Kashmir after the illegal State Land Deals
Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) illegal land deal issue has once again brought the Kashmir freedom issue back to sharp focus as the nefarious deal met with violent reaction from Kashmiri masses. Once again people of Kashmir were put to test, and to the utmost surprise of the whole world, the apparently week and divided Kashmir emerged victorious as one nation, one group. India was living in a fool's paradise by thinking that Kashmir freedom movement had died down. If people of Kashmir can protest for 800 kanals, how come they will allow grabbing the whole Kashmir? The call for the protest had not come from any pro-freedom leader. It was not under any compulsion whatsoever, but it is the call from the soul of the people that made them rise from the slumber and took to streets. Every nook and corner of the valley was on fire.
Kashmiris are now back with their agenda for freedom and independence, now they are more conscious of their legitimate rights. The spontaneous reaction of people on the illegal land transfer belied myths that people are tired of freedom struggle and now want "˜peace'. Out of nowhere the whole movement was revived and the spirit of people infused fresh blood in it. What is needed is to sustain this and prevent it from appearing as communal as some people with sinister designs are hell bent to project it like that.
Ever since the controversy regarding land transfer decision surfaced and the people of Kashmir showed stiff resistance against this decision, Hindu radical outfits waiting in wings to pounce upon the prey as and when a communal situation arises any where in the country, got actuated into their usual communal politics. Tacit approval of Delhi to this kind of politics, and covet ways of encouraging it in Jammu smacks of dividing this state on communal lines. Those who call themselves secular, and claim to be above communal politics should take lessons from an ordinary Kashmiri in this regard.
Innocent Muslims had nothing to do with the controversial transfer of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board or revocation of the impugned order. Initially the elements owing their allegiance to the saffron parties tried to malign the Kashmiris agitating against the impugned order by labeling them as communal people, a charge repudiated by not only Muslim opinion makers but also by well meaning Hindu journalists and community leaders. It is unfortunate that at a time when Kashmiri Muslims are or were busy in helping their Hindu brethren from far and wide in performing pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath shrine in times of crisis when they could not get even a loaf of bread, the Hindu fanatic elements raised their ugly heads elsewhere in the state.
Perpetual house-arrest of Freedom fighting leaders
Kashmiri octogenarian freedom leader Syed Ali Geelani and another Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq were placed under house arrest in Srinagar on July 04 Friday to prevent them from organizing a rally to celebrate the cancellation of land allotment to the Amarnath shrine board. This act of denial by Indian government to Kashmiris to thank God in a collective manner needs to be condemned. The decision quietened the violent protests against the allotment in the Muslim-dominated Kashmir Valley. Five people were killed during the protests there last week, allegedly shot by the police.
The Hurriyat Conference led by Farooq and its breakaway faction Tehreek-e-Hurriyat headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani had asked people to assemble at the Hazratbal shrine to offer what the separatists called thanksgiving prayers for the revocation of forestland allotment to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB)According to Syed Ali Shah Geelani such cowardly acts is an eye opener to the civilized world that Kashmiris have been put under stringent subjugation by the occupational forces and have been left trigger free by New Delhi.
Some of the Hurriyat leaders succeeded in evading the house arrest and thrived inside the Hazratbal Shrine clandestinely were they delivered pro-Freedom speeches and just after the conclusion they came out of Shrine amidst pro-freedom slogans - police deployed out side unhitched tear gas shells on the procession and to disperse it police lathi charged them - some Hurriyat leaders were beaten to pulp ,a number of senior Hurriyat leaders received injuries in the helter-skelter. Chairman democratic freedom party Shabir Ahmad Shah is badly wounded , when a tear gas shell hit his head and was thrashed by police ruthlessly.
Condemning house arrest of Geelani Mirwaiz said Government cannot stop people from fighting for their rights. Commenting on the land transfer agitation, Mirwaiz said that people of Kashmir were not against Amarnath Yatra but against land transfer. Mirwaiz appealed people of Jammu to maintain communal harmony as "˜some political parties were trying to exploit the issue for their vested interests'. Mirwaiz threatened massive agitation if government failed to stop attacks on Muslims in Jammu and other parts of India and added that that Kashmiri freedom fighters would observe July 13 as Yum-e-Istiqalal (day of determination) and will ensure that all leaders join hands.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for immediate operationalization of truck service on Srinagar-Muzafarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote roads to ensure availability essential commodities to the Kashmir valley in view of the economic blockade enforced by some fascist elements in Jammu.
JK government should consider the legitimate aspirations of Kashmiris and act accordingly, stop arresting, harassing, killing them.
Ball in Governor's Court?
The first day in the new JK legislative complex proved the last for Azad government. The chief minister, who was confident about his win, stunned everyone today by withdrawing motion of confidence moved by him to prove his majority in the House ahead of vote. Ghulam Nabi Azad could not prove his majority on the floor of the legislative assembly as asked for by the Governor N.N. Vohra. The recent crisis culminated at a major political change. But what should be cause of concern is the unprecedented polarization between the two regions of the state.
Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) chief Bhim Singh alleged that National Security Advisor, M K Naraynan of threatening him last evening of serious consequences in case the Panthers MLA vote against Azad government on July 7.Though under the Indian constitution consent of President of India is required for imposing governor rule, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has its own constitution, such consent is not mandatory. Jammu and Kashmir government is heading towards the governor rule after the chief minister of the state Ghulam Nabi Azad decided to resign.
The government in Jammu and Kashmir was reduced to minority after one of the key coalition alliance, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) withdrew its support from the government over the land transfer row. But Azad said that from his student days he had been moved by the Gandhian philosophy of honesty, sincerity, truthfulness, non-violence and public service. However, how could he let the state terrorist forces to kill and destroy thousands of innocent lives and all atrocities and brutalities have been taking place under his very nose.
Following the acceptance of CM's resignation, Governor N N Vohra invited the leaders of various political parties in pursuance of the constitutional consultative process. National Conference president, Omar Abdullah, President, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti and National Panther's Party led by its president and Professor Bhim Singh, and state secretary, CPI(M)., M Y Tarigami, met the Governor. The impression gained from their conversations is that these parties are not interested in forming an alternative government and that would eventually pave way governor's rule in the state. And the ball has fallen into the court of governor Vohra now.
What governor Vohra will do depends on what message he receives form New Delhi, keenly watching the Jammu show to quell the freedom struggle and bring back in focus "terrorism" and cross-border-terrorism" tactics.
Terrorist acts of Hindu fanatics
The revocation of the allotment order led to protests by Hindu groups in Jammu from July 01. Protesters clashed with security forces, resulting in police firing, baton charge and use of tear-gas. It is significant that after the Amarnath Land transfer row the two heads of the Hurriyat faction are coming closer to each other , which has been widely appreciated by common Kashmiris.
Maintenance of peace and communal harmony in Jammu Kashmir has become a tricky task as the state administration supports, if not promotes, vandalism on mosques and properties of Muslims. A day after some locals set an example of communal harmony; a group of unidentified 'VHP, BJP activists' marched towards a local mosque and hoisted 'Indian Flag' over it in Village Jorian of Akhnoor area this afternoon.
Some Indian Hindutva militant outfits from adjoining villages broken open locks of Masjid in Jorian area this morning. These miscreants are trying obstruct communal harmony keeping in view the forthcoming polls in JK and a possible midterm poll to Indian parliament. Communal flare up would add a number of additional votes to the BJP-led "patriotic" Hindu parties.
In reaction to the revocation of Land Transfer Order, militant and radical Hindu outfits have started injecting doses of communal hatred in Jammu, summer capital of J&K. it is highly disturbing that these organized communal outfits are trying to flare up communal fires in Jammu. It is sad on part of saffron brigade led by BJP in India to stoke these fires and present the whole issue as if it was about religion, faith and communal identity. BJP forced a total strike in all states even where no one knows and is concerned about the communal shift in Kashmir. Communal leaders like Advani, former Deputy Premier of India, saying that "the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to take back the land allotted to the Board is communal and a part of vote bank politics", is only deplorable.
Contrary to what was expected in return what are these Sangh Parivarians doing today in Udhampur-Jammu-Samba-Kathua districts? Irony of the fate is that some cab drivers from Kashmir who regardless of a great deal of difficulties carried scores of Amarnath pilgrims to Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, they were made the target of ire by Sangh Parivarians in Udhampur on their return. Their vehicles were smashed by the irate mobs and the goons owing allegiance to the Sangh Parivar beat them to pulp.
The anti-Islamic forces have been making determined efforts in cutting supply lines to Kashmir and are making physical assaults on trucks and other vehicles moving towards Kashmir. It is unfortunate that the business community in Jammu that has been thriving on sale of their merchandise to Kashmiris have fallen prey to the machinations and vicious propaganda of the communal elements. They must know that these elements are doing all this only with a view to settle scores with Congress party more so with an eye on the forthcoming elections.
Jammu Reaction: Vote bank concerns
It is unfortunate that a section of people of Jammu city have failed to see the rationale in the agitation launched by the newly launched Action Committee against the illegal transfer of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. They have fallen prey to the propaganda of some communal organizations that have been trying to give communal color to the movement against the land grab. The demand for abrogation of land deal was not against any particular faith or belief. It was certainly not demand a for suspension of pilgrimage to Amar Nath Cave that people of the state having been hosting for more than one hundred and fifty years. It in fact is demand for respecting the laws of the land that do not permit transfer of forest land to any institution or individual.
Even in those days of frenzy in 1947, when innocent lives were taken away by the brutal forces, the supplies to Kashmir valley from outside were not allowed to get disturbed. In fact in those days of deeper crisis when the jugular vein of trade to Kashmir that is the Jhelum Valley Road was blocked all supplies to Kashmir were ensured through the then Banihal cart road that has now been upgraded to highway.
The BJP, Shiv Sena and VHP activists are patrolling the Jammu-Srinagar highway to ensure that no Kashmir bound vehicle is allowed to pass through. People's leader Geelani has warned of dangerous consequences if the economic blockade against Kashmiris is not ended immediately.
But in spite of all this certain sections in Jammu, backed by radical political family of India openly, and encouraged subtly by all others, are imposing communal dimension on this issue. It is from here that loads of communal hatred is being pushed into the otherwise calm and serene stream of this state. All the political forces who call themselves secular must come forward and use their influence in Jammu to nip the evil of communal frenzy in the bud. God forbid if communal forces succeed in their malicious campaign, it will result in large scale damage to human life and property. Not just politicians all those who up till now would work in Kashmir to promote the idea of peace should come forward and invest their efforts in Jammu.
And this is the time for them to prove that they are true in their intent, when they talk peace. If they are really disturbed by violence, of whatever kind, they must direct their efforts towards Jammu, as Kashmir has displayed great sense of being peaceful even in explosive situation. Their Track must lead them to Jammu this time. Such people and groups should use their influence to fight against the communal forces, who are right now trying hard to turn Jammu as their launching pad. Disheartening to find out that political leadership of Jammu, and political bosses at Delhi have not openly condemned the communal forces in Jammu; no attempt has been made to convey this message to the people of Jammu that they are being misdirected by radical Hindu groups. Further law and order agencies in the state must come down heavily on all those who play this dirty and dangerous communal politics. Any relaxed attitude tantamount to contributing to the crisis.
Emboldened by the inability demonstrated by the state government in dealing with them with an iron hand, some communal elements in Jammu are now indulging in wanton acts of arson and brazen attacks on members of a particular community and their property. Although these are fringe elements yet with their strong-arm tactic and high-handedness these people have succeeded once again in holding hostage the silent majority of the peace-loving people who do not want any bloodshed or violence more-so against the minority community in the districts of Jammu, Kathua, Samba and Udhampur.
An anti-Kashmir Governor
Former JK governor Gen Sinha, a chosen anti-Kashmir and anti-Muslim person, was upset with Mufti Mohammed Sayeed as the latter had proved a stumbling block in his scheme to communalize the situation in the State and implement his Hindutva agenda. Sinha had a number of reasons to be annoyed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The former Chief Minister had advised a realistic timeframe for the Yatra that would neither risk the life and comfort of pilgrims nor fiddle with its basic character"”that of a journey of faith. But in their lust for money the former Governor and his aides ignored all sane advice including even that from the Holy Men.
Pro India Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated its resolve to continue channeling the genuine aspirations of the people along civil and democratic lines irrespective of the hurt it causes to persons like the former Governor Lt Gen S K Sinha. The change in the idiom of the State Government and its leadership struck a blow to Gen Sinha's ideological camp which had for six decades tried to give Kashmiris a bad name and successfully tamed their chief ministers.
Gen Sinha was also upset over the decision to allot 7000 Kanals of land to Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University at Rajouri, setting up of an Islamic university in Kashmir and allotting land for construction of the Mughal Road. Even though these institutions run purely on community donations could in due course provide a national model for anchoring modern and technological education in religious context, Sinha saw these institutions as a threat to his chauvinistic brand of nationalism. Sayeed pointed out he had questioned the attempts at commercializing the holy pilgrimage for the benefit of Board officials hazarding in the process the new atmosphere of reconciliation that had been ushered into the State.
Will Vohra, a known strategist, be entirely different form Gen. Sinha, or will sincerely make the needy move to support he long cause of Kashmir independence? This remains to be seen.
Don't confuse innocent Kashmiris
India has clearly confused both pro-India Kashmiris and pro-Kashmiri Muslims the world over. It seems a good number of pro-Kashmir Muslims are under illusion and confusion about what exactly they seek from India and try to play with words like freedom, self-rule and independence and confuse the genuine Kashmiris who sacrifice their valuable lives for the sake of their homeland. It is apparent that a good number of journalists who espouse the cause of Kashmir actually don't think that Kashmir would any time become an independent nation and Indian would continue to occupy it. It is likely that they are supporting Indian case in disguise. Then there are few others who don't want Kashmir to be independent at all.
The present struggle of Kashmiris is to gain independence form India which has been occupying Jammu Kashmir since 1947. But Kashmiris on the both sides of divided Kashmir have been longing to come together to rule their sweet nation as before. Now Kashmiris don't want to let any foreigners capture or annex their land and occupy it with brutal force killing as many Kashmiris as they can every day.
So, the point is to help them get back freedom snatched by India under guise of defending them form Pakistan, which is a blatant lie. Pakistan's official position is pretty clear to all: they want to see a united Kashmir emerging as their trusted neighbor. And they do not have any hidden agenda as Indians do. That is reason why they fought wars with India and got themselves killed in thousands along with fellow Kashmiris.
The chief goal of the freedom fighters is to regain their sovereignty as quickly as possible and reunite the Kashmiris. Whether they want to be together or seek separate nations let them decide after that.
It is binding on all interested persons supporting the genuine cause of Kashmiris to be cautious not to confuse the freedom fighting Kashmiris with vague definitions about freedom, independence and self-rule, all these practically mean just one key value: a nation with full sovereignty. And about the Kashmir nation, it is necessary to consider the aspirations of the people on both sides of divide now eagerly seeking to be reunited after a long separation.
An Observation
Jammu Kashmir after debacle of JK state-sponsored Amarnath land deal is gradually becoming politically aware of the goal of their long struggle, meaning of the martyrdom of thousands of innocent Kashmiris over several decades and what has been happening behind the scene in gubernatorial and CM offices playing hide and seek games, according to the sings relayed from New Delhi, fooling the people of Jammu Kashmir.
Both vote-bank politics and sadistic pleasure are responsible for the anti-Islamic elements to succeed in making their presence felt by rousing passions among Hindus against their Muslim brethren and carrying out attacks against them but they have been indulging in vituperative campaigns throughout their history.
As usual, the Hindu militant organizations, for political mileage needed for the forthcoming parliamentary poll, have tried to se the issue to arouse Hindutva passion and took the matter to the Supreme Court, but the apex court refused to interfere with the Jammu and Kashmir Government's decision to revoke the transfer of land to Amarnath Shrine Board but, however, with a view to appeasing the Hindu sentiments, directed the authorities to provide security to pilgrims stranded in the State due to the turmoil over the issue. "We cannot revoke a cabinet decision," a Bench headed by Justice Altamas Kabir said while hearing a PIL filed by Bhim Singh, Patron of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party.
The 9-day popular agitation has washed off whatever New Delhi had cultivated since 2002, rather since the days India annexed and occupied Jammu Kashmir. While the mainstream parties need to introspect the freedom fighters require more than rhetoric to sustain the momentum. Few weeks ago the mainstream politicians and their admirers among freedom circles never wanted the ruling dispensation not to lose the case and would insist that Kashmiris better accepted the "˜defeat' without further "˜humiliation'. However, the agitation has exposed the vulnerability of the mainstream it has also brought to light the lack of strategy and understanding of the situation among the "separatist' leaders, although the leaders are slowly but steadily coming together on one-point program of independence.
Right now the public opinion is overwhelmingly in favor of protection of land, people and the identity of both. But can the leaders sustain the momentum? Although the agitation was popular and spontaneous, the fact remains that it was anchored by the
Patriotic freedom fighters. But this fact should not blind them to the ground realities.
The struggle also exposed wrong notions and rumors spread by the Hindutva and anti-Muslim forces about Kashmiris and Muslims. From June 25th to July 1st, when entire Kashmir division witnessed unprecedented massive demonstrations against the questionable and legally imperfect order, it was only Hindu pilgrim vehicles those were visible on Kashmir roads while as all other civilian vehicles were disallowed by the protesting crowds.
The anti-Muslim and anti-Kashmiri forces need to understand that by faith Muslims are ordained to be tolerant and Kashmiri Muslims have time and again demonstrated their tolerance even in the wake of grave provocations. But their limits of tolerance cannot be stretched beyond a point. It is high time for the well-meaning people of Jammu to put their heads together and prevent the situation from going out of their hands.
In trying times and extraordinarily charged atmosphere, Kashmiris exhibited absolute restraint and never allowed the anger to be directed towards any community. By arranging food and shelter for Yatris, it was practically displayed that Yatra per se is not the issue. Even those who are being projected in India as extremists urged time and again that the people's resistance against the Land Transfer decision is not against any community or a religion.
Let JK government put an end to the sheer madness witnessed on Jammu roads. These acts of vandalism and targeting the hapless people from the Muslim minority community are apt to sow seeds of disaffection among the communities and complicate the problems for India. The state government too is expected to do its duty and let it not be seen as collaborating with the communal elements.