KASHMIR: Updates on situation in Kashmir
Today, four separate items came into my inbox about Kashmir. Am sharing them here.
1. A NYT op-ed about Kashmir by author Pankaj Mishra.
2. An alert from Reporters Without Borders about a raid in Kashmir.
3. A message about Kashmir from the Indian Muslim Council - USA.
4. A white paper about Kashmir from the Fremont (California) Hindu Temple.
Items, links below. Post your thoughts in the comments section below.
A NYT op-ed about Kashmir by author Pankaj Mishra.
An excerpt:
A new generation of politicized Kashmiris has now risen; the world is again likely to ignore them — until some of them turn into terrorists with Qaeda links. It is up to the Indian government to reckon honestly with Kashmiri aspirations for a life without constant fear and humiliation. Some first steps are obvious: to severely cut the numbers of troops in Kashmir; to lift the economic blockade on the Kashmir Valley; and to allow Kashmiris to trade freely across the line of control with Pakistan.
- - - -
An alert from Reporters Without Borders:
From: RSF ASIA <asie@rsf.org>
Reporters Without Borders
27 August 2008
INDIA
Raid on home of The Hindu's Kashmir correspondent
Reporters Without Borders deplores yesterday's raid by members of the counter intelligence agency on the home of Shujaat Bukhari, The Hindu daily newspaper's correspondent in Srinagar. Bukhari, who was not at home at the time, was told by his family that the agents were looking for two Kashmiri leaders.
No newspapers are on sale in Kashmir for the third day running as a result of a curfew imposed by the authorities to prevent demonstrations.
Here is an excerpt from Bukhari's latest article for The Hindu, on Aug. 25:
13 scribes injured in CRPF action Shujaat Bukhari
SRINAGAR: Over 13 journalists were injured, one of them seriously, when Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel beat them up in separate incidents here on Sunday. The journalists were on their way to work during curfew.
At several places in Kashmir, people who came out in groups to defy curfew were chased away by the CRPF and the Army who used tear smoke shells and at some places opened fire. Reports said 25 people, including five policemen, were injured.
The authorities have banned the local cable channels from transmitting news. CRPF personnel refused to honour the curfew passes produced by the journalists. They had been issued by the District Magistrate on August 12.
Those injured include Bilal Bhat, John Mohammad (Sahara News), Manoj Kaul, Jehangir (ETV), Aijaz Ahmad (News X) and Amin War (The Tribune). Earlier the circulation of local newspapers was also stopped by the CRPF at several places.
Journalists staged a sit-in at the press enclave protesting against the CRPF conduct. They asked the government to clarify whether it would allow the media to function freely.
CRPF spokesman Prabhakar Tripathi said the civil administration had told the force not to honour the old passes. He, however, apologised for the use of force.
Sensing more trouble and restrictions on their movements, all the foreign journalists camping here for the last few days have left.
- - - -
A message from the Indian Muslim Council - USA:
IMC-USA deplores the humanitarian situation in Kashmir; appeals to all sides to maintain peace
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26 August 2008
Indian Muslim Council - USA (IMC-USA), an advocacy group working toward safeguarding India's pluralist and tolerant ethos, strongly condemns the blockade of Kashmir Valley by the Amarnath Yatra Sangharsha Samiti. The economic blockade of the Valley has caused havoc and untold suffering to the civilian population of Kashmir.
According to news reports, Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti has vowed to extend its strike “chakka jam” till August 31. The Samiti has launched protest strikes since early August forcibly shutting down schools, shops, businesses and public transportation throughout the region creating an economic blockade on Kashmir Valley.
Equally condemnable is the firing by police and armed forces on unarmed civilians. At least 35 people are reported to be killed and hundreds more have been wounded in weeks of protests across the state.
By not taking immediate and stern action against the illegal blockade by Hindu nationalist organizations of the only highway into the Kashmir valley, the government has fueled the separatist sentiments and is alienating the people of Kashmir.
IMC-USA expresses dismay at the mishandling of the land transfer by the government authorities. Maintaining security and peace is the responsibility of the government and so far government attempts are failing. This failure of government will play into the hands of the extremists making conditions more tenuous. IMC-USA demands that the government do not allow the extremists to fan the communal sentiments in Kashmir and the rest of the country.
IMC-USA appeals to all sides to work towards restoring peace and to resolve the current land row by negotiating an amicable solution. The central government should immediately remove the economic blockade and restore normal conditions in the Valley. Appropriate compensation should also be made to the families of the civilians killed in the firing by police and armed forces.
Indian Muslim Council-USA is the largest advocacy organization of Indian Muslims in the United States with 10 chapters across the nation.
CONTACT:
Dr. Hyder Khan
phone/fax:1-800-839-7270
email: media@imc-usa.org
- - -
An item from the Hindu Temple in Fremont, California:
White Paper on Kashmir
Fremont Hindu Temple
7:00 PM, August 26, 2008
Founding Members:* Jeevan Zutshi (Fremont, CA, USA) JEEVAN.ZUTSHI@GMail.com
* Deepak Ganju (Miami, FL, USA)
* Subash Razdan (Atlanta, GA USA)
* Rakesh Kaul (NJ, USA)
* Anil Wali (MI, USA)
* Kiran Kuchroo, (Boston, MA USA)
* Tej Shawl, (Sydney, Australia)
* R K Mattoo, (Bangalore, INDIA)
* Wing Commander Raman Sopory, (New Delhi, India)
* Moti Kaul, (Mumbai, India)Dear Community members,
We are here in Fremont temple to hold a Press Conference to discuss the issue of Amarnath and situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Press Conference has been initiated by International Kashmir Federation (IKF), global organization of Kashmiri Hindus.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the media for generally trying to give a balanced coverage to current turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir.
On behalf of the International Kashmir Federation (IKF), the only global organization of Kashmiri Hindus, I would like to welcome all of you to this very important Press Conference tonight. I would like to thank Fremont Hindu Temple and all other supporting organizations for their support to a very worthy cause.
It is because of these individuals and organizations that we have been able to place Kashmir and Kashmiri Hindu plight on the map of the U.S., by letting factual reasons for Kashmiri Hindu exodus in 1989/90 known to mainstream community and constantly educating the U.S State Department, lawmakers and policy makers, about the distortions and concoctions which the enemies of India and the civilized society have been portraying about Kashmir. 350,000 Kashmiri Hindus, also called Pandits, had to flee for their lives after thousands of them were murdered in cold blood by the Islamic terrorists in early 1990. Even after 19 years, they are still living like refugees in their own country. Alas, the Government of India is sleeping and silent!
Unfortunately, Kashmir once again has been turned upside down by the Kashmiri Muslims in the wake of their conspiracy against the official attempts to build temporary shelters to facilitate the pilgrimage of Hindus visiting the world famous Amarnath Cave of Lord Shiva.
The wild protests in the Kashmir valley to the temporary lease of forestland to Shri Amar Nath Shrine Board (SASB) makes a sad and painful portrayal of the exclusivist, and illogical mindset that rules the roost in Kashmir.
The well-planned and calculated yet gruesome attacks of terror that struck the heart of India between July 25 and July 26, 2008 left scores of people dead, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The serial bomb blasts that were triggered by the Islamic terrorist groups in more than two dozen significant places including Bangalore, India’s Silicon Valley and Ahmedabad, the capitol of the economically prosperous state of Gujarat, within a span of 24 hours, were intentionally aimed at breaking the resolve of the Indian people to fight terror in all its forms.
The hideous nature of the attackers is evident from the fact that they chose to attack even the hospitals where grievously injured were being treated.
These unprecedented and oft repeated terrorist acts are nothing short of attacks on humanity and the citadels of civilized world. Terrorism knows no boundaries or nationalities. It is a menace that needs to be uprooted. The international body and the world community need to unequivocally condemn these dastardly acts and not remain mute spectatators.
The organizations, signatory to this Brief, are taking the opportunity to highlight the Jammu and Kashmiri Hindu victims of terrorism who have been denied the basic human right of worship and denied appropriate facilities to the Hindu pilgrims to Amarnath Shrine.
In direct violations of the Constitution of India and the United Nations Charter, the Kashmiri politicians are denying the basic human right of worship to Hindus. They are also purposely creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and insecurity so that like Hindus and Sikhs of Kashmir region, the Hindus of Jammu and adjoining cities feel extremely unsafe and helpless and are forced to leave their homes and hearths en mass. The second version of exodus of the non-Muslim minorities from the Jammu region is seen by fundamentalists as a new opportunity of land and property grab in the ongoing civilization war. This is also aimed at to expand the plan of Islamic colonization of Kashmir beyond the territory of the valley of Kashmir.
Today, Kashmir is being openly and boldly divested of its Hindu heritage and is being made more Islamic by changing names of the places and rewriting history. Denying Sri Amarnath Board land for the pilgrimage is manifestation of this Kashmiri Muslim politicians mind-set and historic intent to cleanse Kashmir of non-Muslim symbols.
Are we aware of the amenities provided to Haj yatris by the Govt. of India? Do we know how many corers of rupees GOI pays for Haj subsidies? Why should Kashmiri Muslims oppose giving better amenities to Amarnath Yatris? Why do Kashmiri Muslims consider Hindus as tress passers and would allow them only as visitors? Why can’t Kashmiri Muslims tolerate their own Kashmiri Hindu Brethren with whom they have lived for centuries?
This struggle has exposed the ugly communal face of separatist forces operating in the state. The agitation in Jammu has also torn down the veil of hypocrisy of government of India. Behind this veil Govt. of India has always concealed its preferences to surrender to Muslim communalism.
The expressions of the Muslim leaders in Valley and mobilization of people behind fundamentalist and communal banners once again vindicates our stand that the political class in Valley continues to reject co-existence as a cardinal principal of life.
We support the following just demands of Amarnath Shrine Board Sangharsh Committee in Jammu:1. Urge the GOI to reinstate the transfer of 40 hectares of forestland approved by former Governor Sinha and by G.N. Azad Government, to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), to construct facilities for the pilgrims.
2. Encourage the GOI to establish Truth and Reconciliation Commission in order to evaluate its present policies of inaction, appeasement and nepotism thus allowing the country move forward and save innocent Hindu lives.
3. Compensate the victims and the families of Jammu Bandh.
4. Honor the sacrifice of Shaheed Kuldip Dogra and Kamaljeet Chaudhry.
The following four resolutions are passed tonight:
First – Abrogate Article 370, special status denying Indian citizens ownership of land in their own country whereas all Kashmiris can live and own property in any part of India.
Second - demanding that the Indian Government, launch an all out war against all brands of terrorists in the country and cut their life support systems.
It must also warn of dire consequences against the in and outside sources, agencies and countries that support these terrorist adventures;
Third - call upon all the nationalist and patriotic organizations in the country for putting up a united front against these subversives.
They must also declare their unwavering resolve for combating and defeating
all attempts for fundamentalization and Talibanization of India. They must commit themselves for maintaining the real secular character of India in which all communities have opportunity and freedom to perform their justifiable roles;
Fourth - Government of India to desist from any maneuvers to accord legitimacy to any form of Muslim separatism be it secession to Pakistan, Independence, shared sovereignty or autonomy.
India’s true potential as a pluralistic democracy can be realized when all people live under uniform laws, and no state enjoys special privileges that excludes others.
The following organizations (partial list) support this initiative of International Kashmir Federation (IKF):
1) Federation of Indo-Americans (FIA of Northern California)
2) Vishwa Hindu Parishad (USA)
3) Overseas Friends of BJP (USA)
4) Bharati Tamil Sangam
5) Bay Area Maharashtra Mandal
6) Bay Area Telugu Association
7) Sunnyvale Hindu Temple
8) Fremont Hindu Temple
9) Indo American Society of Bay Area
10) National Federation of Indian Associations (NFIA)
11) Indo-American Community Federation (IACF-USA)
12) International Kashmir Federation (IKF)
13) Hindu Swayam sevak Sangh (HSS),
14) Samskrit Bharati
15) Friends of India Society International (FISI)
16) Hindu American Foundation (HAF)Thank you.
Jeevan Zutshi, (510) 589-3702
Chairman, International Kashmir Federation (IKF)
Director, Federation of Indo-Americans (FIA of Northern California)
Director, National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA)
www.indocommunity.us
You have to love these guys - the Arundhati Roys and Pankaj Mishras of the world. Someone needs to talk about the plight of the Kashmiri Muslims - it has to be tough to live under a liberal, secular democracy when you have the option of creating an independent theocratic state or better still can merge into another theocratic state.
You need to sympathize with the Kashmiri Muslims - with so much land already in PoK, how could they be expected to give away 50 or however many acres to heathen Hindus - that's not fair, is it. And did you see how non-violent the protests were? Oh of course things turned a little nasty in the last week or so but you have to blame the security forces and India for it.
What about all the Hindus who were driven out of the valley, from their homes years ago? What about their right for self-determination. Shut up you uncouth fool - can't you see we are secular liberals? We write books with fancy titles that gets reviewed in the NY Times and the NPR - if we start talking about Hindus, we will automatically become communalists, or is it communists? Communists are the good ones so yeah, talking about the self-determination rights of the Kashmiri pandits will make us communalists and who has ever won a Booker for that?
Posted by: Vikas Chowdhry | August 28, 2008 at 12:40 AM
The curfew has entered in the 5th day, there is very tense situation all over the valley, shortage of medicines, foodstuffs, baby milk powder, etc. lot of injured in the hospital are dying as the attendants are not allowed to reach the hospital, there has been an information blockade as local tv channels are not allowed to telecast news and even news papers are not circulated. as if people are living in the dark ages in this part of democratic, republic of India, were people are denied of basic facility of life.
This is the most unfortunate that is happening in the valley- called the Heaven on this earth. It is due to Indian politics from the last 60 years which has resulted in the present situation. To keep the Kashmir economically and educationally backward with highest natural resources in this earth, the valley is having the potential of generating more than 20000 MW of Hydroelectricity ie the tune of approx. Rs 96000 corers per day (Rs 3, 45, 60,000 corers per annum). Still the valley is short of electricity for domestic use not to talk of industrialization which is newer possible without electricity. Thanks to the Indus water treaty, in other words Indian politicians have sold Natural resources of Kashmir valley to Pakistan. Thus the resource rich valley has been kept 100% dependent with very high unemployment which had resulted in the turmoil in the valley during 90's when lot of unemployed youth went to POK for armed training. Resulting in killing, of more than, One Lakh Youths, and human rights violation.
So far as Amarnath land issue is concerned the yatries use the land since decades and will be using it for decades to come, the people of valley have never objected of using the land. They were only against its permanent transfer. It is here to mentioned that more than 5,50, 000 yatries have visited the cave this year, without a single communal violence in the valley, even though the valley was burning. So the case is not the land issue, but the Kashmir issue which should addressed.
I think there should be early settlement of the issue in order to have peace in the south Asia. More the force India will use more killing will be resulted, the tension in the region will increase. Why the Indian Politician are afraid of UN Interference, when they are too confident that they have the majority of people with them. Let the vote of self determination be provided to the people of J&K, India will win it as the politicians are claiming and the issue will be settled once for all. Why they are afraid?
Posted by: Dr. N. A. Kirmani | August 28, 2008 at 05:37 AM
Kirmani Sahib,
They are not afraid to hold a plebiscite - in fact, the last state elections were amongst the most fair ever held in the region and the international observers vouched for that and yet we are at this juncture. There were certain conditions that needed to be met before a plebiscite could be held, majority of them by Pakistan. That was never done. Moreover, our friends from across the border never allowed the tempers to cool down in the valley, thus making an impartial plebiscite an impossibility.
Now, after driving half a million Kashmiri Pandits out of their homes, you are talking about the right of self-determination for Kashmiri Muslims. To quote a US politician, "have you lost all sense of decency sir?". Will you allow absentee ballots for Kashmiri Hindus and their descendants if a plebiscite is held? The plebiscite should also be accompanied by a separate trial for ethnic cleansing against some of the leaders in the valley.
Posted by: Vikas Chowdhry | August 28, 2008 at 08:10 AM
I have been in Kashmir since 5th August, when the economic blockade was supposed to have been on. Let me tell
you that, contrary to popular perception, there was NO food shortage or starvation because of the blockade
becuase homes, shops, stockists were well stocked up on food.
There was also no medicine shortage as stockists and hospitals also had 2-3 months stock. But supplies coming
into the valley was not regular leading to fears that a shortage may arise in the future.
The problem was that some truck drivers from the valley were beaten up, one was even killed, one had acid thrown
in his face by groups in Jammu. This caused losses to fruit sellers and growers who were unable to get their
fruits out of the valley.
This created fear and was whipped up by the media in Kashmir and the valley's politicians. Also Hurriyat started
giving bandh calls which continued for many days and this crippled life in the valley. Rumours, fears and strikes
by Hurriyat leaders caused people to stock up and food prices to soar.
It is very important that these realities be understood. The 'economic blockade' was blown out of proportion and
then when the government took steps to ensure free transportation from Jammu to Kashmir and vice versa, the issue
soon changed to other things.
As responsibile citizens first and foremost, and for the security and welfare of all, it is our duty to ensure
that myths not be propagated.
Regards
Adi
Posted by: Adi | August 28, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Vikas,
Oh those poor Kashmiri Muslims! They shouldn't mind the unlawful Indian presence in their land. They shouldn't mind the million + army troops in their land. They shouldn't mind the brutality and murder of the Indian security services. India never won Kashmir, but it certainly lost it when it let Hindu nationalism seep into its spirit.
Posted by: Sakiv | August 29, 2008 at 10:14 PM
The volatility of Pakistan is reason alone for India's never opening up the border for free travel between Srinagar and Muzzafarabad... it's just a bad idea.
As for reducing troop numbers and curbing the hand of the Indian army in Kashmir, there's nothing bad about that.
Posted by: David Branch | August 30, 2008 at 07:02 AM
Kirmani: the Indian government is afraid because Pakistan is a rogue state which would quickly annex an independent Kashmir. It is far too dangerous for Pakistan to ever be allowed control over Kashmir... the increase in size, population, and even easier access into large areas of Northern India would be intolerable. That's why Kashmir will never be free of Indian rule.
Posted by: David Branch | August 30, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Pakistan is a rogue state? What is India? India flouts international conventions, supports terrorist and insurgent movements in neighboring states, and is a bully in its region. Indians lost Kashmir when they turned the other way to their soldiers raping Kashmiri women.
Posted by: Bavid Dranch | September 01, 2008 at 01:29 AM
International Kashmir Federation (IKF) observed the day in many countries and various States in the U.S.
In Northern California, in the city of Fremont, USA, members of the Kashmiri Hindu community gathered in Fremont temple at 4:00 PM, displaying placards, distributing flyers, and educating others about the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits.
A roundtable conference was held inside the temple community hall to discuss the current state of affairs in Kashmir. The meeting opened with recitation of an article on Balidan Divas, which was sent for the occasion by IKF member in Delhi, Mr. T.N.Dhar 'Kundan', also a writer.
Various community members expressed concern and outrage over the recent attack by Kashmir Watch, a Pakistani media outlet, on International Kashmir Federation (IKF), calling it a hate group, even attacking Lord Shiva, calling him “a mythical Hindu character that is famous for his hate and fury.”
The report from Kashmirwatch.com said "India's two most important spy agencies Research And Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) have directed Kashmiri Pandits abroad to start a vilification campaign; the Indian government has activated militant groups around the world including Kashmiri Pandits who are being paid hefty sums to launch a propaganda campaign. Pandits, who traditionally worked in government sector including a sizeable number for the Indian security agencies as well as in the Police and Army, have been employed in large numbers by the Indian agencies throughout the world and during the last two decades of Kashmiri struggle for independence, Pandits have launched a sustained hate campaign to defame the Kashmiri movement.”
”Now as the Indian brutalities have exposed Indian behavior in Kashmir, Indian agencies are trying hard to divert the attention from its repression. As part of the policy, India's two most important spy agencies � Research And Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) have directed Kashmiri Pandits abroad to start a vilification campaign. As part of this, campaign a group of US based Pandits from a hate centre 'Fremont Hindu Temple' launched a vilification campaign under the banner of International Kashmir Federation (IKF). The members of this hate group Jeevan Zutshi, Deepak Ganju, Subash Razdan, Rakesh Kaul, Anil Wali, Kiran Kuchroo are based in India while R K Mattoo, Wing Commander Raman Sopory and Moti Kaul are based in India. Launching a scathing attack on Kashmiri Muslims, these hate-mongers claimed that 'thousands of Kashmiri Pandits were murdered in cold blood by the Islamic terrorists while 35,000 of them had to flee'. This is pertinent to mention that according to the official records, 209 Pandits were killed by militant’s, majority of them members of security agencies, while their total population was less than 100,000. However, the Kashmiri Pandits, under the guidance of Indian intelligence agencies have been carrying hate propaganda and exaggerating their sufferings and n umber of deaths.”
”The members of the Fremont Hindu Temple hate center also called for the abrogation of Article 370 and advised the Indian government to take a tough military action against the Kashmiri Muslims demanding Azaadi. Terming the mass protests of Kashmiri Muslims as 'wild' and 'illogical' the Pandits accused them of conspiring against Lord Shiva, a mythical Hindu character that is famous for his hate and fury. The Pandit hate group also called upon the Indian government to desist from any maneuvers to accord legitimacy to any form of Muslim separatism be it secession to Pakistan, Independence, shared sovereignty or autonomy. This is pertinent to mention that Kashmiri Pandits have launched this hate campaign in collaboration with militant Hindu groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (USA), Overseas Friends of BJP (USA) and Swayam Sevak Sangh (SSS).”
The members of Kashmiri Hindu community condemned this report and were outraged by the malicious lies spoken by Kashmirwatch.com. It was decided to file a lawsuit against this bogus media outlet of terrorists.
Ironically, while attacking International Kashmir Federation (IKF), the writer agreed that 209 Kashmiri Pandits were murdered by militants. The IKF advisor communicated with the gathering through an e-mail and remarked "The writer of Kashmir Watch, in writing, agrees that Terrorists in the Valley killed at least 209 Kashmiri Pandits. The names of these tragic victims are in the public domain. Given his supernatural resources inside RAW who have informed him that they are funding IKF, it should certainly be easy for him to identify which security agencies these Pandits were supposedly working for? Failing this, the writer should reflect on his own factual admission and where it positions him in civil society given that he has portrayed these innocent members of society falsely and tried to justify an unforgivable crime."
"In the last 668 years there is no historical record of Kashmiri Pandits committing acts of violence against non-Pandits. The writer should reflect on the facts as to whether the reverse is true. Once he does that then he will quickly realize where the hate springs from and towards whom. It is pretty clear that the writer is not engaged in constructive writing but instead wants to whip up his own audience. The allegation of hefty sums of money being paid to IKF (to fund what activity?) is simply a technique to drive fund raising for the writer's own causes from his captive followers."
"When it comes to Kashmiri Pandits the writer and other of his ilk are faced with very bad facts. It is best that they avoid throwing allegations at Kashmiri Pandits because it will only boomerang against them. By the same token it would be appropriate to bring this writer and the website to the attention of the anti terrorism authorities here in the US since he seems to have sympathies for terrorist acts and has taken the extra step of personally naming the members of the IKF for which intent one can only speculate at."
The members of the community decided to meet the appropriate counter terrorism people so they can put this in their files. As one of the members of IKF rightly said “I am sure that they will have more than passing interest in IKF's input and intelligence and Kashmir Watch itself may find that it is under watch.”
Posted by: International Kashmir Federation (IKF) | September 18, 2008 at 08:13 PM
International Kashmir Federation (IKF) observed the day in many countries and various States in the U.S.
In Northern California, in the city of Fremont, USA, members of the Kashmiri Hindu community gathered in Fremont temple at 4:00 PM, displaying placards, distributing flyers, and educating others about the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits.
A roundtable conference was held inside the temple community hall to discuss the current state of affairs in Kashmir. The meeting opened with recitation of an article on Balidan Divas, which was sent for the occasion by IKF member in Delhi, Mr. T.N.Dhar 'Kundan', also a writer.
Various community members expressed concern and outrage over the recent attack by Kashmir Watch, a Pakistani media outlet, on International Kashmir Federation (IKF), calling it a hate group, even attacking Lord Shiva, calling him “a mythical Hindu character that is famous for his hate and fury.”
The report from Kashmirwatch.com said "India's two most important spy agencies Research And Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) have directed Kashmiri Pandits abroad to start a vilification campaign; the Indian government has activated militant groups around the world including Kashmiri Pandits who are being paid hefty sums to launch a propaganda campaign. Pandits, who traditionally worked in government sector including a sizeable number for the Indian security agencies as well as in the Police and Army, have been employed in large numbers by the Indian agencies throughout the world and during the last two decades of Kashmiri struggle for independence, Pandits have launched a sustained hate campaign to defame the Kashmiri movement.”
”Now as the Indian brutalities have exposed Indian behavior in Kashmir, Indian agencies are trying hard to divert the attention from its repression. As part of the policy, India's two most important spy agencies � Research And Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) have directed Kashmiri Pandits abroad to start a vilification campaign. As part of this, campaign a group of US based Pandits from a hate centre 'Fremont Hindu Temple' launched a vilification campaign under the banner of International Kashmir Federation (IKF). The members of this hate group Jeevan Zutshi, Deepak Ganju, Subash Razdan, Rakesh Kaul, Anil Wali, Kiran Kuchroo are based in India while R K Mattoo, Wing Commander Raman Sopory and Moti Kaul are based in India. Launching a scathing attack on Kashmiri Muslims, these hate-mongers claimed that 'thousands of Kashmiri Pandits were murdered in cold blood by the Islamic terrorists while 35,000 of them had to flee'. This is pertinent to mention that according to the official records, 209 Pandits were killed by militant’s, majority of them members of security agencies, while their total population was less than 100,000. However, the Kashmiri Pandits, under the guidance of Indian intelligence agencies have been carrying hate propaganda and exaggerating their sufferings and n umber of deaths.”
”The members of the Fremont Hindu Temple hate center also called for the abrogation of Article 370 and advised the Indian government to take a tough military action against the Kashmiri Muslims demanding Azaadi. Terming the mass protests of Kashmiri Muslims as 'wild' and 'illogical' the Pandits accused them of conspiring against Lord Shiva, a mythical Hindu character that is famous for his hate and fury. The Pandit hate group also called upon the Indian government to desist from any maneuvers to accord legitimacy to any form of Muslim separatism be it secession to Pakistan, Independence, shared sovereignty or autonomy. This is pertinent to mention that Kashmiri Pandits have launched this hate campaign in collaboration with militant Hindu groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (USA), Overseas Friends of BJP (USA) and Swayam Sevak Sangh (SSS).”
The members of Kashmiri Hindu community condemned this report and were outraged by the malicious lies spoken by Kashmirwatch.com. It was decided to file a lawsuit against this bogus media outlet of terrorists.
Ironically, while attacking International Kashmir Federation (IKF), the writer agreed that 209 Kashmiri Pandits were murdered by militants. The IKF advisor communicated with the gathering through an e-mail and remarked "The writer of Kashmir Watch, in writing, agrees that Terrorists in the Valley killed at least 209 Kashmiri Pandits. The names of these tragic victims are in the public domain. Given his supernatural resources inside RAW who have informed him that they are funding IKF, it should certainly be easy for him to identify which security agencies these Pandits were supposedly working for? Failing this, the writer should reflect on his own factual admission and where it positions him in civil society given that he has portrayed these innocent members of society falsely and tried to justify an unforgivable crime."
"In the last 668 years there is no historical record of Kashmiri Pandits committing acts of violence against non-Pandits. The writer should reflect on the facts as to whether the reverse is true. Once he does that then he will quickly realize where the hate springs from and towards whom. It is pretty clear that the writer is not engaged in constructive writing but instead wants to whip up his own audience. The allegation of hefty sums of money being paid to IKF (to fund what activity?) is simply a technique to drive fund raising for the writer's own causes from his captive followers."
"When it comes to Kashmiri Pandits the writer and other of his ilk are faced with very bad facts. It is best that they avoid throwing allegations at Kashmiri Pandits because it will only boomerang against them. By the same token it would be appropriate to bring this writer and the website to the attention of the anti terrorism authorities here in the US since he seems to have sympathies for terrorist acts and has taken the extra step of personally naming the members of the IKF for which intent one can only speculate at."
The members of the community decided to meet the appropriate counter terrorism people so they can put this in their files. As one of the members of IKF rightly said “I am sure that they will have more than passing interest in IKF's input and intelligence and Kashmir Watch itself may find that it is under watch.”
Posted by: International Kashmir Federation (IKF) | September 18, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Dear friends,
I was curious to know who this Javed Iqbal was who wrote this fascinating story about IKF as well as about some of our respected community leaders.
On making some google search I found that One Javed Iqbal was a serial child killer who on March 16, 2000, was sentenced to death, strangled in front of the parents whose children he was convicted of murdering. Judge Allah Baksh Ranja said that Iqbal's body "will then be cut into a 100 pieces and put in acid the same wayhe killed the children."
Now this another Javed Iqbal is a "Serial Liar" who makes up the stories so that he can earn his living as a journalist.
CIRCUIT : Bhai, Bapu ne bola tha ke kabhi jhoot nehin bolna mangta hai. Apun aaj se kabhi jhoot nehin bolega Bhai.
MUNNA BHAI : Aye Circuit, woh Sunita ka baap aya hai terayko dund rehla hai.
CIRCUIT : Bhai usko bolo apun gaon gaya hai, kheti karneko.
MUNNA BHAI : Par Circuit, abhi to tu bola kabhi jhoot nehin bolega.
CIRCUIT : Bhai, apun jhoot nehin bolega, par tum to bol sakta hai na.
Paviter Handoo
Posted by: Paviter Handoo | September 18, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Press Release
Dared November 13, 2008
Kashmiri Pandit participation in Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections
International Kashmir Federation- IKF, an international body of Kashmiri Pandits supports the initiatives by community members to enter into the political arena in the upcoming elections. It is high time when Kashmiri Pandits start getting involved in a political process. This will eventually enable the community to return to their homeland in Kashmir valley with dignity.
We must support a democratic process and participation in an election reinforces that commitment. IKF believes that a boycott of elections tantamount to playing into the hands of separatists, terrorists and anti-national elements of the state who have always been against the election process within the framework of Indian constitution. Kashmir is an integral part of India and the Kashmiri Pandits are the aborigines. It is time Pandits get involved in a very positive manner.
IKF appeals to all Kashmiri Pandits to participate and support their candidates in coming elections so that the voice of Kashmiri Pandits can reach the State and Central Governments. IKF will work closely and encourage all candidates taking part in the democratic process of elections in India.
Chief spokesman,
International Kashmir Federation (IKF)
internationalkashmirfederation@gmail.com
Posted by: International Kashmir Federation (IKF) | November 16, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Press Release
Dared November 13, 2008
Kashmiri Pandit participation in Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections
International Kashmir Federation- IKF, an international body of Kashmiri Pandits supports the initiatives by community members to enter into the political arena in the upcoming elections. It is high time when Kashmiri Pandits start getting involved in a political process. This will eventually enable the community to return to their homeland in Kashmir valley with dignity.
We must support a democratic process and participation in an election reinforces that commitment. IKF believes that a boycott of elections tantamount to playing into the hands of separatists, terrorists and anti-national elements of the state who have always been against the election process within the framework of Indian constitution. Kashmir is an integral part of India and the Kashmiri Pandits are the aborigines. It is time Pandits get involved in a very positive manner.
IKF appeals to all Kashmiri Pandits to participate and support their candidates in coming elections so that the voice of Kashmiri Pandits can reach the State and Central Governments. IKF will work closely and encourage all candidates taking part in the democratic process of elections in India.
Chief spokesman,
International Kashmir Federation (IKF)
internationalkashmirfederation@gmail.com
Posted by: International Kashmir Federation (IKF) | November 16, 2008 at 11:51 PM