Sovereign Kashmir: A Forward Struggle


“Kashmir issue is the issue of India’s illegal occupation of Kashmir and not about elections. Kashmir is not a border dispute between India and Pakistan. And those who represent sentiments for Azadi are the real representatives of the people of J&K”. [Image:A Kashmiri Muslim woman takes photos as Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman, Mohammad Yaseen Malik addresses a rally, 'safar-e-azadi' - march for freedom - , which reached Srinagar after 111 days, in 2007]


by Dr. Abdul Ruff Colachal

(October 09, New Delhi, Sri Lanka Guardian) Every nation has the right to be free and govern it all by themselves. People in Kashmir should be able to capitalize on it at the international level. People of Jammu Kashmir seek their birth right, the right to self-determination to sovereignty and peace will remain elusive in the region until people are not given right to decide their own future. Kashmiris struggling for their full and complete independence from occupying terror India should feel happy now because a good section of anti-Kashmiris in India and Kashmir are growing restless thanks to the positive development in Kashmir towards attaining their rightful sovereignty from their oppressors who thought Kashmir would be under their brutal custody for ever.

The fact that not many pro-India elements from Kashmir are in great demand now in New Delhi’s by lanes of power. There has been a feeling in New Delhi that India will have to vacate Kashmir any day now and stop killing the innocent Kashmiris under fictitious pretexts. A recent demonstration in New Delhi by a national political wing to free Kashmir from Indian military rule has espoused enough enthusiasm among the global Kashmiris looking for a sovereign nation at the earliest.

ONE: Freedom Struggle The English colonizers of India discovered a lot of “things” for the colonized people to fight each other so that the occupiers could stay comfortably. Amarnath Shrine was also discovered by the British Raj in 19th Century for Indian Hindus, although the country has thousands of gods of varying degrees of importance and power at national, regional, local and street levels. Now they want to expand the scope of importance of that temple structure by illegally annexing l forest lands of Kashmiris. The JK state government, under pressure from government of India , illegally transferred 800 kanals of forestland to Shrine Board on the instructions of New Delhi and the president of India herself was present in Srinagar when the final deal was cleared on pressure by the JK Forest minister under coercion. But the grace of Almighty Allah it awakened people of Kashmir and hundreds and thousands of people are on the streets demanding freedom.

Kashmir Freedom fighters and their supporters are being subjected to innumerable difficulties. No doubt, underdogs are available every where at the disposal of the ruthless rulers for a price and in Kashmir they are being used by India to ruin and kill Kashmir Muslims. India successfully created strong pro-India lobbyists in Delhi, Kashmir and important world capitals. Pro-India political outfits like Congress, NC and other parties have been strengthening Indian occupation in Kashmir. People should be aware that pro-India parties seek votes in the name of development, but in assembly they are working against Islam. Ever since India tactfully annexed it’s neighboring Kashmir in 1947, over a lakh Kashmiris have laid their lives for freedom and martyrdom has been continuing fearlessly against all tactics and strat3egis of occupier India, which split the Jammu Kashmir nation along religious and regional lines to advance its nefarious terrorism goals. Kashmir land has created quite successfully, serious freedom leaders who lead the struggle thus far. But with a view to suppress the struggle India kills Kashmiris Muslims but none, including the Un has taken the explosive terror situation in Kashmir quite seriously because of the powerful propaganda by India through media and cash.

More than 80 Kashmiri Muslims have been killed in police action in the past two months alone. Kashmir is not the issue of elections or governance. It is not even a dispute, but a case of fraud and genocide and state terrorism by India in Kashmir. Even if it is an internationally recognized dispute, it must be resolved as per the wishes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. India strategists are keen to hold poll amid confusion and retain Kashmir under their terror custody. Vote that managed the Indian regime to support the Indian terror case in Kashmir had same power which later bullet had when innocent Kashmiris were terrorized. People who represent the aspirations and sentiments of Kashmiris are the real representatives. While pro-India leaders and their parties are concerned only about vote bank, the freedom
leaders are keen to regain the lost sovereignty.

The recent protests have given a new dimension to the freedom struggle and it is great to observe the Kashmiri youth realizing their insecurity under the Indian occupation. Sheikh Abdul Aziz and other 50 people have been martyred since Muzaffarabad March on August 11. It is great tribute to the people of the state and a lesson for everyone that anything can be achieved through unity. Today Kashmir people have succeeded in pressing India and Pakistan to open points through the bloody line (LOC) we will continue
our efforts until this line is completely smashed away.

TWO: Opening of trade routes in Kashmir: Another Step towards Freedom Recently Pakistan and India have resolved to open the LOC to enable the Kashmiris to resume their cultural and economic ties. The freedom leaders, needless to stress, whole-heartedly welcomed the initial “touch’ given to the Kashmiris sentiments. But what they want is a unified Kashmir, the same Jammu Kashmir as it existed before it was very cunningly annexed by India. Trade between two Kashmiris should start just like trade between two provinces not like two countries, it should be neither symbolic nor the source of tax raising. Freedom leaders must urge New Delhi and Islamabad to speed up dialogue process for the resolution of Kashmir dispute while advocating for the inclusion of people of Kashmir in the parleys via tripartite frame work. Kashmiris are not to be taken on board, Of course, peace in Kashmir does not seem to remain as a 'distant dream’ as before; holding elections are no solution to the resolution of the vexed Kashmir issue.

Welcoming the announcement of the cross LoC trade by India and Pakistan on Sept 26, the
Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the opening of the trade routes is a small step towards the economic independence of the state and victory for people.The opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote route for trade and commerce is the first victory of the people of the state and the opening of the trade routes between the two parts of Kashmir is a small step towards the economic independence of Kashmir.

The trade routes which are being opened should serve as an alternative route between Kashmir and rest of the world. “We don't want trade on limited items and it should not be taken as trade between two countries but between two parts of Kashmir,” Mirwaiz said, adding “ Today we have succeeded in forcing India and Pakistan to open the trade routes through the blood line and we will continue our efforts until this line is totally wiped out." Advocating inclusion of the people of the state for a sustainable and everlasting solution to the Kashmir issue, Hurriyat Chairman said that unless Kashmiris were taken on board by India and Pakistan, peace will not prevail in the state. “Army, guns, bullets and repressive measures can't hold us back and we will continue to struggle for right to self determination."

THREE: Anti-Freedom Kashmiris It appears some of the pro-India elements are still worried that Kashmir might gain independence despite the hidden operations by them in Kashmir on behalf of Delhi. They are deeply troubled because they could lose their self importance in the new freedom atmosphere created by common people of Kashmir. Especially, the latest move by Pakistan and India to open the LOC to enable Kashmiris to resume their historical reunion after a long split and painful wait has taken the pro-India elements by surprise, if not by shock. Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah blamed "elements" in Delhi for the present turmoil in the valley and demanded corrective steps, as the “separatists” are beginning to grab attention again in Jammu and Kashmir.

He even cries out that “one day India may lose Kashmir” and said the “separatists’ active in the valley cannot be blamed alone but elements in Delhi are equally responsible for the freedom
movement. Abdullah wants India to realize the situation and take corrective steps things so that things may go out of hands. Abdullah accused "half of the Congress leaders" of being communal and said he did not see any ray of hope if the present situation continues.

National Conference, which ruled and ruined the lives of many a Kashmiri and gives credence to Hindu communal forces in the country by forging political ties with them. is now in opposition though crying loudly in the assembly and beating drums on the streets on the question of Human Rights violations by the forces is very much responsible for legalizing state terror in Jammu Kashmir. It was the National Conference regime government in 1996 under the leadership of Farooq Abdullah, which introduced the uniformed notorious terror force special operations group of State police to add to the persecution and genocide of Jammu Kashmir people in general.

Describing Sheikh Abdullah as the "tragic hero", he said his father was always misunderstood outside Kashmir and was a victim of New Delhi's politics. But he is yet to realize that as a companion of Delhi Hindu politicians, particularly he BFP, he is misunderstood even in Kashmir.

FOUR: Kashmir Diaspora When the bulk of the media in Jammu Kashmir remain pro-India and supply the information about "polished" things about India and Indianism, global media some how have taken interest in Kashmir affairs. Kashmir media, like the pro-India leaders including the Pundits, think their existence depends solely on India its military. Like other Muslim editors they meet their Hindu bosses in Delhi and make “necessary” compromises. A few foreign newspapers, however, despite the usual pressure tactics of Indians and their agencies, have voiced sympathies for freedom Kashmiris. But the Kashmiris living globally must actively struggle to impress upon the world bodies like the UN, UNSC and important nations like USA, UK and EU to speed up the sovereignty issue of Kashmir.

In this regard, on September 26, Kashmiri Americans undaunted by the heavy downpour remained firmly standing in the front of the United Nations headquarters, New York to record their protest against Indian occupation and reminding Manmohan, the Indian premier that his promise of zero tolerance has not seen the light of the day. The demonstration was highly impressive and reverberating with the slogans of “Azadi” (Freedom). In fact Kashmir Diaspora world wide should major embassies in capitals to pursue their legitimate sovereignty claims. Indian should be sufficiently cornered so that it opens its mouth to declare Kashmir freedom. India enjoyed too much on suffering Kashmiris in Kashmir, India and world wide. India has every right to suffer badly as its leaders deserve severest possible punishment by special tribunals.

Five: Optimistic Kashmir Freedom leaders India has been, for quite obvious reasons, insincere to talks and resolution of Kashmir issue. India is keen to make Kashmir a buffer zone and use Jammu Kashmir a battle field to fight wars with China and Pakistan.

From March 23, 1952, talks have been held on Kashmir at least 130 times. But it yielded nothing and Kashmiris are being killed. Till people of J&K aren’t given right to self-determination, their struggle would continue. Outside this, accepting any Indian proposal is to weaken the committed Kashmiri stand. The chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani reiterated that right to self-determination was the only solution to Kashmir dispute. “It is our obligation to free ourselves from the Indian occupation. Our stand is based on principles, said the senior most freedom leader of Kashmir (Kashir) who stopped taking the pension from July 2005 despite it being his right. If now we will start bilateral talks with India, it will be futile till it. And till Disturbed Area Act and Armed Forces Special Powers Act aren’t revoked, we won’t talk to India.
The freedom leaders have tried to forget their differences and cooperate with one another to achieve independence form a tricky India. Veteran freedom leader Syed Ali Geelani is in fact heading the current freedom movement along with other committed popular leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chairman Muhammad Yaseen Malik have been spear-heading the historic marches and strikes in Kashmir giving the Indian elements a tough time. Popular uprising has indeed woken up the freedom spirits of Kashmiriyat. Syed Ali Geelani has been under arrest again and again and stopped form addressing his Friday gatherings, but India forces have failed to stop his voice from reaching the masses.

Last Friday too Geelani was scheduled to offer prayers at Hazratbal but was not allowed by the police as the leader continues to be under house arrest for the past 19 days. Geelani urged people to go for a social boycott of the pro-India leaders who are desperate to see elections taking place in Jammu and Kashmir. In the absence of Geelani, Hurriyat (G) leader, Saifullah led a peaceful pro-freedom demonstration at Hazratbal. The demonstration was attended by thousands of people who raised pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. Many Hindus in Jammu
do hope and want that Jammu Kashmir gets divided on regional or religious lines so that Kashmiris never live in peace.

However, freedom leaders are keen a unified Jammu Kashmir could be established. Some argue, if Kashmir is solved through talks, you give and take formula have to be applied. In such a scenario state would be divided. Freedom leaders should thwart that separatist strategy of Indian Hindus. The Hindus are in administration, police and army and are the main bottleneck to freedom move. So, unity among pro-freedom leaders in Kashmir remains the need of the hour.

Geelani said it was unfortunate to see some pro-India leaders advocating elections at a time when the whole Kashmir Valley is up in arms against India. “Kashmir issue is the issue of India’s illegal occupation of Kashmir and not about elections. Kashmir is not a border dispute between India and Pakistan. And those who represent sentiments for Azadi are the real representatives of the people of J&K”. Sometimes our enemy does something which harms us in short term, but in the long term that is beneficial. Same happened here.

The Indian illegal land deal has indeed helped Kashmiris. Generations of freedom fighters have been butchered by Indian terror forces. From the recent statements of the freedom leaders it is obvious they see a distance light in the tunnel and do hope they would get back their sovereignty back from the occupying India. An Observation India, a corrupt terrorist nation that keeps killing innocent Kashmiris, is keen to conduct the elections to legitimize its misrule in Jammu Kashmir. Kashmir freedom could best be obtained by Indian consent, but the arrogant India which illegally occupy Kashmir and kills its people by misusing a section of Kashmiris and natural resources would not prefer that so long as it is internationally pressured to do so.

Opening of the LOC between the Kashmiris for scheduling the trade and cultural track is welcome. But India and Pakistan must simultaneously sit together to create a complete Kashmir as it existed before 1947 in the name of Jammu Kashmir.In order to provide a stable and purposefully unified leadership for the struggling masses of Kashmir, it is absolutely necessary for these and other freedom leaders merge their political wings and come together firmly on a concrete agenda for a sovereign Kashmir.

Already the popular uprising has clearly sent the message to New Delhi about Kashmir resolve to obtain freedom form India at any cost and this unity among the freedom leaders on a singly political struggle platform would strengthen that victorious claims and add positive color to the movement.

Freedom leaders don’t want to talk with over-smart Indian government guys just for the sake of a talk, as the Indian leaders’ desire, but exclusively for positive results. They want full independence for their people in their nation. And if India continues to pretend ignoring the fact of dispute and talk of Kashmir as being a part of India, there is nothing that freedom leaders could look forward from New Delhi.

Which means occupying India must repeal the draconian police and military laws to easy the life the captivated Kashmir nation. Then quickly invite the freedom leaders for sensible talk for fruitful results. Nothing less than right to self-determination which is peaceful, democratic, viable and very much a practicable solution is what Geelani seeks from India and he sticks to this for a long time. The military terror and police excesses on Kashmiris must stop forthwith. And Indian leaders and its JK governor Vohra must initiate, without any hesitations or inferiority complexes, unconditional pro-Kashmir talks that would yield fruitful results for the freedom seeking Kashmiris who have already scarified thousands and thousands of lakhs of their valuable lives and property and other belongings worth millions of US dollars for the purpose.

Meanwhile, freedom loving Kashmiris must go for a social boycott of the pro-India leaders who are desperate to see elections taking place in Jammu and Kashmir. India has to accept formally the disputed status of the state in clear terms. One is snot sure, if India wants to hold the pools to ascertain whom to hand over the power, but election under the present turmoil is injurious to Kashmir’s general health. Once sovereignty is granted to them, Kashmiris themselves could conduct the polls in a peaceful atmosphere to elect their own sovereign government to build a truly Islamic society to cooperate with Islamic and other countries as well as to co-exist with other forms of governments nearby.

Sovereignty could be handed over to a Kashmir National Forum of freedom leaders that would decide the future course of action for the establishing an independent Kashmir, including polls. -
Sri Lanka Guardian