled to Saimoh village where Martyr Sabzar and others embraced martyrdom and many houses have been destroyed by Indian occupational forces. Yasin sahib took stock of the situation and expressed solidarity with all those affected by Indian state terrorism. Yasin Malik also met with many injured who have been beaten or injured by Indian firing today. Afterwards JKLF chairman along with many others walking on foot for many miles reached Ratsuna, visited the bereaved mother and other family members of Martyr Sabzar Ahmad and expressed solidarity with them. JKLF chairman is still in Tral area and will visit other bereaved families too. (InshaAllah). While speaking to the people mourning the departure of martyr Sabzar Ahmad Butt, martyr Fiazan Muzaffar and martyr Molvi Aaquib, JKLF chairman said that today at the arrival of sacred month of Ramazan, our hearts and souls have been pierced by Indian bullets and lives of many of our young brave hearts have been snatched by the occupational forces. He said that today our Kashmiri eye is weeping for Martyr Sabzar and his friends who preferred martyrdom over surrender and wrote a glorious page of resilience in our resistance history. He said that Shaheed Sabzar like his friend Shaheed Burhan Muzafar Wani was a brave son of soil who strived for the liberation of this nation and infused new life in our resistance movement. He said that the sacrifice of this dignified young man and spontaneous mourning by each Kashmiri is a testimony to the fact that Kashmir and Kashmiris are up against the illegal occupation of India and are ready to sacrifice everything for liberation. JKLF chairman said that the way people of Kashmir are mourning the loss of martyr Sabzar Butt and others across Kashmir, has reminded us the martyrdom of pioneer of present struggle Shaheed I Kashmir Ishfaq Majeed Wani in 1990. This unified protest and mourning should serve as an eye opener for the world as well as India and they should realize the fact that tyranny, oppression and other means of subjugation have not and can never suppress the voice and freedom struggle of Kashmiris. Yasin Malik said that the story of these young Martyrs resembles to the story of martyr of Kashmir Ishfaq majeed Wani. Before 1987 police, agencies and other forces opened the doors of red 16 like torture centers on peaceful youth who wanted to peruse the path of peaceful struggle. Police used to torture them, their relatives, and parents and humiliating was a common feature. This oppression forced youth of that time to start armed struggle and world saw a historical people’s revolution led by martyr Ishfaq Majeed Wani in 1990. JKLF chairman said that likewise martyr Sabzar and thousands of others like them became part of peaceful struggle in 2008 and 2010 but Indian state, police, forces and agencies subjected them and their dear ones with the same torture and humiliation, that was inflicting upon the youth earlier in 1987 and hence these young innocents were also forced to tread the path of armed struggle and render sacrifices. Yasin Malik said that in 1990 after the martyrdom of Ishfaq Majeed Wani coward rulers imposed curfew to stop people from mourning and participating in his funeral but people could not be stopped likewise today after the martyrdom of these young brave hearts, curfew, restrictions, internet barring, firings and beatings have been going on but coward rulers and their masters have failed to stop people from mourning the loss of their great young warriors and every house and home today is mourning and protesting against Indian occupation, oppression and suppression. Yasin Malik said that from today morning many people have sustained the bullets of trigger happy Indian soldiers in which one innocent Molvi Aaquib has been martyred and more than 200 are injured many of them critically. He said that RSS led PDP rulers have beaten all previous records by putting army along with other forces on roads to beat and kill people and have learnt no lesson from their previous inhuman acts but these people should remember that according to the law of retribution they will have to answer for their crimes against humanity. He said that PDP led coward rulers and Indian forces who show their cowardice on the dead bodies of martyrs should know that their oppression cannot deter the people of Kashmir from perusing the path of struggle and freedom and this struggle and resistance will continue till the desired goal is achieved. While paying rich tributes to martyrs including those who embraced martyrdom at cease fire line (LOC) today, JKLF chief prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in firing today. 

News source: KNO 

Kashmiris stage huge demonstration in front of The White House

 Washington, D.C. May 22, 2017. Hundreds of Kashmiri Americans – men, women and children – from various states in the United States staged their huge rally in front of the White House. They were demanding United Nations – assured right of self-determination.
 Raising slogans of: “Kashmiri Lives Matter Too” “Kashmir in Pain: India in Shame” “Indian Forces: Out of Kashmir” “Demilitarize Kashmir” “U.N. Implement Resolutions on Kashmir” “Stop Forced Disappearances and Torture in Kashmir,” the marchers held candle light vigil on the sidewalk of the White House.
Syed Ali Geelani, ‘the Keynote Speaker’ called on the world leaders to persuade India and Pakistan to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the Kashmiri leadership to settle the Kashmir dispute once and for all. He suggested that it is better for Indian authorities to shun its stubborn approach and resolve this long pending issue. “The Indian army is unleashing a new wave of terror, killing dozens and maiming hundreds of unarmed protesters, utilizing bullets and lethal pellet-guns aimed to kill and maim” emphasized Mr. Geelani. He hoped that a new dawn of prosperity, peace and stability will be guaranteed when the Kashmir dispute is resolved to the satisfaction of the people of Kashmir.
Mohammad Yasin Malik, ‘Guest of Honor’ thanked the audience for expressing their solidarity with the people of Kashmir. He said that Kashmir is facing worst kind of oppression unleashed by Indian army. Innocent people are being killed, maimed, blinded, incarcerated, tortured and humiliated by the occupational forces. India is using its military might to crush the peaceful resistance movement of Kashmir. And this all is being done with impunity. Mr. Malik expressed his sadness that no civilized nation, not even the United States seems to be concerned with the human rights atrocities being committed in this unfortunate land. Not a single word has been uttered by them against human rights violations taking place in Kashmir.
Barrister Sultan Mehmood Choudhary, ‘Special Guest’ warned that the Kashmiri youth, who had laid down their arms to pursue their struggle by peaceful means, were again becoming restive and the prevailing tensions in occupied Kashmir might explode and lead to a conflict. He therefore urged the international community to resolve the Kashmir dispute for the sake of peace and stability in South Asia. Barrister highlighted that Indian army is conducting a campaign of slaughter in Kashmir. Each day they shoot and kill civilians; detain and brutally torture innocent Kashmiri men, women and children.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, ‘Main Organizer’ said that it is one thing to deny a people their right to freedom of speech and the freedom to vote. It is another thing to deny them the right to live. Fai added that there is no freedom in Kashmir. Only death, destruction and oppression. He reiterated that the United States paved the way for freedom around the world. The United States can help the people of Kashmir achieve peace, freedom and self-determination.
Dr. Imtiaz Khan, President, Kashmiri American council supported dialogue process between India and Pakistan to settle the Kashmir dispute, but emphasized that the leadership of the people of Kashmir must be made integral part of the process. He urged President Trump to listen to Mr. P. Chidambaram, former Home Minister of India who said on February 25, 2017 that India has lost Kashmir. Dr. Khan said that Yashwant Sinha, former foreign minister of India said on January 27, 2017 that India has failed Kashmiris and Kashmiris claim that they have lost faith in India.
Sardar Zulfikhar Khan moderated the event and Sardar Zarif Khan and Sardar Zubair Khan thanked the attendees for their participation.
Others who spoke included: Dr. M.A.Dhar, Javaid Rathore, Sardar Taj Khan, Sardar Imtiaz Khan Garalavi, Choudhry Shaban, Gulfaraz Inqilabi, Sardar Sajid Sawar.Raja Liaqat kayani, Malik Hamid, Zeeshan Haider, Choudhry Zahoor Akhtar, Sardar zahid khan, Asgher khan, Pro abdul Rashid, Raja Mukhtar, Wajid ali shah, Sardar Afzal khan, Sabar khan, Sardar Tahir, Ghulam, Syed mukhtar shah,Amana Habib, Ms. Farah Sawar, Ms. Mumtaz kosar, Ms. Khalida Perveen. 

Headache for Indian agencies: Phone of Abu-Dujana sent to US for cracking as all Indian techies failed

SRINAGAR: The security grid that had recovered the iPhone7 that is believed to have been prized possession Of abu-Dujana is yet to crack it, the Hindu newspaper reported. After police failed to get into the phone, it has been sent to NIA and that has shipped it to US for cracking.
Quoting sources in the security grid, the newspaper has termed abu Dujana as “skilful gadget freak” who dodges cyber monitoring and has introduced iPhone as part of communication setup because of its near fool proof security systems.
The phone, the newspaper said, was recovered in February last when the rebel gave cops a slip but left his phone in the car, somewhere in Pulwama.
“For days, we used every local techie’s help to break the phone’s lock. We failed because the phone provides layers of security cover for consumers. We could see an emerging trend among militants to avoid other brands of phones but not iPhones due to its security features,” the newspaper quoted a counter-insurgency top official, saying. “Sources said the local police then turned to the National Investigating Agency (NIA) for help to break into the phone.”
The newspaper said that in March, the iPhone7 was sent to Delhi and Hyderabad for unlocking. Now it has been shipped to the US. Apple has a history of not cooperating with the US security agencies in the fundamental security issues. It has earlier refused help. But it remains to be seen if the ally US can help Delhi in cracking an iPhone that is believed to be carrying a lot of information. The non-Kashmiri militant who is heading Lashkar since October 2015, has survived five raids on his hideouts and two naka parties, fleeing almost after confronting them.

After 16 years in jail, Kashmiri PhD student acquitted in Sabarmati train blasts case

Barabanki: The Barabanki session court on Saturday, May 20, acquitted Gulzar Ahmed Wani for lack of evidence in Sabarmati express train blast case after sixteen years of incarceration.

 

Gulzar a resident of Thaparpore, Pattan in north Kashmir Baramullah district was arrested in 2001 when he was just 28 and was pursuing his PhD from Department of Arabic, Aligarh Muslim University.“He along with another accused Mubeen were released by the Barabanki session court of all the charges in Sabarmati blast case by the court today,” said APCR National coordinator, Advocate Abubakr Sabbaq who was defending Gulzar.

 

Gulzar was implicated in numerous blasts and alleged of involved in various conspiracies and slapped with 14 FIRs in different police stations of Delhi, Maharashtra and UP and he stands acquitted in all the cases.

 

On April 25 last month, when a bail application of Gulzar was moved to Supreme Court, the bench comprising of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud termed the incarceration of Gulzar a shame and had warned UP government of completing the examination of witness by Nov 1 otherwise it will grant bail to him.

 

“Out of 11 cases, he has been acquitted in 10 cases. What a shame! The problem is that you want to keep him inside the jail but not complete the trial. He was acquitted in all other cases,” the bench had observed.

More details to follow soon.

By Raqib Hameed Naik

Pakistan Army lodges protest with UNMOGIP against Indian ceasefire violations

Pakistan Army on Wednesday lodged a protest before military observers from United Nations against ‘unprovoked’ Indian aggression and firing on civilians from across the Line of Control (LoC).

“United Nations Military Observers at UNMOGIP were invited to GHQ to register a protest over unprovoked ceasefire violations and targeting of civilian population by Indian Army,” said a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The observers were informed that the Indian army has violated ceasefire agreement on May 10, 13 and 16, added the statement.

“Indian Army used small arms, automatic and heavy calibre weapons, heavy mortars (122 mm) and field artillery in Sabzkot, Baroh, Tandar, Khuiratta, Kot Koterra and Karela Sectors to target Pakistani villages,” further added the statement from the military’s media wing.

The observers were also told that a civilian was killed and 15 others, including women and children, injured when Indian troops resorted to firing.UN military observers were informed of the latest situation along the LOC, said ISPR.

Reports Dawn.