KASHMIR AWAITS HISTORIC DECISION

Ideas of liberty, that once became hallmark of French and American revolutions and changed destiny of these lands and peoples are not applied by the champions of Western and American democracies to the problems of Jammu and Kashmir. The double standard of global powers - advocates of UN charter and civilisations are lamentable.

Kashmir is a legacy of post Hitler era. Had Hitler won the war what the modern free Europe/America would have done to liberate their lands? Will they answer?

The winners of World war 11 replaced the league of Nations by the UNO. They made the universal declaration of human rights and acknowledged the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to choose their political destiny through a free, fair and impartial plebiscite. But they kept the file of Kashmir under dust, till the people of Kashmir launched their mass resistance movement of liberation in 80s to dust off the issue.

The problem with the people of Kashmir is that they are Muslims and without oil wealth, and the problem of Kashmir has. been allowed to get complicated by not implementing resolutions on Kashmir. The cold war scenario contributed to the Indian intransigence as Kashmiris became repeatedly the victims of U.S.S.R, veto. The world body has not upheld the voice of the oppressed and subjugated people of Kashmir, when they most needed the help. Will the United States and some other economic/Military powers ponder over the idea that the world body will not survive and civilisation/progress of man will not continue without durable and just solutions of some burning political problems of the World?

Peace is the urge of man on earth. But, peace without justice is utopian. The impression is that the United States and her Western allies work overtly/covertly for peace without justice to the aggrieved people, nations and countries. While all Kashmiris have unshakeable belief in freedom, known in our folk language "Azadi" connoting separation from India, the Indian Government alongwith her rabid, fanatic Hindu politicians insists on continuation of present occupation by her forces. UK favours bilateral talks between India and Pakistan while, the US seeks a negotiated settlement on tripartite basis.

How real is the approach of US to Kashmir problem? And, is there any conformity with the urges and needs of the people of Kashmir? What are US priorities and what concerns most, only super power in the world? This is evident from the following report of "The Economist", May 20th - 26th 1995":

"After the Kashmir dispute last flared up, in' 1989, America began quietly sponsoring "confidence building" measures to calm thing down... The revolt in Kashmir in 1989 looked as though it might provoke another war. Worried the Americans sent Robert Gates, a senior white House official (and later Head of the CIA) to Islamabad and Delhi. His aim was to produce a more rationale relationship between the two countries. One of his suggestions was to reduce the risks of war by opening lines of communication between the two armies, another was to promote an "unofficial dialogue"... some useful things have happened... "

The same was not done, when in 80s ex-soviet army overran Afghanistan and annexed the land of Afghans.

Then Jihad was all right. Money, men and flow and stockpile of arms and ammunition in Afghanistan and Pakistan was Okay and in the best interests of the region. Neither Pakistan nor the Jihady groups were declared terrorists or fundamentalists then. But, over- night the meaning/definition of arms and men, words and actions changed, and Kashmiris were dubbed as terrorists/fundamentalists and Pakistan was threatened to be declared a terrorist country. A search for men and people among Kashmiris in/outside Kashmir began, to suit new meanings and interpretation of freedom.

Kashmir is on the agenda of U.N. The people of the region continue to resist by every possible way the illegal and unjust Indian rule over Kashmir.

The extra-ordinary President's rule expiring on 17th Jan. 1996 has further been extended for 6 months.

No Indian plan to bury the issue of plebiscite or substitute it 'with a farce of eight elections has succeeded during the last four decades.

Options are being discussed carefully by different world agencies. But no consensus on any specific formula is yet in view. History of options is as old as the problem of Kashmir itself. No road to the final goal of freedom is easy, unless different routes/options are discussed threadbare with Kashmiris.

The people of the targeted/occupied region were the most apt/right people to find out an answer to the Kashmir imbroglio. But all efforts to this end have been thwarted/sabotaged by intransigence of India and other vested interests in both India, Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir. History of partition and post partition developments in the UN vis-a-vis Kashmir laid down certain vital 'Principles which gave Kashmiris a perfect role to decide. their future and stop India and Pakistan from going to war. But, the role of Kashmir was minimised and the issue of people of Kashmir was buried for many years. It is only the development of the last 6 years that today some voices of the international level acknowledge role of Kashmiris towards a durable solution of the issue. If the present forceful urge of self- determination among Kashmiris is fully respected, the problem will more easily and amicably come to a surprising end. However, it needs extra-ordinary courage and moral grandeur in India and Pakistan. Such exemplary determination was demonstrated by President General De Gaulle of France in 1962, when he proclaimed the independence of Algeria -against the wishes of his country's leading Generals who were on total rampage and destruction of Algeria to impede the march of Freedom.

The last three years gave birth to some new phenomena which have begun to influence methods of struggle and behaviour of people towards it. Although basic political aim of a Kashmiri will continue to remain freedom from India, but today every Kashmiri is in whirlpool, and he wants to hammer some issues. His eyes are on following things:-

1. Traumatic atmosphere caused by genocide, rape & infighting.
2. Counter-revolution activities by army backed gangs, militants and anti-social elements.
3. No recognition of displaced Kashmiris and political victims as refugees by UN.
4. No International Relief Programmes by humanitarian agencies and charities for the families of detenues, martyrs and people whose homes were burnt.
5. Move by Pakistan to bestow "Most Favoured Nation Status (MFN) on India under the preferential trade agreements between the world trade Organisation GATE and SAARC.
6. Development of relations in the fields of culture, trade, commerce and politics between India and her neighbours particularly Iran and China.
7. Tendency among Pakistani intellectuals and politicians to establish close links with India thus reduce Kashmir as a secondary issue in Pakistan.

After all what should be the future destiny of Kashmir? Accession with Pakistan or a sovereign republic of Kashmir? No such controversy arose till 1989 when for the first time Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front formed its wing in, occupied Kashmir. For some time the discussion caused some concern, confusion and division among the people. But now-a-days no patriot looks confused, because there is consensus over the idea of "Azad!" from India as the primary objective of every group and section of society.

America and Europe view so-called proposed elections in Kashmir as a step towards solving Kashmir question in the light of their own democratic traditions. Besides other historical reasons, launching of militant groups by India in Kashmir has made the idea of so-called political process more hazardous and incredible. People will not even spit on these elections. Kashmiris have announced ,-to boycott, elections under the constitution of India.

The USIP (United States Institute of Peace) has issued a document which provides the results of two dialogues (on Kashmir) arranged by the Institute in 1993 & 1994. While stating the immediate causes and elements behind its (USIP) efforts for a peaceful resolution of Kashmir question, the document says:

"With both States now considered as near-nuclear powers, the threat of another round of fighting over the territory considerably raises the stakes for all parities concerned and for the international community. An additional element relatively new sentiment within part of the territory for complete independence, which has been increasingly expressed by insurgency in recent years. In this context, the USIP first convened a private unofficial dialogue among a group of former diplomats, military officers, journalists, human rights advocates, scholars, politicians and analysts from India, Pakistan and Jammu & Kashmir near. Washington, D.C on Jan. 11-14-1993. The dialogue was intended as an off the record forum to explore creative approaches to resolving the Kashmir conflict. The productivity of the 1st meeting led the Institute to bring together a comparable group for a second meeting in the same sifting January, on 11-14-1994".

The USIP says that "the document is not a consensus document". It further says that a scenario for a political process towards resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir conflict begins from some assumptions, purposes and perceptions. It says:

"The character of Kashmir problem has changed considerably in the past four years. Time alone does not favour a peaceful resolution".

The USIP document suggests phase vise building foundations for dialogue on long terms resolutions. The process is divided under four heads:

• Phase one - Reciprocal implementation of the agreement.
• Phase two - Preparing for dialogue about the future.
• Phase three - Dialogue on the long term future.
• Phase four - Negotiations.

As issues for formal negotiation are identified, begin with discussion of one subject at one time".

We never grudge the efforts for a peaceful resolution of Kashmir, being tried by world leaders/NGOs. But, such efforts will pay dividends only when India is forced to stop the present brutal onslaught against Kashmiris and all present draconian laws are withdrawn from Kashmir.

Bilateral talks between India and Pakistan also proved futile and no headway could be made through these dialogues. Even dialogues between Kashmiri leaders and India in the past failed to impress a durable and real change.

A political solution should pay full reverence to the urges & aspirations -of the people and should lead to a real peace in the strife torn region of Jammu & Kashmir.

Political proposals based upon Western/American views of conflicts and the Egyptian / Palestinian / Chechnian / Bosnian models have no ground appeal in Kashmir. A solution must be honourable and durable, without any spark of doubt and dissatisfaction to ignite the foundation of peace.

Peace agreements in East or West signed after the fall of III Reich in 1945 or in present times under the aegis of UNO or big powers look more after the interests of powerful countries. Therefore, Indian intransigence on Kashmir faces no challenges from these so-called guardians of world order, and there is only one option in the Indian mind. All different options and proposals seem to be, one sided. No Indian leader/politician suggests or supports any proposal in the name of third option. No type of third option, a fully independent Kashmir or quasi independent status or constitutional autonomy or even condominium or division on religious/regional grounds is acceptable to Indian mind which is helpless before Hindu fanaticism and militancy.

Mr. Jagmohan ex-Governor of Jammu & Kashmir State, one of the protagonists of abrogation of article 370, writes in his book "My Frozen Turbulence in Kashmir".

"One of the strongest roots of Kashmiri separatism and alienation lies in Article 370 of the constitution of India, which gives special status to the State of Jammu & Kashmir".

He further says:

"Only option - placed as it is - India has no second, third or fourth option. It has one and only one, option - the adopting earnestly, and implementing effectively, the concept of 'one state' one nation and one destiny'... The challenge before us is to mingle and melt all the subsidiary strands into a Great Tradition of Indian culture and create a new alloy - an alloy that is a reflex of our- ideology of One In All And All In One". (Pages 683-684).

These remarks remind me of lqbal's Persian verse of late thirties:

Trans: I am advised to throw away the rosery but he carries the (yoni) sacred thread on his shoulder.

Mr. Jagmohan made a ten point advice to the Parliament of India which included among others:

• (i) put strong & sustained pressure on pro-Pakistani terrorists and their collaborators.
• (v) Organise counter-guerrilla groups, such as GSG-9 of Germany, SAS of UK and GIGN of France.
• (x) Provide liberal relief to the Kashmiri. Pandits and solve immediately numerous problems of migrant employees.

Under the given hazardous conditions and given the fanatic, militant and intransigent nature and outlook of Indian political/military brass, what is the way out for Pakistan and Kashmir to meet the demand of their peoples. Should Indians be allowed to dilute, the indivisible public mind on freedom and we should give in easily before their manipulations, leave our struggle at the mercy of circumstances. This dark Journey has already taken lives of about 50,000 Kashmiris besides destruction of properties, orchards, forests and molestation and rape of women in the besieged region. Indians though scornful of every option other than integration and accession do give the impression that the movement of 1990 is now a divided thing from even ideological view point.

Two Indian Journalists in Srinagar and in New Delhi write in "Front Line" thus:-

" ...... To the two options offered by the United Nations in the early years of the dispute, the recent militancy added the third one of independence. This has led to an internal schism within the insurgency with the pro-Pakistan elements dismissing the third option as chimerical and inadmissible. Farooq Abdullah has now. succeeded in bringing a fourth option, that of autonomy... Even those otherwise sceptical are willing to consider the fourth option as a transitory phase, pending a final settlements."

Front-line further writes:

"This does not mean the political gridlock in India will permit any easy concessions prior to the elections to Parliament next year... And within the state itself, the concept of autonomy retains deeply divisive potential, with Jammu and Ladakh being averse to any political bargain that would shift the balance of power towards the Kashmir valley". ('Winter of uncertainty by Sukumar Muralidheran in New Delhi. Shuiat Bukhari in Srinagar)

This shows that India has succeeded in making the path to solution complicated, Not only the concept of a plebiscite under UN has been buried in the eyes of UN itself, but even other options ranging from a sovereign Kashmir to a quasi independent region are being questioned and deemed by Jammu & Ladakh (Hindus) to be a "Kashmiri rule". Kashmiri Pandits of valley have already demanded a separate homeland (to be carved out of Kashmir province) under India.

This is the time of test for the wisdom and courage of Pakistan and freedom fighters of Kashmir. Unfortunately Kashmir has been made source of power politics and corruption has polluted and made bleak the future of our sacred struggle.

How Pakistan/Kashmir leaderships should answer the challenges posed by India's subtle political/military diplomacy and strategy. Indian subtlety, manoeuvring and ruthlessness has made many political/militant leaders nervous and puzzled, although India is heading towards an economic collapse, but how soon India will realise her madness depends on our will, wisdom, ideological commitment,-and scientific and economic advancement.

Kashmir certainly needs an urgent political solution between India, Pakistan and Kashmir. But, the focus of each country is strange. India is aggressive on one option, while Pakistanis are asked to compromise every where and on UNCIP resolutions. Blood of innocent Kashmiris and their numerous graves in every city and village have been overlooked by the world community. And how the road to solution will open when India sticks to only one option and Pakistan/Kashmir are pressurised to give unilateral concessions to India.

1. They (Pakistan and Kashmir) should draw out a joint plan on the international level to gain real focus of world fora for Kashmir. Devotion to cause and diplomacy should be weapons in the hands of Kashmiri and Pakistani representatives in international fora.
2. Azad Jammu & Kashmir should be mobilised on national level to join the ongoing struggle in Kashmir, so that the liberation movement reached its logical and successful end.
3. The achievements/failures of the present armed movement should be analysed. Areas of disappointment/disillusion should be identified and recognised.
4. In order to show regard and respect for the great human sacrifices of Kashmir, Pakistan should formulate subtle and coherent, political/military planning for the liberation of Jammu & Kashmir.
5. Pakistan should not worry, nor expose her options on Kashmir. It should be India forced to go in search of options and disclose her choice or preference. Pakistan should explore new avenues of struggle and support, and wherever necessary modify old ones to make her strategy in tone with the current Hell like situation in Kashmir.
6. Pakistan should from its own agenda in conformity with the interests/needs of Kashmiris and their movement. And, without any prejudice whatsoever. They (Pakistan and Kashmir) should not follow ready made agenda of other powers.
7. Problems of Mujahideen and Muhagireen should be solved. Requirements of Mujahideen inside/outside (enemy areas) should be fulfilled. Every irritant should be removed from the path of struggle. Devotion should be encouraged and devoted people should be recognised and respected.

The present armed struggle should be replaced by a single united-militia of Kashmiri Mujahideen and its status should be raised up.

Causes of counter-militancy and counter-revolutionary activities should be identified/analysed to workout an immediate future political/military plan of action. Causes of decline/set back recession in the political motivation should be analysed and necessary steps be initiated to remove them.

Instead of offering options or voicing concern on options by different quarters, Pakistan should take all practical steps to regain the popular heart of Kashmir. It should further initiate political, diplomatic and military steps and compel India to come on the table with honesty and will to solve Kashmir according to the urges of Kashmiris.

Pakistan calls Kashmir its "Jugular Vein" but Pakistan's motivating power has remained poor in-all these decades of lull or turmoil. Even today Kashmir receives as secondary treatment on the official electronic media of the country, as compared to the programmes of glamour/entertainment.

Pakistan missed the train at several occasions in history, because, the rulers/politicians followed the agenda of others. She has always been deceived by her so-called friends and she has never been obliged by her friends in need. Pakistan has not done in Kashmir what India did in Ex-East Pakistan, in 1971. What Pakistan faced in 1971, in East Pakistan, India is facing the worst in Kashmir since 1990. Pakistan misplayed and lost her cards in East Pakistan now Bangladesh. But, India is not laying down her arms in Kashmir for the last 6 years. She is combating against popular, movement on all fronts and corners.

Time is running short. I am making these suggestions sincerely and honestly, because I know my movement my friends and foes, my history and the present agony of our helpless people. No doubt all is not well for India, but we should not remain contended. If the global community does not compel India to read the writing on the wall or bring her on the table of dialogue, then the present situation might further deteriorate and Kashmiri Muslims might be left at the mercy of India, who will leave no stone unturned to annihilate Kashmiris in Kashmir.

Pakistan has to take initiative, because it is associated with our struggle for decades. If she has no such will or position, time will not wait nor the standstill condition will heal up the wounds of the people. If India and Pakistan do not sit together and make a joint pledge to honour the wishes of the people, then who knows what direction wheel of time may take to bring wrath of nature to the entire region. lqbal - the poet philosopher says:

Translation: Nature connives at individuals But, it never pardons sins of nation.

Liberation of Kashmir from Indian clutches is a loving aim and dream both for Kashmir and Pakistan. The pangs of this dream move every Muslim. Many nations are born on earth after passing through these pangs of love and turmoil. But dreams materialise only when people struggle faithfully and their leaders lead them honestly, wisely, united and with integrity. I pray to Allah for true unity and solidarity of not only Kashmiris but also for Pakistan to get over the present crucial period of History.

Shaheed Jamal Afghani and Divisional Commander Former Jihad Force Peoples League Shaheed . Fayaz .Ahmad (Shahid) of Barazalla Srinagar.