Abuse 'widespread' in Kashmir jails

ALJAZEERA
Leaked cable suggests US diplomats were briefed by the Red Cross of continued torture in Indian-administered Kashmir


                             

Torture has been routinely used in prisons in Indian-administered Kashmir, a US cable released by the whistleblower website WikiLeaks has suggested.

The cable, released on Thursday, says that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) had briefed US diplomats on widespread torture in 2005.

The memo, titled "ICRC frustrated with the Indian government"dates back to April 6, 2005, and outlines a confidential meeting in which the ICRC told diplomats of "torture methods and relatively stable trends of prisoner abuses by Indian security forces", based on data derived from 1,491 interviews with detainees from 2002-2004.

ICRC was quoted as saying their staff made 177 visits to detention centres in Jammu and Kashmir and conducted 1,296 private interviews, but reported that "they had not been allowed access to all detainees".

Techniques included electric shock treatment, sexual and water torture and nearly 300 cases of "roller" abuse in which a round metal object is placed on the thighs of a sitting detainee and then sat on by guards to crush the muscles, according to the cable.

The memo added that since torture and ill-treatment continues unbated, "the ICRC is forced to conclude that the Government of India (GOI) condones torture".

Prerna Suri, Al Jazeera's correspondent in New Delhi, said though shocking, the allegations were not new.

"Human rights groups and activists have been bringing out all these allegations in the last few years at various public fora," she said.

"The spokesperson of the government of India said that this is an internal assessment of American diplomats, and for them isn't something that would warrant a response to."

Suri added that India has consistently denied human rights abuses in Kashmir, and that it is alleged that the root problem comes from a special dispensation that governs Indian troops in Kashmir.

"The Armed Forces special Powers Act gives the army sweeping immunity .They can pick up civilians who they think are perpetrators, and in some cases they can also get away with killings and torture with any prosecution and some say that this is where the rot actually stems from".

Growing anger

Suri said the cable was likely to create more restlessness in the region.

"We have seen this year, some of the worst protests on the streets of Srinagar ... Hundreds of thousands of people came out on to the streets protesting [against] army rule."

The cable said the ICRC revealed to US diplomats that in 852 cases, detainees reported cases of ill-treatment, including various forms of torture. As many as 681 detainees were said to be subjected to more than one form of ill-treatment.

The memo added that the ICRC reported that ill-treatment and torture "is regular and widespread" and "always takes place in the presence of officers" and that the ICRC "has raised these issues with the government of India for more than 10 years".

The cable added that while the ICRC reported that security forces were rougher on detainees in the past, "detainees were rarely militants [they are routinely killed], but persons connected to or believed to have information about the insurgency".

Violence linked to insurgents in Indian Kashmir has eased since nuclear-armed India and Pakistan launched a peace process in 2004 over the disputed Himalayan region.

But popular pro-independence protests since June have left more than 110 protesters and bystanders -- many of them teenagers - dead.

India and Pakistan each hold part of Kashmir but claim it in full

I am a stone pelter. Who are you?

FIRST PERSON

------- and what else can I do to express my resistance against oppression, writes Imran Muhammad Gazi an MBA student.

I have been shot in the ribs. I am on a stretcher in an emergency ward of a city hospital. Who am I? I am a stone pelter from a busy commercial area of Srinagar. This is my comprehensive introduction, no need to have a name, surname, qualification and profession. Just one word sums up my personality "Stone Pelter". I am not that educated but some of my educated peers tell me I have always been in news right from 1931. You will find me everywhere, i have stood the test of time, leaders have changed slogans have changed but I have not. Yes there was a time when I was sidelined, and gun wielding elders occupied the centre stage.


Situation has changed and I am again in business in urban Kashmir, Ragda 2008 restored my lost glory, you called it a revolution, I watched spell bound vast multitude of people filling the streets of Kashmir, it was on that day at historic Eidgah, the gun wielding elder passed the baton on to me and with a smile on his lip and tear in his eye said” your turn mate”. I still don’t know why those tears in the eyes of the elder, perhaps I am too young to understand this.
You can find me on any street of urban Kashmir, although I have some favourite spots, I love jamia Masjid and Maisuma, old town Varmul, Sopur, and Malakhnag Islamabad to name a few. You can easily recognize me as I am the best dressed youth of my area, trendy jeans, smart sports shoe, whacky jacket and few fashion accessories, they say I buy them from the money I get for stone pelting. My income is being discussed everywhere and there is no unanimity on that it varies from 100 to2500,at times I am afraid that I may be brought under income tax net. My attire has little to do with fashion, and more with the nature of my job, I am supposed to be athletic and nimble footed and I have to mingle with the crowds, hence my attire. Ideal day at work is thrilling and exciting, the suspense, the drama, the surge and the chase is right out of 80s blockbuster Hindi cinema.

I dodged shells and bullets, ala Rajnikanth, only difference is there is no retake on the street, either you dodge in first take or you are down in the gutter. Stone pelting used to be an art but with the passage of time it has developed into a science, it is more because of those chocolate pelters, some of whom are students of best schools of Srinagar. Purists moan the adulteration; pragmatists call it the need of the hour. These chocolates talk about projectile motion, angle of projection and range, I don’t get a bit of that. They introduced “sling”, whatever oldies may say it is an effective combat weapon. I have not talked about my adversary ,most of the time it is the “Ponde police” sorry local police, it is an honour to have such an enemy in the battlefield, the most professional and business savvy police force in the world, highly well versed with economics. Such is the level of efficiency that they no longer waste bullets on us but use teargas shells for dual purpose of chasing and killing us, you can not blame them after all world is going through a recession and cost cutting is the mantra. They perfected this technique under there former boss, whose name was a tongue twister for us, we remember him as Asif Mujtabha the paki batsmen. He was a brilliant officer, disciplinarian, had a penchant for cleanliness, smoothly killed almost sixty of us in a span of few weeks, yet you could not see a speck of blood on his hands nor his immaculately worn uniform, as I told u spick and span. He treated us like his kids, ensured we did not suffer any pain or agony, bullets hit us, either on head or chest, he was such a noble loving and caring father. We miss him, they transferred him, must have been promoted, I feel good at least our blood helped someone to make a career.
Why do I pelt stones, this thought had never crossed my mind, I just instinctively new when I had to don the armour and start the battle. It was only after Ragda 2008, I heard some whispers, hushed tones, and few glances of suspicion on the street. I am street smart, I realized I am not the darling of the masses anymore, people who fed me with (Teher) even in the midst of the battle, now hated me. I should have seen this coming, it all started with the fatherly police chief Asif Mujtaba, quoting Hadith against stone pelting, learned man he is, after securing our (duniyah) worldly life, he immediately focused his attention to secure our (akhirat) life here after. We miss him; he was our real benefactor, trying to ensure us peace in this world as well as other world.

A (molvi saheb) priest who calls himself a Puritan, and who lead many processions in Ragda2008, seconded the view and said the hadith is from Bukhari shareef, it was a bolt from the blue (nabi trath) for me, same molvi used to quote Bukhari shareef in 1990s and would read out from Babul jihad (Chapter on jihad) why this hadith was never read to us until now. What had changed, Bukhari Shareef or Molvi Sahib, it was for the first time and not the last time that I have wept, yes warm tears flowed not from my eyes but the stone cold heart of a stone pelter. I wiped my tears, with my rough hands and yes mourning the death of conscience of our Ulema I did what I knew best, yes I pelted stones mocking at the simplicity of the molvi sahib.

A columnist picked up the thread from were the molvi left, writing smoothly with his “LEFT HAND “. He mocked at my lack of education, it is easy to doge the bullet than a writer’s pen I was pinned to the ground, argument lost. There is a saying in Kashmiri (Asoolus kyah kari ghulam rasool).I don’t know the English meaning of this as I am a petty stone pelter. Agreed I am not educated, but my journo brother is, if he is writing today it is because of me who is fighting in the street for the very honour he is trying to defend sitting in his study with a laptop on the table and Coffee Mug in his hand. His colleague who shot frames was shot in broad daylight; he could not get an FIR registered. I did what I knew best, and yes I pelted stones in protest against this cowardice of the police. Street is my school, and this is what I have been taught. Get an FIR registered for your colleague with your university degree in hand and we will talk my brother. Intelligentsia scorn me, to them I am a ruffian, and they refer to me as the lumpen proletariat. They are all learned scholars, poets, linguists, writers; they are mirror of our society.

When I and my friends were slaughtered on the streets some Rahi lost his way in the commotion, and found himself in a hall were some Gyan Peeth award was given to him by someone whose hands were smeared with our dirty blood. He accepted the award with hands folded in benediction, feeling at last he has found his way not knowing Rahi has been lost in wilderness forever. When men of intellect stoop so low I do what I know best, yes I pelt stones in despair. I have one question for all you learned men. Do those Shawls of honour have smell of our blood and warmth of the breath of a dying stone pelter? By the way was it not the proletariat who brought a revolution, an old news paper I found with” Sulla Masala” talks about that.

Enough of arguments, after all I am a stone pelter I can not win an argument with you, for you are learned men. It is clear to me my countrymen that I am an impediment to your progress, it pains me, I don’t want you to be backward, I want you to prosper. What then is the solution? I can not stoop to your level nor can you rise to my level. Don’t you worry I have a solution. Let there be a role reversal for a day, you be the stone pelters and we the perennial stone pelters the target. I will gather all my friends at Eidgah and you stone us to death, we will take all your stones with a smile on our lips and a tear in our eyes, smile we will for your prosperity and tears will roll, for we won’t be there to see the smile on your lips when you achieve your prosperity. Having stoned us don’t you think you won, it is we who have won for once from masters of inaction you have become men of action, and did not we pelt stones all our lives just to make
you act.

One last request my countrymen, please do not make a graveyard for us, for you will make a ritual of visiting it every year along with our respected leaders , who will come separately, as they come to our funerals individually, strange not even our blood unites them. They say unity is possible only on principles, true how can blood of a stone pelter or chastity and honour of a common Kashmiri woman be a principle to unite on, and it must be some high principle. Even if you bury us don’t ever visit our graves for old habits don’t die we will rise from our graves and pelt stones on sight of a Hypocrite. Tell my mother I will miss her, for I had two Homes Street and her lap, and yes her lap was comforting but it was the street that was my calling.

As everything in the hospital room is becoming hazy and death is waiting to embrace me, I remember a couplet by some Iqbal, I read on the back of an auto rickshaw of a fellow stone pelter.

jis khak Ke Zameer Main ho Atish Chinar
Mumkin Naheen Ki Sard Ho Woh khake Arjmund.
Is it true my country………….

(Imran Muhammad Gazi is an MBA Pass-out Kashmir University. Feedback at gaziimran@yahoo.com)

Appeared in Greater Kashmir

Amnesty International urges Indian authorities to release Kashmiri boy

Amnesty International has urged the authorities to immediately release a Kashmiri Boy, Murtaza Manzoor, 17, a resident of Zaina Kadal in Srinagar, who was unlawfully detained on January 21, this year, under the draconian law, Public Safety Act (PSA), by Indian police in connection with last year’s uprising. The Amnesty International in its recent report while quoting Murtaza’s family said that they had produced substantiated documents, which clearly mentioned the age of illegally detained youth as 17 years. “His detention clearly violates UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which stipulates that such detention should be in a separate facility for children, as close as possible to his family in order to facilitate family contact,” it added.

The report mentioned the inability of Murtaza’s family to meet him in Kot Bhalwal Jail Jammu where he was lodged. “Murtaza’s father is a rickshaw driver and cannot meet the expenses for jail visits and legal proceedings for his release,” the Amnesty International maintained. Pointing out the deplorable condition of prisons, it said that among a large number of Kashmiris detained by the police during last year’s massive anti-India demonstrations many were aged below 18. Amnesty International has specifically sought an amendment in the Jammu and Kashmir Juvenile Justice Act especially with respect to the age factor and that all underage prisoners be treated as juveniles.

With Amnesty International spearheading ‘ Free Murtaza’ campaign,’ the social networking sites are flooded with messages and tweets urging the puppet Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to stick to his promise of not detaining minors under the PSA.

A Tribute to the Woman of Kashmir

By : Muhammad Faisal

It was a raw urge and an emotional outburst, i wanted to write about to get some closure over the pain i had seen recently. I saw the mother of Sameer Jan, the 8 year old boy beaten to death and trampled with jackboots in the 2010 Uprising.

                                    Sameer Jan 8 jackbooted to death


I came home feeling enraged and saddened, came to my room, closed my eyes and my world wandered,
Wandered around the bloodied paradise that Kashmir had become.It was painful, felt like a dagger cutting your body in half,slowly like the merciless butcher. I couldn’t bear the pain of seeing Sameer’s Mother, of her eyes haunted by the blackened body of her son.
I needed something to vent, so i wrote this:-
Kashmir, the world’s most militarized zone, suffocating with over 500,000 thousand strangers thumping on its soil, once called the Paradise on earth is now in shards, reminiscent of the conflict that has been going on for six decades. The six decades which have been full of pain, tears, passion and suffering for the people that live in its misery.

Over 400,000 souls departed since 1947, while others survived the pain of massacres, mass-rapes, torture, disappearances and sufferings that sounds like wrath of the evil over the good. Justice is hardly delivered and the procedures to seek it are never ending,

A Mother who lost her son, killed while she was dreaming about the henna on his little finger the day he would have been married, was returned with a coffin. The pain of losing her son kills her every moment his flash passes by, silently.

Her daughter awaits the return of her groom who was taken into the darkness, never to be seen again. The boy, who she was in love with, whom she wanted to tease and play games with, is nowhere. She wonders if he ever will comeback, is he alive or is he dead somewhere in the mountains. She is an empty soul wandering and staring at the knob every night.

Her sister haunted by the nightmares of the time when her soul was torn apart by the beasts in the dark of the night. Her screams and cries for a saviour gagged by their hands. She sought justice and the door was shut on her, Her family and the hypocritical society banished her. She survived the pain but the Pain took everything of her, took her dreams of being married, of having a family, of being humane. She now lies in the dark corner of the room, a life less soul.

She looks with a sigh to her neighbours’ abandoned house whom she used to gossip about her never-ending chores, of her annoying Hash (Mother in Law), left her amidst the chaos and fear. She wishes for her to return to the house occupied by the gun-toting troops of the country down south.

This mother has been the rock of resilience, survival, strength and hope. This mother is KASHMIR.

The hope has never faded in the hearts of the people living in Kashmir, Hope of a glorious future, of a new beginning, of a new dawn, of Freedom

"Muhammad Faysal is a Human Sciences student, He writes at www.muhammadfaysal.wordpress.com"

Kashmir’s war journalists - Special Report by Kashmir Life

From Afghanistan to Libya, Iraq to Thailand, the world gets to see the conflict through the cameras and pens of war-groomed Kashmiri journalists. P A Mushtaq reports.

In the second week of April, Srinagar-born Associated Press photojournalist Altaf Qadri, 35, got separated from a battery of reporters covering conflict in Libya in North Africa. Qadri escaped unhurt the battleground of eastern Libyan city of Ajdabiya and reached safely to his office in Benghazi after 30 hours. Qadri’s work reflecting trail of the battle between Libyan head Muammar Gaddafi’s loyalists and rebels were published across the globe, opening a window for readers to peep into the war from a distance.

“I went into hiding when Gaddafi forces launched a surprise attack on the rebels, who made a hasty retreat. My driver drove off without even waiting for me.


I was hiding for 30 hours and left the area only after the rebel forces regained control of that area,” recalled Qadri, who won the prestigious World Press Photo award in the People in News category this year.

Twenty-two years of bloody conflict in Kashmir has given vast experience to journalists with many of them covering conflicts across the globe and winning recognition and laurels. Photographer Rafiq Maqbool of Associated Press was nominated for Pulitzer Prize for a picture taken in Afghanistan.

“Kashmiris have always excelled. It has, to my mind, been always a matter of getting an appropriate opportunity, just like anyone else anywhere else. What has helped Kashmiri professionals of late is a more critical assessment of the relationship between a conflict and how it is portrayed in the mainstream media. That has added to the quality of international reporting opportunities they have been able to bag successfully,” said Parvaiz Bukhari, first among Kashmiri journalists to cover wars like Iraq and Afghanistan during his stint with Zee News and Star News.

Bukhari, at present a freelance journalist, traces growth of Kashmiri journalists in their reach to outside world. “Travelling by Kashmiri journalists across the globe has also been in some way a function of how the global corporate media has been evolving – sourcing talent from wherever it is available. And also because the Internet has enabled work of journalists to travel and be noticed better than ever before,” said Bukhari.

International and national news organisations choose Kashmiri journalists to report from war zones as they have experience in reporting conflict.
“In 2001, I was asked to cover Afghan war. My experience in the Kashmir valley made me the best option available with my organisation to select me to cover Afghanistan. They have already seen my handling of the Kargil war single-handedly despite various technical constraints. It was a two-month assignment in Afghanistan initially and my photographs found place in leading papers and the websites around the globe, prompting my office to call me again for five more trips to the war-torn nation between 2004 and 2010,” said Tauseef Mustafa, a photojournalist with the Agence France Presse (AFP).

But the wars have never been an easy story for journalists. “The most dangerous moment I encountered was when I went to report the fall of the last bastion of the Taliban control, the city of Taluqaan, in Afghanistan. Along with a small group of reporters, I entered the city even before the Northern Alliance troops spread to take control.

I have never seen so many dead bodies lying at one place – all over the roads and streets of the town. The town had witnessed intense aerial bombing by the US B52 bombers the previous night. Locals said ‘no Pakistanis’ present in the area were spared. I was trying to align my Sat-Phone when a group of Northern Alliance armed men appeared in front of me in that chaos and thought I was a Pakistani. They were about to shoot me when I managed to take my passport out and quickly shouted who I was and showed them,” recalls Parvaiz.

It was a close brush for Suhail Bukhari, a reporter with NewsX television, too in Libya. “On the outskirts of Ras Lanuf, I was interviewing a 65-year-old rebel, whose two sons were killed by the Gaddafi forces. While the interview was on, we were bombed by Gaddafi’s airforce, the incident was captured live. I am really happy to be alive,” said Suhail.

It’s not only the wars in the Muslim countries which were covered by Kashmiri journalists. “I am the first photojournalist to cover Red Shirt protests in Thailand. I clicked the pictures of the final day when Thai army launched operation to evict protester who had occupied many of Bangkok’s main squares. The army tanks destroying Red Shirt camps were very much appreciated by my office and were played globally,” said Fayaz Kabuli, a photojournalist with Reuters.

Ironically, it has been easy for Kashmiri journalists to cover conflicts abroad then the one they live in. “Reporting your own conflict is perhaps the most difficult to do in journalism, even though there may be a lot of advantages in terms of knowing the complexities and nuances. Kashmir, to my mind is perhaps the most complex conflicts in the world – not because of what it is about as much as how it plays out given its prolonged nature and propaganda that surrounds it. Reporting Kashmir is much about dealing with entrenched perceptions helped create by the same entities or spaces a journalist may be reporting for,” said Parvaiz.

But Suhail sees Kashmir conflict a low-arms conflict with lesser risks than places like Libya. “Unlike the urban warfare that is more prevalent in Kashmir, Libya has been an experience with far more risks involved. We haven’t seen bombing by air here. Moreover, Libya is a full blown war,” said Suhail.
Kashmir or Libya, journalists from the state have proved a point: they are masters in covering the conflicts.


Braving odds

Tauseef Mustafa, 39, who clicked Iraq and Aghan wars for AFP, says that one needs to confidence to work in a war zone.

Kashmir Life: You covered Afghanistan war. How did it happen?

Tauseef Mustafa: In 2001, I got a call from my office to get prepared for the assignment in Afghanistan for two months, which incidentally was my first assignment outside India. In my opinion, my experience in the Kashmir valley made me the best option available with my organisation to select me to cover Afghanistan. They have already seen my handling of Kargil war single handedly despite various technical constraints. The digital cameras were not available and we used to work by noikon FM2 Film Camera. Kargil war coverage and the appreciation I got gave me a tremendous boost.

KL: For how long did you stay in Afghanistan?
TM: It was two month assignment in Afghanistan. My photographs, however, found place in leading papers and websites around the globe, prompting my office to call me again for five more trips to the war torn nation from 2004 to 2010.

KL: How difficult is it to cover conflict?
TM: Covering conflicts is always a danger. You don’t know what is in store. A minor miscalculation could land you in trouble. There is always a risk. Blasts, firing, suicide attacks and ambushes are a regular feature.

KL: Have you worked in other conflict zones?
TM: I have worked twice in Iraq, including the dangerous Falluja, Mousul and Basra. My first trip to Iraq was in year 2004 for two months. I was again called for covering the events in the country next year. I also got an opportunity to cover the first elections after the fall of Saddam Hussain. It was more dangerous than Afghanistan.

KL: Any memorable episode, you would like to share?
TM: I was in Stryker vehicle with the US army in Mousul in Iraq. Suddenly, a blast occurred and the vehicle, weighing 50 tonnes, was thrown up more than two feet in the air. Luckily, all the occupants escaped unhurt. Sniper fire and rocket attacks were a daily routine in the country.

KL: Why do you think Kashmiri journalists/photojournalists are being asked to cover conflict zones?
TM: Kashmiri journalists or photo-journalists have an edge over their counterparts as they have been, braving all odds and threat to their lives, covering Kashmir. Keeping the experience of covering the conflict zones aside, you have to exhibit your potential and work hard to win the confidence of your employer.


Leaving footprints

Fayaz Kabli of Reuters was among the few photojournalist who were present when army removed the Red Shirt protestors from main squares of Bangkok, Thailand.

Kashmir Life: You were only Kashmiri reporter who covered the Red Shirt protests in Thailand?

Fayaz Kabli : Yes, I am the first photojournalist to cover Red Shirt protests in Thailand. I clicked the pictures of the final day the Thai army launching operation to evict protester, who had occupied many of Bangkok’s main squares. I also captured the army tanks destroying Red Shirt camps. The pictures were played globally. There were many dangers. I was briefed by my colleagues and chief photographer of Thailand Damir Sagolj about the dangers of covering the protests. There were reports of many protesters holding weapons and using them against the army.


KL: You have also won awards?
FK: I think if I am satisfied with the job I do honestly, that is the best award for me. Yes, I received 2nd prize in General News category in China International Press photo Award for a picture of Indian police beat up Kashmiri protesters during first phase of state elections in 2010.

KL: You have worked in a few conflict zone, which one did you find the most difficult to work in?
FK: I think the Red Shirt protests in Bangkok, Thailand, was the most difficult to cover. There were many reasons. First many of Thai people don’t speak English and to communicate with them was a difficult task. Second, the nature of protests. It was all over Bangkok and protesters were defying everything.

KL: Any memorable incident in Thailand?
FK: During a pre-dawn operation by the army against protesters on the final day, my hotel was just next to the main site of protesters camp. When a journalist friend of mine from India woke me up at 2 am in the night to say that army had started operation, I looked out from the 32nd floor of my hotel room.

I was shocked to see army tanks moving on a flyover and cordoning the area. At that point of time, I was surprised that no army soldier stopped me from coming out of the hotel. I was thinking that not this may be other soldier will shout at me and ask me to go back, but there was nothing of the sort. But, surprisingly, the soldiers on the streets in Bangkok offered me water and advised me how to be on safer side while covering situation. The soldiers at every point were so polite and humble that I started compare in my mind the two armies, one at home and one offering me water during their biggest operation.

KL: How do you see Kashmiri journalists emerging on the world scene?
FK: I think Kashmiri journalists are at par with other international journalists. They have left their foot prints across the globe.


Making a mark
Twenty-seven-year-old Suhail Bukhari was sent to Libya to report the conflict in Libya

Kashmir Life: At a young age you were asked to cover Libya. How was it reporting conflict for the first time?

Suhail Bukhari: When I was entering Libya through east, the rebels didn’t allow me and asked me to return to Egypt. When I asked why, they said it was not fair that I was arriving after 15 days of the first strike in the country. I was depressed as nothing seemed to be convincing them till I told them that I was from Kashmir. It meant not only entry but great facilitation, including guidance and a cup of coffee.

KL: Was it a challenging job?
SB: It was a close brush on the outskirts of Ras Lanuf when we were approaching a check post of the rebels. The area was bombed by Gaddafi air force. Earlier we decided to return to Benghazi but finally went ahead. After examining the impact of the bombs that hit the area barely a 100 meters from where I was, I started interviewing a rebel, whose two sons were killed by Gaddafi forces. While the interview was on, we were again bombed by Gadaffi forces and the incident was captured live. I am happy to see myself alive.

KL: Any other memorable incident...
SB: We were returning to Benghazi from Tubruk. It was 10 pm, the city came under attack from Gaddafi navy. It was raining missiles that lit the dark night. Our driver abandoned the car and fled. We were left literally on the road. Thankfully, I had a Jordanian journalist accompanying me, he could speak Arabic. We managed shelter in a civilian house for a night and went to hotel next day. Interestingly, the owner of the house in response to our thanks said that it was his seer who had organized our stay in his house and facilitated everything. He named Sheik-ul-Mashaikh Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeenai (RA). He didn’t elaborate. I am still trying to figure out.

KL: How do you see the growth of Kashmiri journalists?
SB: I see it happening and hope in the days to come Kashmiri journalists will make a mark at the international level, particularly in covering conflict by virtue of sheer courage, determination, grit, appetite for taking risks, ready to go beyond comfort zones for a responsible and comprehensive reportage.


This Report was published on Kashmir Life on Monday, April 18, 2011

"Yeh Ghazi yeh Tera Pur'israar Banda "

AN HOUR BEFORE DAWN ON 7 JUNE 2010,  the day Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was scheduled to visit Kashmir, I drove to Geelani’s home to meet him again. It was 4 am and Geelani was about to begin his morning prayers. A white-bearded man opened the gate and led me to a mosque just inside Geelani’s compound. Inside, there was a small gathering of bearded men, some old, some young, waiting for Geelani to lead their prayers. I heard some tentative footsteps approaching the mosque. It was Geelani. His nicely trimmed beard, not the kind attributed to fundamentalists, complimented his subtle expression and appearance. He looked extraordinarily fresh when he gazed at me through his moist green eyes.

Protesters clashing with police has become all too common.Geelani finished his prayers and led me inside his study room. He took down the Qur’an from the bookshelf, sat down cross-legged, and began reading the Arabic text until the morning sun breached the edge of the white curtains. He slowly guided his index finger along the written verses.

“Each time you study the Qur’an, you find new things, new inspirations.” Geelani said. “This book guides you on how you walk, how you treat your neighbours, your friends, your parents, your brothers, your sisters.”

“Is there any important political decision the Qur’an has helped you to make?” I asked.

“Yes, in every aspect,” he said. “It says sovreignty lies with almighty Allah. Sovreignty is not for the people, not for any dignity, or any family. It only lies in the hands of Allah.”

For a moment, the fiery old man seemed like an obedient student. Then the conversation turned back to politics. His demeanour changed. His body stiffened. “Just recently, I heard the news that some 12 years ago, two persons were arrested and put inside the Tihar jail,” Geelani said. “Now they have been proven innocent. Is this a law? Is this justice? It is very unfortunate that Islam is not seen as a complete way of life.” He was advocating sharia law.

“How do you see the Taliban?” I countered. “They say that they also follow Islam.”

“No, no, no... not at all,” Geelani said. “The Taliban does not represent Islam. Their actions are based on revenge.” He took a deep breath. “Islam doesn’t allow the killing of innocent people.”

He raised his arm toward the ridge of the wall and grabbed a portable radio set. It was now 7:30, and he tuned into a news bulletin from Pakistan. With his head down, he listened intently. As in India, the stories covered shortages of electricity, a water crisis, unemployment, etc. He turned off the radio.


Geelani takes his morning dose of medication in the study of his Srinagar home. His health has been failing him for the last four years.He paused for a moment to finish his breakfast, two boiled eggs and milk custard. He has a history of chronic illnesses—kidney cancer, heart disease and bronchitis. He often wears a surgical mask to avoid the dust. He began reading a newspaper before I again interrupted him.

“What is your stand on militancy?” I asked.

He paused for a few minutes, seated in his centrally heated room, facing his bookshelves. He finally spoke. “India denied Kashmiris their right to self-determination by using their military power,” he said. “Our peaceful efforts were rejected. What alternative is there apart from fighting with guns?”

I asked him about the many foreign militants active in Kashmir. He invoked Bangladesh’s war of independence: “You know, once upon a time there was East Pakistan, do you remember? They raised the voice for Independence from West Pakistan, and India sent a regular army to help them. What is the justification? When we people do it, how is Pakistan wrong?”

Then the conversation turned to Pakistan’s covert actions in Kashmir and the idea that the UN’s plebiscite had become irrelevant. “What else do we have without the UN’s promise?” he asked, “and Pakistan is in that promise” He looked angry as he stood up and asked me to excuse him for a while. Soon he re-entered: “Those people [who given up on the plebiscite] are tired, it’s not their fault. Such things happen in a freedom struggle, that doesn’t mean we alter our history.”

A group of young men entered the room. They shook hands with Geelani. A short-bearded man began to speak, but Geelani cut him short. “Last Friday, you misbehaved in the gathering, you chanted slogans despite the fact I was speaking at the microphone. You actually disrupted my speech.” In a few moments, Geelani seemed happy again, as if nothing had happened. His back was touching the wall. Behind him hung a calendar inscribed with a promise from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, to the people of Kashmir. It affirmed their right to the plebiscite.

This article was published on Disputed Kashmir. The title of the article has been altered.