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Contradictions in Islamabad’s tale around Tehreek-e-Taliban Pak (TTP)

Nilesh Kunwar
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Contradictions in Islamabad’s tale around Tehreek-e-Taliban Pak (TTP)

The Background
In a joint press conference held in Islamabad on 14 November 2020, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Director General [DG] Inter-Services Public Relations [ISPR] Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar unveiled a dossier which supposedly contained “irrefutable evidence” of state sponsored terrorism being orchestrated by India against Pakistan. An exuberant Qureshi told media persons present that “Today, we have undeniable evidence and we want to show it in the form of this dossier to the nation and the world.”

Shah Mahmood Qureshi claimed that “We have irrefutable evidence that RAW [Research and Analysis Wing; India’s intelligence agency] and DIA [Defence Intelligence Agency of Afghanistan] … are financing terrorism in Pakistan and training terrorists, harbouring them and taking practical steps to promote terrorism.” He also went on to the specifics; like “Today, the Indian intelligence agencies are patronising banned outfits that are against Pakistan-organisations like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan [TTP], Balochistan Liberation Army [BLA] and Jamaat ul Ahrar [JuA].” 

DGISPR too had a similar story to tell. He alleged that “the recent upsurge in violence in Pakistan is a direct consequence of India’s intensified engagements with all brands of terrorists, sub-nationalists and dissidents operating against Pakistan”.

As regards India’s alleged patronage of TTP, Maj Gen Iftikhar asserted that Pakistan had “incontrovertible evidence” that besides providing weapons, a sum of US$ 8,20,000 was paid by RAW to TTP leadership through its collaborators. He also alleged that “… Indian ambassador to Afghanistan and Indian consular in Jalalabad had detailed discussions with collaborators to provide financial support to TTP and dissident Baloch elements,” and that “RAW while using the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan, held a number of meetings with TTP commanders.”

The Reality
If DGISPR is to be believed then Indian embassies and consulates along the Pakistan-Afghan border were serving as “hub[s] of terror sponsorship against Pakistan” and TTP was one of the terrorist groups being patronised by RAW and DIA. However, if this is indeed true, then with the fall of the Ashraf Ghani government and India closing all its embassies and consulates in Afghanistan, TTP would have lost not only its safe sanctuaries in Afghanistan, but also access to weapons, munitions and cash that RAW and DIA were providing. Thus, after Taliban takeover of Kabul, TTP would have been but a pale shadow of its former self. 

However, unlike the Afghan National Army that capitulated in face of the Taliban offensive due to lack of support from the US, TTP emerged stronger even as Taliban made rapid advances in Afghanistan and India was preoccupied with winding up its diplomatic missions and planning evacuation of its staff.

So, if TTP was really RAW’s ‘baby’ as DGISPR claims, then with the pro-Pakistan Taliban government all set to take over Afghanistan, would RAW be so naïve as to precipitate an existential threat for its proxy by antagonising the new dispensation in Kabul through escalation in violence against Pakistani security forces- the patrons of the Afghan Taliban? Yet, this is exactly what TTP did and stepping-up attacks, killed two dozen Pakistani security forces personnel in a matter of just 12 days [July 18 to July 30]!

The Irony
Now that Islamabad has formally announced negotiations with TTP, three questions arise. One, if this terrorist group is really being patronised by India as Pakistan has repeatedly alleged in its dossier, then by holding dialogue with TTP, aren’t both Islamabad and Rawalpindi accepting that Pakistan has been brought down to its knees by India through its proxy? Two, by actively considering release of TTP terrorists even before talks commence under the garb of ‘confidence building’, isn’t the Pakistani regime negotiating from a position of weakness? Lastly, with the previous government of Pakistan-TTP talks having failed in 2014, on what premise has Islamabad decided to re-engage with this terrorist group that has a known history of being unyielding in its demands?

Prognosis
Far from being a confidence building measure, Islamabad’s decision to free TTP terrorists ahead of the talks is a clear indication that this was a precondition set by the terrorist group. Reports of this dialogue being brokered by Pakistan Army’s protégé Sirajuddin Haqqani would certainly enthuse Islamabad. But it also raises a disturbing question-instead of doing his benefactor a ‘return-favour’ by simply driving out TTP from Afghanistan, why has the Haqqani network patriarch merely acted as a mediator rather than an enforcer?

This perfunctory arrangement clearly indicates that while the Afghan Taliban may be indebted to Pakistan for having patronised their terrorist network, the Haqqanis aren’t acutely averse to TTP- which proves that an enemy’s enemy doesn’t automatically become a friend! 

According to Afghanistan’s Khaama Press News Agency, “Pakistani ambassador to Kabul Mansoor Ahmad Khan has said that the Taliban have promised to be taking military actions against TTP or other militant groups if talks between them and the Pakistani government fail.” This again indicates that Islamabad is sanguine that with Kabul conveying an open threat to TTP, it would be able to broker a face-saving agreement with this terrorist group. However, given its obdurate outlook coupled with the significant local support it enjoys in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas [FATA], TTP is unlikely to be an easy push over.

Since Islamabad has expert negotiators, it may still be able to reach an agreement with TTP if allowed a free hand to do so. However, since Rawalpindi is bound to jump in, there’s a high probability of Pakistan Army’s hypersensitive ego playing spoiler. In addition, since TTP has inflicted very heavy casualties on Pakistani security forces, any clemency or concessions given to TTP would be contested by the military, due to which the talks will collapse.

Conclusion
Despite Kabul’s warning of military action against TTP in case it doesn’t mend fences with Pakistan, this Pashtun militant group isn’t under such severe pressure that could lead to its unconditional capitulation as it has an enduring affinity with many factions of the Afghan Taliban. So, while hoping for the best, it may do ISPR some good to start weaving a new narrative to avoid embarrassment should talks with the TTP fail.

Since its November 2020 dossier on India’s state sponsored terrorism against Pakistan which has reportedly been sent to several international organisations like the UN, OIC, P-5 and FATF hasn’t evoked any response whatsoever from the international community, DGISPR could consider hiring a better scriptwriter this time!

Stop ignoring Baloch genocide, investigate war crimes in Balochistan

Kachkol Ali
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Stop ignoring Baloch genocide, investigate war crimes in Balochistan

In Balochistan, the state agencies are perpetrating war crimes against humanity and committing genocide. Whereas according to new norms and doctrines, the leaders of the state have a duty (under normal circumstances) to uphold the rule of law and to respect human rights. However, it is seen that the military and civilian leaders of Pakistan are  engaged in a campaign of violent attacks against the Baloch civilians. It is the responsibility of the community and the state to intervene, prevent, control and repress this threat which is prevailing across Balochistan.

It is pertinent to express here that superpowers like China is grabbing the resource of Balochistan and is being facilitated by the federal government of Pakistan. The indigenous Baloch people are resisting in order to protect their lands and resources. The state is committing an unimaginable substantive crimes and atrocities such as genocide, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, which are in fact a clear gross violation of Para 138 and 139 of world summit outcome Documents 2005, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as well as 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. But regrettably the natural and inherent rights of the Baloch are being infringed upon and the world community especially the UNO and civilised countries are intentionally ignoring and deviating from their entrusted responsibility.

Is it not that during the drafting of 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples–whether the representative of China proposed that the status of indigenous people needs to be recognised by the states in which they reside? It is an irony that the proposal of China was accepted and is enshrined in Para 37 of the Report of the working Group established in accordance with the Commission on Human Rights Resolution 1995. However, the tragedy is that China is seriously violating its own ‘Declaration’ under the very nose of the United Nations, the guardian of the Declaration in the context of CPEC in Gwadar.

Balochistan’s story of human rights casualties is very long. Willful killing, enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention is the order of the day across Balochistan. But we Baloch have no other option and we request to the prosecutor of International Criminal Court and pursuant to Article 15 of the Rome Statute on the authorisation of an investigation into the situation in Balochistan.

J&K: Complete synergy needed to run last lap

Jaibans Singh
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J&K: Complete synergy needed to run last lap

The tri-colour flying proudly in Lal Chowk in Srinagar, Kashmir and other places across the valley is a very joyful sight indeed. It brings about a feeling of relief at the prospect of the trouble torn region, at last, moving towards normality. While admitting that the desired end state is yet to be achieved, there is  a fair degree of positivity among the people  with regard to an absolutely violence free environment becoming a reality in the near future.

A big push to this feeling of positivity was received when Lt. General D.P. Pandey, General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar based Chinar Corps, walked the streets of  Batpura Chowk, Shopian market, on the eve of Diwali. Accompanied by his sector commander and minimum security in what was an impromptu visit, he distributed sweets and interacted with the people. More interesting is the fact that he was  eagerly received with many young boys coming forward to seek selfies with him to which he willingly obliged.

The aforementioned incident is one among many which indicate towards the will of the people to give peace a chance by moving away from the shadow of the gun. The people are unwilling to cow down under terrorist pressure despite the sensitive security situation created by the  new modus operandi of terrorists to target innocent civilians of the minority community. People are no longer afraid of showing their inclusive and non-obscurantist beliefs. They are ready to give all support to the security forces and it is this support that will produce the ultimate result of freeing the region from the curse of terrorism.

The foreign forces aligned against Kashmir are unlikely to give up their hold in a hurry. In more ways than one they have indicated their determination to keep the pot boiling in Kashmir by whatever means possible. The notorious spy agency of the Pakistan army, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), remains in the forefront of this effort. In recent times, it has once again taken over from the traditional terror masters, the strategic planning of the terrorist effort directed against Jammu and Kashmir. The targeting of locals is a significant change in policy that has come about under specific directions of the ISI.

The ISI involvement becomes apparent from the professional manner in which the change in policy has been implemented. The Resistance Front (TRF) has listed out the strategy of “targeting and boycotting  of non-locals in the Valley militarily” in a well prepared document that has been widely circulated through the messaging app Telegram and a VPN-protected blog called ‘Kashmir Fight’. The attacks are to be conducted to stop the issue of domicile certificates and to dissuade non-locals from doing business in the Kashmir valley.  Such a professional and meticulous approach can come by only from a military establishment. The TRF, which is a moderated off-shoot of the Lashkar-e-Toiba, is also a creation of the ISI. 

The Indian security forces, of course, are well aware of the modus operandi and the results that it wishes to attain. They are aware of the new strategy to create a pool of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and newly inducted local terrorists. These new recruits in terrorism have been given the task of targeting civilians with pistols and grenades and then merging with the crowd; the OGWs are expected to provide assistance in selection of the target area and victim.

The security forces led by the Indian army are in hyper-drive to dominate the security environment. With exemplary intelligence gathering, they have already identified and arrested nearly 800 TRF sympathisers, OGWs and newly inducted terrorists. Sooner than later, the new network that is being attempted to be created will be neutralised and the attempt to resurrect terror will be nullified.

While the security forces do their job it is important to realise that the political and social domains are equally important and need to be addressed with sensitivity. The fact that the Union Territory (UT) continues to remain under rule of the Lieutenant Governor is something that is rankling the minds of the people in both the Jammu and the Kashmir region.

All said and done, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and his team are looked upon as outsiders imposing their policies on people of the UT who have attained peace and security with their sweat and blood spilled over decades of turbulence. The personal touch as given by Lt. General D.P. Pandey is very important indeed; while a political figure like the Lieutenant Governor may do so, his bureaucrat advisors fall short in generating the required sensitivity. No amount of development can compensate for this feeling of isolation from the ruling dispensation.

It is appreciated that the Corona Virus has delayed the application of promises made, but now the need is to fast track the process of delimitation and conduct elections to get an elected government in place. The next step would be to grant full statehood.

It is also very important to put a plug on radicalisation of the youth in Kashmir. The tried and tested policies of “Winning Hearts and Minds” of the Indian army applied under Operation Sadbhavna need to be replicated by all administrative domains.  It is more important at this point in time because winters  are the season for spreading radical thought and indoctrinating the youth.

It is often said that the last lap in a race is the most crucial. In Jammu and Kashmir, the last lap is presently underway, its successful culmination requires complete synergy of effort and a timely push in the right direction.  The creeping stability in the region has to be converted into a permanent status of peace and prosperity.  The odds are there but definitely not insurmountable, achievement is possible only when the people, the government and the security forces stay on the same page in their fight against a common foreign force.

Manipur Ambush: China’s hand behind terrorists?

Nilesh Kunwar
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Manipur Ambush: China’s hand behind terrorists?

Incidents of terrorists ambushing security forces in India’s North East aren’t uncommon and nor does their barbaric practice of murdering security force personnel incapacitated in such attacks arouse a sense of revulsion. Yet, Saturday’s ambush near Sehken village under Behiang Police Station in Churachandpur district of Manipur will most certainly go down in history as the most despicable incident of terrorist violence in the North East.

It’s not the killing of security force personnel in this ambush that has outraged the sensitivities of even the most contemptuous hearts and minds. What’s downright disgusting about this incident of unprovoked violence is that it extinguished the lives of the wife and eight-year-old son of an Assam Rifles commanding officer [CO] who were travelling with him. One entire family wiped out by trigger-happy terrorists is something that the assailants and their leadership can never justify, no matter what they say or claim; but more on this later.

Since attacks on security forces serve as a morale-booster for the rank and file of terrorist groups and is also perceived as a means to demonstrate their prowess to locals, terrorist groups are very quick in taking credit for the same. In fact, to fully exploit the shock effect of their cowardly attacks, terrorist groups even go to the extent of preparing statements well in advance so that their ‘success’ can be immediately communicated to the media, even before the establishment can take stock of the situation.

In this case however, even after it was officially announced that Colonel Viplav Tripathy, CO 46 Assam Rifles and four soldiers had been killed in the ambush, the perpetrators of this vile act took quite some time before taking responsibility. While this is rather unusual especially since terrorists were able to kill a CO and four soldiers, it does suggest that even the leadership of the proscribed terrorist groups (People’s Liberation Army, or PLA, and Manipur Naga People’s Front, or MNPF) that took responsibility for this ambush were initially hesitant in accepting responsibility for an act that claimed the life of an innocent women and an eight-year-old child.

Given the fact that the terrorists had planted an Improvised Explosive Device [IED] to blow up the leading vehicle and thereby block the narrow road so as to trap the CO’s vehicle clearly suggests that it was a pre-planned ambush. This in turn indicates that the terrorists were aware of CO 46 Assam Rifles’ scheduled move plans, and herein comes the twist.

In a joint press release Deputy Secretary, Publicity of Revolutionary People’s Front (PLA’s political wing) Roben Khuman, and Secretary, Publicity, MNPF Thomas Numai, claimed being unaware that the CO was being accompanied by his wife and son. They also pontificated that “Indian security forces should not bring their families to a place which has been declared by government of India as a disturbed area.”

However, this unsolicited advice is patently a desperate attempt to divert public ire from the unpardonable killing of a lady as well as a kid and is obviously based on media reports that CO 46 Assam Rifles, who was accompanied by his wife and eight-year-old son, were returning to the battalion headquarters after visiting a forward company base when his convoy was ambushed.

However, ‘The Bharat Express News’ has been more specific regarding the exact nature of this move by mentioning that “Terrorists attacked the convoy as the colonel of Assam’s 46th Rifle Battalion was going to oversee a civic action program in Churachandpur, on the Myanmar border.”

With this input, things fall in place. Civic action programmes to empower locals living in remote areas are integral to the Assam Rifles charter and for ensuring that these projects meet the genuine aspirations of the people, wives of officers do accompany their husbands to get honest feedback from the local womenfolk.

So, there was absolutely nothing unusual in the wife and child of the CO accompanying him on a civic action related visit to a remote area. Furthermore, when the wife of an officer is accompanying him, advance information by the concerned company operating base is given to the locals to facilitate interaction with a greater number of women in the village.

Since interaction between wives of Assam Rifles officers and local womenfolk is solely to identify problems being faced by locals living in far flung areas so that appropriate facilities to improve their quality of life can be provided. As such interaction has no overt or clandestine association whatsoever with any anti-terrorist activity and is a public affair, in the North East’s long history of terrorism which dates back to more than six and a half decades, never has a security force convoy with women and children ever been attacked by any terrorist group before.

That’s why the PLA and MNPF’s contention of knowing that the CO would be visiting the site of the civic action project, but being totally unaware that his wife and child would be accompanying him, is absolutely implausible as this would have been common knowledge. So why did PLA and MNPF cross the redline by attacking an Assam Rifles vehicle convoy that had a women and child on board?

While no logical reason comes to mind, considering its timing, there’s a distinct possibility that PLA [Manipur] may have been directed by its patron [China’s PLA] to ‘trigger’ asymmetric warfare in India’s North Eastern region to weaken India’s resolve in standing up to Beijing’s belligerence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Since China has been aiding a host of terrorist groups operating in North East India, it can easily orchestrate an adverse internal security situation through these proxies.

Five and a half hours after the convoy of CO 46 Assam Rifles was ambushed, a person calling himself Hu Xijin [Twitter handle @HuXijin_GT] and claiming to be from “China state-affiliated media” tweeted “While Indian social powers play with the Taiwan question, they must know that we could support separatist forces in northeast india and restoration of Sikkim. These could be our potential retaliation cards. Indian nationalists should be self-conscious. Their country is fragile [sic]”.

Though this tweet cannot be taken as conclusive proof of Chinese involvement in the November 13 ambush, but then, since it clearly spells out an option that’s extremely viable, neither can its possibility be ruled out. Therefore, while probability of a collusive Sino-Pak conventional threat to India in the near future may be extremely low, the likelihood of Beijing and Islamabad escalating the level of asymmetrical warfare in North East India as well as J&K remains a distinct possibility.

So, alongwith ensuring enhanced security along the borders with China and Pakistan, India needs to synergise its armed forces, para military and central armed police forces to ensure sanctity of our territorial integrity as well meet a collusive threat to our internal security.

Congress dividing Punjab and ruining ‘Punjabiat’ for petty gains

Jaibans Singh
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Congress dividing Punjab and ruining ‘Punjabiat’ for petty gains

The land of Punjab is going through one of the most unfortunate, sad and dangerous phases in its long and noble history. The current phase is unfortunate because Punjab and its people are beset with huge problems including lack of employment, faltering economy, dangerously deteriorating environment, drug addiction, an exodus of the youth due to unfettered migration, control of natural assets by the mafia and a host of other problems.

It is a sad phase because the political leaders of the land, who hold the responsibility to resolve its problems are overwhelmed with their own vested interest in grabbing power by any and every foul means possible. They have no compunction in misrepresenting facts and telling blatant lies if it suits their political purposes. They are unmindful of the repercussions of their hate filled diatribe on the people and least concerned about the huge problems faced by the region, to which they give only lip service in their blame game.

It is a dangerous phase because the utterances of the political leaders have the potential of engineering a divide between the various communities of Punjab that have coexisted peacefully for millennia. More serious is the space that these verbal misadventures are opening up for the very malicious and inimical enemy sitting across the border to increase its malevolent activities.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, during his speech at the 16th session of the 15th Punjab Vidhan Sabha touched the lowest depth of unbecoming and degrading politics. In an attempt to attack the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the CM used the most derogatory and unparliamentary language against the Rashtriya Swayam Sangh (RSS). The CM stated that the Akalis were the gateway through which the RSS managed to make inroads in the state and that the RSS has always been inimical to the interests of Punjab.

The statement does not stand the test of history or empirical evidence since the RSS has been functioning in Punjab for decades before the BJP came into coalition with the Akali Dal. Also, all through the coalition period the RSS, being a social organisation, has been working towards the social unliftment of Punjab independent of the politics of the coalition.

Charanjit Singh Channi failed to clarify as to how and why he felt that the RSS has “always been inimical to the interests of Punjab” thus leaving it as an unsubstantiated and immature remark that does not behove any political leader, let alone the CM of a state.

The complete address of Punjab’s CM lacked focus and was dependent only on an odious and insufferable diatribe that exposed his frustration and his insecurity. It seems that he has realised the abject failure of his earlier attempts to gain confidence of the people by giving doles and now wishes to make a bid for power on the basis of the famous “divide and rule” policy.

His poor performance in the Punjab assembly was followed up by yet another dangerous move, wherein, he has announced that the state government will provide Rs 2 lakh compensation to the 83 people who were arrested for violence in Delhi on January 26 this year during farmers’ tractor march.

It is quite evident that Chief Minister Charanjit Channi is misusing his high office in a manner that spells disaster for Punjab and he needs to be checked before it is too late. He needs to be legally challenged for his hate speech against the RSS, the BJP and also the SAD. Further, union government needs to assess the impact of such hate mongering on the communal harmony of the sensitive border state and how it has the potential of escalating into a security issue, both internal and external.

Regarding compensation to the agitators under arrest, a clarification needs to be taken as to how the tax payers money can be used to compensate such people who are facing criminal charges? In fact, the entire dole packages announced by the CM need to be brought under CAG scrutiny to identify the means by which they can be fructified by the government already reeling under the worst ever financial crisis.

The overall election campaign in the state, by all parties in the fray except the BJP, is based on blame game and stringent statements that are leaving the people insecure and disturbed. In this information mayhem it is only the BJP that is maintaining its dignity. The party has openly admitted its mistake in staying allied with the SAD; it is working hard to give good leadership options in all 117 constituencies and a wholesome election manifesto to the people.

BJP has always been in favour of the farmers’ community in Punjab and across the country. It understands that there are some segments among the Punjabi farmers who have reservations on the provisions of the three farm laws. It is sensitive to their problems and has kept open doors for talks to resolve all issues. The party is sure that, sooner than later, the farmers will understand the genuineness of its efforts and the matter will be amicably sorted out.

The BJP is showing the path to a healthy and positive election campaign in the state, it is doing so because its stature as the largest political party in the world does not allow it to opt for low level and divisive politics as the other small and marginal parties are indulging in.

While the regressive election campaigns of the opposition parties may be accepted with a pinch of salt, the dangerous path that the ruling Congress party has adopted cannot be allowed to go uncontested since the repercussions on the security, economy and social fabric of the state can be disastrous.

Engineering of a community divide in the “land of Gurus and Pirs” is something that no Punjabi can tolerate. Any attempt to divide Punjab and Punjabiat is unbearable. The misguided election policy of the ruling party, for which it has made its incumbent CM a scapegoat, cannot be allowed to go on unfettered. It is a directionless meteor that will cause vast damage when it falls. This caution needs to be well understood.

Indo-Pak War 1947-48: History and its current ramifications

Jaibans Singh
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Indo-Pak War 1947-48: History and its current ramifications

On 27 October 1947 the Indian Army landed in Srinagar airport, and thus began what is historically referred to as the Indo-Pakistan War, 1947-48.  The war witnessed many iconic battles over two campaigning seasons in areas ranging from Zoji La to the Kashmir valley, Poonch and Mendhar, etc. The newly created state of Pakistan put in all the military might that it could muster but, in the end, it had to accept an ignominious defeat.

The  high point of the war was 27 October 1947, when, post the accession of the Jammu &Kashmir Princely State to the Indian Union by Maharaja Hari Singh, the Indian troops landed at Srinagar airport and saved the people of Kashmir from the ongoing large scale massacre, rape, loot and arson at the hands of the mercenary hordes of Kabilies (Tribals of the North West Frontier Province) sent by Pakistan under the leadership of its army officers to annex Jammu and Kashmir. If the Indian Army had not reacted, Srinagar would have been a huge, desolate graveyard and the history of the Kashmir Valley would have changed forever.

Before the Indian Army landed in Srinagar and opposed the tribal onslaught, the invading hordes had laid waste everything that came their way. They pillaged Baramulla for four days in the most inhumane manner. The men and children were tortured and killed while the women were raped and carried back as sex slaves. Even the nuns of the convent there were raped and killed ruthlessly.

The Kashmiri Pandit community was identified for special treatment involving the most depraved form of torture and cruelty possible. Whole families committed mass suicide in the face of this brutal and merciless onslaught by jumping from roof tops or throwing themselves into the running waters of the Jhelum River.

The Indian troops who fought the war had only safety and security of the people of Kashmir in mind, without any thought about how politics would play out in the long run. Their concern was to ensure that the barbarians were thrown out in the shortest possible time without causing any further damage. In this, they were singularly successful, but not without paying a heavy price including loss of lives of many soldiers.

Even under such terrible conditions the human spirit prevailed. A 19 year old boy, Maqbool Sherwani, went about on a cycle spreading a message that the Indian Army was on the doors of Baramulla. This information restrained the mercenaries and saved thousands of lives. In fact, it stalled the march to Srinagar and literally saved the city from a fate even worse than that of Baramulla. When the Pakistanis realised that young Maqbool had misled them, they shot and crucified him. The young boy, with his courage and presence of mind, etched a place for himself in history for all times.

The people at that time were full of praise for the Indian forces as they are even today. They still remember with respect, admiration and pride the courage and sacrifice of the Indian forces in 1947.

It is notable here that the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh was no different in content and spirit than what had been signed by other princely states, but due to some misconceptions the then government of India agreed to conduct a referendum or plebiscite to determine the future of the state. This plebiscite or referendum was to determine the relationship between the state and the government of India and not the accession which was legally accomplished in India’s favour.

Pakistan took advantage of the anomalies that emerged from the decision to hold a plebiscite to keep a considerable territory of the state under forcible occupation. Sadly, the territories under forcible occupation of Pakistan, defined as Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), are suffering immensely under the iron hand of a repressive state.

The popular sentiment against Pakistani repression came to the fore on 22 October 2021 when  thousands of people of POJK took to the streets and staged protests to mark the ‘Black Day’. The protestors, under the banner of a prominent party ‘National Equality Party – Jammu Kashmir Gilgit Baltistan’ (NEPJKGBL), highlighted the atrocities being committed by the Pakistani regime and vowed to continue their struggle for the liberation of POJK from Pakistan. The protests, including marches and candlelight vigil, were carried out in the capital city of Muzaffarabad and a number of other parts of POJK. “October 22 is the darkest day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. On this day Pakistan invaded J&K and killed thousands of innocent civilians including the elderly, children and women. Girls were abducted to be sold in Pakistani markets. Pakistani atrocities continue and so does our resistance,” said NEPJKGBL Chairman, Professor Sajjad Raja.

The demand for freedom of POJK from the Pakistani yoke finds resonance in international circles through the efforts of the diaspora of the region who staged protests at the UN and other prominent places demanding an end to Pakistani occupation and hegemonic policies in their home land.

The biggest protest by far is against the creation of a terror hub in POJK by Pakistan to keep alive its terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. These brutal terrorists belonging to organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad have made life totally insecure and miserable for the people living there. 

Pakistan has attempted consistently to change the situation in the erstwhile state and now union territory of J&K in its favour through acts of terrorism and psychological operations to indoctrinate the people into the path of radical Islam. All such evil machinations have been rejected by the people who root for strong, democratic India. Yet, Pakistan loses no opportunity to create problems.

Pakistan now needs to realise that it is no longer possible for it to mislead the people of Kashmir with fallacies, misinformation and outright lies. The people of the state are well aware of its past evil machinations and quite sure about what they want in the future.

China rakes up border issue with India to hide its domestic mess

Jasbir Sarai
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China rakes up border issue with India to hide its domestic mess

China has, once again, opted to take a hard stand in the long standing dispute along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. A series of meetings, including the last corps commanders meeting in early October this year have not yielded any forward movement. It is quite clear that the PLA will hold on to the existing friction points all through the coming winter especially in Depsang, Demchok and Hot springs.

Another matter of concern is the new Land Boundary Law promulgated by China which is slated to be effective from 1 January, 2022. It stipulates that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country are sacred and inviolable and the state shall take measures to strengthen the border defence and support economical and social development in border areas. The law has a direct implication in all areas along the LAC where borders are not defined and such areas of Gilgit-Baltistan that Pakistan has illegally ceded to China. “China’s unilateral decision to bring about a legislation which can have implication on our existing bilateral arrangements on border management as well as on the boundary question is of concern to us,” said the Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

China is hell bent on pursuing the aggressive and masochist policy chalked out by President Xi Jinping on taking over dictatorial control in 2013. In a bid to pressurise India, the Chinese state owned propaganda machinery has launched a malicious campaign on the Galwan incident. Its social media platform, Weibo, has uploaded images of Indian soldiers taken captive in the clash. What China conveniently wishes to sideline is the fact that it lost a much larger number of soldiers in the clash and that the Indian side had held captive its highest ranking officer in the misadventure. Even at a conservative estimate by independent agencies the Chinese casualties stand at 45 plus. The prisoner exchange was done not because of Chinese benevolence but to facilitate release of their senior military commander in Indian custody. It is also being said that the Chinese soldiers faced panic attacks due to the ferocity of the Indian troops. Apparently, the propaganda campaign is in support of the Chinese decision to stand fast in the region; it is more to build morale of its own troops who now have to, unwillingly, face the harsh winter.

China wishes to create an impression that it has been very magnanimous in the negotiation process and has given to India more than what was due. “Instead of misjudging the situation, the Indian side should cherish the hard-won situation in China-India border areas.” This is a very obvious attempt to put down India, sadly, it finds support within the many so-called strategic experts in India who give a one sided view (in favour of China).

While the political leadership is opting for a hard posture all is not well in the rank and file of the Chinese Army. It is reported that the Chinese military commander of the huge western theatre, General Zhang Xudong, has died due to a heart attack. He was only 58 years of age, the physical conditions in the region and the tension of command probably led to his untimely demise. He was quite a favourite of President XI Jinping and had been sent there after sacking two of his predecessors in a short period of nine months. The present incumbent, General Wang Haijiang, is the fourth commander to head the western theatre since the stand-off began which indicates a huge leadership crisis there. There are reports of widespread digestive ailments among the soldiers deployed in the western theatre.

It is with this rag-tag strength that China aspires to hold out against the battle hardened Indian Army whose soldiers have had multiple tenures in the region and are quite adept in adapting to the difficult conditions. The seniors are experienced and the younger lot is eager to learn.

The economic situation in China is far from satisfactory. Its economy is yet to recover from the COVID backlash and may never attain the earlier heights, there is a palpable food and electricity shortage while the threat of another round of COVID looms large. Lack of funds have put ambitious projects like the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) in jeopardy; the massive loans given to defunct and bankrupt states like Pakistan are not likely to find returns.  

Politically speaking, there is the tenuous situation in Tibet, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, etc., to contend with. As China prepares for the next Winter Olympic Games, the Tibetan freedom fighters around the world are raising strong voices against the terrible human rights record of the country.

The Indian Army is in a strong position and is unwilling to succumb to the pressure tactics being applied by the Chinese. While China is closing all doors for negotiation, the Indian side is quite clear about the finality of its objective of restoring the status of April, 2020. It is willing to achieve the end state with a patient, resolute and responsible response.

India has laid emphasis on a multi-pronged approach to resolve the issue. Her response, very correctly, is based on a regular dialogue at multiple diplomatic and military levels. The Indian side goes to meetings very well prepared and reminds China of its commitments. The meetings invariably culminate with a disconcerted Chinese leadership playing around with words and scuttling the process. Then comes the perennial attempt at building psychological pressure. It is very important to highlight here that the build up of a doomsday scenario, as is done by a few within the Indian media, is only helping China prolong the negotiation process.

China is following a path which can only cause it more loss, pain and humiliation since India is not likely to blink anytime in the future. The Indian Army is no pushover and to constantly tease it can have serious consequences. This has been amply demonstrated in both Ladakh and the North-East. It would be best for the neighbouring country to read the writing on the wall and readjust its policy in a manner that is beneficial for both countries.

Gen Bajwa is dragging Pakistan into a dark political abyss

Hardeep Bedi
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Gen Bajwa is dragging Pakistan into a dark political abyss

Pakistan is in a state of instability and flux, yet again. On the one hand Prime Minister Imran Khan is under pressure from a resurgent opposition that is nipping on his toes in the Senate and other platforms and, on the other hand, the politically all powerful Pakistan Army is preparing for a change of guard.

The incumbent Pakistani Army Chief, General Qamar Bajwa, is posturing to procure for himself yet another extension; in such a scenario he will have to remove the very powerful current corps commanders, including Lt. General Faiz Hameed.

Lt. General Faiz Hameed has recently been removed from the post of the Director General of the notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)  and appointed corps commander of the Peshawar Corps. Though fourth in seniority, he will be a strong contender to the Chief’s chair if Bajwa retires or is removed.

Though nothing can be said with certainty about the inner machinations of the Pakistani deep state, rumour is that General Bajwa has serious differences with Lt. General Faiz Hameed due to the proximity of the latter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and because of certain actions that he took in Afghanistan.

Hameed went to Afghanistan without prior sanction from General Bajwa, an intolerable breach of discipline that would invite serious action in any professional army. That he has not been ousted is a surprise and probably the result of his political clout. Hameed is also under cloud for the alleged abduction of activists and journalists in Pakistan by the ISI under his watch. The public of Pakistan no longer tolerates such extra-judicial interventions from the Army and many are speaking against such activities.

It is also seen, in hindsight, that his support to the Taliban and its newly installed leadership (that he helped hoist) was an immature gaffe that left the government of Pakistan embarrassed and the Pakistan Army red faced, more so, since no country came forward to recognise the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. This could be a big reason for his removal from the ISI.

As far as Imran Khan is concerned, the shocking defeat that his party suffered in the Senate polls in March 2021, compelled him to seek a vote of confidence in Parliament. He is now doing what he does best – clutching at the apron strings of the Army hierarchy, with the intention of gaining support for his re-election in 2023. His chances are very bleak since many in the deep state consider him to be a liability that should not have been elevated to the high position in the first case. Now, which devil in the Army will he sell his soul remains to be seen, and here, the importance of Lt. General Faiz Hameed starts becoming apparent .

General Hameed. thus, cannot be thrown aside as a spent cartridge. While commanding the Peshawar Corps responsible for the western border of the country with Afghanistan he will have his hand on the pulse of the region. He will control the Khyber Pass on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and also keep an eye on the Wakhan corridor which juts into Xinjiang. No more needs to be said about the extent of his power in the region. He will be in a dominant position in every decision taken, should there be any future interventions involving the UN or the international community especially the US and China in Afghanistan.  

If General Hameed gains power he will become an impediment in the aspirations of General Bajwa. This will cause a big power play in Pakistan and cause further instability in the country.

When the leadership of Pakistan should be joining hands to deal with the serious problems that the country is facing, each leader is looking at his own ambitions and aspirations. There is no unity of purpose and concerted effort. As a result, extremist and insurgent organisations are gaining attraction in a manner that can break the nation. This apart, the economic situation is going from bad to worse. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is poised to downgrade the country to the ‘Black List’ which will only add to its financial woes. Can Pakistan afford such a conflict in its leadership?

The common man in Pakistan is caught between the proverbial devil and the deep sea! What looms before the people is unending misery in a situation that can only degrade in the future since the quality and regressive ideology of the leadership remains the same. There is a critical need for change but no alternative is in sight. There are journalists and intellectuals like Khalid Umar, Ayesha Siddiqa, etc., who raise a voice but it gets suppressed in the maze of personal intrigue.

India has always maintained that instability in Pakistan is detrimental to her security. The situation at the moment is very alarming indeed. That things will take a turn for the worse is quite apparent from the manner in which attempts are being made to build on the hybrid conflict in Kashmir.  A big psychological campaign has been initiated as was seen by the hype created post the victory of the Pakistan’s cricket team against India in the T20 World cup. It seems that the Pakistani psychological machinery was ready to exploit the occasion should the result be in its favour and it did so with professional finesse. The message sent out was loud and clear, “Muslims of India and especially of Kashmir hold sentiments for Pakistan”. Pakistan is, once again, playing the “Islamic bonding ” card against India. 

India will need to keep a keen eye on the machinations of unstable Pakistan. Pre-emptive action will be required to ensure that these machinations do not have an adverse effect on the security situation within the country and especially in Kashmir. Simultaneously, the international leadership should be sensitised about the tenuous situation in Pakistan and the danger that it poses to the immediate neighbourhood and the world at large.  

Why is Kashmir civil society silent over Pak barrier on Srinagar-Sharjah flight?

Nilesh Kunwar
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Why is Kashmir civil society silent over Pak barrier on Srinagar-Sharjah flight?

In March 2019, when the center banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in Jammu and Kashmir under the Unlawful Activities [Prevention] Act, Kashmir Traders Association [KTA] was one of organisations that strongly condemned this decision. KTU General Secretary Bashir Ahmad disagreed with New Delhi’s assertion of JeI being “involved in anti-national and subversive activities in the country intended to cause disaffection,” as well as “in close touch with militant outfits,” by maintaining that it was “a religious organisation that worked for Kashmir even in difficult situations and helped everyone without differentiating between caste or religion.” 

At that time, some had criticised Ahmad for unnecessarily pushing KTA into an issue that was completely unrelated to commerce as it could convey an impression that instead of championing the cause of traders in Kashmir, KTA was delving in local politics. While this viewpoint has its merit, but since every organisation and association is made up of society members, local politics cannot be completely divorced from discussion, even if it’s not part of the aim and objective of an association.

So, the only way that an organisation or association can preserve its professional integrity and fair image is not by avoiding voicing opinion on contentious issues but in exercising due diligence and ensuring complete impartiality while doing so. The bottom line is that while discussion on unrelated issues is optional, standing up to defend the rights and promote progress of the organisation or association to which one belongs, is mandatory. Unfortunately, this is where KTA appears to have stumbled badly.

The November 1 agreement between a private Indian air carrier and Dubai-based Lulu Group to facilitate export of garden produce and handicrafts held the promise of the huge Middle East market being opened to farmers and artisans of Kashmir. However, even before this game changing initiative could give an unprecedented boost to horticulture and handicraft sectors could take wings, Islamabad played foul by unilaterally stopping Srinagar-Sharjah overflights.

Despite Kashmiri farmers and artisans being the biggest losers due to Islamabad’s unreasonable decision of closing its airspace for Srinagar-Sharjah flights, KTA hasn’t uttered a single word against this. Since its mandate includes promotion of trade, KTA should not feel offended if its stoic silence on the cancellation of overflight clearance is interpreted as tacit approval of Islamabad’s decision or even perceived as toeing the separatist’s line by dutifully overlooking Pakistan’s brazen perfidy.

What’s most amusing is that the entire pro-Pakistan lobby, which has otherwise been accusing New Delhi of following a policy to keep Kashmiris impoverished and thus economically dependent on the center is silent on Pakistan’s barefaced attempt to sabotage prospects of the people of Kashmir improving their financial status. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference is quiet and so is Kashmir’s civil society and its intelligentsia. However, this is understandable, because with gun toting ‘mujahideen’ ensuring that Pakistan’s motivated interests in J&K aren’t adversely impacted, enforced silence on the overflight cancellation issue is but natural.

On October 23, former J&K chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah had expressed his apprehensions on overflight clearance given by Islamabad to Srinagar-Sharjah flights. He had stated that “Regarding the Srinagar-Sharjah flight that has been announced today – has Pakistan had a change of heart & allowed flights originating from Srinagar to use its airspace? If not, then this flight will die the way the Srinagar-Dubai flight died during UPA2.” At that time, it was largely believed that he was just spewing pessimism as a political gimmick to undermine the center’s spectacular achievement. However, now that overflight clearance has been withdrawn by Pakistan, Abdullah’s prognosis has been bang-on!

Surprisingly, even at the cost of being ridiculed for peddling factual inaccuracies, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti maintained her pro-Pakistan bias by blaming the center for this crisis by saying, “Puzzling that Government of India didn’t even bother securing permission from Pakistan to use its airspace for international flights from Srinagar,” adding that this was “Only [a] PR extravaganza without any groundwork.” Could it be possible that she isn’t aware that Home Minister Amit Shah himself had flagged off the inaugural Srinagar-Sharjah flight from the Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar on October 23?

The silence of those whose who look upon Pakistan as Kashmir’s benefactor and are serving its motivated interests, speaks volumes of how common Kashmiris are being betrayed by their own brethren who vociferously claim to be their well-wishers. Since this rot has set in within, the lot of Kashmiris isn’t likely to improve soon and so, one can only hope and pray that the people become more assertive to alter the debilitating equation prevailing in Kashmir Valley today!

Kashmiri leaders & their wicked proposal for talks with Pakistan

Prof. K.N. Pandita
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Kashmiri leaders & their wicked proposal for talks with Pakistan

Kashmir’s ideologically defunct political leadership in general and the standard-bearers of dynastic rule, in particular, remain obsessed with the proposition that New Delhi should talk to Pakistan for resolving the Kashmir issue. They begin and end their media interviews with this mantra. They think that the world will consider them the victim of the rivalry between two sub-continental powers and in this way will earn sympathy for their cause.

Most of our reporters with popular channels and news outlets being of young age have found little time to go through some fundamental and unbiased literature on the Kashmir issue. They are easily influenced by the devious Kashmir leadership that is adept in the art of distorting history and projecting Kashmiris as the victimized lot. 

The rhythmic demand for talks with Pakistan suits the political and personal agenda of Kashmir’s leadership but there’s absolutely no short or long term advantage for the masses of Kashmiri people. Reiteration of this demand is to convey a subtle message to Pakistan that the Kashmir leadership recognizes Pakistan as a party to the dispute and not an aggressor as stated by the government of India in its 1948 petition to the Security Council. Will Farooq Abdullah care to read the statement of his father given to the Security Council at Lake Success in New York as part of Indian delegation?

Sheikh Abdullah, founder of the political outfit National Conference that has a presence in certain pockets of the Kashmir Valley. (File Photo)
Sheikh Abdullah, founder of the political outfit National Conference that has a presence in certain pockets of the Kashmir Valley. (File Photo)

The second and more important objective of the wily leadership in harping on the Pak talks is to send a message to the Muslim population of the valley that the leadership though a beneficiary of the Indian largesse for seven long decades of independence does not go against their love for Pakistan. In doing so, they want to keep their voting constituencies in good humour knowing that the Union Territory is ultimately going to have elections for the assembly.

Beyond these two internal and external objectives, the demand for talks has no sense at all. Both Farooq Abdullah of National Conference and Mehbooba Mufti of PDP speak of New Delhi talking to Pakistan but they never utter a word of protest about Pakistan sending armed jihadists to kill the civilians in Kashmir and destroy her assets. If they think that Pakistan is not involved in these destructive designs, then why talk to them and not those who are behind the perfidy? They or their cronies are the conspirators and not Pakistan.

Farooq Abdullah has been the longest Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir after the demise of his father Sheikh Abdullah. He had also been a Union Minister of considerable influence. He is known for his bonhomie with Congress. May we ask Farooq why he never took the initiative of impressing upon the then central government of talking to Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue? It did not suit him then because money was coming in torrents and nobody dared to ask for the utilization certificates.

Moreover, we are aware that at a given point in time, Farooq Abdullah had designated an associate of his party, then an MP, to get into touch with Pakistan. Grapevine has it that this MP was shuttling between Srinagar and Islamabad on a monthly basis. What happened to that informal emissary and his mission? Why should not Farooq Abdullah come out with that story? His son Omar Abdullah once publicly said that the emissary was at his job. The people would want to know why it ended in a fiasco and now Farooq is again orchestrating talks with Pakistan.

We would also like to remind Farooq Abdullah that his illustrious father went to Pakistan in May 1964 with the offer of a confederation of three states (India, Pakistan and J&K) already kindled by the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Did not that formula meet the aspirations of the people of Kashmir? But President Ayub Khan of Pakistan, who had reluctantly agreed to meet the visiting Sheikh, rejected the proposal outright, and out of frustration, the Sheikh travelled to Muzaffarabad (POK) to lighten his agony by talking to the leaders of POK. Nehru’s death cut short the Sheikh’s visit to Pakistan.

The Sheikh must have told Farooq the story of his failed mission and also his assessment of the thinking of Pakistan. Pakistan rejected the proposal because it never agreed to the independent status for Jammu and Kashmir, neither then or at present. This should have been the eye-opener for Farooq Abdullah. But alas! Blind to ground reality, he has tried to be too smart forgetting that in politics there are bigger scoundrels at hand to play the game.

Mehbooba’s credentials are far bleaker and suspect. PDP was born from the womb of Jamat-i-Islami, particularly in South Kashmir. Ideologically PDP chief is not far from the Sheikh or Afzal Beg or Farooq Abdullah; however, she is crude in deception and chicanery. PDP known to have been created as a counterweight to National Conference agreed to become part of the Gupkar Gang and a signatory to the toothless memorandum because except for the signatories nobody in Kashmir remembered it beyond a couple of weeks.

These ‘pro-Pak talk leaders’ of Kashmir would do well to recollect the last phase of the life of staunch pro-Pakistani leader late Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Throughout his life, he swore by Pakistan, danced to their tune, got thousands of Kashmiri youth killed at the behest of Pakistan, filled his coffers out of Pakistani hawala money but was finally dumped as an irrelevant and spent force by his very Pakistani benefactors.

Defining the status of a relationship with a foreign country is the prerogative of the Ministry of External Affairs of the government of India. Omar Abdullah has been a Minister of State in the MEA. What did he do during his tenure to impress upon the central government to talk to Pakistan? Yes, he might have a role in prompting late Atal Bihari Vajpayee in undertaking the miscalculated bus travel to Islamabad against the saner advice of senior colleagues in the cabinet. Was this not a bold effort by the government of India to initiate talks with Pakistan? And what was Pakistan’s response? The Kargil war!

Why does not Farooq tell Pakistanis how shameful was their response to Vajpayee’s initiative for talks? Is that country worth talking about in a principled manner? Farooq should not fall so low as to be prepared to talk to a country that attacked Jammu & Kashmir state in 1947, remains in illegal possession of nearly one-third of its land and had sold five thousand square kilometres of its land as Aksai Chin to China.

It is these leaders who gave Pakistanis the licence of destroying and decimating Kashmiris. The task began with the decimation of the Kashmiri Hindus. Kashmir leadership is the victim of dual personality for which it has coined the phrase Kashmiriyat. The day it gets rid of Kashmiriyat will be the day of its redemption.

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