India, Pakistan and the Kashmir issue

Tons have already been written about the alienation between India and Pakistan. In a nutshell: The British left in a rush and did not plan things out. “Partition”:http://sacw.insaf.net/partition/ led to a mass migration (about 10 million people) and more than a million deaths. You can imagine the amount of bad blood that left.


On top of that, Kashmir’s Raja signed his state over to India. It was a majority muslim state and the British had originally given it to Pakistan. The Kashmiri’s and Pakistan was expecting it to be part of Pakistan, and it was a last minute suprise that the Raja handed it over to Nehru. This point has had a lot on discussion, but the consensus seems to be that Nehru was sleeping with Lord Mountbatten’s wife and heavily influenced the new map of the subcontinent. Other Muslim states were also given over to India or annexed by force later on.

Regardless, the Indian army occupied 2/3 of Kashmir and the Pakistan army got the other third. While all else is forgotten or can be forgiven, we’ve been at each other’s throats for the last -56- 57 years about Kashmir. There are virulent claims from both sides, with both vowing that Kashmir is theirs.

It makes for good political ratings on both sides, and so things have remained. We’ve had a few UN resolutions passed regarding Kashmir, and Pakistan has been demanding a plesbicite there for the last 56 years in the UN, but no go.

There needs to be a strong third party involved else things will never move forward. It’s a bit like the palestine-israel issue where both sides can hardly bear to talk to each other. As things stand now, since there is already a defacto border (the line of control) they should just declare that the border. That leaves the Kashmiri’s in a bind, as their state remains divided, but it has been divided for the last 57 years anyways. Neither country is ever going to hand over its bit of Kashmir to the other. If relations are normalized, then Kashmir could have an open border for Kashmiris. Anything would be better than the current situation, with over 700,000 Indian army troops in Occupied Kashmir. On the Pakistan side it’s mostly mountains, also the army presence is a lot smaller. Still, they keep on shelling each other (it’s practically a game for them) and end up killing a few civilians every now and then. _there is a ceasefire is place currently._

On both sides, there are strong vested interests in not normalizing relations. The Pakistan army would have no purpose left, and it doesn’t want that. The BJP, India’s ruling party, also bases it’s politics mainly on hate, nationalism and the patriotism trump card. Here in Pakistan, when we do have a democratic govt. they are busy denouncing the previous govt. and looting to actually get around to governing.

bq.. […]both Indian and Pakistani governments used the Kashmir issue to deflect attention from domestic concerns.

“When we talk about the Indo-Pakistan or Kashmir problem, we are assuming they are problems and that people are searching for solutions,” she said.

“I don’t think this is the case. I think that for the governments of both Pakistan and India, Kashmir is the solution – it is the rabbit they pull out of the hat every time they face domestic problems.”

>> “Arundhati Roy”:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2195698.stm

p. Regards the “nukes”:http://www.ratical.org/ratville/nukes/endOfImagine.html, on both sides of the border there are a number of fanatics ever ready to launch the bomb. Since most of the population on either side is illiterate, they do not understand/comprehend what a nuke is. As shown by America in 1945, it’s not that hard for even a supposedly humanitarian government to convince itself to use the bomb, so the Pak-Indian govt. hydra should be able to do it in a heartbeat.

Just before Eid, Jamali “declared a ceasefire”:http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/south/11/23/pakistan.kashmir/ along the LOC or the AGPL as India calls it and India responded positively. So things are slowly improving, for Musharraf seems to be genuinely pushing for peace. Indian politicians however are suspicious of just about all his actions and are moving very slowly. They keep getting stuck on ‘cross-border terrorism/infilitration’ by jihadis into Indian Kashmir. This is just a delaying tactic packaged in today’s favourite scapegoat for just about everything, terrorism. Sure people cross over, but there are now more thn 700,000 Indian soldiers along the LOC. The entire border is fenced with barbed wire and has posts in sight of each other along the entire border. There are high tech detection systems made by the Israelis in place. The Indians have a spy satellite in space. If they can’t stop people slipping through, neither can the Pakistani’s. A few die hards will slip through, but I doubt there is anyway they can be stopped. The Israeli Army cannot stop people from slipping into Palestine, so a truly determined person is always going to be able to slip through. The only way forward is to stop making impossible demands which they know can’t be met, and instead start talking about jointly patrolling the border, and other initiatives. Blame is a poison, as you dish it out, it slowly kills all chances of a normal relationship. After 56 years, there is still hope.

Suprisingly, the current “cease-fire”:http://www.itv.com/news/1001418.html has been going strong so far, and there are chances it might even be made “permenant”:http://www.hipakistan.com/en/detail.php?newsId=en49324&F_catID=&f_type=source. Musharraf’s shenanigans in the past month “have paid off”:http://www.dawn.com/2004/01/02/top1.htm, and it puts him in a strong position. _for now._ The upcoming “Saarc”:http://www.saarc-sec.org/ “summit”:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3362329.stm is going to be very interesting.

h4. Links

* “BBC In Depth: Kashmir Flashpoint”:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/south_asia/2002/kashmir_flashpoint/

* “BBC Timeline: A guide to the troubled relations between India and Pakistan”:http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/south_asia/2002/india_pakistan/timeline/default.stm

* “BBC: The Future of Kashmir”:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/south_asia/03/kashmir_future/html/default.stm :: BBC News Online looks at possible solutions for Kashmir.

* “A Kahmiri’s personal experience of Partition”:http://www.zackvision.com/weblog/archives/entry/000527.html

_Google will return more than a million links to Kashmir. Be wary, for many of those are hate filled rubbish trashing either India and Pakistan. It’s not suprising, considered the “distorted education”:http://ko.offroadpakistan.com/books/2003_11/history_of_the_indian_subcontinent.html people receive in public schools in both countries._

94 thoughts on “India, Pakistan and the Kashmir issue”

  1. more than a million deaths.

    I have seen various estimates, from about half million to more than a million.

    the British had originally given it [Kashmir]to Pakistan.

    No. According to the partition plan, the princely states were to decide to join either India or Pakistan. The Raja signed a status quo agreement with Pakistan. I think it was partly because most of the state’s land connections were with Pakistan (except for the Pathankot route from Gurdaspur district).

    Other Muslim states were also given over to India or annexed by force later on.

    There were two other princely states which became an issue. Junagarh was ruled by a Muslim raja but was majority Hindu. Since it was a coastal state, the raja decided to accede to Pakistan. India took it over in 1948 I think. Pakistani maps used to show it as part of Pakistan until at least the early 1980s.

    Hyderabad was the other state with a Muslim Nawab but a minority Muslim population. The Nawab decided to stay independent for a while. India invaded in 1948 or 1949.

    In both cases, I think the population would probably have gone for India.

  2. not really specific information. it will be fine if you people come out with some really established facts and figures

    thanks

  3. As a student and as a patriot, of not just Pakistan but of the Muslim race, I’d like to point out how apathetic not only our politicians but we as humans have become.

    President Bush rampages over two nations on the constitutional basis of pre-emptive strike without solid proof of either bin Laden linked to the 9/11 attacks nor of WMDs in Iraq. The world thus supports him.

    Why?

    Million reasons linked to the one and only concept of UNIPOLARISM. But on the very humanitarian grounds.. on the grounds that make us mortals and make us PEACEFUL social animals … there is no one who could resolve this issue for over fifty years.

    Maybe if told Bush that he could have an oil line fitted there too he’d think about this more seriously…………………….

  4. kashmir issue lies at the heart of both the pakistan and the india. We dont know what we want or what india wants but we know what kashmir people want, they want FREEDOM which indeed is the right of every living creature bestowed by GOD.

  5. Muslim race? No such thing its just a religion……….. Kashmir since ancient times was an integral part of india and vedic history. Religions rise and fall as nations do……….. If each sect want its own nation based because of religion the world countries would be divided to the point of nonexistance………………………..

    Pakistan is lacks structural integrity the only thing that the government can use to unit country is the Kasmir issue as said by many western analysts……….

  6. I think this issuse will be sloved very soon.

    AS for as i am consern indian govt.do not want to resolve it. I think kashmiry will decide where they want live in pakistan or india.

  7. by now everybody knows that neither india nor pakistan want to solve the kashmir issue. they just want to keep fulfilling their political and economic interests.

  8. On top of that, Kashmir’s Raja signed his state over to India. It was a majority muslim state and the British had originally given it to Pakistan.

    False He wanted to be independant it was the pakistanis who tried to annex it by sending in troops forcing the Raja to ask for Indian help and eventually join India

    The Kashmiri’s and Pakistan was expecting it to be part of Pakistan, and it was a last minute suprise that the Raja handed it over to Nehru

    How can you be so sure about the kashmiris, they might have wanted to stay with India or wanted Independance, any way Kashmiris and others Muslim states wanting to stay with a pakistan dominated by Punjabis is doubtfull Look what happened in East Pakistan and what is happening in Balochistan

    If they can’t stop people slipping through, neither can the Pakistani’s. A few die hards will slip through, but I doubt there is anyway they can be stopped.

    Atleast you can stop terror training camps and stop sheltering Notorous terrorists like Moulana Azar and Dawood Ibrahim

    Suprisingly, the current cease-fire has been going strong so far, and there are chances it might even be made permenant. Musharraf’s shenanigans in the past month have paid off, and it puts him in a strong position. for now. The upcoming Saarc summit is going to be very interesting.

    God and ISI willing it will continue, (cant help thinking about Kargil treachery). Saarc sumit has been put off now hopefully it resumes soon

  9. i am an INDIAN..

    and don’t think i am biased towards INDIA.

    the reality is JINNAH was thinking that the MAHARAJ of KASHMIR is going to acceed KASHMIR to PAKISTAN.

    and MOUNTBATTEN too wants it to go to PAK .

    but the MAHARAJ wants to be independent.

    later when JINNAH came to know that the MAHARAJ is not going to acceed it to PAK , he thought INDIA might invade KASHMIR

    and so he brought in those BARBARIC TRIBAL FORCES.

    the MAHARAJ had no option other than ACCEEDING KASHMIR to INDIA.

    when MOUNTBATTEN and NEHRU came to know this , NEHRU sent his ARMY.

    and as we know 1/3 is syill in the hands of PAKISTAN and 2/3 with INDIA.

    so…guys WHO’S FAULT IS THIS ?

    INDIA’s or PAKISTAN’s or RADCLIFF’s ???

  10. Well,

    Kashmir is a PART of India … Everyone knows … the Pakistan’s Official Website Says it .. Whats the Problem then?

  11. as we all indians know and accept that kashmir is a part of india but the problem is ,whether it is india or pakistan ,every body is interfering in others matter .None of them thinks about the people living there,they just bother about their seats…and the ultimate sufferers are the kashmiris…

    and one more important thing in my opinion is that kashmir issue is not an issue…but the real issue is about politicians who according to our constitution are for the welfare of the people,but in reality as THEY ARE BLANKMINDED PERSONS WHO ARE JUST DESTROYING THE SYSTEM AND THAT TOO…LIVING IN THE SYSTEM….

  12. kashmir dispute has gone on far too long, Indian and Pakistan Governments only have political interests in the state today and that is very clear. Kashmir today is now home to trained militants who are financed by the Pakistani Government. Its geographical ties are strong and has grown dramtically over recent years. But for how long?? If the political interest of strong religious gropus all of a sudden stop, the Pakistanis have nothing to fight for. Indian government on the other have nothing apart from the fact that Kashmir belongs to them or is part of India.

    Both governments are looking at their own interests and not in terms of the people. Look at the British govenment and Northern Ireland peace process. Its similar to Kashmir BUT the British get up and do something about the problem…Fact is Kashmir dispute will continue to grow stronger and unpredicatble as the day goes by. India and Pakistan today are only looking for excuses to keep competition among themselves going, if thats finished they have nothing. Kashmir is a pure excuse for both sides to fight amongst ourselves and ruin future relationships with Muslim and Hindus

  13. Kashmir belongs to a Muslim country. The only nearby one is Pakistan. If the Pakistanis failed to acquire it , it is due to their lack of discipline in a time of crisis. The only excuse we kept hearing for 57 years was that India is 6 times bigger than Pakistan. Pakistan could have made a temporary peace in 1948, consolidated it´s power to rise to a petty super power level ( Like Israel) and then launch a surprise attack on India, well before the introduction of nuclear weapons in the Sub-Contintnt. We could have also used this opportunity to ceremoniously flush our UNO membership down the toilet and cement a China -Pakistan Defence pact. India could have been tamed and the UNO could have gotten what it deserved : KISS !

  14. As a Bangladeshi, I think that the Line of Control (LOC) should become the permanent border. Both India and Pakistan are using the Kashmir conflict for their own benefit. India to further it’s geopolitical supremacy in the subcontinent and Pakistan to further it’s supposed Islamic status. Given 1971 and the Liberation War we Bangalis fought, I think that Pakistani arguments that Kashmir ‘belongs’ to them because it is majority Muslim is a no go.

  15. I am a Proud Hindustani and always searching backpages of real history. I have to use word real because most of the pages of our history are moulded by our politicians.

    Kasmir…….The hot issue between Hindustan & Pakistan.

    Most of the comments says that Kasmiri’s wants freedom. OK.. if they want freedom then why Pakistan is taking interest in their freedom activity? and If Kashmir is belongs to Pakistan then why Mr. Jinnah accepted Pakistan without Kashmir?

    Both countries needs to develop and we are wasting our money,manpower and useful brain over such issue. We are not under developed country neither we are trying to become. I think both countries should motivate their youth power to be in race of Globalisation.

  16. i think instead of argueing over how this problem should be solved we should rather cocentrate on solving it .though it might sound too simle id suggest two solutions ,if we think bout the two countries than solution wud b to make the l.o.c as a international border and if we think keeping in mind the kashmiri people than solution wud b to make a united kashmir into a confideration.A confideration is where all power s lie in hand of that state except defence and external affairs .atleast we (India and Pakistan)will b able to stop ourselfs from being exploited by these so called big guns…..u.s and party.

  17. The Kashmir issue is related to the two-nation theory:

    1) Pakistan claims that Kashmir should belong to it on the ground that the majority in Kashmir are Muslim. India rejects that argument because India does not believe that Hindus and Muslims are separate nations (There are more Muslims in India than in Pakistan). If India accepts that Kashmir must go to Pakistan because of its Muslim population alone, then 15% of its population (Muslims) would be left in the lurch because giving away Kashmir would mean acceptance of the two-nation theory.

    The existence of India as a nation is based on a secular, non-religious identity. For preservation of that identity, Kashmir must remain with India.

    The failure of the two-nation theory was aptly demonstrated by the breaking up of east Pakistan. It showed that religion alone cannot unite a country and religion alone cannot be the basis for nationhood.

  18. Kashmis is a part of Inida since ancient times, so you should better correct your history

    knowledge, before writing such a vitriolic detail. Do not forget the result of 1948, 1965 and 1971 war with us. A nation, which can not even respire without the help of other countries, can only involve in the back stabbing.

    Kashmir is ours and will be ours for ever.

  19. kashmir issue is a bone of contention between pakistan and india form the day when subcontinent was partioned ..and since form independence two war have been fought between the two surper powers india and pakistna i.e 1965 and 1971 and a third one is

    also expected for which we pary will never come..

  20. Fazal Rahman buneri .

    Student of political science

    University of Peshawar

    Kashmir Issue

    kashmir issue bone of contention between pakistan and india and two wars have been fought between pakistan and india and my comments is that ..that kashir neither join pakistan nor india but to become an independence state like other countrie of the world.

  21. I am an Indian and very proud to be one. My opinion on the solution to the Kashmir ordeal.

    1 – Plebiscite (Pakistan wants that), cause India is a free nation and it would be absurd to ask the citizens of a free country to vote whether they want to continue or not. Yes what can be done is, there can be a peaceful migration of the people (who wants to be with Pakistan) to leave in a very coherent way. This would be applicable for people on both sides of the LOC, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Atleast this time the migration could be peaceful with a trauma still lurking in our minds.

    2 – Changes in borders – Not impossible. Needeless to say, the LOC has to be seen as the international boundary.

    3 – Autonomy – If #1 or #2 is observed, this is not required. Else, yeah to some extent. Not to the extent that they could have different passports and or currency. They would be within the Indian Union.

    4 – A non-nuclear war to settle the long dispute, for once and for all.

  22. those who go on ranting about kshmir being part of pakistan should realise that pakistan and even afghanistan were part of indian once, so should we start laying claim over ur “dear” pakistand and afghanistan?.u folks are hilarious.

    oh and by the way, kashmir being part of pakistan is just a wet dream, and nothing more.u do realise that the economic, military and technological gap between indian and pakiatan is wideneing by the minute expenentionaly and u pakistanis have no chance whatsoever of matching us, or even trying to keep the current state of military imbalance(u folks being weaker).10 years from now pakistan would be another afghanistan,if u dont belive it pls read some news

  23. as a pakistani , as a muslim and above all as Allah not only speaks to muslims but to all human race in quran i consider kashmir as a problem for not only kashmiri people but for all living in south-asia.

    kashmir problem is problem which all weak nations are facing now “might is right”. India is powerful state so, it keeps on entangling with other states to show them that india is boss.kashmir problem could be solved if india realize that it is very important for india to solve it to be a super power.

    kashmiris should be given right not only to choose between india or pakistan but also that if they want to remain independant.

    i think if india would have treated kashmiris well during last 5 decades then in plebiscite now kashmiris would love to be with them but if not then it is kashmiris human right to choose their path as people of sub-continent did in 1947.

  24. I agree with the writer that “Tons have already been written about the alienation between India and Pakistan. In a nutshell: The British left in a rush. Partition led to a mass migration (about 10 million people) and more than a million deaths. You can imagine the amount of bad blood that left”.

    Up to here it’s ok but you also have said:-

    “On top of that, Kashmir’s Raja signed his state over to India. It was a majority Muslim state and the British had originally given it to Pakistan. The Kashmiri’s and Pakistan was expecting it to be part of Pakistan, and it was a last minute surprise that the Raja handed it over to Nehru”.

    I think the writer is completely ignorant about the real fact, I feel he had put down a total Muslim biased view on the issue, secondly I would like to ask how come you say British had originally given it to Pakistan! Who is the British to Give? The Indian Sub-continent wasn’t ever the property of the British. Thus the British had no rights to assign any part to Pakistan.

    3rd The Jammu & Kashmir was never Muslim majority state, I would request the author to read the actual fact of then ( Pre August 1947) Jammu & Kashmir.

    “Jammu and Kashmir has three distinct components – Hindu majority Jammu, Buddhist dominated Ladakh in the North and predominantly Muslim populated Valley. And Jammu had the most population in the state, where as the north part where there was Muslim population was very nominal”.

    Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, tried hard to woo the Sheikh and indeed visited Srinagar on a couple of occasions only to be rebuffed by the National Conference. Jinnah’s known arrogance did not help him either. He dismissed his best bet in the Valley, Maulvi Mirwaiz Yusuf Shah, as a “rotten egg”, as Sheikh Abdullah recalls in his autobiography “Aatish-e-Chinar”. The Sheikh again recalls the supreme contempt which Jinnah had for the Kashmiri people. According to Sheikh Abdullah, when a National Conference activist, Ali Mohammad Tariq, asked Jinnah soon after the partition of the sub-continent whether the future of Kashmir would be decided by the people of Kashmir, he was stunned by Jinnah’s riposte: “Let the people go to hell.” The people of the so-called Azad Kashmir have known ever since how much their Pakistani benefactors have cared for them”.

    The founder of Pakistan Mohammed Ali Jinnah himself uttered about the Kashmiri people “Let the people go to hell”. But it’s really very hard to understand why the later Leaders are so bothered about J&K. So my dear friend come out of the Muslim bias-ness and put down things with open heart.

    Here off I would request all my Muslims brothers and sisters keep your Muslim feelings with in your heart, its your religion, it’s a Holy Idea, its not meant for politics, so stop doing Politics in the name of Islam.

    And give some peace to the people of J&K.

  25. There is no doubt that kashmir issue is just being used as a pawn by the political parties of both India and Pakistan.Both the governments have failed miserably to provide a solution.The real issue is not whether Kashmir belongs to India or Pakistan.It is the issue of heinous crimes committed in name of Kashmir.There has been already a lot of bloodshed over this issue.People on both the sides are being killed ,-innocent people are being killed ruthlessly.Why should these people be punished.It is very easy for anybody not living in Kashmir to write whatever they feel.What goes through the lives of people living in kashmir is best known only by them.It is high time that we (meaning the people of both Pakistan and India,not the governments)understand the real issue and tackle it sensibly.

  26. it actually makes no sense people discussing this.as long as the pakistani military and isi stand by the terrorists so called jehadis there is no solution.isi will make sure there is no solution.as is clear from history whenever summits were held by india to talk it out the terror would increase with shellings on the border by pakistani army.why??

    these terrorists are now carrying high tech weapons and are well trained.is it possible for a comman man to get this knowledge possesed by army?

    india cannt be blamed for going slow.it has no other choice.’cause it has learned from the past that pakistani regimes cannt be trusted.a nation where military has ruled more than the normal democratic system.the army people know they have no value without power and kashmir issue.

    is there a real solution.no? its a good idea that pok be given to pak and the remaining portion be with india.but why it should be done?that part belongs to kashmir,india and should be returned.

    indira gandhi could have sorted it out at once when she released pow of 1972 in good thought without taking the territory back.else imagine what would have happened?

  27. Brussels Declaration of IKA International Conference on Kashmir National Reconciliation held on 13/14 September 2005.

    We, leaders, political activists, journalists and members of Indian, Pakistani and Kashmiri civil society:

    1. Reaffirm our commitment to continue our struggle for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute;

    2. Strongly believe that there is no military solution to the Kashmir dispute, and continuation of violence will only result in loss of more innocent lives, suffering and destruction;

    3.Unanimously declare that the State of Jammu and Kashmir is one political entity, and its division in any form or shape will not be acceptable;

    4. While supporting the peace process strongly emphasise that no single Kashmiri political party or alliance has representative character to speak on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, hence the peace process must be all inclusive and broad based that all regional and ethnic leadership is represented at the negotiating table;

    5.Emphasise that violence from all sides must stop; and urge

    Government of India and Pakistan to create conducive environment that the peace process could get support of all sections of Jammu and Kashmir;

    6. Request authorities to make serious efforts for rehabilitation of those who have been evicted from their homes and properties, and compensation for families that have suffered at the hands of either the militants or the respective government forces; put appropriate safeguards in

    place that those who were uprooted from their homes because of trouble in Jammu and Kashmir, could return to their homes with dignity;

    7.Request Government of Pakistan to respect and honour civil and political rights of people of Gilgit and Baltistan; and until the final settlement of the Kashmir dispute, establish a democratically elected Legislative Assembly in Gilgit and Baltistan that elected members could help local people with everyday social, political and economic problems;

    8.Request further from Government of Pakistan to respect State

    Subject Notification of April 1927, and stop settlement of Pakistani Nationals in Gilgit and Baltistan; and also to stop upraising of illegal Mangla Dam to prevent uprooting of more than hundred thousand Kashmiris;

    9. Emphasise to Government of India and Government of Pakistan to take more Kashmir specific confidence building measures, and open all traditional routes that people of Jammu and Kashmir can interact, socialize and trade with each other;

    10.Takes note of efforts afoot to disturb territorial integrity of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. In this regard the reports indicate that Government of Pakistan is planning to annex areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, which is in clear breach of its obligations under United Nations Commission

    for India and Pakistan;

    11. Wishes to seek clarification from Organisation of Islamic Conference whether it is supporting Rights Movement of the Kashmiri people or supporting Pakistan’s claim on Kashmir. If the support is for the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people, then the platform of the OIC should not only entertain one political group or party projected and patronized by Pakistan,

    12. Call upon all the Kashmiri leaders on both sides of the divide to forget bitterness and hatred of the past, and agree on a common minimum programme for peace, stability and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir and South Asia. This august Conference further:

    13. Urges both India and Pakistan governments to stop propaganda, which creates hatred and mistrust;

    14. Appreciates the cease-fire along the LOC, and urges to evolve a mechanism for an internal cease-fire in Jammu and Kashmir;

    15. Strongly emphasise to open all traditional routes for hassle free travel for all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir that they can interact, socialise and trade with each other. This house further requests that there should be a daily bus service between both parts of the State;

    16. Emphasise that all political prisoners who have no criminal records should be released. Also urge both governments to facilitate early return of all those who crossed the LOC for one reason or the other, after 1990;

    17. Urge government of India and Pakistan to facilitate Intra Kashmir Dialogue and to create conducive environment wherein people from all regions and shades of opinion could interact with each other;

    18. Demands that the governments of Europe, UK, Canada and America to recognise and include their citizens originating from the State of Jammu and Kashmir in their ethnic monitoring and data collection systems as Kashmiris and not as Indians and Pakistanis;

    19. Realises that external interference and flow of funds in to Jammu and Kashmir is not conducive to the on going peace process, and request that all

    concerned exercise restrain.

    Jamil Maqsood

    Brussels

  28. I agree with Prashant. I appreciate Mr. Prez Mussharaf for accepting ceasefire and I think he is trying for peace But hardcode community in Pakistan is a road-block.

  29. u know what actual thing is.. not pakistan nor india is sessible country. but in the real sense India is just bullshit. i am not pakistani nor indian. i am american.. my point of view is that india is just making fun of pakistan because they know that hey cant do anything else. so many points of conflict but the real thing is that both dont want to solve this problems

  30. Assalam-o-alikum. i m student of 2nd year from ICG Islamabad PAKISTAN

    The Kashmiri people have a constitutional and legal right to be a part of the dialogue. The people of Kashmir hear about the confidence building measures being taken by India and Pakistan on radio and television.They as a nation feel humiliated. It is a zone of conflict.

    Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control have chalked out a course of action leading to independence For the last 15 years a number of agencies including leading media organizations like the BBC, AFP, CNN, conducted surveys and they came to the conclusion that more then 85 per cent people want independence.

    what we have to do is to think… not about ourselves but for those who r in danger.

    … presently earthquake in Pakistan gave us the lesson that WHAT WE ARE

    more than 1 lac people died. YYYYY i m not 1 of them… because Allah is taking test of those who survived. & if even now we cant do anything then shame on us (pakistan india kashmir)

    TUM KO AYA NAHEE MOSAMAY TABDILEE KA KHAYAL

    VARNA HALAT TOE HOTAY HAIN BADALNAY KAY LIAY

    IK LAMHA B GHANEMAT HAI SAMBALHNAY KAY LIAY.

  31. I am a pakistani and to be.As some of indian fellow have said Kashmiri wants freedom than why indian govt. kept about 70,0000 trops in kashmir(only to pratice on them).This is very shamful.Is not

  32. HI All,

    If Maharaja wanted to be a part of India then it is not India’s fault.And who told you that Kashmiri people wants azadi when they are part of a azad country,India is going to be a superpower like China.In a country where starting from needle to aeroplane is manufactured,the education is of best level(IISc,IIT,IIMs,AIIMS,NLU etc),communalism is not tolerated,freedom of speech and action and practice of religion is encouraged,where three oceans are touching the lands,where vast geographical versatility is observed,where despite of hundreds of languages and food ,culture people love to say we are Indian,where people have got noble prizes almost in all field,film industry is as flourished as Hollywood,where poeple have been to space,where a great deal of agriculture and other resources and abundant,mineral rich hills are plenty,one in every 3 foreign students in US univs are Indian,companies like GE,motorola and many more are rushing to open braches in India where talents are not rare,where we have a great system for transportation,management and distribustion of foods and other things all over the country,where every poor man can afford a bike cause we manufacture them mostly do you think in these case people of Kashmir would really go for another so called muslim country.We are self dependent.If you are talking of history then very Pak was a part of the Great India.Would u like to join,u r welcome.Dont brain wash your ordinary people’s mind with confused informations,try to resolve your domestic problems. Blasts,fights over siah-sunni issue,safe home for International Dons,once known for pure Islamic philosophies by Prophet Mohammad( peace be upon him) in the madrasas have now become the training schools for terrorism,poverty,unemployement and abundant drugs from Afganisthan,lack of educations have nothing to offer their very own citizen except for a dark future.Before you worry worthlessly for other countries Muslim brothers look at yourself,your situation is like this we cant pity or cant be angry too.Learn from developing countries how they have improved by not interfering other’s matters.Improve your thinking ,improve your lives.Live and let live please.

  33. in my point of view it should be solved now , by wich way?then it is so easy to draw the both countries near then also come up the kashmiris hopes.

  34. i hope u r fine sir i want to complete information on kashmir issue.as soon as posible plz sir contect with me on my email adderss.as sonn as possible.ok bye

  35. India belive to go on with peace full process to resolve the kashmir issue and hence it is pending, We aurg to pakistan that kindely leave our kashmir before we develop our economy and become one of the developed countries, becouse once we get free hand from this econimic boom (in which we are busy write now). our very first target will be ” to solve kashmir with pak. in this case pakistan hav to leave kashmir voluntrily or involuntrily. peace fully or at the gunpoint.

    this is our guttsy, we are still stick with the peacefull process, otherwise the way you had attacked on kargill. we are lible to flush you out from the third heaven.

  36. i dont know why Kashmir issue is always a inhealble wound for both of counteies India and pakistan. Both countries have their own problems poverty , illetracy, Unemployment and many others. These countries spending lot of money on Defence which obstruct their development.Do you know the cost of one submarine is equal to the money to run a university for one year. india and pakistan have potential but because the hartred , extrimism, war . They are losing lots of opportunity which would be beneficial for their society. look at germany and france once they were enemy but now they are working together.Can we expect this type of maturity from both side.And regarding to Kashmir issue if pakistan will stop giving training to guirilla and militants and if india will stop deploying huge military , Kashmiri people would be more peaceful .Militants and army is the main problem of kashmir.Go and ask kashmiris

  37. why its a problem ?

    All problems shall end one day and this one also.

    You know which that day is ? if not ask me i’ll tell you

  38. Hi every one

    let me tell u who iam, at first place.

    Iam not, pakistani nor indian, iam from East africa and like to share ur thoughts about kashamiir issue.

    I would to say, that pakistan and india are bros and 50 years back used to be one country which is india.

    for many reasons better kashamiir be an Independent state, that is the solution of kashamiir and kashamir peaple whither they are muslim or christains

    thz all

  39. salam,

    The thing is, Kashmir is an issue which should not continue to be an issue. India is full of bullshit. They try to pin so many blames on the Pakistani side. The fact is, Kashmir should be an independent nation. I am very sure that they would rather be independent than be with India or Pakistan. India just wants to increase its geographical supremacy of the subcontinent. Instead of arguing over which side is right (india or Pakistan) the final solution of the problem should be given to the Kashmiris themselves. OBVIOUSLY!!!! Why should India or Pakistan decide what happens to Kashmir without asking the Kashmiris. India does not wnat this because they know that either Kashmir will got o Pakistan or be an independent state. This si the most moral and ethical descision to make. So why is India bitching about it?! they know either way, they will lose Kashmir, which was never rightfully there. India says that everything was part of India, well less then six decades ago, India was under British rule!!!!! Muslims, hindus, sikhs alike fought courageously together against the British rule. At tha time, we were trying to get our freedom. Today, freedom fighters in Kashmir are regarded as terrorist.

    WHY?!!! After all this whole as a whole has been through over the past century, why is Kashmir still being denied its freedom? These terrorists (FREEDOM FIGHTERS) are said to be funded by the Pakistan gov’t. Where is the proof of this. The British were very smart and cunning. They did not leave in a hurry, they knew that conflict will arise between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. This is the main reason that they left this issue virtually untouched. They wer sore about losing their crown jewel of their empire. They left implementing the same strategy they used when they came to India, divide and conquer. They couldn’t car less about Muslims or HIndus or sikhs. They just wanted conflict so it can easier for them to operate. it is very pathetic that theri staretgy is still working today. Every south asain feels pride for fighting the british for freedom. Freedom was and is so precious to us. SO, why is Kashmir left without freedom?Why are the freedom fighters called terrorists? This goes gainst the belief which is the foundation of the south asian countries at independence. India accuses Pakistan of miliatry oppression? What about the most of the f—ing Indian Army in Kashmir martyring Kashmiri youth virtually on a daily basis. If India sees Kashmir as an undisputed state of India, then why does it have most of its army there to surpress any Kashmiris from speaking up. If the final say was given to Kashmiris, India knows that it will not be happy with the outcome. They know they WILL LOSE KASHMIR. But it time for India to stop being a bicth about the situation. Just shut up politicians form both sides and igive the descision to Kashmiris and you have an end to an old problem. But the road block is India. Why doesnt the UN intervene? If they can annex palestine and create Isreal then why cant they just help solve the problem. It this issue going back to religion? No help for Kashmir of the muslim majority, I think so, and even though India houses the second largest muslim population, the head of India and control of India is still under anti-muslim control.How many muslim prime misister has India had? President Abdul Kalam is just a figure head in Indian politics made to show that India is a “secular” state.Bullshit. As much as they can progress, they will never truly progress until they purify and open their minds. Stop being Bitches and do what is morally and Ethically right. The only solution to the Kashmiri issue should be in Kashmiri hands. TOO BAD INDIA. DONT BE SORE LOSERS ABOUT IT. ITS TIME TO DO WHATS RIGHT.

  40. hey ahsan….

    u pakis need to get ur facts right…even before india was under british rule…u were PART OF INDIA…living happily with hindus and christians and parsis…and many other religions…ur leader JINNAH got too power happy…broke away from the party that made the indian subcontinent win freedom(the indian national congress)…claimed that muslims wont get rights in independent india…(we have more muslims in india than in pakistan…and ALL INDIANS HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS…we dont look at religion when making friends or talking to people…we look at the fact that we are all humans) Jinnah made that his main issue…this led to communal disharmony…slowed down the entire process of independence….he messed up the subcontinent….and then….”fearing” that india will invade Kashmir he sent in tribal forces…and forced kashmir to cede itself to india….kashmir cant be independent…they get all their resources from india…they are not self sufficient as a state…electricity, food, protection, rights all are provided by india…ur government cant manage the country they already have…and u want to take the responsibility of managing a new state…are u insane? Have u seen the difference between india and pakistan…we have a booming economy…stable government ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE, we can support kashmir….CAN U???…dont kid urself…be honest…its alright to accept that u r wrong

  41. I like what sanjita says.

    Think about it and Join US(India).

    Our Heart is realy BIG.

    We are secular(Not religious). & secular=humanism and humanism=GOD(Allah as all of you say) .

  42. In my opinion, there is only one solution to this problem which has made the life of people of the two country miserable — return back to pre- 1947 position (minus the British occupation). Form a confederation wherein India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh becomes an autonoums region just like what is there in Canada. If there is no separate India and Pakistan then there would remain no bone of contention and hence no Kashmir problem. Everybody would win and all would be happy.

  43. Opinions are like assholes…. everyone has one!

    Too all the people who just helped me waste my time to get to the bottom of this page, you know you all should take a vacation from YOUR daily life and go to kashmir. Stay there and then come up here and post. Its pretty easy to just sit on a chair in you own home and type the crap over a cup of tea. How the hell do u all know what should be done? I mean, if all of you are so brilliant minded and all, why don’t you stand in the next elections for the president in your own respective countries? I am not a political minded guy or anything, so i wont comment on the ISSUE. But you all seriously need to think once again, that all of you are having a pretty good straight lives, no hardships, you all are living a luxurious life (having a FAN in your home is also counted as a Luxury ). Its easy to ASSUME what MIGHT be the SITUATION in kashmir. My advice, go and live there. (and take a fan along, they are pretty expensive in BLACK there)

  44. Ahsan miya –specialy apke liye

    i just want to introduce myself first,I am basically from the land you all are talking about(Kashmir).i know better the vows of my mother land than any other in the world.Kashmir is a INTEGRAL PART OF INDIAN that is for sure & no body in the world can challenge this fact,what actually the scene in kashmir is some unemployed & illetrate people being backed by pakistani shit are making a good money on the name of jihad for themselves.Go and ask even an educated kashmiri muslim which side he wants to go.The answer will always be india coz he knows the benefits of stying with india, be it his annual income,prosperity,his rights,Good education etc etc..

    just saying some rough words for some verstile country will not let india sign kashmir to pakistan.Go & get some improments done in your so called pakistan first & later discuss kashmir.Get some money for your people instead of spending on terrorists.solve your internal problems,like sia sunni,Nwfp,etc.I am sure if pak remains foccused to its internal problems Kashmir issue will get settled within weeks.

  45. Well i dont think so that now kashmir issue can be solved beacuse this is a bitter thruth but we have to believe that both the countries are using kashmir issue to neglect many other big issues because if kashmir issue get solved then there would be an uprising of so many problmes in indian states as well.so better to make it a neutral and independant state, not under control of any one!!!

  46. these pakis think they r too smart.if they want kashmir then we want pak as it was a n integral part of india.we fought the wars we won them n still we arent takin ur country only b coz v r humans.we kno wat human lyf is n how important a human life is.its better u pakis always rememberthat ull r livin on our land.first of all u have a small country n if we keep on punchin ull get still more shoter n shorter.

  47. Hi All,

    Let me tell you whole thing, Kashmir is the part of India and will be a part of India.

    Pakistan always tries to grab the things like kutch, Bhuj etc.

    I don’t know why pakistanin people are always behind kashmir, instead of becoming well to do.

    Pakistani never cares about the future, they are only worried about the Fight with Others

    like as they are doing with India.

    They also concentrate on negative things like fight, Women, sex etc…

    SO finally I can say that Kashmir is really a pasrt of India, and pakistan should accept it.

    Thanks,

    Shahrukh

  48. An Appeal to World Community

    According to Article (2) of the United Nations Universal Declaration

    of Human Rights,

    Every one is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in

    this declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race,

    colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion based

    national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. Further

    more, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political,

    jurisdictional, or international status of the country or territory

    to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust on-self

    governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty

    This clause is an eternal reminder of the rights and duties borne by

    every responsible citizen of any place on Earth. My objective here

    is to draw its relevance in our society and polity. Unless the

    violation of our fundamental rights committed are brought to the

    widespread discern of various international human rights watchdogs,

    political and socially enlightened intelligentsia, the Kashmiri

    people will not be able to observe the cause of their struggle to

    find a voice for themselves in the global playground. Such an

    awakening is of utmost connotation to arouse the people of Pakistan

    Occupied Kashmir to liberate themselves from the chain of anarchy,

    nepotism, slavery and discrimination that has been in practice on

    the basis of interim constitution of 1974.

    In recent years many Kashmiri nationalists have started a campaign

    for their national rights such as installation of Kashmir National

    Bank, Anti mangla dam extension activities, and the abolishment of

    the disputed clauses of act 1974, which are not only contrary to the

    United Nations resolutions on Kashmir but also violate the

    fundamental rights and freedom of people of Pakistani Administered

    Kashmir. Many international governments have pressurised the

    Government of so called Azad Kashmir through Government of Pakistan

    to amend such clauses which is a clear vindication of the rights and

    political, social and economic aspirations of the people of Kashmir,

    striving towards the realisation of an independent Kashmir. Non

    violent demonstrations have been unlawfully curtailed and political

    activists have been stripped off their rights to express themselves

    in a very cruel manner. Such curbs put on the voice of the people

    are indicative of the authoritarian and totalitarian approach taken

    up by the government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir (PoK),to

    silence their national and international critics and eventually

    restraint the call for a truly democratic and independent Kashmir.

    The then Prime Minister of’ “Azad” Kashmir, Sardar Sikandar Hayat

    had made a press statement that the disputed and unpolitical clause

    which is as ” No person or political party in Azad Kashmir shall

    be allowed to take part in activities prejudicial or detrimental to

    the ideology of state’s accession to Pakistan”, would be abolished

    soon. But that pledge has not been fulfilled before the forthcoming

    general elections of July2006. The nomination papers which were

    submitted by the Nationalists (UKPNP) from twenty four

    constituencies were rejected as they did not take oath of the

    ideology of Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan. A great majority is

    struggling for their democratic and constitutional rights in

    Pakistani Administered Kashmir since years, but there has been no

    significant support for them to get their rights and win back their

    freedom.

    Taking into account the state of the people of Gilgit and Baltistan

    are, who have been living under siege since 59 years, Section 144 is

    still implemented there as more than three or four people cannot

    walk together. Kidnapping, killings, harassment, solitary

    confinement and all malicious tactics are being used against

    political workers of that area. Repression of social and political

    opinions of the people to the righteous media is the concern that is

    at stake to the aspirations of an independent Kashmir.

    We earnestly appeal to the world community to pressurize the

    Government of Pakistan to stop these violations and allow people of

    various schools of thoughts, regardless of their political and

    nationalist leanings, to exercise their fundamental right to partake

    in the elections without any discrimination.

    We hope this appeal would not go unheard.

    Jamil Maqsood

    General Secretary

    United Kashmir peoples National Party

  49. This issue can never be resolved that easily.India has to act like israel,The problem with india is if we have a bomb blast in our country we just sit doing nothing wheras israel will launch attacks against pal instantly .This has to be done every small atack should be taken seriously and india has to show their superiority and power to pakistan .Pakistan is a small country with literaly no education & growth .Long live india lets take things really seriously afet bombay bombings (bombay bombings have made us really serious abt this whole issue and inshallah we will teach them a lesson

  50. I would like people to see things in broader perspective, works like “it is a Muslim state”, “Part of Pakistan” etc are illogical.

    It was once a place, which had majority of Kashmiri Pandits, we need to rememeber genocidal of them, the race is in ther verge of extinction.

    Why in the world, people kill people each other to spread relegion, the crux of the religion is to love the fellow being and be truthful to self.

    Pakistan has not achieved anything in the last fifty years, it has not contributed to the world in scientific, agricultural or even keeping peace in this region.

    but it has take a lot from this world, it uses its wealth to acquire things which are invented to be used for good purpose, but used by them for wrong purpose.

    It is time for Pakistanis to think…, what they have achived, but india on the other hand with all sorts border issue from all the direction and yet was able to achieve a lot in contributing to the world in science, agriculture and even maitining peace.

    How long it will take India to win a war against pakistan (very little time), even if we are imposed with sanctions, we have the ability to withstand econimic problems. but on the other hand pakistan will not survive and will end up in civil war.

    the unanswered question

    1. What you have given to your people apart from providing roots for extremist organistion?

    2. What is the reply to the barbaric genocidal acts againts Kashmiri Pandits?

    3. What you have achieved so far (nothing)?

    If pakistan does not have the ability to stand against india, it is better to surrender than to spread terrorism and kill people.

    India is very clear we can fight only with people in uniform, that is the reason for

    almost 60 years battle. we are not weak, but we dont want to do anything other than this.

    I believe Pakistan occupied kashmir has to come back to india, to see the economic growth, else it will be the world’s poorest region.

    Soon Pakistan could be another Iraq… for god sake, i dont want to see that happen to “my brother…”

    Even I don’t want my brother to be Invaded or attacked by west (like what they did in Iraq).

    Stop and look forward for growth, I take this oppurtuinty to mourn for those innocent Kashmiri Pandits…

    If kashmir is clean from extremist activity, it could soon become a south asian econimical hub and top tourist spot, giving lot of oppurtunity for both india and pakistan to improve thier economy. Look at this broader perspective.

    I appeal to people, dont support one who targets and kill innocent. thier curse will spoil the nation.

    There is lot of difference in Alexander the Great and Chinggis khan.

    Chinggis khan is never called the great, but even if Alexander conquired the world, he is called the great because, He does not attack from behind and maintains war discipline.

    To all those innocent whereever died becuase of extremism, let thier sole rest in peace.

  51. I am quite surprised that this site has young people from both countries discussing the problem in more or less congenial way. Our elders would have cursed eachother. I feel being attached to religion has invited more problems than ever before. This is due to false propaganda. Elder generation who have meticulously sown seeds of hatred into hearts of innocent children needs to die out. We will live happily, all of us. The illiterate lot has to DIE. Both countries should pass death sentence for religious leaders the moment they issue any political statement or for any Politician issuing a religious statement. Believe me ….all problems will be solved. New generation is cool .. much wiser than the old one. Ask anyone …. everyone wants good life for himself and his family and friends… that is it. Making some xyz person from India or Pakistan believe that Kashmir is their sole aim is like what America does best – Marketing – selling ice to Eskimo. Don’t get carried away by people whose earnings and wealth depend solely on the fact that how much will you will get involved in this chakkar and fund them. Brothers and Sisters concentrate on your life and life of the near and dear ones .. earn respect and love from all people. There are various levels by which you can determine the mental – spiritual – social level of a person. What do ou say about a person who claims to be from a particular Mohalla when asked about his identity, or a person who says I belong to this caste, or I belong to this religion, this country, this race ? Truely great people had their identities above all these. They considered those definitions as the ones for the illiterate who need help in defining their identity. Let us become and think on world level and not like a frog in the well who believes that the world is cylindrical (and you cannot blame it….. it was told that always …all is life and he never dared to move out).

  52. I am quite surprised that this site has young people from both countries discussing the problem in more or less congenial way. Our elders would have cursed eachother. I feel being attached to religion has invited more problems than ever before. This is due to false propaganda. Elder generation who have meticulously sown seeds of hatred into hearts of innocent children needs to die out. We will live happily, all of us. The illiterate lot has to DIE. Both countries should pass death sentence for religious leaders the moment they issue any political statement or for any Politician issuing a religious statement. Believe me ….all problems will be solved. New generation is cool .. much wiser than the old one. Ask anyone …. everyone wants good life for himself and his family and friends… that is it. Making some xyz person from India or Pakistan believe that Kashmir is their sole aim is like what America does best – Marketing – selling ice to Eskimo. Don’t get carried away by people whose earnings and wealth depend solely on the fact that how much will you will get involved in this chakkar and fund them. Brothers and Sisters concentrate on your life and life of the near and dear ones .. earn respect and love from all people. There are various levels by which you can determine the mental – spiritual – social level of a person. What do ou say about a person who claims to be from a particular Mohalla when asked about his identity, or a person who says I belong to this caste, or I belong to this religion, this country, this race ? Truely great people had their identities above all these. They considered those definitions as the ones for the illiterate who need help in defining their identity. Let us become and think on world level and not like a frog in the well who believes that the world is cylindrical (and you cannot blame it….. it was told that always …all is life and he never dared to move out).

  53. Pakistan: ‘Free Kashmir’ Far From Free

    Government Opponents Face Torture, Censorship and Political Repression

    (Islamabad, September 21, 2006) – In Azad Kashmir, a region largely

    closed to international scrutiny until a devastating earthquake hit

    last year, the Pakistani government represses democratic freedoms, muzzles the

    press and practices routine torture, Human Rights Watch said in a

    report released today.

    Based on research in Azad Kashmir (which means “free Kashmir”) and

    Pakistan, the 71-page report, “‘With Friends Like These …’: Human

    Rights Violations in Azad Kashmir,” uncovers abuses by the Pakistani

    military, intelligence services and militant organizations.

    “Although ‘azad’ means ‘free,’ the residents of Azad Kashmir are

    anything but,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

    “The Pakistani authorities govern Azad Kashmir with strict controls on

    basic freedoms.”

    Before a massive earthquake struck in October, Azad Kashmir was one of

    the most closed territories in the world. Tight controls on freedom of

    ____expression have been a hallmark of government policy in Azad Kashmir.

    Pakistan has prevented the creation of independent media in the

    territory through bureaucratic restrictions and coercion. Publications and

    literature favoring independence is banned. While militant organizations promoting

    the incorporation of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir state into

    Pakistan have had free rein to propagate their views, groups promoting

    an independent Kashmir find their speech sharply, sometimes violently

    curtailed.Under Azad Kashmir’s constitution, which Pakistan imposed in 1974,

    election candidates are prescreened to ensure that only those who

    support Kashmir’s union with Pakistan can contest elections. Anyone who wants

    to take part in public life in Azad Kashmir has to sign a pledge of

    loyalty to Pakistan, while anyone who publicly supports or peacefully works for

    an independent Kashmir faces persecution.

    “There is a façade of an elected local government, but the federal

    government in Islamabad, the army and the intelligence agencies control

    all aspects of political life in Azad Kashmir,” said Adams. “The

    military shows no tolerance for dissent and practically runs the region as a

    fiefdom.”Torture is routinely used in Pakistan, and this practice is also

    routine in

    Azad Kashmir. Human Rights Watch has documented incidents of torture

    by the intelligence services and others acting at the army’s behest but

    knows of no cases in which members of military and paramilitary

    security and intelligence agencies have been prosecuted or even disciplined for

    acts of torture or mistreatment.Despite the Pakistani government’s criticism of human rights violations

    in neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir state in India, refugees from Jammu

    and Kashmir are discriminated against and mistreated by the

    authorities. Kashmiri refugees and former militants from India, most of whom are

    secular nationalists and culturally and linguistically distinct from

    the peoples of Azad Kashmir, are particularly harassed through constant

    surveillance, curbs on political ____expression, arbitrary arrest and beatings.”The Pakistani government often pretends that the only problems faced by Kashmiris are in India,” said Adams. “It should start looking into ways of ending human rights abuses in Azad Kashmir.”Human Rights Watch urged international donors, which have poured

    billions of dollars of urgently needed relief and reconstruction aid

    into Azad Kashmir since the earthquake, to insist on structural changes in

    governance and the promotion of both human rights and the rule of law. Recent corruption allegations against senior government officials highlight serious weaknesses in the rule of law and governmental accountability.

    “As it supports reconstruction efforts, the international community

    must insist that Pakistan respect the human rights of the people of Azad

    Kashmir,” said Adams. “The Pakistani government must ensure that the

    people of Azad Kashmir can exercise their fundamental civil and

    political rights in an environment free of coercion and fear.”

    Testimonies from the report:

    “About six or seven soldiers led by a major ran the proceedings, which

    lasted for about five days. The soldiers kept changing and ‘worked’ us

    in shifts. They started by making us do push-ups and sit-ups for hours,

    then beat us with rods and belts when we collapsed in exhaustion. They kept

    saying that we must admit that we had become ‘double agents,’ that we

    had crossed over to the Indian side because we were ‘Hindu lovers,’

    that we were ‘shameless bastards who wanted to be raped by the rapists of

    our sisters and mothers.’ Initially, I and the others argued, told them

    they were wrong and what they were doing was wrong. But when you are beaten and

    bloodied, barely conscious, nothing really matters beyond a point. They

    decided to make a particular example of Sameer [name changed] who was

    the most vocal of us. In front of us, he was stripped naked and

    chillies were shoved up his rectum. He screamed and screamed and the more he

    screamed the more they beat him with batons and belts, kicked him,

    punched him. They would beat him unconscious, bring him back and then

    beat him unconscious again. He did not die in front of us. But it has

    been eight years and we never saw him again after those five days together

    so I think he is dead. He has to be. After what they did to him, it would be

    better for him too.” Interview with “Shahid,” a former militant, Azad Kashmir

    “On April 7, we went on a hunger strike …Why have we been locked up

    for hailing and supporting the bus [service between Srinagar and

    Muzaffarabad]? On April 10, at about 6 a.m., we were given breakfast.

    We refused. The jail authorities started beating us with sticks and

    metal rods. About 14 or 15 people were beating each person. All other

    criminal prisoners and the police present were included. The jail

    superintendent, Raja Aftab, was standing at the sentry post directing the prisoners to

    beat us. We were beaten badly. (It was pre-arranged between the other

    prisoners and the police.) One person had an eye torn out. One had

    several head injuries. Another had his hand broken. Everyone was bruised. We

    were beaten for about two-and-a-half hours. This happened in all three

    cells between 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Then the jailer came and said, ‘If

    you don’t eat, we will shove the food up your ass.’ We agreed to eat under

    duress, as those who refused to eat were beaten very severely. Mohammad

    Ayub Butt refused to eat, so they cracked his spine. Why did the Azad

    Kashmir government arrest us and beat us up? We were only supporting

    the stated policy of the Pakistani government. Is that not allowed? Or

    does Musharraf sitting in Islamabad not know what goes on in

    Muzaffarabad?”

    You can see the ugly face of Pkaistani establishment in Pakistani Occupied Kashmir.

  54. With all due respect, I’ve never heard such a pile of absolute rubbish being spouted anywhere ever before. India is moving slowly? Pakistan is trying to be peaceful? Wake up will you?! And those who want the people of these countries to mature and wake up; do you have any idea what we people have to go through everyday? It is extremely easy to sit thousands of miles away and leave a comment on the net saying that we need to grow up; fact is that you have no idea, how many extremist intruders we in the army have to face everyday coming in from Pakistan – our apparently peaceful neighbour. Where do you go off thinking they are a handful? Have you seen them in the mountains? Have you witnessed them squatting at strategic positions so that it becomes almost impossible to weed them out like the cowards they are? And a message for those ranting on about human rights – do YOU know how many of our soldiers die everyday protecting our country from these spineless government trained radicals? For your information, the guns they carry, the ammunition supplies that magically appear in their possession are all Pakistan government issue, and this peace that you say Musharraf is trying to work towards – well it becomes a bit difficult to believe when I’m push one of their thugs to the wall by the hair and he, like his predecessors admits that he was trained by the ISI. You think that after knowing the fact that your ‘Democratically Elected’ (Don’t make me laugh) President is sending over his own trained goons to try and destabilise our country, that we should just sit back and let him have his way with us? Not on my watch. As long as there is a breath in my body, I will fight to keep those thieves from stealing our motherland from us. I am an Indian and darn proud of it. Jai Hind

  55. Right of Self Determination and Self Rule.

    All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. ..” article 11 of the International Covonent on civil and political rights1966

    The Covenant on Civil and Political Rights begins by stating that all peoples have the right to self-determination. It recognizes that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. It prohibits torture, cruel or degrading treatment or punishment, and the arbitrary deprivation of life. Anyone arrested is to be informed of the reason for the arrest, and anyone arrested or detained on a criminal charge is to be brought promptly before a judge or other legally authorized person.

    The Covenant also provides, among other things, for freedom of movement, and places limitations upon the expulsion of aliens present lawfully in the territory of a State Party. In addition, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and freedom of expression are recognized by the Covenant, which also prohibits any propaganda for war or any advocacy of national, racial and religious hatred.

    Dear Audiance: Yet there is lot to say about the Right of self Determination and its applications on varius parts of the world. I would like to throw the light of the plight of kashmiri people whose right of self determination was forcibly snatched by its neighbouring state “pakistan'” Without going in to the details of its long histotorical perspective I would like to tell this august session that at the time of Partition in 1947 and according to the act of Partition the heads of princly states were executed to have the right to decide about their future either joinging by India, Pakistan or to remain Independent despite the official stad of then political forces All India Congree and All India Muslim League.

    Role of India in this regard was seen very poor as they have failed to protect life, liberty,property and dignity of Kashmiri people.And I would like to say that property doesn,t mean the house of any individual it was geography of the state. India was failed to protect the geography of State of Jammu Kashmir. The current resentment is directly result of India accords with pakistan on the question of natural resources of the state. Without taking kashmiri people into confidence Kashmiri people have serious grevencies towards Indian state.

    On the other hand People of so called Azad kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have faced worse crises of their history. About 3million people of so called Azad Kashmir ( pakistani Occupied Kahsmir infact) and 2million people of Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan are at the mercy of cruel,rouge,injustice,undemocratic, rule of secret agences and military junta.According to Human rights commission of Pakistan report2004 and Human Rights watch report2006 it revealed that Pakistani authorities are ruthlessly ruling over these areas and Azad Kashmir (Free Kashmir is far from Freedom). Brad adams of HRW wrote in his reportage named” With Friends like these”

    “Before a massive earthquake struck in October, Azad Kashmir was one of

    the most closed territories in the world. Tight controls on freedom of expression have been a hallmark of government policy in Azad Kashmir. Pakistan has prevented the creation of independent media in the territory through bureaucratic restrictions and coercion. Publications and literature favoring independence is banned. While militant organizations promoting the incorporation of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir state into Pakistan have had free rein to propagate their views, groups promoting

    an independent Kashmir find their speech sharply, sometimes violently curtailed.Under Azad Kashmir’s constitution, which Pakistan imposed in 1974, election candidates are prescreened to ensure that only those who support Kashmir’s union with Pakistan can contest elections. Anyone who wants to take part in public life in Azad Kashmir has to sign a pledge of

    loyalty to Pakistan, while anyone who publicly supports or peacefully works for an independent Kashmir faces persecution.Moreover, the administering authorities of dependant teritories are enjoined to ensure political advancement and the development of self Government of those occupied territories.

    Pakistan is ruling so called Azad kahsmir by deputing its lent officers to control and subdue whole Government machinery the most powerful officers are 1- Chief Secretary 2- Secretary Finance 3-Director General of Health 4- Inspector General of Police ( IGP) and the major power house is General Officer Commanding ( GOc) Murre and Commandaer of 10care at Rawalpindi. pakistan didn’t established infrastructure in these areas which were occupied by her in 1947. There is no complete university,Law and medical college,and even the judiciary is not independent as it is controlled by ministry of kahsmir affairs and kahsmir council together.

    am not going into the details of Northern areas because there is no political process and no fundamental rights as there is no constitution or constitutional status of the Area is defined yet how people basic rights and freedoms can invoked without the presence institutions and political system. As under the trust duties of UNCIP resolutions Pakistan was bound to ensure the rights and identity of people but it instead made attempts to divide and rule by separating Northern Areas through dubious “Karachi Agreement” in 1949 with rest of Kashmir and put that Area under the political agent of low level government employee by dismissing the revolutionary government of Gilgit Baltistan, who had no basic understanding about the political affairs. As a result of discriminatory policies political discontent in Northern Areas have resulted into the nationalist political movements. The constitutional ambiguity and continued denial of rights have prompted people to seek the legal redressal, and a case was filed in Pakistan apex court iof Pakistan in 1999 to force Pakistani authorities to grant people their basic rights unless its constitutional status is not decided. But court verdict failed to invoke any interest in Pakistan ruling elite to end the violations. However, under the growing political discontentment government of Pakistan has adopted two prong policies to sideline the genuine issues and people from demanding their constitutional rights and freedoms. It on the one hand took cosmetic steps by renaming Northern Areas Council-NAC recently with Northern Areas Legislative Council NALC to show that NALC has legislative powers since all powers are exercised and controlled by the Chairman of Council who is Pakistani minister. While on the other hand Pakistan agencies continue to foment and engineer sectarian riots between shia and Sunnis, to divide people and turn their attention on other issues than economic and political issues that surround the Area.

    people of Gilgit Baltistan are facing similar difficulties at the hands of secret agencies of Pakistan.Most of the popular leadership is facing so called sedition charges,illegal confinement,harrassment, and ill treatment is a daily routine in these areas.There is no forum or court where these peopel could seek justice against discrimination and illegalkidnapping by military intelligence agencies.

    Question of self rule. Self Governence is an abstract concept that refers to several scales of organizations.it may reffer to personal conduct or family units but more commonly refers to large scale of activities, i.e professions,religions and political units, up to and including autonomus regions and aboriginals peoples.it falls within the larger context of Governance and principles such as consent of governed, and may involve non-profit organizations and corporate Governance.It can be used to descirbed a people or group being able to exercise all of the necessary funcations of power without intervention from any authority which they can not themselves alter. Self rule is associated then in context where there is end of colonial rule, absolute gevernment or monarchy as well as demand for autonomy by religious,ethnic,of geographic regions which perceive themselves as being unrepresented or underrepresented in a national Government.it is therefore a fundamental tent of republican government and democracy as well as nationalism.Gandhi’s term of “Satygraha” is a branch of this self rule ideology. Generally when self governance of nations state is discussed,it is called national sovereignty.

    At this occation I would like to urge opon world community,Human Rights Ornagizatuions,intellectuals and political forces across the world to favour dicvided kashmiri people in order to restore thier history,culture,poetry,arts,geography.I on behalp of Kashmiri people would like to call opon all of you that it is our utmsot desire of freedom,democracy and equality should be respected by occupying forces. We would also like to demand from the Government of pakistan to help establish news and media in its controlled part of Kashmir and in Gilgit Baltistan so that outer world could know better about the plight and misries of the people of these areas. All discriminatory laws should be abolished from the constitution and law should be made equal to every citizen of the state regardless of ones political,religios faith and no discrimination should be made on the difference of opinion.

    The role of Kashmiris in strengthening the Kashmiri and briding the gap between India and Pakistan is very imminent and visible if they decide to play an active but to strengthen the pro-peace and pro-people constituency. One should be realistic that no overnight solution can be expected and process of Kashmir centric dialogue is the only way forward from the present situation. The idea of trading borders will not earn any support from any Kashmiri quarter irrespective of political views, despite the fact that some forces may not object because of respective government’s influence, but trading borders as face saving step for any government will further divide and disturb the present social and political habitat of Kahsmiri’s

    Thank you very much

    Jamil Maqsood

    General Secretary

    United Kashmir Peoples National Party Belgium

  56. A question to Shehzad – how old are you? Your question is pretty much the same as “If the house is yours, why do you have locks on the door?” Are you mentally sub-average, Shehzad? Kashmir is and has been a part of India, and at no point was it a part of Pakistan, but for some reason, Pakistan believes it must “free” the state of Kashmir from India; just like when a thief tries to enter your home and tries to “free” your valuables from you. Pakistan is a failure as a country and sadly, one armed with a nuclear weapon and a military dictator. In response to your question, Shehzad, it is BECAUSE Kashmir is part of India, that we have our armed forces there, and the prime reason is incursion attempts by Pakistan that keep us there.

  57. Freedom Democracy Equality

    United Kashmir Peoples National Party

    Brussels: Press Release

    We strongly condemn another attempt of brutal control of so called Azad Kashmir administrative control by deputing eight more officers from Pakistan.people of Pakistani Occupied Kashmir and the local officers were already feeling resentment because of lent officers who are controlling most of the state authority. Now we know why military has put Muslim Conference in to power to manipulate entire political and socio economic activities of that area. According to daily Ausaf 19Th October-2006 the news described that Eight officers have been deputed with local officers just to control and supersede them in most important administrative decisions. Those trainee officers have been given the authority of a Magistrate the notification issued on 18Th October describe that

    1- Shaukat Ali will be assisting Deputy Commissioner Muzaffarabad

    2- Fayyaz Jatoi will also remain in the office of Deputy Commissioner Muzaffarabad

    3-Khalid Nazar Wattoo office of DC Muzaffarabad

    4- Raja Shah Zaman Khoro Office of DC Muzaffarabad

    5- Agha Abbas Ali affiliated with the office of DC Bagh

    6- Mahmood Aslam with the office of DC Bagh

    7- Zia Ul Haq is attached with the office of DC Poonch ( Rawalakot)

    8- Mati Ullah is also asked to join DC poonch ( Rawalakot)

    This is very sad scenario of the entire situation that four districts of Pakistani Occupied Kashmir have totally devastated by the earthquake and the people were not properly looked after by the state institutions. Pakistan in the cover of relief and rehabilitation work deputed another eight officers to control remaining authority which local officials were enjoying and local people were privilaged of those officers of their own area and the state.

    United Kashmir Peoples National Party would high light this issue before world community to stop Pakistan not to manipulate entire system by its officers.

    Jamil Maqsood

    General Secretary

    United Kashmir Peoples National Party

    Belgium

  58. Lets look things from a different perspective. Not from past but from future. I am not interested, so should Kashmiris, whether Raja Hari Singh decided to stay with Pakistan or coaxed to be with India or watever.

    Kashmiris should think which country will give them better results in long term. India, one of largest economies of whole world. Contributing signifcantly to every field be it Science, Literature, Art (Do you want me to pin-point recent achievements?). Growing at 8% in a democracy (not like steriodal 10% growth of China). More and more ppl now knowing secularism in practicality. This with freedom of speech.

    Pakistan, forget about any growth, they cant decide what can make them grow, a military rule or democracy. Adding on to this, there liasion with every other terrorist organisation is no secret. Simple question..

    THOSE PPL WHO CANT TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES, KASHMIRIS (PUNDIT OR MUSLIM), HOW THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU?

    I know its a very aloof arugment from political/religious plane but its practical or atleast relevant to future.

  59. A very interesting point there from ‘Indian’. It is safe to say, that you’re an optimist in believing that concentrating on the future is a more practical approach, and without doubt, to a certain extent it is.

    I’m sure that you will agree that moving on from this issue with an outlook towards a more peaceful future, is something that requires co-operation from both countries. As far as India is concerned in this matter, we are doing nothing more than trying to keep rats out of our homes (a simple analogy you’ll agree to the concept of spineless Pakistanis trying to invade our country).

    The peace process that so many rant about, is not an option until state-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan ceases to exist.

    For those unaware, here is the situation in laymen’s terms – Pakistani terrorists attempt to invade Kashmir on an hourly basis with a simple plan – If the majority of “Kashmiris” are Pakistani intruders, then a vote from these “Kashmiris” would be to “FREE” Kashmir from India. Get enough of them there, and drive out the Kashmiris and you have a fully Pakistan – Occupied Kashmir.

    As I said earlier, the problem is simple – it is what happens when a failed state with a military dictator gets their hands on a nuclear bomb. They have nothing to live for, except to make lives more difficult for everyone else. It would be ideal if the REAL Kashmiris could choose who they wish to belong to (if anyone at all) and then there would be no troubles. But as we have painfully learned time and time again we just cannot trust Pakistan.

  60. when india is known today for its prowess in information technology, pakistan is known the world over for its terrorism infrastructure? you guys and girls out there are equally capable and intelligent, why do we have to fight on religion? why dont we all do business and make money?

  61. Hello everyone!

    I am a Pakistani aur ill give ma veiwpoint later.pehlay koi indian mera aik kaam karai. ill be very gratefull. Give me a detailed veiwpoint of india on kashmir.plzzzz

    thanks

  62. Hello Fahad,

    I will try and put forward India’s viewpoint on Kashmir for you as clearly as I can. India’s viewpoint, as my fellow Indians will agree, is the same as any other person’s in the world who hates thieves and robbers. Kashmir is and has been a part of India since the partition. Pakistan has the ill-concieved and, more importantly, wrong notion that Kashmir belongs to them. It does not. It is not and has never been a part of Pakistan and as long as an Indian is alive, it will never cease to be part of India. And India’s viewpoint is the same as would be Italy’s if France attempted to invade them. There’s the viewpoint that I’m sure is echoed by my fellow Indians.

  63. Dear Farhat,

    I don’t know what you are being taught at Peshawar University; but if you are thinking even for a moment that Pakistan wants a “result – oriented” dialogue, then either you are completely ignorant of the situation or the other possibility “result – oriented” in your mind is the illegal takeover of Kashmir. To put it simply to you Farhat – Pakistan is asking another country to give up a part of them. I hope you can see the problem with your own view and with this. The only connection that the “Kashmir issue” has with Pakistan is that the “issue” is Pakistan and its state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. It is the most useless country in the world and now it has a nuclear weapon. Analogy – Monkey with a pistol.

  64. i m Amjad (student of computer systems engineering) …The world know that kashmir issue is the bone of contention between pakistan and india. A of mini and big wars held between these two countries becoz of this issue.i think so if both the country wish to solve this problem ,they should talk on this issue rather than fight,

  65. Why isn’t pakistan learning from their mistakes? They fought 3 wars for kashmir and lost all of them. They have humiliated themselves like anything. Kashmir never belong to pakistan and it never will. India doesnt need their crap on kashmir. I believe pakistan should first go around solving their problems like balochistan before asking for more land from other countries.

  66. Pakistan is not fighting for land of kashmir ..pakistan is just fighting for the rights of kashmirian,,all the world knows what indian army are doing with kashmirian..i have a message to indians if someone kill ur son,kill ur brother,kill ur father,kill ur daughter and sisters what will u do????????????????thats whats indian army are doing in kashmir.

    i know every indian will get angry of my comments. but remeber that truth always makes anger the guilty….(by student of lovely pakistan)

  67. Kashmir Belongs to Kashmiri people and we are against division of Kashmir stated by

    Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri Chair

    United Kashmir peoples National Party (UKPNP) and Secretary General International Kashmir Alliance (IKA) during his visit to Brussels on 19th December- 2006

    Today we have invited you to join us at this occasion so that we can share our political thoughts, views, ideology regarding Kashmir in perspective and prospects of changing geo political scenario. This would be our privilege to convey our message, vision and struggle to the world community and particularly people of south Asian region living abroad and Kashmiri people as well.

    Kashmir belongs to Kashmiri people and United Kashmir Peoples National Party is against the division of Kashmir, whether it would be on religious, geographical cultural or linguistic or the wishful desire of those who wanted to divide our beautiful homeland. The State of Jammu Kashmir is multi cultural, Multi National, Multi linguistic entity and Kashmiri people are the masters of natural resources of their homeland. We want peace, prosperity and development in the region, but if some one try to build anything on the grounds of our slavery and division by using the tools of oppression and cruelty we reserved right of resistance in this regard. Kashmir is consisted of 84, 4741 sq m (Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Hunza and Poonch, is indispensable. We would urge that Indian rulers should fulfill their pledges historically made with Kashmiri people.

    We have been striving since inception that Pakistan is not a Party to Kashmir dispute. Due to our constant struggle, the great services and sacrifices rendered by our fellow Party fellows, our constant interventions and participation in almost all International forums made this happen that today military president of Pakistan and Foreign Office of Pakistan is retreating and have abandoned their so called claim on Kashmir by admitting that Kashmir is not their Juggler vein neither they ever claimed Kashmir as their natural part. But who will ask them by keeping people of Kashmir slave, deprive, backward, uneducated and without basic rights and necessities why they are not taking the responsibility of it as well. Pakistani establishment have made Kashmiri people fodder of proxy war and we are asking are they ready to compensate Kashmir people under their jurisprudence by guaranteeing them constitutional rights including right of self Governance.

    We reiterate our demand once again that as per Pakistani promise Pakistan should quit her armed forces from so called Azad Kashmir and control of Gilgit Baltistan should immediately resumed to the Government of so called Azad Kashmir and to help formulating their own Government. After officially admitting by Pakistani Government that areas under them are not their constitutional part if Pakistan would continue deploy it forces in those areas this would be serious violation of her own stand and confession. This would noted as Pakistani state institutions enmity towards Kashmir people under their control.

    Replying to a question he said we tell them they should give up the policy to confuse local people by their stooges with in Pakistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir. Two million people of Gilgit and Baltistan are living under worse oppression, deprivation, extreme poverty and lack of educational institutions, but Pakistani ruling elite always propagated Kashmir freedom movement and they kill the wishes of people for democracy, civil society and basic rights. Elected Governments have ousted forcibly. Military has resumed the policies of former civil governments.

    Talking on Emma Nicholson report and replying a related question he pointed out that now a days Emma Nicholson report is severely under attack. She is very much respected and vice chair of Human Rights committee in the European Parliament . I m assured many people didn’t go through in the details and start hue and cry against it just to please establishment. That report, is based on very true facts in the light and perspective of Indian and Pakistani stance and constitutional discriminations on both the sides of Line of control. She pointed out that discrimination, economical, legal, developmental, educational and health care in all parts of Jammu Kashmir in a diplomatic language and she doesn’t neglected official stand of the Government of the Pakistan and Government of the India towards Kashmir and those discriminations must be eradicated which are highlighted in that report. We have always been demanding and it was our desire that both India and Pakistan should live like good neighbors with peace. We are against blackmailing, proxy war and proxy politics and we condemn all efforts in this regard.

    Replying to a question he said this is our principal stand that according to the constitution of Pakistan Kashmir is not their part and parcel and in this regard the status of those areas should be restored. So that the people could enjoy fundamental rights under the control of Pakistan.

    We have understood that in changing geo political scenario it’s needed that every one should play the positive role to end violence and to promote peace, friendship, and brotherly passions among all sections.

    We are looking forward towards Pakistani rulers when they will pragmatically take concrete steps follow up their recent announcements in regard to Kashmir issue. In this press conference Ishaque Khan president, Jamil MaqsoodGeneral Secretary United Kashmir People’s National Party Belgium , Sajid Hussein, Sikandar Abbas, Shahid Iqbal, Yasir Younas, was also present

  68. Brussels: Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri addressing press conference

    Kashmir Belongs to Kashmiri people and we are against division of Kashmir stated by Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri Chairman, United Kashmir peoples National Party (UKPNP) and Secretary General International Kashmir Alliance (IKA) during his visit to Brussels

    Today we have invited you to join us at this occasion so that we can share our political thoughts, views, ideology regarding Kashmir in perspective and prospects of changing geo political scenario. This would be our privilege to convey our message, vision and struggle to the world community and particularly people of south Asian region living abroad and Kashmiri people as well.

    Today we are at a very crucial juncture of contemporary world political social and economical changes. The entire global paradigm has been shifted and changed. The process of globalization and the role of capital have also changed.

    We are living in a world where at one hand the forces of evil, destruction, religious bigotry, and theo- fascism are trying to hijack civil society moments by using religion as weapon against grown enlightenment in general and particularly in south Asian region.

    In recent years Asian region has progressed and achieved land mark success to uplift the life standard of the people and to eradicate socio- economic problems, but unfortunately in some countries like Pakistan it is contrary and ruling elite didn’t realize how to get rid of daily life problems in the society.

    Kashmir belongs to Kashmiri people and United Kashmir Peoples National Party is against the division of Kashmir , whether it would be on religious, geographical cultural, linguistic or the wishful desire of those who wanted to divide our beautiful homeland.

    We want peace, prosperity and development in the region, but if someone tries to build anything on the grounds of our slavery and division by using the tools of oppression and cruelty we reserved right of resistance in this regard.

    Our mother land, Kashmir consists of 2, 22,808 sq km ( Jammu , Kashmir , Ladakh, Gilgit and Baltistan), is indispensable. We would urge that Indian rulers should fulfill their pledges historically made with Kashmiri people.

    In this press conference I would like to express my political thoughts regarding Kashmir , past, present and future prospects.

    We, United Kashmir Peoples National Party since inception stood against the culture of violence and we have pragmatically opposed growing fanaticism, extremism, and theo-fascism not only in Kashmir but all over the world. We knew that this hate one day would cover the whole globe, from east to west north to south and it is witnessed what we have had predicted in early1990, was exposed after sad incident of 9/11.

    Due to our constant struggle, the great services and sacrifices rendered by our Party fellows, our constant interventions and participation in almost all International forums made this happen that today military president of Pakistan and Foreign Office of Pakistan is retreating and have abandoned their so called claim on Kashmir by admitting that Kashmir is not their Juggler vein neither they ever claimed Kashmir as their natural and constitutional part. But who will ask them by keeping people of Kashmir slave, deprive, backward, uneducated and without basic rights and necessities, why they are not taking the responsibility of it as well. Pakistani establishment have made Kashmiri people fodder of proxy war. We have been strongly advocating for the rights of Gilgit Baltistan.

    Our Party documents are witnessed and our visit to Gilgit Baltistan is also the part of history that at time when the whole region was shaken by the slogans of Jihad we have had condemned it and warned policy makers and influential forces not use religion as weapon for achieving political goal.

    In this struggle I myself and my Party workers were victimized by the security apparatus of the Government of Pakistan.

    Proposals and formulas given by military president General Musharraf of Pakistan vice versa Kashmir conflict were not more then a trap and bargaining on the natural resources of Kashmir .

    In fact Pakistani ruling elite has understood that they have lost their stand on Kashmir and they wanted to revitalize their position disguised in the recent formulas of so called joint control of entire Jammu Kashmir state.

    We reiterate our demand once again that as per Pakistani promise Pakistan should quit her armed forces from so called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan and should immediately resumed to the Government of so called Azad Kashmir and to help formulating their own Government. After officially admitting by Pakistani Government that areas under them are not their constitutional part if Pakistan would continue deploy it forces in those areas this would be serious violation of her own stand and confession. This would be noted as Pakistani state institutions enmity towards Kashmir people under their control.

    We wish to congratulate Baroness Nicholson for her report as Rapporteur regarding Kashmir, with the title `present situation and future prospects. she is very much respected and vice chair of Human Rights committee in the parliament. I pay tribute to her courage that she showed the cruel facts to the world community. I would ask Pak government that instead of baseless hue and cry on her report they should consider the facts like deprivation, discrimination and so on seriously. I’ m sure many people didn’t go through in the details and started hue and cry against it just to please establishment. That report, is based on very true facts in the light and perspective of Indian and Pakistani stance and constitutional discriminations on both the sides of Line of control. She pointed out that discrimination, economical, legal, developmental, educational and health care in all parts of Jammu Kashmir in a diplomatic language and she doesn’t neglected official stand of the Government of the Pakistan and Government of the India towards Kashmir and those discriminations must be eradicated which are highlighted in that report. And to address real issues which people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan are facing under cruel military regime. There is nothing wrong in the report that in Azad Kashmir local officials are facing discrimination and merit has been bulldozed by all Governments since last 60 years. Even local officials are not being promoted as the head of any department. The sole powers have been enjoyed by the lent officers being deputed by Islamabad .

    The recent violation in the Judiciary was so delicate if I would mention that Justice Gilani was superseded because in the past years he took very hard decisions against the cases of illegal disappearances and verdicts taken by him against agencies were unpleased and thus his right of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was violated. We have always been supporting employee’s rights in State of Jammu and Kashmir . We tell them they should give up the policy to confuse local people by their stooges with in Pakistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir.

    Two million people of Gilgit and Baltistan are living under worse oppression, deprivation, extreme poverty and lack of educational institutions, but Pakistani ruling elite always propagated Kashmir freedom movement and they kill the wishes of people for democracy, civil society and basic rights. Elected Governments have ousted forcibly. Military has resumed the policies of former civil governments.

    `

    We have always been demanding and it was our desire that both India and Pakistan should live like good neighbors with peace. We are against blackmailing, proxy war and proxy politics and we condemn all actions in this regard.

    This is our principal stand that according to the constitution of Pakistan Kashmir is not their part and parcel and in this regard the status of those areas should be restored immediately, So that the people of those areas could enjoy fundamental rights.

    We have understood that in changing geo political scenario it’s needed that every one should play the positive role to end violence and to promote peace, friendship, and brotherly passions among all sections.

    We are looking forward towards Pakistani and Indian rulers when they will pragmatically take concrete steps follow up their recent announcements in regard to Kashmir issue.

    In this press conference Sardar Ishaq Khan, President Belgium unit, Jamil Maqsood General Secretary United Kashmir people’s National Party Belgium, Sajid Hussain, Shahid Iqbal, Sikandar Abbas, Yasir Younas and many workers were also present. At the end Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri replied to the questions.

    Jamil Maqsood

    General Secretary

    United Kashmir Peoples National Party

  69. Amjad I would like to ask you a very simple question – if your mother and your sister are having an argument at home, and your neighbour decides to intervene in the matter after sneaking into your house, would you be able to tolerate that with a sound mind or will you, like any other sane person in the world tell the neighbour to “mind his own damn business”. India does not need Pakistan’s help or intrusion. I and the people of India can vouch that we are very well off without any need for help from our cowardly neighbour.

  70. Dear Sehrish,

    The matter of fact is that you people of pakistan young and old have never been taught the historical perspective of Kashmir conflict, Kahsmir is and was a dispute between Inda and kashmiris, but Pakistan has invaded into Kahsmir by Occupying about 37,000 Sq M area and Gited about 4,000 Sqm to China in 1963. So please before going to get involved in this debate read the history, The stance of All India Congree and All India muslim League on the future stateus of 564 princly states. if you need further details in this regard you may write me at journalist.usk@gmail.com I would be pleased to inform you.

    I hope you would be able to explore the facts in this modern era of human history.

    Regards

    Jamil Maqsood

    KASHMIRI

  71. European Parliament committee adopts Kashmir report

    Brussels, March 21, INEP – The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET)

    adopted Wednesday a report on Kashmir , in a move seen by observers as a victory for

    Indian diplomacy.

    60 members of the AFET voted in favour of the report following 28 compromise

    proposals, only 1 voted against and 11 abstained. The amended report will now go before

    the plenary of the European Parliament (EP) for approval in May.

    ” I am very pleased indeed that we succeeded in having the vote,”

    rapporteur of the report ‘ Kashmir : Present Situation and Future Prospects’,

    Baroness Emma Nicholson, told INEP in an interview.

    She noted that that some British Members of European Parliament (MEPs) were

    against the vote.

    “They had declared the vote will not happen, it will not happen

    in two months or three years and that the report will be crushed completely

    and I will be dismissed, ” said Nicholson, herself a British Liberal MEP.

    “Today’s vote is a triumph and exactly correct. Now we look forward to

    the plenary session,” she said.

    “The report has been battered but I think it has emerged stronger.

    It had a fantastic majority,” said Nicholson.

    Nicholson noted that the draft report has been modified by a number of amendments

    but the substance of the report remains unchanged.

    The most controversial clause in the report on plebiscite in Kashmir , however,

    appears to have been diluted.

    “I am checking now what exactly has happened. We have put in that the conditions

    for the plebiscite have not been met,” said Nicholson.

    Pakistan and Pakistani-backed Kashmiri groups had been doing intense lobbying to amend

    the report which criticized the democracy-deficit in Pakistan and the human rights situation

    in the Pakistani-administered part of Kashmir .

    Islamabad was particularly irked over the report’s dismissal of calls for plebiscite

    to resolve the Kashmir issue.

    The original draft report had said that “continuing calls for a plebiscite on the final

    status of Jammu and Kashmir are wholly out of step with the needs of the local people

    and thus damaging to their interests.”

    “We support the peace process, we are against the plebiscite in principle but we believe

    in the right of self-determination,” said Nicholson.

    Dr. Charles Tannock, spokesperson for the British Conservative party and

    shadow rapporteur of the Kashmir report said he has been in “favour of changing the

    tone of the report to get rid of the more offensive and insulting part,

    but I see the essential substance of the report is in tact.”

    The report, he said, condemns cross-border terrorism and says that conditions for

    plebiscite have not been met so there cannot be a plebiscite on this issue.

    “I am absolutely sure that those who lost today, particularly lobbies and people who

    feel strongly about the report tried to kill the report. It was a disgrace that in the Pakistani

    press it was reported that there will not be a vote today and that they are going to kill

    the report,” Tannock told INEP. He noted that till the last moment there were moves to postpone the voting.

    Tannock who described himself as is a friend of India said ” I am 75% satisfied,

    not 100 percent” with the adopted report. According to EP sources, British MEP Richard Howitt of the Socialist Group had done

    intense lobbying in the last two days to postpone the voting and kill the report.

    Most of the MEPs interested in the Kashmir report are British who have large

    Pakistani, Indian and Kashmiri communities in their constituencies back home.

    Sajjad Karim , Liberal British MEP, said there has “been some movement in the

    right direction. “”We have the plenary to vote yet to take place in May. I think there is a need to bring further amendments. It is for that reason that I abstained from voting in

    support of the report,” said Karim who is of Pakistani origin. He said that his amendment proposal to include that plebiscite is the main ambition

    of the people of Kashmir was rejected. Karim, said he will try to include this amendment during the plenary vote in the EP in May.

    Barrister Majid Tramboo, who heads the Brussels-based Kashmir Centre, said there “issome improvement and some grey areas which we will clean up during the plenary period.”The text has been improved dramatically so our right of self determination has been

    mentioned, said Tramboo who has been leading the campaign to get the report changed.Sunil Prasad, President of the Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin

    in Belgium (GOPIO) and Secretary General Europe India Chamber of Commerce General-Secretary, said “the passing of the report itself is a big achievement for India .”

    “It is a victory for the people of Kashmir and their aspirations. It is a victory for Indian diplomacy,” he told INEP.

    The report was to be adopted by AFET in January but following a record 450 amendment proposals

    the vote was postponed.The Pakistan Observer newspaper in a news item published on 16 January reported that a vast majority of the amendments received were from Pakistan-backed Kashmiri groups “The EU report on Kashmir triggered an immediate response from Pakistan , whichset

    up a high-profile team to tackle the situation… the job of lobbying to seek amendments in the EU draft report was handed over to ISI “( Pakistan ‘s intelligence service), said the paper. Majid Tramboo was assigned the task of lobbying by Pakistan , wrote the paper.

  72. Commission to Study the Organizazion of Peace

    INTERFAITH INTER NATIONAL

    a non-governmental organization with consultative status at the United Nations

    United Nations Human Rights Council 4th Session,

    March 12th to 30th, 2007

    Intervention by Sardar Shaukat Kashmiri

    March 26,2007

    Shaukatkashmiri_shaukatkashmiri@yahoo.com

    Tel: +41 764 51 03 00

    Mr. Chairman

    HUMAN RIGHTS AND TERRORISM

    It is globally recognized that the menace of terrorism has impacted every aspect of human life in most parts of the world. The cases of loss of human lives and indiscriminate destruction of public and private properties along with the wanton exploitation of environment and ecology are by and large well documented. However, the atmosphere of terror and fear generated as a consequence of terrorism has shrunk the space of human freedoms and curtailed the sphere of human freedoms. The restoration of these liberties and freedoms remains a daunting challenge of our times.

    Mr. Chairman

    As the world is struggling against the phenomenon of terrorism and adopting different strategies to control it, the concern to pay highest regard to Human Rights while fighting terrorism is perpetually being underlined. It is yet another tragedy that terrorism has provided an opportunity to some states and regimes to muzzle human rights and snatch away human freedoms in the name of fighting terrorism. Thus, this tool has come handy to military dictatorships and undemocratic states to undermine human rights. There are reports that dozens and scores of people, particularly of young age, are daily picked up, and in most cases they ultimately disappear, under the pretext of fighting terrorism. Despite great work of the UN and many human rights organizations, these values and rights are still being violated by the governments and groups in many parts of world. These values and rights are under sever threat in those countries where there is no democracy or in societies where groups with extremist views are allowed to preach communalism and hatred. This freedom to preach extremism and hatred breeds intolerance which ultimately leads to scourge of violence and terrorism

    Mr. Chairman

    Unfortutely Pakistan is such a country which has a track record of promoting and exporting terrorism though its ally religious groups. Apart from this Pakistan’s neighboring and some other countries have also victims of this proxy war and terrorism

    It is a disturbing fact that certain undemocratic and military regimes have been using terrorism as a strategic weapon against their neighboring countries to settle their strategic scores. They have been training and using terrorist groups to achieve their objectives. There are instances that in case of refusing to undertake further terrorist activities, these dictatorial regimes have wracked vengeance against such groups. Recently, massive demonstrations were held in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir when forty seven young persons were kidnapped by the Army under the pretext of apprehending the terrorists. However, the fact remains that these persons had been trained and armed by the army and sent as insurgents across the border earlier. This time their refusal earned them the wrath of the army. The use of terrorists is not confined to Pakistani Occupied Kashmir but remains a strategy for Afghanistan as well. Thus, the use of terrorists to destabilize the region is a major challenge which needs to be taken note of by the international community. Moreover, the rehabilitation of terrorists and their integration in the normal life deserves a serious consideration on the part of international community. Otherwise they would continue to be used and exploited by the regimes and vested interests. It is an irony that Pakistan claims to be an ally in the war against terrorism, and yet engages terrorists to destabilize the entire region.

    Mr. Chairman

    Our organization is awaiting the international response to this new challenge of terrorism.

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman

  73. i think kashmire is neither for pakistan nor for india it shold be given right of self-determintion its people have right what to do the history shows the early leaders of kashmire were only the fellowers of indian camp and one thing that in elections of india kashmire was out of indian states then how can india can claim that its ovur territory.this matteer is depended over diplomacy and in diplomacy there is some thing give and take and they have to trust each other.

  74. United Kashmir Peoples National Party

    ( Brussels )

    We strongly condemn the statement of Pakistani Federal Minister for Kashmir affairs that Government of Pakistan has planned to merge Gilgit & Baltistan as its fifth Province.This is stated by the Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri Chairman United Kashmir Peoples National Party and Secretary General IKA who was speaking to Jamil Maqsood General Secretary of the Party to prepare a strong lobby against such plans of the Government of Pakistan. Mr Kashmiri has said that rather then taking in to the consideration the historical verdict of Azad Kashmir ( Pakistani Occupied Kashmir), high court in 1993 interim authority has to resume the control of those areas immediately Pakistani establishment is driving the situation towards division of Kashmir which would be resisted by the Party on domestic and international front.Mr kashmiri also mentioned that European union is going to discuss Kashmir present and future prospects in may and after that it would be a policy of European Union towards Pakistan to address socio-political issues of the people of Kashmir under their illegal occupation.We hope that world community would help Kashmiri people in keeping thier national integrity and statehood.

    Mr kashmiri has appealed to all political and nationalist forces in the country and abroad to come forward to reject such statements and any plan in this regard which ends with the further division of Jammu & Kashmir.

    Jamil Maqsood

    General Secretary

    United Kashmir peoples National Party

    Belgium

  75. Oh Please! Give the Lardy Da Stuff a rest will you. This is exactly what The westerners want. Pakistan and India fighting with each other. whether it be cricket, Kashmir anything else. Don’t you get it. if Muntbatten wanted they could have done something even in a rush! they wanted this scenario to happen so that both the countries will fight as they have in name of religion. There has been nor will there be a result, we are fighting in vain. if you asked me then i would vote for Independance from Pakistan and India. Both are pathetic trying to win each other.

    So What if there are Hindus in Kashmir does that make Kashmir a part of indian NO! there are Hindus and Sikhs in Canada, why don’t you go claim that land too.

    So what if there are Muslims in kashmir, as they are in Turkey why dont you go claim that land too!!

    Pathetic!

    Leave us in peace and Get your flaming Armies outta Kashmir! thats the only solution to this.

    Musharrif and any other Indian Prime Ministerr knows that but no they wo’nt do that becuase they have such big egos’s to think about anybody but themselves!!!!

  76. Hi me hamad PAKISTANI

    I just want to say that we should give KASHMIR to KASHMIRIES.and it’s upon them where they go either to PAKISTAN or to INDIA.

    both pakistan and india are destroying kashmir,kashmiries and their rights.

  77. European Parliament resolution of 24 May 2007 on Kashmir: present situation and future prospects (2005/2242(INI))

    The European Parliament ,

    – having regard to its recent resolutions referring to Jammu and Kashmir, in particular its resolutions of 29 September 2005 on EU-India relations: A Strategic Partnership(1) , of 17 November 2005 on Kashmir(2) , of 18 May 2006 on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2005 and the EU’s policy on the matter(3) , of 28 September 2006 on the EU’s economic and trade relations with India(4) and of 22 April 2004 on the situation in Pakistan(5) ,

    – having regard to the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Partnership and Development(6) , the conclusion of which was approved by Parliament on 22 April 2004(7) ,

    – having regard to all the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council on this issue between 1948 and 1971(8) ,

    – having regard to the concerns expressed by various working groups and rapporteurs of the United Nations Human Rights Council and its predecessor, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, and by international human rights organisations regarding breaches of human rights in Kashmir,

    – having regard to the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960,

    – having regard to the report on the visits of Parliament’s ad hoc delegation to Jammu and Kashmir adopted by the Committee on Foreign Affairs in November 2004,

    – having regard to the devastating earthquake which struck Jammu and Kashmir on 8 October 2005,

    – having regard to United Nations General Assembly Resolution No A/RES/60/13 of 14 November 2005 praising the governments and peoples involved in the earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts,

    – having regard to the visit of President Pervez Musharraf of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Committee on Foreign Affairs on 12 September 2006,

    – having regard to the 7th EU-India Summit held in Helsinki on 13 October 2006,

    – having regard to the renewed peace efforts in Kashmir since the truce agreement came into force in 2003, followed by President Musharraf’s pledge in January 2004 that Pakistani territory would not be used for cross-border terrorism, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s forward-looking vision that “borders cannot be redrawn but we can work towards making them irrelevant” and a further round of peace talks which started on 17 January 2007,

    – having regard to President Musharraf’s recent four-point plan to resolve the Kashmir conflict (no change in the boundaries of Jammu and Kashmir, free movement of people across the Line of Control (LoC), staggered demilitarisation, and self-governance with a joint supervision mechanism representing India, Pakistan, and the Kashmiris), and also to Prime Minister Singh’s suggestion that there be a comprehensive treaty of peace, security and friendship,

    – having regard to the visit of Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Pakistan on 13-14 January 2007, during which four agreements aimed at confidence-building were signed,

    – having regard to the International Crisis Group’s Asia Report No 125, of 11 December 2006, and the reports by Amnesty International, Freedom House, Human Rights Watch and the US State Department on human rights,

    – having regard to the visits made by Parliament’s rapporteur to both sides of the LoC in June 2006,

    – having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A6-0158/2007),

    A. whereas the disputed territory which constituted the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir is currently administered in separate parts by the Republic of India, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China, and has a total population of 13.4 million,

    B. whereas much of Jammu and Kashmir, in particular Gilgit and Baltistan, suffers from extreme poverty and neglect, with enormous deficiencies in basic literacy and numeracy and in access to healthcare, a lack of democratic structures and major deficiencies in the rule of law and justice; and whereas the whole of Jammu and Kashmir suffers from exceptional economic decline,

    C. whereas the question of water resources is also a factor exacerbating the dispute between Pakistan and India over Jammu and Kashmir and is an important element of any definitive resolution,

    D. whereas Jammu and Kashmir has been a source of conflict for nearly 60 years, a period punctuated by armed conflicts between India, Pakistan and China; whereas this dispute has allegedly claimed more than 80,000 lives; whereas the conflicts between India and Pakistan now include international terrorism; and whereas China, India and Pakistan are nuclear powers, although India and Pakistan have not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty,

    E. whereas there is considerable evidence that over many years Pakistan has provided Kashmiri militants with training, weapons, funding and sanctuary and has failed to hold militants accountable for atrocities they have committed on the Indian-administered side; whereas, however, according to Indian government reports, since 11 September 2001 militant infiltration into Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir has decreased noticeably, and whereas the Government of Pakistan should put a definitive end to any infiltration policy,

    F. whereas a ceasefire has been in place on the LoC since November 2003 and, despite a few breaches, has continued to hold,

    G. whereas the ceasefire has enabled India and Pakistan to engage in an ongoing dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir which is now starting to be modestly successful; whereas a number of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) are being implemented as part of the peace process; and whereas the Kashmiri population is striving to reap the benefits of those CBMs and is actually implementing them at a local level; whereas Kashmiris on the Chinese side remain outside that process,

    H. whereas the India-Pakistan joint statement on Kashmir of 18 April 2005, issued at the conclusion of President Musharraf’s visit to India, has helped to strengthen the process of rapprochement between the two countries, in particular by reaffirming the irreversibility of the peace process and focussing on a non-military solution to the Kashmir conflict,

    I. whereas economic development is vital for building up the physical and social infrastructure and improving the productive potential of Jammu and Kashmir; whereas the EU-Pakistan Joint Declaration of 8 February 2007 is a positive new step in strengthening their relations, and whereas both sides are looking forward to moving ahead with the implementation of the 3rd Generation Cooperation Agreement, in the belief that it may help to promote socio-economic development and prosperity in Pakistan; whereas the EU and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, bilateral agreements and the principles of the UN Charter,

    J. whereas the current wide-ranging EC-India 3rd Generation Cooperation Agreement, in existence since 1994, has as its institutional basis a joint political statement which fixed annual ministerial meetings, and opened the door to a broad political dialogue,

    K. whereas on the morning of 8 October 2005 an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 on the Richter scale, the most devastating international earthquake in living memory, struck a broad swathe of territory from Afghanistan through Pakistan and India, but with by far the greatest impact felt in Jammu and Kashmir, with exceptional losses in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Pakistan’s North-West Frontier Province (NWFP),

    L. whereas in minutes the earthquake claimed over 75,000 lives in AJK, later rising to 88,000, and claimed 6,000 in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, and left tens of thousands of people injured and millions entirely displaced, with minimal basic needs provision and without permanent shelter, employment, health care and education, on the Pakistani side; whereas dozens of towns and villages have been partially or totally destroyed, agriculture decimated and the environment contaminated, and whereas levels of development have been severely set back,

    M. whereas both state-armed forces and opposition armed groups in the Kashmir dispute should abide by the 1949 Geneva Conventions and customary international humanitarian law, which prohibit attacks against civilians, and serious violations of which constitute war crimes which states have a duty to prosecute,

    N. whereas more than 2,000 soldiers have died on the Siachen Glacier in the last ten years, and whereas the ceasefire in the Siachen region since November 2005 is welcome,

    Introduction

    1. Stresses that India, Pakistan and China (to which Pakistan ceded the Trans-Karakoram Tract in 1963) are important EU partners, the first enjoying strategic partnership status; believes that a resolution of the continuing conflict along the LoC can best be achieved jointly by a constant engagement between the governments of India and Pakistan, involving the peoples of all parts of the former princely state; nevertheless thinks that the EU may have something to offer based on past experience of successful conflict resolution in a multi-ethnic, multinational, multi-faith context; therefore offers the present resolution and any meetings that may come out of it as part of a shared experience from which the EU can also learn; reiterates the importance of continued EU support to both India and Pakistan as they implement the 2004 peace process;

    2. Draws attention to the fact that India is the world’s largest secular democracy and has devolved democratic structures at all levels, whereas Pakistan still lacks full implementation of democracy in AJK and has yet to take steps towards democracy in Gilgit and Baltistan; notes that both countries are nuclear powers outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; emphasises that, while India’s nuclear doctrine rests on the principle of “no first use”, Pakistan has yet to make such an undertaking; notes, too, that President Musharraf has not been able to implement his undertaking made in 1999 that “the armed forces have no intention of staying in charge any longer than is absolutely necessary to pave the way for true democracy to flourish in Pakistan”;

    3. Very much regrets the negative chain of events set in motion by the suspension of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry and, while recognising that the suspension has in fact opened a new debate on democracy, constitutionalism and the role of the military in Pakistan, deplores the recent outbreaks of violence; stresses the overwhelming need for a secure and independent justice system to address the situation of the people of Pakistan and particularly those of AJK and Gilgit and Baltistan;

    4. Calls on representatives of the governments of both India and Pakistan to take the opportunity, afforded by the statements of Prime Minister Singh and President Musharraf, to inject a new impetus for exploring options for increased self-governance, freedom of movement, demilitarisation and intergovernmental cooperation on issues such as water, tourism, trade and the environment and to promote a genuine breakthrough in seeking a resolution of the Kashmir dispute;

    5. Notes that the impact of the earthquake on the people of AJK has gravely exacerbated the already sparse needs provision and has dramatically impaired institution and capacity-building potential; urges the European Union to help and support the Kashmiris in this regard;

    6. Urges the Governments of Pakistan and India to resolve the crucial riparian issues affecting the headwaters and the use of the rivers flowing through Jammu and Kashmir (the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers) as swiftly as possible, with reference to the existing mechanism provided for in the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960; nevertheless, as, for example, in the case of the upgrading of the Mangla Dam or the construction of the Baglihar Dam, underlines that addressing the agricultural, fishing, livestock and human water requirements of the people affected must remain a key priority and appeals to both governments to commission comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments before taking future decisions on any further dam project;

    7. Expresses its great concern over the negative consequences which the long-standing conflict has had on the environment in Jammu and Kashmir, to the extent that the economic future of Jammu and Kashmir is at stake due to serious soil degradation, air pollution, pollution of the rivers and, most dramatically, of the ancient tourist magnet Dal Lake, deforestation and extinction of wildlife;

    8. Notes the importance of water, security and sustainable and secure energy supplies to the stability and growth of the region and notes in this regard the importance of developing irrigation and hydroelectric projects; considers it imperative that the Governments of Pakistan and India continue their constructive dialogue and consult representatives of the Kashmiris over riparian issues, and urges them to adopt a holistic approach to water resources, recognising the key links between water, land, local users, the environment and infrastructure;

    9. Underlines the common heritage shared by India and Pakistan, exemplified in the ancient culture of Jammu and Kashmir; recognises and values the pluralism, multiculturalism and multi-faith nature and secular traditions of the peoples of Jammu and Kashmir, which have been kept alive in the Indian part of Jammu and Kashmir;

    10. Believes that the EU’s respect for regional identities and efforts to ensure that its own decisions are taken at the most appropriate administrative level (i.e. closest to those affected) are relevant to the aspirations of the Kashmiri people for devolved decision, making structures and recognition of their unique cultural identity;

    Political situation: the aspirations of the people

    11. Commends and supports India and Pakistan on the peace moves currently under way, and welcomes the fact that bilateral talks, put on hold for three months after the July 2006 bombings in Mumbai, have re-started; stresses the need for the region, the EU and the international community to support the current bilateral talks and for a further strengthening of exchanges about conflict resolution, thereby ensuring a prosperous future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and its neighbours, and for finding a solution to the Kashmir dispute which is acceptable to all the parties;

    12. Calls on the European Union to support the involvement of local civil society in the peace process and, above all, to sustain people-to-people projects in order to promote dialogue and collaboration among Pakistani, Indian and Kashmiri NGOs;

    13. Has warmly welcomed the CBMs initiated by India and Pakistan, which are achieving a certain degree of success in reducing tension and suspicion on both sides and have allowed families on both sides to unite after years of separation; emphasises that greater efforts should be made by the governments of India and Pakistan to involve Kashmiris in the resolution of the core issues;

    14. Draws attention to the fact that ordinary Kashmiris, by virtue of the humanitarian situation after the earthquake, are now benefiting progressively from the peace process, through the exchanges taking place and the political commitment by both the Indian and Pakistani Governments to the free movement of people, goods and services (albeit still limited) across the LoC; calls for renewed efforts to enable all Kashmiris, irrespective of political affiliation, to become intimately involved in the modalities of the peace process and CBMs;

    15. Emphasises that the crises and conflicts of recent years have enhanced, not diminished, the relevance of the United Nations, and that the UN remains an important forum for dialogue and diplomacy; recalls the large number of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Kashmir, from 1948 to 1971, which have sought to encourage both the Government of India and the Government of Pakistan to take all measures within their power calculated to improve the situation, and which have expressed the conviction that a peaceful settlement of the dispute will best promote the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, of India and of Pakistan; draws the conclusion, in the light of all the above and of subsequent violations of points set out in the various UNSC resolutions, that the preconditions for invoking the plebiscite have not been met at present;

    16. Reaffirms that, under Article 1.1 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, all peoples have the right of self-determination, by virtue of which they may freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development; reaffirms that, under Article 1.3, all parties to the covenant must promote the realisation of the right of self-determination, and must respect that right, in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations; notes, however, that all UN resolutions on the Kashmir dispute explicitly and only acknowledge the right for the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir to become part of India or Pakistan; welcomes, within the context of bringing the Kashmir conflict to a permanent solution, which would bring enormous benefits to the entire region, the new ideas that are currently under consideration within the Composite Dialogue and India’s Round Table discussions (in which context the reopening of dialogue by the Indian Government with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) is especially welcome), and in particular ideas related to making boundaries permanently irrelevant, a system of self-governance, and institutional arrangements for joint or cooperative management; strongly encourages both India and Pakistan to further explore these concepts in joint discussions and with Kashmiris on both sides of the LoC and in Gilgit and Baltistan;

    17. Deplores the continuing political and humanitarian situation in all four parts of Jammu and Kashmir; welcomes, however, the role of the composite peace process in moving towards a durable settlement for the Kashmiris based on democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights; supports the “second track” approach as well as wider dialogue involving eminent persons, academics and other relevant experts from all sides of Kashmir and from India and Pakistan, who are putting forward practical suggestions for closer cooperation; congratulates India and Pakistan for bringing together these groups, and suggests that the EU offer practical support wherever invited to do so by both sides and within the composite peace process;

    18. Regrets, however, that Pakistan has consistently failed to fulfil its obligations to introduce meaningful and representative democratic structures in AJK; notes in particular the continuing absence of Kashmiri representation in the Pakistan National Assembly, the fact that AJK is governed through the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs in Islamabad, that Pakistan officials dominate the Kashmir Council and that the Chief Secretary, the Inspector-General of Police, the Accountant-General and the Finance Secretary are all from Pakistan; disapproves of the provision in the 1974 Interim Constitution which forbids any political activity that is not in accordance with the doctrine of Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan and obliges any candidate for a parliamentary seat in AJK to sign a declaration of loyalty to that effect; is concerned that the Gilgit-Baltistan region enjoys no form of democratic representation whatsoever; furthermore, draws attention to the fact that the Government of Pakistan’s 1961 Jammu and Kashmir (Administration of Property) Ordinance transferred the land controlled by Pakistan and which belonged to the State of Jammu and Kashmir on 15 August 1947 to the Federal Government;

    19. Very much regrets the continuing ambivalence of the current Government of Pakistan with regard to the ethnic identity of Gilgit and Baltistan, whereby statements made by the President are contradicted by official government communications; strongly recommends that the Government of Pakistan endorse and implement the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan of 28 May 1999 which validates the Kashmiri heritage of the people of Gilgit and Baltistan and states that the Government should implement their fundamental human rights, democratic freedoms and access to justice;

    20. Recognises that Pakistan finds itself in a particularly complex situation with pressure from many sources; nevertheless:

    – deeply regrets that the lack of a sufficient political will to address basic needs provision, political participation and the rule of law in AJK has left women there in a desperate situation following the earthquake;

    – recalls the signature of the EC-Pakistan 3rd Generation Cooperation Agreement in 2001, Article 1 of which includes respect for human rights and democratic principles as an essential element, and urges the EU to play its part in upholding those principles when implementing the Agreement; is particularly concerned, therefore, that the people of Gilgit and Baltistan are under the direct rule of the military and enjoy no democracy;

    – notes the approval of the Protection of Women Bill to reform the Sharia-based Hudood decrees on adultery and rape as a positive step in ensuring better protection of women’s rights in Pakistan, and appreciates the commitment shown by President Musharraf and reformist parliamentarians in pursuing these amendments despite attempts to derail them; stresses, however, that it is pre-eminently clear that Pakistan needs to do more to live up to its commitments in the human rights field;

    – remains concerned about the difficult situation faced by all minorities throughout the region;

    21. Urges Pakistan to revisit its concept of democratic accountability and minority and women’s rights in AJK, which, as elsewhere, are key to improving conditions for the people and tackling the menace of terrorism;

    22. Expresses concern regarding the lack of freedom of expression in AJK and reports of torture and mistreatment, of discrimination against refugees from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and of corruption amongst government officials, and calls on the Pakistani Government to ensure that the people of AJK can exercise their fundamental civil and political rights in an environment free from coercion and fear;

    23. Further calls on Pakistan to ensure free and fair elections in AJK, considering that the general elections of 11 July 2006 were characterised by fraud and vote rigging on a massive scale, and that any candidate who refused to uphold the position of the accession of Kashmir to Pakistan was barred from running; also calls on Pakistan to hold elections for the first time in Gilgit and Baltistan;

    24. Urges the Governments of Pakistan and India also to transform the ceasefire in place in Siachen since 2003 into a lasting peace agreement, given that, on this, the highest battlefield in the world, more soldiers die every year for reasons of climate than of armed conflict;

    25. Calls on the European Union to support India and Pakistan in negotiating a zone of complete disengagement in the Siachen region without prejudice to the position of either side, in particular by offering assistance in providing monitoring technologies and verification procedures;

    26. Calls on militant armed groups to declare a ceasefire to be followed by a disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process; calls on the Governments of Pakistan and India to facilitate such a ceasefire;

    27. Encourages the Pakistani Government to close down militant websites and magazines; suggests that the Pakistani and Indian Governments consider introducing a law against hate speech;

    28. Notes that Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir enjoys a unique status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, granting it greater autonomy than other states in the Union; is pleased to see recent moves in Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen democracy (as evidenced by the 75% turnout in recent local elections), and the moves by Prime Minister Singh to reopen dialogue with the APHC; however, notes that there remain deficiencies in practice with regard to human rights and direct democracy, as evidenced by, for example, the fact that all candidates standing for office in Jammu and Kashmir (as in other states) have to sign an oath of loyalty to the Constitution of the State of Jammu and Kashmir which upholds the integrity of India; urges India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to exercise its full mandate with regard to any suspected or documented violations and, to lend it even greater credibility, urges the NHRC to make good the absence of any human rights professionals on its governing board; looks forward to enhanced progress in this area, and to positive outcomes from the new laws on child labour and on women and violence; notes with concern reports that large numbers of Kashmiris are detained without due process;

    29. Deplores documented human rights violations by the armed forces of India, especially if the incidents of killing and rape continue in an atmosphere of impunity; notes with concern that the NHRC has no power under its statutes to investigate human rights abuses perpetrated by the Indian security forces; is nevertheless encouraged by the NHRC’s recommendation – which is being observed – that the army nominate senior military officers to oversee the implementation of fundamental human rights and the rule of law in their military units; notes the commitment given by the government of India in September 2005 that human rights violations will not be tolerated; and urges the Lok Sabha to consider amending the Human Rights Protection Act in order to allow the NHRC to investigate independently allegations of abuse by members of the armed forces;

    30. Stresses the risk of maintaining the death penalty in a complex political situation, such as the Kashmir dispute, where the right to a fair trial does not appear to be guaranteed; notes with concern that South Asia continues to have a poor record with regard to the death penalty and deeply regrets that both the Indian and the Pakistani Governments are in favour of its retention; welcomes the fact that key abolitionist voices in the region include President Kalam and the newly appointed Chief Justice to the Supreme Court in India; welcomes UN Human Rights Resolution 2005/59 on the question of the death penalty and reaffirms the EU’s human rights guidelines on the death penalty; urges India and Pakistan to consider acceding to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, and similar regional instruments with a view to introducing a moratorium on the death penalty, and to move towards complete abolition;

    31. Welcomes in this context declarations by Prime Minister Singh calling for “zero tolerance for human rights violations” in Kashmir, and calls on the Indian Government to put an end to all practices of extrajudicial killings, “disappearances”, torture and arbitrary detentions in Jammu and Kashmir;

    32. Notes that widespread impunity both encourages and facilitates further human rights abuses across the State; calls on India and the State Government of Jammu and Kashmir to repeal all legal provisions providing effective immunity to members of the armed forces and to establish an independent and impartial commission of inquiry into serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by Indian security forces since the beginning of the conflict;

    33. Urges the governments of India and Pakistan to allow international human rights organisations (such as Freedom House, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch) immediate and unrestricted access to all parts of the former princely state in order to investigate the human rights situation there and to compile regular independent reports on this; urges both governments to commit themselves publicly to full cooperation with such international human rights organisations;

    34. Urges the EU to take a firm stance in upholding the democracy and human rights clause in its agreements with both India and Pakistan, seeking an intense political dialogue with both countries on human rights including within Kashmir, and examining the possibility of setting up a specific human rights dialogue with Pakistan, as is the case already with India, and the establishment of specific human rights subcommittees dealing with both countries, as in the case of certain other countries;

    35. Recognises the difficult living conditions of a number of groups, such as the forcibly displaced Pandits of the Kashmir Valley; urges that discrimination against them and other groups, particularly in employment, be addressed head-on; suggests that such groups seek to empower themselves by establishing committees of their own elected representatives, ensuring that women and under-25s are properly represented;

    36. Suggests that India review the degree of success enjoyed by the setting-up of the Autonomous Hill Council in Ladakh in 1993; hopes that the Kargil-Skardu trade route can be re-established as part of the CBM process and that the Ladakh/Northern Areas division can be bridged by crossing-points similar to those already established elsewhere along the LoC;

    37. In particular, welcomes the general increase in the issue of visas for travel between India and Pakistan, and the reopening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus route; notes that, according to the latest statistics, its use has been limited to fewer than 400 persons on each side of the LoC; and calls on the Indian and Pakistani authorities to ease restrictions in relation to the issue of travel permits;

    38. Compliments India on its efforts to promote the socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir through special packages for the state, and its emphasis on job creation and measures to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, and proposes an examination of how the (forthcoming) EU-India partnership could help with the creation of new skills-based jobs, especially for women and young people; encourages the European Union to support the initiatives of local NGOs to set up projects for capacity-building for women, both for production and for marketing; believes that the European Union could address equal opportunity concerns by increasing trade in products which traditionally provide livelihoods for women, such as textiles and handicrafts, and facilitating trade in services in sectors which employ women; recommends that economic relations between the European Union and Pakistan be strengthened in a similar manner;

    39. Calls on both India and Pakistan to examine the potential role of increased security and respect for human rights in attaining the goals of job creation and increased tourism across the whole of Jammu and Kashmir;

    Combating terrorism

    40. Recognises that, without an end to terrorism, there can be no real progress towards a political solution or in improving the economic situation of the population throughout Jammu and Kashmir; notes that, while there has been a steady decline in the number of victims of terrorist attacks over the past five years, the activities of constantly mutating AJK-based terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Harakat ul-Mujahedeen have caused hundreds of deaths in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and beyond;

    41. Deplores documented human rights violations by Pakistan including in Gilgit and Baltistan, where allegedly violent riots took place in 2004, and the all too frequent incidents of terror and violence perpetrated by armed militant groups; urges Pakistan to revisit its concepts of the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of religious practice in AJK and Gilgit and Baltistan, and notes with concern allegations by human rights associations such as Amnesty International of torture and detention without due process; strongly urges all parties involved to do all they can to address these violations; welcomes Pakistan’s public commitments to curb infiltration across the LoC by militants operating out of territory under its control, but believes it must take much stronger and more effective measures; urges a continuing and determined commitment by President Musharraf to fighting terrorism, which, it is widely recognised, presents enormous challenges; approves and supports multilateral and bilateral EU Member State aid to assist Pakistan in fighting terrorism and in making determined efforts to improve the lives of the people of AJK and Gilgit and Baltistan; furthermore, calls on the Government of Pakistan and EU Member States to intensify their efforts to identify and apprehend potential terrorist recruits coming to Pakistan from EU Member States; welcomes the recent establishment by the two governments of a joint panel, the India-Pakistan Joint Mechanism on Terrorism, to combat terrorism and share intelligence, and notes that the first meeting of the panel took place in Islamabad on 6 March 2007;

    42. Strongly supports the International Crisis Group’s recommendations of 11 December 2006 calling on Pakistan to take decisive action to disarm militants in AJK and Gilgit and Baltistan, shut down terrorist training camps, stop terrorist recruitment and training on its territory and end the flow of money and weapons to the Taliban and other foreign or local militants on Pakistani territory;

    43. Recognises and supports the aspiration of the Kashmiri people for a significantly reduced military presence on both sides of the LoC; points out, however, that meaningful demilitarisation can only take place in parallel with genuine action to neutralise the threat of infiltration of Jammu and Kashmir by militant outfits operating out of Pakistan, and alongside CBMs such as putting an end to mutual recriminations, full implementation of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus line, communication and trade links, and other measures defined in close consultation with Kashmiri people on both sides, and notes the beneficial impact that this will have on their mental health and sense of security, particularly for children and young people; stresses that only fresh initiatives which look to the future can bring about a virtuous circle;

    44. Emphasises that, in order to create an atmosphere of confidence and goodwill in the region, it is vital to remove all obstructions and hindrances so that all Kashmiris may travel freely to the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir;

    Confidence-building measures

    45. Warmly welcomes the most recent signs of renewed efforts, including, even, considerable policy shifts to resolve the Kashmir dispute on the part of the Pakistani and Indian governments;

    46. Particularly welcomes the steps taken to reunite families divided by the LoC through the opening of five crossing-points; is aware that the opening-up of meeting points on the LoC has been described as being demonstrably slow and not responding to the urgency of the situation on the ground; none the less, encourages and looks forward to increasingly frequent crossings; would like to see these extended to all citizens on both sides and recommends that India and Pakistan instigate measures to facilitate all travel, be it within the former princely state or internationally, by means of fast-track administrative and consular services;

    47. Believes it is vital to increase the frequency of cross-LoC exchanges at all levels of civil society and across all walks of life; suggests that exchange programmes be created between law associations, schools and universities, including a common University with a campus on either side of the divide; to help reduce levels of mutual suspicion between the armies on either side, suggests that military-to-military dialogue be initiated;

    48. Calls on the Governments of India and Pakistan to make the restoration and conservation of the environment in Jammu and Kashmir one of the focal points for common activities and joint plans of action across the LoC, and urges the EU and the Member States to lend strong support to any such projects;

    49. Recommends that consideration be given to the establishment of a joint India-Pakistan monitoring cell for the sharing of data on weather patterns and seismic activity in order to provide early warning of natural disasters originating on either side of the LoC;

    50. At the political level, recommends that a Joint India-Pakistan Parliamentary Committee be established to foster greater parliamentary exchanges and dialogue; similarly, that joint local government working parties be established to explore trade and tourism issues;

    51. Encourages EU businesses to recognise the investment and tourism potential of all of Kashmir, and in particular the existence of a highly motivated workforce; suggests that European businesses might enter into joint ventures with local companies and that investment insurance schemes be created to boost investor confidence; calls on all parties to support and facilitate the representation of the respective chambers of commerce at international trade fairs in the European Union in order to allow them to promote their products for export;

    52. Further supports the call for Pakistan to develop human resources by investing in tertiary education, including vocational training schools and technical colleges in the federally administered areas, including in the Gilgit-Baltistan areas of Kashmir;

    53. Notes that India is the single largest beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences scheme (GSP); urges the Commission automatically to revisit the GSP+ scheme, and other appropriate trade measures, in the immediate aftermath of large-scale natural disasters, such as earthquakes; welcomes the commitment given by all South Asian states within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to work effectively towards making the South Asia Free Trade Agreement a political and economic reality which will maximise the benefits for four parts of Jammu and Kashmir, and calls on the Government of Pakistan to end the “positive list” system; notes positively that, although trade between the two countries has fluctuated over the past decade, the overall level of official trade between India and Pakistan has increased from USD 180 million in 1996 to USD 602 million in 2005 and, given that the high level of informal trade indicates the latent trading potential between them, that this trend has the potential to continue and should be encouraged;

    54. Stresses that tourism has considerable potential to bolster the local economy; therefore encourages the governments of the EU Member States to keep a close eye on the security situation, with a view to ensuring the provision of up-to-date, coordinated travel advice to those wishing to travel to Jammu and Kashmir;

    Impact of the earthquake of 8 October 2005

    55. Strongly emphasises that the earthquake has had an immense impact on the lives of the Kashmiris on both sides of the LoC, and that the overwhelming humanitarian situation has degraded the fragile institutional capacity on the ground in AJK and NWFP; underlines that day-to-day survival is now the overwhelming priority for the people;

    56. Regrets that, in addition to the massive loss of life, AJK suffered incalculable material damage to its infrastructure (hospitals, schools, government buildings, communication channels) and to what were in many cases already fragile basic institutions and services;

    57. Is deeply saddened that the earthquake had a disproportionate impact on children, with 17,000 children killed according to UNICEF figures; is highly concerned about reports of child trafficking in the aftermath of the disaster and calls on the Government of Pakistan to specifically address the issue of children’s rights and protection in AJK and Gilgit and Baltistan and to target child trafficking more effectively;

    58. Draws attention to the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and people in severe and continuing need created by the earthquake; in the absence of a convention on the rights of IDPs, welcomes the UN’s “Guiding Principles”, which offer the basis for a humane response to the insidious assault of forced displacement on human rights, and demands that all relevant authorities with an interest in Kashmir respect those principles; calls on the Government of Pakistan to do everything in its power to assign land to the inhabitants of those villages that disappeared in landslides as soon as possible, in order for them to be able to reconstitute themselves as villages and to rebuild permanent housing facilities; strongly recommends that the EU focus consistently on the above principles, as well as on broader issues of democracy, justice and human rights in all four parts of Kashmir; notes also that on both sides of the LoC long-standing ‘refugee’ camps should be dismantled, and proper attention paid to their occupants’ protection, needs and social integration, and the occupants either allowed to return home speedily or be permanently resettled; notes that the international community should offer continuing assistance in this regard;

    59. Stresses that the disaster struck a region already weakened by conflict and terrorism, and where fundamental institutions and regional stability have been constantly undermined by organised crime and infiltration across the LoC by radical Islamist networks exploiting the rugged terrain;

    60. Is appalled that the already minimal basic living conditions experienced in AJK before the earthquake (in terms of food, water, shelter, sanitation, schools and barely adequate health-centres) have been seriously affected as a consequence of the earthquake; urges the authorities concerned, when millions are in basic need, to concentrate their energies on fighting the corruption that has wrongly diverted the flow of funding away from the intended recipients, including disturbing allegations that UN-banned terrorist organisations have been operating in the earthquake zone in AJK; calls on the Commission, Member State governments, the governments of India and Pakistan and aid agencies to continue to concentrate on the basic needs of earthquake victims;

    61. Notes that the size and impact of the earthquake had a much greater effect on the Pakistani side of the LoC, devastating whole swathes of local government infrastructure and unavoidably delaying services needed to respond to the emergency; congratulates the governments, armies and local populations on both sides of the LoC for their dedication, determination and commitment to respond to the manifold challenges which the earthquake caused;

    Response to the earthquake of 8 October 2005

    62. Acknowledges that the response to the earthquake from the international community, India and Pakistan was swift and positive in the circumstances prevailing: there were immediate contacts at the highest level between India and Pakistan; domestic and local NGOs responded well, working with the local and central administrations; fully recognises that unprecedented solidarity was shown by the international community and international NGOs in relation to the earthquake survivors and victims, and welcomes the forging of new partnerships; recommends that the European Union look favourably on further requests for additional assistance for reconstruction in the areas affected by the earthquake, and asks the Commission to provide up-to-date information about requests already made in this regard;

    63. Notes, with concern, that the preliminary damage and needs assessment prepared by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, to which the Commission contributed, estimates the total loss of employment or livelihood as a consequence of the earthquake at 29%, impacting on approximately 1.64 million people, over half of whom were estimated to be under the age of 15; welcomes the Commission’s EUR 50 million project, Earthquake Early Recovery and Reconstruction Support to Pakistan; emphasises that this project should focus on protecting the most vulnerable in the short term, restoring economic activity in the affected areas, including reviving small businesses and replacing lost assets in agriculture, and creating employment opportunities through training and skills enhancement programmes; recommends that, in the medium and long term, measures to rebuild and secure livelihoods should include microfinance and skills enhancement, and urges the Commission to support such strategies in the long term;

    64. Notes with satisfaction the funds released by the Commission for urgent relief operations for the earthquake victims in AJK and Pakistan; however, urges the Humanitarian Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid to accede to the request of the Prime Minister of AJK to release further funds for rehabilitation and reconstruction purposes that will go a long way towards removing the after-effects of this human disaster;

    65. Congratulates all those involved in identifying and addressing the public health needs of earthquake survivors in camps, which, despite the challenges associated with the provision of clean potable water and appropriate sanitation facilities in post-disaster situations, have not seen major outbreaks of water-borne diseases; congratulates the Pakistani Government on having provided shelter and supplies to more than two million displaced persons to sustain them through the winter, and congratulates India on having now re-housed the 30,000 people who were made homeless on its side of the LoC; is concerned that there are reports of thousands of people still living in tents, as witnessed during Parliament’s SAARC delegation visit from 15 to 22 December 2006 to AJK;

    66. Notes that Pakistan established a Federal Relief Commission within days of the disaster to coordinate search and rescue and relief operations; regrets, however, that Pakistan was unable to accept Indian offers of helicopters, on the grounds of their pilots’ nationalities, as well as cross-LoC joint relief operations, medical relief teams and repair of telecom infrastructure, all of which could have significantly contributed to reducing casualties; regrets, therefore, that the earthquake has not been an opportunity to show the political will to prioritise the humanitarian needs of the Kashmiri population and to overcome political differences;

    67. Welcomes the funds so speedily pledged by Pakistan’s neighbouring states (India, China, Iran, Afghanistan) and, on a wider regional basis, by Turkey and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), and by the international community as a whole; congratulates the European Commission, and, in particular DG ECHO, already present in Pakistan, for its immediate and effective response; encourages donors to deliver as swiftly as possible on their original pledges;

    68. Congratulates the Commission in particular on its programme of rolling funding in response to the earthquake, which has now provided EUR 48.6 million, and which is delivered in partnership with NGOs, the Red Cross and UN agencies; calls for a continuing EU commitment towards reconstruction in Kashmir;

    69. Stresses that reconstruction funds should be significantly focused on initiatives to conserve the remaining forests, notably through the availability of alternative fuel sources, reafforestation, environmental education programmes and, possibly, compensation schemes allowing the AJK government to provide compensation for loss of income resulting from curbs on timber sales;

    70. Regrets that the Pakistani Government insisted that all Indian labels be removed from the humanitarian aid delivered by India before it was distributed;

    71. Highlights the fact that the initially hesitant reaction to the disaster by the Pakistani military created a needs vacuum in the immediate aftermath, which was exploited by militant organisations on the ground, such as the Jamaat-i-Islami, and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the renamed Lakshar-e-Tayyaba (declared a terrorist organisation and, as such, banned by the Musharraf government in 2002), who swiftly became de facto providers of food, lodging, schooling for children and welfare for widows; is very concerned that this has bolstered the credibility of such polarising groups in the eyes of the local population, further undermining any potential for genuine democratic representation;

    72. Urges the governments of India and Pakistan together with the international community to do all they can to implement safeguards and to monitor closely the use of funds delivered;

    73. Warmly welcomes the landmark agreement of 2 May 2006 to revive trade and commerce across the LoC between the divided regions of Jammu and Kashmir by launching a truck service on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route, as well as a second cross-Kashmir bus service, linking Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir with Rawalakot in AJK; suggests the establishment of a road network between Jammu and Sialkot and Gilgit-Baltistan; also suggests the introduction of a rail link between Jammu and Srinagar and improvement of the road connecting the two cities; welcomes Prime Minister Singh’s pledge on 23 May 2006 to create an environment of freer trade and freer movement with “soft borders” to create a climate for a Kashmir settlement; strongly encourages both sides to move rapidly to significant volumes of official trade; urges swift agreement on the modalities of road freight, with an emphasis on simplifying them as far as possible; suggests the establishment of an integrated market development plan, with several agri-processing units, cold chains, small-size container services and bonded trucking services;

    Conclusions

    74. Urges the EU and its institutions not to let the plight of the people of Jammu and Kashmir disappear from the radar screen and to ensure that aid and other programmes are designed and implemented with long-term recovery and institution-building in mind;

    75. Underlines that, as the EU’s own experience demonstrates, one of the keys to improving relations between countries is through increasing bilateral trade flows; believes that, in the case of Jammu and Kashmir, cross-LoC trade is particularly vital to the generation of economic growth, development and the unlocking of its economic potential; recommends that transportation and infrastructure projects be made a priority;

    76. 76 Strongly supports continuing initiatives by the political establishments on both sides and at all levels, and urges them to give priority to the needs of the people of Kashmir, both materially and institutionally, so that their political, economic, social and cultural disadvantages can be redressed; recommends that the EU be available to respond to requests from either government;

    77. Recognises the outstanding work being undertaken by the Commission’s delegations in Islamabad and New Delhi;

    78. Notes that natural disasters sometimes create the political conditions for peacemaking; that nature knows no borders and that it is only by Pakistan and India taking sustainable action together that they can offer the people of Kashmir any hope of rebuilding a future;

    o

    o o

    79. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States, to the Governments of the Republic of India and of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the competent authorities or governments of Indian and Pakistani-administered Jammu and Kashmir, and the People’s Republic of China, and to the United Nations.

    (1) OJ C 227 E, 21.9.2006, p. 589.

    (2) OJ C 280 E, 18.11.2006, p. 469.

    (3) OJ C 297 E, 7.12.2006, p. 341.

    (4) Texts Adopted , P6_TA(2006)0388.

    (5) OJ C 104 E, 30.4.2004, p. 1040.

    (6) OJ L 378, 23.12.2004, p. 23.

    (7) OJ C 104 E, 30.4.2004, p. 988.

    (8) For a list of all resolutions, please consult the Annex to report A6-0158/2007 of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  78. A Press Briefing to Journalists by Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri exiled Chairman United Kashmir peoples national Party after addressing UN HRC session at

    Geneva.

    First of all I would like to welcome all of you here and I’m thankful to you for giving me this opportunity to speak and throw light on contemporary political issues of Pakistan and particularly its alliance with west in the war against terrorism.

    Ladies and Gentleman,

    Pakistan is 6th most populace country in the world. Since its inception the state of Pakistan has lost the path of democracy and secularization of society. From 1947 to 1957 as many as seven Prime Ministers either resigned or were ousted. This political instability paved the way for Pakistan first military take over in October 7th 1958. On October 7th 1958 Pakistan’s civilian and first President Iskander Mirza in collaboration with General Mohammad Ayub Khan abrogated Pakistan’s constitution and declared Martial Law.

    General Ayub Khan was the president from 1958 to 1969, and General Yahya Khan from 1969 to 1971, with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as the first civilian martial law administrator. Civilian, yet autocratic, rule continued from 1972 to 1977 under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, but he was deposed by General Zia-Ul-Haq . General Zia was killed in a plane crash in 1988, after which Benazir Bhutto, daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was elected as the Prime Minister of Pakistan She was the youngest woman ever to be elected the head of the Government and the first woman to be elected as the Head of Government of a Muslim country. Her government was followed by that of Nawaz Sharif, and the two leaders alternated until the military coup by General Pervez Musharraf in 1999. Since the resignation of President Rafiq Tarar in 2001, Musharraf has been the President of Pakistan.

    Respected Jurnalists.

    After the tragic incidents of 11 September Pakistani military junta fabricated new methodolody to illusionized world community by becoming their allies in the war against terror.Top most Alqaeda leadership including 9/11 High jackers foot prints have been found in Pakistan. Pakistani military junta have received 10 billion dollors from United states to eridicate terrorist infrastructure after 2001, but it has been visualised that despite dismantling terrorist infrastructure Pakistani military and its secret agencies have utilised that money for defense puropses and re establishing religious armed groups for example of top Pakistani official reiterated that Government of Päkistan should revitlilize Jhadi forces in Kashmir inorder to compell India on many issues including reparian issues related to this issue. It demonstrate the mentality of the pakistani establmishment and military junta. To hold complete control on so called elected Government nad press some hawks in the Government planned to dismissed country’s top court judge mr Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudher which resluted evalanches of pressure simultaneousely from the people,political parties , and civil society and finally he was reinstated. We do applaude the role of World Community particularly the European Parliament which expressed her concern in 24th of may Resolution on Kashmir. Obviousely United States has also cautiousely expressed but she ahs own reservations regarding its situation regarding Afghanistan and Iran in future. In this phenomenon pakistani military wanted to occupy almost all institutions. It is military incorporated now which has deputed and occupied almost every public institutions by retired military generals. They have installed cement factories to oil manufacturing, from Askri commercial bank to askri real estate,Fauji Foundation, fauji Fertilizers, Medicine manufecturing, Shaheen Foundation, Bahria Foundation, all these instituions working under the umbrella organization of Army Welfare Trust. Untill today Pakistani military has the history of killing and intimidating political activits in Pakistan and its administered Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan repectively.Each time there was military coup the constitution has been suspended and political activities have been banned, thousands of political activists from all provinces particularly in Baluchistan, Sindh and NWFP ( North Western Frontier of Pakistan), were illegally kidnapped where strong sentiments have been found against military rule since long. Even popular Baloch tribal leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bughti was killed in August 2006. Another money making and terrorist exporting issue for secret agencies of Pakistan is “ Kashmir dispute” Although at the international pressure various talks and confidence-building measures cautiously have begun to defuse tensions over Kashmir, particularly since the October 2005 earthquake in the region; Kashmir nevertheless remains the site of the world’s largest and most militarized territorial dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has maintained a small group of peacekeepers since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan’s ceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1963; India and Pakistan have maintained their 2004 cease fire in Kashmir and initiated discussions on defusing the armed stand-off in the Siachen glacier region; Pakistan protests India’s fencing the highly militarized Line of Control and construction of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, which is part of the larger dispute on water sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries.

    Dear Audience:

    Finally I can speculate that what steps present Pakistani military establishment is taking are two edged sword. At one hand they are trying to persuade world community that they are cooperating and very important allies in the war against terrorism, but on the other hand they are sustaining terrorism trough truce agreements in tribal areas. It has been observed that almost all the truces have been ended after some period of time. I m very much skeptical about their hide and seek games with the world community. At this very crucial juncture of our history when consumer capital is flourishing rapidly Pakistani military has build an empire of commerce and business to sustain its role in country’s politics and policy making as well as its influence in the foreign policy. As political leader of Muslim world Pakistan has strong collaboration with Saudians in order to control religious sentiments. In 1990 there were only 500 religious schools in Pakistan. But after the dismissal of Benazir Bhutto’s Pakistan peoples Party Government today there are more then 2000 Saudi funded Wahabi madrassas are being operating in Pakistan. All these Madrassas are creed and breed of fanaticism and extremism in the country. Why it is ignored by the world community that it is written in the military Cantonments all over the country at the door with this words, Emaan, Tqwah, and Jihad Fi sabillah mean ( It encourage holy war) this point must be taken into account by all those who are against terrorism, extremism, fanaticism, and dogmatism. Those who want peace, harmony, prosperity of the populace of third world countries irrespective of cast, color, creed social or political orientation.

    Thank you very much.

  79. KASHMIR AND KASHMIRI both are unfortunate. both of the countries, Pakistan and India had used this issu for their own benifits. what should the solution? it is more clear in the words of indian leaders like Nehro, in which he had accepted Kashmir as a disputed territory while he was addressing in UNO, indian radio and in press breifing several times. More then one hundred thousand deaths of kashmiri innocent people are enough to expose the solution of the kashmir.

  80. Assalam-o-Alaikum..everyone. As a Pakistani and above all as a Muslim i just hate to blame other…but i m really dishearted and disappointed to see indian’s rigid nd stiff behaviour..they dont even know about the real history and they r just criticizing us as if they r free of sins….we r not againt anything but v r seeing how Muslim women and Girls r treated in Kashmir. they r forced to do wat ever is prohibited in Islam….now see my above fellows like Sanjita and Karina Kapoor has delivered their comments in acerbic tone that shows how much they hate us..so now its time 4 Pakistanis to re-unite.

  81. thre is absolutely no doubt about the invalidity of pak’s claim over j&k.even the PAK was literally stolen by aggresion.The people in PAK are living in pitious conditions of freedom.The mere muslim majority in the area does not give an authority to pak to demamd j& k.It is the relative benifits and the wellbeing of the people that must be considered.On this truth the people will choose india

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