'No harm in talking about state’s trifurcation’ Interview With Prof. Abdul Ghani Bhat

All Parties Hurriyat Conference (M) member Abdul Ghani Bhat tells that Kashmiris should take the initiative for restarting peace parleys.

Why do you think that trifurcation is the natural solution?

We have been seeking settlement in the larger interests of the subcontinent. India and Pakistan have gone nuclear and Kashmir can constitute a flashpoint. I know it’s also an RSS plan, but as a settlement, trifurcation can be an alternative along with the UN mediator Sir Owen Dixon’s plan or General Pervez Musharraf’s four-point formula.

Isn’t it against the Hurriyat (Mirwaiz) stand?

I don’t want to get into the business of for and against. I belong to Hurriyat(M) and I know what it stands for. Even the Hurriyat talks about a negotiated settlement that involves not only dialogue but seeking alternatives too. There is no harm in talking about trifurcation as an alternative.

What about the UN resolutions that Syed Ali Shah Geelani believes are the only solution?

The UN resolutions offer a legal basis to the Kashmir dispute. I’m not interested in the legality of those resolutions as much as I’m in their implementation. Sixty-three years have gone by but not a single resolution was implemented because they need the approval of both India and Pakistan, which isn’t likely in the current circumstances. I don’t have any problem if the UN implements its resolutions but the issue is what next if the resolutions aren’t implemented.

New Delhi has been saying that borders won’t be redrawn.

Even as an alternative solution, Musharraf’s four-point formula too speaks about making borders irrelevant. We belong to a global village now. We are one. We can move together and that needs to be promoted. The concept of open market economy has introduced an element of interdependence into our collective economic lives. We need to address this issue in the larger interest of our togetherness.

Hurriyat member Moulana Abbas Ansari says this alternative is ‘unconstitutional’ and you must be reprimanded by Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq the way Ansari was punished for meeting the Centre’s interlocutors separately?

(Laughs) No comments.

You have suggested that Mirwaiz Umar should offer talks to India instead of India inviting Kashmiri leadership for talks.

We are the principal party to the dispute, that’s why we need to offer the olive branch and invite both countries for talks. They may accept or reject it.

Hurriyat (M) wants India to meet four conditions before the talks take place. Do you want to do away with them?

He hasn’t said anything about conditions. These are actually CBMs. As far as I’m concerned, talks shouldn’t go with conditions. Dialogue always takes place without conditions.

India and Pakistan couldn’t reach a settlement even on the Siachen dispute. Are you still optimistic?

Miracles won’t happen in a day. Both countries need to engage each other in talks. If they fail, they need to restart and talk again.

At one point, you had supported Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan? Why trifurcation now. Has your stance shifted?

This was the position the Jammu & Kashmir Muslim Conference had taken during the 1990s. What needs to be understood is we need to take stock of ground realities. Otherwise, we would be in trouble. If I’m given the choices of India and Pakistan, I will choose Pakistan. But it all depends on whether a plebiscite takes place. If not, then we will have to seize the day to secure a bright future. We can’t be bogged down by the past.

(First published in Tehelka)

Kashmir was never part of India: British MP George Galloway

LONDON - British parliamentarian George Galloway has said the Kashmiris simply want plebiscite which was promised to them by the UN and former prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru.

While addressing the seminar at the UN in Geneva “Defending the Democratic Processes”, the veteran campaigner on Kashmir said due to crime committed by the British empire the sufferings of the Kashmiris were greater than the Palestinians.

Some 80,000 had died in the more than 20 years freedom struggle, uncountable numbers had been wounded and maimed, Galloway said. Mass imprisonment and exile and even the use of rape as a tool of occupation had been the lot of the Kashmiris, he added. And yet, he said, the only demand of the occupied people of Kashmir was for the right to vote. The same right the West claims to support in the Arab spring for the Libyans and the Syrians, he said. Galloway hailed Indian author Arundhati Roy who was crying out for justice for the people of occupied Kashmir and said that Kashmir was never the part of India.

Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Kashmiri American Council Kashmir Center Executive Director, said the year of 2011 had proved one of the most dramatic periods in recent history. The citizens in a number of countries (Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen) had protested long-entrenched oppressive regimes and toppled them for restoring democracy.Fai said there were several situations where protest against long-standing occupation and oppression remained frustrated in spite of the rights inherent with the right to self-determination and the will of people as the basis of political power. A major case of this was the situation in Kashmir, where the citizenry protested peacefully against the occupying Indian forces to no avail, in spite of UN Security Council resolutions giving them the right to a plebiscite under UN auspices.

Dr Fai quoted President Obama who said in the Indian Parliament on November 10, 2010, that India should not shy away from taking a hard position on human rights violations in Myanmar. But unfortunately, Obama did shy away from taking a hard position on human rights violations in Kashmir, despite the fact the United States was the principle sponsor of the resolution which was adopted by the United Nations Security Council on April 21, 1948. This resolution clearly states that the future of Kashmir must be ascertained in accordance with the wishes and the will of the people.

 Dr Fai said on one hand the world powers denounced Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait as it was against the norms and the principles of international relations. But they were silent over the occupation of Kashmir by India which was a share violation of international norms and United Nations Security Council resolutions. Dr Karen Parker, IED delegate to the United Nations, said the United Nations had determined many years ago that the Kashmiri people had the right to self-determination and also set up a plan for materialising the same. The Kashmir situation continued to haunt the world powers, especially when India and Pakistan had been declared nuclear powers. The Kashmiri people continue to suffer from serious human rights and humanitarian laws violations in the course of India’s military actions against them, he added. Parker said review of the current situation of the Kashmiri peoples’ right to self-determination showed it had been reduced to political rhetoric or was even absent from discussions. However, ignoring the right could not annul it. Altaf Wani, Representative of the All Parties Hurriyet Conference, said the practice of self-determination usually requires a democratic process to determine the choice of a people when exercising that right.

‘‘One Million Signature Campaign’’ on Kashmir in Birmingham, a large number participate

‘‘One Million Signature Campaign’’ on Kashmir which was launched in England on Friday reached in Birmingham.

In the collaboration with the like-minded civil society organizations, human rights forums and leading intellectuals, the Kashmir Council EU is organizing the campaign in UK. Before Birmingham, the first camp of was setup in front of parliament in London on Friday. A large number of the people from different walks of life attended the camp to sign in favour of oppressed people of Kashmir.

Famous figures including Lord Nazir Ahmad, Chairman Kashmir American Council Dr.Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chief of World Kashmir Freedom Movement Nazir Qureshi and President Tehrike Kashmir UK Mohammad Ghalib attended the signature campaign in Birmingham. Two more camps are being setup in Manchester and Bradford in next two respective days. MEP Sajjad Karim would host reception in honour of the campaign’s team in Manchester. A seminar on Kashmir was also held on the occasion in Birmingham. Lord Nazir, Dr.Fai, Ali Raza Syed, Nazir Qureshi and Mohammad Ghalim addressed the seminar. The speakers emphasized on maximum support for the ‘One Million Signature Campaign’.

Talking on the occasion, Chairman Kashmir Council EU Ali Raza Syed said, the objective of the campaign in different cities of UK to obtain maximum support of different sections of the society. The campaign is an effort to achieve the gigantic target of one million signatures on the Kashmir Declaration of Freedom and Peace, which calls for the immediate end of all the human rights violations of the people of Kashmir, and their right to self determination, as demanded by the United Nations and many other international human rights organizations and forums

Source : The Nation

Dear Shaheed Tufail Ahmed Mattoo by Lonesome Kashmiri

Dear Shaheed Tufail Mattoo,


Assalamu Alikum,

I hope you are enjoying the company of angels in heaven. We are still suffering the humiliation under Indian rule. But don't worry we have not given up and will continue the struggle no matter what comes in future Inshallah. After you left us things have become even more difficult for us. You must know that after you left us, more than 100 brothers and three sisters joined you there as well. Did you meet Shaheed Afroza Teli from Khrew? You must have met the sister from Kreeri who died after struggling with an excruciating injury she suffered when she was protesting your death? How about Sameer.. Is he doing well ? Tell him entire Kashmir mourns his tragic departure from earth. Brother after you left we have been in mourning ever since. We miss you very much, Do you miss us? The company of angels must be too comforting for you.. You must have forgotten us by now. Your parents are still holding on the coin that was in your palm. They still have your study desk like it was when you left it. Did you know that your father is one of the bravest man I have ever seen in my life ? He is a pillar of strength and devotion. I know each day and each moment he remembers the times you spent together, Deep in his heart he is so proud of you.


Dear Tufail the barbarians split your head with a teargas shell. They kicked your body and left you lying there in blood and dust. Ah they did not even see the tender age or the exuberant youth. They acted like animals and venomous creatures. The skies cried when they saw you fall, The earth averted its gaze. Angels were shocked to see a display of extreme cruelty . Whole of Kashmir went numb and then erupted at the injustice. Dear Brother you do not need me to tell you that you were not the first to face such atrocity nor were you to be the last. We lost many more after your departure and still no end in sight. You started a revolution which lasted for almost six months. Very long period if you consider the Kashmiri psyche and persistence levels. I am ashamed to tell you that till now we have not been able to avenge any of the deaths. I am also ashamed to tell you that we participated in another election with great enthusiasm and fervor. I am sorry but you know how we Kashmiris are by nature. Your killers are still roaming free, they are still the same rapacious and barbarians. Believe me compared to us you are very lucky. You have Heaven assured for you while as we live in hell every single day.


Take pride in the fact that on the day of Judgment you will rise with Syedu Shuhda Hazrate Hamzah (RA). Take pride in the fact that you were instrumental for assuring Jannat for 118 more. Take pride in the fact that you family loved and still love you. Take pride in the fact that your death will bring the Law of Allah in Kashmir Inshallah. Take pride in the fact that your sacrifice will bring peace and tranquility in Kashmir Inshallah. Take Pride in the fact that your sacrifice will make our sisters feel secure and safe Inshallah.


Every Kashmiri eye is moist for you. Every heart aches for you.


Take care and pray for the Muslim Ummah, you are closer to Allah (JS) and he will not deny you I am sure.


Allah Hafiz,


Lonesome Kashmiri.


p.s: See you soon Inshallah.

This day, that year: 11 June 11 photos (Photo Feature)

A pictorial depiction of Srinagar's old city on June 11, 2010, the day Tufail Mattoo was killed.

Shaheed Tufail Ahmed Matto lying in the pool of blood

Protests intensified after news of Tufail's killing spread in the Old City.

A youth snatches gun of a policeman near Rajouri Kadal.

A protester hurls a stone near Bohri Kadal

A protester and a policeman throw stones at each other during a protest in the vicinity of Jamia Masjid.

Clashes were witnessed between protesters and government forces soon after the congregational Friday prayers ended

People pray during Friday prayers inside 500-year-old Jamia Masjid

A boy arrives at Jamia Masjid for Friday prayers.

Protesters hurl stones at Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers during a protest in Old City.

A girl leans against a pillar during Friday prayers inside 500-year-old Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.

Tear gas billows during clashes between demonstrators and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers near Rajouri Kadal.

Kashmir upsurge and social networking

By: Zahoor Bhat

The last three years have seen an upsurge in protests against Indian rule in Kashmir. We saw mostly teenage boys and young men in their 20s, have been killed. From an armed rebellion in 1989, the opposition to Indian rule in this restive state is morphing into an “ammunition-free” struggle, on where youth make use of both traditional and more sophisticated methods of protest such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter.

The Issue

Kashmir has got its own language, its own natural resources which provided self-sustainment

and autonomy, and its own rich, ancient and distinct culture completely different from rest of the subcontinent. Before the British Raj officially came into being in 1858, the British colonizers already had vast amounts of soldiers occupying several parts of the South-eastern Asia subcontinent including Kashmir, which they wanted to strip of its history and absorb into their growing Indian empire. The Britishers sold Kashmir to a monarch in 1846, making the Dogra dynasty the undisputed rulers of the Valley. The Dogras committed a century of atrocities against

the Kashmiris.

When a student of history scans through the events that led to Maharaja of Kashmir Hari Singh to sign the Instrument of Accession and sending it to Lord Mountbatten, the then Governor General for acceptance, one finds that while accepting the Instrument of Accession Lord Mountb

atten wrote a letter to Maharaja Hari Singh, in reply to his letter which had accompanied the Instrument of Accession, wrote “my Government have decided to accept the Accession of Kashmir State to the Dominion of India. In consistence with their policy that in the case of any State where the issue of accession has been the subject of dispute, the question of accession should be decided in accordance with the wishes of the people of the State, it is my Government’s wish tha

t as soon as law and order have been restored in Kashmir and its soil cleared of the invader, the question of State’s accession should be settled by a reference to the people”.

A lot has been written and said about Kashmir problem yet it defies resolution. The dispute has led both the nations to war at more than once occasions. Several options have been proposed for solution of Kashmir dispute but this problem has remained unsolved so far.

Social Networking

By social networking, internet users use networks of online friends and group memberships to keep in touch with friends, reconnect with old friends or create real–life friendships. Some social networking sites help members find a job or establish business contacts. In addition to blogs and forums, members can express themselves by designing their profile page to reflect their personality. The most popular extra features include music and video sections. Members can read bios of their favorite music artists from the artist’s profile page as well as listen to their favorite songs and watch music videos.

Users are making decisions and getting information from conversations taking place on social networking sites, online tools that help people connect with others who share similar interests, or with those who are interested in exploring new interests and activities. Social networking sites can help organizations to increase awareness about an issue, find signatures for a petition, and encourage supporters to take action. Maintaining social networking profile is like maintaining a mini website.

Tool in the times of crisis

Social networking sites are being used as a tool in times of crisis. A college student backpacking in Southeast Asia started a Facebook group called Support the Monks Protest in Burma to draw attention to the pro-democracy protests led by the country’s revered Buddhist monks. The group found more than 400,000 supporters from around the world and helped attract attention to the monks cause.

Social networking in Kashmir

The streets of Kashmir Valley during unrest of 2008, 2009 and 2010 were not the only places burning with angry protests over the civilian killings. Youngsters were using their personal or community internet pages in the Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, Youtube etc to express their anger. Restrictions like curfews may have prevented youth to vent their anger on streets in shape of protests but it certainly could not stop them from expressing their anger on social networking websites including Facebook, Twitter, Orkut and Youtube.

At some time the state government banned local News Channels and sms-service in realizing that it was the medium through which people were communicating and spreading information across. But youths started social networking sites as alternative source. With student discussion group banned and thousands of security operatives believed to be snooping on protesters, the youth of Kashmir were using Internet as a virtual meeting place.

Social networking sites, though presumably under Indian surveillance, have proven to be more effective than any previous form of political communication in Kashmir. The protesters were using Facebook to debate the weekly calendar of protests, discuss ways to hold Kashmiri leaders accountable and trade daily news updates as we saw last year. Marketing and information technology experts estimated last year that at least 40,000 Kashmir residents are on Facebook.

Social networking sites provided a platform to the people of valley to have their say. The social networking sites have tens of thousands of users from valley. Ironically, hundreds of communities active on issues like culture and entertainment have also engaged in political debates and been busy breaking news about unrest in the valley. Users were regularly reading the status through the posts for latest happenings across the valley the times reeling under curfews.

Cutting across the barriers and borders, users from almost every part of the world are also connected to Kashmir conflict through these social networking sites.

Social Scientist’s Speak

Social scientists argue that social networking sites can help cool tempers and make masses less tense because people to vent their anger and stay connected which in turn helps in lowering of tensions and anxiety, as people get to know well-being of relatives.

In Short

Social networking sites have emerged as a fast means for circulating news for beleaguered residents of Kashmir. The social networking sites are providing a chance to arrange virtual get-together for friends and relatives who have not been able to see each other due to the turmoil. The ‘Social Networking revolution of 2010’ in Kashmir if didn’t achieved the desired goal but it certainly made the over 10 million Indian online community aware that the people in Kashmir want justice. It also led to increased international media interest in the Kashmir agitation.