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Kashmir Valley politicians had misused Art 370 & Art 35A to form a feudal cult: Col. Jaibans Singh

Sabita Mishra
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Kashmir Valley politicians had misused Art 370 & Art 35A to form a feudal cult: Col. Jaibans Singh

Around 890 central laws are now applicable in Jammu & Kashmir and 250 unfair state legislations have been eliminated after Art 370 and Art 35A were revoked in 2019. Col. (Retired) Jaibans Singh, a veteran Indian army officer and a reputed analyst of Indian defence and security issues tells Sabita Mishra, Special Correspondent, News Intervention that Art 370 and Art 35A were misused by some politicians and both these articles should have been repealed decades ago.

Sabita Mishra: Could you give a short perspective on the now abrogated Article 370 and Article 35A of the Indian Constitution?
Col. (Retd.) Jaibans Singh: Many legal luminaries and prominent citizens of India have, for long, expressed the conviction that Article 370 was set up as a temporary measure to implement the Indian Constitution fully in Jammu and Kashmir. This line of thought logically concluded that Article 370 should have been repealed within six months after having completed the constitutional obligation. For six decades the country remained behind time in this regard. The so-called mainstream local parties of Kashmir argued that Article 370 provided the constitutional link between the Union of India and the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is a fallacy. How is it that a billion plus citizens of this country survived happily without the provisions of Article 370 that seemed to be a matter of life and death for some political leaders of J&K? Was the rest of India withering under political restrictions simply because Article 370 was not applicable to them?

Seminars on the subject were arranged across the country in education and other institutions. These and articles on J&K by prominent thinkers and experts indicated a universal acceptance for the abrogation proposal mooted by the Union government under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sabita Mishra: How were the Article 370 and Article 35A misused, and why was it important to repeal these special provisions?
Col. (Retd.) Jaibans Singh: The provisions of Article 370 and article 35A were misused by politicians, especially from the Kashmir Valley to establish a feudal cult in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. When the demand for its repeal gained momentum they got worried about their future and spoke vociferously against such a move by the Union government. When seen in this context the reaction of both NC (National Conference) and PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) reflected the insecurity that they harboured on the subject. There were many areas where Article 370 was posing impediments in the progress of the state and its people. There were many progressive legislations and provisions of the central government which could not be extended to the J&K because they had not been legislated upon by the state government. Repeal was the only method by which the people of Jammu and Kashmir could fully enjoy the rights and privileges granted to them by the Constitution of India.

Sabita Mishra: Can you specify some parameters where Article 370 and article 35 A were detrimental to the people of Jammu and Kashmir?
Col. (Retd.) Jaibans Singh: The economic and political loss that the people of the state suffered due to continuation of the Articles far outweighed the preferential treatment that it assured. The list is very long indeed. I will refer, very shortly, to the main aspects that come to my mind.
· Many progressive legislations and provisions of the central government could not be extended to J&K because they had not been legislated upon by the state government.
· Panchayats of the state were constantly fighting for empowerment which was being denied since 73rd and the 74th amendments to the Constitution of India had not been extended to the state.
· More serious was the loss borne by the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes who were not availing the benefits of central schemes.
· Business suffered because people from the rest of the country could not establish infrastructure in the state.
· The socio-psychological divide created by the statute negated integration of the youth of the state with other parts of the country.
· The 1947 refugees from Pakistan and people of the Valmiki Samaj were denied citizenship of the state for seven decades since independence.
· Women of Jammu and Kashmir, due to provisions of Article 35A, were being denied full-fledged rights to land and property in the state.
· The state government was not accountable to the nation despite looking for assistance all the time. The Right to Information route could not be applied to find out where the funds went? The poor people remained ignorant while the rich and mighty were in collusion.

Sabita Mishra: Could you share specific examples of the positive changes or developments you have observed in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A?
Col. (Retd.) Jaibans Singh: The biggest change is that the people are happy, as is evident from the fact that no agitation has taken place since the repeal and now nobody even speaks about the said Articles. Those who supported their continuance are politically marginalised. The second big change is that it has paved the way for greater political and economic integration with the rest of India. 890 central laws which were not applicable to the state are now in place while 250 unfair state legislations have been eliminated. So many marginalised communities like the West Pakistan refugees, the Valmiki Samaj and most importantly the women of J&K have benefited tremendously from the change. These are just a few examples, the list is very long.

The economic environment in the state has witnessed a huge positive trajectory. There is a surge in national and foreign investment due to a conducive business atmosphere being provided to the investors. As per records, in 2021, the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir attracted investments amounting to US$ 2.5 billion (₹ 20,680 crore). There is a fast paced development of infrastructure and creation of industrial estates, with a special emphasis on MSMEs. The environment is peaceful and full of hope for the future.

Sabita Mishra: How do you assess the potential implications of the abrogation on cross-border activities, including infiltration and ceasefire violations, along the Line of Control?
Col. (Retd.) Jaibans Singh: There has been no implication at all. The more important countries immediately accepted the abrogation as an internal matter of the country carried out under accepted constitutional norms. Pakistan did make a noise, but nobody listened to it. Now, Pakistan’s own condition is such that it cannot support its stooges sitting in Kashmir. So far as the world is concerned, the matter is over and done with.

Sabita Mishra: In your perspective, how has the Jammu and Kashmir community responded to the abrogation of special status and its integration into the rest of India? Are there signs of increasing acceptance and unity?
Col. (Retd.) Jaibans Singh: “Kashmir will burn if Article 370 and Article 35 A are tampered with.” “Central Government should refrain from playing with fire,” are examples of the statements that were made by separatists and so-called tall leaders of the mainstream local parties of Kashmir like the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Non-reaction by the people of Jammu & Kashmir indicated how divorced they were from the ground reality.

The acceptance is complete and irrevocable. Article 370 and Article 35A are now history that may not even be taught in consideration of its irrelevance. Yes, there may be a lesson here for all constitutional democracies as to how a few words or Articles can keep a people subjugated for so long. The objective of every law and statute is betterment of the people; if such betterment is not coming by, then legality cannot be quoted as a reason for continuing with it. The integration now is complete and integration with India irrevocable.

Sabita Mishra: What lies ahead for Jammu & Kashmir?
Col. (Retd.) Jaibans Singh: The question of colonisation of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and especially Gilgit-Baltistan, which are integral parts of Jammu and Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistan and are being exploited brutally and it needs to be addressed with urgency. The world in general and India in particular need to wake up to the massive atrocities and human rights violations that the people of the region are being subjected to for no fault of theirs. India has a special responsibility since the people of POJK are a part of our country and we have a constitutional and moral obligation to protect them. There is a new dawn in Jammu Kashmir as the region moves forward to enjoy all fruits of democracy and freedom guaranteed under the Constitution of India. The ball, now, is now entirely in the court of the people; they can make or break their destiny and the future of their younger generations.

More than 30 killed in Pakistan train crash

News Intervention Bureau
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More than 30 killed in Pakistan train crash

In a tragic turn of event, at least eight carriages of the Hazara Express overturned near Sahara railway station in Nawabshah. So far, 30 people have lost their lives, leaving 100 wounded. As the rescue teams are trying their best to rescue people from the wreckage, injured passengers are being moved to the nearby hospitals. 

Footages of passengers climbing out of the overturned carriages, women and children lying on the ground have started resurfacing on social media owing to the incident.  

One eye witness said, “They were shouting and screaming. I didn’t know what to do. I filled my hands with water from this canal nearby and poured it on the faces of those who were unconscious, hoping they would regain consciousness.” 

The Railway Minister Saad Rafiq informed that the initial investigation has revealed the train was traveling at normal speed. He added,” It could be the result of a mechanical fault or sabotage”. But the reasons for the derailment is still unknown. The authorities, however, denied the rumour that the tracks were flooded.

Military, paramilitary troops and rescue workers worked till Sunday evening and rescued trapped passengers. Seriously injured passengers were also transported to better-equipped hospitals in military helicopters.

Unlike India, rail crashes and incidents are not uncommon in Pakistan. Between 2013 to 2019, around 150 people died in rail crashes. In 2021, two trains collided in Sindh killing at least 40 and injuring dozens.

https://twitter.com/aprajitanefes/status/1688183823102873601?s=20

Indian Army foils two Pak backed terrorist infiltration attempts in 24 hours, J&K

News Intervention Bureau
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Indian Army foils two Pak backed terrorist infiltration attempts in 24 hours, J&K

In a significant development, the Indian army successfully foiled two separate infiltration attempts by terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and Tangdhar districts. The incidents occurred on different days, with the latest one being reported today in Poonch Sector.

According to Jammu-based Public Relations Officer (Defence) Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, the encounter in Poonch district took place when alert Indian troops in the Degwar sector noticed the movement of terrorists attempting to cross over from the other side under the cover of darkness. An army ambush party engaged with the terrorists in the Garhi battalion area at around 2 am.

In the ensuing gunfight, one terrorist was killed, while another managed to flee towards Pintu Nala, after being shot. Meanwhile, officials added that the whole area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway.

Similarly, in the Tangdhar Sector, Indian Army and Kupwara Police jointly launched a cordon and search operation in the Dakhen-Amrohi area based on intelligence about possible infiltration attempts. During the operation, the joint party encountered terrorists attempting to infiltrate to the Indian side. In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist was neutralized.

The spokesperson of the Kupwara Police, while speaking to PTI said, “During the search operation, movement of terrorists, trying to infiltrate to our side, was observed. They were challenged by the joint party in which one terrorist was neutralized. ”

Occupying Pak Army battered by BLF & BLA in multiple attacks across Balochistan

News Intervention Bureau
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Occupying Pak Army battered by BLF & BLA in multiple attacks across Balochistan

Balochistan’s struggle for independence witnessed defiant actions as freedom fighters from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) targeted the occupying Pakistan Army and construction sites.

On August 6, 2023, BLA freedom fighters attacked a supply vehicle belonging to the Pakistan military in Bulaida near Gardank area. The supplies meant for enemy forces were seized, and the vehicle was destroyed. Subsequently, the drivers, who were from Sindh, were released after being warned. The BLA spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, issued a warning to anyone involved in facilitating supplies for the occupying forces to refrain from such practices, or they would face consequences.

BLA Press Release (Photo: Social Media)

In a separate incident, the BLF’s Sarmachaars executed attacks at three locations in the Kech district. On August 5, at 8 pm, the Pakistan Army’s main camp in Dandaar Kolwah was targeted using heavy automatic weapons and rockets from three sides, causing extensive damage and resulting in two army personnel killed and several others injured.

Another attack took place on August 3 between Malikabad and Nazarabad in Tump, where a tanker and construction machinery were set ablaze. The target was a company involved in road construction, and the workers were released after being cautioned.

Additionally, on August 5, a skilled sniper team from BLF attacked a Pakistan Army post on the eastern side of Apsaar in Mand, resulting in the death of one army personnel. The BLF sniper team showcased their combat skills and precision in this operation.

Both the BLA and BLF have declared their determination to continue targeting the occupying Pakistani military and its collaborators until Balochistan gains its independence.

Since the illegal occupation of free Baloch land in March 1948, Pakistan has left no stone unturned in exploiting the Baloch land for its interests. The sole purpose of this illegal occupation was to expand the length and breadth of the country to make it more resource-inclusive, disregarding the rights of the people. Each voice that rises has been silenced using enforced disappearance or the ‘kill and dump’ policy. This makes the armed organizations’ struggle, like the BLA & BLF, even more significant.

Flood calamity: Punjab needs help and empathy from its leadership

Jaibans Singh
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Flood calamity: Punjab needs help and empathy from its leadership

The first week of July 2023 witnessed unprecedented rainfall in north India, leading to a flood calamity in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Of these the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab suffered the most.

About 1450 villages in Punjab stretching over 19 districts are water logged. About six lakh acres of cultivable land is inundated. As things stand there is little scope of timely sowing of the rice crop in this inundated area. The wastage of cultivable land may extend even to the next wheat crop and beyond for which an assessment can be made only once the water recedes.

On the human scale, nearly 50 people have lost their lives  and 2000 more have been compelled to seek shelter in relief camps since their houses have been completely destroyed. This apart, infrastructure in terms of private houses, Government buildings (especially hospitals and schools) roads, bridges etc has been severely damaged.

Containment

Lack of preparation on the part of the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led government of Punjab constitutes a major failure of the pre-emptive containment action. Punjab being a riparian state has always been prone to floods during monsoons, for which reason, all governments have been ensuring timely action towards strengthening of the river embankments, de-silting and cleaning of drains  and other flood protection works. Traditionally, funds were allotted for this purpose and meetings with the government officials were presided over by none less than the chief minister well in advance. There is no intimation of a similar exercise having been conducted by the present government during the last two monsoons of its tenure. While Punjab was lucky to have escaped unscathed in 2022, this year has witnessed unprecedented damage due to this oversight.

The Government has been cautioned continuously by the opposition to check unfettered mining of sand and mud, but it has failed to act. Enhanced turbulence and erratic flow of the flood water has emerged as a major cause for the widespread destruction of infrastructure.

A sincere effort towards flood control measures would have absorbed the fury of nature to a great extent. There is a need to carry out a detailed enquiry into this aspect and those responsible need to be punished for criminal negligence leading to loss of life and property.  

Relief

Sadly, the government of Punjab was caught napping even after the floods came in with all fury. Nobody seems to have bothered to contact the national metrological department or even the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to gather information. This is apparent from the fact that no advance warning was issued to the people to help them prepare with storage of food and medicine etc before the floods came in. The local administrations were completely paralysed under the impact of the floods. Not much effort was made to activate resources from areas that were less affected.

The relief work, however, witnessed an unprecedented leverage from the intrinsic spirit and good will of the people of Punjab. Those living in less affected areas reached out to those affected. Social and political organisations ensured provision of food, water, medicines, etc., to the doorsteps of the flood affected people. The relief volunteers waded through waist deep water, used small inflated boats and even tractors in certain places to reach out. Sterling effort was put in by the volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and other similar organisations.

Workers of political parties like the Bahratiya Janata Party (BJP) worked tirelessly over many days to mitigate the suffering of the flood affected people. Relief teams of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were also seen working in the affected areas. However, their work fell short of expectation given the fact that they had the strength of the Government to support them but this facility was not leveraged. If they had been better prepared and organised they could have done wonders.

The Indian army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were on the forefront of the relief work. Those needing rescue were taken out by army and NDRF boats; those needing medical treatment were looked after in-situ by army Doctors. In most places, the soldiers were seen working in close coordination with Sangh Karyakartas.

It was due to the aforementioned collective effort that the relief operations witnessed a high degree of success and loss of life remained at a low level which is a great boon.

Rehabilitation

The relief work is presently underway since water had not receded in its entirety. Simultaneously, the rehabilitation process has been initiated. The Union Government has already sent the first instalment of Rs. 218 crore towards flood relief and rehabilitation to Punjab. More funds will be made available once the state government sends a damage assessment to the centre. 

The sad part is that the Government of Punjab has, as usual, chosen to take a confrontationist and politically motivated posture. The information machinery of the Government, with the chief minister in the lead, is saying that the Union Government has always given step-motherly treatment to Punjab and now, since an AAP led government is in power in Punjab not much can be expected from the centre. It adds for effect that , the AAP  led government will not go to the centre with a begging bowl.

Nothing can be further from the truth, the Union government has done all it could by activating the Indian army and NDRF in affected areas. It has also, without being asked, released the first instalment of the relief package. BJP, Punjab is closely monitoring the situation and providing all inputs to the Union government on a regular basis. The response of the state government, on the other hand, is tardy and irresponsible.

It is quite apparent that AAP intends to derive political mileage from the calamity through misinformation. It probably intends to keep Punjab bereft of rehabilitation only to prove a point that the BJP led Union Government is unwilling to come to the aid of the people of Punjab.

The emerging critical situation brings forth the need for the BJP and the Union Government  to understand the diabolic plan laid out by AAP and come forward to assist the people of Punjab who are being forsaken by their own government. There is also a need to politically counter the misinformation campaign that has been launched by AAP.

The people of Punjab need to be aware of the AAP lethargy and procrastination in preparing and submitting the damage assessment. Other states have already done so. The centre can assist by insisting on an early submission of the document and then making an immediate release of the complete relief package to put a lid on the misinformation campaign.

The possibility of direct disbursement of funds to the flood victims can also be explored by the centre. This apart, reconstruction of infrastructure like roads, schools and hospitals can be taken on by the concerned ministries through a direct route wherever possible. Visits by senior Union Ministers to the flood affected areas will be a great morale booster.

Punjab needs help at this crucial juncture. The hapless people of the state should not remain victims of the apathy of an opportunistic government that cannot see beyond the prism of the forthcoming parliamentary elections. A well thought out project to reach out will not only help ameliorate the problems of the people which is of primary importance, it will also help to usher honest, above-board politics in a state that is in urgent need of the same.

Two US navy officers arrested for spying for China

News Intervention Bureau
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Two US navy officers arrested for spying for China

Two US Navy officers in southern California have been arrested on charges related to allegations of espionage and bribery, amplifying concerns surrounding national security breaches involving China. Jinchao Wei, stationed aboard a naval vessel in San Diego, is accused of transmitting classified national defense information to Chinese officials. Simultaneously, Wenheng Zhao faces charges of conspiracy and accepting bribes from a Chinese official. The allegations, which include sharing sensitive data on aircraft imagery, personnel training, and weapons systems, underscore potential risks to US military preparedness.

Wei, stationed on the USS Essex, is alleged to have communicated with a Chinese intelligence officer, sharing technical manuals, blueprints, and photographs of military equipment. Meanwhile, Zhao is accused of accepting bribes from a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for sharing sensitive military information, including plans for a military exercise and blueprints for a base in Japan.

Matt Olson, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, has said, “Make no mistake, as a department, we will continue to use every legal tool in our arsenal to counter that threat and to deter the PRC [People’s Republic of China] and those who aid it in violating the rule of law and threatening our national security.”

Pak Army forcibly disappears three men in Balochistan

News Intervention Bureau
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Pak Army forcibly disappears three men in Balochistan

In a distressing turn of events, three young men from different areas have fallen prey to enforced disappearances in Balochistan, leaving their families in a state of anguish and uncertainty. The incidents have raised concerns about the rising cases of enforced disappearances in the region.

Saif, son of Umeed Ali, was known as a diligent and hardworking individual, managing a stationery shop in Turbat, Absar. On 1 August, his life took a tragic turn when Pak security forces stormed his shop and took him away. Since then, his family has been desperately seeking answers, but no information about his whereabouts has surfaced.

Naushad Baloch, a 17-year-old student and son of Mian Dad Bajeer, faced a night of terror when he was illegally detained while returning home from the Turbat Main Bazaar on the evening of July 31st. Pak security forces forcefully disappeared him, leaving his family devastated and uncertain about his fate.

Similarly, Kashif Ejbari, a dedicated student and son of Qari Inayatullah, was abducted in the vicinity of Hafiz Jamil Naseer Madrassah in Kharan city on the night of 1 August. Security forces took him into illegal custody, and his family has not received any information regarding his safety or whereabouts.

In the troubling scenario of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, a paradox has emerged. Those who referred to as “security forces” are the very reason behind insecurity for innocent families. This glaring contradiction has raised serious concerns about human rights protection and rule of law in the region

BLA attacks Pakistan Army in Noshki and Kolwah

News Intervention Bureau
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BLA attacks Pakistan Army in Noshki and Kolwah

In a recent series of attacks, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) attacked Pakistan Army installations in Noshki and Kolwah, aiming to assert their demands for the liberation of the Baloch motherland.

On the night of 3 August, BLA freedom fighters launched a daring assault on a Pakistan military post located in Zaren Jungle, near Noshki. Armed with grenade launchers, the fighters successfully carried out the attack, resulting in two enemy personnel sustaining injuries.

In Kolwah’s Rodkan region, BLA fighters also engaged in strategic action, destroying surveillance equipment, including cameras and solar plates, installed near a Pakistani military outpost. This move aims to disrupt enemy surveillance efforts and further emphasizes the group’s commitment to their cause.

The Baloch Liberation Army spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, made it clear that the BLA will persistently target occupying forces until their mission to liberate the Baloch motherland is achieved.

The incident underscores the ongoing armed struggle of Balochistan freedom fighters against the occupying forces of Pakistan. Since the illegal occupation of free Baloch land in March 1948, Pakistan has left no stone unturned in exploiting the Baloch land for its interests. The sole purpose of this illegal occupation was to expand the length and breadth of the country to make it more resource-inclusive, disregarding the rights of the people. Each voice that rises has been silenced using enforced disappearance or the ‘kill and dump’ policy. This makes the armed organizations’ struggle, like the BLA, even more significant.

JSFM rally in Sindh against Karunjhar mining auction

News Intervention Bureau
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JSFM rally in Sindh against Karunjhar mining auction

Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) held a massive protest rally at Karachi and Mehar against the auctioning and cutting of the Karunjhar mountains and against the forced conversion of Sindhi Hindu girls under the patronage of Pakistan and against the settlement of foreign Afghans on the Sindh land. While the enforced abduction and conversion of Hindu girls and settlement of Afghans have been a persistent problem in Sindh, the Karunjhar issue is the latest one that sheds light on the exploitation of Sindh heritage sites on the pretext of national resources. The protest implies that Pakistan’s deep state is continuously alienating Sindh with a new problem each day.

What Happened So Far

Notably, Karunjhar issue came to light when on July 22, an auction notice was published in local newspapers regarding the grant of mining lease of the granite in Nagarparkar district in Tharparkar, Sindh. The auction was scheduled on 1 August. This led to public outrage. People across the Sindh stood against the exploitative notification.

As a result of the public outcry, Sindh government’s DG of Mining and Licensing issued a clarification notification that the auction was cancelled. But, soon after this, another notification was issued which rescheduled the auction on 4 August.

Consequently, the frequent shift in decision making indicated towards the sinister interests of the authorities that led to the protests.

Why Karunjhar Is Important

Karunjhar mountains hold a historical significance along with providing various benefits related to life-line of the region. The mountains were part of ancient history of Rann of Kuchh.

As of today, the mountain act as a natural mechanism for recharging ground water in the region that makes up the only source of potable water. The mountains are shelter to a variety of wildlife and helps in disposing Nagarparkar sewage. The herbs and vegetation that grows on the mountain have a medicinal importance and are a source of livestock feeding.

Moreover, the legal aspect also raise questions on the auctioning. In November 2019, the Sindh High Court passed an order that stayed the mining in the mountains. Later in another petition in January 2021, the court adjudicated to form a committee to declare Karunjhar mountains as ancient and heritage site. Although, the committee was formed, it failed to address the illegal mining in the region.

Now, along with illegal mining, Pakistan has also made it’s intention clear ,i.e. to devastate the heritage site. JSFM has always raised voice against the atrocious policies of Pakistan in Sindh. Subsequently, the Karunjhar issue is another such policy of Pakistan that is against the heritage and the people of Sindh.

71 year old Uyghur man dies in Xinjiang prison, imprisoned for learning the Quran

News Intervention Bureau
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71 year old Uyghur man dies in Xinjiang prison, imprisoned for learning the Quran

In yet another distressing incident amid the ongoing Uyghur persecution in China, an elderly Uyghur man, Abdurusul Memet, aged 71, has tragically died while serving a nearly 14-year prison sentence in Xinjiang. His imprisonment dates back to 2017 when he was arrested for studying religion as a child.

The harrowing details of Memet’s case came to light through the Xinjiang Victims Database, a platform dedicated to collecting records of Uyghurs and other Turkic minority peoples detained in Xinjiang. According to the report by rfa, database shows that Memet was sentenced to 13 years and 11 months in prison for learning the Quran from his father during a period between November 1964 and March 1965.

Memet’s arrest and subsequent imprisonment were due to “illegal religious activities” that he engaged in during his childhood. These activities included praying namaz, having a beard, and studying the Quran when he was just 12 years old.

As Radio Free Asia delved into Memet’s case, they discovered that the Uyghur man died after he had been incarcerated in a prison in the regional capital, Urumqi. A police officer in Kashgar county confirmed the tragic news of Memet’s death in mid-July while serving his sentence. The cause of death was reported as hypertension, even though Memet had been in good health before his detention. Following his passing, authorities returned his body to his family.

The case of Abdurusul Memet serves as a stark reminder of the grave human rights violations faced by Uyghurs in Xinjiang. It underscores the ongoing concerns regarding arbitrary detentions, religious restrictions, and reported abuses against this ethnic minority group.

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