Home Blog Page 6

Protests in Gwadar enter eighth day, demand reopening of Iran border for trade

News Intervention Bureau
-
0
Protests in Gwadar enter eighth day, demand reopening of Iran border for trade

The sit-in by All Parties Alliance activists and supporters in the coastal city of Gwadar has entered its eighth consecutive day, severely disrupting daily life in the city. The protesters are calling for the reopening of the border with Iran, which has been closed for several months by Pakistan. Their demand centers on the resumption of oil and other goods trade, is crucial for the region’s economic stability.

The protest leaders have sharply criticized the introduction of the token system at the Kantani Hor border, describing it as a significant barrier to trade. They argue that the system has led to increased unemployment and economic hardships in an already struggling region.

The protesters are demanding the immediate abolition of the token system and the restoration of unrestricted trade, which is essential for the livelihoods of local residents.

In addition to economic grievances, protest leaders also highlighted the dire lack of basic amenities in Gwadar. They pointed out the severe shortage of electricity and clean drinking water, calling it an injustice to the local population. “The residents of Gwadar have been deprived of essential services for far too long. This is a matter of basic human rights,” said another protest leader.

The protests were further fueled by reports of oil trade vehicles being halted at the Talar checkpoint. Local traders have said that their vehicles were stopped, leaving them stranded for weeks. The restrictions on trade have exacerbated the already dire economic situation, causing immense hardship for the people of Gwadar.

The Paki establishment’s inability to address these issues reflects a deeper pattern of neglect towards the Baloch people. The establishment has caused Baloch discontent, including economic marginalization, lack of infrastructure, and political disenfranchisement. The ongoing protests serve as a stark reminder of the growing unrest in Balochistan, where issues of economic injustice, political alienation, and human rights violations continue to simmer.

Kashmir: Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani’s journey from terrorism to patriotism

Nilesh Kunwar
-
0
Kashmir: Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani’s journey from terrorism to patriotism

It was the early nineties and the opiate of ‘azadi’ [freedom] fed to Kashmiris youth in training camps located in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir [PoJK] by Pakistan Army’s spy agency Inter Services Intelligence [ISI] as well as its elaborate network of over-ground workers in the Kashmir Valley was working wonders. 

Deceived into believing that ‘azadi was just around the corner’ and driven by the romanticism of becoming rebels and heroes of sorts, the gullible youth of impressionable age thronged  to pick up the gun and wage what they were duped into believing was a “freedom struggle.”

The then Pakistan Army chief-turned-dictator Gen Zia ul Haq was so impressed by the success of the mujahideen [Islamic warriors] groups created by ISI to fight the Soviets in Afghanistan, that he ordered the replication of this exercise in J&K. However, he did so despite knowing very well that when the Pakistan Army had miserably failed in its attempts to annex J&K twice, an irregular force stood no chance. 

Nevertheless, Gen Zia went ahead with this perverse plan since he saw it as a win-win situation for Rawalpindi as it would bleed India through a thousand cuts without causing Pakistan Army any harm. By indoctrinating Kashmiris to pick up the gun against the Indian state with the pipe dream of azadi would compel New Delhi to deploy a sizeable force to counter this threat. This would significantly reduce the numerical superiority the Indian army enjoyed and corresponding reduce the threat perception.

Most importantly, while Indian security forces and law enforcement agencies would suffer casualties, Kashmiri terrorists being killed during operations by security forces made no difference whatsoever to Rawalpindi as there was no need of any financial compensation for these deaths. Thus, this was truly a ‘win win’ situation for Pakistan Army and that’s why Rawalpindi still continues to sponsor terrorism in J&K, and such is its resolve that ISI has even created a conglomerate called Muttahida [united] Jihad Council comprising Pakistan based terrorist groups fighting in J&K to coordinate this proxy war.

Nazir Ahmad Wani

Amongst the hundreds of Kashmiri youth who joined terrorist ranks, there was a young boy named Nazir Ahmad Wani. A resident of Cheki Ashmuji village in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, Wani came from a poor family he dropped out of school and was earning a paltry sum while working as a carpet weaver but with the advent of terrorism in Kashmir, he was easily   hoodwinked into believing that the so-called mujahideen were rendering yeoman service to their community. 

However, after realising that ISI was actually using Kashmiris as expendable pawns to further its own motivated agenda, Wani decided to quit terrorising fellow Kashmiris in the garb of waging an ‘armed struggle’. After surrendering, he had the option of returning to civilian life. However, having personally witnessed the atrocities that the terrorists were inflicting on hapless Kashmiris, conscious-stricken Wani decided to redeem himself and so he joined Ikhwan, a counter-terrorist group formed by former terrorists to help security forces in combating the scourge of terrorism.

Though Ikhwan was disbanded in 2002, Wani’s determination to fight Pakistan Army’s proxies in J&K remained intact and this inspired him to join the Territorial Army battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry in 2004. He soon proved his mettle and just three years later he was awarded Sena Medal for conspicuous gallantry during anti-terrorist operations. 

With age, people usually become more cautious and avoid putting themselves at risk, but it’s apparent that fear had no place in Wani’s dictionary and in 2018, he was yet once again awarded a Sena Medal for gallantry, which speaks volumes about his personal courage and extraordinary grit.

Having been decorated twice for valour could have induced Wani to play safe and rest on his laurels but he was a diehard soldier and not just a glory-seeker. He continued to volunteer for participating in anti-terrorist operations  and his exceptional professional skills proved to be an asset. As per a relative, in his 14-year-long military service, Wani was instrumental in eliminating about 30 terrorists, including many top commanders, which is no mean achievement.

Kashmir’s True Patriot

On November 25, 2018, Wani laid down his life while fighting a group of six Lashkar-e-Taiba [LeT] terrorists in Shopian district’s Hirpora village in South Kashmir who had taken refuge in a house. During this action, Wani eliminated the self-styled LeT ‘district commander’ as well as another foreign terrorist in close quarter combat. Unfortunately, while doing so he sustained serious gunshot wounds but his injuries didn’t deter him and even with his life ebbing, Wani still took on another terrorist trying to escape and wounded him before succumbing to his injuries.

In recognition of the “unparalleled bravery” displayed by Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, he was posthumously awarded Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime award in 2019. The extraordinary courage and exemplary devotion to duty demonstrated by this terrorist-turned-patriot serves as an inspiration to all those combating the scourge of Pakistan Army sponsored terrorism. 

Wani genuinely wanted to do something for his people and that’s why he easily fell prey to ISI’s disinformation campaign and picked up the gun for this purpose. However, on realising that he had been deceived and how instead of being a solution to the woes of Kashmiris, mujahideen were the very cause of the problem and this realisation resulted in Wani’s transformation from a dreaded terrorist to a ‘terrorist slayer’. 

That Wani passionately devoted himself in making life of his people better by playing his part in eradicating the scourge of terrorism in Kashmir and even laid his life while doing so is indeed praiseworthy. 

Ustad Wahid Qamber is the beacon of courage for Balochistan

Shari Kambar
-
0
Ustad Wahid Qamber is the beacon of courage for Balochistan

Bravery often begins with the influence of one’s father. My father, Wahid Qamber, has been the cornerstone of my strength and struggle. Though I was an average student, his encouragement kept me going and excelling in my filed. A deeply family-oriented man with strong values, he connected us to our roots. His goal-oriented mindset and unwavering commitment define his character. He has always honored his responsibilities, never backing down from challenges, and has been a guiding force in my journey.

Ustad Wahid Qamber has always spread positivity in his surroundings, remaining steadfast in his path and objectives. Beyond being a political activist, he was a deeply knowledgeable and respected political figure. His personal library, filled with books of international standards, reflected his intellectual depth and commitment to learning.

Ustad Wahid Qamber was an epitome of true nationalism, dedicating his entire life to the national cause. When he was abducted and imprisoned last time, he was released and acquitted of all charges. When he reunited with us, he shared a poignant truth: “It is better to embrace death than to endure the inhumane torture of secret agencies’ cells.” His resilience and words continue to inspire those who fight for justice and freedom.

My father Ustad Wahid Qamber knew that his relentless struggle and unwavering determination for the Baloch national cause would eventually lead him to the same fate. Yet, his love for his motherland surpassed every fear and personal cost. His dedication to the cause remained unshaken, a testament to his courage and profound commitment to his people and their freedom.

Ustad Wahid Qamber

In his early 20s, as a young, educated graduate from Karachi University, he sacrificed a promising educational and professional career for the national cause. An advocate of religious secularism, he prioritized Baloch nationalism above all else. He once recounted how, during a hostel debate over sectarian differences, he urged students to focus on Baloch politics instead of divisive religious disputes. This approach fostered a genuine sense of nationalism in us rather than imposing it. Moreover, Abba Jan remains a steadfast supporter of women’s empowerment.

He rejected all forms of gender bias, actively challenging traditional stereotypes. Abba Jan willingly participated in household chores and never burdenised women of our family to do all domestic chores. He also encouraged my male cousins to support their female counterparts. On one occasion, he woke a younger cousin to make tea, emphasizing shared responsibilities. Through his actions, he consistently demonstrated his commitment to equality and rejected harmful societal norms.

Although Abba Jan is no longer physically with us, his unwavering support and encouragement remain deeply ingrained in our lives. His understanding nature meant he never imposed his decisions on us but instead granted us the freedom to choose and make our own paths. Today, the absence of such a towering national ideological figure, who dedicated his entire life to the national cause, is profoundly felt. Despite his abduction, the silence surrounding his plight is deafening. We have filed a writ of habeas corpus in the Balochistan High Court and demand that this man of immense value be presented before the Court of Law.

Pakistan, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), is obligated to uphold principles such as the right to a free and fair trial. I firmly demand that my father be presented before a court and granted the constitutional right to a fair trial, as guaranteed under Pakistan’s Constitution of 1973. It is imperative for Pakistan to honor its commitments under international law and its own constitution to ensure justice and the rule of law.

Kashmiris throng to join Territorial Army, reject Paki propaganda

Nilesh Kunwar
-
0
Kashmiris throng to join Territorial Army, reject Paki propaganda

While speaking at a news conference at New York last year, Pakistan’s then Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari admitted that “We face a particularly uphill task to try and get Kashmir onto the center of the agenda at the United Nations [UN].” The candid admission of Pakistan’s abysmal failure to peddle its Kashmir narrative is due to two main reasons- one, its claims are downright incongruous, and two, ground realities in J&K conclusively expose Pakistan’s litany of brazen lies.

For example, post Article 370 abrogation, the then Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan while delivering his UNGA speech in 2019 had prognosed a doomsday scenario in J&K by making the incredulous allegation of its population having been “caged like animals” and that once curfew was lifted, there would be a “bloodbath” in J&K. However, nothing of that sort happened- instead, about 60 delegates from 27 countries who attended the three-day-long G20 Tourism Group meeting held at Srinagar in 2023 got a good idea of the reality.

With the people of J&K enthusiastically participating in the recently held general elections, the myth that revocation of Article 370 had alienated locals that Islamabad had propagated was effectively demolished. The huge turnout of Kashmiri youth desirous of seeking enrolment into Territorial Army [TA] during last month’s recruitment rally is yet another indicator of the immense pride that the people of J&K take in donning the army uniform and serving the nation.  

The fact that besides Srinagar, Territorial Army [TA] recruitment rallies were also held in Kupwara and Baramulla which were once the hotbed of terrorist activities conveys the unambiguous message that things have definitely changed for the better in the Kashmir Valley. It also clearly indicates that Islamabad’s attempts to generate anti-army feelings amongst Kashmiri youth through false propaganda and use of intimidation in an attempt to dissuade them from joining the Indian army haven’t succeeded.

Kashmiri youth joining the forces to defend the nation instead of terrorist groups is something that riles Pakistan Army’s notorious spy agency Inter Services Intelligence [ISI] which is overseeing the proxy war against India in J&K, to no end. And in a bid to save face and fool the world into believing that locals are up in arms against the security forces, ISI has been directing its proxies to intimidate locals not only through threats of physical harm but by carrying murderous assaults on them and their family members.

Scared to attack Territorial Army [TA] soldiers when they are on duty and armed, the cowardly Pakistan Army sponsored terrorists have been targeting Territorial Army [TA] personnel who come home on leave and are unarmed. They also have no qualms in attacking relatives of Territorial Army [TA] soldiers to terrorise the people. In April, the brother of a serving Territorial Army [TA] soldier was murdered by terrorists in Thanamandi’s Kunda village of Jammu division’s Rajouri district. In October, a Territorial Army [TA] soldier was abducted and killed in Kazwan Forest of Kokernag in South Kashmir and in the first week of December a Territorial Army [TA] soldier on leave was shot in the leg by terrorists in South Kashmir’s Tral area of Pulwama district.

What’s noteworthy is that despite the live threat of being targeted by terrorists, the Territorial Army [TA] recruitment rally in November still witnessed an unprecedented turnout of aspirants. The pro-Pakistanis may try to play down the widespread enthusiasm amongst Kashmiri youth to join the armed forces by contending that this rush is due to rampant unemployment. However, given the wide range of employment opportunities and entrepreneurial avenues through skill development schemes that are available to locals after Article 370 abrogation, this reasoning isn’t convincing at all. 

But whatever be reason, the fact of the matter is that for Kashmiris, the army uniform has a charm of its own and this speaks volumes of the high esteem the people of J&K hold the Indian army in due to the yeoman service that it has been rendering towards ensuring safety and wellbeing of their fellow citizens!

Islamists continue their attack on Hindu temples across Bangladesh

News Intervention Bureau
-
0
Islamists continue their attack on Hindu temples across Bangladesh

In a troubling wave of violence against Bangladeshi Hindus, Islamists desecrated eight murtis (idols) across three Hindu temples. These incidents that took place in Dinajpur and Mymensingh caused pain amongst the Hindu community, both in Bangladesh and in India.

In Dinajpur’s Birganj sub-district, five (murtis) idols at the Jharbari Shashan Kali Temple were desecrated, with the vandalism coming to light after two days. In the Mymensingh’s Haluaghat sub-district, three (murtis) idols across two other temples were ransacked. Local authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with these attacks.

In Mymensingh, a 27-year-old man, Alal Uddin, was apprehended who confessed to vandalizing the (murti) idol at the Polashkanda Kali Temple in Beeldora union. Similarly, another Islamist, identified as Azharul, was arrested for desecrating (murtis) idols at the Bonderpara Temple in the Shakuai union. Both Islamists have been produced in court and are now in custody.

Janardan Roy, president of the Jharbari Shashan Kali Temple committee, expressed his shock, saying, “We’ve never seen such an act here.” The desecration of (murtis) idols has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, which has been subjected to increasing instances of violence in recent years.

The latest attacks add to a disturbing trend. According to India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities have been reported in Bangladesh this year as of December 8. These incidents range from vandalism to outright assaults on temples, homes, and businesses.

In response to the ongoing violence, members of the Bengali Hindu Suraksha Samiti staged a protest in Kolkata on December 10, burning posters of Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser, Muhammed Yunus, accusing him of failing to protect minorities.

Last week, authorities in Bangladesh arrested four individuals for vandalizing a Hindu temple and targeting homes and shops belonging to Hindus in the Sunamganj district. Despite these arrests, the measures taken by the Bangladeshi government remain insufficient to deter such attacks or safeguard the rights of minority communities.

BLA executes Pak Army informants in Turbat and Kalat

News Intervention Bureau
-
0
BLA executes Pak Army informants in Turbat and Kalat

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has launched two targeted operations in Turbat and Kalat, killing collaborators of the Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies. These actions are part of its ongoing struggle against the oppression and exploitation of the Baloch people by Paki establishment.

The BLA spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, stated that on December 19, BLA fighters killed Kamran, son of Umar, in Turbat’s Meri area. Kamran, a known collaborator of the Pak military, was forming and leading an armed group under the patronage of the military. The group was reportedly involved in raids on homes, enforced disappearances, and widespread terror in the region.

The spokesperson criticized the Pak Army for using local collaborators like Kamran to further its oppressive policies in POB. “Kamran’s group supported the occupying forces in blockades and military aggression, while benefiting from immunity granted by the military to engage in drug trafficking, extortion, and other crimes,” Jeeyand Baloch said.

In a separate incident on November 30, BLA fighters in Kalat targeted and killed Hidayatullah, alias “Jari Booti,” identified as an informer for Pakistan’s Military Intelligence (MI). The BLA said that Hidayatullah was facilitating enforced disappearances, recruiting locals for the military, and aiding in raids on civilian homes.

BLA’s Actions

“Hidayatullah was deeply involved in anti-Baloch activities, working as a tool for the occupying forces,” the spokesperson said. The BLA declared that such individuals, who assist Pakistan’s military in its systematic exploitation and oppression of Balochistan, will face similar consequences.

The BLA also highlighted the Pak military’s strategy of using local collaborators to sow fear and destabilize Baloch society while shielding itself from direct accountability. These collaborators serve as pawns in a broader campaign to suppress Balochistan’s legitimate aspirations for autonomy and self-determination.

The spokesperson emphasized that the Baloch Liberation Army remains committed to defending the rights and dignity of the Baloch people, asserting that its resistance is a response to decades of exploitation, enforced disappearances, and military aggression by Pakistan.

Paki establishment’s policies in Balochistan along with the military’s actions have fostered resentment and fueled resistance movements like the BLA. The systematic targeting of civilians, the use of collaborators, and the suppression of dissent are often cited as evidence of Pakistan’s failure to address the legitimate grievances of the Baloch people. The BLA’s recent actions reflect the enduring resistance against the Pakistan’s exploitative and oppressive policies in Balochistan.

Kashmir Kulgam encounter kills five Pak backed terrorists & injures two soldiers

News Intervention Bureau
-
0
Kashmir Kulgam encounter kills five Pak backed terrorists & injures two soldiers

At least five terrorists were killed, and two Indian Army personnel were injured in a fierce gunfight that broke out on Thursday in an orchard in Kulgam, South Kashmir.

According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the bodies of the five terrorists have been located but have not yet been recovered, with their identities yet to be confirmed. Authorities stated that further identification would be possible once the bodies are retrieved.

A joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Indian Army had cordoned off Kadder village in Kulgam after receiving intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area. As the security forces moved in to neutralize the terrorists, the suspects opened fire indiscriminately from a house and attempted to break the security cordon. The forces retaliated, resulting in a gunfight.

Police sources indicated that they had received specific intelligence about the presence of four to five militants in the village. While the terrorists’ bodies remain unrecovered, sources believe they are likely local militants.

POB: Pak Army kidnaps and kills Zakir Baloch in Panjgur

News Intervention Bureau
-
0
POB: Pak Army kidnaps and kills Zakir Baloch in Panjgur

The blood-soaked soil of Balochistan has once again borne witness to the devastating consequences of Pak Army’s oppression. Zakir Baloch, an educated young man and former businessman, became the latest victim of the Pakistan Army’s cruel tactics of enforced disappearances and systematic violence. Once peaceful, Zakir was transformed into a revolutionary, ultimately martyred during a recent clash with Pak forces in the Sabz Koh region of Panjgur.

Zakir’s tragic journey began on December 17, 2023, when he was forcibly abducted from the Dhore checkpoint in Gwadar by Pak authorities. For six excruciating months, his family fought for his release, organizing protests, blocking the CPEC route, and enduring Army-backed authorities’s intimidation and violence. His sisters, who stood at the forefront of the protests, were subjected to police brutality—yet another heinous act to crush dissent at any cost.

Despite the family’s relentless efforts, the so-called justice system of Pakistan remained deaf to their cries. Zakir was eventually released on April 5, 2024, but not before enduring inhuman torture during his detention. The scars of his ordeal, both physical and emotional, were compounded by the occupying-state’s unrelenting persecution of his family.

Zakir’s Tragic Tale

The torment inflicted by the Pak Army and the oppressive machinery left him with no choice but to take up arms against his oppressors. In recent days, Zakir fought valiantly in a face-to-face battle with Pakistan Army before being martyred, seeking justice in the only way the victims know how.

Zakir’s story is not unique but emblematic of the plight of countless Baloch youths who are systematically targeted, abducted, tortured, and forced to endure unspeakable hardships. The Pak Army and the establishment have perfected the dark art of silencing voices in Balochistan, using enforced disappearances as a weapon to instill fear. But their ruthless oppression is backfiring, as more and more educated youth, like Zakir, are being driven to the path of resistance.

The Paki establishment’s hypocrisy knows no bounds. While it peddles the illusion of democracy and human rights to the world, its actions in Balochistan reveal the brutal truth. The so-called guardians—the Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies—have become the architects of misery in Balochistan, turning a land of peace into a battlefield of their own making.

The tragic death of Zakir Baloch should serve as a wake-up call for the international community.

Pak Army abducts Pashtun activist Haqyar Mehsud

News Intervention Bureau
-
0
Pak Army abducts Pashtun activist Haqyar Mehsud

In yet another chilling example of enforced disappearances, Madir alias Haqyar Mehsud, a respected Khyber Jirga member and the Sindh District East Coordinator of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), was abducted this evening from Faqira Goth, Karachi. Reportedly, the abduction was carried out by individuals dressed in police uniforms, accompanied by others in plain clothes.

The PTM, a grassroots movement advocating for the rights of Pashtuns and justice for victims of Punjabi Pak Army violence, has often found itself in the crosshairs of Paki establishment. Haqyar Mehsud’s disappearance is the latest in a series of incidents where activists critical of the establishment have been forcibly taken without any legal justification.

The PTM and local Pashtun communities have strongly condemned the abduction, demanding accountability from the authorities. “We demand that SSP East immediately bring Haqyar Mehsud to light and ensure his safe return. This blatant misuse of power to target a peaceful activist is unacceptable,” said a PTM spokesperson.

The incident underscores the increasingly authoritarian tactics employed by the Paki establishment, particularly against ethnic Pashtuns who continue to suffer from years of marginalization, Army violence, and systemic neglect. The use of enforced disappearances as a tool to suppress dissent has become a hallmark of the Pakistan, with no meaningful legal recourse for victims or their families.

Bangladesh: Islamists force Hindu family in Coomilla district to convert to Islam

News Intervention Bureau
-
0
Bangladesh: Islamists force Hindu family in Coomilla district to convert to Islam

The relentless persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh has once again come to light as a Hindu family in the Coomilla district has reportedly been forced to convert to Islam under threats of violence. Badal Chandra Shil, along with his wife and minor son, were coerced into abandoning their faith, marking yet another grim episode in the systematic targeting of the country’s Hindu minority.

Reports indicate that religious conversions in Bangladesh are not voluntary acts of faith but are often carried out under duress. Victims are threatened, and those who resist are warned of death or expulsion from the nation. Such intimidation leaves impoverished Hindu families with little choice but to succumb to the radicals’ demands.

This forced conversion underscores the increasing vulnerability of Hindus in Bangladesh, who already face societal and institutional discrimination. The radical Islamists’ brazen acts of violence and coercion continue to unfold, unchallenged by the state. The government’s silence on such matters has drawn widespread criticism, with human rights activists accusing it of enabling these atrocities by failing to protect its minority communities.

The international community has repeatedly expressed concerns over the deteriorating condition of minorities in Bangladesh. Yet, despite these warnings, the government’s inaction speaks volumes about its apathy toward safeguarding the rights of its marginalized citizens.

1...567...474Page 6 of 474

News Intervention is the new age digital media platform that has news analysis, opinion pieces, news briefs, news videos and documentaries.
News Intervention raises all those issues that may have been overlooked by big media houses or have been deliberately buried to serve vested interests. We firmly believe that each life matters and every individual regardless of religion, nationality, race, caste or creed must have the right to live life with dignity.

Contact us: editor@newsintervention.com

© Copyright - NewsIntervention